I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Being from Minnesota, and not a lover of cold and winter and snow, I think the idea of a "white" Christmas is over-rated. Now, if I had moved away to a warmer region, maybe I would appreciate the sentiment more. Or at least fantacize about the romantic notion of it all. But, I'm sorry to say, I don't dream of having a white Christmas. I actually thought about making up lyrics to "I'm Dreaming of a Brown Christmas." Something to the effect of not having to worry about bad roads when traveling, not having plans ruined or derailed because of the weather, and not being chilled to the bone every time I go outside.

This Christmas, we had the epitome of a white Christmas complete with plenty of inches of the fluffy stuff that later became heavy and dense which was perfect snowman weather. It also meant cancelling plans and worrying about the roads. On the bright side, we got some good outdoorsy pictures.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Well, it finally happened. We put up an actual normal-sized Christmas tree this year for the first time year. We eased into it slowly. I've always done some sort of Christmas decorating but didn't put up a tree because Troy and I didn't see the need (or have the ambition) when we are always traveling over Christmas. Then Mateo came and when he was really little, we felt it would be more of a nuisance (and another excuse). Last year I put up a four foot tree so Mateo could put up some ornaments. So now this year, I felt that it was time to stop the procrastination and get a tree for Mateo's sake. He really enjoyed putting on all of the ornaments, and I feel proud of myself for finally getting with the program. I must say, I like the coziness the tree provides to the house.

Sweet Celebrations

Yesterday we celebrated Mateo's 4th birthday and then had Halloween festivities in the evening. It was one of those non-stop days filled with activity. It was so much fun to have my whole family at the party. Even Eno was there all the way from Seattle! Troy's sister from Rochester came with his mom and step-dad. We don't have a ton of friends in Bagley, but the few we have are awesome friends, and they were also able to make it. I thought about how blessed we are to have the opportunity to share this special occasion with our family and friends. It was the kind of day where you don't have to worry about anything else but enjoying time together and experiencing the day through the eyes of a little guy who is loving every minute of the presents, birthday wishes, costumes, and candy! These are the sweet moments to cherish. Life is good.

The Tide is Rising

Transitions -- I'm not a big fan. I try to be a go-with-the-flow kind of girl, but those of you who know me, might be laughing a little at that statement. I'm too Type A. Either I've always been Type A and not realized it or else have become a more rigid Type A as I got older. If that is the case, I blame it on being a teacher. There are so many details to tend to on a daily basis that I trained myself to be uber organized so I could function and survive. During my first few years of teaching, I spent a lot of time trying to keep my head above water. That wasn't much fun.

Lately, I've been having that feeling again. It's not school this time, it's the juggling act at home. Even though I knew it was coming and tried to prepare myself for it, it hasn't been easy. I'm not going to whine about the specifics. Let's just say I really appreciate the down time with my family that doesn't happen as often as it did before. I hope things get better as we work out the kinks. Last time I checked, life preservers aren't handed out until the beginning of June.

All Summer in a Day

I have about an hour before I need to get Mateo to his daycare and get us both dressed and ready for the day. Today is the second day of teacher workshop with open house tonight. I better make this blog quick. For some reason, I have not found the time to blog since early June. Maybe Facebook got in the way....hmmm.

Since my last post, we have enjoyed our summer that went as fast as I knew it would. In June Troy started teaching drivers' training and has since spent almost 200 hours in the car with students. Thankfully, he doesn't have too many eventful stories to share.

The big news is that my husband is now a "real" teacher! He got hired to work in Waubun which is an hour away. He will teach rotation classes for fifth and sixth grade. The two of us also enjoyed a couple getaway to Hawaii in August. It was so relaxing and quiet. I did miss Mateo a lot but not as much when we were sitting in restaurants enjoying an uninterrupted meal. Mateo was having more fun with Grandma Linda anyway! I could write more about what we did this summer, but I don't want this to turn into a Christmas card.

Now it's time to say goodbye to popsicles, freezies, hotdogs, visits with friends and family, summer strolls, relaxed schedules and all of the other things we love about June, July, and August. This time of year is always a little tough for me. I sometimes wonder what it would feel like not to have to go to school in the fall. I've been doing it for 29 years now. It's hard to transition from vacation mode to full-on work mode. I know, I know, you're shedding tears for me. While you get the Kleenex, I better log out and get ready.

Follow Up Blog to Previous Blog

Tuesday 6/2
Mateo to Mom: I am making you happy so much.

Wednesday 6/3
Mateo to Mom: I am making you prouder and prouder of me.

Two separate responses said after using the potty.

First Week of "Vacation"

Another year of school was officially over on Friday. I said goodbye to my students who were ever-so-sad to start vacation. Yeah right. What they don't realize is that teachers probably look forward to it more! Then Troy, Mateo and I enjoyed a pleasant weekend with just enough grad parties to appreciate all the delectable options but not too many to feel overwhelmed. We also got to enjoy some time with friends on Sunday and Mateo caught his first fish.

Then Monday came. The first official day of vacation. Ah! Relaxing. Enjoying warm weather. Right? No to both. This week has been crazy! I actually found myself thinking that if I was "working" things would be a lot less hectic. Here's what has been going on in the Reynolds' household this week: Troy started teaching driver's training in the mornings and then has driving time with students in the afternoon, 3 dentist appointments, 3 chiropractor appointments, 1 doctor appointment, 1 job interview (Troy), cleaning closets and other nooks and crannies for a garage sale on Friday, and oh yes, did I mention potty training? Yesterday I was seriously wondering about my sanity.

You may be thinking that it's the potty training that has me stressed out. But it's been the garage sale stuff! That is a lot of work! I better turn at least a little profit to make this worth it. Intrinsic rewards aren't going to cut it.

So how's the potty training going? Unbelievably...great...so far! (And I hope hope hope that I'm not jinxing things by blogging about it.) My son has been adamantly against anything to do with an activity that hindered him from peeing or pooping in his diaper. Prior to the official training, he only used the potty about 5 times. I am not underexaggerating. This kid did not want to train. So Monday rolls around and I make him wear underwear. Long story short, he realized Monday night what it means to use the potty so his underwear doesn't get wet, and it has been very smooth sailing since. I am still in shock and am hoping that it continues.

If by the end of the week I have managed to clean out my closets (made a little extra money) and have a potty trained child, I'd say I get to take the rest of the summer off. Well, except for the two weeks of summer school I'll be teaching starting next week. And I can guarantee it will be a lot more relaxing.