Recappin' and Moving On

I realized this week that a blog is like a scrapbook. Now, I know that's not an earth rattling realization to most of you, but I am not a scapbooker. I've tried it and walk away every time. Agonizing over each page, the caption for the pictures, finding just the right paper and stickers...it makes me itch. And I realized I was letting my blog do that to me. Worrying about perfection rather than just putting it out there. Well, enough of that.

Quick recap of the fall and Christmas:

I started my new position as a Literacy Coach/RtI Specialist---love it!

My sweet Mimi passed away after a beautiful 97 years with us. In cleaning out her closet, we discovered a quilt she started for me years ago before her eyesight and arthritis stopped her. Her quilts are a legacy, as she made them for so many of us over her lifetime. I used to spend time with her and Grandad every summer. We made a simple doll's quilt out of scraps together and it's one of my most favorite treasures. I'm on the hunt to find someone to piece this together for me. She even had a diagram all drawn out.

Fall and pumpkins came and went---too fast!

Christmas adventures were some of the best they've ever been! I really tried to focus on spending time with family. We continued old traditions and began new ones!

And because Daisy actually did NOT eat all the cookies...

Oh!!! And MY Cowboys made it to the playoffs!!!

David and I celebrated our 21st anniversary! How is that possible when I actually AM 21? Ha!

And while resolutions are not my thing, hopefully blogging more often will be...Happy New Year to you and yours!

Posted with Blogsy

Balance and Avoidance(that's a word, right???)

So...long time, no blog. Honestly, every time I've thought about blogging I realized that putting up a new post would take Poppy's picture off my page. I miss her. It's weird being a two dog family instead of three. I've started allowing myself to look at rescue pages, so we may be getting closer to getting our pack back. But I miss Poppy.

In other news, I started my new adventure as a Literacy Specialist. There were some "hidden responsibilities" that weren't exactly obvious in the job description, but I think that's true of any job, right? At least any job in the education world, just from my experience! Anyway, I'm loving most of it and adjusting to the rest. One not so lovely part is the earlier morning aspect and the 11-12 hour days...welcome to September! I just keep pushing through, knowing it will even out...hopefully! :)

Today's happy? Fall decorating, football games, and some upcoming 5K walks with friends. Happy Saturday!

 

Posted with Blogsy

It Just Hit Me...

...it's actually summer! I've been so busy with moving classrooms ( and schools! ), going to different compliance trainings, and tying up the school year that it hadn't really set in until today. Summer has started and Disney days are coming SOON! I can't wait! For now, I leave you with a "before" of my soon to be home away from home.....lots to do, but aaalll summer to do it! Yay!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Teacher Appreciation Week!

In honor of teacher appreciation week, I decided to post something I completely appreciate! :)

You've gotta love patio time after a long day!

Posted with Blogsy

Weekend Wonderfulness

So, last weekend I just couldn't pass up some super fun 75% off bargains for my new classroom. I'm wanting to do an updated, fun vintage-y feel, black and white polka dot, kid friendly extravaganza. I think these little jewels will fit the bill:

How cute is the eye chart calendar? Love! And the "Great Job" is a chalkboard vinyl...and the notebook paper is actually a wipe off board. I think it will be great right by the classroom door for those constant last minute dismissal changes and such, don't you think?

I also began beautifying the back patio. It's one of my favorite springtime rituals. Keeping it all alive during the 107 degree summer weather is another matter...

Dianthus, Begonias, and Delphiniums...oh my!

Of course, the four legged children wanted in on the photo action:

Magnolia (Maggie B--the middle child)

Poppy, the herder of all, our oldest and most vocal baby...

The youngest of our brood, Daisy, was off chasing something, but I thought I'd share our best behaved child...ha!

And after a fun filled day of planting, shopping, hair trimming, and a spring pedicure I surely needed this:

Happy weekend, everyone! Enjoy! :)

Posted with Blogsy

What Would We Do Without Google!

Today, I caught the tail end of a conversation that implied that people without children should take on more of the workload at school because "they don't have anything else to do". While it was said by a very sweet young parent who I KNOW must be overwhelmed by their new balancing act of home vs. teaching, it made me momentarily sad. Well, actually, it stuck with me the rest of the day.

My first reaction is to defend my time as being as valuable as someone who gets to go home and rock babies. But, they don't stay babies for long and they SHOULD be given as much time possible. I envy those baby rocking moments...probably as much as a new mom envies my ability to sit in my quiet house and have a glass of wine when I choose to do so.

Life is all about choices and trade offs. As much as I didn't choose this path completely, I have to recognize the positive and the negative...that's the balance in life. I DO try and take on extra activities with my babies at school because I DO have the time...and I love them! But I also have a family and a life outside of school. I've chosen to make my school babies MY babies. I hope it makes me a better teacher and person.

In my momentary funk, I Googled "family of two" for some inspirational words...and boy, did I get them:

"It's difficult to know why life transpires the way it does, whether we encounter infertility, divorce, job loss, a spouse's death, or any number of other troubles. But as Christians, we know the Lord—the ultimate Parent—has designed a special path for each of us. Some doors we open along that journey might bring joy while others bring disappointment, yet we know "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28, NASB). "

http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2009/september/familyoftwo.html?start=2

Just what I needed today! :)

Posted with Blogsy

One Foot in Front of the Other

So, my resolve went out the window...I Googled every word that was given to me when I was told to schedule the diagnostic mammogram. And I'm reading some blogs that I probably shouldn't right now. Blogs that make me imagine the worst case scenario.

I have this habit of trying to visualize situations before they happen. I think I feel like if I know what's coming, I can somehow control it. I do it with vacations, holidays, scary situations, happy situations. Maybe it's normal, or in the words of Dr. Keith Ablow, maybe I'm nuts.

Why does our mind go immediately to the negative? From what I've read from Dr. Google (as one witty blogger calls my latest obsession), the chances are high that they will take a few more pictures on Monday, say everything is fine and send me on my merry way....please!

The truth is, one way or another, everything WILL be fine. I have family, friends, and positive thoughts on my side. :)

I have spent all day trying not to think about it and was able to have a wonderful day with my family. I have a fun weekend ahead celebrating my husband's 50th birthday. I don't want to worry the good times away with possibilities that will probably never happen, right?

New resolve, focus on fun and the many blessings in my life. Monday will come and go...I'll deal with it then. In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "After all, tomorrow is another day."

Posted with Blogsy

A Time to be Thankful...and Mildly Concerned?

This weekend, I got to spend a fabulous girls only trip with my best friend. It was a wonderful time to relax and re-energize. So thankful for that time!

On the way home, however, I got a call that no one wants to get. It was my "girly" doctor's office telling me that my mammogram came back with "areas of concern" and that I needed to schedule a diagnostic mammogram. Yikes! Out of the blue, no family history, no indications of problems, deep, dark blue....

When I asked for a little more clarification, I was told there was "dense tissue" and " an asymmetrical abnormality". So I am scheduled for the diagnostic mammogram on Monday...which just so happens to be my birthday. Hopefully, nice clear scans will make for a VERY happy birthday!

I will spend this weekend trying not to think about it, not Google too much, and being extremely thankful for this happy holiday time with my sweet husband, family, and good friends. Your positive thoughts and prayers are appreciated! Count those blessings.....happy Thanksgiving! :)

 

Posted with Blogsy

Crazy Dog Lady

That's what I got called today...crazy dog lady. Well, my dogs DO have their own hot pink room and I DO dress them up for Halloween, so maybe I am. :)

 

Hmm...if I had shared a picture of my 3 kids would I have been called a crazy kid lady? Ha! Oh, well...these babies are 3 of my favorite blessings.

I've been called worse...

 

Hurt People, Hurt People...and other deep thoughts....

Please tell me you've discovered the fabulousness that is the CMT show "Cheer". Friday night TV at its finest, I promise....right after Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Making the Squad. It's a theme, get it? Anyway, the coach of these Central Jersey Cheerleaders was dealing with infighting and gossip on her team of 12-17 year olds (shocking, right?). In explaining to the girls why the Facebook posts they had put up were damaging, she uttered these four words of wisdom as an explanation: "Hurt people, hurt people".

 

And just like that, everyone saw the error of their ways, all was well, and they won their weekend competition! Miracle!

Looking at my camera roll, I realized that my last 20 saved images are pithy little quotes I've snagged from the Internet....seriously....20! I think I need a new hobby. But lucky you, I'm about to share some of my favorites:

 

 

 

OK...deep thoughts, right! The quote by Elizabeth Edwards has been my theme lately. There's been an awful lot of wind blowing not my way in a few areas. Adjust and move on, that's my motto.....oh, and try not to let my process of adjusting hurt others. 'Cause if Cheer has taught me anything...... :) Seriously, you've GOT to watch an episode or two....

 

And So A Blog Is Born...

Why blog? Why now?
I'm not entirely sure, but I love reading blogs and I always think "I should do that".... So here I go!
Now if I can figure out how to post pictures and change my profile pic, I'll be in business.
Stay tuned (not that anybody knows about or is reading this yet!)