Weekend Randoms

• Three days. That's all I have left to work. I am very happy and relieved, but at the same time disappointed that it ended the way it did. I really did my best and that's all I could do. I am happy to have sold an embroidery machine on my first day by myself so that's definitely going to be helpful!
• Sometimes I get a little nervous knowing that our next appointment is in just over two weeks. I'll be 13 weeks and officially out of the first trimester so I can't wait to be able to tell my extended family and friends, but we're holding off to hear the heartbeat at the appointment. As always, prayers are appreciated. We saw the heartbeat at 8 weeks so the risk is low and I haven't been having any problems so we're trusting God and knowing that He told us it will all be ok.
• Oh and I love when people have expectant and new mom parking! It feels like an awesome treat and is always open!
• Today we went to the Goodwill and I was able to find a pair of maternity jeans and maternity capri jeans for $7.71 each! They are in great condition, super comfy, and are being sold at Kohl's for $36 on sale $60 regularly...score!
• I really need to find some t-shirts that fit me better. We plan on going shopping the day of our appointment if we have time.
• I was told to call the MFM doctor to have them do a consult to tell me how long I need to continue the metformin during my pregnancy. When I called, they sent me to the diabetic counselor who ended up calling in a blood sugar meter and told me to check my sugars 4-5 times a day. What?! I passed the glucose tolerance test and she said my HbA1C level was borderline normal and looked great! 
• I checked my sugars 3 times and they were well in the normal range. I'm calling my doctor Monday. I'm not sure that's who I'm supposed to see. It wasn't for a diabetic consultation and I'm super confused.

Scheduling Conflicts

I started my part-time job about four weeks ago with the understanding that I would be working a total of 10-12 hours per week and 1-2 days per week with maybe a couple of Saturdays per month. Of course, this sounded perfect for what I wanted and after talking to my husband, we agreed that we could make it work.

Then, I found out I was pregnant right before I started working. I already had a start date and wasn't sure of what to do. I wasn't sure how I would feel being pregnant and wondered if I should tell my manager since we only have a total of four people working there. After talking about it, we decided that I should start the job and tell her after the first trimester at the end of this month.

I started working and everything was going well. Working two six hour shifts worked out well and I was learning a lot. I enjoyed the job and my manager was so happy with the job I was doing. In fact, she was so happy that she started adding more hours and days to my schedule. Now, normally, that would be great, but with the pregnancy, I get exhausted easily and super sore after I work. I thought it was just because she needed some coverage, but then we sat down to talk schedules.

She was changing the schedule daily and I kept getting more days and hours. I was originally scheduled for three days last week and one day this week, but the next day it was changed to five days this week...what?! Not only was I getting a ton of hours, but I was also scheduled for three weekends in a row. Once we sat down to talk about it, she asked how many I would be willing to do and I said two Saturdays.

She told me that wasn't going to work and she needed four weekend days per month. I let her know this is not what we agreed upon and she said she didn't remember that, but she probably did say it at the time. She asked me to talk to my husband about working at least three weekend days per month and being "on call" for the fourth and to get back to her on Monday.

Once again, we talked schedules yesterday. I let her know that we were not comfortable with me working more than 2 weekend days and more than 12 hours per week, but up to 18 would be the most. She told me that she had to find someone else and I told her I understood.

As of this point, I'm working as long as she has some hours for me, but it's honestly a little awkward. On top of that, it's 40 minutes away each way so the pay isn't worth driving there more then a couple of times per week and it adds to my exhaustion.

I'm looking forward to either working super part-time with very few hours for now or being able to stay at home and sew for my craft shows coming up this spring. I'm disappointed it didn't work out better, but there's always a reason and I've earned a little extra to help with some baby expenses so we're happy about that.

Hi Ho, Hi ho, It's Off to Work I Go!

Since we moved in with my in-laws to save for a house, my days have been a little different. You see, taking care of a bedroom versus an apartment is a lot less work. I cook two days a week per what my mother-in-law suggested and we're in charge in vacuuming our bedroom weekly and doing our own laundry. So, the chores are few and far between. It's awesome, really, but I get rather bored...don't tell my mother-in-law because I'm sure she could find plenty for me to do ;)

After really thinking about it, I decided that I might want to look into getting a part-time job. Something that would give me a few hours a week that wouldn't interfere with my business since I have shows coming up and wouldn't interfere with spending time with my husband. I wanted something that I would enjoy and would get me out of the house so I could be more productive.

A month ago, my mother-in-law needed a new sewing machine so I went to the local Viking Sewing Gallery that I like and talked to the manager about what machines they have and price points. Mom-in-law wanted me to do the research then she could make a decision since the last time she got a machine was when she got married 40 years ago! After talking to the manager (wearing sweats and no make-up, mind you) she asked me if I wanted a job.

Of course, I inquired about the hours/days and realized that it would definitely work for me! After talking it over with my husband and praying about it, I decided to put in the application and was hired on the spot at my interview!

I'm really liking my job so far. I work two days a week for a total of twelve hours. Right now it's week days, but I may work one Saturday a month once I'm fully trained. I am currently working on learning all of the sales techniques and all of the machines which makes me super excited. I get to learn to embroider and will be able to teach some classes once I'm trained so that will be awesome!

The only downside is being so tired, but I know that it's better for me to keep myself occupied than not and it really helps the day to go by.

Giving up Control?

I have to be honest here, I'm a little bit of a control freak. I like things to go my way and know what is going to happen at all times. I like to have my expectations met and know that things are going to run the way that I have envisioned them.

Unfortunately, life is not that way. I can't be in control all of the time and there are many situations that there is nothing that I can do to change them. The thought of having chaos in my classroom makes me anxious and I have a hard time letting go of the control.

The truth is that middle schoolers need some time to be themselves and to express themselves in a way that I may not be thrilled with. Sometimes they talk too much or too loudly and don't follow rules....and you know what, that's ok. I need to learn to modify my expectations and work with them instead of against them. Middle school is a difficult time for so many kids and it's my job to educate and nurture them, not be a drill sergeant!

This is something that I will be working on. I need a lot of prayer and support to be able to look outside of myself and give the students what they need. I know that I can do this especially with God's help.

Greetings from Puerto Vallarta

Hey! Well I've been in Mexico since Sunday afternoon and I am fortunate to have this opportunity. I am nannying for four kids ages nine, seven, six, and three. My previous bosses in California contacted me and asked me to accompany them on this trip. I have been to Mexico with them two times before, but this is the first time I've been to this resort. The place we are staying at is amazing. There are so many pools, a beach, and a separate kids area that we can walk to. We even have a mini pool on the deck where the kids can swim. I have to admit, watching four kids is a bit challenging at times, but every day is running more smoothly than the last.

Phil is still at home working and doing his thing and of course I miss him. Fortunately we are able to email throughout the day and we have had a couple of brief phone calls. He is so loving and supportive of me being on this trip but said that it's just not the same without me.

I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the trip. Every year there is something that we do that is a lot of fun. The kids might go swimming with the dolphins or n a canopy tour... depending on where the parents want to take them. So far it has worked out well. I don't start working until 3pm and they respect my privacy and do what they can to make me more than comfortable.

Preparing for Next School Year...

Every teacher needs to have a lesson planner. Unfortunately, the one I had last year did not work well for me. There wasn't enough space for me to write down what was needed and it made it difficult to read and fit everything in. Well, after looking through many plan books today I have come up with a solution...

I made my own! I have each grade color-coded and the best part is that there is plenty of space for me to write everything I need! Oh, and my husband loves the price too :)

One Year Down, Many More to Go...

Today was the last day of my first year of teaching. Phil's mom always reminds me that your first year teaching, you learn more than the kids do...and she is right!

This year brought with it so many positive things. I've learned so much and really can't wait to start planning for next year. Ok, maybe I do need a little break, but you know what I mean.

I went into this year with no professional experience and still came out alive! The students seemed to have learned things and I took away more than I can express. I love where my professional life is heading and am looking forward to seeing what next year brings.

Teaching can be a very difficult job. It's hard to just leave your work at work and not prepare at home for it. It's difficult to know what to say when a parent is upset with you and all you want to do is the right thing. It's difficult when your students don't seem to understand what you have put so much effort into teaching them or when they don't try and live up to their full potential.

Despite the difficulties, teaching is incredibly rewarding. Our staff is so supportive and really cares for each and every student. The parents go out of their way to say thank you when they realize that you have done all you could to help their child. And last, but not least, when you see a student learn something that they never thought that they could is rewarding, in and of itself.

Teaching may not be an easy job, but it is one that I have been called to and love. I will always remember my first year teaching and be able to look back upon it and see all of the lessons that were learned.

I've been thinking way too much lately....

Between editing 6th grade research papers, grading tests, quizzes, and homework and generally catching up from being gone for the wedding/honeymoon...my head hurts.

This has been a daily occurrence since I've been back. It feels like I'm constantly behind at work (and home) and that I will never get caught up! Of course, I'm almost there, but with papers mounting daily, it's a tough task.

I am so beyond thankful to work in a school where my largest class size is seven students. I do not know how I could have done it with a larger class size.

I am so happy to have taken tomorrow off. I'm taking my sister to the outlets so she and I can go shopping! It will be so nice to go during the week and hopefully miss the weekend crowd.

Bridal Shower #2

I have to admit that I love my job. I work part-time teaching English at a small Christian school to Middle/High School kids. Despite what many people think about this age group, I happen to love it. It's a great age to teach because you get them when they are at their most difficult stage and can really make a positive impact in their lives.

I guess I should have known something was up when one of my 7th grade girls started asking little details about the wedding or what my favorite dessert was. I figured that if they were going to do something, that it would probably be next week on my last day here before the wedding.

I had no idea what to expect when the Math teacher told me that she needed to talk to me and wouldn't let me leave the room to go to my next class. I was kind of freaking out a little bit. One of my students came to get me and she finally let me go. I walked to my class and there were the 7th graders saying "Surprise!" with the room decorated with balloons, decorations, cupcakes, cookies, chips, chocolate covered pretzels, and juice. It was so incredibly thoughtful and sweet. I even got a couple of presents!

The 6th grade was able to join us for the festivities and it was nice to have a day where both grades were together and we got to have fun as a group.

The party was so great and was much needed today. It really lifted my spirits and the kids had a good time hanging out!

On the Positives About my Job

As with any job being a nanny has many good points and some not-so-good points to it. It's hard to think that soon I will be doing something else because that's what I've done for the past 5 years, but although it's hard to think of, it will happen and I am ready for the change! Although I will miss the following "perks" to my current position:

• Having a split-shift and being able to schedule appointments, go shopping, run errands, and just chill out while the kids are in school.
• Nap-time--it's the best "break" ever!
• Knowing that basically as long as the kids are safe and chores are done, I get paid to play and hang out all day.
• Not having to dress up everyday for work.
• Having a pretty good commute with minimal traffic and drama.
• Being able to be out in the sunshine in the middle of the day without neglecting my job.
• Getting to talk to my friends and family during the day (when appropriate) since most of them are on the West Coast.
• Getting a gas card every two weeks for my car to help pay for gas.
• Being paid to take the kids to lunch and having my meals paid for while I'm on the clock.
• And most of all--being able to pay my bills and get things done while having a good amount of time to myself.

Even though I will miss all of those things, I am so ready for a new challenge and change. I am trusting that God has a job for me in the works and he will bring it about in due time. Until then, I will be at my current position full-time until mid-June and figuring out what is next after that.