Willy, Nilly, Silly, Old Bear...

Today I took Ruby to see her first movie: Winnie the Pooh. I'm pretty sure she didn't watch more than 5 minutes of it... she was having too much fun throwing her stuffed penguin in the air, crawling around the floor/seats, and trying to spy on the other kids in the theater. It was definitely a memorable experience and she sure made me smile with her silliness. We will probably not be going to another movie until she is a little older. You live and learn... 

I Am...

I am a mommy to the sweetest little girl in the world.

I am someone who has the biggest heart for animals.

I am someone who worries constantly.

I am the girl who has had the same best friends since elementary school.


I am someone who gets embarrassed for people on t.v., so embarrassed in fact that I often have to turn the channel.

I am not a morning person.

I am someone who has experienced one of the worst things in the world… losing a sister to cancer.

I am the teacher who wants my students to love reading and writing.

I am a daughter who appreciates my parents more since becoming a parent myself.

I am someone who loves to create things as a way to relax.

I am a glass half full kind of thinker.

I am a lover of Diet Coke, shopping, and long walks.

I am absolutely terrified of heights.

I am someone who enjoys planning parties.

I am the mommy trying to discipline other people’s children in public. (I think it’s the teacher in me…)

I am one of the lucky few that has found my soul mate.

I am someone who would spend my entire paycheck on veterinary bills for my sick dogs.

I am the mom who wears yoga pants/capris all summer long, even though I don’t take yoga.

I am a borderline control freak.

I am someone who is terrified of losing the ones I love.

I am someone who loves to laugh.

I am perfectly content spending my weekends at home in the company my family.

I am someone who cannot tolerate pain very well.

I am someone who reads quotes for a hobby.

I am a lover of music.

I am me. 

Wordless Wednesday...

20 Months...

Dear 20 Month Old Ruby,


This is a few days late... how the time flies! You are definitely a summer girl. As of yesterday you finally jumped in grandma's swimming pool. Well it was more of a lean over the side flop, but you wanted to do it over and over again. I loved the look on your face when you would hit the water... pure excitement! 


You are quite the talker these days too. Some of the cutest things you say are: "Here mom," "Darby Sue," "Papi" and "Roll Over!" I could sit and listen to you chat all day long. Lately you love to grab daddy's or mommy's cell phone and have the longest conversations on them.


You are officially mommy's little helper. When I unload the dishwasher you hand me all of the dishes to put away... you even know when the soap goes. You love to help feed the dogs, put laundry away, pick up toys, and help dad too. 


You have a such a zest for life and are always so happy... I hope you never lose that happy-go-lucky attitude. I'm going to miss spending these long summer days with you when work starts again.  I love you peanut!


Love, Mom

Wordless Wednesday...

Summer Stay-at-Home Mom...

     When I first got a teaching job, I loved it and for the most part I enjoyed going to work everyday. Twenty months ago my feelings began to change. After I had Ruby, I dreaded the thought of being away from her all day. My maternity leave flew by and before I knew it, I was back to work. It was the hardest thing ever to leave her all day, but the bills had to get paid somehow. 
     Last summer and now this summer break with her, I am realizing all of the things I miss out on during the school year. It makes me so sad to see how fast she is growing up and I miss so much of it when I am working. As the upcoming school year approaches, I am having to try to find childcare for my daughter. The thought of paying someone to spend time with Ruby breaks my heart because I so badly want to spend that time with her... I know financially we cannot afford for me to be a stay-at-home mom, but I can still dream, right? 
     This summer has been a tease for what it could be like to spend my days at home with Ruby. I hope she knows as she grows up how much I love spending time with her. I still love working with children, I would just prefer to be with my own all day. I honestly can't imagine having a year round job. Anytime I get upset about this, I just remind myself that I'll always have my summers with her and I have to savor every moment... 

My flower child...

Fill in the Blanks Friday...

1.   My plans this summer include  spending as much time as possible playing with Ruby... going to the zoo, shopping, swimming, etc.

2.  The best summer I ever had was  when I was young my family would spend time every summer at a cabin on a lake in Missouri. Perfect...

3.  Summer is the best time of the year.

4.  My favorite summer food is WATERMELON!!!

5.  The best way to quench a summer thirst is with a cold Diet Coke or a big glass of iced tea.

6.  My summer uniform consists of usually active/workout clothes.

7.  The best thing about summer is being around my family.