Back to Blogging...

Maybe you noticed that my blog has fallen a bit silent lately...after all only one post for the month of October!  (Or maybe you haven't really noticed, which is just fine too since I mainly keep this blog for myself and my family!)  Either way, I have lots to write about and lots of catching up to do.
The main reason I have been missing....

These are pictures of me with my kiddos at their school where I took a long term substitute teaching job!  The job ended up lasting for 7 weeks from mid September until Halloween! And that is where I have been!  It is hard to even put into words this experience...very challenging, very rewarding, humbling, overwhelming, enjoyable and everything in between!

I actually got my sub license updated at the end of last year "just in case".  My intentions were just to sub a couple of times a month...if I got around to it.  Well, when this opportunity came up to teach Kindergarten art and physical education (I would get to teach Cole!!), I just could not pass it up...even though I had no idea how we were going to pull it off.  Of course, by far the hardest thing about the whole experience was leaving my baby Luke.

I did not like being away from this boy!!  But thanks to a fabulous babysitter and supportive hubby, we all survived.  As a side note, in a rare twist of timing, Tod ended up being out of town for 3 of the 7 weeks!  That was a bit rough, too.

My favorite things I learned:  I still LOVE teaching.  After being away from it for 11 years, I wondered how I would feel, but my heart is still in education.  I loved interacting with the kids on a daily basis and challenging myself to come up with better techniques and methods.  I love spending time with children.  My children go to a fabulous school, and I loved having a behind the scenes look at their lives there (I was actually teaching at 2 schools and really enjoyed the other great school, too.)  I got to eat lunch every day with teachers whom I consider to be "legends".  I was almost star struck lots of the time (many of the teachers have taught my own kids through the years).  I loved being in the school environment.  Teaching again made me feel alive and energized and was very fulfilling.

That being said, there were challenges!  Wow, education has changed in so many ways.  Teachers work so hard in difficult situations and settings.  It is certainly not for wimps.  And working outside the home...well let's just say I was exhausted and so glad that I have gotten to be home with my kids all these years!

And so we made it through that experience, and it was good.  For now, I plan to keep teaching here and there, but no more 7 week stints for a while!

Looking Back

The beginning of the school year seems like it was a long time ago...and it has actually been a couple of months!  But life has been crazy, and I really wanted to get these "back to school" pictures posted.

This year we had four excited kids ready for back to school...three at the elementary school and one at the middle school.  For the first time in years, we don't have a preschooler!  Strange.
With so many heading to school, shopping was a major ordeal...but here they are with all their supplies and gear ready for "Unpack Your Backpack" a few days before the actual start day.

First stop was the elementary school to meet great teachers.

And then on to the middle school where pictures were strictly prohibited (by my daughter!)
Then we decided to start a new family tradition...we took the whole family to Outback to celebrate the upcoming school year.  It was a special splurge and something we never do...but such a fun treat for everyone.

We had debated leaving Luke with a sitter but decided to take him along....he was just fine because there was food involved!  He ate so much bread!!!

On Sunday we had our traditional back to school feast.

 We chose for our theme a scripture from the book of Timothy.

And I am so glad to have this treasured back to school decoration.  My Grandma Betty was an elementary school secretary for many, many years and she had this pencil on her school desk.

Jordan made some special sugar cookies for our dessert (apples with a bite out of them and letters!)

 And Luke thoroughly enjoyed the lasagna!

After our meal, Tod gave the kids their special priesthood blessings for the year...it was a beautiful reminder of how much they are loved by us and by their Heavenly Father.  They are all going to have a great year- full of fun, challenges and growth!

And then it was time to go to bed...early, because our school start time changed this year by an hour and half!  The bell rings at 7:35 AM!

Cole- Kindergarten

Regan- 1st Grade

 Jordan- 5th Grade

 Ashton- Middle School

Baby Luke- Enjoying a snack in his car seat.

Perfect Fall Weekend

I still need to post some back to school pictures, but I wanted to skip ahead and record some thoughts about this wonderful fall weekend.  I just love this time of year.  The weather in Iowa is spectacular, and it is easy to see beauty all around.  Yesterday, as we were leaving the soccer complex, Cole commented, "Well that corn is just gorgeous!"  I have to agree.  I always feel very nostalgic during this season of the year as happy memories from many different times of my life seem to flood my mind.  I remember special times with my dear siblings who I miss terribly.  My children are growing up before my eyes, and I reflect on previous autumn times with my babies.  Of course, my Mom loved fall and so I often think of her, and she is in my thoughts even more frequently.  My Grandma Betty passed away during this season 4 years ago, and I miss her presence in my life but continue to cherish treasured memories.  Added to this special season,  I have a new little nephew born just last week, and I am longing to see and hold him. It is a wonderful season.

Our life has been even busier than normal lately (is that possible?) with unexpected opportunities and challenges...it seemed especially important to really enjoy this weekend and spend some time together.  After school on Friday, we headed off for a fall picnic.  It was amazing to have one night when our schedule was relatively clear...of course, everyone was tired from the week and Cole was still battling some sickness, but I announced that we were going to go "no matter what!"  And we enjoyed a beautiful, relaxing, fall evening together at Wildcat Den State Park. We took some KFC along for our picnic dinner...and I must say, it was really delicious.

 (Tod is thrilled in spite of his expression!!)

I love this picture and am glad we took it even though everyone grumbled!

Cole rode his motorcycle around a bit and then we went on a hike.

 The leaves were just barely starting to turn...

Little Luke insisted on walking almost the entire way....it took a while and by the end of the hike, we were out of daylight.  But what a good time we had...it wasn't perfect...there were a few tears, some complaining, some moodiness, etc...but were together and that is what counts!!

Of course, Saturday was busy with lots and lots of games...lots of soccer and a little softball too.

 (I actually took these shots of Cole last weekend...he had to sit this one out since he had been sick.)

As I was getting ready to leave Jordan's game, Ashton called me almost in tears to ask if we were still planning on going to the General Women's Meeting at the church...she thought maybe we had forgotten about it with such a busy day.  I assured her that it was not something we would miss, and I was on my way home.  I have been attending this special meeting (broadcast from Salt Lake City) for many years and hope to attend for many years to come.  Last year they lowered the age requirement to age 8, so I got to go with all three of my gals.  What a treat!

In between the dinner and broadcast we stepped outside for some photos in front of the corn...of course!

I thought of the many times I have attended that meeting with my mom and sisters.  I am grateful to carry on the tradition.  I am so glad to be a wife and mother and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  The messages of the meeting were full of hope, peace and joy!  What a wonderful weekend!