This Week Could Not Have Come Sooner

I'm on the brink. 

Seriously.

I don't think I can remember a time in my life when I've been busier.  Between working part-time as a teacher, a full Fall photo shoot schedule, and two kids who are overly very involved in after school activities, I feel like I'm at a breaking point.  I have never had an issue with driving or being around people all day, but both of these things make me want to crawl into a room, turn off the lights, and sleep. 

In summary:  I'm not handling the busyness well.

However, this week is Fall Break.

When I saw our school schedule for the 2013-2014 school year, I thought it was weird that Fall Break was a week early.  Now, I'm so thankful!

I've been dying to read, clean/organize closets, plan out my science units until Christmas break, and write, write, write.  (Aren't I just a poster child for "cool"?)

Seriously.  There are some things that I have just needed to attend to, and for the life of me, there isn't enough time in the day.

Until now.

I have a sticky note on my computer it reads: Photos, Plan, Closets, Read, WRITE!  Lest, I get sucked into wasting my time on Facebook or other random internet searches, I have this bright yellow sticky to remind me of what I really want to do.

Thankfully, the kids are so excited to just chill as well.  They both are craving some TV time and jammie days.  And, can I just say? That makes my heart swell with love and pride.  My little sweeties!

Yesterday, I had some time to chat with some other parents as I volunteered at the kids' school for The Girl's class program.  I heard about family vacations and all sorts of Fall Break activities people had planned.  Instead of feeling bad that I had nothing planned for the kids or I, all I could think to myself was, "Thank GOODNESS!" 

The only thing I will need to fight against this week is sleeping too much, or sitting in front of the TV for too long.  And in the event that this does happen, I will still consider my Fall Break to be a roaring success.

Still Truckin' Along

I never thought time could move any faster than it already did.  Apparently, when you add a job to the mix, time really picks up the pace.  How in the world did we already hit the first day of Fall?  We are three quarters of the way through September!  The kids' teachers are already talking about getting signed up for the first Parent/Teacher conferences.  Have they even had enough time to get to know my kids?  I feel like the first day was just yesterday!

In other news, I am LOVING my job.  It is the perfect fit for me in the time department, it just right challenge wise, teaching only science has made my days teaching so much fun, and I'm finding it's a perfect balance for me as far as being a mom, wife,  and teacher.  So in summary: I'm praising God for His provision and goodness to me.

The Girl got a part in a local production of Beauty and the Beast.  She will be playing Gaston, which we are still laughing about over a week later.  My quiet, girly, peace keeping,  people pleasing girl will be playing a loud, boisterous, arrogant, bossy, mean-spirited, MAN.   We've decided this is a great time to learn about how to stretch ourselves.  It's not called acting for nothing!

The Little Man is getting ready to run his first cross country race this weekend.  He was training for the mile, but came home from practice this week and announced he signed up for the mile and a half race.  Well.  Okay.  It should be interesting.  He does love to run, though.  I love that!

The Hubs and I have been moving forward with our plans for a new future business.  I became a CEO this week, we got our tax stuff set up, and we bought our first property.  I'm keeping the details a bit sparse on purpose.  First, I would like to see some things develop before getting too attached, and also, I'm not sure exactly of all the details, the vision, etc. I'm sure you're thinking, "Well, that's kind of irresponsible!", as I'm sure it sounds that way.  The truth is, from the inception of the idea to where we are now, there have been some twists and turns.  The final idea and goal has remained somewhat the same, but getting there has been interesting.  So, instead of firmly planting our stakes into the ground, I'm trying to be very flexible and let God lead this where He would like it to go.  James 4:13-16 is rolling around in my head as I type this.  "¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil." (NIV)

It's a very busy season in life.  I'm sure I'll look back at these days with thankfulness and fondness.  I can't wait to see what we harvest!

Catching Our Breath

What can I say?  There has been tons going on in the Wright household.  All of a sudden, we went from Summertime, to the beginning of the school year, and on through the first week of September.  The official end of summer, Labor Day, has come and gone.  I can barely type this, but some of the trees have leaves that are attempting to change color.  I think that is premature if you ask me, but there's always going to be those "Fall Fanatic" types.  You know, people who start talking about sweaters, everything pumpkin, and chilly weather as soon as the calendar flips from August to September.  I guess even the tree world has some of those.  I know you know where I stand on that. 

*Ahem*

First up,  the big news around here: I got a part time job!  I know.  Crazy doesn't really cover it adequately.   I have been substitute teaching for the past two years, and slowly God was preparing my heart to get back into my own classroom.  About two weeks ago, a friend of mine called up and told me about a part-time position at the school she teaches at.  While I had been looking for a part-time teaching job, teaching at a school outside of my own children's school, seemed out of the question.  Transportation was the big concern, with a side of dismissal time conflicts.  I was super bummed out because I really felt like God was asking me to get back into the classroom again, He had completely changed my heart towards teaching again (I had swore never to return to the elementary classroom), but I couldn't figure out a way to make it work.  Turns out, I didn't have to figure anything out.  I just had to wait on Him.  He provided the perfect job with the perfect hours.  I am now teaching a third/fourth grade combined science class.  I love the age, the curriculum, and the subject.  I love that I am home to take my kids to school and pick them up, that I can plan and grade while they are at school, (meaning I'm available to them while they are home) and I love that I'm teaching one subject only.  Something I learned about myself when I taught a year at the high school level, was I appreciated a less diverse day.  The kids provide plenty of diversity for me.   Having a solid, unrivaled focus in regards to the teaching material, lets me connect with the kids in a way that works better for me.  I'm very thankful, and at awe at the way my Shepherd always leads me in the direction that is in my best interest.

Also, we had the pleasure of replacing our dishwasher.  Our stove also went out this summer, so it looks like we might be at the end of our appliances' lives.  We all know that these things happen, but since we have been considering a move, it makes the decision on what to replace the appliance with a little more difficult.  We don't want to spend more money than we have to if we aren't going to stay.  However, since we change our minds about moving about every other day, I also want to get something that we like. 

At the same time I was getting used to my new life as a part-time teacher (Which by the way I only had three days to get used to.  Yes. Three.), The Little Man got sick for four days.  Yes.  School is back in session and so are the days of colds and other gross things.  This particular illness kept both of us up through out the entire night for two nights in those four days.  Just when he thought he was doing better, he'd go down again for another round.  It was rough. 

Also, nothing says, "Welcome back to school!" better than a little Girl Bullying.  Awesome.  This was one of those times that I was so thankful for The Hubs.  I mean I lost all rational thinking for a small amount of time and went straight into emotional decision making mode.  I love it when I do that.  Thankfully, The Hubs stepped in and snapped me back into reality, and we were able to meet up with principals and counselors and get things situated without too much damage.  Prayerfully.  

So as I plan science experiments, sign off on homework assignments (my kids as well as my students), shuttle kids back and forth between activities, listen carefully about all sorts of recess antics, and stick to a strict bedtime routine, I think I can officially say our long, lazy, summer days are but a small speck in the rear view mirror. 

A Silver Lining

My house is empty.  I'm no longer packing pool bags or washing swim suits.  No more picking up or dropping off at friend's homes.  There is no TV blaring with Phineas and Ferb or Good Luck Charlie.  Outside of the 35 minutes of hustle and bustle in the morning, the house is quiet. 

The Hubs upstairs in his office, working away, the dog snoozing on her bed already tuckered out from the morning, and me with my empty calendar.  The first few days like this were blissful.  However, I'm now feeling bored.

Over the summer I had taken the free time to teach the kids some new chores.  Things like emptying the dishwasher, doing laundry, picking up dog poop.  Oh, how they loved it.  While it was nice to have things done by someone other than myself, there were things that would get under my skin.  Just small annoyances.  Things like not being able to find a lid for a Tupperware container.  Or trying to open a drawer, that is usually full of organized cooking utensils, to find that I couldn't open it at all because said utensils were thrown in haphazardly and drawer slammed shut.  Or smelly laundry that should've been taken from the washer and put into the dryer days ago.  Things that happen when kids are just learning how to take care of themselves a little more.  They need gentle correction (and then I would find The Hubs and complain like I had just endured the worst type of injustice.  Don'tkidyourself...He loves it when I do that).

The last few days, though, I have done the dishes.  I'm putting all the utensils away in an orderly fashion.  Lids are put in a place where they are easily found.  Laundry is getting moved into the dryer in a timely fashion.  Okay.  That laundry one was a half-truth.  Whatever.

While my home is empty and quiet for seven hours a day, I'm doing what I can to find a silver lining in missing my kids.

Farewell, Summer 2013

Dear Summer 2013,

I'm so sad to bid you farewell on this day.  While the calendar still shows you will be sticking around for another five weeks, the reality is: School started today.  While temperatures will still be wonderful, grass and trees green, flowers still blooming, and gardens still producing, there will be no more laid back pool days, fun outings that last all day because we have nowhere to be, or sleeping in.  It's back to the grind.  Back to school lunches, homework, after school activities, and a tight schedule.

Thank you, Summer 2013, for somehow feeling like you lasted an eternity, yet also zipping by at the speed of light because of all of the fun we had.  While it was only two and a half months ago, it feels like it was already last year that we threw my sis a bridal shower.

You also gave plenty of time to get some traveling in.  We made some fun family memories as we gallivanted around the country.

Then, there is the pool.  Oh, how your lovely weather makes for a perfect pool day!  It's our favorite way to spend summer.

Thanks to your carefree days, we had time to explore the museum and zoo.  We hit every nook and cranny, and even caught an iMax and movie at the Planetarium because, why not?  There was nothing too pressing causing us to go home.  Oh, and our friends came with, you know, since they are on the same schedule.

Your warm daytime temps and frequent thunderstorms did our garden good.  It was a little slower growing than expected, but that just meant we could leave it unattended for a few days at a time.  That may or may not have led to growing our biggest zucchini to-date.

Speaking of backyards and growth, Summer of 2013, you also brought life to our backyard with some sweet little baby Robins.  Even for the most staunch bird-hater, those little sweeties softened hearts.

And because of your easy-going style, I think you also attract love-birds by the droves.  I mean, how many people do you know that have a summer wedding anniversary?  Well, add one more to the list:  My sister, the new Mrs. C!

Oh, Summer 2013, we thank you!  Thank you for all the fun, the memories, the togetherness, the warm weather, and just over-all goodness.

This morning, with sadness in our hearts, we bid you farewell.  So, sad to see you go, yet so excited to see what lies ahead!

Second and fifth grade, here we come!

Crossing The Finish Line

We made it!  Today was the last day of first and fourth grade.  Also, the last day of the fastest school year to-date.  No kidding, this crazy train gets faster each year.  I never knew days, weeks, and months could accumulate so quickly until I had kids.  And just when I think time can't possibly go any faster, it does.   This year, especially, I feel like we were just getting into a good groove, and then it was over.  It must have been all the extra activities we were involved in after school.  Or maybe that they were both gone all day?  Whatever it was, it was good. 

Summer? I need you to put on the breaks.  I can't believe you are here already, and I want to soak up every glorious second you have to offer us.   Also, I can't face the fact that my babies are now second and fifth graders.  Middle school is breathing down our neck with her hot breath.  To say I'm uncomfortable would be an understatement. 

In the meantime, I'm starving for some late nights, later mornings, warm days, dips in the pool, flip-flops, no schedule, short hair,  painted toenails, lots of reading, and tons of family time. 

Summer, we welcome you!

Small Talk

Recently heard in conversations in our home:

As I looked over at The Little Man's place mat, I notice a very large mess.  Especially when you consider the smallness of what was eaten.  Just one cookie.  That was it.  I called The Little Man into the kitchen, jumping on the opportunity to teach neat eating habits and cleaning up after yourself.  As I looked at his face, COVERED in chocolate we discussed:

me: Buddy, can you please take a look at your place mat?
p: Yea.
me: What are you seeing there that you aren't seeing at the other spots around the table?
p: Lots and lots of crumbs.
me: Yea.  I noticed your face is quite the mess as well. 
p:  Mom!  What do you want me to do?  Seriously! I just really enjoy my food, OK?

I love food too, so it was hard for me to continue in this conversation.  I simply told him after he was done "enjoying his food", he needed to remember to clean up.

And I hugged him because we share the common bond of food love.

At the breakfast table:
d: You know we only have a few days left before we are in Orlando at Harry Potter World!
p: I know!  I can't' wait.  Maybe we should watch 1 movie every night before we leave and then we will be all caught up.
d: Don't forget, we need to be reading the books, buddy. 
(Oh how I love that girl!)
p: I know, sister!  I'm already on book 4.  I'm reading the fastest I can, but I don't know if I'll get it all done before we leave.
d: Oh!  You can get it done.  You just have to make a commitment.  What I do is just plan to carve out about 4 hours a day and just commit to read during that time. 
p: You just read the whole time?
d: Yup.  It's the only way to get any amount of large reading done.
p: I don't know if I can read that long.  (Or stay still that long (Oh wait, those are my thoughts))
d: Well, you won't know if you don't try.

And upstairs they went.  Each to their own rooms.  It wasn't for four hours, but I'm not complaining about any amount of time of total peace.  Plus, seeing both of my babies with their noses in Harry Potter books made my heart swell just a little. 

Me.  Talking to myself.  Early in the morning this past Wednesday.  (Oh.  Don't act like you don't talk to yourself!)
me:  Just think.  This is the last lunch you are packing until August.   The VERY LAST ONE. 

That might have been the best conversation all week.

Living On My Hard Drive

Photos that tell the story of our days have been collecting dust on my hard drive.  Most taken with my phone, on a whim, others a bit more planned.  Just a bit.  What's been missed with words, will now be spoken with images.

Suffering through a cold soccer game...I know I've mentioned this once or thirty nine times.

A day of tubing in the mountains with our Aunty and her fiance:

 

Oh yes I did.  I snagged this pic of the soccer team right behind the professional photographer.  I'm bad like that sometimes.

The Girl did a Revolutionary War re-enactment for a field trip.  She was THRILLED to be an Indian Warrior.  They got the most make-up.  Priorities, people. Priorities.

 

The kids and I went to see Mary Poppins at the theater downtown when it came.  What a wonderful show and special treat for us!

Someone made it into the Spelling Bee for first grade.  They took the top 15 spellers based off of test scores.  He made it to the third round before forgetting the second "p" in "slipper".  Dang!  Ironically enough, the one word he missed on his written test was "stopped".  He forgot the second "p" in that word as well.  We are proud of our hard-working student no matter how far he made it!

 I chaperoned a field trip to the Nature and Science Museum for The Girl's class.  It was me and these crazies:

 Yup, that's eight kids.  EIGHT.  In a Museum.  Here we are destroying sitting on a mammoth tusk.  The group behind us thought this pose would be a great idea as well.  Apparently, it's not OK with the museum curators.  This shot may or may not be illegal. 

My sweet littles also earned their second stripes in Jiu Jitsu.  They continue to work hard and love it!

 

Here's The Little Man getting ready to serenade me with the rest of his first grade friends (OK, and their moms too) for Mother's day.  It was a very sweet performance.

That's one blurry pic!

If the museum wasn't enough, I thought, heck, why not chaperone a zoo field trip.  GAH!  At least they were all outside and nothing was breakable.  Plus, it was super fun to hang out with The Little Man for the day.  There also was an unfortunate incident that involved bird poo.  Thankful that his momma was there to calm, clean, and move forward.  

It's been busy and full...and wonderful.  Thankful that this school year is wrapping up.  We are ready for the break.  However, I must say, it feels like I blinked and it was over.  I think this has been the fastest school year yet.  So much to be thankful for!