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!

An Early Valentine

My valentine showed up two days early! And wow, I am so surprised. And pleasantly so!

Leave it to the Hubs to always have an element of surprise...having roses delivered to me at school, days before Valentine's Day, knowing full well I wouldn't be expecting them.  He is so thoughtful, and I feel so loved. Really.

I am a lucky girl, and I need to record these moments so that I can be reminded of just how special he is and to never take him for granted. Reminders are good because God knows it can be so easy to forget in the midst of "life."

So this gives me pause today. This makes me reflect today on love and relationships. Appreciate your spouse or special someone, and try to never forget those special moments because we do need to remember them when the going gets tough.

Happy day before Friday!

Put a Little Love in Your Heart

Don't you find that doing the little things for others makes you a little bit happier inside?

It does for me.

Since it's Valentine's Day this week, my AP thought it would be a good idea to spread a little love and cheer to the faculty and staff in the building. We were told to grab a few red paper hearts and spread words of encouragement and love to each other.

What a great idea!

I was on board immediately; you don't have to ask me twice!

I wrote several notes to our office clerks, our literacy and math coaches, and even our counselor.

I enjoyed writing the notes, and you know what?

Those who received the notes said it made their day!

So go ahead.

Put a little love in someone's heart.

It'll bring a smile to their face.

And make you happier too!

Each Day's Promise

Don't you just love the promise of a new day?

As I was driving to school this morning, I caught a beautiful glimpse of the sun just peeking through the clouds trying to shine the brightest light ever on this day.

I couldn't quite capture the moment I wanted as I was driving. But as soon as I made it to school, I snapped the picture above.

Each day brings with it a new promise.

A promise for a day better than the one before.

A day to try new things and live with no regrets.

A day to live without fear, and just "go for it!"

A day to be nicer than the one before. Kinder. Pouring out love in places where love has not shown its face.

A day to leave the past where it should be. In. The. Past.

A day to dream bigger than ever before, believing and knowing that you are worthy indeed.

A day to believe the impossible.

A day to know it is possible.

A day to speak love and encouragement to someone who needs it most.

A day to smile a little brighter and laugh a little harder.

A promise for a day better than the one before.

Each day brings with it a new promise.

Don't you just love the promise of a new day?

Why Parties Are Special

Birthday parties can be magical. From a child's perspective this can be unarguable. You are the center of attention, surrounded by your friends and family.  And there's food, cake, balloons...and let's not forget...birthday presents!!!  Everyone's there for you. 

From a parent's perspective, it can also be quite special. In my current stage of life, I can honestly say that besides church, I have met more people and formed more relationships by attending kids' birthday parties and get-togethers, in these last five years.  And that's because of Buddy Roller.

To be honest, I don't make it a priority to attend every party Buddy Roller is invited to. And he's invited to a lot. They're the kids from his preschool, friends from his after-care program, and then there's his kindergarten class. That's a lot of kids!  With a busy schedule and lots to do, we don't make it to a lot of parties. We make it to some if they happen to "fit" into our schedule, and of course we make the parties for our dear friends.

Yesterday we attended a party for one of Roller's classmates. It was a fun get-together, and inevitably conversations were started and connections made.  I'm not saying these relationships will last a lifetime, but it is possible.  

Over the course of the last few years, through preschool and sporting events like soccer and basketball, Roller has maintained many friendships.

And yes, friendships come and go. But sometimes, if you're lucky, they can last.  This makes me think back, more than two years ago at Roller's third birthday party. It was the first party we had for him that we had opened up the invitation pool to not only close friends and family, but for kids in his preschool class as well.

I will never forget meeting one family in particular. They were the first ones to show up at the recreation center where we were throwing Roller his "Disney Cars" themed party. Their little boy was fast asleep and Dad, who was a little bit early, volunteered to help us put the finishing touches on the celebration room.  And just like that, a friendship was formed.

Now fast forward more than two years later. We're still friends, and our boys are still getting together.

Kids' birthday parties are a way to connect and form new relationships. And that's a good thing.

I think I may need to make more of an effort and try to attend as many as I can!

And the Mystery Reader Is...

Me!!!! I'm the mystery reader this week at Buddy Roller's school!!!

I've been waiting for months to do this, and Roller's been asking me repeatedly, "Mommy when are you going to be the mystery reader?" Also, "What treats are you going to bring us?" And, "You know, you don't have to bring us treats."

So, earlier today with picture books and treats, of course, in tow, I visited the most adorable elementary school kids and read to them. When I was ushered into the classroom by teacher extraordinaire, Mrs. Woodard, all the kids were waiting for me, criss-cross apple sauce on their classroom rug, their eyes tightly shut as they repeated over and over again, "Mystery reader, who could it be. Mystery reader, read to me." So cute! And then when they were instructed to open their eyes, a very excited Buddy Roller screamed, "Mommy, mommy!!!"  It was awesome!

I was able to read, not one, but three books to Mrs. Woodard's class...Olivia Goes to Venice, Chilly Milly Moo, and Pete the Cat and the Magic Sunglasses.  They were crowd pleasers! I truly enjoyed my time in Roller's classroom and wish I could do that more.

As we made our way out of the school, I couldn't help but snap some photos of Roller strolling through the hallways.

Beautiful and creative paper dolls made by students showing their culture and heritage were displayed in the hallway.

And once we got back to the car, Roller got his second surprise of the day. His favorite sugar cookie from Barnes and Noble Cafe! This kid loves him some sugar cookies!

And by the way, did you happen to notice the sun setting this evening? Wasn't it just peacefully beautiful?

Have an amazing weekend!