Back in the Saddle Again

Before Trevor was born I taught 4th grade for 2 1/2 years. I loved it. It was in the Vail School District with strong families and teachers who became great friends. Leaving that job made me feel so torn and I wished I could live two lives: one teaching school and another as a mom. But I remember driving home on my last day and feeling at peace. Instead of conflicted, I felt grateful that I had that time to pursue something I really enjoyed.

After 3+ years, teaching has come around again. I started teaching preschool with my friend at her house two days a week. Haley naps in the morning and I teach six 4-year-olds while Trevor enjoys his class with my friend in the 3-year-old class. We're teaching the older class some beginning reading and I'm surprised at how much I love it! Sometimes I dream about going back for a Master's when Birch is done with school. I would be a Reading Specialist.

A few months ago I was called to be the Primary president in our ward. I'm not sure what to say about that...it's a lot of work and I've made some great friends with the other teachers. Birch has been so helpful with the kids if I'm gone or tired after a long Sunday. Sometimes the roles do switch!

Here's my one and only piano student, Erik. I've never taught lessons before and asked if Erik would let me practice on him. So far, so good! Maybe one of these days we'll have a little recital so he can show off his skills.

Lost or Stolen?

Sometimes I wonder if "lost" and "stolen" mean the same thing in Tucson. Lately I've had a bad streak of not keeping track of things and they've disappeared. The worst was my new camera, only a few weeks old and holding a memory card with quite a few pictures. Here are a few snapped with Birch's camera:

Haley requires a "bath" in the sink after every meal. I think this time she was also enjoying a new pretzel M&M--yum!

Trevor and Haley's favorite game (that is now banned): filling up the crib with all their toys. I guess I got something done while they were hard at work.

Poor Trevor inherited his mom's big head. Hats always look a little small on us, even when they're on all the way.

Learning how to blow bubbles--yuck!

Playing in the creek after a little hike in Madera Canyon.

Trying to Try

One of the things that frustrates me about myself is I'm afraid to try new things. I don't mean a new dinner at a restaurant or a different route home but a new project. Usually what happens is I get an idea, I'm excited about it....and then I think. And think. And think more and more, hoping that if I think long enough I'll get the idea just right so that when I actually do it, there's nothing that could possibly go wrong. Well, of course, something inevitably goes wrong and I tell myself it's okay because I thought as long as I could.

Example: I've been planning a quiet book for a year or two now. I've drawn designs for the pages, bought fabric and notions but I can't make myself actually sit down and sew. I know I'm going to make lots of mistakes and get frustrated.

But why can't I just try something without thinking for so long and not care if it doesn't turn out well? I've decided to do better, so here's my latest project: piano lessons!

I'm no concert pianist but I know enough that I can teach a beginner. I thought about it for a few weeks and then took the plunge and asked friends if their son would take lessons. They said yes and today we met for the first time. I remembered how much I like teaching children and using a part of my brain that I haven't in a while, even having kids.

I've also thought about taking a quilting class for a long time but hadn't signed up because of some silly excuse. Now I've decided there will never be a convenient time so I picked a date anyway and it's going to be fine.

I hope this motivation will last a while and I can get more things accomplished instead of adding to the list of Things to Do or for me, Things to Think About.

Mom Textbooks?

I have a hard time buying books. I love getting rid of things I don't use so unless it's one of my favorites or I know I will use often, I won't buy it. Plus, why drop $10-20 on a book when there's a free library system to use? We do have two full bookshelves in our house but I've only read a few of the books on them more than once. Here are a few:

The Scarlet Pimpernel: This is probably my favorite novel. Thanks to the Campbell Ward book club for introducing me to this one.

I bought this before Trevor was born and still use it sometimes. It lists baby topics alphabetically and I like that "encyclopedia" style.

Lately I have been wanting to buy more parenting books so I can easily read about something when I need it rather than wait for the library reserve system. I thought about the money they would cost and the space they would take up at home. But then I remembered Birch's textbooks (and mine, even though most are in storage). Feeling justified, I bought another "mom textbook," Love and Logic. I've read it before but want to read parts again.

I think my friend Kat recommended this book and I like what I've read so far. I had to return it to the library before finishing because of that darn reserve system so this might be my next purchase.

What parenting books do you own or wish you did?