Hi Ho, Hi Ho,

It's back to work I go!

Whew! Been a long week...but it's been a great week! I am exhausted, Brian is exhausted, and Harper is exhausted.  How do we know?  Well, Friday night she slept 14 hours straight. WHOA. She hasn't done that in a while.

We are all surviving and it's all going to be ok. :)

Here's a few pics from my classroom...

Currently, I'm spending my free time{nap time} that is, working on school things, 2 showers I have coming up, and a VERY special birthday!  If you'd like to possibly do a guest post within the current or next month, please email me!! megek4@yahoo.com

I'm Nervous and Conflicted.

Really, this is a post for me. Could be boring - may not want to read.


I'm so conflicted at the moment with my feelings.  I have so many emotions running around my head, I am not sure how to really feel with the school year just around the corner.

1.  I am excited and looking forward to going back to school.  Not exactly to go back to 'working', but get back in the classroom.  It's been a really, really rough road in our school for quite a few years.  And last year? Basically, it was to just survive.  But this coming year, we have new hope.  New hope that I think is going to work.  We have a new leader who is one that I've already been impressed with and one who seems to be a real Christian.  One who sees this as our careers, but also sees that we have families, too.

I love teaching.  I really do.  But I think the excessive negativity and frustration throughout the past years had built so deep that I forgot that.  And when I had Harper, I really didn't think I could do it.

But now this summer I've been able to really reflect and getting to know our new leader has helped as well.  Hubby and I have had major, real conversations about this.

*My ultimate goal in my teaching career was to teach at a private Christian school.
That is not my goal anymore. My goal is to continue doing my best in a public school system.  Hopefully, be a light to children who need me and maybe some adults.  I WANT Harper in the public school system.  I want her to be around kids who have more than her.  I want Harper to help be the light to other children.

So now, my goal is to continue teaching in the public school system for now.  I can't tell you where I will be in a few years.  I've learned to not try and plan too far in advance :), but I know that I am so so so excited for this school year.  I'm excited to be a 'school Mom' to 24 different personalities.  I'm excited to be the teacher I know will make myself proud and one that I hope Harper will get the joy of having when it's her turn to go to school.  I'm actually really excited for my 8th year of teaching - something I don't think I've been able to truly say in a few years...

2.  I love Harper. I love the days, the times, the moments we've shared this summer.  I've been so lucky to witness so much.  I've been able to see Harper's personality grow.  We've grown so close together.  She has the best disposition ever.  SO happy all the time.  So sweet and easy going.  Such a joy.  I'm afraid she won't stay that way when I go back to work.  I don't know why I think this.  She'll be at the same home sitter she was at last year.  They love her so much - it's so easy to see.  But there will be new kids there this time around.  Two babies who are younger than Harper.  I'm worried that the babies will get the attention Harper once got from MeMe. I'm worried that Harper is now at the age to understand I'm not with her and that she will be upset.  I'm worried that she will be bored or sad during the day and I won't know.

I'm worried to be without her all day.

But on the other hand, I want to utilize my teaching side, too.

We've already been back to work a lot.  I've already missed a lot of time with Harper due to PD's, getting my room ready, home visits, etc.  While I'm away, I miss her. But I feel peace about it.  I get to continue teaming with Mary, and our whole team is excellent this year.  As of now, it feels that everyone is going to do their part and help each other out.  That helps so much.  It helps knowing I have 2 other teacher-Moms on my team who relate to what I'm going through and can help put things in perspective.  So, I've enjoyed working so far.

But then I feel a little guilty about that.

So what makes a good Mom? I think that's what I struggle with.  Of course, you are a good Mom when you make choices that will better your family.  But am I being a good Mom to go back to work?  Would I be a better Mom if I just stayed home? But then if I stayed home we wouldn't be able to save for Harper's future and wouldn't get to give Harper as many opportunities as she could have.  And maybe I would miss using my teacher side.  There's my struggle.  I think this is probably a struggle that will be a forever-struggle for many Moms.  And I'm just at the beginning.

So, my confusion lies here: I am excited for the school year.  But saying that makes me feel like a bad Mom. I don't want to leave Harper.  Honestly, our days are so easy and fun.  So much less stress than working.  {and couldn't you just punch the people who tell you you are getting a 'break' when you go to work. HA!} But I am happy about getting back in the classroom.

Agh! So confusing!

I Made It!

That's really the only title I could think of that summed up this year of work. Beware: long post.

Let's recap:
I began this school year 9 months preggo. Swollen from the summer pregnancy and huge.  I was not exactly given a lot of support coming into the year from a select few knowing I was going to take my well-earned (and saved) 12 weeks maternity leave.  For goodness sakes I had to have a note allowing me to sit down while teaching.  It was a stressful environment to say the least.
I missed the time with my class that is the most important in a classroom - the first semester when behaviors and expectations are set.  I was with my kids for a little over a month, but I do not feel it was long enough.
So, changes as they may, happened.

This year has been the hardest teaching year of my 7 year career. We had a huge change in administration while I was out, brand new standards that basically came out throughout the year, and a brand new standardized test for the kids.  I had a group of students who just fed off each other daily.

Plus, not to mention, I had my child, spent a little over 14 weeks with her, and then returned to the real world. In my life before I became a Mom, I wanted to be a SAHM. I didn't know if I could work once I had my child. I almost didn't want to try it.  I just wanted to be with Harper.

However, the first 2 weeks back to work really let me in on something.  Even though each day was a struggle with certain kids, I finally realized that I really, really do love being a teacher. I mean, I knew I loved what I did before Harper; but I wasn't sure if I would love it the same after having her.  Do not get me wrong, I still hate leaving her each morning. I never have thought it's gotten easier, but, I've adjusted and have been able to accept my new normal.  I feel good when I'm in front of the room teaching. I feel proud of myself when I see that lightbulb go on in a child's head.  I feel even more so that I am my student's school mom and even more of what that entails.  I feel that since I've become a Mom, I'm able to see a different side to situations, ones I never even thought about.  I feel that I still have the talents of a great teacher and I want to use those talents right now in my life.  Harper, thankfully, is with a WONDERFUL home sitter. She and her husband truly love Harper and we can tell Harper loves them equally.  They have taken such good care of Harper and have helped Brian and I in our parenting as well.  I actually really like that she's around just a few other kids and I think it's helped her personality in a great way.  Of course, I feel guilty about thinking this, but, I don't necessarily think I should.  I think at this time, Harper is getting exactly what she needs.

I also feel like I could never have gone back to work without the support of the ladies I work with.  Sometimes, working with all women can have it's moments.  But, working with all women who over half have children, they totally understood and were beyond there for me when I came back to work.  I had teachers coming in to my room checking on me, asking about Harper, and offering to help me grade papers so I could head home right after the bell.  I have friends at work that I don't get to have much interaction with just stop by my room and ask me if I was ok. I mean, I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that support I felt when I returned, and honestly, the support from them I've continued to feel all year.  My team teacher was able to be with me before her maternity leave began, and I can say that without a doubt I would not have been able to do this without her!

Not every Mom is meant to be a SAHM and not every Mom is meant to be a Working Mom.  Each is hard and whatever role you have, I'm sure you think it's the harder of the two.  For me, being a working Mom is beyond difficult but I've been able to adjust. I'm not perfect at it and it's hard each day, but I'm doing it. I'm back to my wifely duties of cooking dinner *almost* every night. I've learned how to be a {hopefully}great teacher at work, a {hopefully}great Mom at home, and a {hopefully}good wife, too.  I'm still working on being a great friend, but I'm not going to beat myself up over it.  I'm learning and I'm truly doing the absolute best I can. But for now, my time with Harper and my husband are precious. My time at work is precious.  My fabulous friend and team-teach Mary made the comment that if I'm going to do something that takes me away from my baby, I better make it worth it. Well, I AM!


So, luckily, my job lets me get to be a SAHM for a few short months, and then back to work I go. I'm actually looking forward to the coming school year and getting a fresh start where I will be in the classroom all year long!

At this point, I feel settled in my heart that I am doing what I see best for my family and for Harper.  That doesn't mean it won't change, but I am just happy to feel that now.  Being a Mom is no joke. It's harder than anything, but it's the best feeling and the greatest thing to ever happen to me.  To now know I have the potential to be in someone elses child's life as much as a teacher is, that makes me feel more important than ever!


So, I'm off to enjoy summer with my baby!!!!

Our Weekend!

We had a super fun weekend! No sickness! Yay!

Friday night and Saturday morning we ventured to the mall. Of course not meaning to... we bought Harper a couple of cute new clothes and a pair of sunglasses to put in her Easter basket! We also have been looking for new family room furniture...but nothing suits what I'm looking for in my price range! Boo!

blurry photo from Mall night!

We enjoyed a family brunch at Joseph-Beth Cafe and then ran a few more errands. We ended the night out eating appetizers and watching the UK game. Harper was fabulous!

Sunday we went to church and hung out with my family before going over to a friend's house for the Super Bowl.  It was so much fun! The guys all went to college and were in the same fraternity together and I knew the girls from college, too. They all had little girls, so it was so cute seeing these once crazy guys love on their little babies! :) It was also awesome to be around those women on Sunday night who are all working Mommas and doing wonderful things with their families. Sometimes {ok, a lot of the time} I get down on myself that I'm not staying at home, but the convos with these ladies was just what I needed! Thank you! :)
I made Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls from this site - it was a hit and super easy! Will be making again soon!

sweet Kari holding Harper with her beautiful daughter, Elyn

Luckily, Sunday Night Blues didn't have to hit me! I took off Monday to take H for her 4 month check-up and shots! Daddy got to come, too! Harper was wonderful at the appointment but she felt miserable after her shots for pretty much the rest of the day. So sad!
I'm updating her 4 Month Post, but here are her stats:
Weight: 13lbs. (28%), Height: 24 1/2in. (50%) ~ my girl is long and lean! haha!! I got nervous I wasn't feeding her enough, but the doc said it was completely fine and she might just be on the smaller side.  We are going to try and start fazing off the Alimentum so that the doctor can see if it was just her colic or if she truly has a milk allergy! I'm a little scared!! But, so, so thankful she is healthy and progressing wonderfully!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend as well! I'm looking forward to a short week and having my student teacher's first Solo Day this week! :) I also get a date night with my hubby tonight!! We haven't had one since we had to come home early and get H after she wouldn't stop crying!! Fingers crossed she'll let Mommy & Daddy have a much needed dinner out together!!

Positive Penny ova' here

Ok, I'm about to make myself turn my nose up and roll my own eyes....

But ladies {and my secret gent. readers}, I've got to share the pretty positives that have happened to me lately and Praise God for them!

I don't usually blog during the week anymore {i schedule the posts to show up from weekend writing}, but this trumps it.

#1: Harper hasn't slept through the night since I began work. Blah. BUT, when she wakes up 3-4 times a night, we know because she's cooing, giggling, or grunting.  We look into the monitor and it's like she knows we can see her. She smiles huge.  Do you KNOW how much nicer that is to wake up to in the middle of the night than screams? It's awesome.  She breaks my heart in a good way when I drag my big 'ol booty in her room in the middle of the night and she kicks her legs and gives me that gummy grin. So, while she's reverted back to her 2-week old self, at least it's sans crying.
{PS- any tips?!?!}

#2: The end of the work week got better. I was determined to start this week off positively and with about an eighth of the tears. With a little hiccup with my sub note on Monday morning, my awesome team-teach was there to rear me back in to thinking positively. We had a great day, I had some great heart-to-heart conversations with said kids from the note, and all was well with my classroom world.

#3: I've obviously been anxious about going back to work. So much so that I got a rash all over my face. But it wasn't all because of leaving Harper. We'll leave it at that. Well, this week I heard some news that made me feel like a huge weight was lifted off of me, and that night I made the decision that I would most definitely end this school year teaching {yes, I wasn't sure if I would} and most likely continue working. Of course, I still miss Harper. Terribly. But I do enjoy being with the kids. I forgot what it was like to be in a positive and supportive environment. Once in one, I've realized there are many things I love about my career.

#4: I've been able to work really well on my Mommy Guilt this weekend and week. ;)

#5: I've been able to cook dinner lots. That makes me happy, my hubby very happy, and our wallet happy.

#6: Hubs and I went to the Christian bookstore looking for a new-parent devotional to do together. We didn't find what we were wanting, but each found our own study. Mine has already done some great things for me and my relationship as has his. Don't you love when you can find a study that is relatively quick in time but exactly what you need in the moment?

#7: God knew I couldn't continue nursing because I needed my cokes every morning to survive. Can I get an Amen?!

#8: Everytime I've picked H up from the sitter, she smiles HUGE at me. Big ol' gums everywhere and squinty little eyes. Makes me so happy.
So, I know I must be earning "The Most Boring Blog Ever" Award over here, I'll leave you with a pic of my cutie and try-to-promise my readers I'll have a recipe or craft up soon. {but ya'll know that's probably a lie.}

I survived. Barely.

Monday was rough. But I made it. 
********************************************
It's Thursday now, and I sat down to write this post through the week, starting with Monday. I had to quit though, because I couldn't see through my tears once Harper was asleep.

I've been mentally jotting down things this week about how pretty much horrible it's been. How I've cried more than I thought I could. How I've seen Brian and I both hurting.

But, today, I feel peace.

Today I feel such a peace. My heart is peaceful.  My swollen face is going down. I only cried a bit this morning.

So, instead of telling you the obvious, the part where pretty much every mother goes through when her maternity leave is up, I'm going to focus on the positive things from this week.

I am so overwhelmed with gratitude today. I feel like God has been holding me up each day this week.  I saw the sun today and felt good inside. My baby is so precious to me, and I think I've found a sitter who understands that. You can tell she loves her few kids she keeps.  And I can tell she just loves Harper already.  God has overly blessed me.  Harper is SUCH a good baby.  She's been amazing at the transition this week.  She's been happy and sweet.  When I'm at work, I've felt each day get better, and honestly, I've enjoyed being back in the classroom.  I NEVER thought I'd say that after 3 whole months home with Harper. But I have enjoyed teaching, planning, and being with the kids. I praise God for that. I praise Him for reminding me that I'm good at my job and that my j-o-b is my career and I'm there for a reason.  I also praise Him for putting the friends at work in my life.  The warmth and support I've felt this week at work is amazing. I cannot even begin to tell you how much it has meant to me to have emails and visits from teachers that I don't even get to work with stop in and check on me. One teacher has come in my room each day and offered to grade papers so that I can leave right at 3.  My close friends at work have brought me cokes and breakfast this week.  And my teammate. Oh, my. I am beyond blessed to have her with me right now. I'm truly honest when I say that without her I probably would not have gotten through day 1.  She's been there. She knows.  She's hugged me, checked on me, and given me so very much support. I know, I am lucky.  I'm lucky that my "secret pal" at work has been giving me the exact strength through Bible verses that I've needed. He has no idea how many times I've read and re-read those lines.  I'm thankful my friends have texted and called to check on me.  The ones who've been through it and the ones that haven't; they've still supported me.  I'm thankful for my husband.  I'm thankful he understands that Harper and I have a different bond, and as crazy as I've felt this week, he's told me it's ok.

I've been praying for many months now; before Harper even arrived, that God would let me feel it was okay to not stay at home. It's been very difficult. I've always wanted to be a SAHM. And although my husband and I haven't made the final decision of what is right for our family in terms of me working, I'm thankful I feel a much better peace about being away right now and that in my career I get more time off than a lot of jobs do.

A few specific things I'd like to pray on are:
*to not feel like I'm an inadequate mother if I need to continue working
*to have strength and be content even when other women make me feel badly about not staying home
*to be able to give my students 100% of me while I'm at work
*to keep Faith that I am still a good Mom and giving Harper the love and attention she deserves

So while I know each day will be so hard, and I know it will never be easy, I'm hoping to just make it each day and do the best I can while I'm at work and remember what really matters in life.

I took off Friday to go to an appointment.  I think I really needed this day after 3 straight months with Harper, and being away from her more than I've ever been in her little life.  The thing I've missed the most is our morning time when she's quite possibly the sweetest ever. So I'm relishing in today... and remembering how lucky I am to get the time off I will have with Harper.  I may not be financially rich with this job, but the time I'm able to have makes me feel rich inside.

Prepping For Baby ~ Teaching & Thank You's

So, there's a LOT of prep for a baby. More than I ever knew or could imagine!

For a teacher, oh-ma-word, there's no end to prepping for your Maternity Leave.  It's as if you don't really get a break until you actually get to the point of breaking yourself after all the planning you have to do to get it! In a teacher world, nothing is ever completed and you are never caught up. So think about planning for your weeks/months away while doing your daily stuff and knowing you will always have just one more thing to add!

TeachingI've been working on my large long-term sub binder since February of last year.  There's many, many things you must add that you don't even think about for someone else because it's so routine for you.  As most teachers, I am a total Type-A personality in my job.  I like things organized, clean, and ran MY way.  I like to run a tight ship where students are having hands-on and engaging lessons while still being at a good voice level and still order in the classroom. Honestly, I just don't see how a messy/un-organized classroom could exist...at least for me! I'm a everything-has-a-spot kind of person. I don't like people in my personal space in terms of my desk/computer and I most certainly like to plan everything I do myself{I am soo not good at this team-planning thing. More on that to come later one day!}.

SO, on to prepping the Sub-Binder.
There's a billion things in there, but for my readers, I'll just give you the highlighted topics ~ maybe this could help someone?!
*list of all passwords
*daily, weekly, monthly procedures
*morning procedures/bathroom procedures
*discipline and reward systems and procedures
*IEP's and 504's
*behavior students and students on charts (explain)
*birthday procedures
*special occasions/assembly procedures
*Weather Drill procedures
*list of students with side-notes about personalities/what works best with them
*student ability levels and how to read those
*technology guidelines (how to use smart board, find/create lessons, how to write daily blog, etc.)
*parent contacts
*homeroom parent and volunteer schedules
*Lesson Plans for ALL subjects with extras included
*Book Logs pre-made with due dates
*Writing Buddy (some do Reading Buddy) schedules and lessons/activities
*Grade Book guidelines and how to enter in grades online
*activities for the kids to make for the teacher (letters prepared, etc.)
*People to Ask list so the sub knows who to go to on certain questions
*
I know I'm missing half the stuff I mean to, but there's my shortened list. If you live in the area, I'd be glad to give you my binder when I'm done to look through. HAHA

Prepping the Parents:
Most parents (at least the feeling I've gotten this year) are excited for you but nervous for their child.  They obviously want the best for their child, and again, teaching is not a regular job. You've got a lot of people who want you to see their child as the only one in the universe. I completely understand, but I also wish they would understand what hard work I've been doing to get ready for my leave! So, I've been trying to prep the parents. I go above and beyond (as a lot of teachers do) for my parents and kids to stay connected. So I've tried to remind some of my parents that so that they will see that their 4-5 emails a day may not get answered by the sub, but they will be ok. :) I've already written my letters to my parents that will be passed out on my first day of maternity leave explaining all about the sub and what actions are put in place to keep everything mostly in place. I've also started conferences on a needs-base (do you know how hard that is when I am soo tired by the end of the day and then knowing I have to come home and work on sub plans at night?!?!?) as well as emailing and reminding parents about things here and there.  One thing I have learned is to NOT tell how long you are planning to take off.  From the advice of our PSA and other teachers, it really doesn't concern them and it just makes them even more nervous...making a personality type like me nervous and anxious about the parent being upset with me about having a baby. (yes, that is a true statement of how I feel sometimes)

Prepping with Students:Poor things. They just don't get it. I had one student ask me if I'd be returning in about a week after I have the baby... But the thing is, you can't really tell them how long you are planning to take off either. Because a week in a child's life is an eternity. Add in telling that 8 weeks or more? They will go ba-zonkers! So, we've done lots of talking about me leaving and then coming back. I've told the kids I will be back and I do hope to visit them soon. I've also promised to share pictures of Harper when she comes, etc.  They will be ok. :) I have letters written and planned when to give to my kids while I am gone so they know I'm thinking about them and want them to continue learning and doing their best.  I also made a treat to give the students on my first day gone, which my awesome assistant will pass out. It's these cute lollipops that say, "thanks for letting me have my Mom for a few weeks. love, Harper". Of course I know my students will know she didn't write that (!!) but I wanted them to feel excited and happy on the first day without me, too!

dark phone pic :(

Thank You'sOk, so now on to the hospital stay! Duh, the bags are packed. But, what you don't want to forget to pack are little thank yous. A thank-you goes a long way.
Nurses:
I've made little goodie bags for my nurses that I will have taking care of us. I know it's their job to do this, but a little thank you can go a long way...believe me, I'm a teacher and when I get a thank you for doing my job it feels good!
So, these are little bags I put together with dark chocolate kisses inside. One side says, "you're so sweet" and the other side says, "thanks for taking care of us, love the Burton's". I hope they like!

Visitors:Although I don't want to share this too early... :) I have little goodies bags for friends and family who visit Harper in the hospital, too.  I know it's hard to get to the hospital and I also know a lot of people do not like hospitals, so people who come are definitely coming out of their way to come meet your little person. So, again, a thank you can go a long way.  I made these stickers and just added them to the purple bags and put candy inside. The stickers say her name and "thanks for visiting me!" and our blog address if they want to follow some of her pictures. 

:) Sorry for the long post!

Classroom Post & First Day Update!

So over the course of the past couple of years I've had my personal blog I've never shared my classroom or teaching items on here. I like to keep it separate! But, I've seen some cute teaching posts, so I thought I'd add in mine as well.

This year I'll enter my 7th year as a 4th grade teacher at the same elementary school! Lots of changes have happened over the past 7 years; including how I decorate my classroom.  When I first started {and a few years after} I would go overload on the posters, pre-mades, etc. in the room.  I would hang just about anything and everything from the ceiling by the tiles or cute laundry strings.  I even had the kids decorate ceiling tiles with walk-along books. But since then, we've {for some reason} adopted the fire code so...no more decorating the entire door with paper, nothing can be hung from the ceiling, and nothing too high on the walls.  Sounds kind of crazy when you look at all the other schools who still are able to do it, but oh well! I do miss the sweet things hanging from the ceiling, but it's easier for me I guess to not change them!

Anywho, this year, I decided that with my current state, I would just keep up with the same theme of polka dots and leave my organization pretty much the same since it worked well last year. Some may say that's lazy, but hey, if it worked, why reinvent the wheel?! I also didn't feel like spending $300+ this year...but of course I've still spent at least $100 if not more, but I call that pretty reasonable! So basically, everything you are going to see in the pictures are items I've had for a couple of years. 

I organized my Bookworm Cafe {library} by Lexile levels about 2 years ago and then organized the other non-chapter books by genre.  This works really well with the older kids.  They also have a check-out station that I usually let them start about 4 weeks into school after LOTS of practive and modeling.  I'm kind of an OCD teacher when it comes to things being put back into their place, so I have to make sure they are ready before we begin! The AR {accelerated reader} books are also labeled with orange stickers I wrote AR on. 

I also always start out in rows.  I don't love rows, but rows promote less talking - and that's what I need in the beginning of school to get their behaviors ready.  Then we slowly move to tables and usually stay in different table groups throughout the year. I also like to write their names on the desks in cute font with a sharpie.  I don't do the big name plates.  I can't stand the 'picking' at the tape or the corners, or the dirty edge it leaves after part of it comes off! I know...I am crazy!
Before Pics:

Thanks to my sweet hubby on his lunch break and my teammate's boyfriend; they were able to get all my boxes down for me so I wouldn't be breaking any weight rules!

And here's my room after about 5 days of work! Of course, it's never totally finished...but it is ready for Day 1 of school on Thursday!

Bookworm Cafe:
{class library, calendar math, small group area}

Student Computers:
{Lexia, SuccessMaker, mailboxes, community items}

Backpacks:
{student hooks, mini-group lessons, white boards}

My Area and Desk:
{didn't get a pic of the whiteboard/smartboard/small group board; and the cords drive me insane!}

Sink Area! so useful!

First Day Update:

School went great today! I got to school extra early just to be sure everything was ready for all the little ones! A few kids were a little timid; especially since parents were allowed to walk their kids to the classrooms today ~ but in no time they were all smiles! The first day is always so fun because you get to do FUN things like get-to-know-you activities and community building activities.  We had a great day and I already started to get to know a lot of the personalities in my room. I definitely think I will have a bit of a chatty class, but they will certainly be a fun mix of kids! I truly enjoyed being back in the room with them and hearing sweet little "Mrs. Burton..." questions or stories.  I felt great today even with the lack of sleep and I felt good in what I was wearing {doesn't that always make such a difference?!}.  I wore flats for probably the first time ever...haha...so that was a little weird, but quite comfy on the big feet! So, way to go Day #1! I'm looking forward to Day #2...and the weekend! haha :)
 

Oh, I have to share one cute story from today: 
Early in the morning a little boy raised his hand and said, "I want to ask you something but my Momma told me I should never ask this...but I want to know, so can I ask?"  I immediately knew it was about my belly! ha! So I said sure and this was his question: "Well, do you have a baby in that belly or do you just have a big belly?" HAHA The other kids were wide-eyed looking around but I just laughed a lot and explained that yes, there was a baby in there and yes, his Momma taught him right to not ask those things! Too cute!

of course, I will not be writing about my school day or my kids much because I don't find it appropriate to write about on my personal blog! :)

Shoo Wee!

I am a tired pup!

I've been working super long days and school hasn't even started yet!

I'm planning on still having Thankful Thursday tomorrow! I've tried the 'scheduling' posts this week and they've worked, so hopefully it will work tomorrow with the linky attached. :)

I was also hoping to share classroom pics before the big day...but I am way too tired and still need to complete a few things tonight ~ so that will be coming next week hopefully!!

Tomorrow we start school - my 7th year of 4th grade!! Then, immediately after work I have a doctor's appointment!! :) Wish me luck that I can still stand once I get home! 5:15 AM will come early...I just hope I can sleep tonight!!!

God is So Good!

I'm finally able to reveal a HUGE blessing in our lives!!

Brian started his new job this past Monday! I say it's a huge blessing, because it's a really, really good promotion and it will provide us better financially in a way that can only help our growing family of 2 to 3.

About this time last year, Brian was offered an interview-to-hire position....in Knoxville. We went back and forth weighing the pros and cons, but in the end, we just knew it was not the right time for us to move states nor did we feel like we wanted to be away from friends and family.  So after that, Brian was quote/un-quote looked over for other promotions with his job.  Not that they were really upset, but because there just wasn't anything opening up in our town.

Fast forward to December {or more like Jan.} when we found out we were pregnant, we both thought immediately how this was definitely the right choice to stay.  We had been faithful to God, and knew He'd be faithful to us with the thought of a new addition on the way.

In July, Brian applied online for a promotional job in his area at a different place in our town.  We thought it would be a long shot since there was no number or person to make a follow-up call, but it wasn't! After 3 interviews within 2 weeks and driving out of town for one interview, we found out BRIAN GOT THE JOB! He was ecstatic.  In shock, really. Because he was so excited and because we just felt like this was such a blessing and such a God thing.  He will be doing the job he had been doing...but he won't be the assistant anymore ~ it's all on him!

To say he was emotional about leaving his small group of friends at his office would be an understatement.  He had worked with them for 7 years.  They've all been through a lot together professionally and personally.  I have truly loved getting to know his former boss and his co-workers.  They have been beyond wonderful to us; giving us showers for our wedding and baby, and just being good people.  I just pray Brian finds co-workers at his new place that he can form these kinds of friendships with. 

So, we are excited for his new venture and give all the blessing back to Him.
{now, let's hope the stock market doesn't blunder again anytime soon! haha}

PS~

Just a fun little thing I forgot to mention...

All you fellow teachers and lovers of Sharpies.... They are ON SALE this week at Office Depot, 2 for $1! Yes, you read that right! Even the amazing click-top kind! I was super excited. :)

Happy Shopping!

Bittersweet Ending

Usually, today, I am on top of the world. I feel free, excited, and just down right giddy!

As a teacher, the last day of school means so much.  It means you have another year under your belt (6 for me!), you've *hopefully* made an everlasting impression on at least a few kids, you've grown as a person and teacher; and now your job rewards you with some much-needed time off and fun in the sun. 

As much as I'm looking forward to laying by the pool, having lunch dates like a real person (not eating in 20 minutes!), and this year ~ working on Harper's nursery, I have this bittersweet taste in my mouth.

This year started out with a lot of potential.  I began this year as Mrs. Burton instead of Miss Giles.  It was quite exciting and a little hard for everyone to get used to!  I had a wonderful class filled with great students and of course a few challenging ones that always become the ones that tug at your heart in the end.  My team had changes as well.  We added a new teacher to our mix and knew that my team-member, Andrea, would be with us for her last year as she's getting married this summer and moving. 

Kathleen, Mary, Me, Andrea: Open House Night

Throughout the year, as I always do, I truly leaned on my teammates as well as our wonderful group of friends.  I work with some pretty amazing teachers, but there's a small group of us who haven't just been 'work friends' ~ which we intend to keep it that way...  The Fall semester was challenging with lots of changes, which isn't uncommon with a school it seems.  The 2nd semester was in itself a whole new ballgame for me.  I knew things were different, and could finally put my finger on it when I realized I had been pregnant the entire time! This made it very hard for me to handle the sickness I was having, the exhaustion, and just emotional pull, all while trying to be the best teacher I could be during the day.  But alas, my friends and teammates helped me through it.  My class was so excited and sweet about the news and I'll always remember that as being one of the best memories from this year.

And although I will really miss this class, I am used to moving on to the next year and meeting new, wonderful students. The true Bittersweet End comes with some of my friends at my school.  It seems that a group of 3 of us who hardly knew one another become very close.  Then we grew to a group of 5 friends, and then 8 friends over the course of 6 years.  But little by little the group has decreased.  This year, the group will no longer be a group as there may only be one or two of us left.  With that thought, it has brought me to tears more than once over the past couple of weeks ~ especially this week.  Not everyone has such close friends they work with; but I had that chance, and it has been amazing.

 I'm realizing now how I should have been more grateful for it while I had it. 

We've been through break-ups, engagements, births, weddings, Spring Breaks, break-downs, loneliness, cancer, dating, happy hours, laughter, tears, and more with one another.  So when I'm getting upset about the convinience of these friendships, I realize how important these people mean to me and how I will have to work very hard to keep these.
I'm just praying hard that next school year won't be as hard as I'm anticipating and that my worries will quickly leave me.

warning: picture memory overload and soooo could have uploaded more! {I couldn't find the camping trip pics!}

 

So, with my Bittersweet Ending...here's Goodbye to another school year and Hello to Summertime.