This is the world's best....

DAD

He truly is an AMAZING father and these two kids are incredibly lucky to call him their daddy.

My New Boss(es)

It's official....as of last Thursday, I am no longer employed by Frankfort School District 157c. My new bosses are two of the coolest kids in the world and I'm so excited for this new chapter in my life. It was a VERY hard decision to leave behind a career that I spent forever dreaming about, 6 years studying for (undergrad and masters), and 6 years doing. Teaching was definitely the best place for me as far as a job is concerned. I loved what I did and despite the challenging days or kids that pushed every last button, I am happy I spent the last 6 years in a profession that helped me make a difference in the lives of little kids. After becoming a mom, however, I've realized that there are no other kids who need me more than my own...and for now, that's who I'll be focusing on.

I give plenty of credit to those who balance a career and family, but I just never found a way to give 100% to every area of my life when I was working. I want to be a wonderful teacher and a wonderful mom, but somehow I find it incredibly difficult to do both at the same time. I know that someday I'll be back in the classroom and I'll appreciate it much more when my mind isn't preoccupied with the demands of baby/toddlerhood. It would be great if something part-time came along, but for now I'll just try to sub here and there (I want to stay in the loop since teaching changes so much year after year).

So, for now, it's day in and day out of changing diapers, dealing with temper tantrums, cleaning up messes, cooking, dusting, vacuuming, washing, and somehow keeping my sanity through it all. Along with the not-so-pleasant demands of being at home come some of the best rewards in the world. Day in and day out I'll also see my kids smiling, laughing, playing, singing, dancing, growing, changing, and hearing the most heartwarming words a mom can hear: "I love you Mommy". I know this is where I'm meant to be and there is definitely a wonderful sense of peace I have with the decision that has been made.

How could I not feel at peace when I see how precious these two little darlings are:

A Face You Can't Help But Love

We have definitely not been as good about blogging since our family added its newest member in December. Life sure gets busy with two kids to chase after!

Miss Leah is now a whopping SIX MONTHS OLD (as of a few weeks ago on June 30). We can't help but wonder where the time went these past several months. Although there were days when it felt like time stood still, it really did fly by when looking back. It's hard to believe that in another six months she'll be leaving behind the baby stage and beginning the toddler phase.

As of right now Leah is hitting all of the major milestones that a six month old should. She can roll both ways, sit up for a little while on her own, eats all sorts of fruits and veggies, loves to "stand" and put pressure on her little feet, sleeps through the night, and babbles away like she's got really important things to say! She still has definite fussy moments (probably due to the fact that she doesn't nap very well) and her digestive issues have come back with the introduction of solids (but that's much easier to deal with now that she's a little older).

Despite a lot of trying moments, we sure have enjoyed these first six months with our little girl. We can't wait to see what the future holds for our little "chunky monkey"!

June Has Come and Gone

Wow, a whole month has passed already?!? I feel like June just started and now we're already at the start of July. It sure is nice to know that this year (assuming I'm not going back to teaching...we still haven't finalized that decision) there really isn't an "end" to my summer break at home with my little darlings. It has been such a busy, but fun month and we've loved every minute of it. I'll give a small recap of all we did and plenty of pictures to sum it up:

Miss Leah's first Spring/Summer has been filled with lots of showers and storms.

Potty training was definitely a challenge, but in the end we had much success!

Chesney (aka our babysitter) has a new favorite place to sleep.

We miss Daddy while he's at work.

We had SO much fun on our week long trip to Carmi!

(snuggling with Grandpa)

(someday she's really going to be mad at me for this one)

(Auntie Kalyn's attempt to stay clean while feeding Leah)

(breakfast with Grandpa)

(meeting my wonderful Great Aunt Denise)

(first horse ride...on an adorable miniature horse)

(we're starting to get the gist of this whole brother and sister thing)

Grandma and Grandpa (and Auntie Kalyn and Aunt Denise) all came to our house!

Father's Day trip to Bass Pro Shop.

Playdate with the Sabaka girls...Leah and Noel are just a week apart.

This new jumper is becoming my favorite spot!

We had an AWESOME time at Great Aunt Nancy (aka Ancy) and Great Uncle Dave's house.

(he's a fish)

(swimming in the wonderful Lake of the Ozarks with Grandma)

(hanging out on the dock)

(getting used to the pool...fish #2)

(playing under the "mushroom waterfall")

(relaxing in the pool)

(lunch break at the pool)

(taking my first ride on the "sea-doer")

(brushing up on my fishing skills)