Going back to work....

Well, while I was in Rockport, I received a job offer at Roach MS in Frisco. I am so thankful, and relieved, and at the same time so sad. The job offer is for 6th grade ILA (Language Arts and Reading), pending passing my certification tests. I had promised Terri, the principal, that I would be willing to take both the ELAR certification test AND the Generalist test to up my chances of actually passing one or the other. So, the Tuesday and Wednesday after Rockport, I took both tests (one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday)---and by Friday I found out I had passed BOTH! This brought on a flood of emtions, for that meant, I am DEFINITELY going back to work full-time.
This, of course, is a blessing and I know without a doubt that it is meant-to-be, but it is still difficult. I am sad that I will not be the one picking up Reese and Collin from school and that I will not be able to volunteer at their school like I had always hoped for. This is temporarily giving up a little of the dream I have had as their mother, but sometimes we have to step up to the plate for our families, and that is what I am doing.
I have been on an emotional roller coaster for the last couple of weeks, shed lots of tears and have needed time to digest all that has happened so quickly. I am now trying to get myself geared up to teach. I actually LOVE teaching, and look forward to being back in the classroom. I know that me going back will hopefully relieve Jeff of working such a long, and early, hours. It was also hopefully allow him to get some help in the office (eventually). I also think it will help us put some additional fund towards the kids college funds and give us a few opportunities we would not have had if I had not gone back. So, there are definitely positives to it, it is just getting myself used to the fact that life has changed (and quickly).
I might be on a similar roller coaster, even if I was not going back to work. These emotions have snuck up on me, unexpectedly, and the fact that Reese and Collin are going to Kindergarten has really struck a nerve with me. I just don't want their little lives to go by too quickly. I want to cherish my every moment with them, soak in their little laughs, hug and kiss their sweet cheeks, listen to all their cute stories and just enjoy them while they are young. I have so enjoyed being home these last six years and I will always treasure all the time I have been able to be with them. I feel so blessed to be their Mommy and I want nothing but to continue to savor every moment.

School Supplies

A couple of weeks ago, I took the kids school supply shopping. I thought it would be fun for them to help me read the list, find the supplies they needed, get the appropriate amount and start getting them excited for school! They really did enjoy it and were really good about finding all of their stuff. I can't believe they are starting Kindergarten--they are going to do great, but these last 6 years have gone by way too FAST! I am going to be an emotional wreck on the first day....I already am.

Pre-season Football and Cheerleader Cook Out

The Red Raiders football coach and his wife Erin (team mom) contacted me to see if the cheerleaders would be interested in participating in a pre-season cook-out with the football team. I thought this was so nice and we were thrilled to be included. The cook out was a ton of fun and the kids just ran around and played. Forrest (the coach) spoke a little and said that he really hoped that the football and cheer parents could get to know each other and for us to become one, big cohesive group. I am looking forward to a great season and hope that we have many more seasons to come! What a fun way to start the year!

Rockport

We took a little road trip to Rockport and we had such a good time! The kids played at the beach, ate junk, stayed up late, fished, hunted for crabs and had all kinds of fun. Us moms had a fun time too and all these little stinkers kept us on our toes the entire time. Reese got stung by a jelly fish one day, and if you can believe it, 6 of the 8 kids got stung and Collin was not one of them! He lucked out. After a week in Rockport, we made the trek home and are looking forward to our next trip to the beach!

Happy Birthday Mom!

My mom celebrated her 60th birthday this year. We are all so blessed to call her our "Mom" and for our kids to have her as their "Nana". Mom, here is to 60 wonderful years and to hopefully 60 more!! We love you so much!

Happy 30th Birthday Allison!

For Allison's 30th birthday, we had a girls night out at Urban Crust. We met for a few drinks, ate a declicious dinner and then headed rooftop for a couple more beverages. We love you Allison!!

4th of July at the Dowd's

We had a GREAT day at the Dowd's to celebrate the 4th of July! The kids swam for about 7 hours straight, with only a couple of 10 minute breaks to eat. We had such a fun time hanging out with everyone and the kids loved every second of playing with all the kids. We all decided to forego fighting all the traffic to see the Mansfield firewords display and decided to set off a few at the Dowd's house. Reese and Collin are still a little leery of fireworks being so close, but they tried to watch from afar! After setting off a few outside, we watched the New York fireworks display on television, with all the inspiratinal, patriotic music. We actually really enjoyed this as well! Fun times with great friends!!

On the 3rd of July, we went and watched the Frisco fireworks show with the Devlin's. The kids hung out, watched movies, and played until the show started. Once the show started, they had fun watching all the pretty fireworks and picking out which were their favorites!!