Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Received my first sub assignment

Yesterday afternoon I received a call from the substitute coordinator asking if I can work this Friday.  Thankfully I'm available.  I will be at the junior/senior high school in the library.  Considering how nervous I am about getting back into the classroom, this is a perfect way to ease into things.  My first two jobs were in libraries.  I worked at the public library for almost two years followed by the library at college.  Over the last two years I have volunteered at the elementary school's library, so I'm familiar with the school district's computer system.  I'll also have the librarian's assistant there to help me out. 

I'm trying to figure out what I need to bring with me.  I have the bag I earned from last year's ADA walk that I've started putting things into in preparation.  I have a few magazines, a story book for when I sub at the younger levels, a folder with the junior and senior high class period schedule, power cord for my cell phone, pen, notebook, and of course my glucometer.  I should probably pack a few snacks in the bag separate from my lunch.  This is the first full-day job that I will have since being diagnosed with diabetes.  My other job is part-time and is only 2-3 hours at a time. 

For those of you who work full-time, what do you make sure to bring with you to work?  Thankfully I don't have to worry about medications or insulin at this time.  I'm probably over-thinking this, which is typical for me.  After having children at home for the last 17 years, this new phase in my life is exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Busy, busy month

I've been wanting to post to my blog more often, but sometimes life gets in the way.  My grandma's passing slowed me down on some projects.  Our middle child was chosen as a state fair delegate.  Seeing her face when she found out she was chosen was priceless.  She did great and we had a fun time at the state fair, considering the heat and flat tire.  The oldest two have been busy with marching band practice. I'm so proud of both of them!  I've actually had tears in my eyes when I watch them play. 

Today was the first day of school for my oldest four (grades 3, 6, 9, and 12).  The youngest had her kindergarten open house this morning.  Tomorrow she gets to join the big kids for school.  She's very excited yet at the same time very nervous. 

This new phase in our lives, having all of our children out of the house for the first time in the 17 yrs of parenthood, also presents some new opportunities.  Before motherhood, I was an educator (though that definitely followed me in my role as a mother).  I am now registered with our school district as a substitute teacher.  I'm looking forward to working in the schools and getting back to teaching.  I love children (good thing, too, considering we have five) and love teaching. 

Here's to new beginnings!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A day at a time

I'm still mourning the loss of my grandmother.  I told my husband that it's been a long week to which he replied, "You realize it's only Wednesday, right?"  Umm yeah.  *sigh*

Earlier this week, I was looking at some of the afghans and a quilt that Grandma made.  I have a plastic storage bin where I keep some put away from the children.  They're not fancy.  The quilt is a basic patchwork.  I'd like to learn how to make one someday.  I know the basics of this type of quilt, but I just haven't taken the time to actually make one.  First I'll start with fixing the one that the youngest was dragging across the house to the washing machine on Monday.

There is an afghan that I hope I have here that was one of my favorites growing up.  While looking for it, I realized how many of my grandmother's creations I have in our house.  In my second daughter's room, I found a green afghan.  Then I went into the room that my youngest two share to find another green afghan.  (Are you getting a feel for my favorite color?)  In my middle daughter's room, I found a quilt with leaves on her bed.  I didn't find one immediately in my oldest daughter's room, so I'm thinking about offering her on from my bin (pictured here) that has some darker colors in it.  Her bedding is dark blue, but I think she'd like it.

I had forgotten about the "flower" afghan that I had in that storage bin.  Most of the afghans I have from my grandma are straight lines.  They may contain different crochet stitches, but overall the same.  It's nice to have something different.

There are a few places where I haven't looked in search for my favorite afghan, so I haven't given up hope that I still have it.  Even as a child, that blanket gave me comfort.  I still remember when I got it, but I'll save that for the blog post when I can also post a picture to go with the story.

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Monday, August 9, 2010

A sad day

Earlier today I was given the sad news that my grandma passed away.  She was in her 90s, so she had a good, long life.  It was not totally unexpected, but not expected either.  I am thankful that she was able to meet my oldest three children about 10 years ago.  Yes, I wish that she was able to meet the two youngest, but I will try not to dwell on that.  They have heard stories of Grandma and have slept snuggled in some of the blankets that she has made.  This evening my youngest daughter was dragging one of Grandma's patchwork quilts across the house to the washing machine.  The backing is showing wear and the batting is having some issues.  I may make it my next project to fix up the quilt since the actual patchwork side is in good shape. I want them to continue to be wrapped up in her love through those quilts and afghans.

Grandma was blessed with four children.  Two of those children plus Grandpa met her at the gates of heaven today.  Time will dull the ache, but will not fade the love we have for her.  Some day we will see her again. 

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Kids are amazing!

Yesterday, my fourth called me while I was at my part-time job.  She was so excited!  The mail had just been delivered and *she* had a large envelope with her name on it!  "It says 'diabetes' on it."  I knew it would probably be from the ADA with information about the walk.  She was excited enough to get her own Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes page, but then to get an official walk packet - she was thrilled! 

Normally I wouldn't let her open mail, even her own, without me there, but I knew that would deflate her.  Instead I told her she could open it up and look at everything, but then to put it all in a neat pile on my bed when she was done.  When I came home, I found the large manila envelope on my bed with its contents neatly piled on top.

My third child came up to me two nights ago and asked if she could donate to the walk.  Of course she could.  Should she give the money to me or her sister?  I told her that it would mean a lot to her sister if she received the donation.  She agreed with a large, proud smile on her face.

My children are amazing!  They have started taking up a cause that has affected three people in their lives: a grandmother, a grandfather, and their mother.  They are learning that even one child can make a difference!