Still Thinking

I am still thinking about this new position. I drove by the preschool today and thought....do I really want to leave this? I keep thinking of reasons to leave and take the new job (if it's offered) and reasons to stay. I know this is technical, but the girls are a little different at their school. They can wear shorts, skorts, jumpers but all of these have be khaki and have to come from a certain store. Khaki pants could come from anywhere. I would also need to buy polos for Jenna. So basically, she would need a new wardrobe!!!
Most of the application has been completed. I still need to fill it out on line and send it. I am meeting with Jenene tomorrow morning to view the curriculum, ask questions, look around, and see if I am a "fit". I'll talk to Jack and then send her my application if I want to go farther. I'll post tomorrow after I get done. I meet at 10 am. Please think of me tomorrow and in the next few days to come.

A Very Tough Decision

I have a tough decision to make. Last night I got a phone call from the director of the kids new school. She used to go to our church. She asked me if I would consider teaching the K4 class next year. Wow! I can’t believe she would even consider me. I really don’t know what to do, and I certainly don’t want to leave her hanging. The hard part is that I LOVE MY JOB! The thought of leaving is really hard. I love my kids. I am so attached to them and most of them I am getting back for a second year. I am happy there and never considered leaving. The new job would offer me new challenges, but I would fulfill my dream…to be a teacher. Jenna would go with me for free and be one of my students (right now I would have 7 kids). I would also get more money than I am making now, but when Jenna gets to kindergarten, I would only get one child at half price and the other two are full tuition (because I am only working a half day). + a salary.
I start doubting myself wondering if I can really do this. I don’t know why I doubt myself. I guess it is fear that creeps up on me. I know I am not degreed in education. I am not crafty by any means. I am having a hard time teaching my 7 year old cursive writing, how could I ever teach 4 year olds to do it? The application she sent me is very thorough. Like "what is my philosophy of discipline? I really don't know how to answer that. "what is my philosophy of education?" um.....I don't know....to help my child to his full potential....I mean I can't even answer these, and I am supposed to teach?

I should also note that the job is not automatically mine. I would have the dreaded interview with the school board....oh wait, that's another con!

Pros:

More money
I am with ALL my kids
I am the teacher
Jenna is free
a chance to better myself

Cons:
More responsibility(total responsibility)
Jenna leaves her friends
I leave a job I love, plus all my co-workers
I will miss Emma, Olivia, Ashley (some of my favorites)
Fear of the unknown/failure
Jenna now has a dress code
I can only wear pants and skirts (yes, I love to be casual!)
Dealing with parent and parents complaints.

I know the decision is mine and I have a few days to pray about it. I know this is a hard decision, but either way I get to do something I love. Any comments or what would you do if your feet were in my shoes?

We're Home

Vacation is over, but I wanted to share some pictures with you. We got back about 3:15 this afternoon. We had a great time. I am not faced with laundry! I have got two loads done, and will do the rest tomorrow. I loved seeing the kids warm up to the water. I loved Jenna's enthusiam. Now it is back to reality.

Last Day of Vacation

I am soaking in this view from our room. I wish I could always look out and see the ocean. It is just beautiful. Even though I am not a big water person, I love sitting out there at night and waking up to it in the morning. We took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda today. It was really cute and we enjoyed getting out. Jake and Jenna finally put on their life jackets and jumped into the pool. They finally let go of me and realized they could float. It always seems like the last day they get used to everything. I was glad to see Jacob and Jenna warming up a little. I am afraid they both inherit my fear of water.
So tomorrow we head back home. I hate packing back up, and I absolutely dread all the laundry I have to do when I get back, but I guess everything was worth it. Oh, I had three HOT donuts last night and then we had some today (although they weren't as good)

Having Fun

It's 8:20 in the morning and everyone is still in bed. Last night we went out at dark with our flashlight and walked on the beach. It was so beautiful, so peaceful! It wore the kids out though! Sometimes in moments like that I wish it were just Jack and me. We are getting a lot of quality time though after the kids are in bed. It's nice going out on the balcony and just talk and catch up! Tonight it is Krispy Kreme donuts! There is nothing like hot Krispy Kreme donuts!!!!

More Beach Pictures

We actually got the beach today. Last night it stormed really bad, so we had to stay in, but it was still relaxing. Joshua loves the ocean, but his ears seem to be slowing him down a little. I don't know if it has to do with the tubes. He was absolutely hilarious to see him out there. Every time he got caught in a wave his pants would fall down! Poor little guy can't keep his pants up! We went out for lunch and hit a few stores. Now we are watching a little TV (Andy and Little House) We'll go back to the beach in a little bit and then hang out at the pool and then go back to the beach at dark.

The Beach

We are having a wonderful time at the beach. I've actually had a few minutes to myself. The kids are loving every minute of it. More soon!

Vacation Plans

We are off to the beach in the morning. I am not sure how early we will get off, but we will be leaving. I will check email every night on the nice balcony looking over the beach, and I will try to blog at night, but it just depends on how much time I have!! Have a great week!!

Deals for the Week

This is what I got this week for free....Two Johnson Buddy soaps, two packs of Hersey's candy bars, a bag of mixed candy bars, Tylenol. I know this is a lot of candy, but the Hersey's I will keep for smores for family night and the bag of candy is saved for gifts. The deals for next week are pretty slow, but that's ok. I'll save my free money and I'll be at the beach!

I had a great time last night at Lydia's. I helped with the yard sale, so I got to "shop' at the same time. I got a Tupperware cupcake carrying case (and I am so excited) books, tap shoes for Jenna, clothes for me, bathing suits for Jenna, a Trifle bowl, cookie sheet, and so much more. Thank you so much, Lydia. It was fun to get some time to myself after Jack was gone all week. I also didn't have to get up early this morning and go out! I'll try to get a picture of my treasures!

Jack got home at 11 am yesterday. We were so excited to see him we went to the airport to see him. We were able to spend the entire afternoon together which is perfect.

Jack's Coming Home!!!!!!

My sweetheart comes home tomorrow and I can hardly wait! It almost feels like the times when we were dating (except now I have kids). Jack lived in Fayetteville, so I only saw him on the weekends. He would come to my parent's house after work on Fridays and stay the weekend with us. I hated when he left on Sunday nights and I would just pace the floor on Fridays until he got to our house. He should be here in time to eat lunch with us and spend the afternoon with us!

We had a good day today. We went to the free movies and liked it. After that, we went to Monica's house to eat lunch and let the boys fish. Thanks, Monica! Unfortunately they did not catch anything. I told them the fish were sleeping. I wasn't much help to Monica. I know nothing about fishing. I am truly a girly girl, and my little girl is my double. We had fun anyway!

A Scare in the Night

I've been doing pretty well this week at nights without Jack. I sleep with my bedroom door open and I turn the TV on (I don't know what that does). Last night I didn't sleep as well. About 1 am, I open my eyes, and there is Joshua standing right in front of me! Talk about waking up with a jolt! He starts crying saying his leg hurts (which happens about once a month), so I gave him a Motrin and put a warm cloth on it and put him back to bed. I didn't sleep well after that. There is nothing like waking up and finding a face staring at you! Of course with the door being wide open, I didn't have any warning signs at all! Whew....thank goodness it was Joshua and not someone else! At least now I can laugh about it!

Menu Planning Wednesday

Last night I took the kids to the park. I wanted to do something fun with them and it was a cooler night. They seemed to enjoy it. I put them to bed, and I watched a chick flick....something I have wanted to see that I knew Jack would not be interested in. Nothing special for today...just work around here, get groceries etc. I have made my weekly menu list. Again, it is nothing fancy and it doesn't include a lot because we are going to the beach on Monday (yay!). I don't want wasted food or anything like that. This is helping me, especially around lunch time because a lot of time I don't have anything in mind, or I end up going to McDonalds!

Wed: poptarts, cheese quesadillas, baked potato

Thur: donuts, sandwich, chicken sandwich

Friday: poptarts, pizza, tacos

Saturday, cereal and fruit, sandwich's, steak and baked potato

Sunday: biscuits, hot dogs, pizza

A Little Lonely

Day 2 of Jack being gone. I took the kids to a free movie today. It was an ok movie. I am glad we didn't pay for it. It gave me something to do for a couple of hours. I am really struggling this week. I miss having the adult conversation. Jack doesn't call until the evenings so I don't have anyone to talk to in the mean time. I wish I had some household projects this time, but I don't. Maybe I'll start tagging items for the kids exchange sale. I can't start packing for the beach yet....it's a little too early. Only 3 more days until he comes home!!!
I started Joshua on cursive yesterday. I am starting very slowly. I have taught him the small "i, and "u". He seems to pick up on it quickly. I hope the capital letters go as well. I give him a few math problems in the morning and cursive in the afternoon. I must admit we are only spending about 20-25 minutes total, but I don't want to burn him out either.

Anticipation

This time next week we will be leaving for the beach! I can hardly wait! We will be coming home on Friday, but I am so ready for a vacation, even though a mom is never on vacation!!! Now I just have to get through this week. Jack has left for the airport and is on the way to Canada for the week. Things get a little lonely around here. There isn't much adult conversation, the nights seem extremely long, and I don't sleep as well. Thankfully, he will be home around lunch time on Friday. I'll try to keep the kids busy to pass time. I plan on starting Joshua on cursive writing today and I am not looking forward to it. I just hope he can get a good foundation before school starts. I don't want him to be so behind that he is discouraged or anything like that. I think other than his handwriting he will be fine. Happy Monday!

Happy Fathers Day!

I want to wish a happy father's day to two special men. First of all for my wonderful husband, Jack who is an excellent father. He loves his family more than anything. His family adores him! He is an excellent example for my children to follow and I could be more proud of him. I love you honey!!!

I also want to wish Happy Father's Day to my dad. I couldn't have asked for a better father. He is always ready and willing to help whenever he can. He has to be one of the smartest men I have ever known. He gives wonderful advice and I am glad my children also have such a wonderful example to look at.

Happy Fathers day, Jack and dad! We love you!!

Deals for the Week

I didn't take pictures but I got 4 packs of coke, baby wipes, and some Listerine Kids wash all for free this week. The cokes are great when I can get them for free. I am ashamed to say how quickly we go through them!!! Jack and I are addicted!! I got a few things today at a yard sale. I got Jenna a Barbie sleeping bag, some books, a game and a doll house that I had when I was a kid. I think Sara Mincy had one on her blog about this some time back. It was fun to say the least. I had Joshua and Jenna with me today, but they were no problem. Jenna stayed in the van and Joshua loves to go through boxes more than I do (what have I taught this poor child???). We are going to the $1 theater today (I think it is a $1.50 now) to see Horton Hears a Who. We are also taking Jack out. We are spending quality time before he leaves for Canada on Monday. (boo hoo) Have a great weekend!!!!

Some New Ideas****revised*****

I wanted to share a couple of things that I have "discovered" that really have helped me. First of all, Jack and I have wanted to spend one on one time with each child to make them feel special. With school, extra activities etc, it was almost impossible. He could do something with each one the first week, and I could the second, but it was getting really difficult. I read this article in Family Fun and tried it and it works. One night each week each child gets a night where they get to stay up 30-45 minutes longer than the other two. They LOVE this idea. We have been doing this for about a month now. They usually pick what they want to do with us....play Old Maid, watch TV, color, read books etc. It doesn't stress us out, and it gives us a great way to spend one on one time with each child.
My second "idea" I started this week. I always planned my evening meals, and grocery shopped around that. My other meals I would just wing it....whatever I felt like. I have posted a full week of menus for all three meals on the fridge. It works great. I don't go scurrying around to find something and the kids (well Joshua) know exactly what we are having. I don't have to keep hearing "mom, whats for dinner"....."what's for lunch". It seems to keep the complaining down too, but then again, I'd complain too with my cooking (ha ha). Happy Friday!

Here is my menu: Our week starts on Wednesday because that is when I get groceries. It is nothing fancy: It has helped me because for lunch I would just let them snack, or I would just grab something at the spur of the moment to make!

Wed bk: poptarts, lunch- frozen pizza (I get the cheap pizza's) dinner, salad & Twice baked potato

Thur: bk: donuts, lunch, cheese quesadillas, dinner, lasagna, garlic bread

Friday: Bk: cereal, lunch: sandwiches (pbj) dinner tacos (what else on Friday night)

Saturday: bk: cereal, lunch: sandwich, dinner (taking Jack out for fathers day)

Sunday: bk: biscuits, lunch my sisters house, dinner, leftovers

Monday: Bk: bacon, lunch, hot dogs, dinner free chick fil a sandwich (monday nights when you take your bulletin in and Jack is out of town anyway)

Tuesday: bk: poptarts, lunch, sandwich, dinner: chicken dish.

Summertime

Yesterday I let the kids play with shaving cream. They enjoyed it, but next time I will make sure they have their swim wear on first. I hosed them down and then stripped them down. I guess today and tomorrow we will just get in our kiddie pool and swim. That was a great $12 investment!!!

Jenna's Gym Class

Today is the first day of our break. I am really looking for things to do with the kids. We'll hit the free movies next week, and tomorrow we can go to the park with some of the CBC friends. Any more suggestions would be great!

I took some pictures of Jenna at dance/gym. She already favors the gym part over dance. Dance gives her just the basic steps/positions for ballet and tap. Some parents have bought costumes, tap shoes, ballet shoes etc. I am not putting all that money into it. Someone gave her a gymnastics outfit, but I am not buying tap or ballet shoes, especially now since she likes the gym part better. I could tell she liked it better and she told me too. I will either focus on gym there in the fall or take her to Morgan's.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

FINALLY....it's over! Today is the last day of school. I now "officially" have a second grader!! No more rushing in the mornings. No more sitting in long car pool lines. Only two more weeks until the beach!!! Now, it's time to find things for them to do all day! Now it's try to get his math where it should be for the new school. My biggest concern is trying to teach him cursive writing in the summer. I don't know what I am doing and I am afraid it will be a battle. Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone know how to teach someone how to do cursive writing? Anyone willing to do it for me ? (ha ha) I am desperate here!!!

Rest Time Almost Over

I've had about 2 1/2 weeks of a break before Joshua gets out of school, but it hasn't been any kind of break. In fact, without working, I have been busier than ever. I thought I would get some "rest", get caught up around here etc, but "mom's taxi" has been busier than ever. It seems like there have been appointments, school functions, errands etc, and nothing has gotten accomplished. Oh well! Once a dirty house, always a dirty house! And hey....who needs a rest or a break anyhow?
Today Jenna starts The Little Gym. She will go every Monday during the summer. I've always wanted to have my little girl in something like this. I hope it will "take her out of her shell" a little bit. If she doesn't like it, I won't enroll her again. The class has 30 minutes of gymnastics and 30 minutes of dance. If I find out she favors one or the other, I can take her either to the dance school down the road, or to Morgan's gymnastics, which is also down the road. If she likes them both, I'll keep her here. I thought it was the best way to expose her. And yes she is doing the "D" word.....but rest assured, the dance is not bad for those of you who want to know. I think it is good to expose her to ballet, tap, and other things like that.

Call Us Crazy

Call us crazy...we were out in that heat yesterday. It was miserable. Jack's company had their Gilead picnic...on one of the hottest days of the year! We had a nice lunch of chicken, hushpuppies, sides etc. The kids got all the sno cones they could eat, all the water and drinks they could drink, all the popcorn and cotton candy etc. It's always fun. I was worried about Jenna, but we cooled her down, and I kept everyone hydrated. They had once bouncy this year. Jenna kept going back to play games and came home with about 6 stuffed animals (can you tell I am excited). They also had crafts to do....making necklaces with beads, stickers, door knob stuff etc. They also had face painting a place to shoot water balloons etc. It was fun, but way too hot