It's Picture Time!!

I have been incredibly busy lately so all I have time to post are some pictures I took this week. Enjoy!!

My Little Princess

Another Chapter Begins

Last December, I closed one chapter in my life by graduating college with my Bachelor's in Elementary Education and started searching for a teaching job. Little did I know how long the search would last. After countless interviews and disappointments, I started asking myself if it was really going to happen. And then it did! Yesterday, I had two back-to-back interviews: one for kindergarten and one for fifth grade. The first interview went very well and I walked away with confidence. However, they have around 40 people applying for the single position and they will not make their final decision until next Monday or Tuesday. Meanwhile, I interviewed at the school I had already been working with before my maternity leave. This interview went very well also, but I left feeling a little unsure about the outcome. In less than five minutes of leaving the interview, the principal calls me and offers me the fifth grade teaching position!! So as of January 2nd, I will be a 5th grade Reading teacher at Warren Elementary. I was so happy that I shed tears of joy because my prayers had finally been answered. Now, over the course of the next few weeks, I have to get a classroom and curriculum organized in order to start the year off right.

What Teachers Make

I found this story on a friend's website and thought I would share.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."
To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?" She paused for a second, then began...
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an IPod, Game Cube or movie rental... You want to know what I make?"
She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.
"I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."
(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)
"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT: "Teachers make every other profession."

Family Time

12 Things That Make My Day Worthwhile

1. Seeing Kaylee smile first thing when waking up and seeing my face
2. My morning coffee and bagel
3. Blogging (boy this is addicting)
4. Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice
5. Long, hot showers or baths
6. Snuggling up with Kaylee and taking a nap
7. Greg
8. Watching Greg play and snuggle with Kaylee
9. Talking to my family
10. Reading a book or magazine
11. Listening and dancing to music of all kinds
12. Competing with Greg on "Wheel of Fortune" and "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"

Christmas: What People Think vs. What Really Is

After watching all of the commercials on T.V. for diamonds, toys, etc., I realized how much people are brainwashed by the media about Christmas. This year more than any other has really got me thinking about the true meaning of Christmas.

Here is what people think Christmas is all about:

• Money, Money, Money
• Presents (the more expensive the better)
• Getting professional pictures made
• Rushing around from one place to another
• Making the perfect Christmas dinner
• Christmas decorations

Here is what Christmas is really about:

• Jesus Christ and all He represents
• Being thankful for what you have
• Giving to others and helping those in need
• Spending time with family, friends, etc.
• Capturing those non-replaceable memories on camera
• Reminiscencing back to childhood as you watch all of the Christmas movies
• Cherishing the simple things in life

Unfortunately, this is the time of year when people tend to get wrapped up in the superficial items and lose sight of what Christmas represents. It's not about what you get for Christmas, but being thankful for what you already have. Yes, all of the things on the first list are nice, but if you don't take the time to realize the things on the second list then you are not truly celebrating Christmas. Take a moment to sit back, think about how blessed you truly are, and say, "Thank you Lord for all that you have given me and please be with those less fortunate than I."

Watch out Blogger World...Here I come!!

Inspired by my cousin, I have decided to start a site of my own as my escape from reality even if it's only for a few minutes. I will use this site to show off my baby girl Kaylee as well as a window into my thoughts. With that being said, let's begin.

A month ago, my life completely changed for the better: I welcomed Kaylee Elizabeth Larson into this world. She was born on November 1, 2007 at 8:35 am weighing in at 7 lbs. 12 1/2 oz. A month later, she is now up to 9 lbs. 5 oz. and growing remarkably everyday. I love it that I am here with her everyday and get the opportunity to see all the new things that she discovers daily. It is going to break my heart to go back to work full-time in January, but unfortunately, staying home is not an option at this time. Until then, I am enjoying playing with her and cherishing every precious moment. They are only this small once and it goes by so quickly. I remember when I was younger and even now, I always went to my mom for everything. She was my foundation when I slipped off the rock of life with arms open wide and ready to help me back up on my feet. Now, it's my turn to use the knowledge that I have learned from my mom and do the same for my daughter. Being a Mommy is the hardest job you will ever have, but it's worth every precious moment! I just hope that every woman gets to experience the love and joy of being a mother because I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. Let me leave you with pictures and a personal quote: Daddy's are wonderful, but in the end, it's always Mommy to the rescue!!

This is Kaylee at birth, 2 weeks, and 1 month: