Loving the leaves

This weekend was just what I needed. Some time to relax. Saturday we had no real plans and we just spent some time at home and raked the leaves. Usually I complain about yard work but it was actually fun. Don't tell my husband because he'll expect me to help out more often. It's so nice to be able to be outside in the crisp fall air without a coat. The kids had a great time and we cleaned up the yard.

And then of course there was Sunday :) I hope everyone had a

Happy and safe Halloween!

Finding a Balance

Lately I have really been struggling with this. I can't be in two places at once! How to I find a balance? Some may think that being a teacher I head home at 3:00 and I am done. There is so much more then I can even express right now. I'm not even starting with NCLB (No Child Left Behind). Let's just say I am finding myself overwhelmed with all my responsibilities at work and feel like I am not doing enough. I need to be giving more to my students, of my time and more effort. If I do that then where is that time and effort going to come from. My family time is less than I want it to be right now. I can't take more time away from my girls and my husband. My girls are in daycare or before/after school. My priority is and should be my family and I am a teacher but that is my job. I do have a life outside of school. I feel so torn but my heart is with my family and I feel like I am a good teacher and I am making a difference. Although this makes me feel better. Even that first lady feels the mommy guilt.

A little time with Alyssa

Gillian is quite busy this year. She's a cheerleader, a Daisy (girls scouts) and started CCD (church school) this year too. Alyssa and I have been spending a lot of time together and I've been loving it! She is hysterical. She uses words like actually and unexpected correctly. She likes to tell me stories about what happens at daycare. Like who got in trouble and that they danced to Achy Breaky Heart. She also is a huge Katy Perry Fan. Her absolute favorite is Hot and Cold which she sings and has a dance that goes with it. She has the biggest heart herself too. She loves her friends but adores her family especially her sister. She talks about her even whebn she's not around. I think sometimes the second child doesn't always get as much one on one time. Well at least that's what happened with us. So even thought it means Gillian is growing up and gaining some independence ...it has been really nice to have some time with just Alyssa and I can tell she loves it just as much as me..

Bring It On

After this weekend we will have survived our first year of cheerleading. It was amazing. I said this before but I really had no idea what I was in for in good and bad ways. We devoted the entire month of August to practices. Then after that practice continued two nights a week. That's a lot for 5 and 6 year olds. The money commitment was unexpected as well. The under uniform accessories, socks, sneakers, and of course the $80 warm up suit. On the positive Gillian has made some really great friends. There were the competitions which is where the photo is from were straight from Bring It On were a site to see. On a side note I did actually buy this photo and I also provided the link to the site where I purchased it so I think it's okay to post it. She has developed her own sense of community pride which I think may be my favorite part of this whole experience.