Okay, so I'm not a very good blogger...

I know, I know. I said I'd be better this time around. However, I seem to be more busy this year than this time last year (when I was attempting to complete my Master's, train for a marathon, start teaching again, and raise my daughters). I didn't think that was possible, but somehow this year I am so much more busy! I think because I can't say no to anyone therefore I am on two, make that three huge committees at school, and I'm soooo busy! I also switched grade levels this year and am having a difficult time adjusting to the change. Although, I am LOVING first grade! I think that my crazy, quirkiness comes out and somehow I am able to create an amazingly energetic environment for my students. I am always very self conscious about my teaching when changing teaching teams/partners and grade levels. My partner this year is a very experienced first grade teacher and I feel as though I am just sucking all of her ideas out from under her. I also feel silly because after teaching third grade for a few years, it was a big change in abilities when moving to first grade. I often overplanned and expected WAY too much of my students. My partner teacher is always very understanding and helpful and I love her for that! I think that I am experiencing many changes in my life and because of that, I am maturing as a person, mother, teacher. I've realized that although I don't do things like everyone else, my way is a good way and I am teaching these children well and instilling in them a love of school. I got a wonderful letter from a parent today telling me that she has never seen such great things from her daughter. She is confident that I am doing more than just my "job" and that I have a real gift. Sometimes, its an outsider's eye that reminds us that we are all where we are supposed to be.
On another front... a much more important front, my daughters are growing and maturing and becoming little people before my eyes. I am so lucky that Donny is able to be home with them each day as I go to work. It is so relaxing to know that they are waking up with him and spending quality time with him. He is just so wonderful!
Sarah Rose is my big girl. She has started her third year of preschool, she is reading and doing homework that my first graders do (yes, she is only 4), and she is becoming quite the ballerina. She goes to school MTW mornings and just loves her friends and teachers. She loves to tell me about her day during dinner. She is loving to read and learn about books. She has ballet on Tuesday nights and is really progressing. She was a bit disappointed when she realized that it wasn't just a "dance party all day" at ballet class. She is also developing quite a little attitude and it is difficult for me to ease up and remember that she is just 4. I see so many disrespectful children at my school and I've always vowed to not have my children be like that. However, I sometimes think that I am expecting a bit much from Sarah all the time. She knows that she is my special girl and that I am so happy she is mine.
Molly Carolyn...ah, the apple of my eye. That child moves my heart to places I didn't know I had. She knows how to work the system and when I'm angry or disciplining her, she interrupts and says "I wuv you, Mommy." She rubs her hands on my temples and kisses my nose. She is becoming a little miss independent and loves to run and play! She can't wait to take ballet with her sister, "Hay-ya." She is developing such a vocabulary that when she is really excited, she stutters over her words! She loves to make animal noises, play with Sarah's hamster, "Yiskers," and color. I just adore that child and am thankful everyday for the blessings in disguise that made my Molly a miracle.
I'll try to post again soon - hopefully before they are teenagers! Have a happy day!