Well, I know I seem to have dropped off the face of the earth! I was busy with a 3 year old, an infant, a (busy) husband, homeschooling, and working... Now I have a 3 year old, a 1 year old, a still busy husband (he's averaging 3+ days a week working out of town and 50 or more hours a week!), homeschooling, and working. Not much has changed, except the job I have and the age of my kiddos :)
I was working at WIC as a breastfeeding peer counselor. That job lasted about a month. It wasn't a good fit for me. I was expected to be a bit more pushy than I was comfortable being, honestly I don't care how you feed your baby, just that you are! My job wanted me to push breastfeeding as the only way to feed your baby. I know there are plenty of reasons that formula is a better choice for a family (not just a mom) and I don't think it's my choice to decide if the reason they are giving me is right or wrong, so I quit.
JR turned 1 in April. That was a bittersweet moment for me because he is my last baby. In Korean tradition we did a table of objects that the baby picks from that supposedly is his future. Allison picked a pencil, that typically means academics/smart. Knowing her now at 3, there might be something to it :D JR picked a golf ball, meaning athletic/physically gifted. He started walking at 9.5 months, but I'm still waiting to see if he's going to be a star athlete.
James is working out of town quite a bit lately so I'm home with the kids and getting very little break. Thankfully, my dad enjoys watching the kids 2 days a week so I can go to Zumba. I also go to Zumba and yoga on Wednesdays. The kids go to childcare at the gym and love it! We also do a stroller strides type activity 3 days a week. This is giving me an outlet and a break from the kids.
I am going back to the classroom in August! I was at an open gym activity at a local gymnastics place in March with my MOMS Club. The owner was talking with us about her future plans for the gym and the preschool came up. I mentioned I was a former teacher, although elementary/middle school, not preschool. I was going to ask what her rates were and she asked me to come talk to her about teaching there! I went back later (without kids to keep up with) and we talked about me not only being the teacher but the director as well. She has had a preschool Gym and Learn program at her other gym in Cottonwood so I don't have to invent a curriculum. I just have to come in and teach! My kids get to come with me to work, Allison will be in the class and getting to go to gymnastics class 5 days a week because it's part of the curriculum! I am so excited for August to arrive :)
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Changes!
Wow, what a whirlwind month of February! Allison turned 3, she started gymnastics classes, JR got 2 more teeth, he started walking, and James is changing jobs... I'm tired just writing it all down!
Just after Allison turned 3 I decided to take her to open gym at a local gymnastics place. It is free (trying to get more kids in their classes) on Wednesdays for an hour. The kids get out and play with all of the equipment and run around like maniacs. She had so much fun that I asked about classes. Ironically, it was the first week of classes and they had a class starting on Friday. I signed her up for a trial class. Her teacher put her in the class with the older 3 year olds and 4 year olds because she's so big. After her first class, it was a good decision. She's the same size as the other 3 kids in her class! If she was in the 2-3 year old class she would tower over them!
In 2 weeks she's learned so much. They do all 4 gymnastic events (beam, bars, floor, and vault) every week. She isn't a big fan of beam or vault (she's afraid of heights) but she loves to tumble and can do a rotation on the low bar and swing herself! It's adorable to watch. I was worried because she'd never been apart from me or listened to someone who isn't family but that fear was unfounded. She does great with Mr Eric. The other kids have had meltdowns or left the floor, not Allison. She only gets mad when it's time to go!
JR took his first steps on Sunday. He was in the bedroom with James and I hear come to Daddy, come to Daddy. I sneak in just in time to see him take 6 steps to James! He still prefers to crawl most of the time but he's getting better! In no time I'll be complaining that I have to chase him everywhere!
James is very tired of his old job. They don't appreciate him or pay him all that well. It's enough to get by on one income but there isn't much room for extras. James went to talk to a friend of his who owns a well drilling company in town (but doesn't do many jobs locally). He has really wanted James to join his crew for a while but Friday they talked about it seriously! He offered James $2 more an hour and guaranteed 20 hours of overtime a week. The only drawback is he will be working out of town and working 10 days on and 5 days off. It's not that big a deal for me because my dad has moved back and is willing to move his trailer to our property to help out with the kids! The extra money will be nice and the extra days off will be great too!
It's hard to believe that I'm already making plans for summer! Our local movie theater does cheap movies (10 movies for $7 a person) during the week all summer. It's a different kids movie each week. You pick a day and go the same time each week. I have been telling Allison about going to the movies and we are planning on going with a group of friends every Tuesday morning! It's just going to be just the 2 of us because JR is too little. He'll be staying home with my dad! Should be fun :)
Just after Allison turned 3 I decided to take her to open gym at a local gymnastics place. It is free (trying to get more kids in their classes) on Wednesdays for an hour. The kids get out and play with all of the equipment and run around like maniacs. She had so much fun that I asked about classes. Ironically, it was the first week of classes and they had a class starting on Friday. I signed her up for a trial class. Her teacher put her in the class with the older 3 year olds and 4 year olds because she's so big. After her first class, it was a good decision. She's the same size as the other 3 kids in her class! If she was in the 2-3 year old class she would tower over them!
In 2 weeks she's learned so much. They do all 4 gymnastic events (beam, bars, floor, and vault) every week. She isn't a big fan of beam or vault (she's afraid of heights) but she loves to tumble and can do a rotation on the low bar and swing herself! It's adorable to watch. I was worried because she'd never been apart from me or listened to someone who isn't family but that fear was unfounded. She does great with Mr Eric. The other kids have had meltdowns or left the floor, not Allison. She only gets mad when it's time to go!
JR took his first steps on Sunday. He was in the bedroom with James and I hear come to Daddy, come to Daddy. I sneak in just in time to see him take 6 steps to James! He still prefers to crawl most of the time but he's getting better! In no time I'll be complaining that I have to chase him everywhere!
James is very tired of his old job. They don't appreciate him or pay him all that well. It's enough to get by on one income but there isn't much room for extras. James went to talk to a friend of his who owns a well drilling company in town (but doesn't do many jobs locally). He has really wanted James to join his crew for a while but Friday they talked about it seriously! He offered James $2 more an hour and guaranteed 20 hours of overtime a week. The only drawback is he will be working out of town and working 10 days on and 5 days off. It's not that big a deal for me because my dad has moved back and is willing to move his trailer to our property to help out with the kids! The extra money will be nice and the extra days off will be great too!
It's hard to believe that I'm already making plans for summer! Our local movie theater does cheap movies (10 movies for $7 a person) during the week all summer. It's a different kids movie each week. You pick a day and go the same time each week. I have been telling Allison about going to the movies and we are planning on going with a group of friends every Tuesday morning! It's just going to be just the 2 of us because JR is too little. He'll be staying home with my dad! Should be fun :)
Monday, February 11, 2013
Allison's Third Birthday
This time three years ago today I was having my wonderful little girl! I can't believe how time has flown.
Saturday, we went to the Phoenix Zoo for her (and another friend's) birthday. We saw a ton of animals, ate way too much junk food (snacks all day, cupcakes, and cake for the girls), Allison rode her first Merry-Go-Round, and had a wonderful time! The only complaint was the weather- it was 50 degrees, cold, rainy, and windy. Allison didn't care- we brought the giant double jogging stroller/bike trailer and blankets. When she would get cold, she'd climb in and snuggle under the blankets. She thought it was like riding in a princess carriage. JR was perfectly happy to sit in his ring sling, with a blanket and my coat over him. He took a couple of great naps walking through the zoo.
Sunday, we went out to breakfast at Golden Corral. Allison loves going there because we let her have all the veggies she wants and don't force her to eat meat! I'm sure the cotton candy doesn't hurt either :)
Overall, it was a great weekend to celebrate Allison's third birthday.
I'll update with pictures when I have a chance!
Saturday, we went to the Phoenix Zoo for her (and another friend's) birthday. We saw a ton of animals, ate way too much junk food (snacks all day, cupcakes, and cake for the girls), Allison rode her first Merry-Go-Round, and had a wonderful time! The only complaint was the weather- it was 50 degrees, cold, rainy, and windy. Allison didn't care- we brought the giant double jogging stroller/bike trailer and blankets. When she would get cold, she'd climb in and snuggle under the blankets. She thought it was like riding in a princess carriage. JR was perfectly happy to sit in his ring sling, with a blanket and my coat over him. He took a couple of great naps walking through the zoo.
Sunday, we went out to breakfast at Golden Corral. Allison loves going there because we let her have all the veggies she wants and don't force her to eat meat! I'm sure the cotton candy doesn't hurt either :)
Overall, it was a great weekend to celebrate Allison's third birthday.
I'll update with pictures when I have a chance!
Monday, January 7, 2013
What a difference a year makes
This time last year I was at the hospital with my mom as she passed from this world! Then, I was transferred to the other hospital in town to be monitored for preterm labor (I'd been having contractions for a couple of hours). I spent 2 days there, plugged up to machines and meds. I got sent home on bed rest for the rest of my pregnancy.
I've spent most of the day looking at old picture and crying! My mom was more than a mom, she was my best friend. Things are different when you're an only child- and really different when your mom was a SAHM until you turned 17! She knew how to make me laugh, make me angry, and keep me sane!
I wouldn't have survived my first birth without Momma. She lived in my house Sunday-Friday for the first 8 weeks of Allison's life. Was home for a week and back to my house for another 4 weeks (damn emergency c-section and gallbladder removal!)
She taught me how to love and be loved and be a mommy. She let me be who I was with no judgements, no criticism, and no worries. I hope I can be as good a mom to Allison and JR as she was to me!
I've spent most of the day looking at old picture and crying! My mom was more than a mom, she was my best friend. Things are different when you're an only child- and really different when your mom was a SAHM until you turned 17! She knew how to make me laugh, make me angry, and keep me sane!
I wouldn't have survived my first birth without Momma. She lived in my house Sunday-Friday for the first 8 weeks of Allison's life. Was home for a week and back to my house for another 4 weeks (damn emergency c-section and gallbladder removal!)
She taught me how to love and be loved and be a mommy. She let me be who I was with no judgements, no criticism, and no worries. I hope I can be as good a mom to Allison and JR as she was to me!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas
Christmas is a wonderful time of year! I love watching Allison's face light up when she sees a Santa Claus or tree full of decorations. The hard part was doing the shopping for presents. I loved going out with my mom Christmas shopping. We would go down every aisle looking for just the right gift for everyone on our lists. This year, my heart wasn't in it without Mom!
I knew I had to get presents for both kids. JR because it was his first Christmas and Allison because she was finally old enough to understand about Santa! I waited and waited, hoping I'd catch some of Allison's excitement. Finally, 10 days ago, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. Allison had been begging for a doctor kit (a booboo kit in her words) from Santa for the over a month and I was afraid if I waited too long I wouldn't be able to find one. As it was, I had to go to 3 stores to get it! I got each kid 4 presents, one thing they wanted, one thing they needed, one thing to read, and one thing to wear. Allison got her doctor kit, PJ's, a matching/memory game, and a shirt. JR got a set of cars, PJ's, a bedtime story, and a second set of PJ's (he really needed some that would go over his huge night time cloth diaper!).
On Christmas Eve, James got a bonus and went to the Cal Ranch Store (think Tractor Supply Company). He got the kids a pedal tractor, a wooden train set, and wooden Lincoln Logs. He also got me a 3 cookbook set of Crockpot meals and a play yard for JR. I love it and it will be well used!
I knew I had to get presents for both kids. JR because it was his first Christmas and Allison because she was finally old enough to understand about Santa! I waited and waited, hoping I'd catch some of Allison's excitement. Finally, 10 days ago, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. Allison had been begging for a doctor kit (a booboo kit in her words) from Santa for the over a month and I was afraid if I waited too long I wouldn't be able to find one. As it was, I had to go to 3 stores to get it! I got each kid 4 presents, one thing they wanted, one thing they needed, one thing to read, and one thing to wear. Allison got her doctor kit, PJ's, a matching/memory game, and a shirt. JR got a set of cars, PJ's, a bedtime story, and a second set of PJ's (he really needed some that would go over his huge night time cloth diaper!).
On Christmas Eve, James got a bonus and went to the Cal Ranch Store (think Tractor Supply Company). He got the kids a pedal tractor, a wooden train set, and wooden Lincoln Logs. He also got me a 3 cookbook set of Crockpot meals and a play yard for JR. I love it and it will be well used!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thanksgiving
The kids and I went to visit my dad for Thanksgiving. Since Mom passed away, my dad goes and lives where he wants (he spent most of the summer in Williams and headed south when the weather got too cold!). He's staying in Parker and loving it! We invited James but he was completely uninterested in going anywhere so we went on our own. It was my first time driving a long distance with the kids alone. I was worried because JR doesn't always like his car seat and Allison gets antsy being cooped up in the car for too long.
It was a lot of worry over nothing. The kids did great, I had fun, and we had a blast in Parker! We decided to stay at a motel for the 3 nights instead of cramming 2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog in Dad's travel trailer. They were in rare form- it was $75 a night for a Motel 6! I paid it though.
We went to the local casino to have a buffet Thanksgiving dinner! Lots of yummy food but lots of people too. I managed to get 3 plates of food (1 for me, 1 for Allison, and a small one for JR) back to the table in one piece :)
Daddy's 1965 TravelEze Trailer
Grandpa and JR
Allison eating
It was a lot of worry over nothing. The kids did great, I had fun, and we had a blast in Parker! We decided to stay at a motel for the 3 nights instead of cramming 2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog in Dad's travel trailer. They were in rare form- it was $75 a night for a Motel 6! I paid it though.
We went to the local casino to have a buffet Thanksgiving dinner! Lots of yummy food but lots of people too. I managed to get 3 plates of food (1 for me, 1 for Allison, and a small one for JR) back to the table in one piece :)
Daddy's 1965 TravelEze Trailer
Grandpa and JR
Allison eating
Monday, May 28, 2012
Introduction
As you can tell from the title of this blog, I am a stay at home mom. I have two wonderful kids, Allison and JR. Allison is 2 and JR is a newborn. They are the best part of my world! I have been married to the most wonderful man, James, for almost 6 years (in July). We still live in the same small town that I grew up in- I've never lived anywhere else that I can remember!
Before I had kids I was an elementary/middle school teacher. I started my (very short) career teaching second grade for two years and ended it teaching 5th grade and 6/7th grade math. I enjoyed the children and the classroom a lot but my heart knew I was supposed to be a mommy.
This blog is going to be a spot to document what I'm doing with homeschooling the kids (starting in January), day to day life, and just talk about the kids and my family!
Before I had kids I was an elementary/middle school teacher. I started my (very short) career teaching second grade for two years and ended it teaching 5th grade and 6/7th grade math. I enjoyed the children and the classroom a lot but my heart knew I was supposed to be a mommy.
This blog is going to be a spot to document what I'm doing with homeschooling the kids (starting in January), day to day life, and just talk about the kids and my family!
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