Really going to miss them

It was just about 7 months ago toady that I saw a post on Craigslist looking for a part time history teacher. I was intrigued. I spiffied up a resume I had not used in over 7 years. I emailed it to them and didn't tell a soul. Not Erich. Not my mom. Nobody.

And a few hours later, I received an email back asking me to come in for an interview. And I did. But I promised myself that unless the pay was perfect and the hours were perfect that I wouldn't consider the job. And both were pretty close to perfect. . . at least for a job in education. And they wanted me to come back again. And so I did. And then they offered me a job.

So I thought and thought about it. I really didn't want to go back to work(but who really does.) And I was scared about teaching at a religious school when I was of a different faith. And I didn't know if I could ever love another school like I did my last one because some of my closest friends taught at the other school. And this was a high school not a junior high. And I would be teaching classes that I hadn't taught before.

And as I talked to one of my friends about it, I told her I thought I would take it. I told her I could handle 10 hours a week even if I hated the girls. And she told me to consider the idea that I might like the job. Maybe even love the job. And I laughed at her. (She obviously is more optimistic than I.)

But I went a ahead and took the job.

And now I sit here and watch these 11 girls take their finals. And I am really glad that I accepted the job. I have learned so much from them. (I always learn from my students but I have learned lots of different things from these kids.) And I really do love these girls.

Days like today

How do I get more days like today?

Days where my girls play well together. And giggle together. And when I put Allie down for her nap, Laney stays, "Let me give her kisses." And then looks at her sister and says, "Thanks for playing hopscotch and diapers with me."

We need more of these days around here. And less of the pushing and shoving kind of days.

Trading Places

I am back. I have been back since Sunday. It was fun to have a few days to get away.

I stayed with my lifelong neighbor. We stayed up talking til midnight and then stayed in our pajamas until 10 or so the next morning.

I was able to go to lunch for almost 4 hours with some of my closest friends from Utah.

I was able to spend sometime with some of my very first students who now qualify as friends since they are in college and married and starting to have babies. (Yes, it made me feel old.)

I had a relaxing drive to Rexburg.

I stayed with Meg and caught up on her life. Then I watched her get ready for the biggest day of her life. I then was touched by the words of the sealer as she was married for time and all eternity in the Rexburg temple. And then I thought I was going to freeze to death with the wind and the rain during the rest of the festivities. But I was still so glad to be there.

I returned to Utah.

I flew home.

And on that flight I read and read because I had no one to care for.

And then I came back to my life. And as much as I loved my time away. I love my role as a mother that much more. It was nice to be back.

And no, I don't have any pictures because I forgot to take my camera.

And then Monday morning, Erich got in his truck and left for Utah for the week.

Skipping Town

Tonight I am leaving town all by myself. I have been envisioning this trip for a few months and can't beleive it is really here. I fly to Utah tonight and am driving to Idaho tomorrow to go to my friend Megan's wedding. I am excited to go to the wedding- I am excited for Meg. I am excited for other friends that I will get to see. And I am kind of excited for a few day break from everything. I am excited to get to sleep in, use the restroom by myself, and shower by myself. I am lucky that my mom, hopefully with Erich's help, is willing to watch my kids for a few days. And I am sure I will miss my girls by the time I return on Sunday.

Gets me everytime

I grew up in a sports family, in particular a golf family.  

I also grew up as part of two very large families- my mom is one of 14 and my dad one of 9.  I have over 100 first cousins.  And unfortunately with that comes quite a few health issues.  Over 20 years ago my mom's older sister Kathy died of breast cancer.  Since then I have lost another aunt and a cousin to cancer and watched another cousin and my brother fight cancer.  Cancer stories get me everyday.

And so I couldn't help but get that feeling I get when my dad told me about what the PGA did today- they had a pink out.  Almost every golfer and caddy as well as volunteers and fans wore pink today and they set up places to accept donations for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  All because a few weeks ago Phil Mickelson announced that he would be taking some time off the tour because his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Because there is good in people.  And usually we choose to rally around those who need us most. 

What happened in May?

We were able to see Erich parents, sister, and her oldest son for a few days while they were in town.

We opened up our second shave ice trailer at 19th avenue and thunderbird.

I finished the taxes for the JLK Foundation with the help of my sister.

Allie learned to sing.

I turned 30.

John and Stephanie moved to Phoenix for the summer.

We celebrated our moms on mother's day.

Laney worked on emphasizing things by repeating words like, "it's really hot, hot, hot"

Erich went and did some more pit crew chief work in CA for a few days.

I taught 42 different lesson plans.

We made countless trips to the trailers dropping supplies off and picking things up.

Erich turned 31.

We participated in the Jaydie Lynn King Foundation block party.  

Allie learned that by pushing and pulling and saying "out" or "chair", she can pretty much get any member of the family out of the chair they are enjoying.

I planned and helped cook for the ward Memorial day breakfast.

Laney pretty much forgot that Erich and I are her parents and only cares about John and Stephanie.  Good thing they are only here for the summer.

We went to a shower for Stephanie.

Allie got tooth number 6.

We went to the zoo.

Laney and Allie moved in to the same room.  The first day or two were a little rough but it's not too bad anymore.

We spent numerous hours outside and in the water.

I put Laney back in diapers.  After a week or so of taking her to the bathroom and then having her go again on the carpet 10 minutes later, I gave up.  I was a little too stressed about a few other things in my life that she is in diapers til my school year ends.

Erich blacked out the windows in the girls' room.  They are now sleeping in past 6 am.  Sounds crazy to some of you but since Laney had been getting up before 5:30 for the past month, I feel like we have died and gone to heaven.

I am not sure what happened to the time.

I promise to be better in June.

I am excited to be going to 2 wedding next month- though should at least be blog worthy.

And I only have 5 more days of work.

It's bound to be better than May for the blog.

If you check out my photo a day blog, you might get a better idea in pictures of our month.

Past few weeks

Here are some happenings in our life from the past few weeks.

Laney turned three.

Allie fell out of her crib.

Uncle Paul and Uncle Craig came to visit. Laney LOVES having visitors.

We have pretty much lived outside.

We took the girls out to dinner with us and actually all survived.

I have finally caught up on all of my grading.

We have made flavors and more flavors and what seems like more flavors.

I have been running 4 to 5 days for the past month. It's a record for me. I hate running but feel the need to exercise. And I kind of enjoy the little bit of time to myself early in the morning.

I think I can say that Laney is officially potty trained.

Erich has finished building a trebuchet with the YM in the ward. Who comes up with these activities anyway?

And I think we have all been healthy as well. So I count the last few weeks as successes. And hope to better balance my time in the next few weeks.