Busy, busy, busy!

It's been a super busy week for us in the Brumbaugh family!  Emily started kindergarten this week. We had an orientation on Monday, and her first full class was Tuesday. Monday night she said, "Mommy, that school is boring. I don't want to go." She's never used the word boring and is usually excited by school, so I knew something was up. Later in the evening, she came to sit on my lap and began to get teary. When asked what's wrong, she said in such a sad little voice, "I liked my preschool. I miss Mrs. E, and I don't want to move on without her!" Then, she cried. Mrs. "E" was the fantastic preschool teacher she'd had for 2 years. We talked about teacher relationships and moving on and giving her new teacher a chance. The next day came... and she did great!! No tears (from her, at least), and happy smiles when she came home. I felt incredibly grateful I got to take her to her first day of school this year.

The school year is quickly approaching. This will be my 7th year teaching! I can't believe it. No matter if it's 7 years of teaching or my 1st year, I still get nervous. The sleepless nights of tossing and turning have been going on for a few nights now. To-do lists of all kinds are all I see when I close my eyes. It's always like this at the start of the school year, and it will taper off around October.

As far as fitness goes, I have remained loyal to myself by not weighing myself. It's been quite a while since I've not weighed in, and I feel fine. I've been going to Zumba when I can, but this adjustment of working AND exercising has been difficult. I keep at it though. Wednesday was a special 2 hour Zumba party. Wow! I didn't think it was possible to sweat so much!

Overall, a busy, but a GREAT week! I hope yours was just as good, and next week will be even better! If I were to take an overall in inventory on the amount of happiness going on in my life, I would give things an 8. Not bad, but not perfect due to it being sooo busy at work. But, that will change, too. Take a little in inventory on your life. Where's your happiness level?

Perfect Marriages?

Is there even such a thing?  A friend and I were talking about this just last Saturday. Are there any perfect marriages out there? I'm not really sure there's such a thing, in the sense that we mean. There are some marriages that look so perfect. They're always happy and smiling and affectionate. Surely they can't ever argue at home. I have one friend that is so mellow, as is her husband. They are both teachers, their family backgrounds are similar, and they have the shared experience of college together. I can't ever imagine them having the arguments that hubby and I sometimes have.  Another friend of mine has raised 3 awesome kids, teaches, and still likes to laugh and hang out with her husband. They always seem so content, and I never saw either one mad at the other. Are these couples "perfect". But, then I have to wonder what is perfect?

Then, I stumbled upon this picture and it struck me. It made me feel good knowing that it's not black and white- perfect marriages or flawed ones. It's the people involved and their devotion to keep going. I know I'm not perfect, and I can be difficult to handle. But, I know I'm in my marriage for the long haul- no matter how difficult it can get at times. I know hubby is the same, so maybe we have a "perfect marriage" afterall?

First Day of Kindergarten

Today is an emotional day for me. My baby is going to kindergarten. I'm so excited for her and all the amazing things that she'll learn, see, and do. It's hard to think that my little girl is even old enough to be going to "big-kid" school. That time up until now is actually gone. She's growing up so fast, and I wish I could stop the clock for just a little bit. Yesterday she was very cuddly, and she said to me, "Mommy, can I just stay with you forever and live with you always?" My heart melted, "of course." Unfortunately, I know all too well that the inevitable arguing, attitude, and " I hate you"s are only a few years away. How will those times not break my heart? But, I also know that phase will only last for so long. So, I'm just going to say a prayer for Emily's first day, put my worries into the God-bag, and slap a back-to-school smile on my face.

A Bucket List...

... Do you have one?  Ever since the movie came out, it seems that "bucket list" seems to be quite the buzz term. (For those of you unfamiliar with the term, it's a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket.) So, do you have one? I never really sat down and thought about it too much, or wrote an actual list. But, I do have a few things on my list.

In my bucket list, I have:
Vacation in all 50 states. For a state to qualify as "vacation", I need to spend at least 1 night there and do something "touristy".
Go on vacation with my mom. She doesn't really go anywhere on vacation, and I'd like to go on a vacation with her as an adult. The last time we traveled the two of us was when I was 12!
Visit Ireland and where my family is from. I have pride in my Irish roots, and I want so badly to visit.
Complete a mud run. This is actually going to happen in September!
Write a book. Just something I've always wanted to do. Something humorous.

These are just some things I've thought of. I bet that if I sat down, I could come up with a list. Maybe that's something I'll do when I have some quiet time for myself (yeah, right!).  I'm curious, do you have a bucket list? What's on it?

Have a Positively Great Day!

I try to run my life in a positive way. That whole "brighter side of things", and "silver lining" stuff? Yep, I believe all of that. (People that know me are reading this and might be snickering right now, but its true!) Yes, I get struck my moments of anger, or frustration. I may need to vent at times. Everyone does. But, I generally try to remain positive about situations.  Getting laid off twice (actually 4 times) and needing to find a teaching job within three months? Finding myself unemployed with two kids and making it work with unemployment? Those are things that might bring people down, but I remained positive through it.  I didn't let my situations get the best of me.  It wasn't worth it to me, because I knew that once you get in that negative mindset it's really hard to break free from it.

Ever been around a truly negative person? They feel like a black cloud has entered the room and they suck all the positivity out of the room. These people will ALWAYS see the negative side of things- why a solution WON'T work; why life is so HARD; why do bad things always happen to THEM.  Well, I personally believe that what you put out, you get back. If you are always saying "I always have such bad luck", "I'll never find someone", "work sucks and I hate going", then don't be surprised if those things are EXACTLY what you're going to get.  Of course, sometimes bad things happen to good people for what seems like no reason.  This is where the "silver linings" comes in. Find that one light in a dark situation.  It will help keep your positivity.  I'm not saying you need to be a Pollyanna, but you don't need to be a Negative Ned/Natalie either.  Just try to see the brighter side and watch how things will really seem to look a little brighter in your life.

Garage Sale!

My friend and I are currently having our second weekend of a garage sale. We usually have our sale Thursday through Saturday, and do pretty well.  Have you ever had a garage sale before?  They are A LOT of work! The prep, the set up, the selling, the waiting, the break down.  But, I love that I get to finally get a lot if the clutter of my house.  We've made a few fun memories through our garage sales.

We always pick a "magic item", and it's one item we think is the least likely to sell. Our magic items have been: a bag of cotton balls, a marble egg, a Christmas clock, a Sox player bobblehead, lingerie. Guess what?? ALL of those items sold!  We've been frustrated by certain customers- one woman offered us $20 for a 5-piece oak bedroom set!! (It later sold for $250.). One guy asked me what my lowest offer on a steam cleaner would be.  I had no idea, so I said $10... only there was already a $5 sticker on!  There have been all sorts of nationalities and personalities.  Today, we met a hilarious older husband and wife celebrating their anniversary.

Lots of opportunities, money, and memories made from all of our garage sales.  Even though they're a ton of work, they are some if the mist fun times I have all summer!

Gone, But Not Forgotten

Yesterday's entertainment "news" was that Wentworth Miller has come out as gay.  He is an incredibly good-looking and well spoken man. I think my gay-dar was off on that one, but that's not the point if this post. Wentworth starred in the show "PrisonBreak" about 5 years ago. I was OBSESSED over this show!  The plot was amazing. It was filmed locally in Illinois, and the show was full of male eye-candy. When I say obsessed, I mean I went out to the old Joliet prison to watch them filming!  This was before I'd ever had DVR, so I would have to work my social calendar around episodes.

Now, I love my tv shows. Always have. I have fond memories watching "The Sopranos" with my mom and grandma. She loved to comment on how cute Tony was. I have early memories watching "Family Ties", and "The Cosby Show".  I truly enjoyed watching "Home Improvement" with my family, discussing how Jill had the patience of a saint!  There are some shows out there that instantly bring a smile to my face, and I realize... I actually miss those shows. I miss Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha.  I miss my weekly shows like ER, 7th Heaven, Friends, and the original 90210.  Those characters came into my home every day for years.  When you connect with a show, you connect with the characters that you see every week.  I have to admit, I get really bummed out watching finale episodes.  I may or may not have been known to cry even when I have to say goodbye to my favorite characters.  Please tell me I'm not alone!  Comment below and share your favorites that you've had to say goodbye to!

Today is supposed to be "wifey Wednesday" and posting about marriage.  (I might be re-thinking the day assignments.)   I get a lot of inspiration from conversations with friends and Pinterest pictures.  I came across this one day and it made me smile.  Not to toot my own horn, but I AM awesome!!  Let's face it, there are days that yoga pants, a ponytail, and minimal make-up is all I got.  But, my kids are dressed, fed, cared for, and played with.  The laundry is usually done and no dishes are left in the sink (a habit from my Grandma).  The floors are vacuumed, and dinner is on the table 5 out of 7 nights.  When I think about all that I do every day, it's really A LOT.  I honestly feel like I should get my hubby this shirt!  I'm sure he knows how much I do and is thankful for it, or else he'd be hungry and naked.  I think he neglects the fact that I need him to tell me how awesome I am.  There's a joke saying that if a man wants to look sexy to his wife, he should do the dishes.  I agree.  If a man wants to have his wife give him that sexy look, then he should tell her how awesome she is.  I know that'd work with me, for sure!!  So, I'm going to continue my awesomeness and head out to ZUMBA class.  (A place that celebrates everyone's awesomeness the whole time!!)  Stay awesome, everyone!!

Getting it Together

This past week has been one of those weeks.  We've all had them.  I feel like a hamster on a wheel, scurrying to keep up but getting nowhere.  This time of year is always tough.  It's getting into our morning routine of waking up early and heading to the sitter.  No naps.  Getting my classroom ready.  Making sure Em has all she needs for kindergarten, and getting plans set for Megan to go to preschool.  All of that while trying to stay on top of cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc.  It's enough to make anyone go crazy!

I have to confess that I've been a little less than likeable lately. In fact, if I was someone else, I would've deservedly told me to *uck off yesterday. I was soooo crabby with everyone.  But, you know what? Stress happens. It's happening to me, and I'm doing my best to keep it together. So, those of you out there that feel just like me? You're not alone. There are many of us out there that are doing our absolute best to keep it together. We try to stay on top of things, all while attempting to keep a smile plastered to our faces.  Life isn't always pretty and smooth. Stress goes along with those messy times, and this is a very stressful time for me. I'll get it together; I always figure it out.  So, if you're feeling like an emotional wreck; like you can explode at any second; like you've been running around non-stop; like a plate-spinner trying to keep 10 plates going... I'm here to reassure you that you're not alone.  (Those smug-looking moms you see at the school every morning? Yeah, I bet they're feeling the stress, too.) Keep on going, get it together, and the stress will ease soon.

Changes....

There are so many ways that I've changed since becoming a mom close to 6 years ago.  It's unbelievable that I can even recognize myself anymore sometimes.  I've decided to create a little list of some changes that come to mind.  See if any of you can apply any of these to yourself.

1) Going to the store involves tons of pre-planning a prep (no longer just grab your purse and go).  I must consider accidents, hunger, injuries, boredom...  In fact, I'm pretty much a just like those doomsday prepper guys- only in a realistic way!

2) I have learned to smuggle chocolate into the house like a mama smuggling a file into jail for her son.  Even though I am constantly yelling at encouraging my girls to share, I have NO intentions of sharing my MilkyWay.  So, what happens once it's smuggled into the house?  I wait until they go to bed to eat it, sneak bites of it when I go into the kitchen, or sneak it into the bathroom (yes... I have been known to do this once before when it was an emergency to get some chocolate). 

3) Christmas never meant so much to me before.  I LOVE the look on the girls' faces at Christmas time.  The smiles, the wonder, the happiness.  I just love it, and I'm living through their enjoyment. 

4) Confession: I was never really into baby stuff before.  I had a couple friends with kids, but I really never gushed over baby stuff.  I honestly, couldn't have cared less.  But, once I became a mom and I could identify with the whole experience, I love to talk about it!

5) I can spend hours at Target and Meijer.  I know LOTS of moms can agree with me here: I never imagined that Target would become like a weekly mini-vacation!!  Never in my L.B.K. (life before kids) could I imagine I'd spend so much time at the store.  I was an in-and-out shopper, and shopped with a purpose.  Now?  My purpose is to wander around and waste time- KID FREE!!!

6) I remember my mom telling me when I was young, "I hope you have a kid just like you some day."  My response was always, "Yep!  Perfect and wonderful in every way."  Always such a little smartass   Little did I know that mother-curses are set into motion to come true once spoken.  I do have a daughter just like me.  And, while she is perfect and wonderful, I anticipate myself repeating my mom's words to HER one day!

7) Vacations were so much easier during L.B.K.  Why didn't I take more of them??!!  I missed so many opportunities to just pack up and go!!  I'm kicking myself for not traveling more during that time when it was so much easier. 

8) Time with my girl friends means so much more to me now.  I've always had close friends, but their friendship is important to my sanity now.  I can vent to them, support them, have them support me, and go to them in times of need.  They understand the challenges of marriage and kids, and I love them for that!

These are only a handful of ways I noticed some changes.  How about you out there?  Anyone out there reading this??  I encourage you (hint hint) to add a comment on how you've changed.

Enough With the What-Ifs!

As a teacher, you get used to going to trainings.  There are trainings for literacy, math, writing, cooperative learning, boosting test scores, discipline methods, programs, technology, and many more.  Sometimes these days can last a few hours, or others last several days in the week.  I am currently attending a Kagan Math training, and I love it! It makes me excited, and look forward to using ideas in my classroom.  (If you aren't familiar with Kagan, I suggest you check him out.  Fantastic!)  Fortunately (and unfortunately at times), these inservices are filled with a variety of teachers.  I was having a great time at this training until the "what if"s started....

When you have a group of different people getting together to learn and discuss something new, there's always at least one in the group that is resistant.  This person is the one that will come up with any reason why something won't work or wouldn't apply to their situation.  They often love to complain (different than venting) and are rarely interested in real solutions.  They are extremely resistant to change and it is very difficult for them to be swayed to see differently.  They are the ones that say things similar to: (cue high-pitched, whiny voice now....) "There's no way any of this would possibly work in MY classroom!"  Or, "if only everyone could see my classroom, they'd never ask me to do this!"  And, "what I've been doing is just fine, it's these kids that are the problem!"  Sound familiar??  (If you can't think of hearing people speak this way, then maybe it could be YOU!) 

Today was no exception...  There were a couple people that were resistant.  They were saying, "What if the kids don't listen?"; "What if one child is slower than the other?"; "What is there's a fire drill?"; "What if it doesn't work exactly like the book?"  OMG!!!!  I thought I was going to explode!  I wanted to shout, "ENOUGH!! God gave ya a brain, now use it!!"  But, of course I bit my tongue and kept quiet.  See, I feel bad for these what-iffers sometimes.  They are SO afraid of change that they can't see 5 minutes ahead.  They can't see that if they would just sit quiet and think, things aren't really as difficult as they seem!  Isn't this the way it is with most situations involving change and/or conflict?  I have found that sometimes the things we are most resistant towards often aren't nearly as bad as I first thought. 

So, deep breath for me for now.  I'll go bad and endure the what-iffers for another day, and then go on my happy way.  Enjoy your night everyone!!  Give your kiddos, hubby, dog/cat/hamster and hug!!

My Mom-i-corn

Yes, I believe my mother-in-law is that mythological creature- the mom-icorn.  Only heard of in myth and legend, never in real life.  She is really wonderful.  She's respectful of me, and always defers to what I say regarding my kids.  When hubby and I argue, I can't remember a time she ever took his side, and not mine.  I honestly, genuinely enjoy being around her!

From talking to so many friends, I realize I am the minority. I feel bad for those friends that don't get along with their MIL, or are disrespected by her. That's really a shame that my friends aren't welcomed with open arms by their hubby's mother, as they should be. As, I was.

This week, she kept the girls and I company on our trip to the children's museum, and impromptu visit to the Naperville Riverwalk for a nice afternoon walk. And, tonight? She invited me over so I could teach her how to make peach pies! I have had a great time just chatting with her this week. I couldn't be happier and feel luckier that she's my mother-in-law!

Teaching.... So Much More

A couple things that people automatically assume when I say I'm a teacher:
1) I must get paid a lot (I don't). 
2) I get paid summers off (again, I don't get free $$ for not working. I choose to take less on my checks so I can have money over the summer.).
3) My life must be soooo rewarding. (Ummmm, those shining moments aren't as common as you think. If you saw a shooting star every night you looked at the sky, would would it be as special?)
4) I have a "cushy", 8-4 job. (No!! There is sooo much more than people know about!!)

Yes, teaching can rough. Yes, it can be incredibly frustrating and demanding.  There are lows, but its those highs that make this job all worth it. Today, the demands are getting more intense. The blame is constantly being shifted to teachers, and the whole child is being considered less and less.  One thing that hasn't changed for me is the fact that there's no other job in the world I'd rather do. It's so rare to have a job where you just know that you are directly affecting lives and making a difference.

Dreams For My Daughter, Emily

I can remember the night Emily was born (along with the 24 hours of labor leading up to that).  I know that love at first sight is 100% possible because that's what happened when I first met Emily. But this post is not about how much I love her. It is about my dreams for her.  See, I've always written her a letter on her birthday, but I'd like to write her another letter here on my blog.  The expression "Time Flies" makes sense once you have kids.  Those baby days are gone before you know it.

Dear Emily,
You are an amazing little girl, and I'm beyond proud I'm your mommy.  You have a personality that uplifts so many people around you.  You love to laugh, giggle, joke, and make people happy. Never lose the optimism, baby. That optimism and the ability to laugh at anything will help you through all difficulties in life.

You are such a self-confident and dedicated little girl.  You are all about the rough and tumble life.  You love to dance, but it's got to be hip hop NOT ballet!  You know what?  That's fine- don't follow everyone and be yourself.  There's no better person for you to be.  I dream that you follow your heart and be true to yourself no matter what. You know exactly what you want, and what you DON'T. And, that's ok. In fact, I've seen many adults go through their lives having not a clue knowing what they like and what they're about.  These are the people that feel lost, and this will never be you.  You know exactly where you going, and I can't wait to see it happen for you, Love.

You have a special thirst for knowledge, learning, and seeing how things work.  You are ALWAYS asking questions about everything!  While I may get annoyed sometimes, I know that this is just who you are.  It's this curiosity that is going to take you far in your education.  Learn all you can, and I hope that you never stop learning.
 
I see so many wonderful things in you, and it makes me excited for your future. I know you will be doing great things with your life. And, I mean it when I say its your life. I will support you in every way with whatever you choose to do, but I do have some of my own dreams for you.

I dream that you make all kinds of friends throughout all your schooling.  Make friends that are good kids, with nice families and good values. Hold onto these friends, but make room for new ones as you grow.  I dream you choose a career that will make you happy and proud.  Make a difference in this world.  I dream that you find someone that makes you happy and an even better person. Now, you have a strong personallity (I know how that is), and you'll need to find someone that compliments you.  Find someone that loves you for who you are.  When the time comes, I dream one day you'll have at least 1 child so you can experience the feeling of love between mother and child- there's nothing else like it. I love you baby, and I want nothing but the best for you in life.  Always & Forever

Have no fear, friends! I have NOT given up on my blogging. My weekend was super fun, and super busy. Lots of good time spent with family & friends.  I'll be posting some great new thoughts this week! Good night, sleep tight!

What's With All the Workouts?

This summer I set out to take full advantage of my break and time off work. I decided to go to the gym every day. Most recently, I began going 1-2x per day, and going to Zumba every chance that I can. I have a tendancy to post on Facebook when in checking into the gym, headed out to take a class, sweating after Zumba, etc. Why do I do that? I don't mean to annoy people with my posts; I'm just proud of my accomplishments and want to toot my own horn a little bit.  A week ago, dear hubby asked, "So, what's with all the working out?"

I use working out as a stress-reliever. Let's face it, I love my girls but spending 24/7 entertaining them kinda makes me nuts by bedtime.  There are some days that if one more person calls me 'mom', then I'm running away! Or, after a summer home with the kids, I need to have discussions about things other than what ailment is going into Doc McStuffins' big book of boo-boos; or if mac'n cheese is better than chicken nuggets.  I need to connect with others. Make some off-color jokes.  Be sarcastic. I need to find a place where I can be myself!!

My solution? My workouts!! I can sweat, tell, run, and totally exhaust myself. It feels so good!! My workouts give me that valuable me-time that saves my sanity and keeps me happy. And, let's face it, but when mommy's happy, everyone's happy! I'm not saying you all need you all need to head out to the gym, but DO go find somethjng to do that will help you "reduce your stress and re-find yourself."

Didja Set Your Goals Today?

Goals.  Just that single word alone can cause anxiety in some people, but I feel that they are essential to living a full and complete life.  I can find few things that can give such a feeling of accomplishment other than meeting a goal that you've set. There are long-term, short-term, and temporary goals.  I think you have to use a mix of all three.  I have daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and lifetime goals.  My daily goals are things that are more tangible, such as Get the laundry done; Go to two classes at the gym today.  I have my weekly goals that are things that are still pretty easily manageable, but could take a little work.  For example, Go to ZUMBA every day this week; Finish scrubbing the walls; Meditate each morning for at least 5 minutes before getting up are all examples of weekly goals that I've set for myself.

Then, I set goals that take a little longer to accomplish.  These are the tougher ones; ones that I find can be a bit of a challenge.  Even though they are a challenge, they still need to be reasonable.  Too often, people set goals that are impossible unreasonable and get disappointed when they don't meet them.  Why set yourself up for failure?  I mean, setting a challenge for yourself is one thing, but make sure the challenge is do-able.  Usually my yearly goals are tied to my resolutions for the new year.  Last year, I set a yearly goal that I would attend Weight Watchers for a full year, and that's just what I did.  This year, I joined a gym the first week of the new year, and I'm still going 8 months later.  So far, so good!  Yearly goals don't have to begin in January- in fact, I have begun my own "Happiness Project" (a book by Gretchen Rubin) and it's a year-long project that I just began in July.  We'll see where I'm at with it next July.

Some of the most important, soul-changing goals are those lifetime ones.  These are the biggies; the ones that are tough but are amazing if you accomplish them.  These are the wishes and dreams that you can make happen.  My past lifetime goals?  Become a teacher.  Get married.  Become a mother.  Get my Master's Degree.  Buy a house.  My upcoming ones?  Well.... those are still a work in progress, and I'm happy to report that they are coming along nicely.  :)  How about you?  Do you set goals for yourself?  If no, then why not?  I encourage you to make yourself some goals, short- and long-term.  What's the worst that could happen, right?

To the Newbies

I have been the new teacher in the school and/or grade level 5 times in my career.  I know how it feels to be the new teacher starting out meeting new people, getting a room set up, getting a feel for the climate of a school, learning a whole new curriculum (or helping to design one), and all the anxiety that comes with being new.  I know that every August there is a whole new crop of new teachers starting out, and I thought I'd take a minute to give some of my lesson-learned tips and advice. 

YOUR NEW CLASSROOM
1) Take pictures and measurements of your new room.  Do a rough drawing of how you'd like your room to look- in other words, make a plan.  This will save you valuable time later. 
2) Take it one area at a time when setting up the walls of your room.  Make sure you designate one wall as a "focus wall".  If anyone walks into the room, this will give them a snapshot of all curricular areas that you are working on.  Think visiting administrators, parents, etc...
3) It's your very own classroom.  Do anything you want with it!!  Look around online. (Pinterest is a great place to start.)  There are TONS of different examples of how rooms are arranged. You'll be spending 8+ hours in your room, so you better like it!

YOUR NEW SCHOOL
1)  Observe all that you can, and get a feel for your new building and everyone in it.  See who the go-to teachers are for help/resources/advice/etc.  Be aware that it's a building full of different personalitites, and you need to feel everyone out (just as they are surely trying to figure you out).  Be yourself, but hold back some comments or opinions until you know who to say what to.  Basically- learn when to keep your mouth shut quiet.  Again, this is solely based on my experiences.
2)  Ask to check out the classrooms of those around you.  Ask them questions about school and non-school related things.  You will be in the trenches teaching with these people for months.  It helps when you have friends at work.
3)  Make friends with the custodians, assistants, and the secretaries.  They are the hearts of the inner-workings of the school.  If they don't like you, your life at school can be MUCH more difficult.  (Also, some of my closest friendships have been with the members of the support staff at schools!)

YOUR NEW SCHOOL YEAR
1) Remember to breathe.  Expect it to be hard- Don't expect to create all the extravagant lesson plans that you created in undergrad classes.  (I remember having to create thematic units for every methods class with incredible differentiation, multiple ingelligences, etc for EVERY subject.)  You will burn out if you set that expectation for yourself.  Aim for 3 good "undergrad lessons" a week.    The first year's goals are survival and learning.
2)  Discipline is not a bad word- in fact, it's KEY.  Without classroom management, you're year won't ever get off the ground.  I suggest going lighter on the academics at first, while nailing down your classroom management.  DO NOT worry about the kids liking you.  They don't need a FRIEND; they need a TEACHER.  You can always be strict in the beginning and pull back later, but you can't be lax on them in the beginning and expect to pull in the reins later.  It won't work.
3) YOU set the seating arrangement.  They DO NOT pick where to sit, starting from the first day.  (Oh!  If you use desk name tags, don't stick them onto the desk until the third day.  By, then you'll know who for sure is in your class and you won't have to make new tags or throw unused ones away.)
4) SET HIGH EXPECTATIONS, and they will strive to reach them.  I've always had high expectations for my students (kinder-6th grade), and they've always strived to please.  I don't give them the option to not meet my  expectations... that's why it's called an expectation!
5) Lastly, I'm going to give you my key mantra for teaching- Fake it until you make it!  If you don't feel confident, then act like you think a confident, veteran teacher would.  Eventually, you will embody what you are pretending.

Good luck, and congratualtions on a wonderful adventure.  Please remember, that while you are focusing on Common Core, parents, collegues, students, curriculum, testing, etc... The child comes first.  When times get rough, never lose sight of what's important and why you became a teacher.  :)

This is for You!

Being a mom is a tough job, and its a position that's filled with self-doubt. Am I being the best I can be? Am I giving enough attention to the kids? Maybe I shouldn't have yelled ay them like that. Geez, my friend seems like super-mom and so much better than me. These are all thoughts that have crossed my mind at one point.  I'm here to let you know that there are some days that just won't run smoothly. As much as you try, you won't get the meal on the table in time. You had every intention of making those cute cupcakes for birthday treats, but store-bought will have to be just as good.  There are some days that as ling as everyone is still in one piece by bedtime, then you've accomplished enough.  My mom friends, please know that you do a great job! Don't let that doubt sneak in- your kids are doing great, and you are, too.

To any dads reading this- please spontaneously tell your kids' mom how well she's doing (and not just on mothers day please). She needs to hear it, and needs the reassurance of a job well done. Know a new mom- maybe your daughter, niece, or friend with children? Tell her she's doing a great job. Out of the blue motherhood compliments make a mom's heart swell.  All mom's need that pat on the back some days!

This is Only a Test

Let's face it, life is not always sunshine and roses. There are messy and gritty days mixed in with the sunny ones. Sometimes, there are the times where it seems that day after day it just seems to be one thing after another. If find that I have certain triggers that just get me angry, time after time. Maybe its work stressors, hubby stressors, or even the kids. But, it seems to be the same things over and over. It's so difficult to break out of that anger cycle when it comes st you every day. Eventually, I turn to asking God, "what's the deal here? I can't take much more of this! Help me out please!"

It's important to remember the quote in this picture. God isn't sitting back or abandoning me. He's there, hoping that I've learned enough to pass this certain test.  I'll be honest, my temper has ALWAYS gotten me into trouble. It's one thing I struggle with the most.  God doesn't want me to struggle, so he keeps giving me learning opportunities to work on my anger and temper. I will continue to be presented with these tests until I pass. God is the teacher and He's in control of my tests. 

When I look at these situations as tests, then I get a determined feeling. I try even harder to control my temper, stick to my willpower, increase my patience, bite my tongue, and not procrastinate.  I've always been a bit of an overacheiver at school, and I want to ace these tests.  So, next time someone pissed me off/ the cupcake is calling me/ the girls aren't listening/ I feel like putting off a project, I'll remember how much I want to get an A on this test. How about you* do you notice that you're being tested?

The Next MasterChef!

Top Chef, MasterChef, Hells Kitchen, Chopped- I love them all!  I love to watch the cooking shows and learn all kids of new things. They inspire me to try different things, and be creative in the kitchen. There is nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes with a new, experimental creation in the kitchen.  Sometimes, I love cooking with my girls because I get to explain to them while I'm working- just like they do on tv. I get to imagine that I'm the next best contestant on any of the above shows. Silly? Yes. Childish? Sure. Fun? Absolutely!!

My father-in-law likes to think he's the farmer of Lombard, and he has a mini- orchard in his backyard. He has a bunch of peaches and gave tons to us. I decided to try making a pie. Something I've never done before ever! First thing I noticed is that peaches SUCK to peel and cut. Talk about a sticky mess!! After researching online, I got started assembling my pie. The pictures were from today's pie-making adventure. Overall, not nearly as scary as I thought it would be, and I'm very proud of myself for my first beautiful pie. MasterChef, here I come!!

**Update**

Good morning!!! Remember last week when I vowed not to step foot on the scale? I haven't stepped on the scale for the whole week. Honestly, it wasn't so hard for a majority of the time because I was on vacation. But, after eating out for each meal for nearly a week, I was definitely feeling it in my body! I would typically hop on the scale after returning home to.... confirm my weight gain, i guess. When I think about it, I'm not sure why I weigh myself when I get home from vacation. Anyway, the point if this post is that I DID NOT weigh myself. I went to the gym for a 2-hour workout instead. I don't think exercising has ever felt sooooo good!!  How about you? Have you been joining me in my no-scale challenge?? How's it going?

August Ab Challenge!!

Happy Friday!!!

Last week, I shared with you all one of my favorite websites- The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  Well, they posted their August Challenge, and it looks like a good one.  If you want to see it on their website and get some great how-to videos for some of the challenge moves, go here.  Or, I've posted their challenge picture below.

Please show some love on their website and check them out on Facebook, too!!!

See What You're Made Of...

Want to see what your marriage or relationship is made of? Then, go on vacation. Vacations are great times to spend with your significant other, getting to know each other even better, connecting, and making memories for a lifetime.  With everyone's busy work and social schedules, its hard to spend some quality time together, and vacation allows you that 24/7 access.

Have you ever noticed that the stages of vacation mirror those of a relationship? In the beginning, its all fun and excitement. The sights are new and its fun nit knowing what's going to happen each day. The adventure of vacation is truly what its all about. Until you hit about day 3... It's wonderful you get to bond and connect, but now you'd give anything for just 5 or 10 minutes to yourself. You find yourself trying to steal these minutes wherever you can "I'll get some ice for us." Or "Let me go down to the front desk and ask." From spending extra time in the bathroom alone to hitting the treadmill in the hotel fitness room, you want that alone time.

Then comes days 4 and 5, and the novelty of being together that much is wearing off a little bit.  Those rose colored glasses are starting to fade to seeing reality.  Those quirky things that they did before maybe are now becoming irritating things, and you're finding it harder to keep your comments to yourself.  (and, vice versa of course!) Isn't this just the way it is in relationships??  That whole "love is blind" adage is absolutely true.  Nothing like a good vacation to bring those things to light.

Finally, during those last days of vacation, arguments might come for frequently (along with sarcasm and some snarky comments), but they don't last forever.  In fact, you find that you can argue and annoy each other, yet put those feelings aside in order to have fun or still snap those lovely, smiley vacation pictures for the frames at home.  You have no spent so much time together, you know exactly which buttons to push in order to get certain reactions.  You are dying for the comfort and familiarity of home.  You want your own bed; your own shower; and, if you eat one more meal at a restaurant you feel like they're going to have to roll you out the door.  Again, this mirrors real marriages and relationships, in so many ways. 

I'm sure you can guess how our vacation went.  Overall, it was wonderful and so much fun.  I'm not going to lie though, we had our moments on those final days.  The important thing is that we pulled through, and made memories to last a lifetime. I set out in the beginning of this blog, with the goal of being funny but honest about those important things in my life.  I'm sure there are some people out there that can relate.  :)