If I knew then. . .

what I know now, things would have been a lot easier.  

I would have known that it's quite ok to buy generic formula and diapers and not worry that the nursery/daycare people would frown on my use of non-Pampers.  Ever compared the back of the Target formula label with your favorite brand?

I would have known that it is completely normal to be overly concerned with dying after the birth of your child (who will take care of the baby?  will she know me?  only I can provide the best care for my baby!)

I would have enjoyed the fact that before they crawl/roll/walk they are completely still on the ground long enough for me to pee pee potty (look, even my vocabulary is affected!) without worrying that they have hurt themselves.

I would have known that being a new mommy is a scary, scary thing and no one prepares your for the WEIGHT of RESPONSIBILITY that comes with that new baby.  

I would have taken people up more on their offers to assist with babysitting, cooking, or cleaning.  

I would have let myself cry on the first day I went back to work instead of trying to be strong.

I would have let myself sleep when the baby was sleeping instead of trying so hard to be super mommy and get things in order around the house, wash bottles, and tackle that ever growing pile of laundry. 

I would have known that Tom Cruise was a total moron with his beliefs about women not needing medication to deal with PPD (which, interestingly enough, we never heard much from him after Katie had little Suri, now did we?)

I would have told myself that my body is forever changed, but every line and mark was worth it to bring my girls into this world. 

I honestly feel like the Averys are closed for baby-business (so don't go getting any ideas).  But, I look around at all the new (and new again) mommies that I know, and I am so happy for them during this incredibly special time.  Being a new mommy is so stinking hard and absolutely wonderful all wrapped into one.  I pray for them and their families as they bring these new babies into the world.  

Ladies, you are so cute with your pregnant and newly not-pregnant selves!  Hang in there during this time, and know that you are surrounded by other mommies who have been through the very same things you are going through.  

XOXO 

Molly's Big Mouth (where does she come up with these things???)

On the way to church this morning Molly commented, "Mommy, we like going to church."

I said, "Yes, we do."

She replied, "People that don't go to church go down a dirty road."

I (trying very hard not to laugh, and very curious about this "dirty" road) asked, "Where does this dirty road go?"

She replied, "Not to church," and looked out the window. 

Wow.   

How to get the best care for your children. . .

These are the very simple steps to obtain the world's best sitters for your children:

Step One:  Bake a yummy treat.  This one seems to work at our house.  

Step Two:  Have two little girls (or children) who love to have a good time. 

 

Step Three (and this is a crucial step):  Call Rachel and Tyler (aka Washul and Tytarr).  

It's as easy as that folks.  

Thanks again Rachel & Tyler--we love you guys!  Next time come play with the adults!  

Jimmy Needham

Check him out.  

He's my favorite musician of the day. 

Poor Baby Girl

Mommy, I really feel like crap. 

I'm doing my best to be funny.

I'm not sure if it's working. 

Wait. I feel like crap again. 

Lemons

Normally I don't do stuff like this. . .but it was a sweet moment in the Avery kitchen this afternoon.  I'm really writing this to remind myself about it later. 

I decided to slice up a lemon to stick in my glass of tea (a delicacy that makes me PROUD to be born and raised in the South thank you very much).  While I was rinsing my lemon and preparing to slice it up, a fresh-from-the-nap-sleepy-faced Molly came in to watch me.  She sat in the floor and reminded me to "be careful" as I used my large santoku knife.  

As the aroma of the freshly cut lemon hit my nose, I took a deep sniff and said, "Molly, I think lemons are my favorite things in the whole wide world."  And at that moment, I really believed it to be true.  Lemons are so. .  .fresh.  And yummy.  Lemons have a bad reputation for being sour and terrible, but actually, they are very refreshing and are great at bringing out the best in other flavors.  

But, then the thought immediately hit me, "Molly, do you know what I like even more than lemons?"  

And Molly, not missing a beat, replied, "Me."

Correct.

Pretty cute.  

And then (because we are not the Cleaver family) Molly asks:  "Mom, do you know what I like more than tv?"

And I (swelled with pride and almost tearing up) ask, "What, sweetheart?"

Molly:  "Computers."

A sick baby will ruin all of your plans. . .

Day?  I don't know, I intend to go back tonight and look.  I have GOT to get used to keeping my days straight!!!!  Hold me accountable folks!!!!  I need peer pressure!!!!!

After VBS wrapped up (and a HUGE thanks to everyone who helped this week or last week in any way--you have NO IDEA how much that meant to the Averys and to the children you impacted) last night, we all sort of crashed at home.  I brought Molly, Lily, and Selah home and the girls still didn't get into bed until well after 9:30pm.  This morning we all slept in and Lily had a fever when she woke up.  I gave her some Motrin and went into the kitchen to cook some sweet rolls.  Now, before you award me the Mother of the Day Award, please note that the ONLY reason I cooked anything this morning was because we have NOTHING of quick nutritional value in our cabinets--for example:  a small handful of coco puffs cereal that is at the bottom of the box and stale with no milk, no fruit, no poptarts, nothing in the freezer except for vegetables--broccoli for breakfast anyone?  I had just put the rolls in the oven and sat on the couch to quickly check the news and FB statuses when Lily projectile vomited across the living room.  

Ugh.  

I hate puke. 

So, I scooped her up and put her in the bathroom, put the dog outside (because we know that dogs LOOOVE vomit, well, at least my dog does), and asked Molly to find me some washcloths to wipe her and the floor and the pillows up.  Ugh.  Chris came out and noted that he thought Lily was having bad dreams last night, but decided that it must have been her stomach.  

So. . . a few hours later and after calling my mom to let her know we probably wouldn't drive to see her and Dad today for Father's Day we decided that Lily was looking better and acting fine and she had kept her cinnamon graham crackers down, therefore, we could probably venture out to at least Lowe's to pick up my vacuum (hurray!!!) and maybe some tomato plants for our back deck.  If that went well, we would also get some groceries.  Well, Lowe's is only about 2 miles from our house and as soon as we got into the parking lot, Lily went for projectile vomit #2.  

Ugh. 

Not only that, it got EVERYWHERE--in her car seat, on the actual car seat, in her hair, on her clothes, in her shoes, and in her pull up.  

Ugh.  

We stripped her down and thank GOODNESS I had the good sense to put a few grocery bags in the console of the car to bag up her clothes and the yucky wipes and kleenex that we used to wipe her down.  We let her air out in the parking lot while Chris ran inside to grab some sales papers so she could sit on them on the way home.  Poor baby. 

We grabbed some lunch on the way home from Sheetz--since, again, we had no food in the house except for some spaghettios and I REFUSE to give that to a puking baby.  

We got inside and I got the girls settled and Lily went for round 3 as soon as Chris left to do something at church.

Ugh.  

So, after I cleaned her up, I decided she just needed to sit on her sick blanket (an old bedspread that we put down whenever our kids are sick--just one of those you keep because you really don't care what happens to it).  I decided to add an old crib pee pad underneath to protect our carpet if she decided to go for another round.  So far she has kept down the Gatorade.  We'll see.  She's resting and not complaining at the moment.  I didn't even have to tell her to lay down, she just assumed the position. 

Poor, poor baby. 

Looks like saltines, Gatorade, and Ginger Ale for her tonight!

Well, I'm about to dismantle the car seat and put it in the washing machine since the load that was in there is finally done.    

Day 19?

Day 19:  Not so unpleasant, just another 21 minutes (including a few instructions for some new exercises).  I missed 2 days in a row--I think my internal calendar got off when I missed a day last week.  Summer schedules always make me confused in regards to what day it actually is--because everything sort of runs together. 

My ECU presentation went ok last evening.  I found out at the end of class on Monday that I one of the first people to have a presentation on the reading. . .on WEDNESDAY.  I had a TON of content to cover and I did say a couple of things incorrectly/typos, but I wasn't really concerned because the professor didn't seem to mind, just pointed it out.  Normally I would have freaked, but this it was a lot of information to read and present with less than 2 days notice.  I understand his reason for letting us present--it's a lot of information with BIG WORDS that most of us fail to use in the real world, and it is more entertaining to listen to our classmates.  

Today is the last day of VBS and Chris is taking vacation next week.  HURRAY! Our world/house/stress/schedule should return to normal before too long.  The girls have been going to bed so late and on days I have had class they have had early/short naps so they could be there with Chris.  It's starting to show and I'll be glad when things go back to normal.  Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who has worked with week.  You have made my world so much better and you have changed the lives of the children who have been there.  :)

Yesterday the girls and I picked up Jill to go watch "The Tale of Despereaux"--Molly's free movie choice of the week.  If you haven't seen this program at the Greenville Grande and you have small children and free time in the mornings, you may want to check it out.  Very awesome!  The movie wasn't terrible (and you never know with children's movies) and the company was great.  We were sad that Rachel couldn't join us, but there's always next time. :)  

I really, really, really want a new vacuum.  I have found the one I want, but I'm not sure I want to invest $400.  We have a Hoover that works. . .ok.  It's not great--it's missing floor attachments and it doesn't pick up as well as I would like.  Chris' allergies are so bad and I think in lieu of ripping up all of the carpet in our home to put down hardwood floors, a new vacuum might be the easiest first step.  

I've done my research, checked out Consumer Reports, and have narrowed it down to this fine looking machine.   Anyone an owner of a Dyson out there?  What do you think?  Our dog is a non-shedding licky thing, and is hypoallergenic (if you can even say that about dogs, which a lot of websites do).  There is something in the air that gives Chris terrible headaches and makes him feel badly, so I switched detergent, cleaning agents, vacuumed more often, kept the bedding extra clean, dusted, but after a few days it's the same old same old.  I have encouraged Chris to get his back pricked at the allergist to see what he's actually allergic to, but alas, he will not justify that expenditure.  I think he may just be a little scared of all of those needles. . .I would be!

Well, it's a cloudy morning, perfect to just relax a little before getting down to the business of cleaning house, homework, and all the in between.  Have a lovely day!

Summer Summer Summertime!

Day 17:  Workout--increased intensity.  Found that trainer was not as peppy, more business like.  No more nice "you're what good looks like" comments for me!  haha

Last night was the VBS kickoff, but Lily and I stayed home so I could complete some work that didn't get finished this week.  It's hard to concentrate when you have small children pulling your legs and arms for constant attention.  I could NOT write my syllabi uninterrupted with the kids around, and since I've never taught the classes before, I really needed concentration.  But then, as usual with all mommies, after being home with the kids all night while Chris was at church after packing and moving heavy boxes all day at school, when the kids finally went to bed at 8 or so, I was BEAT!  My mind would not let me form complete sentences.  I would write something I thought was very smarty professory sounding, only to read it the next day and say, "Huh??!?"  Ugh.  

Our schedule was rearranged several times this past week and weekend to accommodate the need to get things done at church, but from what Chris saw yesterday, it looks like it's going to come together nicely.  Thank you anyone who showed up to help this past week and last night!  It's so good for the children of the church when the adults pitch in and do something great.  

My ECU class starts today and that is why you won't see me at VBS tonight or Wednesday night.  I'm dreading this class.  This class strikes fear in the most talented musicians--and is the sole reason many people choose not to seek a masters in music education.  I keep telling myself that I can do it, and I know the overachiever in me will try my very best.  However, it's a crazy ridiculous amount of score analysis and reading (for example, 75+ to complete since the email I got late last week).  It will meet every Monday and Wednesday evening until the end of July.  So. . .I'll probably see most of you on Tuesday and Thursday.  

Well, have a lovely day. 

Here we go!

Day 16:  I didn't work out.  I don't think I actually internalized that it was a workout day until about 9:30 last night.  SO, that means I have to work out today.  Bummer. 

Today is the start of a busy week for the Averys:

VBS begins tonight with the kickoff

Syllabi due tomorrow (which are almost done)

ECU class starts tomorrow afternoon

VBS all week.  

AND it's SUMMER which means I'll be HOME with my family.  HURRAY!

So, even though it's going to be crazy busy, I'm glad for an opportunity to be home.  :)

Pardon my plank. . .but YOU have something in YOUR eye.

Day 15:  Lots and lots and lots of lots of leg work.  Eek.  

I have always tried to make this my most honest thoughts and musings.  

Sometimes important, sometimes trivial, but always exactly what I'm thinking about. 

So, I'm about to get honest.  

But, before I unleash something that may or may not be of importance to you, please know that when I use the words "you," "people," "they," or "folks" I could and should easily insert "Amanda" into the sentence.  But, at this very minutes, I'm putting the plank in my eye down so I can pick specks (Matthew 7:3--a personal favorite). 

Secondly, this is not just at our current church.  This stuff happens at a lot of places to a lot of people.  

I am sick to death of people promising to do something, anything, and failing to follow through.  I can think of at least 5 people who this very week promised to do something for me or Chris and I have not seen or heard from them.  It's so annoying!  I get more upset when people promise to do something for Chris and then they don't follow through.  In their minds it's fine and dandy if they don't do whatever it is that they were supposed to do because, well, frankly, they were just volunteering.  No one's paying them, they aren't legally or contractually committed, and it's not like one person makes that big of a difference anyway, right?!?!  

WRONG.  

My husband's ministry depends on people stepping up and making the children in our church a priority.  Chris cannot teach 200+ children, train volunteers, purchase supplies, clean rooms, set up for activities/events, counsel with families, communicate, meet children--oh yeah, and maybe get to go to church once in a while (what's that?) by himself.  He depends on his volunteers to assist him and be there when they say they will.  

Now, before I completely lose my cool, I would like to say that this church has some incredible, awesome, and gifted people who will bend over backwards to assist him.  I have met some of my favorite friends at our church, and I can't say enough about their commitment to our family in addition to the needs of the church.  

This week has been something else.  It's become apparent that some people do not recognize the level of commitment they were needed this week.  Chris has a good attitude, but I'm the one who gets upset.  He always says, "It's just people's priorities."  And he's right.  Some people are ministry committed when it's good for them.  Or when THEY receive recognition.  Or when they will get something out of it.  Or if it's the only good thing going on.  Or if something else doesn't come up.  

What people fail to realize is that when things turn sour, or when volunteers just don't show up (and don't call or make an effort to communicate) CHRIS is the one who eats it.  CHRIS is the one who gets called out.  CHRIS is the one who deals with the annoyed parents when sweet Suzy doesn't have a teacher/craft/lesson/snack.  

And, my husband, bless his good heart, does his very best to let it come back to him.  

Because, ultimately, it does come back on him.  

It is, after all, his job.  

I 100% get that.  

If for some reason bulletins, announcements, posters, phone calls, Facebook messages, post cards, and/or emails don't work, then it's HIS job to make sure people are getting the news.  And it is, but sometimes I think people refuse to take any responsibility for themselves.  

And, that, my friends, is a problem in most ministries.  

Sometimes, unless you take people by the hand and say, "Hello Suzy's Mommy, we know you like having sweet Suzy in a class on Sunday morning so you can have a break during church (oh yeah, that's a real comment but the name(s)--as in more than one--have been changed to protect the guilty), but unless you and other mommies step it up and take the initiative to work at least ONE WEEK out of the year, maybe even 2? in the children's ministry, we won't be able to offer anything for Suzy, and you'll lose your precious break.  

Additionally, Chris (and the other staff members) wouldn't DARE to go to YOUR jobs without YOUR DEGREES and offer unsolicited advice as how to properly do something.  But, that's just me.  Imagine if I walked into your office and started blowing you out about things I thought I knew about (but really didn't) and you had to deal with the aftermath of embarassment and accusing eyes.  

I don't understand this gimme gimme gimme generation we've become!

We have lost all sight of what it valuable and important.  It's almost like we EXPECT the church to inject us with our weekly dose of Jesus and we don't want to be bothered with the rest of it.  Give me a little Jesus to get me through until next Sunday (or my next break), and I'll be fine.  I don't want to get dirt on my best jeans (because, quite honestly, who even dresses up for church anymore??), so I can't help you all in the back/kitchen/cleaning up.  I mean, will people eventually begin holding the church accountable if they choose not to accept Jesus and their Lord and Savior because the church didn't Twitter them to remind them to listen to the sermon and answer the invitation?!?  I recognize that this may sound extreme, but goodness it seems to become closer and closer to that all of the time.  

And honestly, GIVE ME A BREAK about your perfect lives.  

GET OVER YOURSELVES!  Guess what! 

I sin. 

You sin. 

We sin.  

And our sin shows sometimes, and it's uncomfortable, and it's not fun to show our weaknesses.  

Why, oh why, can't we lay it out there?  

Why do we feel confined to our bodies and refuse to let others in?   

Isn't the church supposed to be a place where we can love and pray for each other? 

Isn't the church supposed to be a place where I can be 100% honest with myself?  

If I can't be me at the foot of the cross--or in front of the church--or with you, my fellow believers, then where am I supposed to do this?  

Some friends and I have been talking about personal struggles (look everyone, there's my plank--not ready to 100% share my personal struggles with you all--oh what the heck:  anxiety, postpartum depression, post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, medication that kept me from the funny farm, how that negatively affected my marriage and family, and terrible ORDINARY thoughts just to name a few. . .)and  how scary it is to admit them OUT LOUD because heaven forbid that people might use it against you.  

AT CHURCH!  

What is wrong with all of us?  You know what, go ahead and talk about me.  I'm human.  I'm a forgiven human who loves Jesus like crazy, but I'm a HUMAN and I'm going to mess up.  And you're going to mess up.  And we're all going to mess up, but you know what? It's real life.  

Seriously, unless you can be real with me, I have no use for you.  

I don't want 50% of you, I'd rather know nothing at all if you aren't going to be honest with me.  

If nothing else, it makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only one with issues.  :)

And I wish people would recognize how much their words can hurt.  I have had the most hurtful and insensitive things said to me and/or my husband come out of the mouths of people and friends at church.  It's almost like they OWN us because they go to church there, and that THEIR needs are above everyone else's in the church.  I can't believe how hateful people can be--even people who are in our close circle.  Or, they think because it's church we can treat each other like crap and then be forgiven later (or maybe just forgotten), because, well, Christ died on the cross, right? (insert your favorite Sunday Schoolism here) 

Sometimes I feel like the maid in the house who raised the children, loved the children, and became part of the family--only to be slapped and reminded that I/we merely WORK for them.  Like a second class citizen.   

So, please just remember what you say before you blow up on Sunday because things aren't quite the way you would have done them.  Or before you mouth off behind our backs (foolishly believing that it will never get back to me or Chris or the other volunteers--because BELIEVE ME there are people that are more than HAPPY to spread the crap about anyone in any church.  GASP!) about something that you didn't like (but also didn't volunteer to assist).  Please remember when you begin to snap at the greeter/teacher/helper that they are people just like you doing whatever they can for the Kingdom.  

Jesus, in all of His infinite power, didn't entertain the superstars who did everything well--no, He picked regular Joes who were just willing.  He could have given them the power to be excellent at whatever they did, but instead, He took what they had and made GREAT things out of their willingness to serve.  We can't all be artists, singers, teachers, cooks, greeters, writers--but we can find one thing that we are good at, and give it all to Him.  Imagine the possibilities and blessing if everyone in the church found the ONE THING they were spectacular at and gave it back to God.  We wouldn't have people serving out of their areas of expertise to fill in the gaps.  We would have the BEST people in the PERFECT places.  Our church would explode.  We would be able to do so much more.  

Goodness gracious I love these people I have been blessed to work and worship sweet Jesus with.  I do.  

I have fallen in love with these families and their children (and those without children who just are awesome enough to be around).  

Ministry is THE MOST REWARDING job in the world.  

It also hurts the most.  

But, oh, the rewards are eternal, aren't they?  And that, my friends, is why we stick this thing out:

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

 28 Do you not know? 
       Have you not heard? 
       The LORD is the everlasting God, 
       the Creator of the ends of the earth. 
       He will not grow tired or weary, 
       and his understanding no one can fathom.
 29 He gives strength to the weary 
       and increases the power of the weak.
 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, 
       and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD 
       will renew their strength. 
       They will soar on wings like eagles; 
       they will run and not grow weary, 
       they will walk and not be faint.

Transition

Day 13: Rest
Day 14: Lots and lots of lunges. However, according to the Wii scale I'm down a few pounds, so that's exciting! :)

Today we drove to Elizabeth City to drop my stuff off in my new office at MACU. I also had to sign my W-2 and then we ate lunch with Corey and Nicole to discuss fall programming. We went to eat mexican and it was pretty yummy. The girls went with us and Molly was excited to see where I was going to work. We saw several people, my girls made some new friends, swung by the waterfront, and overall it was a good day.

Chris is still at the church setting up for VBS (more people came last night and tonight thank goodness!) I feel so univolved since I'm keeping the girls at night so he can work. I also won't be around much during the week because my summer class is starting on Monday night. I printed the syllabus and it looks like a lot of reading before my first class. One article had 33 pages! I think there is a total of 5--and he just posted the syllabus this afternoon!

I have to finalize my syllabi for MACU as well before Monday. I have them pretty much prepared, and based a lof of my information and timeline on previous syllabi. I am unsure exactly how the courses will run since I haven't taught them before. Luckily, after this semester I can guage how things are going and it should be easier next go around. I need to wrap my head around each class and make sure things are in the right order. I love the phrase "this syllabus is subject to change" on the bottom of the template--woo hoo! I have no doubt it will change before the end of the semester.

I have some thoughts on some issues, but I'm not going to post them tonight. I want to get through my syllabi and maybe early next week I'll add my two cents to what seems to be a trend with some of my fellow bloggers. . . just to keep all 2 of you that read my blog hanging (haha!)

Have a good weekend!

At Bethellllllll, we have the victory. . .

Day 11 & 12:  both days are pretty intense.  I thought I would get off easy because most of it was band training without the stupid running.  No. I'd almost rather run.  I will say this:  sometimes if you do not place the activity band correctly on your thigh it will not register correctly and you will be running your head off and it will keep saying "too slow."  Once you figure out how to place it correctly you will be fine, but it can be a tad frustrating in the beginning.  

Today is my last day at Bethel School.  I'm sort of over it now.  I was sad earlier in the week when I said goodbye to my kids and at the staff end-of-year luncheon (especially when our head custodian, Mr. Taylor, spoke very kind words about me.  Mr. Taylor is an older African American preacher at one of the churches in Bethel.  He and I have had plenty of conversations these past few years about life, scripture, and things in general. He has become a good friend to me--and keeps me real).  But, as I packed up most of my things from the past 4 years into my 15 boxes or so, I realized that I'm ready to move on to the next chapter in my life.  

Chris will be coming later to my school with the trailer from church and we will load up my stuff.  I have some office things here at home that we'll add tonight, and then we're off to EC in the morning.  I have to meet with a few people, and then straight back home to give Chris time for VBS set building.  

This year has been a little stressful in regards to VBS--at least for me.  I'm not sure if it was the change in date (from end of summer to the beginning) or if people are just busy in general, but it's been like pulling teeth this year to get people to help.  This isn't just for VBS either.  There have been lots of Sundays this year when I have put "help needed" signs ON TOP OF THE CHECK IN SHEETS and the parents pick  up the sign, check their kids off, and go straight to the class.  They often refuse to make eye contact when I say "hello" (their guilty consciouses getting to them I guess).  

I don't know what it is.  

Maybe we're all busy these days.  

I'm busy too.  

BUT, if you're willing and able--Chris could really use some help!!!! 

 PLEASE CALL HIM IF YOU CAN!!! 

It's My Prerogative (yes, it's actually spelled that way!)

Girls cry.  

Yes we do.  

Big girls, little girls, we just cry.  

A lot.  

For no reason.  

For any reason.  

For all reasons.  

We just cry.

And it's perfectly fine. 

  

Hair Cuts

Day 9:  Bad leg workout--wow!

Day 10:  Rest (I'm digging the 2 days on, 1 day off routine)

Tonight Kim came over to cut all of the Avery girls' hair(s?)  Molly was less than thrilled to have her trim, Lily didn't really care at all.  Molly is having an emotional roller coaster lately with the end of her preschool years coming to a close.  She is not happy about starting school in the fall and she is scared of so many things:  getting into trouble, not knowing the right answers, not having any friends.  Poor thing!  I have no idea why she's so distraught, and I try to tell her that it's completely normal, but she's so emotional!  She cries at the drop of a hat and is over the top dramatic.  I know once she gets to school and meets her classmates, she'll be fine.  But in the meantime, I'm trying to pump her up without being over the top. 

Tomorrow is the last day of school for my kids.  I'm glad--today I had to break up a fight between two 5th graders (by myself with 40 other 5th graders watching) and deal with random end of year items.  

I'm over it.  

I'm sick of hearing "your mama" and all the other kid issues.  

Yea for new jobs!  :)

School's (almost) Out for Summer!

Day 5:  Not too bad, lunges were a little more difficult, but not awful. 

Day 6:  Rest

Day 7:  Big arm workout, and easier to get through the routine. 

I'm so ready for summer!  Chris and I spent a good portion of the day dealing with some clutter in our house.  We sorted through the girls' clothes and started working on our guest room closet.  Since I'll need some office furniture for my new job, and I knew I had some things in the guest room closet (it's THAT closet in everyone's home that holds. . . .stuff).  We pulled everything out and are sifting through some boxes that have been in there.  Amazing the stuff we hold on to and have no clue that we are missing it.  I found some items to take to MACU, a lot of trash, and some paperwork that needs to be shredded.  

We have some more boxes to go through, but I guess there was a shift in the air pressure because I had the worst headache this afternoon.  I finally had to lay down and take a nap because my normal routine of headache/sinus/allergy/air pressure didn't work (1. Motrin, 2. caffeine, 3. Claritin D).  I woke up from the nap and still had a headache (and I actually still have a dull one now hours later) so I gave up on the room for the day.  The bending over was killing my head.  I'm hoping to perhaps complete the task tomorrow.  We'll see.  

2 more days of work--not too bad.  I have to prepare for the end of year and graduation ceremonies, but it's just a matter of putting things into place.  No biggie.  

The biggies are packing up my room and preparing for the new teacher to come in and check things out.  It's a mess trying to sort through what is mine and what is the schools and what might actually be ok to throw away.  I just don't know.  We'll see.  I told my kids the news on Thursday and Friday.  They were really sad, which in turn made me sad, but I know I'm doing the right thing.  I can't wait to be a stay at home mommy who gets to work, too.  I really think it's going to be a good change for our family.  

Have a great weekend everyone!

WHY?!?!?!?!?!?

Warning:  Grumpy-End-of-the-School-Year-Teacher-Post ahead

Why are some women (and probably all of us) so stinking MEAN?  

I'm sick and tired of women who feel this need to build themselves up by tearing others down.  This is the very reason I am so wary around women and why I have very few women I consider a friend.  Oh yes, I have many acquaintances and women I am friendly with, but at the end of the day, there are only about 3-4 women I would call in a moments notice and who I completely trust.  

I often long for female companionship (Ya Ya style), but I can't STAND the way we treat each other!  What is it about us that makes us so competitive?  Why do get so stupid and jealous when our friends have great news?  Why do we need to feel so important anyway???  

UGH!  

A fellow teacher today (on a power trip in front of 30 middle school students--seriously, MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS?!  Why does she need THEIR approval??? Get friends your OWN AGE!!!!!!!!!!) blew me out today over a stupid music selection for our 8th grade graduation.  

Petty.  Stupid.  Dumb.  Annoying.  

What in the heck is her problem?

It's crazy.  

I'm so glad to get out of this environment.  

It's so unhealthy and it's eating my nerves.  

I'm so ready to be DONE with this job and move on to bigger and better things.  

  

Note:  Seems like Angie is dealing with the very same things. . .makes me feel a little better.

Confessions

Day 3:  Rest (as mandated by the game, not because I was lazy like my husband who didn't even do day 2. . . .)

Day 4:  Arm workout, not terrible

I have a confession to make. 

I'm almost ashamed to tell everyone--but since my blogging community is small, and the majority of you are friends, you won't make fun of me. . . right?!?!?!

I am seriously addicted to the Twilight series.  

I had no idea I would like them so much--I feel so. . . .teen-ish but they are light and easy reads.  

I read the first book in one day--no joke.  

I could NOT put it down--and I already knew what was going to happen because I have seen the movie--but the book was WAY better (as they usually are in most cases).

So, you can make fun of me, but they actually are pretty good reads.  

I'm on the second one.  We'll see if I love the rest as much--but I'm hooked!

I will say, that I have been meaning to read these books for a long time because my children at school are hooked on them.  And when middle school students sit down to read 500+ page books, I like to know what the fascination is all about.  I didn't hop on the Harry Potter bandwagon, so I've decided to give this one a whirl.  Unfortunately, I could never get them at the library because they are CONSTANTLY checked out (I've been trying since January).  So, on Wednesday, while Tyler and Racquelita watched our children, I broke down and bought the first and second books (in paperback--didn't splurge for hardback this time). 

Oh, and ask Ty how he liked Wii Active when you see him.  

And THEN tell him that he's what good looks like.  

Even my husband agrees that Ty is what good looks like, so don't go all crazy (and Ty, my trainer told me the same thing last night, so you've got competition in the GOOD department haha).  

Ok, I have about 20 minutes until the worst class in the school (2nd graders from you know WHERE) enters my room and I need to prepare my meanest face and clear out some time out corners.  Yes, I meant to plural the corner--it usually takes between 5-6 for this particular class.  

I'll let you decide if I a.  work on syllabi for MACU, b. pack boxes of stuff to move, or c.  steal a few minutes and read my book.  

Day 2

Challenge Day 2 (it counted yesterday as 1):

Ouch.