Billy the Whiner

At the school I used to teach at (CHES), some of the teachers would put on skits for the morning announcements.  One of them was the character Billy the Whiner played by the computer teacher. I used to think it was so funny, laughed out loud, and we would imitate him.  NOW, after having kids, I don't find it so funny.  As a matter of fact, if Ashlyn played the role of Billy the Whiner, she would win an academy award for sure!!!!!!

That Didn't Last Long!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ashlyn got her first sad face at school this year.  She was talkative during seatwork today.  I asked her if she was talking too much today and she said, "maybe."  I'm glad she wasn't standing in front of me when I opened her folder tonight, because I laughed out loud.  I guess her future predictions were wrong.........

Happy Face, Sad Face

Chloe got two sad faces last week for saying no to her teacher.  She had to sit in time out.  She said she wasn't going to do it anymore.   Ashlyn got out her folder and put a smiley face on a future date because she said she already knows that she is going to be good.....

What Are You Going To Be For Halloween?

So the kids decided a long time ago what they were going to be for Halloween.  Did I think they would stick with it?  Absolutely not.  Have they?  YES!  So we ordered their costumes and they came in the mail today.  Ashlyn was waiting for the UPS guy to come.  She probably scared him by sitting at the door.  Anyways, Chloe is Little Red Riding Hood which is her favorite book.  She has talked Brandon into being the Big Bad Wolf too.  Well it didn't take much persuasion.  Ashlyn is going to be batgirl.  She wanted to be a superhero and I let her look at all the girl ones online and she picked batgirl.  She is hoping that Carter will be batman:).  I tried to get a picture of them together but Ashlyn said Superheroes don't hang out with Little Red Riding Hoods.  So I got a quick shot of them on their way back from showing Mr. Doug, our neighbor, their costumes.

Can I Do It??

So today was my last official day of being a stay at home mom.  I can remember when I made this decision 4 1/2 years ago, I went back and forth on it.  My original plan was to work after one kid and stay home after two.  Well after checking into day cares and talking with Brandon, we decided it was best to stay home with Ashlyn.  I can remember the first few months were pretty boring(I can say that now).  I went from teaching full time, coaching an 8 year old softball team, playing in a volleyball league, tutoring either before or after school two days a week, taking a class for my gifted endorsement, and hanging out with friends that didn't have kids to staying home with a newborn(period).  The other things stopped too.

I remember people saying they were envious of me being able to stay home and me feeling like I needed to do more.  So, then SURPRISE! I found out I was pregnant.   Then I found out I had low progesterone, next preeclampsia, very high blood pressure, bed rest at home, bed rest in hospital, and a premature baby.   My perspective changed.  I can't imagine having had to work that year.  It was in God's plan all along and I wouldn't have changed a thing.  I've made it a point over the last 4 1/2 years to do things with my kids.  I feel like I've made the most of these precious years at home and I truly can't believe how fast they have gone by.  I know everyone always says that but it's true.  I feel like I've blinked and boom we are at this point.

My next step in the plan back then was to go back to work when the kids were 4 and 5.  Last year I worked part-time (8-2 M-TH) and this year a full time job opened up at the school my kids will go to.  I had mixed feelings about it but I felt like I couldn't pass up this opportunity(there are over 100 schools in our county). So, tonight, as I look back on things, I am counting my blessings.  Blessed for healthy children, wonderful friends that will help watch kids in the morning, a great school that will care for my children while I'm at work(and offer aftercare), and a teacher schedule to help this transition.  (One week off at Thanksgiving and more at Christmas). I also am blessed to have a great husband who supports me is a great Dad.

So look out Cooper Elementary, here I come......

A Bit More Fun Before Reality Sets In

Dress making skills are improving

Happy Birthday DADDY

Aquarium

What kind of fish is that?  What kind of fish is that?  repeat and repeat

Chloe was yelling, "hello diver man."

She insisted on making this face for most pictures

The Top Ten Things I Will Miss About Being a Stay at Home Mom

10.  Making appointments at ease because of my schedule

9.  Being able to attend events at preschool

8.  Grocery shopping in peace

7.  Pulling the kids out of preschool and going on trips during non busy times of the year

6.  Not taking a shower until 2:00 or not at all:)

5.  Being awakened at 8:00 am to my children

4.  Lunch with other stay at home moms while our kids are at preschool

3.  The occasional afternoon nap

2.  Staying up late to watch football, baseball, and tv shows

1.  Dropping off(and sometimes picking up) the kids in carpool lane in my pajamas

WE MADE IT

The two old ladies with the walking sticks made it to the top of Stone Mountain hiking without complaining.  Ashlyn wanted to run and Chloe wanted to stop and look at everything....