Perception is Everything

I'm not certain if it is my special education background, or the past 10 years of being a mom, but I do think how I perceive things has differed from when I was younger. For example, while I am certified to teach elementary education, it has been a long time since I have been in an exclusively general education class (I've been in inclusion rooms). And I had a lot of experience with the under 6 crowd. Now, obviously I have a lot of knowledge in curriculum, methodology, adaptation of materials, testing and assessments. But nothing like a good old mom to handle to hard stuff. Vomit. On my first day back teaching, a child vomitted on her desk. I didn't even blink an eye. I comforted her, cleaned it up and sent her off to the nurse. Later in the day, I was asked by a colleuge how my day was going, and without thinking I answered, "Fine, no problems, oh except I had a kid puke on her desk." All very nonchalantly. Either my standards have been lowered or my tolerence has been raised. Either way, the girl was back and happy the next day. Maybe all that "other area training" paid off afterall.

Sacrifice

Going back to work has been a bit of a challenge. The kids are being bounced back and forth from the two houses. The are in before-school care a couple days of week. Their babysitter picks them up from school now. I can't help but regret what I am missing out with Rachel. She is the first one I didn't take to kindergarten. I have no pictures of her first day at the big kid school. (Poor thing, she really only had one year of preschool also). This was a pretty big milestone, and I had to utter those dreadful words, "I have to work honey". She already grows up too fast, having a bossy sister to push her along. I can't help but to think I am pushing her even harder. But the choice of paying the rent and working, or that trailer in AJ...I suppose the choice is easy.

Summer Is Over

In case you have yet to hear the news, Chandler, AZ believes summer is over. It has started it's "Fall" session in July. Yep, 108 degrees but "they" (who are "they" anyway?...I've always wondered that) think it's a good idea to drag the kids kicking and screaming from they family vacations to cooler locales to sit in a desk and have recess when they issue heat advisories. No fall clothes shopping (not that the retailers aren't pushing them). No crisp autumn air. Just flip flops and sizzling metal bike racks.

Sums it Up Lately

Next Milestone

Tomorrow I official am gainfully employed full time. I have 2 weeks of training and meetings to prepare my to teach 1st grade at Eduprize. After an 8 year hiatus, I have returned. I was so worried I wouldn't get a job, but that seems a little distant for me now. Since accepting this position at the end of May, I have been called to interview at 7 other schools in the East Valley. So, I suppose I am employable, but I never thought it would be in general education. Most of my experience has been in special education, and there is a greater demand for that field. But the Lord has guided me to my new school. I am have never been so excited to start a job as I am with this one. It could be because it is a symbol of my independence, or a new chapter in my life. But I would like to think it is more because I felt so at home there. I really listened to my inner thoughts, and it all seemed so right. Now don't get me wrong, I am fully aware of the politics of working in a school. But I am looking forward to working with kids again, and being the professional I was.

Kids New "Pet"

When we moved to our rental home, we didn't bring our two cats with us. Rachel loves the cats very much and this has been an area of contention for her. Since we are not allowed to have pets, she has been a bit upset, to say the least. Well, it seems like we have been "adopted" by a lizard. Every late afternoon, a lizard (now named Lizzy by the girls) appears on the screen to the bathroom outside door. It must be a cool spot for it during the hottest part of the day. Yesterday, the little thing got into the bathroom. Rachel thought it was the best thing, and tried in earnest to catch it. Amanda, my creature lover, was a bit put off by the intruder. So I suppose I can make the landlord and the kids happy, and have an outdoor lizard pet.

This Post Will Get Hits

Watch out site meter.

This story is just too funny not to tell. It is amazing what excites little girls.

The kids are curious out the new house we will be renting for the next year. We have been in the process of moving the boxes and clothes since Tuesday. Ever since we started this process, Rachel has been dying to take a shower. Since she has forgone the baths, she has showered in stall-type showers with doors that swing open. The kids bathroom has the tub/shower combination with sliding glass doors. She was so excited last night when I told her she could take a shower. She got all ready, took one look inside of it, and changed her mind. She became apprehensive about the massaging shower head and the doors. She convinced her sister to shower with her. I am laughing so hard, just thinking about this post- and the obvious title- "Sisters Shower Together". I'm sure I'll get tons of hits.