Adventures in Momland

So most of you know that I left the working mom world as of this last May, but only this week does it really feel "real." School started Monday, and for the last 18 years, I have been part of the masses preparing for the back-to-school season. So not going through that routine feels almost wrong. But it is so right.

It feel so surreal to not only not be a part of the hubub, but to be at home with our growing boy. I feel alive inside- like I am making a difference. Even if my difference is in his life, I know with a Godly upbringing and morals and consistency, he can grow up to make a difference in someone else's life. If it sounds like I'm making huge plans for a teeny person.. well I am.

My hope is that by investing in our child, we create a responsible, respectful, and caring young person. Coming from experience, more children like that COULD change the world. I've seen these kinds of kids make a huge difference in a school. Kiddos that care about what they do and how it affects the people around them. They make a difference.


So, while it may seem that being a stay-at-home mom is an easy gig, many of you really know what we're living for and why it matters.

Just random thoughts, brought to you by nap time.

Bzzzzz! Busy Bee!

I still have yet to have a complete day of just absolutely "summer" yet. I'm not really complaining since it has helped pass the last two weeks fairly quickly and I am not just sitting at home waiting for little man to arrive; however... I wouldn't mind a day to just stick my booty in a pool and read a good book.

There are quite a few on my list to read! One I even have checked out on my Nook and haven't even cracked it yet! I think I only have a week left on that rental, too.. :o)

This week has been full of music teacher workshopping! It's been an absolute blast. I love getting the chance to hang out with and brainstorm with fellow teachers. Especially those of the music kind because they give me so many fabulous, fun, and exciting ideas to use in the classroom.

and on that note, it's time to head to the workshop!! See y'all soon!

Beautiful Days:

They are meant to be cherished.

Today is one of those days. The sun is shining in the house from the windows, I had a great walk on the treadmill and a super awesome yoga session (which alleviated some of that back pain from travelling 8+ hours in the car this week), yummy and healthy breakfast (something which I have NOT been doing this last week- sugary carbs are not my friend), and hanging out with my hubs before he goes to work. <3

I wish every day could be like this. Each day is absolutely special, but the joy that days like today bring is just unique. What makes it even more special is that I came home to shampooed carpets, a clean house, no laundry and a happy puppy.  All thanks to super-hubs.

Life is Good. All the time. But today, it is extra good.

Read me! (all the way.. don't you stop half way)

I suppose I've been silent for a little too long, but with all the snow days, catching up with the K kiddos from the snow days (by the way, they ROCKED their program and were uber cute doing so), programs and life, I've kinda been in a "meh" mood.

The sunshine the past few days has definitely helped though! Thank you sunshine! Please don't go away for so long next time. My mood desperately depends on you.

So to catch you up, here are are some photos in sequential order starting from oldest to most recent.

20 Weeks (half way!)

22 Weeks!

23 Weeks!

23 weeks (again)

He's quite the kicker and mover. It's probably one of the greatest feelings I've ever felt.. so I don't mind when he uses my bladder as a trampoline.

On an exciting note, the second grade classes at my school created a spectacular video showing how they want to reduce waste daily in the Find Your Footprint contest for National Geographic. Not surprisingly (because their video is wonderful and creative) they made it to the Top 6! Currently they are in 1st (!!!!) place, but to make sure that they win, you should go vote for them on all of your different electronic devices. Voting is limited to one per computer, so you can vote once from as many computers/iPhones/iPod touches that you'd like.

Just click on this link and look for the most wonderful video (that would be the "Helping the World and Saving Our Future" by Betsy Wright from Springdale, AR) and click vote! It's pretty simple, and you will be helping put $35,000 worth of Promethean boards and technology in the hands of hundreds of deserving children.

If you vote (and you totally should because it's super easy), leave me a comment telling me! I'd love to hear from you!

That's all folks! Until next time, toodles. 

101 in 1001:

My friend Caroline had a really fabulous idea and I decided to take it on and make it my own! This will be a running list of 101 things that I want to accomplish in 1001 days. Some may be a little far fetched, but you know- that's how we roll. We like to dream!


*** EDIT*** (6-1-10) I am now starting to mark out the things we have either accomplished or I have successfully added to my daily routine.

101 in 1001
January 24, 2010 – September 22, 2012

{Health}
-Workout 3 times a week.
-Lose all the weight I have gained in the last year.
-Limit Kool-Aid intake to 1-2 glasses a week (I know.. cheesy!)
-Continue using E-Mealz point system and stick to points!
-Use the treadmill three times a week and go at least three miles each time (walk or run)
-Do yoga weekday mornings (it makes me feel great)
-Take my vitamins everyday!

{Marriage}
-Continue to eat dinner together at the table at least four times  a week. (best bonding time ever)
-Plan another Christmas in New York trip for 2011
-Have a 'date night' once a week.
-Try something new and exciting together once a month!
-Visit someplace exotic and fun!

{Local Fun}
-Use the bike trail in Fayetteville again this summer!
-Go to a local theatrical performance.
-Go to Razorback sporting events.
-Take a trip to Eureka Springs.
-Camping at Devil's Den.
-Visit Lake Ouachita. 
-Canoe more than once on the Buffalo River in the summers.

{Spiritual}
-Church home.
-Read my Bible daily.
-Get involved with a local small group.

{Family + Extended Family/Friends}
-Stay in touch more via: e-mail, letters, phone calls. 
-Have a 'friend' reunion.
-Help plan a 'family reunion.' 
-Send out birthday cards to my family. 
-Maybe "start" a family???? :D


{Food}
-Continue with the fabulous E-Mealz program! (try it, it may work for you!)
-Continue gradually switching to low calorie/low fat foods.
-Continue the habit of not purchasing unhealthy snack foods.
-Try to not purchase Kool-Aid eventually (sooo bad for us- Sugar!)
-More whole foods in our diet (e-mealz is great for this). 
-Drink more milk. 

{Going Green}
-Switch to all green cleaners.
-Always have canvas bags when going to get groceries.
-Switch out all lightbulbs to energy-saving fluorescents.
-Try to convert to a completely paper-free kitchen! (no more paper towels)

{$$}
-Double the amount we’re currently saving (minimum)
-Complete the Dave Ramsey 16 week series
-Take a vacation every six months together and pay with cash! (Small or big)
-Pay off debt!

{Career}
-Pass all four of my Praxis Series II tests!
-Pass my Praxis III observation.
-Graduate on May 8, 2010.
-Subscribe to "Music K-8" and "Activate"
-Get licensed to teach music K-12 in the state of Arkansas.
-Become a member of MENC.
-FIND A TEACHING JOB!!!
-Start compiling teaching aids/materials.
-Begin teaching lessons again.
-Become a better vocalist.
-Sing in the choir at church.

{Blogger}
-Complete a successful NABLPOMO!!!
-Blog about great products, experiences, and family life. 
-Blog once a week.
-Get 30 followers!

{Hobbies}
-Get my sewing maching repaired.
-Learn how to use my Canon Rebel better!!
-Practice the piano more!
-Read at least two books a month and keep a LIST on Blogger starting January 1, 2010.
-Keep practicing my clarinet... even when I start teaching!
-Pick back up my knitting.