A Lifetime of Love

Wow~ it’s been a long time since I’ve posted. I had intentions to update more frequently but, simply put, other obligations take precedence over this blog. The point of this entry- Teagan. As you may recall, I was trying to get Teagan into BabyNet. Teagan qualified to receive services through BabyNet. An intake nurse came to our house, evaluated and scored her according to her age and ability, and informed me the next day that she qualified. We were assigned an Early Interventionist (EI), and last Friday Crystal called (she will be Teagan’s EI). At this point Teagan’s development is not terribly behind those of same-age babies, but there is enough of a lag to warrant services. Two days ago Crystal came over to meet us. She and I, along with Teagan, met and discussed some goals. The goals were then written into an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP), which is part of the special education law that covers children ages birth to 3. With my experience in the school district, I deal...

I need to update my blog about many things, but school is taking precedence at the moment. I will be back sometime, although I am headed to a ladie's retreat with my church at the Wilds this weekend for some much needed time alone with the Lord. The update might not be until next week. Take care until then. . .

I am so mentally and physically exhausted I cannot even begin to describe it. I have so many demands placed on me this semester that it is more taxing than anticipated. I wish my family and I could take a vacation and just get away. Alone. Away from school. Away from the house. Away from the chaos that seems to be never-ending. I think part of my frustration is that I am almost half way through the semester but I do not get a break like I normally would. I observe spring break this year at the same time as the school district. Good in that I will be home when my kids are home, but bad because I am finished with the semester one week later. Ugh. 6 more weeks to go until I get a break! I feel like the groundhog who just saw his shadow! I am being observed a few times over the next 2 weeks. I hate being observed, particularly because this is my "mid-term evaluation" and I am graded, but I'll get through it. It just makes for more stress because I have to make sure my lesson ...

I entered a contest to win a free package of Pull-Ups. Now, it's sort of ironic because I've been meaning to share some potty training *news* for a while but I simply haven't had the time. But, here it is in all it's glory. Ta has been potty-trained for almost 2 years. He potty-trained himself pretty much because he refused to wear diapers. Considering he had just recently turned 2, I was shocked, especially because Th was over 3 before he was ready to potty-train. However, with Ta, he was only potty-trained to stay dry, and only recently (in the last 5 months) to stay dry during nap time. Once Teagan was born, I was determined to stop the insanity. I had 3 kids in diapers (granted Ta only wore them during sleep times, but still)! Once he was able to stay dry during nap time, I began to work on getting him to poop on the potty. He has always pooped once he woke from his nap; his schedule, not mine. So, even though he was able to wear underwear for his nap, once he awok...

Man, just when it seems an end is near, something else happens that requires attention and fixin '. TJ is nearing the end of our floor project (that began last May with purchasing the wood planks but that he didn't start until the day I went into labor with Teagan ). Anyway, he has been diligently working on and off to get the baseboards back up and sealed and ready for paint. It has been a lot of work and an even longer project than anticipated, but well worth the effort. However, as Murphy's Law has it, once this project ends he will immediately move on to our master bathroom, particularly the shower. It is going to be a major project as it involves ripping out the old shower, some plumbing, and tiling work, along with whatever else we decide to do since the bathroom will be in shambles anyway. Let me just say that this was not a planned project, especially because of the costs involved, but it has to be done. Last week, on Thursday, I went into T.G.'s room after she...

I have found, and been taught through countless university courses, that the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher is reflection: reflection on the lesson, student learning, and ways the teacher can improve. Perhaps I have taken this to heart because I tend to apply it in all areas of my life, not just in my teaching. Which is a mixed blessing, I suppose. I know I need to improve as a wife and mother, and I definitely need work on being a better source of encouragement for my friends, particularly because I allow the busyness of my life to sometimes get the best of me. However, dear friends, I would like you to know I think of you often and pray for you regularly despite my lack of communication with you. I will try better, especially at responding to emails as that seems to be the area that needs to improve the most. There has been a lot going on in my family’s life lately that I have not shared. Not that I didn’t want to, it’s just simply been a lack of time to relay ...

So my husband felt like my birthday was not all that he wanted it to be because our dinner was not "the best". Dinner was okay, just not worth the price we paid per meal. Anyway, today he surprised me by sending a dozen roses to my school. Is that not the sweetest thought ever? I was so shocked, especially because it was so unexpected! That's what I love about him- the little thoughtful things he does for me. I just happened to be in the main office talking to the secretary when the FedEx man made a delivery. I turned to walk back to my class when she told me the package was a delivery for me. I immediately corrected her since my mentor teacher and I have similar last names and said, "You mean Mrs. _____?" And she said, "No, it's for you. I promise." I felt my face match the same shade of red as my shirt, and I opened it right then. The flowers are beautiful, and there was also a package of chocolates (chocolate- my favorite!). I left the flowers o...