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.

Raw(e) Smiles and Laughter

Raw(e) is hosting a Smiles and Laughter photo challenge and I just couldn't resist. I've been in such a blah mood that these smiling photos made me smile too. Even with the hair in the face and everywhere else...I can feel how much my girls love eachother in this picture.

I think I'm just having a hard time getting my new routine down. I feel like I'm always running to work, to cheerleading, to school, to pick up from daycare or wherever else the kids need picking up from. I want to just slow down and take a minute to enjoy. Hopefully soon!

Fall is in the Air

I love this time of year...especially in New England. This is one of our favorite ways to spend a fall day. We will probably go again since there were only a few types of apples out. Now I just need to find a yummy apple crisp recipe.

It's hard enough to take a picture of yourself. Two I can get, three just wasn't working. At least as you can see Alyssa is enjoying the apples.

First day and her first game

I was feeling so sad that I wasn't there to send her in myself on the first day. So as I'm taking attendance in my own classroom on my computer, I get a picture of her heading into first grade from a good friend. It was just what I needed.

Gillian is enjoying cheerleading and me too but wow...pop warner is serious business. I had no idea since I was never a cheerleader myself. The girls were so cute doing their cheers and even though I was watching them more than the game, the Seahawk football players won their first game too.

My new do

Here's my new back to school haircut. Sorry the picture quality is just okay. My web cam seems to be having some glare issues. I figured that I'd start the year right with a new cut and I went to a curly cut salon. I have to say what a different experience going to someone who knows how to cut curly hair and even showed me how to style it. I will be going back for sure!