Today was officially my last day of teaching. I’m not sure how I feel about this. Being the planner that I am, I have known for about six months that my last day would be May 8. So why am I not more excited, prepared, ready, or relaxed about the whole thing? I had a challenging class this year and have always thought that I’d be doing a dance on my last walk to the car. Today, not unlike most others, was a challenging day behavior-wise so you’d think that I’d hit the door when the bell rang. I found myself talking to teachers I don’t usually talk to, hanging around with the kids a little longer when they were waiting for their parents, and checking my email just one more time before I shut down for the night. While this year was met with challenges, it was one that taught me a lot. Although the kiddos could be stinkers at most times, they each had something unique that I will probably remember for a long time. What a mixed bag we had!! Maica was a wonderful partner both in the classroom and with baby duty each week. I truly could not have gotten through this year without our weekly conversations about what was going in in the classroom. What is it they say, misery loves company?! So as I walked to my car with my arms filled with flowers and a special card from the kids, I realized that this is it. I’m done. When you meet me and ask me what I do, I’ll say ‘I’m a stay at home mom’. Wow, that feels weird! I am prepared for this transition to be a little rocky as I find my nitch and figure out just how to be “only” a mom. I have the most supportive husband who constantly reminds me that this isn’t my decision, but it is our decision. He reminds me that this is the best thing for our kids and that no one else can do what I do. So while I adjust to my new role in life, I have an amazing support system of my husband and mother/mother-in-law reminding me that this is going to be the best time of my life. Teaching has been good to me, but now I think I’m ready to find my fulfillment in teaching my children to be smart, loving, well-adjusted little girls.

I think I’ll enjoy the next few weeks practicing my new skills on this little stinker!

View at Picasa 04-May-2012 17:24, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 100

As my time dwindles down as I prepare for our new arrival, I am trying to remember to stop and smell the roses. I feel like I am running in circles and can’t seem to keep up with life. I am finishing up my last few days of work and trying to make sure that I leave no unanswered questions, no unfinished paper work, and no burdens on my friend and job-share partner, Maica. The house is in complete disarray with each room having it’s own issues. The laundry room is awaiting the new washer and dryer- which means I haven’t done laundry in about a week! Kayden’s room is still taped up because Scotty wants to add just one more coat of pink! Our bedroom is housing some of Kayden’s things that were removed due to painting as well as some baby items- but none of which is set up!! Scotty’s office has become a storage unit for all of the crap we had to take out of the other rooms. The garage is under construction to make Scotty’s new office. The kitchen and family room, the primary rooms in my life, are the only ones that have some sanity. I am starting to feel the pressure of a new baby entering into this chaos!! So while I’d love to just stop and smell the roses, it feels like there just isn’t any time. I keep saying tomorrow, or this weekend, or next week. Once work has ended I think I’ll really find the time to just relax and prepare for baby! At the end of the day life will keep moving forward, maybe I’ll take a play from Kayden’s book and stop and smell EVERY flower in the yard…. several times!

View at Picasa 01-May-2012 09:09, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 64