That Friday Feeling

I read a recent blog post that said while most people celebrate Fridays, there wasn't much of that same sentiment for days Monday through Thursday. It makes sense. If you work really hard during the week, it's no wonder the thought of two days off brings much relief and anticipation. Just ask anyone around here at my school.  Walking through the hallway and greeting everyone, "Good morning, how are you?" You know what the answers were? "It's Friday! We made it through another week." It's true! These are the responses I got...just this morning.

This does, however, make me wonder why I'm wishing away most of my work week...and my life, essentially. Am I not living and fulfilling my purpose? Am I not using my talents wisely? This does bring me pause, and it's definitely something I need to revisit. Later.

But now back to that Friday feeling. 

There is something about Fridays. It's got that special feeling. A feeling of happiness and the idea that, no matter what happens today, I can survive because well...it is Friday!

Friday just has a way about her.  Take this morning for example. The fact that there was a kinda rare sighting of snow falling from the sky made it an even more magical Friday.

And ask this five-year old about Friday! Just because it's "Pajama Day" at his school makes it that more special.

And around here on Fridays...people are just  happier. But no matter what day of the work week it is...these girls make every day a special one.

Hope you're having a magical Friday in your neck of the woods!

I am. Happy weekend!

Conversations with Roller

Children can be so literal. Have you noticed?

Tonight, as we were well into our nighttime routine and before our bedtime story, I mentioned to Roller how fast he was growing.

"You're getting so big. Soon I won't be able to hug you all time," I said wistfully.

"I know, right," he said, "I wish I could stay the same size forever, and you the same size, and daddy the same size."

"Well you can still grow and get bigger, and I could still hug you. I could hug you forever," I offered. 

"But you can't hug me forever.  You said forever, and you can't hug me forever when I'm buried," he said apologetically.

Pause.

What? Where did that come from!?

"What do you mean by buried? Where did you hear that?" I asked.  

"I don't want to talk about it," he said with finality.  

Okay.  This is a new one for me.  Wasn't prepared for this conversation.

I let it go for a minute.  I read a bedtime story, and then tried again.

"I don't want to talk about it and make you sad," he said.

"Talk about what?"

"That word."

He didn't even want to say it.

"The "d" word?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Well it's a part of life.  It happens to everyone, but we're not going to worry about it now. We're just going to be happy enjoying life right now.  Will you hug me when I'm 60?"

"Yes."

"When I'm 80?"

"Yes."

Well alright then.  I was happy with those answers, and that was that.  I changed the subject to something lighter, and before long he had drifted off to sleep, but I'm still left wondering about our conversation.

What made him think of that? Where did he hear that? Had I said something that caused all of this? And more importantly, did I deal with the topic in the right way? Did I say the right things? How do you talk to a five year old about these things?

I've always believed in being as straight forward as possible with Roller. And I think I prefer it that way.

I just wonder what else is going on in that mind of his.

Children can be so literal!

Snow Day in the A-T-L?

So...here's what to do when you get an unexpected snow day in the A-T-L even though there's no sign...whatsoever...of any snow or ice anywhere.  At least that these eyes can see.

Sleep in late...

Stay in bed just a tad bit longer with a certain someone who loves to snuggle in mommy and daddy's "cozy" bed...

Curl up with a good book and the cutest five-year-old...

By the way, this one's a good read. Makes me think of all the lonely books that are just laying around on my shelves.

And once a teacher, always a teacher. A snow day for Buddy Roller means a little more practice at home.

Go out for a yummy lunch with the family...

Even though we'll have to make up this "snow day" at school, this mommy was really happy to get a little extra time with the people who mean the most.

No complaints here.

Hope you are warm and cozy in your neck of the woods!

It's a Chalkboard Anniversary

I had intended to blog on the actual day of Chalkboard's anniversary. Guess I missed that date LOL! But as they say, it's better late than never.

I started this blog about a year ago, on February 5th, 2014, to be exact. I had been struggling, sometimes I feel like I still do, to juggle it all...being a wife and mother with a full-time demanding job as a teacher. I felt like I was losing myself, racing against the clock each day to get things done, only to wear myself out, and go at it the next day, and the next, and the next. I think a lot of moms can relate to this.

So I started this blog to carve out some time for me. To do something I enjoy doing.  Writing. Reflecting. It was a great decision! This blog has allowed me to write about many of the issues that are close to my heart...faith, family, marriage, motherhood, teaching, relationships, you name it, just life really, in general.

This blog has allowed me to record my life, my triumphs, and my fears.  It's been my sounding board, and a good friend. It's challenged me to face my fears and accomplish some of my goals.

As I reflect on this past year, I'm happy to see my growth, and I look forward to facing more challenges and growing in love, patience, kindness, forming new friendships and living, really, the best life possible.

This blog has been great therapy for me. I write it for me, but I'm thankful for my two faithful readers (the ones I know about anyway)...The Hubs and my mom!

Since it's my first anniversary, I can't help but look back at some of my most memorable posts.

Let's start at the very beginning, with my first post ever.  Where I'm From...

If you're new to this blog, here's more on me.

Here're some posts about motherhood, first day of school blues, balancing it all, how changing the monotony of things can be sweet, why we guilt ourselves, what to really expect when you're expecting, and the notion of how to get your girl back.

Here're a few posts about The Hubs, and how I knew he was the one.

On being a teacher, making a difference, and why I love summers.

I've written a few posts about my fears and overcoming them, and just going after the things that I've been afraid to.

Here're some posts about my BFSF (best friend and sister forever), and our time on the boardwalk.

Here's a special post about my father-in-law who visits us at least once every year from Jamaica.

I've really enjoyed this ride, and I hope you have too!

Do something amazingly different, and live your best possible life!

Set Your Fears On Fire

What are your fears?

Are they holding you back from life? From joy? Are they keeping you up at night?

I think it's safe to say that we all have some kind of fear. Some big ones. Some small. And your fears may be different if you're a man or a woman. If you have children, or if you don't. If you're married, or if you're single.

I won't even say what my fears are because I don't want to give them any power, but last night I burned one of my biggest fears. In a fire pit. Outside in the frigid cold. I did it along with several other people from my church during a small group meeting.  It was freeing, and an empowering act of not letting my fears get the best of me.

Here's a side note.  My church is big on small groups. Our pastor always says that a small group is the answer to being part of a big and diverse church. It's the small group that really allows you to grow in your faith, help the community, and be accountable to others.  Many, many, many years ago, I was part of a small group and I served in many ministries and even went on a mission's trip to Mexico. That was BK (before kid). Since having Buddy Roller, I have not been part of a small group and I have not served in any ministries.

And it's time to get back to what's important.

Last night was my first step in accomplishing a goal I had put on hold for too long. Being part of a small group is a good thing. It builds community, and relationships that help people get through life. I think it's no coincidence that my first meeting at a small group, in several years, would challenge me to face one of my biggest fears, and then burn it.

Now that I think about it, I should've put a lot more on that piece of paper. Seems I have more burning to do!

Fears steal our joy and keep us from truly living our happiest, best life possible. Burn your fears. Do it today.

I'm a Survivor

I'm a survivor...of middle school on this day before Valentine's.

What a day!

I can't believe it; I'm barely standing.

Fridays are a little wacky, but a Friday before Valentine's Day is no joke!

Try telling a middle schooler they can't have balloons, humongous teddy bears, loads of boxes of chocolate, cookies, candy and whatever other kind of valentine! Let me just say that it's not well received. At all!

Hey I'm just the messenger; I don't make the rules!

I am sooo glad this day is over.

I'm doing the Friday dance...

Happy weekend!