Decisions

Over this last week I have been struggling with the idea of applying for another position in my school district.  Being a resource teacher would get me out of the classroom, so it was a very tempting idea with all of the struggles I've faced with having such a big class this year.  

Twenty nine, yes 29, kids that are 6, 7, or 8 years old is interesting to say the least.  

There were so many pluses with the idea of leaving the classroom...no report cards...no conferences...no millions of copies and materials to prep...but I was just unsettled by it all.

I literally was sick to my stomach as the decision tumbled around in my mind all last weekend and into the beginning of the week.  What to do...what to do...so many encouraging me to go for it...but a nagging voice in my mind.  We have so many amazingly good changes coming up next year and leaving the classroom would take me out of experiencing a fresh approach to teaching.

So after pleading in prayer for direction the decision was made...I am staying put.

Teaching is what I do, I'm good at it and I love it...not always, but most of the time.

I see big positive changes on our campus next year...

it's going to be exciting to refocus on teaching and not test giving.

My stomach is settled and my heart is content...

I think all of my prayers asking for guidance were answered...

I am a classroom teacher.

Until next time,

Linking up with Miss Casey

Hello 2012!

Quite frankly I was ready for 2011 to be over.  It was a rough year for me, but I learned a lot along the way.  We had too many funerals and not enough income, but we survived and maybe, just maybe came out stronger.  At least that's what I'm counting on as 2012 rolls gently into motion.

My life hasn't been all hard, it's actually been pretty good in a lot of areas.  Kenny and I continue to grown stronger in our marriage and in being a team every day.  Our boys have blossomed even more than I could have imagined!  Character and perseverance have shown up in these young men and it's been awesome to witness.

My hope for the new year is to keep on keeping on.  I am more focused in the last week on taking time to exercise and eat well.  I cannot just go through the motions anymore I need to live life on purpose.  I am trying to be more aware of all that I am doing and how that is making my life flow.

My goals this year are still milling around in my mind, but soon they will find themselves listed for all to see.  The accountability in posting my goals makes all of them seem more concrete and obtainable.  Maybe you all can be my accountability partners?!?

So today I am left with ideas and peace and hope for a fresh new year.  Another chapter in my life and many more happy days to come.

Until next time,

Lessons I've Learned

Since my husband has been out of work for just over two years I have learned a lot about myself and our little family.

I have learned that going to a horrible job at a terrible place is much worse on a soul than not having a steady paycheck coming in every two weeks. The spirit that has filled my husband since he lost his job is such a blessing. He is happier, looks, and feels better than he did while he was dragging himself to that office everyday.

K was helping me with Marketing my aprons!
He said he had to make the "macho face" for the full effect! Pretty cute model, don't ya think!

I have learned that we don't need a whole lot to be happy. Our boys are perfectly content staying home and playing their games or with their Legos. We don't need fancy outings and elaborate vacations. The true blessing of our personalities is that we are all pretty much homebodies. So fitting since we need to stay home now!

My building boys!

I have learned that we are a very good team. K and I work very well together, we balance each other! Putting our heads together we have been able to figure out better ways to take care of our boys and our home. We invested in bicycles a couple of years ago and it has been so nice to run errands around town together. We get some one-on-one time together, some exercise, and save fuel. K has also put the word out to friends and family that he's available to help with projects or repairs on just about anything. It has been a blast helping K when one of our friends needs something done to their home.

Someday I will learn how to take a better picture of us!

I have learned that I don't need to go run errands every day. I have plenty to do at home, so using the fuel to go run around really isn't necessary. Making trips into town are much more planned and farther and fewer between. My sewing machine is my friend and we have been spending a lot of time together creating. I am hoping Amy's Monkeys continues to grow and supplement our family. Bringing extra income to our home while still being at home is an awesome thing! I never had the courage before to try to market myself and my creations, I guess I needed a push!

I have learned that it is okay to pray for us. I used to think that we were doing pretty well so other than being thankful we really shouldn't pray for specific things. Not any more, if I am having a great day or struggling or frustrated or my back is really hurting I am praying about it. I have had more conversations with God than I ever did before. Man was I missing out before. Weight is lifted from my shoulders. No more borrowing trouble for me.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:34

This job loss has truly been a blessing to our family. We are better for it. Do we wish K had a full-time income? Absolutely. Will he settle for a horrible working environment again? I hope not. Financially it has stretched us, but emotionally it has strengthened us beyond measure! We will make it through financially, someway or another. Friends and family have blessed us and we will continue to make do!

Until next time,

Linking up:

Finding My Balance

When I decided my word for this year would be balance I wasn't quite sure how I was going to go about getting a better balance between all the hats I wear. So far it has just sort of organically morphed its way into reality.

For the first time since I have been teaching I am leaving my planning and prepping and record keeping to my time at school only. I am not staying late, but I am trying to be a better steward of every spare moment I get. I am using my before school time, after school time, and any time my students are working without me to get myself set up for the following week or weeks. We are more than half way through the year and many of my materials are already prepped to get me through to the end. All without me neglecting anything. I am so pleased to be able to leave my plan book and teacher bag at school over the weekend!

This past weekend I focused on my home and my family. Together we were able to clean up and clear out some things. We even made a run to our neighborhood park when the sun broke through the fog. Not once did I think about stuff I needed to do for school. Home was all about home!

I am grateful that I am finding more balance between home and school. They are not being intertwined and tangled. Believe me, that makes for a much happier mama!

I am linking to Gratituesday with Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers!

Until next time,

Back to School Again

Life was not all buttoned up and tucked in yesterday. My boys and I did really well getting ready for school and falling back into our routine, but when I got to school my day had all sorts of twists and turns.

I get into my classroom, no heat. Lovely. I head over to the thermostat and it is 52 degrees. Thank goodness the temporary button was working, so I was able to get the heater going. The challenge is remembering every two hours while I am supposed to be teaching to hit the button again. Nice way to start the day.

I get everything else set up and head to the office. I'm getting a new student. Okay, I figured that would be happening since I had 2 spots open. Strike that you're getting 2 new students. Cool, now I will be full so no more changes. I like the sound of that! I take the two new students with me to meet the rest of the class and start our day. Right away one of the newbies starts talking out and being a bit loud. I had to squash that habit right away.

We run through some lessons then I set the rest of the class to work independently so I can assess my two new charges. Things did not go well at this point. Both of these babies are far below where they should be at this time of the year in second grade. My heart sinks. I am frustrated and disappointed that they are both going to be struggling along with the group I already have that struggles. Nice.

I get resources set up for my two new students and find out one of my other students is moving so tomorrow I will have new student #3! Geesh!! I am hoping he will not be behind also, but unfortunately with kids that get moved a lot he probably will have gaps.

So today I am trying to keep a positive attitude and get my game plan ready to get these kiddos caught up! I am grateful for all of the tricks and tools I have discovered to help these kids. Maybe I will be able to push them up to where they should be, or at least a lot closer. It is what is, or so I keep telling myself!

Until next time,

My Word

I have have been thinking all week about what my word should be for the year. Productive, grow, learn, intentional, better, all great words but not what I was going for completely. So what did I come up with you say??

Here it is....

I know. It's been staring me in the face every time I get on my blog! I am in need of finding balance in my life again. I have been on a quest to do so much that I am going a little extreme at times. I have been trying to get so many new things set up in our lives that I kind of missed the point about making the changes in the first place. Making my family's life better all around.

My family has been through some challenging times the last two years, but we are better for all of it. Well mostly better, some of the challenges I could have done without!

What we need now is balance. Balance between our school lives, our home lives, computer time, creating time, and being together time. I think all five of us are guilty of too much computer time, so I think we need to balance it with more together time where we are active and interacting with each other.

Finding a new rhythm will not be hard if I make it a priority in creating a better balance in our home. These days of the five of us all together are going to be gone before I know it. I want to make sure K and I are doing everything we can to make sure our little men (well Z is not so little) are ready for all the obstacles and challenges they will be facing.

Leading by example has been my parenting MO so far. According to my grandma we have done a great job with the boys, but I know there is still so much to teach them. I want them to know that balancing all your responsibilities is completely possible. You just have to make it happen!

So my friends I am striving to find better balance in my life as we begin the journey of 2011. I have no idea what is in store for us this year, but I am hopeful that a little bit more balance will make it a great year!

Until next time,


Linking to Finer Things Friday

Reflecting

As we all begin 2011 I keep reflecting on all the things that happened in our lives during 2010. Looking back I think 2010 was a rough year for my family emotionally, but a stellar year for us to grow and learn and become closer than ever.

2010 began with the worry that I would be losing my grandmother. It was a blow that I was not expecting. Her health has been a roller coaster ride for my entire family. She is still kicking and my family had the pleasure of being her caretakers for a couple of days last weekend. Her spirit is shaken, but she is hanging in there!

We all thought we would lose my grandmother, but instead it was my grandfather that passed away. He had just worn himself out taking care of my grandmother for so long. He is at peace and he is missed everyday.

The summer of 2010 was a good one. We began the season with a quick beach trip to see some friends. The boys discovered surfing and boogie boarding and K and I learned we need to take our wedding rings off when we hit the beach! K was so sad to lose his ring, but things like that happen. The overall trip was awesome and I renewed my love of San Diego!

Our school year began with a bang. The boys excelled in their classes and I struggled with students who were not even close to being ready for 2nd grade. This school year has been a huge struggle for me. I am trying to make the best out of a bad situation, but it is a major challenge some days!

The beginning of the school also brought great joy and excitement and sorrow and heartbreak in the span of a week. We have been wanting to add on to our family for quite some time and in August we thought that that time had finally come. I was overjoyed at the prospect of having another baby, but my joy was quickly replaced when I miscarried. It all happened so fast I don't know if I even really processed everything. Some days I catch myself daydreaming about being pregnant. I never thought I would ever lose a pregnancy, but it did happen and I stinks!

My sewing has been my savior in relieving stress and keeping me occupied! I have been able to make some extra money too! I am hoping in 2011 my sewing continues to help us financially and me emotionally. K has been working on a website for me, so maybe I will be selling my goods on the web this year and not just locally.

We have really looked at our finances in 2010 and we have a pretty good idea of what we want to do and how we can do it. K is continuing his job hunt. We have reduced our bills quite a bit, so he doesn't have to find a super high paying job. I am hoping he finds something where he can use his talents and be truly happy. I know there is something out there, we just have to keep looking.

Our 2010 was a bumpy ride, but we hung in there and made it through stronger than before. I am hopeful that 2011 will be better for us and that we will all continue to thrive.

Until next time,

Tired

I am tired today. We have had a crazy week or so around here. First, we had great news that our mortgage would be modified after we were told it would not be modified. That was a huge blessing and we are so thankful.

Then, we had to go to a hearing to determine if K was suppose to have been getting unemployment all this time or not. No matter how it turns out we feel vindicated because the woman that caused K to lose his job was made out to look like an idiot by the judge. I know it's silly, but she caused us a lot of trouble. Seeing her squirm was pretty nice. We don't know what will happen, but we feel good about being able to finally speak our peace.

I was told last week that one of my most challenging students might be moved into a special smaller class to better meet his needs. He is a handful, but I know it's just because he was so far behind and frustrated. He had come a long way, but I just could not devote enough time to him. Well, Monday afternoon his mom agreed to let him move into the other class. It will be better for both of us.

I was pretty happy to have my stress load lowered, but then I got a phone call. My grandma is not doing well. We thought we were going to lose her in January, but she hung in there. Now we don't know what is wrong. She has been sick for a long time, so she may just be tired and ready to go be with my grandpa. We all knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Today I am just worn out. I am ready for a break. I am ready for this emotional roller coaster to come to a stop for a while. Today I am focusing on today and trying my best to not worry about tomorrow until tomorrow. A verse came up on my perpetual calendar that fits so well. It always amazes me when the timing for something is just right.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
~Matthew 6:34

Until next time,

Freezer Cooking

Just a quick update to my goals for building my freezer stash of breakfast foods for our busy school mornings. This morning in about 3 1/2 hours I was able to make 49 pancakes, 32 waffles, 45 pieces of french toast using my homemade wheat bread and get the kitchen completely cleaned (it was a wonderful lesson to be taught by my mom to clean as you go!). It feels so good to be able to check that off my list of things to get done before I head back to school!

So, in my freezer I have banana muffins, mini banana loaves, 1 loaf of strawberry bread, 1 loaf of banana bread, strawberry muffins, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, and french toast. I usually just take out a bag of muffins in the morning when I get up and they are defrosted by the time the boys are ready for breakfast. The pancakes and french toast I reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute 45 seconds on 70% power. The waffles crisp back up in the toaster oven beautifully. I also use the ready cooked bacon from Costco for a little protein. I usually also have some sort of fruit. The boys aren't big eaters in the morning, so I save their fruit and veggie servings for lunch, snacks, and dinner.

I really want to also make some smoothies in the mornings to get some veggies and fruit in the boys as they start their day. I always worry about the blender waking K, so I don't get it out in the mornings very often. It's something I am hoping to change as we all get on the same schedule for school this year.

I hope everyone is having a productive Monday! I only have two more things on my "to do" list to get accomplished for today! Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time,

Improvise- Eat from the Pantry Challege Reflection

This week I had my menu all planned and I had already seen the inside of Costco and Winco. Then it happened. I did not have a key ingredient to make my scheduled lasagna. I was a little ticked at myself for not checking to make sure I had the Ricotta, but life happens. So did I march my little hiney over to Target to get it? I mean it's literally just down the street. I am proud to say I did not! I used what I had instead and modified my menu to keep me OUT. OF. THE. STORE. I decided to make Baked Ziti instead. I am so glad I did! I got the two thumbs up in between mouthfuls, which always makes me smile.

The moral of this story is that we have an abundance of food in this house for which I am eternally grateful. During this "Pantry Challenge" I have learned a lot about how I shop. I have always been a list maker, but I do mess up sometimes and forget something I need. During this challenge I learned to make do or do without. This new thinking has spilled over from the pantry into all areas of my household. I am not running to the store every time I run out of something. Instead I am using up other versions of my favorites. I am using up all the other lotions I have rather than running to go get more of my favorite scent. My whole mindset is changing for the better!

Right now we are working to stretch every dollar we have during our family's time of uncertainty. I am hopeful that these new "habits" don't go away when our finances change, but instead become part of how we function as a family. I am grateful for the abundance in our lives, but I do not for one minute ever want to take it for granted. Reminding myself to make do or do without is the new mantra continually running through my mind.

Until next time,

This post is linked to Gratituesday over at Heavenly Homemakers.

This post is also linked to Money Saving Mom for the Pantry Challenge.

Sticking to my Guns

It seems I've already changed my mind with my menu this week! We had yucky, gloomy, blah weather all day, so cooking something warm and comforting seemed more appropriate than fish and tri-tip. K had picked up some spinach and cheese ravioli a couple of weeks ago, so I put it to use today.

Now to the "sticking to my guns" part...we did not have any french bread in the freezer and I did not have time to get some made from scratch before we needed to eat. Did I run down to the store? Nope! I decided I would use what we had instead. I buttered and toasted some regular sandwich bread and it worked just fine! No one complained or even mentioned that we did not have french bread. I am very hopeful that the rest of this month will be great and hopefully we will be able to stretch it into next month too!

Our unplanned, but no extra cost dinner!

I hope everyone is making do or doing without in style during this challenge! I am having a ball challenging myself to stick to my goals.

Until next time,


I am linking this to Frugal Friday over at Life as Mom.

Pantry Inventory

I usually have a good idea about what we have in the pantry and freezer, so it wasn't really hard for me to make my list (it just took a loonngg time). I hate to have things out of order; I'm just a little goofy that way! My oldest called me a "neat freak" the other day and I couldn't argue.

We have a lot of good things to use, so I may be able to extend the challenge for myself until part of February. We'll see how the shelves look in a few weeks!

This is what we have on hand right now:

• Cereal (The containers are mostly full, but I'm not sure we'll have enough to get through the month. If we run out we'll just have to decide whether or not to buy more at that time.)
  
• Oatmeal Packets (about 30)
  
• Oats ~ 4lbs
  
• Wheat Flour ~ 3lbs
  
• Unbleached Flour ~ 25lbs
  
• Organic Sugar ~ 20lbs
  
• Pasta – 10 different kinds (Do ya think someone buys her pasta a Costco?!? I think I need to start using some of this for lunches too!)
  
• ½ jar Dehydrated Scalloped Potatoes
  
• 1 Canister Quick Oats
  
• 1 Container Rice Flour ( for play dough)
  
• 1 jar powdered sugar
  
• 1 jar cornmeal
  
• ½ jar peanut butter chips
  
• 1 jar chocolate chips
  
• ¾ jar cinnamon chips
  
• 1 jar each chocolate and vanilla melties
  
• ¼ jar coconut flakes
  
• ¾ jar demerara
  
• 1 jar Basmati Rice (+15lbs in a pail)
  
• ½ jar orzo pasta
  
• 1 basket tea bags
  
• 1 ½ canisters Nesquik
  
• 3 ½ bottles syrup
  
• 2 jars grape jam
  
• 1 jar apple jelly
  
• 2 ½ jars peanut butter
  
• 1 dill pickle relish
  
• 2 mayoniase
  
• 1 ketchup
  
• 2 mustard
  
• 1 ¼ bottle organic olive oil
  
• 6 cans Albacore tuna
  
• 3 cans chicken breast
  
• 8 cans organic tomato paste
  
• 8 cans organic diced tomatoes
  
• 19 cans organic tomato sauce
  
• 17 cans chicken soup
  
• 17 cans other soups
  
• 13 cans refried beans
  
• 3 cans olives – whole
  
• 3 cans olives – chopped
  
• 6 snack size pineapple chunks
  
• 1 can organic pumpkin puree
  
• 5 cans evaporated milk
  
• 4 cans condensed milk
  
• 2 bottles taco sauce (I use it for enchiladas)
  
• 2 bottles BBQ sauce (Z usually makes it from scratch)
  
• 1 bottle balsamic vinaigrette
  
• 1 container mixed nuts
  
• 4 juice pouches
  
• 1 overflowing basket of red potatoes
  
• 1 basket Russett potatoes
  
• 1 red onion
  
• 4 yellow onions
  
• 3 bulbs garlic
  
• 8 Frappuccinos
  
• 19 packs microwave popcorn (leftover from classroom treat)
  
• 16 simply fruit rolls (I will have to get more for school this month)
  
• 6 granola bars
  
• 20 chewy bars
  
• ½ bag Doritos
  
• ½ bag Kettle Potato Chips
  
• 1 box saltines
  
• 1 package marshmellows
  
• 3 jars marshmellow cream
  
• 1 container candy corn (probably going in the freezer?)
  
• 4 boxes vanilla pudding
  
• 5 boxes Jello
  
• Hot chocolate packs
  
• ½ jar honey (about 2 ½ lbs)
  
• and I topped off all my spices, so we should be good to go for a while!
  

Wow! Did you make it all the way to the bottom? Goodness that is a lot of stuff!! Well, I think I will spare you the freezer today and stop here!

Until next time,

Eat from the Pantry Challenge-Monthly Menu

I have made our menu plan for the month and it looks pretty good. I'll be off to Winco and Costco this morning to replenish a few things before we start our "Eat from the Pantry" challenge. I will mainly just be buying dairy items, refilling my spice jars, and topping off my sugar and flour buckets. I think we are good to go, so wish us luck. I'm sure we'll be at the Farmer's Market for veggies and Costco for milk, but my focus is to use what we have or make do without! I am totally hoping to stay out of the grocery stores as much as possible this month!

Here's what we have on the dinner menu this month:

• Pizza x 5 (Every Friday, but I think we'll switch it up by making individual sizes)
  
• Sloppy Joes
  
• Fajitas
  
• Talapia
  
• Beef Tri-Tip x 3
  
• Roasted Chicken x 2
  
• PW's Chicken Pot Pie
  
• Poor Man's Meal
  
• Breakfast for Dinner
  
• Spaghetti
  
• Tacos
  
• Pulled Pork (may use PW's recipe)
  
• Hamburgers x 2
  
• PW's Enchiladas
  
• Lemon Chicken
  
• Fettuccini Alfredo
  
• Toasted Cheese and Soup
  
• PW's Marlboro Man Sandwich
  
• PW's Lasagna
  
• Pork Country Ribs
  
• Meatloaf
  
• Quesedilla
  
• Pasta with Red Sauce
  

Until next time,

Pantry Challenge

Well, I challenged myself to use what we have in our food supply for January and now I see the pantry challenge all over blogland. I guess great minds think alike! I always menu plan for the month since I get paid once a month, but this time I really wanted to use what we have on hand. Hopefully we'll get off to a great start since we don't go back to school until the 11th. I am hoping to prep a lot of stuff while I'm still on break so life back in the real world will be easier!

I will have to buy milk and produce over the month, but as far as everything else goes we are looking pretty good. I'll be posting my freezer inventory and pantry inventory over the next few days so you all can see where my menu plan came from!

Goals for this challenge:

*Save grocery money
*Prepare as many things from scratch as possible
*Make room for possible bulk meat purchase this spring
*Make myself really stick to my menu plan
*Have fun trying new recipes
*Keep all my mens' tummies happy

Until next time,