Summer as a Stay at home Mom

Every summer I take a break from school. This summer is different, however, because I realized that it is the beginning of my new life as a stay at home mom. There will be no going back to the classroom in a couple of months, no dropping the kids off at the babysitters when I need a break to "work on my classroom", and no end in sight. This is it. While I really excited for the adventure and am loving the days of making my own schedule, I have to say it is weird. Good weird, but weird.

With my new found life is some new found time. This is the reason I decided to say at home. When I work I stress. I want to be the best mom, cook, wife, teacher.... (list goes on and on). For me, there is just not enough time to do everything well. My house was a pit, my meals were out of a box, several of my student's papers found there way to the trash can because I just didn't have time to look at them. (I'm sure many of you can relate.) I realize now there will never be enough time, however, now I get to make some more decisions on when I do with my time. I can do the dishes or I can play outside with the kids, or even better if I manage it right I have time to do both! On some days I have even managed to find time for myself (shocking!). I have gotten to sit and read, start some projects and watch tv by myself. I still find myself feeling a tad guilty on these occasions- but the guilt is lessening as I realize how much happier everyone is in my home.

While I'm still figuring this mom thing out, and I'm realizing that I will never be the best, life is good. I am so thankful that I have wonderful husband that is willing to work hard to let me try out this role, and for children that are resilient!

Here's what we're up to...

Mea and Jaden side walk chalk painting

Jared relaxing

Trying to stay cool in the backyard.

Vacation

We've been back from vacation for a week, and I'm just getting around to blogging about it. Now that it is summer, my plan is to take a little time once in a while instead of mass blogging sporadically. We will see how that goes. Anyway...we drove from MO to NM, with a quick stop in CO. I was a little nervous driving with the kids and being 8 months pregnant. Surprisingly it went smoothly. Mea kept herself busy, Jaden was our Rip Van Winkle and slept most of the way, I enjoyed the scenery and Jared drove. Few fits, few crying, and overall a good time. We took time to enjoy Colorado Springs on our way. This was one of my favorite vacations as a kid and I have to say I enjoyed it as an adult as well. We went to the zoo, Garden of the Gods, and Mea loved the hotel because it had a slide into the pool. We had tons of fun. In New Mexico, we spent some time catching up with family. Jared enjoyed playing on the farm. Jaden LOVED the animals and Mea is getting to be quite the cow girl. I just relaxed and took it all in. Jaden however got sick there, which was not so much fun. I was a little sad Jared's family didn't get to see Jaden's true colors, but that was the way it turn out. Guess they are going to have to come our way to get the full Jaden effect (hint, hint)! Now we are just settling into the summer routine (or lack there of). I love the summer!!

On our way home we stopped at the Wizard of Oz Museum (mostly for Mea). It was in a small town in Kansas. Mea loved it as you can tell in the pics. Notice her proud stance (belly out, cheesy smile). It had a pretty good collection of stuff including several replicas of Dorthy's shoes. Jaden enjoyed the lion, and tolerated the rest.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo...yes it is on a mountain, yes it was HOT, yes I about died. BUT, it was worth it.

My favorite time of the night...BED TIME
Jaden has transitioned into his big boy bed and has done awesome!