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.