Anticipation....

As so many of you who read this blog know by now, I am slowly venturing into the work force beginning this fall. I will be teaching a preschool class made up of precious 2 and 3 year olds at the same school my kids attend. This is a blessing from above, because I have long prayed about what to do once my children began going to school. Should I work? Should I continue to stay home full time? What would I fill my days with if I didn't work and they were at school all day? I must admit, I am totally in love with my job as a stay at home (but work your butt off) Mom. While it's a challenging job in many ways, its also the only thing I've ever wanted to do...have a family and fill my days taking care of them. I am so fortunate that the Lord has allowed me to stay home with our children and he has taken care of our many needs over the last 6 years despite our lack of income. A little more than a year ago, I made a request to the principle of the school, that I would be interested in teaching a class if there were ever to be an opening. While it didn't work out for last school year as I had hoped, I still made sure everyone knew of my interest, and I volunteered up at the school as room mom, sub teacher, office assistant...anything I could get into. I developed a good relationship with many of the teachers, and then finally one day, the principle called me into her office...but that was a good thing! (haha) Unbeknown to me at the time, I had several little "angels" cheering for me at the school in the form of those sweet new friends I had made. The teachers all kept dropping my name, and the principle prayed about it and VOILA! I have the job I'd prayed about!

So now....I have to get my classroom ready! I am planning on waiting until after next week or so to start inquiring about it, but I am ready to begin planning my days out, decorating the classroom, and just jump in! I think I will only have 8 students in class, but their day will include lunch time and nap since the class will be until 2pm those two days during the week.

I am already praying for my students, and for the roll I will have in their families lives this school year. Sometimes, it excites me when I think about the job I have, and many other times, it reminds me that it's a big job! It's more than just "babysitting" a kid for a few hours! I am investing into the lives of those kids, and their families when I teach the ABC's, the Bible verses, the songs, etc. This class is laying a foundation for all of their learning abilities, and if I can make this fun for them, then hopefully the will carry it with them and always love learning!

This is exactly what happened for my sweet precious baby girl, and I see it happening with my darling son too. There was never a doubt in all the times I left my kids at school that they would be loved. I believe those teachers were hand picked by God for my children, and I am ever so grateful that He chose the ladies He did! I just pray that the same will be for the children I teach this fall!

Well, that's all for now! That seems to be on my mind a lot lately, as the first month of our summer vacation is over, and we are itching ever so closer to the school bell ringing again!

FUN WITH AIDAN

It's been a fun week so far around here. Our little friend Aidan came to stay with us for a few days while his parents were at work, and the kids had a blast together. They entertained each other so well, that they were completely worn out by the time the afternoon came around and we ALL took a great nap! (Yes, Me included!) While Megan went on an overnight trip with her dad on Monday and Tuesday, me and the boys had a great time playing in the backyard, and we went to play at Chick Fil A (or "chick-a-lay" if you them) on Tuesday.
Today, the backyard started getting a little more boring, so I dug out the little "baby wading pool" from the back of the barn, and despite the drought, they had fun splashing away. We put the slide into the pool and they had more fun doing that than at a water park!!!! Little by little, they got more and more brave, and started going down the slide BACKWARDS! Aidan was supposed to come back tomorrow and Friday, but his Mimi didn't have jury duty the rest of the week, so he's going to hang out with her. But the good news is, he's coming back next week! I know the kids (especially his best bud, Ryan) will be so excited to have him over again! They all get along so well, and Aidan is so good, we love having him around!
I've included a slide show of all the fun we had, and I'm experimenting with a new kind of program, so let me know what you think. This one is like a virtual scrapbook and it's interactive. You'll need to click the "book page" or a picture to be able to enlarge it to see them better. Hope you enjoy...

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY JONATHAN

Yesterday was Jonathan's 35th birthday. Of course he was up and out the door before anyone in our house was awake yesterday, so we didn't get to shower him with a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" song until later. The kids and I made him a birthday banner and hung it up in the kitchen so he would see it when he came home from work. I drew the lettering, and the kids colored it up with crayons, and drew pictures, etc. Dad nearly ruined it by coming home early, but luckily he had his sunglasses on when he came through the door and didn't see it immediately, and we yelled at him to "CLOSE YOUR EYES!!!!!"
As soon as we could get ready, the 3 of us stood in front of the sign and sang Happy Birthday to him as we allowed him back into the room! (phew!, moment saved!)
We joined his Mom and Step Dad for dinner at O'Charleys and some yummy cake afterwards. Perhaps it wasn't the most spectacular birthday, but Jon says he doesn't really care for much. He says he's 35 years old and doesn't need a big deal. But Ryan says Daddy needs a "DEAL OR NO DEAL" party (after the popular game show that we all watch frequently).
Maybe we chose "NO BIG DEAL" as his party theme! hahaha
Here is a few pics...enjoy