St. Louis Fun

Such a last minute trip, but sometimes those are the best!  Had such a great time in St. Louis!  Caught a Cardinal's game... had a blast at the City Museum... and made several trips Six Flags.  

Great memories were made!!!

Happy 8th Birthday Ava!

My Ava... hard to put into words how much I love and adore this girl.  She was my second baby, but she was my first daughter.  I will never forget hearing those words... it's a girl.  I will never forget the day she arrived in this world.  All the nurses thought my labor was going to go on for a while... but she had other plans.  I was at school teaching a class of 3rd graders.  I had my 36 week appointment at 1 pm, but by the time I got home, I was having stomach pains.  I tried to tough it out for a while, but realized I was in labor.  We went to the hospital at 6 pm and she made her debut at 11:53 pm.  One nurse told me that I needed to be ready for a long night... but goodness, she had other plans!  There was no time for an epideral.. no time for pain meds to kick in.  She was ready to take this world head on!  That's how she has been her entire life!  Full of life... full of love... and ready for what comes her way!  Couldn't imagine a day without this girl!  Love her so much!

The times, they are a changin!

In August of 2011, I did something I haven't done in quite a while.  I left my post as a stay at home mom, and walked back into the classroom.

I feel so blessed that I was able to stay home with my babies for those precious years.  They are some of my most favorite memories!  Snuggling in our pj's... having picnics and blowing bubbles outside...meeting up for playdates with friends...and so much more.

Like all things...time passes and my kiddos started to grow up.  We were no longer in need of diapers, passies, and sippy cups.  My youngest baby is getting close to Kindergarten days and I just felt ready. 

Thankfully, I got an interim position at Lakeland Elementary, which led to a full time position.  I am now a 2nd grade teacher, loving ever minute of it...and the BEST part about it is that I am teaching at the same school as my most favorite people!!

It's been quite a transition to be teaching again... finding time to grade papers, cook dinner, run errands, drive kids to practice, and most importantly...finding a way to balance the time with my sweet family.  The days can get challenging, but I know we're getting adjusted just fine.  Couldn't be more blessed!