Phew!

The summer is coming to a screeching halt, and I am exhausted! It's been quite a week, and it promises to become even more crazy as time continues. Why? Many reasons, but the most being a new job in a new school. Much to my surprise (and delight), I was offered a position as a reading specialist after a very intense interview last Monday, but instead of multi-building splits, I will be working full time at the gorgeous, almost-new Oneka Elementary in Hugo!

My new "home"

This brought about some great excitement and apprehension in my mind, as well as many loose ends; what about my daycare in White Bear Lake? What about the limited hours of my daycare? What about my former school's empty media center? Should we move now that I'm actually working where we live? Needless to say, I didn't sleep much over the weekend, and it wasn't just because of an exciting and crazy weekend in the Dells. In the end, though, things seem to be working out just as they should (it's all part of a plan sent from above, in my mind), and I am deeply involved in a new set of jargon I've only read about in my master classes. RtI, EIR, ADSIS, PST, PLC, etc. here I come!

In regard to our house, we are thinking about ending our short but sweet time on the market with a new set of ideas for the setup of our space. I will keep you posted, and I think I'm ready for something to remain stable around here. Daycare is staying stable for now, and I will be helping to put my old media center together in the near future as well. I am excited about the challenges ahead, but also nervous about the expectations - though I've had much responsibility in my teaching career thus far, it's sometimes hard to believe that I am "grown up" enough to coach others and guide students at risk in such a role. I do have to say that all the hours of reading and studying will be paying off earlier than I'd ever imagined, though.

In normal life, I had the chance to take a road trip with Emily, Maddy, and Grayson to the Dells for some water fun and time with Stacy and Chloe. There were some huge ups and downs (a terrible room to begin with, some knee injuries, hives, and some impressive tantrums), but it was an enjoyable time. I was glad to see Stacy again, as well as Chloe, and have to say once again how amazing and strong Stacy is. Though Sunday was a washout, Maddy and Grayson experienced their first 3-D glasses, and we all experienced our first 4-D movie - what fun! Also, good friends of ours just had a precious new baby girl this weekend, and I hope to meet her soon!

My words for Grayson...

At our last scrapbook night, a friend who is completely faithful to blogging said she is motivated to do so as a journal of sorts for her son. In a way, it is a gift for him to capure his experiences, as well as what his mom was thinking as he grows. I liked the thought, and along with the notes in the baby book I have written, I am happy to have at least given Grayson some of my thoughts and memories.
This thought has stuck in my head over the past few weeks, especially with the events I've been a part of lately, and I wanted to take a minute to write my little guy a note about the things I love about him as an "almost 3-year-old"...

I love your smile, and how it lights up your face and warms my heart, no matter how naughty you've been. :) I love it when you climb into bed at 5 AM, and snuggle your cold little toes beneath my own.

I love watching you understand something for the first time.

I love giving you new experiences and words to shape the world around you.

I love it when you tell me that you want to do something "in a little bit" or "in a minute".
I love it when you ask me to "lay with me a little bit longer, Mommy."
I love the way you say "Mooommm" when you are tired or need a cuddle.
I love it when you say "I love you, Mommy".
I love it when your face lights up and you run to me when I pick you up from daycare each day.
I love how you admire your daddy, and want to be just like him.
I love to sing to you at bedtime, and hope you let me have this magical moment with you for many more years.
I love how you help me to remember to be patient and polite, no matter if it is hard for you to do so. :)
I love being your mommy!

Thoughts...

The days of summer are ticking by, and as usual, I am filled to the brim with tasks (mostly from my own instigation, I must add). Grad School is winding down for a few weeks, and I am thrilled to be putting the final touches on my projects. I am waiting, however, to find out my destiny at work for the fall STILL, though it is August. My patience amazes me...:) Maybe becoming a mom has stretched my ability to wait for things more than I had thought. Also, with the summer winding down, we are coming upon Grayson's THIRD birthday! It only seems like yesterday in some ways that I was praying and staying still, yet my baby is turning into a very independent little boy more and more each day!

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine lost her husband quite suddenly. I cannot even begin to describe my grief, yet alone that which she and her young daughter must feel. I feel blessed that I was able to spend a few days with them and help her get through first difficult steps, but I was shaken to the core to learn what a person has to do when their spouse dies. I cannot even begin to describe how strong she is, and how proud I am to be her friend. She is amazing, and I though I feel helpless in being able to ease her pain, I have vowed to do my best to be there for her. It's moments like these that make me realize how fortunate I am in my friends and family, and I am once again reminded that I need to say it more often.

Finally, an update!!

After some gentle chiding and jokes from friends, I am officially ending my blogging boycott and writing something. For some reason, this felt like work to me for a while, so I avoided the sign-in many times. Anyway, I am back, and it actually feels good to put the fingers to the keys for something else other than homework. Here are some updates:

Grayson: He is nearing 3, and amazing in both positive and negative ways. We find patience is a virtue at our house, as our little guy is so very independent and wants to complete nearly all things himself. It is fun, though, to see just how many things he is able to do on his own. I am amazed at just how much he learns through example; things that I would never realize he would pick up on so quickly. His language skills continue to burst through - I adore how many grown-up things he says, and my english teacher self is enjoying his wide variety of adjectives :). His loves as of late are climbing any form of steps or ladders, whether it be the drawers in the kitchen, his playset stairs, his slide, or the multiple climbing objects at the park. He also loves to read every day (especially The Poky Little Puppy and Drummer Hoff), and is still continuing to be quite the little drummer. He has now added his crocodile xylophone to the repertoire, turning up the decibels.

Russ: Work is crazy but good, and Russ has been trying to fit in some fishing, card playing, and much work on the cabin up north. It is actually enclosed with windows and wrap, and is looking amazing! We are nearing the last steps for the outside, and hope to have the shingles up and siding on by the start of the fall.

Heather: Grad school is the term for the summer, as well as cleaning constantly for the multitude of showings for our house (did I mention we are on the market, if you weren't already aware?). I have also been able to have some fun with some friends and some decent time at the gym. Grayson and I also had a fun week of field trips and outside time, and we have been just enjoying the sunshine (outside of this week, of course). I am enjoying my classes and learning much, but the burden of some hefty projects is weighing on my mind. I will finish, though, and am also still wondering about what will come for a teaching position this fall. Again, patience is a virtue.

That's the major skinny for now - I swear to try to update more often! I have some great new pics to share from Russ, Ron, Grayson and Jackson from today that I will put up soon. By the way, I want to thank Sara for reminding me of the importance of this kind of writing, and for keeping me a part of her world with it! :)

Hands off??

Grayson's first "Harley" ride

(a picture note...our SD card is being difficult, hence the odd direction of the portrait-shaped photos)

I am becoming more and more amazed each day at how grown up Grayson is becoming. I have become so used to having to provide for and do so many things for him that it is almost second nature. However, the tables are turning, as he is trying and wanting to do everything on his own. It is a huge burden on my patience level, but as I am working to step back, I am seeing just how capable a 2 3/4 year old can be! I also have seen tons of things I need to get on video lately; if not a blackmail item for a future interest, they are definitely things that I want to always keep close to my heart. Some of the highlights...

We were walking through Target last week when Grayson saw a pig sculpture. Suddenly, he recited the entire "Little pig, little pig" part of The 3 Pigs, voices and all, through the house blowing down section. I am totally impressed by his memory - and I'm curious if this is a part of all kids this age, before their brains prune the neurons in their heads?? I wish I had an iota of his memory at this point, though in my defense I have to say that I probably have more things I'm expected to remember versus he :)

He is developing a specific taste in music. He particularly loves any Jason Mraz song, and it is with pride I can say that he is able to sing all of "I'm Yours" mostly in key. He's also a fan of Duffy.

Last summer we took swimming lessons at MCC with Ron, Sara, and Jackson, and we are seeing the results this year. Our child is fearless in the water; we went swimming at Lifetime today, and he insisted on jumping again and again into the pool without my arms there to catch him (of course, I hovered, and he was wearing his life jacket/shirt. He also is truly mastering the art of his doggie paddle!

Our little shark at the Fishing Opener Celebration

last Friday - free food and fun!

As always, he was captivated by the music at the opener celebration.

OK, that's enough storytelling for now. Life, in a quick update, is full. We are prepping for a large-scale pack up of a large part of my media center at school, as we are getting a new HVAC system this summer. Stress! I'm not sure how I'll get it all done in time, but I have no choice...Russ is prepping the club for summer and finding new challenges every day at work. Also, he and a large set of family and friends are going to raise the walls on the cabin this weekend - let's hope the weather holds up! My parents are busily preparing the house (it looks so different!) for Mom's arrival home on the 30th - it's an amazing experience, and she is incredible! We are very fortunate for all the good, though, and feel blessed.

Easter Fun, Musical Madness

What a weekend! It was beautiful, and we were busy! We prepared for Easter,and then spent time with friends on Friday in going to the MN Zoo and then visiting Nick Universe at MOA. We are so blessed to have such incredible friends, and it is a joy to see them growing up together.

In addition, the musical is here! I have been crazy busy with rehearsal, and overall it is incredible! All the hard work is paying off, and I am anxiously awaiting the performances Thurs-Sat. I don't know how I'll feel when I am finished, but I do know that our group has accomplished an amazing feat, and it feels great to see all the magic in action. I have worked with an incredible group of people, and though it has been a ton of work, it is all worth every moment!

Thankful...

Usually we are more apt to list all the things we're thankful for around Thanksgiving time. However, I've found myself thinking how fortunate I am lately, as I've had a few reminders...

First, my mom is moving home! It has been a long road, with many moments of terrible suspense and difficulty, but she is going to be home hopefully by the end of May. It is amazing to think about all the things she's overcome in her lifetime; I hope to have one iota of her strength as my life continues! There are still many things to put into place, and I'm sure the road won't always be smooth, but I am content in knowing that my mom will finally be in the place she loves the most ALL of the time. I have to hand it to my dad; he is such a rock, and his love for mom is so incredible! He is so dedicated, and I am honored to be his daughter. We have had the fortune of going to visit a few times lately, and it has been so much fun to see Grayson interact with his grandparents! He loves them, and in his little two-year-old way, he understands about Grandma Chari, her needs, and what he can do to be with her and show her his love.

I haven't been a great Internet person lately, obviously; I've had a lot of things on my plate - mainly good though. However, the "stress" in my life is nothing compared to an event I learned of today. My childhood friend, Becky, and her husband Jake (someone I also knew in school), experienced a tragic, sudden loss while waiting for the arrival of a great joy. Their son, Ethan, who was born within a week of Grayson, died suddenly just under two weeks ago. I still don't know the details as to what happened, but my heart dropped as I read the news...I cannot even imagine how I would deal with such a loss, and it made me hug my little guy a bit more tightly. It makes those little toddler moments of frustration seem like nothing, and it made me take a step back from the pressures in my own mind to reflect upon what is most important and all the things I have to be thankful for.


As a side note, it is a blessing, in my mind, that they are expecting another child in the next few weeks; hopefully having the focus of a new life coming will help them cope. I know there are many things that cause distress and pain in the world, and it is easy to be wrapped up in whatever form comes our way. However, I am working hard to smile more, enjoy the little things, and look for my own "bucket list", as you never know what life brings.


Whew! I am feeling very reflective today, and though my entry is a heavy one, I feel better in my mind for posting it. I want to take a moment to remind all those I care about just how special you are to me, and want to send a little smile your way :)

Spring Fever

I cannot believe how much time seems to escape me lately! I know I need to take Daylight Savings into account, but even so, there is not enough time in a day to get things done. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with how many chores and home tasks I need to finish - I think I need to remind myself of what's truly important, and make sure to enjoy my family and the fun things I have in life instead of just getting my "to do" list done.

That being said, we have been a busy family lately. Things are really moving along with Aladdin Jr. - the show's just over a month away, and though I lose some sleep over getting it all together, the students are great, and my colleagues I am working with are amazing. We are so lucky to have such a great pool of talent, and I am enjoying putting the show together (mark your calendars - April 16, 17, - 7 PM and 18 - 2 PM, Central Auditorium, White Bear Lake! :) ) Russ is as busy as always with Lifetime - lately, he's been at work pretty much every day of the week to work with or fix something or other. He's powering through though, and looking forward to some projects as we're beginning building our cabin up north. Now if the weather would only cooperate...

Grayson continues to grow both physically and mentally. Russ and I are continually astounded by the sentences that pop out of his mouth, by his long memory, and by the connections he's making between himself and the world. He's truly developing likes and dislikes, and has such a loving, outgoing personality! I find myself longing for the days that he would willingly sit in my lap, cuddle, and love to be held, sung to, and rocked while getting ready for bed. I now have a game of 20 questions with all that we do, and a child who is very curious about the world instead (I'll take it, though).

My mom continues to amaze us all - last week, she and Dad had a meeting to find out if she could live at home, and what accomodations would need to be made for the house. It turns out that they could make a few modifications, but she can easily function in their house! Yay! Dad said that the smile on her face and the twinkle in her eyes was worth it all. Soon, they will be meeting with a county nurse to take care of the plans for her home care - what a dream come true after all she's been through.

Sick!

For the third time in the last two weeks, I found myself contending with a sick kiddo. His fever of last week is a memory, but it now has been followed up by a rather "lovely" cough, for which we went to the DR today. He is approaching an ear infection (the meds are on hold for us if necessary), and we are now working with our ped and with a pulmonologist (on the 23rd) to develop some preventative measures for his habitual developing of a cough every time he gets a cold. I sometimes feel like a bit of a ninny when I balk at my friends wanting to take some fun field trips with the kids, but I am on a first-name basis with all six doctors at the ped (Grayson even knows the names of two of them), along with the nurses, and are ready to be able to be at daycare for more than 4-5 week stretches at a time. All in all, though, I count my blessings with our little boy - we could have to contend with dozens of other issues because of how premature he was, and we are lucky to have a child as developmentally sound as he is. I just can't wait till I have the ability to take a day off on my own wishes...:)

Sunday silence...

At this moment, I find myself sitting peacefully at the computer - Grayson is in bed, and Russ is at work till late. I sometimes forget what it feels like to be alone - though it would be more enjoyable if I didn't have the laundry and my homework calling my name.
We had a busy but enjoyable weekend - it began with my being bummed out about not going to LC because Grayson's fever of the last week became a cold, but it ended on a great note!
Friday night was the Sunrise Staff Show - since we were in town, Grayson and I went to it with some daycare friends - it was the first time I'd ever watched the performance versus being on the stage for it, and it was a lot of fun! I connected with many old colleagues, and felt a pang of longing for the MS. Who knows what next year will bring...
Russ worked long and hard to install a new closet system this weekend, and I was in heaven as I put away our clothes. It is amazing what some nice drawers and shelving do to such a little space! I am reminded again of what a shopper I've been, but with pride I can say that I've only bought a few things in the last 4-5 months in an effort to simplify and save. This morning, we ventured to Hastings and met up with my family for a brunch. It was fantastic, and my mom continues to amaze me! For the first time since her illness began, she reached down and helped Grayson up into her lap with no assistance! I really have missed my mom, and each day more and more of her old personality appears. We are so blessed, and I cannot wait for her to come home! Hopefully later this spring this could actually become a reality!
I am procrastinating right now in building some of my choreography for Aladdin Jr, so it is time for work. Wish me luck!?!

Patience is a virtue

Life is really picking up in '09, both at work and home for our little family.  I am in full swing with the MS musical (it is crazy but I adore it), and Russ couldn't be busier at his new digs in White Bear Lake.  The most crazy part, though, is Grayson.  I cannot believe how fast he's growing, and how deeply into the terrible two's we've come.  

Our little guy is doing amazing with his diaper habits - I must say I love it when he really needs to run to the potty to go number 2 - and his excitement is so catchy!  However, I do not like the little devil that is beginning to make an appearance quite often lately.  He's been sleeping in a "big boy bed" for over a month now - a really smooth transition.  For some reason, the last few days, he's really begun to fight going to sleep, and when I get frustrated and use my most strict voice, he just dissolves into giggles (Stop laughing, Dad!).  I have been told I have a pretty effective teacher face, and I know it comes out when I get mad, but I don't get it with Grayson! Arrgh!  

I am working hard at meditative breathing, counting to ten, and just not letting him win the fight, no matter how many times I have to put him back in bed and remind him of his behavior.  He's a doll, though, and even after fighting with him for over an hour tonight, I got to end things with a great cuddle and kiss.  No matter what, I know he'll always melt my heart - and I kind of get a good workout with it all too.  

It's January!?!

I have officially fallen off the blog wagon - my dad even noticed my lack of updates! What can I say? ...Nothing. Here's what I do know...

Christmas at the Myers house

We had a fantastic set of holidays with both sides of the family, and two weeks off was nearly too much time for me. Being a teacher definitely has it's perks, and vacations are nice. It took a bit for both my body and mind to get back into the swing of life at school.

Christmas with the Schmidts

I am in the midst of a great project - the Middle School Players musical! I had forgotten till now how much I ADORE being a part of the magic of theatre and singing, and am so pumped to put together a great version of Aladdin Jr. We have been holding auditions this week, and we have an AMAZING set of talent (and a large group 109 in cast and crew!). It will be a journey of fun, work, and excitement, I'm sure.

Russ is doing well - he finally joined the Facebook world after much pressure from myself, friends, and the fact that his mom has a page! He is doing well at work - now at the White Bear Lifetime, and it is a good and challenging fit for him.

Grayson continues to turn into the ever-independent boy. He is talking up a storm about everything, and the power of his memory amazes me so much! We had a great time this weekend celebrating birthdays with our moms - Russ with his mom at a dinner, and myself and Grayson at a special birthday party at my parents' house for my mom.

Our son is so independent, he took it upon himself to get a snack from the freezer, and begin eating it with a spoon right from the container!