So, how did I get myself into this situation? It all started on Wednesday, Aug. 26 when I was going out of my mind crazy with two uncooperative toddlers running around my house. Then a phone call from a school wondering if I was still interested in the reading teacher position. YES! I am still interested, thank you for calling! So, how about an interview tomorrow? Ummm.. well, my in-laws are flying in and I need to coordinate with my husband and I have two toddlers to keep in mind....so sure! Let's say 1pm, enough time to put the girls down, drive to the school, interview and be back in time to kiss my husband as he walks out the door to drive to the airport to pick up his parents. Whew!
Thursday comes and the interview goes very well. The in-laws arrive on US soil safely, although wearied from their long journey. I give the heads up to the family I currently nanny for about the job interview and potential outcome.
Friday morning 8am: I get a phone call asking if I'm still interested in the job because they thought I was a perfect candidate and wanted me to join their staff. Yippie!!! But, you want me to start when? Monday morning? I have two toddlers to keep in mind. And my daughter's birthday is on Tuesday and we already bought our tickets for the State Fair so I'll definitely not be in that day. But okay, why not?
The hunt for daycare begins. Unfortunately, the place we had in mind that we found in the spring no longer had an opening. Crap. Now what?
Monday comes and I go to work for the first time in over two years. Strange. I can't remember the last time I was away from Chloe for this long. Definitely bittersweet. Blessing #1: Thankful to have a job, one that is really a dream job for me, but missing my baby.
Blessing #2: to have my in-laws here! They were super at volunteering to watch Chloe during the day. We had to give them a lesson about how to put on a diaper (it had been a few years....) but once they figured that out, they were ready to play! When I got home on Monday, they were exhausted. They were definitely not used to chasing a toddler all day!
Blessing #3: the family I nanny for already had childcare set up for this week and then they were going on vacation at the end of the week.
Frustration came and doubts were flying in my head about if this was really the right thing to do especially as we continued to call and visit daycares/preschools and either they had no space until January or we visited and it didn't feel right.
Blessing #4: Two weeks into my job, Chloe finally started full-time daycare at a place we love and it's close to our house.
She is adjusting well and flourishing in her new daytime setting. She has already made lots of friends and her vocabulary is already expanding. She gets along well with everyone and is such a loveable little sweetheart. The only bump we've faced is naptime. Today and yesterday she finally took a decent nap but prior to these two days, she had only been sleeping from 40-60 minutes and by 6pm was a total bear!
Oh, and with all this other stuff going on, did I mention that I'm taking a Tuesday night class to finish my reading license?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
JOB!
Yes, that's right, I finally got a job! The classes I've been taking at Hamline to obtain my Reading Specialist license have paid off and I am now a full-time primary reading teacher!!! I applied for the job about two weeks ago, got a phone call on Wednesday, Aug 26, interviewed Thursday, was offered the job Friday and started Monday! Thankfully, my in-laws have been visiting this week and along with my husband's lighter work schedule, they have coordinated taking care of our sweet little girl. I'm very excited to start working with the first grade students on Tuesday!
Now, there's an issue of daycare/preschool. What a task! We have called what feels like hundreds of places and have visited several with no prospects. We're visiting a Montessori school tomorrow and two Christian daycares on Tuesday so hopefully one of those works out as we start school on Tuesday....
Now, there's an issue of daycare/preschool. What a task! We have called what feels like hundreds of places and have visited several with no prospects. We're visiting a Montessori school tomorrow and two Christian daycares on Tuesday so hopefully one of those works out as we start school on Tuesday....
Monday, August 24, 2009
City Slickers invade the Horse Town
A friend and co-worker of Will's invited us to a state park yesterday to go for a ride on his horses! It was perfectly beautiful weather and we had a lot of fun playing outside. Will and Mark took a two and a half hour trail ride with the horses and Chloe and I just took a stroll around the grassy area. For your viewing pleasure, here are a few pictures!
Daddy and Chloe petting Dusty
Will on Daisy Mae
Where Chloe and I hiked
Chloe resting after our hike
Chloe and Mommy riding the horse
What a great day we all had!
Daddy and Chloe petting Dusty
Will on Daisy Mae
Where Chloe and I hiked
Chloe resting after our hike
Chloe and Mommy riding the horse
What a great day we all had!
Babies on the brain
This is what I've been thinking about lately
My darling daughter will be two years old in just eight days and I cannot fathom the idea!! When she turned one, I was so excited at her newfound independence and was celebrating all the milestones and accomplishments from her first year. Now, as we embark on birthday number 2 (technically 3, right?) I am astonished that a year can go so quickly and I want to make time stop. Even for a moment, can I just cherish my sweet little toddler who is so full of smiles, hugs and laughter? Her energy inspires me and her presence makes me want to be a better mommy and a better person. What is it about this baby girl that makes me want to hold her forever?
Click here to view these pictures larger
My darling daughter will be two years old in just eight days and I cannot fathom the idea!! When she turned one, I was so excited at her newfound independence and was celebrating all the milestones and accomplishments from her first year. Now, as we embark on birthday number 2 (technically 3, right?) I am astonished that a year can go so quickly and I want to make time stop. Even for a moment, can I just cherish my sweet little toddler who is so full of smiles, hugs and laughter? Her energy inspires me and her presence makes me want to be a better mommy and a better person. What is it about this baby girl that makes me want to hold her forever?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Sometimes Learning Hurts
This past week has been filled with mirrored images into my soul. That's the thing about marriage: it's no longer me, on my own, with only myself as a responsibility or the only one to reap a consequence. When you're married, everything you do affects your spouse in some way or another. I'm just going to be honest here: Lately, I haven't been very fun to be around. I'm grumpy, tired and have a poor attitude. I'm worn out from chasing after the toddlers and am increasingly anxious about not having found a job for this quickly-approaching school year. My time is sucked away by cleaning, laundry, field trips and diapers. And instead of seeing these tasks as a blessing and an opportunity to serve my family, I have been feeling defeated and depressed. Through the course of my day, I try to keep my head high but when the evening comes, unfortunately, my husband is the one to receive the short answers and the frowning face along with inability to give another ounce of myself.
While Will and I were reading Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller the other night, I read aloud this quote and it hit straight to the conviction area of my soul: "If we are not willing to wake up in the morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus." If you can't say Amen, you better say "Ouch!"
That is exactly it. My pride has been doing all the acting - I had/have this complex that says something on the lines of, "I deserve better than this. This isn't what I signed up for. I'm wasting my time and my life away by menial tasks that mean nothing to anybody. I'm not appreciated. I'm not loved."
If I can step back from my self-deprecating why me attitude, I can hear the voice of God speak straight into my heart. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."
And this prayer, that was said two thousand years ago by Paul rings as true to my life today as it did to the Ephesians then:
"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
And I fall to my knees in gratefulness and thankfulness for the treasures God has entrusted to me. What a wonderful I life I have indeed.
While Will and I were reading Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller the other night, I read aloud this quote and it hit straight to the conviction area of my soul: "If we are not willing to wake up in the morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus." If you can't say Amen, you better say "Ouch!"
That is exactly it. My pride has been doing all the acting - I had/have this complex that says something on the lines of, "I deserve better than this. This isn't what I signed up for. I'm wasting my time and my life away by menial tasks that mean nothing to anybody. I'm not appreciated. I'm not loved."
If I can step back from my self-deprecating why me attitude, I can hear the voice of God speak straight into my heart. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."
And this prayer, that was said two thousand years ago by Paul rings as true to my life today as it did to the Ephesians then:
"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
And I fall to my knees in gratefulness and thankfulness for the treasures God has entrusted to me. What a wonderful I life I have indeed.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Rain oh rain
What do we do when it's raining outside ALL day long?
Well, for starters, we definitely play soccer in the house! During my pregnancy, Chloe was very active and Will always joked that she was going to be a soccer player. I'm thinking that "joke" may very well turn into a reality. She loves to play ball and, if I may brag, she has quite the advanced kicking skills! This morning we were playing in our upstairs hallway. She started at the end of the hallway, gave the ball a gentle kick, ran after the ball and proceeded to kick it with determination, making the ball fly clear across the house. Move over, David Beckham, Chloe is storming the field!
After nap time, we headed for the play area in our mall. Chloe loves to play with the "big kids" and she also enjoys sitting on the rides!
Here she is riding in an apple, traveling into the deep of Richard Scarry's storybook:
And driving her tractor - two of her favorite things in one!! Driving and tractors!!
The rain also gave me a chance to get some much-needed cleaning done. With the in-laws arriving in a week, I've got some motivation to scrub the toilets, sweep the floor and wash the bedding. There's nothing like company to kick-start the neglected to-do list!
I'm so thankful for the rain. I think this whole summer we've mowed our lawn four times so we definitely NEED the refreshment! And it has given me a break from watering the tomatoes myself ;) Here's a peek at one of the tomato plants. They are doing incredibly well and I took this photo after I picked the ripe ones.
Well, for starters, we definitely play soccer in the house! During my pregnancy, Chloe was very active and Will always joked that she was going to be a soccer player. I'm thinking that "joke" may very well turn into a reality. She loves to play ball and, if I may brag, she has quite the advanced kicking skills! This morning we were playing in our upstairs hallway. She started at the end of the hallway, gave the ball a gentle kick, ran after the ball and proceeded to kick it with determination, making the ball fly clear across the house. Move over, David Beckham, Chloe is storming the field!
After nap time, we headed for the play area in our mall. Chloe loves to play with the "big kids" and she also enjoys sitting on the rides!
Here she is riding in an apple, traveling into the deep of Richard Scarry's storybook:
And driving her tractor - two of her favorite things in one!! Driving and tractors!!
The rain also gave me a chance to get some much-needed cleaning done. With the in-laws arriving in a week, I've got some motivation to scrub the toilets, sweep the floor and wash the bedding. There's nothing like company to kick-start the neglected to-do list!
I'm so thankful for the rain. I think this whole summer we've mowed our lawn four times so we definitely NEED the refreshment! And it has given me a break from watering the tomatoes myself ;) Here's a peek at one of the tomato plants. They are doing incredibly well and I took this photo after I picked the ripe ones.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Add to the Beauty
"We come with beautiful secrets.
We come with purposes written on our hearts; written on our souls.
We come to every good morning with possibilities only we can hold.
Redemption comes in strange places. Small spaces calling out the best of who we are.
And I want to add to the beauty. To tell a different story.
Shine with Your light that's burning up inside."
~Sara Groves
A few years ago, sitting near the front row in a concert hall, Sara Groves sang these lyrics. And I have been forever changed. She told this story of a lone man, sitting on a chair in the midst of war and bombing during the Croatian-Serbian conflict, playing his cello while the buildings around him were being blasted, crumbling to the ground. He played his instrument despite the ash piling up at his feet. He played because he wanted to be a protest for beauty in the midst of chaos.
Sometimes this world feels like it's at war. I mean, literally speaking, war is an active verb in many places in the world at this moment. Afghanistan, Iraq, tribal warfare in Africa, deforestation in the Amazon leading to the destruction of native people. But I also feel like it's more than dropping bombs and firing weapons. The war is seen in the eyes of a homeless woman holding up a sign that says "Money for food & medicine" and war is seen in the stomach grown overripe in a child starving for nutrition. War can even be as close to us as our sharp tone or impatience with our spouses or children.
In the midst of chaos, of a housing market downturn and an unforgiving job market and an unfair and much-too-expensive health care system, I want to be a protest for beauty. I want to protest with my life. To tell a different story. A story of a God who loves us enough to give us the peace that transcends understanding. A story of a marriage that, despite the ebb and flow of romantic love, flourishes because of perseverance and the commitment to become a better person. A story of a mom who sometimes has to sacrifice her desires to create and shape a family. For that homeless woman whose heart is broken, I want to provide for her the things she needs. For the hungry kids, I want to give them food.
I want to add to the beauty to tell a better story.
We come with purposes written on our hearts; written on our souls.
We come to every good morning with possibilities only we can hold.
Redemption comes in strange places. Small spaces calling out the best of who we are.
And I want to add to the beauty. To tell a different story.
Shine with Your light that's burning up inside."
~Sara Groves
A few years ago, sitting near the front row in a concert hall, Sara Groves sang these lyrics. And I have been forever changed. She told this story of a lone man, sitting on a chair in the midst of war and bombing during the Croatian-Serbian conflict, playing his cello while the buildings around him were being blasted, crumbling to the ground. He played his instrument despite the ash piling up at his feet. He played because he wanted to be a protest for beauty in the midst of chaos.
Sometimes this world feels like it's at war. I mean, literally speaking, war is an active verb in many places in the world at this moment. Afghanistan, Iraq, tribal warfare in Africa, deforestation in the Amazon leading to the destruction of native people. But I also feel like it's more than dropping bombs and firing weapons. The war is seen in the eyes of a homeless woman holding up a sign that says "Money for food & medicine" and war is seen in the stomach grown overripe in a child starving for nutrition. War can even be as close to us as our sharp tone or impatience with our spouses or children.
In the midst of chaos, of a housing market downturn and an unforgiving job market and an unfair and much-too-expensive health care system, I want to be a protest for beauty. I want to protest with my life. To tell a different story. A story of a God who loves us enough to give us the peace that transcends understanding. A story of a marriage that, despite the ebb and flow of romantic love, flourishes because of perseverance and the commitment to become a better person. A story of a mom who sometimes has to sacrifice her desires to create and shape a family. For that homeless woman whose heart is broken, I want to provide for her the things she needs. For the hungry kids, I want to give them food.
I want to add to the beauty to tell a better story.
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