Job Promotion

Today my 'promotion' became official. I walked out of Mrs. Boyce's classroom and not long thereafter stepped into my new office -- home.
Promotions usually coincide with a pay increase. With my new job as mommy, that definitely will not be the case, but I expect generous compensation in the form of love and time with this wonderful little boy...who hopefully decides to come sooner than later.
Oh, this has been an emotional week. Each time as I tried to talk to my kids and prepare them for their new teacher I'd cry. This bunch, well, they are just that special. I have no doubts about my decision to leave them for the rest of the year, but the good-bye part was rough.
For all of my adult life, since I was twenty-one, I've been a teacher.
A teacher is who I've been and, I guess, who I'll continue to be -- just in a different capacity.

It's been a challenging, rewarding, and memorable ten years, that's for sure.

If I had only known all those years ago...

In her retirement, my mom has finally had time to organize and discover all kinds of forgotten treasures.

On Sunday she shared one of her latest finds:

(You might have to click on the image to really see.)

Who would have thought all those years ago that two kids, performing one right after the other at a piano recital in Rancho Cordova, would one day, about 15 years down the road, share an even better experience -- this:

(Isn't he handsome?)

Life has a funny way of bringing people together and having paths cross. With apologies to our dedicated piano teacher, I think we're much better at marriage than we are at the piano, that's for sure!

Today we celebrate four years. Not very long in the grand scheme of things, but long enough to have experienced our share of beautiful memories and faith-building experiences. We know better than ever how to love, support and really take care of one another.

It's also our last anniversary as a family of two. Life is about to change in a VERY big way!

November showers bring...

a December baby!

It goes something like that, right?

Last week I was spoiled!

First, some of my dear friends from church threw an incredible baby shower. Denise, Becky, Tammi, Melody and Ashley it was a perfect night. Thank you!

I, of course, was not an incredible picture taker. Thanks, Ashley, for having your camera. Can't wait to see the pics!

I understand more and more as life goes on why I call these women and so many others 'sisters.' They are that in every sense of the word. They made sure the evening was filled with fun, delicious food and meaningful (and hilarious) stories about taking care boys. I'm incredibly blessed to have so much help when it comes to advice about caring for little boys! Ladies, I'll be calling, that's for sure.

Then, these incredible friends got all of my co-workers together and spoiled me again. Bonnie, Lynn and Alison went to a ton of work to plan a great party.

These are friends that I've had and seen daily for the past ten years. We've gotten each other through a lot, both personally and professionally. It's hard to believe that in a couple of weeks I'll be stepping away from that.

Alison made this cute cupcake tower out of terra cotta pots. So creative!

Debbie is a retired teacher who now substitutes at my school.

She has been my go to gal for the past three years. In fact, for about a year she was like a second teacher to my students. I'd be gone every other day or so in the morning for doctor's appointments, and she just walked in and taught. It was almost effortless for me. She jokes that thanks to me needing her so often, she relandscaped her backyard with the money. I'm just grateful that she was there -- a LOT.

This shower, just like the first, was so fun and memorable. One thing is for sure: thanks to so much generosity, we're getting closer to having what we need for our little guy. He's definitely going to be well dressed!

Only 5 1/2 more weeks!