It's not always easy...

 Working a 40 hour work week, that is 4, 10 hour days for me. 5, 9 hour days for Josh. Yes the pay checks are worth it, paying our bills, going grocery shopping, and getting some random things for my class room. But at the same time, I'm missing my afternoons off most days. Being able to sit down for a few hours and do a craft or a panting. Work out in the yard, or call a friend. Take a bubble bath.
 Now more than ever I am wishing I had a few more afternoons to myself to get school things done. Cut out the pieces of a craft for the kids to glue, finish coloring and putting together the bulletin board art. Write up and print out welcome and information letters to send home to the parents sense I can't always stay and talk to them. (I also feel odd adding them on facebook...)
 Just an afternoon or two to get caught up on some things. I also feel like I am slacking on house work as well. The yard needs mowed, the floors need swept, food needs prepped, and the cats need attention.
 But going into this job and life style, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. That's why I have Josh. He actually helps out when I need it. He also seems to know when we just need a day to be lazy and watch tv or go horse back riding.
 He likes to watch me print off craft pages for the kids and work on them myself. He is amazing. Sometime he encourage me to get my butt in gear and get things done, but afterwards he sets me free. "Thank you helping with the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen! Go take a bath and read!!" He knows that I need space sometimes. And I Love Him For That.

 Now...
  Being a Teacher for One Year Olds!!
That is a tough job. They don't quite get how to follow some directions. Like...
 *Put the Triangle on the Glue...
*Pick up our toys so we can have Breakfast...
*Shhh.... be quiet your friends are still napping...
 I am trying to find some crafts and work sheets that they can do, with my help.
I am also finding that I am gaining a lot of patience working with these toddlers. And drinking my coffee at record speeds! :)
 But you know. I wouldn't trade my job for any other. Yes waitressing got me quick cash, and bartending was fun. But these kids.
 When they smile and come running to me to give me a hug, or pat my back and tell me it's ok while I'm sitting on the floor crying. They light up my world. It's not always easy...
 But, It's Worth It.

 Wish all this said, does anyone out there know of any good blogs, forums, web sites.... that have good ideas for One Year Olds? I'm looking for printables and downloads, and even places where I can chat with other teachers and get tips and help.
 Any advice is great as well.

Many Blessings!
 Ms. Arielle

Home is Where Ever I Love You

Our New Home, Nearly Done. This was Mid April. Just before the sod was put down. We came by the lot every weekend to check the progress of the our new home. I was so excited to see all had been done. I was most excited to see the hard wood floors and kitchen cabinets. I love our home.