Confession Number 100: Big Changes are Underway

Wow!  Confession Number 100!!!  I can't believe it, really.  You've been with me through building our home, a complicated pregnancy, the trials of raising a three year old, being snowed in, the sleepless days and nights that come with an infant.  You've even stuck with me through the conversations on poop.  I guess it is very fitting that on this, my 100th confession, I am able to announce some big changes in our life!

This blog started as an outlet for me to connect with family and friends that we left behind when we moved to Grand Lake, but it was also a creative way for me to use my brain....something I craved once I started staying home full time with, then, our only child.  A lot has happened since the first few days of this site.  We survived 9 months in an 800 square foot apartment, we added Baby Brother and now there is one more big transition coming for us.  I am returning to work! 

It is only a part time gig, but it is just about exactly what I dreamed of.  Dustin and I have known since those first few months of me being at home that my professional life was something that was important to me and even though I have absolutely loved my time at home with Kennedy and Cole, there was still a hole that could only be filled with working to improve the lives of other children through education.  Quite a few months ago I started praying that God would help resolve this tug of war inside me between spending time with my own children and returning to work.  With the encouragement of Dustin and some close friends I emailed the Superintendent here in Grove, Mrs. Harper, to volunteer my services in the field of testing analysis and school improvement.  I told her I wasn't looking for a job, but that God was laying it heavy on my heart that I was to reach out to our local school system with the talents He had given me. 

Within 30 minutes I had a reply.  Long story short, in a couple of weeks I will begin working three days a week as the counselor at the Early Childhood Center and as a testing data analyst.  Yes, you read correctly, the ECC.  I will be working with 4, 5 and 6 year olds.  Start praying now!  :)  This is a huge change from the 17 year olds I'm used to working with, but the way this all fell in place, I just KNOW this is His plan for me, for our family, right now. 

So, yeah.  There are some big changes for us right now.  Getting out the door by 7:30 in the mornings, Cole going to Ms. Terry's a few days a week, Kennedy having longer days at school to accommodate our new schedule.  I keep reminding myself that millions of families do this everyday and we used to do it perfectly, too.  Finding that balance in life during this transition period I know won't be easy, but by Thanksgiving we'll have it down pat!

I'm so excited about this opportunity professionally.  I'm excited to get in there, get my hands dirty and help make Grove Public Schools the best in the state!  I know we have the leadership and vision to do it and I'm pumped to be on the inside working hand in hand with our administrators to get us there.  I'm even excited to work with the little ones some.  Scared, but excited.  Who knew the thought of 25 five year olds in one room would send me into cold chills like the thought of going through another 3 hour glucose test?!  It is a good scared, though.  I know that I'm there to make their lives better and to help those little guys who can't quite help themselves, yet.  I've changed a lot staying at home with Kennedy and Cole and that is what gives me the ability to do this job well. 

So, pray for me.  Pray for our family.  Pray for the kids that I will be working with and that I can be an element of change and success that our schools need. 

And pray about a new name for the blog.  Seriously, this one just doesn't work anymore.  :)

Confession Number 99: I Have Goals

I've always been a goal setter. Since I was a teen I had a clear idea of where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do once I got there. It has always worked for me to have something to work toward, to strive for.

This weekend is really no different. Dustin is headed south for the weekend to spend some time with his folks. He could use a break and I think he and his dad have plans to do all things golf. So, while Daddy is away the kids and I are going to enjoy a great weekend. Here are some of the things I hope to get accomplished the next few days....

1. Make it to the pool. Three days in a row.
2. Eat foods Dustin doesn't like. Meatloaf and Chicken Spaghetti are already on the menu.
3. KJ and I are having a Mommy Date Night. Early bedtime for Cole, Rio via pay per view, and popcorn with M&Ms. Can't think of anything better!
4. Planning the finishing touches for her big upcoming birthday. I see yards of tulle and mermaid skirts in my future.
5. Invest a little in myself by reading my first book on my iPad. I bought "The Help" this morning. Hoping to have it read by Monday evening so I can go see the movie with the girlfriends. We'll see how I like this whole flipping virtual pages thing.

So, this is what I'm up to this weekend. What are your plans?

Confession Number 98: I'm Not Sure What to Do

Summer vacation has officially come to an end in the Matthews household.  Kennedy's first day of Pre K at the Academy is today.  She was so stinkin' excited!  It was after 11 before she finally gave it up and fell asleep. 

We are so excited for her to be able to return for one more year with Ms. Judy and Ms. Cheryl at The Academy.  It gives her some consistency, but opens the doors for tons of fun opportunities.  She is going four days a week this year while she only went two, then three days a week last year.  She will start reading and will have more "homework" which is pretty amazing.  It is incredible how much our little girl has grown up in the past year.  Here she was on the first day of preschool last August...

And here is how our big girl looked as she took off for her first day today...

What a difference a year makes!

Not only is it a big day for Kennedy, but it is a big day for momma, too.  I have found myself fumbling around the house this morning, not quite sure what to do.  Oh, I have plenty to do, I just haven't quite gotten it in gear enough to actually do much.  I've thrown in a load of laundry here and there, Cole and I have played and read and he enjoyed a bottle and a couple of cat naps, I've even made a to-do list! 

I just can't seem to get over the quiet!  Right now all I hear is the hum of the computer and the waves crashing sound from Cole's swing.  God has even sent us a slow, steady little rain.  Ahh.  So, for now I'm going to sit back and enjoy the quiet...and the rain.  I might get something accomplished today, I might not.  3 o'clock will be here before I know it and I'll be so excited to hear all about her first day of Pre-K!

I'll worry about getting things accomplished tomorrow.