Holiday Cleaning 101

There's only about two days in the year when I actually, kinda sorta, enjoy cleaning.  Those days would be the day before Thanksgiving, and the day before Christmas Eve.  So, Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve Eve. 

I don't know why, but in my mind it's a rule that a house should be spotless for a holiday - regardless if there is going to be company here or not.  This past weekend, I found out I wasn't hosting Thanksgiving for my family - like I have for the past five years.  So,  for a brief few moments I thought that meant I didn't have to run around like a crazy person cleaning every nook and cranny in preparation for company.  But, then I realized that just because I wasn't having guests didn't interfere with my desire or protocol to have a perfectly clean house for the family that would be here eating and celebrating.

I could have done all of the cleaning this past weekend... but then I knew I'd be closely back to square one today.  Why go to all of that trouble twice?  No thanks.  It's much easier to scrub and wipe and sweep and clean the day before a holiday if I actually want it to stay that way for the 24 hours after.

So, this morning, before I get knee deep in mop buckets and clutter, I decided to make up a list of holiday cleaning tips.  I'll warn you right now, I'm not Martha Stewart or any other form of clean house guru.  In fact, these tips probably aren't great tips at all - but I just figured it would help motivate me to get started on the work that has to be done.  My life is based on lists... so why not come up with one today?

1.  Pick an end of the house and start there and work your way to the other end.  I have officially self diagnosed myself as having cleaning ADD.  I will start working in one room, find something that belongs in another room, take it to that room, and then start cleaning in there, then take something to another room, and rinse and repeat.  I can spend an entire day flittering back and forth between rooms which ends up in a day of work but not much progress.  I've now discovered that if I make a pile of stuff that belongs in another room while I'm cleaning - I'm a lot more likely to stay focused on that room. 

2.  Start at the top and work your way down.  Just as I think it's important to start at one end of the house and work in the direction of the other end, I also think it's important to start at the top of a room and work my way down.  That means, I start with the ceilings.  Yes, look up at your ceiling.  If you're anything like me - you often forget to vacuum up there.  And what collects up there?  Dust.  Cobwebs.  Nasty stuff.  I then slowly work my way down to the next surfaces.  The last place I touch is the floor.  I know so many people that will start with clearing things away and then vacuuming or moping before cleaning surfaces.  Do you know how much dirt you're going to knock on the floor?  A bunch.  Trust me, starting at the top is the way to go.

3.  If you want something done properly, do it yourself.  My oldest offspring are 12 and 11.  For half of those years, I've tried to convince myself that they should be a part of holiday clean-up.  I'll designate an area of the house for them to clean or I'll give them specific jobs to take care of.  Then, you know what happens?  I'll inspect the area and decide that they didn't do a good enough job...and then make them do it over... and over...and over.  All I end up with are cranky kids and cranky me.  It doesn't matter how well my kids do a job (when it comes to holiday cleaning), I will find something to complain about.  It's a bad trait, I know that, but I've realized that there's a lot more peace and harmony in my home if I just suck it up and do it myself.  I'll assign them their rooms to clean - and their bathroom - and leave it at that.  Common areas just have to be done by my hand. 

4.  Limit the breaks.  After cleaning for a few hours, a break is most definitely in order.  But, I sometimes get in to the bad habit of taking breaks every 15-20 minutes... which ends up making a 4 hour job in to an 8 hour job.  And yes, it can take 4 hours to clean my house for holiday cleaning.  There's no surface cleaning - it's the deep variety.  I now try and focus on how much I have done, and how much happier I'll be when it's over with to help limit the amounts of time I want to sit down with a cup of coffee. 

5.  Sorting is a break in disguise.  For some reason, my house tends to collect a lot of clutter.  Not hoarders club clutter, just boxes and stuff that's gathered here and there over time.  The boxes that are piled in my kitchen right now are filled with stuff that I boxed up for my classroom that hasn't made it there yet.  There are a few tubs of miscellaneous items that I've boxed up because I couldn't find a better home for them.  Jelly's toys are in drawers and tubs in her playroom - and each tub and drawer are supposed to hold specific items, but usually end up becoming a stuff-all that she's put toys in when she's been asked to pick up her toys.  One of my worst habits during holiday cleaning is deciding to resort all of those boxes and tubs.  Rather than just getting rid of them, or stacking them neatly, I decide to start digging around in them and wondering if I could now find better places for it.  Big mistake!  I'll end up packing all of the stuff neatly back in to the boxes, and realizing that I spent two hours sorting stuff that was already sorted.  No, I don't like having clutter in my home - but until I get a new house that has better storage areas, I got to suck it up.  No point wasting time resorting... I just got to make sure it looks as nice as I can make clutter look and move on.

6.  Put holiday music on or something with a beat while you clean.  One of the biggest mistakes I've made in the past is leaving the TV on while I clean.  For a while it will just be noise, but then I'll start to pay attention to the noise, and then I realize that I'm getting sucked in to a movie or show.  Then, break time happens...that lasts the entire time the movie/show is on.  I've realized that if I put on music while I'm cleaning, I end up dancing around and singing while I'm cleaning.  And I continue to clean.  And I stay in a better mood.  See?  Two birds, one stone.  I keep cleaning.  I don't get cranky.  And, thanks to DirecTV music channels, I can pick whatever type of music I'm in the mood for - and don't have to worry about pesky commercials. 

7.  Stock up on cleaning supplies before cleaning.  There's nothing worse than being knee deep in grime than realizing that you're out of something and having to get ready to go to the store to buy more.  Then you know what happens?  You end up staying out for 2 hours and not feeling like cleaning when you get home.  If it's already too late, and you're on the day of cleaning... check before you start and see if there's stuff that you can make do with.  If not, go to the closest dollar store - and go in your cleaning clothes - to pick a few things up.  I say go in your cleaning clothes, because you are much more likely to make the trip as short as possible so as not to be seen by someone you know. 

8.  Clean while you're dirty.  I know that sounds kinda gross, but think about it.  Don't bother getting in the shower and putting on clean clothes right before you're about to deep clean your house.  Find some old clothes, throw your hair in a pony tail, and get to cleaning.  If you're not clean when you start, you're much less likely to care about how much more dirtier you get when cleaning.  And for some reason, my shower after I'm finished cleaning feels like a reward after what I've been through. 

9.  Don't be afraid to get dirty.  I consider surface cleaning to be the act of cleaning only the surfaces seen by the naked eye.  Deep cleaning is going in to the places that can't be seen - but is still collecting plenty of dirt and grime.  For holiday cleaning, I move everything - furniture, electronics, tables, etc.  It doesn't bother me a bit to be elbow deep in dust bunnies just as long as I know they won't be there when I'm finished.  Have you moved your refrigerator in a while?  You'd be amazed at how gross it is under and behind that thing.  I feel a lot better about preparing my holiday foods in a house that isn't hiding any little dark secrets.  I may come out looking like a chimney sweep by the time I'm all said and done, but my house will be clean enough to eat off of - I can guarantee that.

10.  Lastly, DON'T LET YOUR CHILDREN OUT OF YOUR SIGHT UNTIL THE DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY!  I can't stress this one enough.  The minute you let them out of your sight, you'll start noticing toys appear.  And then dishes.  And maybe some trash here and there.  Those little dust buckets are like slugs.  They leave a trail of slime wherever they go.  The only way to ensure that all of your hard work stays in full tact until after the holiday is over with is to keep them on a very short leash.  Metaphorically, of course.  Although....  No, just kidding... or am I?  Limit what they can get out and where they can get it out.  Make them pick up every morsel of whatever they touch or eat.  In fact, the best way to handle it is to just lock them in their rooms... with food and water, of course.  It really is the only way to keep your house clean for longer than 24 hours.

And there you go... my holiday cleaning tips.  The tips that I'm going to follow in 3....2.....1.... GO!

Truthful Tuesday

To be honest... I'm so flipping excited that today is the last day at school until next Monday.  Five full days off to spend time with the family, eat a wonderful meal, get my Christmas decorations put up, and relax.  I love my job, but I love me some holiday time too!

To be honest...  I'm so flipping excited that I get to wear PJs today - even though I'm not sure I'm supposed to wear PJs.  You see, my kids are having a PJ party as a reward.  They voted on it, I got it approved with my principal.  Except during that approval, I didn't happen to ask if I could be included in the PJ wearing - which means I'm taking a total risk joining in... but what fun would it be if I didn't? 

To be honest... I've sat around way too long talking to Hubby because he came home from work early - and now I have only a few minutes left to write this before I have to go and get ready. 

To be honest... I really can't think of that much more to be honest about today.  Maybe I'm just too excited about today to really think deep... but I gots to go.

Just Two More Days to Get Through

I did not want to get out of bed this morning.  Mostly because I knew that today and tomorrow were probably going to be the longest, most exhausting days I've worked thus far.

I know how kids are right before a holiday.  Thanksgiving isn't near as bad as Christmas, but they are still going to be pretty crazy excited - emphasis on crazy.

They are going to expect to not have to do anything for these two days, because it's right before a break - and kids are programmed to think that going to school a day or two before a break means that they're not supposed to actually do any work. 

I can't blame them.  I kinda feel that way right before a holiday and/or break too.  But, just like me - they are going to have to suck it up.  Because there are still assignments to do, things to learn.  Luckily, I was able to package all of our objectives in to cute little Thanksgiving templates.  Well, let me correct that.  I was able to steal some cute Thanksgiving stuff from my mentor that I'm able to package in to our objectives. 

The kids may be programmed to not want to do any work before a holiday, but they are also programmed to believe that if I slap on a holiday picture to a page full of math problems, or make them write about Thanksgiving, or make them read a story about the first Thanksgiving and then answer comprehension questions about the reading - that they're not actually doing "work" but enjoying holiday stuff instead.  Gotta love a child's brain!

I managed to get all of my Thanksgiving food yesterday - among the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving food shoppers.  Every year I whine and complain about people waiting until the weekend right before a holiday to do their shopping - and then smack myself in the head when I realize I'm one of those people. 

We decided to make a run to Sam's for a few things - and happened to notice that they were having their "Taste of the Holidays" samplings.  My kids LOVE going to Sam's just because there's always sample carts out letting them try stuff.  I'm pretty sure my kids would eat fried flies if it came off of one of those carts. 

What I couldn't believe were the lines of people waiting to sample a piece of ham or a scoop of pie or a bite of steak.  Yes.  Lines.  Like something you would see at a movie theater the weekend a new Twilight movie is coming out.  It was ridiculous.  I like sampling food as much as the next person, but I'm not willing to wait 10 minutes in a line to do so.  And then I end up getting all frustrated because I'm patiently waiting in line with everyone else, and then I spot a line jumper who just moseys on up to the front of the line and gets a sample - despite the fact that there's 20 people in LINE in front of them. 

The kids and I made a game out of trying to find the sample carts that had the smallest wait times.  We were still able to try a few things - but apparently missed out on the sample of gold that was being handed out at some carts.  Which is what had to be passed out seeing that many people waiting.  A couple of times we were behind one person, and then found out that she'd brought along her entire family - who were waiting close by - so that they could all get their samples while the kids and I patiently waited for her to hand out stuff to the 15 people waiting for her.  Frustrating, I tell you!

I was pretty happy that we were able to get out of there pretty quick - to the disappointment of the kids who would have spent their entire day standing in lines to try the tiny morsels of whatever was being handed out. 

We made a pit stop at P-Momma's house so that we could pick up her turkey roaster.  Hubby likes cooking the turkey in that so that I have the oven to cook all of my stuff.  Yes, I said "my stuff".  Thanksgiving is the one day of the year that I not only cook, but enjoy doing it.  It's a big deal.  I strap on my Stepford Wives apron - metaphorically speaking - and spend the day in the kitchen preparing, and measuring, and stirring, and checking. 

Anywho, back to yesterday.

We made it to the store to get all of our "fixings".  I spent way too long picking out a ham.  Thanksgiving dinner is very important to me, but not important enough for me to shell out $30 on a ham.  Nope, I have to hunt down the cheap hams, rummage around a bit, until I find "the one".  Which I found. A 8lb ham for $10?  Don't mind if I do.

We ended up spending about $35 for the meal.  Which I guess isn't too bad.  Especially since this year it will be just us five - and that amount of food is sure to last us all the way in to the weekend.  So, I look at it as we spent $35 on three days worth of food.  That's not bad at all.  Yes, we are going to be sick of the sight of ham and turkey for a few weeks after it's all said and done, but that's a part of the magic that is Thanksgiving.  We just get over our distaste for turkey and ham just in time for Christmas to roll around.

Alright, I really need to stop talking about all of this - cause it's not helping me with facing the fact that I have to go to work for the next two days. 

Toodles!

B-I-N-G-O and Bingo Was Her Name-O

Going to play bingo with my mom is something I've cherished since turning the age of 18 - when I was actually legally allowed to walk in to a bingo hall.  My mom has played bingo for as long as I've been alive, and I remember being a young girl wishing that I would one day be able to have that experience.

It didn't take me long to discover why my mom liked going to play bingo so much.  Sure, there was the possibility of winning some money - but it was also a lot to do with no children.  None.  Not a single one in sight - anywhere.  It was a bunch of adults crammed into a smoky hall laughing, joking, cursing, and just having a break from the world outside the doors.  And they knew that they could say or do pretty much anything they wanted and they wouldn't get caugh acting like a fool in front of a child.

And then, there's the chance of winning some money. 

Who doesn't like winning money? 

It has been a time honored tradition that when my mom and I go play bingo together - we split our winnings.  50/50.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it.  No matter how big or small of an amount.  There have been times where my mother and I have split a $20 winning - because that's just how we do it.

My luck has been very good this year.  I've won several times.  Most of those times, my mom has been right there with me - and it's been great to each walk away with a couple hundred extra dollars in our pockets.  She was there when I won my "big win" which was a couple of thousand dollars.  For a fleeting moment, I wonder what would have happened if I just went to play alone - but that moment shortly passes when I think about the times I might be with her and she strikes it big.

Yesterday, when heading out the door, I just had a gut feeling that I wasn't going to have much luck.  But, yesterday wasn't about going to win - it was going to get a break.  And I know that I said that exact thing last week.  I got to go out and eat lunch with my two besties last weekend... and that was a break.  But, it was more than just a break.  It was time alone with my mom - which we haven't had in way too long. 

The past few months have been very difficult on the relationship between my mom and me.  Before August, it was customary that I spoke to my mom pretty much every night on the phone.  And not just for a couple of minutes - we'd talk for 30 minutes to even an hour sometimes.  It was customary that a couple times a month I would go over and see my parents at their house. 

And then my mom and I had our little falling out over a fishing pole - of all things.  That stopped us from talking for several weeks.  But, that's water under the bridge now - and things are somewhat back to normal.  Except for the time we spend talking.  That doesn't happen hardly at all.  My extremely busy schedule - and hers - has left us hardly talking or seeing each other for weeks at a time.

So, a night out at bingo is a way I can recharge my Momma juice.  I get that alone time that we should have together.  And I cherish every minute of it.

Back to bingo.

Last night we got to go to a fancy schmancy new casino that's just opened up.  I felt like a big roller walking in to the place.  It was so clean.  It smelt nice - despite the cloud of smoke and glasses of alcohol as far as the eye could see.  The tables were brand new, and the chairs were comfy.  It was a night out among all nights out.

And it became that much sweeter when I heard the word escape from my mom's mouth that sends shivers down my spine... "BINGO!" 

I'm pretty sure I was more excited as she was.  It wasn't a little amount.  We were both going to be walking away with a few hundred dollars.  Nice.  Perfect.  Just what I need this time of year.  And for the first time, I can say that without a minuet hint of sarcasm. 

I now don't have to wait until Wednesday to go and buy my Thanksgiving food.  I can now put some money back on the credit cards - much earlier than I had planned.  I can afford just a couple more small gifts.  I can breath a sigh of relief that for once, the planets aligned to give me that little boost I needed - right when I needed it. 

Bingo!

Saturday's Letters... Because I Am a Day Behind and Need to Catch Up

I know, I know... I'm supposed to do a Friday's Letter post.  But, if you were here yesterday, you'd know that my internet was out on Thursday - so I had to do my Thankful Thursday post yesterday.  I could have just forgotten my Letter's post or do it today.  You can see which I decided.

Dear Pathogens... You were something we learned about in class this week.  And that caused my kids to apparently get all excited and share their pathogens with everyone.  Including me.  I've had four kids out sick this week - one of which insisted on coming to school with no voice and not feeling well a day before missing a day.  Thanks to you floating around from one kid to the next, you've now found your way to me.  Why is it that you always decide to pay me a visit on Fridays?  Don't you think I have better stuff to do on my weekends besides being sick?  I do!  I'll make that perfectly clear for you.  I have lots to do this weekend, and having a stuffed up nose and sore throat doesn't exactly make that any easier.

Dear Photography Studio That Took Pics of Jelly Yesterday... WHY did you have to take such wonderful photos of Jelly leading me to spend WAY too much money on photos?  I walked in to the door just certain I wasn't going to spend an outrageous amount of money on photos.  And then what do I do?  Spend an outrageous amount of money on photos.  CURSE YOU!  But, when you pulled out this from your bag of tricks, it's no wonder I caved...

They are the most adorable pictures I've ever seen!  I just couldn't stop myself from buying the biggest package you had.  And now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with all of those photos.  Thanks a lot!

Dear Portable North Pole Website... Thank you for helping me boost the magic for Jelly again this year.  Even though Peanut and Butter have moved out of "believing" territory, it's still nice to have one kid who still believes in Santa.  Getting a personalized video using her name and photos really helps boost her spirits and excitement about the upcoming holidays.  I now have some great ammunition in my tool box to get her to clean up her toys - for the next couple of weeks, anyway. 

Dear House... I found out this morning that my family isn't coming for Thanksgiving.  Now, I know you think that means you won't have to go through that deep clean I've been talking about for the past couple of weeks.  But, think again.  Just because I'm not hosting a big Thanksgiving this year, doesn't mean that I won't be celebrating... in a clean house!  Thanksgiving is not just about having family over and eating an outrageous amount of food - it's also about being the day I put up my Christmas decorations.  Which, in my book of rules, clearly states has to be done in a clean house.  So, get ready.  Prepare to have all of your creases and crevices deeply cleaned.  Soon.

Dear Me... It came as a bit of a shock hearing that you won't be hosting Thanksgiving this year.  You've done it for the past four years, and now you won't be.  Even though you feel a little relieved, especially in the money department, you are a little disappointed also.  Don't worry.  Just because you won't have people coming over doesn't mean you can't still cook up a storm and enjoy the day.  It will just be that more sentimental.  Your first Thanksgiving with just your closest family members.  Get all of the kids involved.. make it a special day.  Enjoy yourself.  You don't have to be hosting guests for it to be an important day.  Remember that.

Dear New Casino... I'm so excited to get to experience bingo with you today.  It's been a while since I've played.  My gut is telling me that I'm probably not going to win - because the extra money sure would be nice right about now with the holidays coming... and I never actually win when I could really use the extra money... but it's the experience I'm most looking forward to.  It's been so long since I've spent some quality alone time with my mom, and I've really felt us drifting apart over the past few months.  I need a day out, where I'm having a good time and catching up with my mom.  I'm looking to you to provide that.

Dear Internet Explorer... It looks as though I'm back to using you.  I know I ditched you for Mozilla a few months ago, but that's because you weren't giving me what I needed.  It now appears that you've stepped up your game, and Mozilla was driving me nuts.  Don't let me down.

Dear Me Again... You need to get your behind off the computer and go and get ready.  Now.

Thankful Thursday - Part II... and a day late

Welcome to my second installment of Thankful Thursday - a list of thirty things (ten each week) that I'm thankful for and recognizing due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  I apologize for it being a day late.  It figures that the one day I'm ready to go with a blog post - and know exactly what I want to write about - my internet decides to bite the dust.  So, I know it's Friday, but I'm totally going to pretend it's Thursday just for this special post.  Just like last week, I'll be mixing the deep with the not so deep... cause I know that not everyone wants to read just emotional stuff. 

11.  I'm thankful for my little Jelly.  Despite growing up so fast, she still makes me realize that she's the youngest which automatically entitles her to the role of my baby for much longer than I was expecting.  And last night, a day after writing my soppy post about how much she was growing up, she curled up on the couch with me because she wasn't feeling so good.  She made me realize that she may be turning in to a big girl before my eyes - but she's not going to outgrow the fact that mommy makes her feel better when she's not feeling well...and that won't change for a very long time.  She reminds me constantly how much she loves me, she always knows the best time to say things like "You're the beautifulist mommy in the whole world" or "I love you so much, Mom".  And I love her very much.  As much as I love her and wouldn't trade her for the world - she has definitely helped remind me on occasions why I never want any more babies.  And, I honestly think that's a part of her plan.  HA!

12.  I'm thankful for my Butter.  Butter has and still faces many challenges.  For a boy of only 11, he's been through more than many adults.  And while he's still working hard every day to face continual challenges, he's grown more and learned more than I could ever put in to words.  He's not the boy he was a year ago.  His ability to adapt and thrive in his new surroundings is purely something of a miracle.  Change is something Butter doesn't usually handle too well, but he's shown me that starting his life over - getting a fresh start - really means a lot to him.  He's making good grades, he's got lots of friends, he adores his teacher, and those are things I would never get the chance to say about Butter.  While there are still days that are better than others, he's really taught me so much about being a better parent, being a better teacher, and being a better person.  The students that come in to my classroom with challenges - both behaviorally and emotionally - have him to thank for how I treat them.  They thrive with me because he's shown me how to care for them, how to motivate them, and how to love them.  And while I'm constantly trying to build him up, I realize that most of the time - he's the one building me up.

13.  I'm thankful for my Peanut.  In a matter of a year, I've watched my little girl turn in to a beautiful young woman.  There's so much of me in that girl, that I sometimes feel like I've stepped in to a time machine and get to watch my younger days played over again.  Her personality, her wit, and her drive are all inherited from me - and I'm happy about that.  What I'm most thankful for, though, is the fact that even though she's turning in to a young woman - she will talk to me, share her life with me, and allows me to be a solid part of her world.  If she's having a problem, she knows she can come to me and I'll help any way I can.  If she just needs to vent, she knows she can do that.  Having that bond is so important to me - and I never want to lose it.  Peanut has done so much for me the past few years, that it's so important for me to show her how thankful I am.  She takes care of Jada when I need her to, she does her chores, she keeps up with homework and extra studies.  And while she also has her days that are better than others - she keeps a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart.. always.

14.  I'm thankful for Hubby.  And not just his cooking.  I've never met any man in my entire life quite like him.  I truly feel like I live with my best friend.  I can talk to him about anything and everything.  I hate that we don't get to spend as much time together as I'm used to - but the time we do spend together is happy and harmonious.  He keeps me grounded, he reminds me of the important things in life, and man.. can that guy cook!  I really am having a hard time putting in to words how much he means to me - and that's because there just aren't words to fully express how much I love him.

15.  I am thankful for the internet.  Even though I was really upset yesterday morning when I didn't have internet and couldn't get on here to write this list, I really don't know what I'd do without it.  It keeps me in touch with my passion for writing, allows me to find answers to questions, keeps me connected to long lost family member and friends - without the cost of a huge phone bill or actually having to talk to them.  And while technology often gets a bad rap - the internet is a world of discovery and tools right at my finger tips.  It makes my job as a teacher easier, that's for sure.

16.  I am thankful for fuzzy fleece pajamas.  Whoever came up with these need to be kissed.. many times over.  Putting on a pair of fleece pajamas is like putting on a blanket for me to walk around in.  They keep me so warm and comforted.  And while I love curling up in a blanket when relaxing on the couch - my fuzzy PJs keep me feeling that way no matter where I am or what I'm doing in my house.  

17.  I am thankful for coffee.  Well, to say that I'm thankful for coffee is a HUGE understatement.  I love my kids and Hubby and my job and my family... but they are all able to love me back thanks to the beverage in my cup.  It's the first thing I turn to in the morning, and it's the last thing I hold on to before going to bed.  I just don't know what my life would be like without my coffee.  Wait, yes I do... and it's not something I ever want to think about again.  This time of year, my coffee is even more important because it keeps me warm and comforted with delicious seasonal coffee creamers... can you say heaven in a cup?  Life is better when there's a cup of coffee in my hand.

18.  I am thankful for the two teachers that work with me in 4th grade.  I really couldn't have asked for better mentors or friends.  It's really as though everything I could ever have wished for in cohorts were granted to me.  They make me laugh, they offer support, they give me confidence in taking risks, and never have they ever made me feel like "just a newbie".  Every day, I look forward to going to my classroom... and a lot of it have to do with them.  No matter what my day is like, I know that I can always walk in to one of their classrooms and know that everything is going to be OK.  

19.  I am thankful for the kids I get to teach this year.  Because as much as I'm teaching them, they are teaching me.  They offer me daily struggles and challenges to overcome.  They give me goals to work towards.  They have shown me that teaching is most definitely a calling - and one that I know I've been called for.  The kids that walk in to my classroom each day give me a purpose, a drive.  They are a reason that my job isn't a job - but a career.  I know that I will never forget their little faces no matter how many years I stay a teacher.  I love each and every one of them.

20.  I am thankful that there's only a couple of days left to work before I get a nice five day weekend.  Even though I love my job, it's always nice to have a few days where I can just focus on family and relaxing.  I have no intention, anymore, of going to the Black Friday sales - so I'm just going to use the time off to spend time with my kids, get our Christmas stuff out, and enjoy the time for what it's meant for.

Next week will be my final installment.  I'll be sharing my thankfulness for my extended family, life lessons, and anything else that pops in to my head.

That Moment When You Realize Your Baby is Growing Up WAY Too Fast

In a few short weeks, I'll be writing a special post for Jelly.  That's because in a few short weeks - three weeks to be exact...to the day....it will be Jelly's 5th birthday.

Five.

It's such a scary feeling for me.  It's not like I haven't been through this twice before, but this year is different.  Jelly is my last child.  The last baby I had and will ever have.  And in my mind, five is the year where they move out of baby mode into the independent (kinda) "I'm not a baby anymore" mode.

Yesterday, when I picked her up from school, I heard something I didn't expect to hear for quite some time.  "Mommy, my tooth is lose". 

Upon further inspection, it appeared that her front bottom tooth was indeed lose.  Really lose.  Like it won't be very long before that sucker is out. 

How did this happen?  Babies aren't supposed to lose their teeth.  That's supposed to happen once they start school! 

Hearing those five words almost brought tears to my eyes.  They put a lump in my throat.  Here I was thinking I had a few weeks left to cherish and bask in the last of the baby days... and here she is speeding things along with the talk of a loose tooth.

I remember that five was about the age of Peanut and Butter when I started getting the urge for another child.  I started connecting the dots that they didn't need me as much.  Sure, they still needed me to cook for them, and clean for them, and do all the motherly duties I will have to do until they reach the age of 18.  But, it was the little things... getting them dressed, tying shoes, kissing a boo-boo, rocking them off to sleep in my arms that were fading away.  Once in a blue moon, if I could really persuade them, I'd get an evening of snuggling on the couch after they reached the five mark.  But, it didn't occur near as much as it did prior to the transition from four to five.

I can honestly say, I don't have those cravings this time around.  I know that I'm done.  My pregnancy and birthing days are over.  No more babies.  Which is why this time around is probably a lot harder to swallow.

Jelly has always been one step ahead of the game, though.  A few weeks ago, she discovered how to tie her own shoes.  For months, she's been insisting on getting herself dressed - even picking out her own clothes on most days.  She fixes her own flavored water.  And two nights ago, she went in to the kitchen and made herself a slice of bread with butter on it - all by herself.

She's years ahead of her age.

One thing that hasn't gone, yet anyways, is her desire to want to snuggle.  Most nights, she wants to lay on the couch with me and she'll fall sleep in my arms.  If by some chance, she's gone to bed by herself... which is something else she does quite regularly... then she may sneak in to our bed in the middle of the night and want to snuggle up next to me.

I wonder how many other mothers feel the way I do?  Especially if they've decided that there will be no more children.

Oh well.  Time to suck up my meloncholyness.   My children are growing up - nothing I can do about that.  I just need to cherish all of my moments.  Spend every bit of time I can soaking it all up.  She may be officially moving out of baby mode in to growing up to fast mode... but that doesn't mean I have to really accept it.  She will always be my baby.  In fact, all of my kids are and will be.  Even if they don't appreciate it now as much as they did when I was changing those stinky diapers.  HA!