Colton's 1st Day of PreSchool!

Colton started pre-school last Monday. He is such a smart little boy and has such a desire to learn. Unfortunately, I just do not have the time to devote to teaching him the things that he should be learning since I am in school full time myself. So, he is going to preschool.

Below are pictures of him on his first day of school! (This is the school t-shirt that he has to wear until their uniform polos come in.)

The school that he is at is not like a daycare. It is VERY structured as if he were in kindergarten. He is in a class with students who are all the same age (who will start kindergarten in 2 years.) They have "quiet time" every day for about 45 minutes. They can rest or read as long as they are quiet. Sometimes the teacher reads to them while they rest. They have cots that are stacked in the classroom and during quiet time, the teacher spreads the cots out. They can have pillows in blankets if they would like. I wanted Colton to have something of his own from home as a security. Of Course I wanted him to be a "cool kid" as well, so I made him a blanket and a pillowcase for a travel size pillow. We went to Hobby Lobby and Colton picked out what kind of blanket he wanted. He wanted McQueen from "Cars." Below are pictures of the pillow and blanket that I made for him.

He is very attached to this blanket and pillow. He hates having to leave them at school during the week. I think I may have to make him a set for home. Below is a picture of Colton using his pillow and blanket before school started. (On the weekends when we bring them home to wash them, he HAS to sleep with them.)

Having Colton gone during the day definitely makes it VERY quiet around here. Tayler is not herself while he is gone and does not play nearly as much. She is much more clingy when it's just the two us. They are both so excited to see each other when Colton gets out in the afternoon. He has already learned so much and is so excited about going to school!

We are still trying to get adjusted to waking up early. We are also still working on the drop-off and pick-up routines. When I drop him off, he is so shy, latches to my leg and hides behind me. When I go to pick him up he is the complete opposite - he hides from me so he doesn't have to go home!

A New Perspective on Me

When I originally starting blogging a while back, I primarily did it to keep people informed on my life and my children, people I may not see or talk to often. But then I felt like no one was reading my blogs so I slowed down on them. Someone recently told me that the reason they blog is because they enjoy writing even if no one reads them; they write for themself. I never considered this, I guess because I never thought as myself as a writer.

This past summer, one of the courses that I took focused on how to implement reading and writing workshops into your classroom. (For those of you who are unaware, I am currently in school to be a teacher [Pre-K through 6th grade.]) One very important thing that I learned in this class was that if I want to be an effective reading and writing teacher, then I need to actually be a reader and writer. I really struggled with this idea this summer. I have never really enjoyed reading or writing “for fun” even though it has always been my strongest subject. I did not know how to become a reader or a writer. I read that it is important to keep a writer’s notebook and as a teacher share your writing with your students. A writer’s notebook? What am I even supposed to write about!? In this course, we had to work in groups and read and critique our group members’ work. I would get so frustrated because no one would ever give me constructive criticism. They always had positive things to say, which I appreciated, but I was taking the time to help others so why was no one else helping me? I discussed the issue with my teacher and he suggested that maybe there just isn’t anything noticeably wrong with my papers. In this particular course, we had to compose lesson plans for a thematic unit on poetry. At the end of the unit, one member of my group sent me an e-mail saying that she thought that I would be a great reading and writing teacher and learned a lot from reading my work.

What is interesting is that when I first decided to be a teacher, I had no desire to teach reading and writing. I disliked it so much that the thought of teaching it every day worried me. However, I have learned so much about being a successful reading/writing teacher and what has caused my dislike for reading and writing that now I actually look forward to being a reading/writing teacher because I know what to do differently than the teachers that I had did.

The other day I submitted my first assignment for a science instruction class that I am taking. The teacher responded with “You are a writer!” Huh? She thinks I am a writer? Wait. I am a writer! This is probably why I love my online classes that require papers instead of quizzes and exams. I realized that the author from the textbook who suggested to practice writing didn’t mean writing stories, books, etc. Writing can be in any form and even the form of what I am writing now. My husband sometimes tells me to slow down and take a breath and that I am “always” talking. I have so many thoughts and so much knowledge and excitement for things that I am learning that I have realized I just want and need to share them! Even if it is in a piece of writing that no one will read, I need to express my thoughts.

I might sometimes blog about personal happenings but I will also blog about things that I simply want to share with anyone who is willing to read about them. I have realized that I do actually enjoy writing; I just needed to figure out what to write about. (I am still working on the whole reading thing! :) )

My mom recently told me that I have changed a lot since I got married. I have changed A LOT over the past 2 years and I do realize this. But I think that these changes have been due to many things. I am growing up. I am now a wife and a mother to two children. When I got pregnant at 20 years old, it definitely was not in my plans. It changed me so much and has made me such a mature independent woman. Being a mother is very fulfilling, but for me personally, it just isn’t enough. Many women are very content with being stay at home moms and would have it no other way. If a woman is happy taking care of the home, more power to her! I have nothing against lifelong stay at home mothers. If I was married to a millionaire of course I would choose not to work! But let’s face it, I’m not married to a millionaire. (No offense, Kyle. J ) I personally have a lot of goals, other than being a mother, which I would like to achieve. I want to graduate from college. I am on my way to becoming a professional educator. If my husband were to die, I am at an age where living off of his life insurance would not be enough for my children and me to survive. I have to make sure that I am in a position that I am confident I could take care of our family on my own if I had to. I have taken courses that deal with psychology, growth and development, diverse cultures, how people learn, how to effectively communicate, and much much more. I have changed a lot in the past 2 years because I have become educated and prepped to become a professional independent working woman, who just so happens to be a mother and a wife. I used to feel like being a mother was all I was. I didn’t know who “Tammy” was anymore other than “mommy.” I felt like I had given up who I was and my dreams to be a mother. I do not feel that way anymore. I know exactly who I am and what I want out of life, which I will strive to achieve. So yes, I have changed a lot, but it’s because I have become an adult.

I look forward to sharing my life, my random thoughts, my knowledge and maybe some hobbies with you. I thank you in advance for taking the time to read my writing.

I plan on updating the layout as well as the pictures on my page throughout the week. If you have a blog, please let me know so that I can add you to my list of people to follow so that I can receive updates when you post. Also, if you read my page and enjoyed reading something, please do not hesitate to leave a comment.

Love,
Tammy

What Summer Says to Me..

In response to a blog "challenge" by Mrs. Fonda...

Summer says to me....

Time to put on that sunscreen and go to the beach/pool!
Time to wheel out the BBQ pit and BBQ!
MMM, snow cones!!

Unfortunately, I have not gotten to spend the summer with the kids as I would I have hoped and enjoyed. I have been in summer school full time. I am taking 4 classes that I would typically take over 5 months over 2 months. Needless to say, I have not had much down time let alone much sleep. Summer school wraps up in 2 weeks so I will have a 3 week break because I go back to school for the fall. I will definitely have to catch up on lost time during those 3 weeks!

Update - Tayler!

Well, my plans were to post several times a week, but I quickly forgot when I became busy with school after Spring Break.

There are 2 pictures taken of Tayler this afternoon. Kyle and I took the kids to the splash park in the neighborhood. The water was a little cold but they had a good time.




Tayler is now 9 1/2 months old. She has 6 teeth with 2 more currently coming in. She says Ma Ma ALL the time! She has just started saying da da. She crawls all over the place and can now stand unassisted for about 7 seconds. She should be walking soon! :)

Well, that's it for now. Lots of school work to do! Pictures of Colton coming soon.

Love,
Tammy

Prayer Request: Please pray for the people who have hit rock bottom and give them the strength to pick themselves up, dust off and try again.

Update - School

Note: There are 2 new posts below that were posted in the past 48 hours if you missed them! One is the introduction to me blogging again and one is an update on my spiritual life.

Several people have asked if I am still and school, how it is going, etc.

I AM still in school! :) The past 2 semesters I took 7 classes each and had to finish up some courses at the community college that I needed since I used to be a nursing major. For those of you who do not know, I am an education major. I will have a degree in Early Childhood Education and will be certified to teach early childcare (daycare) - 6th grade. With the classes at the community college the past 2 semester, I did also start taking University-level courses with them so I can graduate as I have planned. This semester, I am taking all University level courses! I am only taking 5 this semester which is less than I am used to. However, it is sooo much more work. This semester 4 of my classes are face-to-face unlike the past 2 semesters where they have been online. 3 of my classes this semester also require observation hours in the public schools. So, when I am not in class, I have been in the schools try to get my hours done.

I will be taking a full semester during summer school and then 1 more set of classes in August. The I will be all done with my classes. In January I will student teach and in May I will graduate!!!! WOOO HOOOO!!!! So less than a year of instructional courses and in little over a year I will graduate!! It seems so far away, but when I think about how my daughter is already 9 months old and how fast these 9 months flew by, I know school will go by fast also!!

Even though being in school is very hard, time consuming and exhausting and leaves me no extra time at the end of the day and I am sleep deprived, finishing is something I need to do. I owe it to myself to accomplish this. In addition, I want to be able to help provide for my family and take some of the burden off of Kyle (who averages 60-70 hours of work a week.) I also want to set a good example for my children. We are in a world where without a college degree, it is VERY hard to get a good paying job. I want to have a positive influence on my children and help show them that doing well in school is very important. Additionally, the week before my dad passed away, when I was pregnant with Colton, my dad and I had a long talk about what I would do about school. My dad asked me to promise him that I would finish college no matter what. I made that promise to my dad and when I finally walk across that stage and get my diploma in a year and a half, I will think of him.

I am really enjoying my classes. I am learning sooo much. I actually enjoy reading and learning for once! I really feel like education is where I am supposed to be. I have learned so much as a mother and how to be a better mother to my children through these classes. In addition, I have learned so much valuable information that is going to make me a great teacher. I never knew there was so much to being a teacher. I NEVER read "for fun." However, I recently ordered ten, let me repeat TEN books to read at my leisure that deal with education, and I am EXCITED for them to come in and start reading them. I discovered this feeling of excitement to read and gain knowledge that I have never experienced before. :)

So, that's it for now. To sum it up... Yes, I am still in school. I am loving it and will start student teaching in January and graduate next May!!

Prayer Request: Please give me the strength to use my time efficiently today and to remain calm with my children.

Love,
Tammy

Update - Opening my heart to the Lord

Because I am starting "fresh" on this page, I will be changing and adding pics, etc. In addition, I will be posting updates about different aspects in my life.

Today I am posting an update about my spiritual life because I feel it is the most important.

Up until about a month ago, I had not attended church regularly since going to FBWH about 10 years ago. After we left the church, I had a hard time finding a church with the environment that I was used to. After visiting a few with my mom, I just lost the desire to attend. Eventually, the thought of church just never crossed my mind. I grew very far from God and at hard times during my life, have even questioned whether his existence is real. If He is real, why are these things happening to me? Everyone would tell me "God doesn't give you mountains you can't climb" or things like that. Honestly, those sayings did not make me feel any better.

When we lived in Needville while I was pregnant with Tayler, my mother-in-law took Colton to church several times. He absolutely loved it. I knew I should go and take him, but it just was not something I was ready to do, especially alone. (Kyle works on Sundays so he would be unable to attend with me.) So, I never went.

Between being a full time student, mother and wife, I found myself down and lost. The stress from school and exhaustion from being a mother left me no time for "me." I have a hard time figuring out who I am other being a mom. I was just sad. I knew there was an answer but just didn't know what it was. But I was open to answers.

During the second week of February, I took our dog to the vet a few minutes down the street. On the way I passed a church with a huge sign that grand opening service was scheduled for Feb. 14th. I thought to myself "Hmmm, I wonder what kind of church that is? Maybe I should go." With my heart open to an answer about my life, I went home and looked them up online. They had a lot that I was looking for. I did not notice a religion so I assumed they were non-denominational.

On Saturday February 13th, the kids went to bed about 2 hours after their usual bedtime. I was so tired the next morning and did not feel like going to church. I decided I would not go. While I was cooking breakfast, I decided to look through the stack of mail Kyle brought in the evening before. Guess what was in the stack of mail? A flyer from the church I had planned on going to! I thought to myself "Wow. Is this a sign? Is God trying to tell me I need to go?" I thought about going but didn't think I had enough time. It was about 9:30 am and service starts at 10:30. I thought to myself "Do I have time to get dressed?" I seriously heard a voice "Come as you are." Their website had advertised to come as you are, that they are a very casual church. I felt like God was telling me to come and that he would not judge me for my appearance. So I got the kids changed real quick and threw on some clothes.

As I drove there, my eyes kept filling with tears. When I pulled in the parking lot, my eyes filled with tears. It had been so long since I had been to church. How did I stray from being the person who loved the awana program to someone who never even thinks about God? It didn't matter. I decided that day to make a change.

So, I got the kids registered and checked in and took my seat. My first comment is I LOVED the church service. Instead of a choir that sings out of hymn books, there was a live band with contemporary music and words written on big screens. Everyone was casually dressed which I loved. The pastor referenced the Bible and used Bible verses but he broke the verses down after into every day language for us to understand. His sermon related to every day situations. That week was about making margin in your life to be able to hear God speak to you. What a coincidence given my morning!

My second comment is... My life changed that morning. When I was 6 years old, I accepted Christ into my life but for the past several years, he has not been in my life and I have not lived a Christ-like life. That morning, I asked Christ to come into my life again and to forgive me of all of my sins.

I have been to church every morning since then. The sermons have been great and have really helped me in finding myself, becoming happier and how to become a better mother and wife. I feel like I have had a huge weight lifted off of my shoulder. Since then, I have heard and seen God answer some of my prayers. I am so excited for this journey.

In addition, I have decided to serve the Lord. Because I cannot give much money, I have decided to give my time. The church will be going to 2 services in 2 weeks and they need a lot of volunteers to aid in this transition. I have signed up to volunteer in the children's ministry. I felt a calling and I am going to take. I am not sure where this will take me or if God is trying to guide me in life, but I working with children is how I plan on spending the rest of my life in my career. Maybe God has a plan to use my knowledge in other ways. May not. I don't know, but I am excited to find out. Instead of requesting a time to serve and a specific age group, I have asked them to put me in the time slot and with the age group that they most need people. So, I will be starting in the 12-24 month age range since I have experience with small children.

That is all for now. If you read this, thank you for taking the time to do so. I will post updates on other aspects of my life over the next few days.

Also, something I have decided to do is at the end of my posts, I will post a prayer request. This is something I am currently praying about. It might be broad, it might be detailed. You might understand it, you might not. But either way, it is one of the things in my life I am praying for.

My Prayer Request: For those who have strayed from the Lord to open their hearts to the Lord again as I have, to open their ears to hear Him. Life is so beautiful on the other side and I hope to be joined one day.

Love,

Tammy

A fresh start

After a couple of people have made comments about me not blogging anymore, I have decided to start again. It is something that I will try to do regularly, if not daily.

For now I am just here to tell you to look out for my upcoming postings. I have changed the title and the color of my page. Please read the title and description for a look as to what this blog will be about.

I have started "fresh" in many aspects of my life. There will be more to come on that. For now, please note that I WILL be blogging again.

Looking forward to sharing my every day life with you.

Love,
Tammy