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...

 

 

More Snow!

Stella's Thoughts...

2/1/14
I wish I could be Daniel because God made it so the lions didn't hurt him.  I wish I could be around any animals I want without getting hurt.  That's my best dream.

2/2/14
S- I know who God sent to the world to protect us.
Me- Who
S- His Son.

2/3/14
S- I didn't get enough sleep last night because I had a meeting with God and then I prayed.
Me- How did your meeting with God go?
S-  Good!  I talked about things that I want and things that I need.
Me-  Oh yeah?
S-  Yeah.  I told him that I wished he didn't make college.  That kids should just stay in high school.  And, that I wished he made every day the weekend.  You know, like summer.


Stella and God are pret-ty tight these days.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!!

What a year it's been!! I love you so much Pocahontas.  Hope 16 is all you dreamed of and MORE. 

Cheers to good friends, new goals, a license and a car (Lord help me), and loads of laughter.

 

 

 

Maddy and her bffs in NYC channeling Gossip Girls!

 

 

 

 

I heard this song a while back and immediately thought of you.  Never feel bad for having fun in this life little girl.  Your intuition will serve you well. 

See next post for video... NOW GO LIVE GIRL.

One Republic - I Lived - Lyrics Video (Native Album) [HD][HQ]

Your Grandpa gave us good examples on how to live this way. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Snow Day 2014

Seek The Owl: Sarah Lorish NYU Film Submission FROM Hailey on FB

Hailey shared this video on Facebook...and needless to say I cried the whole way through it.  This could easily be her speaking. 

Seek the owl sweet Hailey A. 

FOR MY HAILEY......Jason Mraz - 93 Million Miles [Official Music Video]

I wanted to use this song and do a video with photos of your life. But alas, it hasn't happened. In the meantime, here's my song to you sweet girlie.

You can always come home.❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sassy

This is kind of how I feel right now.  I think I'm getting sick.  Anyway, I realize I have a lot of catching up to do.  I'm hoping to find some writing time during this holiday season.  Maybe. 

I have been playing around with my camera again. Lynn has inspired me to try some new stuff.  Only instead of doing the new stuff with film (like she is) I'm choosing the cheaper and more convenient digital route. 

I used saran wrap today.  Wrapped it around my fixed 50 and started shooting.  There was only one small spot in the center for catching a clear spot. I'm going to have fun with it when someone is in a better mood. I love how it blurs random parts on the sides.  But ^ she wasn't having it today.   Though she was intrigued for a quick second, she got irritated very quickly and I only got 3 shots.  But this was one of them.  And I can't help but love it. 

Beautiful Girl

I have to sneak photos in whenever I can. She doesn't know she's beautiful. She thinks she's ok. But she's wrong. She's much, much better than ok. 

Underwater!

Hailey got a new waterproof case for her phone. She refused to pay 80 dollars for one so she found one on eBay. It was about 10 bucks. She tested it out first (Put paper in the case and submerged it for about an hour. Paper came out dry.). 

So here are the photos she sent me...

I MUST get one of those waterproof cases.