Education

I remember when I told my mom that I wanted to switch majors in college and instead of becoming a speech pathologist I wanted to be a teacher.  That was one of the hardest conversations that I've ever had with her.  It's not that she has something against teachers - she was a teacher for 20+ years.  However, her years of teaching in public education had her wanting more for me.  She was well aware of the low pay, the high stress, and the hours of "after hours" work that most people don't seem to realize that teachers put in.  Never-the-less, she told me that if I wanted to be a teacher she would be my biggest supporter.  So I made the switch and eventually earned a BSE.  Fifteen years later, I find myself sitting at home during Thanksgiving break full of mixed emotions in regards to education.  This is a very difficult time to be in education.  Nationwide, test scores aren't where they "should" be.  The financial outlook is bleak.  Again, it's a very difficult time to be in education.  However, for me, becoming a teacher was one of the best decisions that I've ever made.  I came home from work yesterday with notes from a few students saying that having me as their teacher is one of the things they're thankful for this holiday season.  I even got a few hugs from students as they were leaving.  I got to share stories of how my family celebrates Thanksgiving and listen to stories of how my students will celebrate the holiday.  And today, I get to share these thoughts with you while my children are chasing one another through the house pretending to be monsters.  We have plans to set up and decorate the Christmas tree this afternoon.  We're trying to decide what treats we want to make for tomorrow's feast.  And we'll probably do it all while wearing our pajamas!  Yep, it's a difficult time to be in education.  The pay isn't the best; the hours are far from "8:00 - 3:00, August to May"; the responsibility can be overwhelming; and don't get me started on the politics of it all.  But there are very few things in this world that make me happier than the gifts I've been given by becoming a teacher.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Retail Me Not

I don't know who created this website - www.retailmenot.com - but that person is a genius!  I just ordered some new clothes for the kids from Osh Kosh and, thanks to a quick search on Retail Me Not, I was able to save over $30 on my purchase, plus get free shipping.  Feeling so good about this purchase, I decided to do some browsing for myself at Old Navy.  Once again, a quick search on Retail Me Not got me a 25% off coupon code to use at checkout.  I realize I could have saved a lot of money by not buying anything, but that's not the point.  My entire on-line shopping experience is so much more enjoyable now that I have this handy little tool to help lessen the "spending money guilt"!  My husband is so much more accepting of my spending when I'm able to explain the great deal I got on stuff thanks to this website!  If you haven't used this site, check it out next time you do some online shopping.  For those of you that actually enjoy the in-store shopping experience, they have a section of printable coupons too!  Happy shopping!  

Nana

My mom (Nana) was in the delivery room when my daughter (Lorin) was born.  From that moment, the two of them have been inseparable.  From the time Lorin was one month old, they've spent at least one day together every week.  For the past few years, that day has been Monday.  Nana walks to school every Monday afternoon to get Lorin and they walk back to her house together.  I'm not exactly sure what happens during their Monday time, but I'm guessing that Lorin gets to say/do/eat whatever she wants and never hears the word "NO".  Lorin sticks around for dinner, which is often spaghetti with a side of bacon (Lorin's choice) and then she comes home around 8:00.  To them, this is sacred time and it is very rarely missed.  I love that the two of them have this relationship and am so thankful that we live in the same town so they can spend this time together.  This special time became even more important to Lorin after her brother, Levi,  was born.  Don't get me wrong - Lorin loves her brother.  But, he's her little brother and according to her he ruins everything!  So, after he was born, this time spent with Nana became even more special because it was one of the few times that she had all the attention.  Because he "ruins everything", Levi is rarely allowed to be part of this special time.  We're okay with this and have tried to keep Monday's untouched so Lorin and Nana can spend time together doing whatever it is that they do.  Recently, however, Levi has been choosing to go with Nana when she comes to get Lorin.  It happened last week and I was totally shocked, but blew it off as a fluke.  We were waiting outside in front of the school.  It was a beautiful fall day.  Nana walked to school with her two new dogs.  Lorin grabbed the leash of one dog and they started on their way.  When Levi saw them walking off, he ran to catch up.  I chalked it up to him wanting to be outside on such a nice day and being interested in the new dogs.  However, today he did it again.  It was raining after school so we were waiting inside.  Mom walked in with the dogs and asked Levi if he was staying with me or going with her and Lorin.  Without any hesitation, he grabbed a leash and started to walk off with them.  What?  The weather outside was terrible (cold and rainy).  The dogs are old news (they've been here a little over 2 months).  What is the attraction?  Why does this bother me?  This is a great thing.  Levi is making decisions and showing some independence. He's getting in his "Nana time"!   Yet, it's so bittersweet.  He's always been content to stay with me while Nana and Lorin go off on their way.  That was our time.  My baby wanted to stay with me.  My baby isn't a baby anymore.  He's becoming this little man, capable of making his own decisions.  I love this new stage he's entering!  But, it's so hard to be in those moments when I'm not his first choice.  They just don't prepare you for crap like this during those childbirth classes!     

ASD

"ASD" is a fancy education acronym for Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I found this out in February, 2011, when my son was diagnosed with an ASD.  I can't remember the exact date, but I can remember that this was one of the worst days of my life.  I can't even begin to describe the anger that consumed me when I saw those words next to his name.  Since that day, I've bounced around through the stages of grief.  Today, I've mostly accepted this diagnosis and what it means for my son and our family, but I still bounce into stages of anger, denial, bargaining, and depression, at times.  On those days, I find myself getting hung up on the "why" and the "what if" of it all.  I'm a big picture person and I don't like surprises.  ASD is forcing me to stop trying to look ahead and plan every minute detail.  That is very uncomfortable for me, but I'm working on it.  As frustrating as it can be to be the parent of a child with an ASD, I'm slowly coming to the realization that ASD's can be a blessing.  My son notices things that I had never before paid any attention to.  Have you ever noticed that the tires on your car make a different sound when you drive over a bridge than the sound they make when you're driving on the highway?  Did you know that they make seamless socks?  Cheese pizza dipped in ranch dressing tastes amazing!  I didn't know these things until my son pointed them out to me.  These certainly aren't Earth-shattering revelations, but these little things are slowly teaching me to tune in to my environment, keep searching until I find exactly what I need, and try new things.  Yep, ASD's can be a blessing.  Now, it's very possible that I'll wake up tomorrow and curse ASD's and have myself a good old fashioned "why us" pity party.  But for right now, I'm thankful for the cards I've been dealt!  Life is really good!

Intro

I like to think that my life is pretty normal.  My husband and I married in 1999 and moved to small town middle America.  In 2001, I earned my BS in Education and began a career as a teacher.  In 2003, we welcomed a beautiful daughter into our family.  Life was good!  In 2007, we were again blessed with a new addition, a handsome son.  Life was really good!  However, like everyone, we've had a few small bumps in our road.  I've found that those bumps are a lot easier to deal with if I vent my feelings.  This blog is my new venting strategy.  Feel free to add your two cents worth if you come across something that hits home with you or strikes a nerve.