Our Summer Bucket List

This summer, after spending far too much time on Pinterest and getting too many ideas in my head of things we just HAD to do, I decided to make a bucket list for my boys. You know, fun stuff, like "go to the beach" and "go to the zoo." There were 35 things on the list and we accomplished 30! I considered this to be pretty good until I realized that the few things we didn't do were probably the most important. I am almost embarrassed to say that I never took Jonathan on a "dinner date with mommy" and Zack never took him for "breakfast with dad." I mean, seriously. What kind of parents can't find time to accomplish these simple things? I always had such good intentions....every weekend I thought to myself, "I should take Jonathan to dinner tonight at his favorite restaurant!" But then, life would get busy. Matthew would get fussy, Zack would have work to do or we would decide to go do something as an entire family. And believe me, I know that just because summer is over doesn't mean I can't do it, but it just makes me feel so guilty that I couldn't do that one. I had nearly 3 months!

 

I have spent the last few weeks working on my classroom and going to some really great trainings on early childhood development. One thing that I have heard over and over again is the importance of building that connection with the little people in your life. Little ones just HAVE to feel loved, important and special. Now, obviously Jonathan and Matthew are loved, important and special, regardless of whether I have the chance to go on a mommy date or not. But how special would that make him feel? How important would he feel knowing that I left Matthew and Daddy at home so that we could be together? Just me and him.

 

So my goal for the next week, before school technically starts on Tuesday, is to take my wonderful little guy on a very special dinner date with mommy. And I encourage you to do the same with the little people in your life. Let's take time out of our busy schedule to shower them with love and undivided attention. I plan to report back next week with a fun review of our night:)

And here is a random picture of us completing #24 on our list, "have a breakfast picnic!"

Some long overdue confessions

Nothing important, just checking in to get some things off my chest!

1. Lately, when I am rocking Matthew to sleep, I sing Christmas carols. He seems partial to Silent Night and O Little Town of Bethlehem. Why is that my voice always sounds super awesome when I sing Christmas carols but not so awesome when I sing everything else?

2. When Matthew is fussy now, I let him eat crackers until he feels better. Hopefully I am not teaching him to stifle his emotions with carbs.....

3. Today, I tried to do something funny to cheer Jonathan up after his nap and he, very matter-of-factly, told me "that's not funny Mommy." Yikes. Things are bad when your 2 1/2 year old doesn't find you funny.

4. While we were playing t-ball in the backyard, I missed the ball.....multiple times. Jonathan on the other hand, hit it. Every time.

5. I have put any semblance of a diet on hold for a while. I know this seems stupid, but I am just tired of worrying about it. I have lots of other things to focus on right now and obsessing over what I am eating, how often I do cardio and if I will have a chance to work out in my living room......are not really that important. I take the boys on a long walk every morning (and sometimes in the evening) and do a quick work out when I have time (which is hardly ever.) And that is just going to be it. And I just don't feel like stressing out about it all. I am probably a good 5-10 pounds higher than I want to be and right now, I don't care.

6. I spent nap time yesterday watching Snookie and JWow. Judge away.

7. Sometimes, when I just cant hack it anymore as a good mom, I put both kids in the car, turn on Jonathan's favorite Bible songs and we just drive around. Sometimes for as long as an hour.

8. Zack's Grandparents made him some really awesome cookies for his birthday and I sometimes sneak one when he is at work. He hasn't noticed yet, but in a few days, when they are all gone, he will redo his mental calculations and realize he has been screwed over.

Until next time :)

Preschool, here I come!

You guys, I am in a total blogging rut. I just don't feel like I have anything important to say right now! Life is just chugging along, nothing major happening. And to be honest,  I think this is a great thing. I am genuinely enjoying my time with my boys and we have settled into a good routine. Life is just.....good.

This week I did change our routine up a little in preparation of our new schedule once school starts. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I attended the Weekday Ministries Conference with my new First Steps team! It was my first look into what goes behind teaching preschool and it was delightfully surprising! Coming from a public school background (and a middle school one at that!) made everything I heard and learned this week, new and exciting. For example, the very first thing that happened Tuesday morning when we all met at the church to carpool, was our director starting our day off with a prayer for safe travels. I mean, seriously? What kind of awesome job have I stepped into!?

The rest of the week was not only encouraging but it built my confidence as a new teacher. I left this afternoon feeling excited and ready to get a hold of these sweet little kiddos!! One of the sessions I went to was called "Faith Development" and it equipped me with some great tools to help build the faith foundations in these 3 year olds. Teaching 8th grade English has always been fun and rewarding, but I truly feel like I have the chance now to literally shape the future for these kids. We are their first experience with teachers. We are their first step in a long journey of learning. If we screw this up......oh man. I don't like to even think about that.

So yeah, I am excited. However, I really need to practice my finger puppet shows and brush up on preschool science lessons! Matthew and Jonathan have really enjoyed watching me learn these new tricks:)