{12 Months}

Good thing my daughter is cute, since I clearly lacked motivation with this last pic and didn't bother to iron the fabric or notice how unflattering of a color it is, especially combined with the odd shade of the peach circle.

However, I was too busy getting ready for her party and Addie was too annoyed at being on her back now that she is a mature one-year-old you know.

Happy Birthday to our sweet Addison June!

At 12 months she loves reading books, watching Curious George, playing outside, walking while holding onto mommy or daddy's hand, and eating pretty much anything.

At 12 months she can say:

book, bird (although it sounds like burger), dog and woof woof, bye bye, mama, and dada.


She is a bundle of fun and silliness.  We love seeing her personality emerge more and more.

She is a joy and this past year with her has been truly wonderful.

We talked over the past year and it was so awesome to have hubby say that he wouldn't use the word "stressful" to describe the last year at all.  She truly is a blessing.

We are so excited to see who she becomes in her second year of life!

We had a wonderful time celebrating today.

Tomorrow is her party and I know it will be a blast celebrating her again.

Happy Birthday little one.

{4 WEEKS}

There are 4 weeks left of the school year.

4 weeks left of leaving my little one at 9:30 morning, to not return until 2:45.

4 more weeks of hoping she will nap while I am gone.

4 more weeks of missing her happy afternoon hours.

4 more weeks of exhaustion and not enough time.

Then.

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord . . ."

You see.  I am working part-time, but I had to get permission for that.  Approval.  

I requested a part-time schedule again this year.

Out of the five schools in my district, not one was willing to have a part-time teacher, not even the school that I have taught at for 4 years.

I understand that in some cases, it would mean hiring another part-time teacher to fill in the time that I am not there.

However, I feel a little bit discriminated against.

Don't get me wrong.  I DO NOT WANT TO WORK.  However, I absolutely need to bring in some income. 

Yes, I have read every single "How to be a stay at home mom" article there is.  I am already doing everything they suggest.

We don't pay for childcare, we cloth diaper, I dry clothes on the line, I cook rather than eat out. I shop at Food 4 Less, I menu plan and coupon clip, I do side jobs for extra income, we rarely go out.  I don't buy new clothing very often . . .

So, I am a bit frustrated that the school district wasn't even willing to try.  

Oh, you want to work full time and leave your kids with someone else?  Sure, come work for us?

Oh, you want to be with your daughter part of the day rather than be obsessed with a career.  Sorry, no room for you here.

Ugh.

Anyway, all this to say that we are in a new season.  After June, I will be jobless.

Officially I am on 100% leave for one year (meaning I can have a job back in the district if I want it for the 2014 -2015 schoolyear).

So, I am signing up to substitute, applying for college teaching positions, and looking for online jobs.

Pray for us as we enter the unknown this summer!