halloween

farewell fall break

wrapping up summer vacation

It seems like such a short while ago that I was wrapping up the school year, and now we're reaching the end of summer vacation. I go back to work next week. Where did it go? I still have a really long to-do list and no time left - eek! It is with mixed emotions that I write this post. The picture mosaic is from various outings we took over the past few weeks. I was meaning to blog about each of them but didn't get around to it. Family bbqs, swimming with friends, playing at the park... When summer first began and I was home all day every day with Bree I found it a bit difficult. It took some time for us to both adjust and develop a routine, and once I figured out that we needed to get out of the house for some time each day our days became really enjoyable. And now that we're in this routine it's time for it to change!

Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that I am a teacher. I am thankful for 2 whole months off each summer with pay (although I must also point out that we are paid accordingly - I could be making a whole lot more money in another profession.) I enjoy having time off for breaks and holidays and bad weather and think that since I am going to be a working mom, I have one of the best jobs for it. But sometimes the transitions can get a bit weary. I'm getting nervous about school starting. Worried about getting Bree back into the daycare routine. We have an AMAZING provider and friend, that's not what worries me. I just wonder which one of us, Bree or me, is going to have the harder time with going back to seeing each other only on the evenings and weekends? I'm sad because I won't be able to take her to the last half of her swimming lessons. (She did awesome today, by the way. Didn't fight me when we swam on our backs and went under the water 3 times - twice with the instructor and once with me!) Daddy will get to have fun in the water with her for the last five sessions.

And work. I got an e-mail today from out attendance secretary. She wanted to let me know that my 27th student enrolled today. Well, what else can I say but bring it on! At least I know that while I'm at work, I'll be distracted enough not to worry about other things.

one

One year ago our two became three. Our marriage became a family.

I'm so happy you enjoyed your first birthday party, baby girl! You mean the world to us. You were so excited to see family and friends and play with the kids in the bouncer. When I brought the cake to you and everyone crowded around singing Happy Birthday you did a little dance and smiled so big. That cake never stood a chance - you dove right in and only stopped after I took it away. You're already living your life to the fullest. I cherish these moments with you.