Living with CVS

Living with CVS sucks.  Our sweet Emma had another episode last night. She knew she was going to get sick.  It is so sad when we are so proud that she made it to the bathroom and even held her own hair back. I never thought I would be so proud of my daughter for that. Her everyday worries are constantly on my mind. I hate that an 8 year old has to worry about when she will be sick again. No one should have to worry about that. Sometimes her syndrome changes our plan for the day. Sometimes we have to pre-plan or be extra aware of how she is feeling. It is exhausting and difficult. She shared with me tonight how she worries all the time. I just wish I could take those worries away for her.  

Remember Caboodles?

I wasn't sure what I would capture today.  It was nearing the end of the day and I still didn't have 'that' moment caught yet.  I heard Emma get out of the shower and after getting her pajamas on she went back into the bathroom to brush her teeth.  I thought maybe I could capture something there.  As I walked in I caught the image above.  She had her caboodle open, her hair wrapped in a towel and a smile on her face.  I got my moment!

Happy Anniversary

Today Justin and I celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary.  I am still in shock that I have found someone who loves me unconditionally and puts up with all my flaws (and I have plenty).  We have weathered many storms over the years and I know that there will be many more ahead of us.  We have also been blessed to enjoy so many simple and amazing moments in life.  I am in awe of the man I call my husband.  He is a hard worker, great father, strong shoulder to lean on, my best friend and so much more.  He makes me a better mom and wife.  I am grateful and excited with what our future may hold!  I love you!

Things that make her mad

Emma eating cotton candy,  listening to music and watching Zach play baseball.

Emma was not happy that we had a night of baseball planned.  She was so upset at me after school, she even turned on the tears.  She really didn't want to go sit and watch Zach play.....again!  And of course the game was over three hours long with extra innings.  (I did leave after about 2 hours and 45 minutes with her.)  As I was driving home I was thinking of some of the things that make my 8 year old mad.  

*Going to baseball

*Cleaning her room

*Doing laundry

*Putting dishes in the dishwasher

*Picking up toys

*Putting away her clothes that have been left out after trying on 6 outfits

*Doing homework (sometimes)

*Going grocery shopping

As I think about this list....all but the first one makes me mad too!

A True Friend

What is a true friend?  I have had the privilege to figure this out over the last few years with my teaching partner.  A true friend is someone who always listens to you.  They offer their shoulder to lean on or cry on.  A true friend can finish your sentences and knows your every thought.  A true friend is excited for you when you have reason to celebrate.  They don't judge you and like you for who you are, not what others want you to be.  A true friend only comes along once in awhile and I feel so blessed to have found mine.  

Why I Teach

I teach because I hope that I am making a difference in a child's life.  I teach because for 10 months out of the year I am a mom, a counselor, a shoulder to lean on, a nurse, a referee, a party planner, a decorator, a secretary, a confidante for all my students.  They are 'my' kids for the school year.  I care about them.  I think about them when I am not with them hoping they have a safe place to rest their heads or a good meal to eat.  I worry that they won't get their homework done or they won't get to bed on time.  A teacher never stops thinking about 'their kids'.  As the years pass I wonder about my former students.  Are they happy, successful, productive?  Are they pursuing their dreams?  So why do I teach?  I teach to make a difference!

I Love My Boys

My boys and their toys.  Zach is watching baseball on my old phone while lounging in his bed.  This is how we find him many nights after school or after playing outside.  He loves his room.  I feel like overnight he went from always being around me playing with toys to closing his door and hanging in his room.  Sometimes I wish I could go back to when he was little.  (Notice I said, sometimes!)  I love all the new things we are experiencing with him but I do miss those simpler times when toys on the living room floor entertained him for hours.  I have fond memories of playing with blocks, puzzles, trains and Star Wars a lot!  Justin is relaxing and watching the Brewer's.  He worked hard in the yard today.  (He planted all three trees!)  I love my boys!