Stella's Summer Buddies

Summer birthdays are the BEST

My birthday was over a month ago, but I finally have photos to post!  Jill and I decided to go to the old, old Wizard of Oz "theme park" in the mountains.  It was awesome.  A crazy blast from the past and newly exciting all at the same time.  Hailey went along, too.  She and I were dying to get some cool photos with an old camera and a LensBaby Composer Lens.  Fun!

Jill got chosen to play a part in their Oz performance.  It cracked us both up pretty good.  She was a fantastic Auntie Em, however.

Prom 2015 MP

Fairy Houses

Long Time Coming

Well, it's been a while.  I have thought of a million things I'd like to write about in the last few months.  New job, new attitude, new life, new kids....you name it.  Much has changed around here. But, each time I think I have my topic chosen, there is NO time to actually do it.  SO...today I am making some time.

I started a new job this year.  It has been unbelievably life changing for me.  I am working one-on-one with a boy and his service dog.  I never in a million years thought I would be an EC "shadow"/ assistant.  I didn't think I had the patience, or the stamina, or even the desire.  I was wrong!  I know what I'm doing and I'm really good at it.  (That realization alone has changed my whole attitude about life.) 
I am working in a classroom with two other certified teachers. The lead teacher was pregnant early in the year and took her 6 week maternity leave. During that time, the assistant (also certified) took over as lead and we had a substitute who filled in as assistant.  Both lead teachers have had struggles in the lead position.  Somehow, all of my experience and intuition started to kick in.  A burning desire to take over has almost killed me a couple of times.  BUT that is a really good thing.  Because after years of praying and meditating on what it is that I'm actually supposed to do in this world, I am finally figuring it out.  I am supposed to teach.  I am supposed to lead.  I know what I'm doing and I am good at it. 
WTF???
I still can't believe I feel comfortable saying that.  But after what seems like a million years of self-doubt, I finally know what I'm doing. All of these little parts of  knowledge, spirituality, experience, desire, growth, love, passion and confidence are all falling into place.
After a few conversations with the Director, I find myself teaching and planning more workshops, landing on the strategic planning committee, going to board meetings and planning like crazy to teach 4th grade next year. (I have also been asked to be on an Academic Excellence Committee with just the Director and a Founder. So honored.) 
I have worked harder than I have ever worked in my life.  I am making less money that I have ever made (working full time) in my life.  And even though some days are FILLED with stressful situations I can not control, I love where I am right now.  LOVE IT. 

Oddly enough, while work has decreased my hours of availability to my kids, home life has never been better either.  Weird.  Just weird.  Kids are all doing very well right now.  All seem happy and relaxed most of the time.  Things aren't perfect but the good and happy outweigh the yuck.  I was able to do a mini photoshoot yesterday!!!!

So super happy to start out this new year!!!  Can't wait to see what all crazy things happen this year!!!

Kicking off Summer...

Mother and daughter duo

http://jezebel.com/exclusive-tori-amos-premieres-new-video-and-answers-al-1613198445

Tori Amos has a new album out and it's my favorite ....maybe only second to Little Earthquakes. Anyway, here are the lyrics to Promise. A hauntingly beautiful duet she sings with Tash, her daughter. It's wonderful and it makes me cry. 

[Tori:] Promise not to say

[Tash:] that you told me so

Promise not to say

[Tori:] that I'm getting too old

[Tash:] Promise not to take

[Tori:] never take your phone

[Tash:] I mean take their word

[Tori:] you mean over yours?

what I need to know, will you

[Tash:] Be there

[Tori:] Where the sun shines

[Tash:] I will be there

[Tori:] you are the light

[Tash:] that follows you everywhere

[Tash and Tori:] look for my love

[Tash:] where the sun shines

I will be there

[Tori:] will you

[Tash:] Promise not to judge

[Tori:] to judge who you love

I don't know if I...

[Tash:] Yes, make that Promise

[Tori:] whatever it is

[Tash:] can you hear the truth

if they accuse me

[Tori:] you think I'll doubt you?

what I need to know, will you

[Tash:] be there

when I am all alone

[Tori:] you're not alone

[Tash:] when I am broken down

[Tori:] we all break down

[Tash:] when every door is closed

[Tori:] there is one more

[Tash:] will you look for me?

I will rescue you

Snow Day Continued

I think this kid has more fun than anyone else I know....

Ok - this is his serious-posing-for-a-photo-again-face.  But he really does have a great time...

 

And believe or not, this one had fun too...