Cooper

Cooper gets his 'literacy' on.

Happy Fall!

Still crazed at work. However, finding perspective. Have you ever had a time your in life where there was such a significant/upsetting challenge looming over you, that you wished your biggest problem was an everyday one, like work stress? I have. And as I remind myself of this, I am comforted!

Saturday was a great day to experience some balance. On the first day of Fall, we joined two other families and headed to Bob's Pumpkin Patch in Half Moon Bay to kick off the season. Of course, I started the day with a Starbucks pumpkin scone. We left with a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins for $20!

Lots of places to play and picture taking opportunites abounded. Not pictured are the several haystack mountains to the left and right.

Per tradition, after the patch we all headed to the beach for some more play time. Love how soothing the beach is. 

Today I've enjoyed some puttering home time. So needed. Now I'm back in action! : )

Mom down

Fridays lately have been kicking my behind. 
Transitioning my 30 kinders to full day and boot camping into rituals, routines and all the curricululum....and trying to do an awesome job...my voice is done.

And teaching+momming has temporarily worn me down, Friday being one of the more challenging days. Here's an example schedule:

1. Once we are up and ready, Paige, Cooper and I make our first stop of the day at Starbucks, getting drinks for me and my friend S.

2. Stop 2 is at S's house, where Cooper has a Friday playdate with S's dog. 

3. School/work.

4. Teach from 8:20 - 2:10, with one 30ish minute break.

5. After school, collect P and friend(s), they hang out and play in my classroom, while I wrap things up. If I don't finish in time, stuff goes home (who am I kidding, something always goes home), and possibly return over the weekend.  

6. Pack up girls in the car and head to p/u Cooper. Transition girls/Cooper from friends' house to home. School is a good 20 minutes away.

7. Set up girls' snack and oversee playdate , clean up, etc.

8. Take friend(s) home. Another 20-30 minutes back.

9. (optional)Additional stop that comes up, some errand that has to be done right then - last night it was a trip to Grandma's house.

Now, I know for my friends out there with multiple kids, at multiple schools and sports and activities, this doesn't sound too bad. But for me, I am a mom done.  It doesn't help that P and E drive me crazy, by chatting and lingering at each spot, when all I want to do is go home and collapse on the couch with House Hunters.

Today, though, I've been given a treat. A break. A day off. I've packed up  E and Miss P and sent them to the Stanford/USC game with friends. I am doing the following:

1. blogging

2. going for a walk/run with Mr. Cooper.

3. shopping for tonight's party.

4. reading at home outside.

5. showering and getting ready for girlfriend's party.

6. pre-party with friends?

7. 7:00 p.m. - party time. Theme is 'Favorite things.' Bring your favorite $25 item for a yankee swap! 

The universe must have known what I needed. I wish you a break this weekend as well! Hope to back soon with some Fall inspiration....

recent ramblings

This is one of those times where I have a lot to say, and a little to say. So I figured I'd just start writing.

-My creative self has been loving work; planning interesting lessons and providing new experiences for my students. I also have no shortage of crazy stories! However I have little time for anything else...

-I have managed to finish a couple of books though in the last week. How? Oh yeah, there is nothing on T.V.* I've become quite the intellectual lately, reading every evening in front of the fireplace with my smoking jacket. 

*except for The Real Housewives.

-Along with higher academic standards, third grade brings P.E. and a mile run requirement. First time out, my daughter was that girl who walked and complained her chest hurt. We have now started a run-at-home regiment. (See above photo). I may or may not have initially overreacted, calling myself an irresponsible mother and threatening to take away sedentary activities.

-One of my girlfriends just told me she had an almost identical discussion with her same age son, also kick-starting a home boot camp. His claim - running made his leg hurt.

-For the past couple of years, I've been crazy for lemon bars, and I've now added key lime pie to my list of favorite desserts. I've been indulging a few times a week. Yikes!

So basically, I'm teaching like crazy, and then reading and eating pie. Oh, and 'expanding' Miss P's horizons. What are you up to?

Family Photo Party

I'm so excited to link up to the fun happening over at I pick pretty and 4ever29! See button below.

 

These ladies are hosting a fashion party of sorts...asking readers to brainstorm and share outfits 'suit'able (ha ha) for different occasions. This is just the kind of light diversion I need at Back to School time!

 

This week's challenge is the lovely family photo shoot.  One of my favorite things each December is opening the mail and oohing and ahhing over all the beautiful and fun cards.  In fact, my main regret over having just one child is that I can't show off feature multiple cuties in matching dresses.  (My collage above shows two little girl outfits because I couldn't decide on just one!)

 

Shucks, I guess I should have also included the latest in doggie couture for Cooper. 

 

I am big into denim, so as you can see, I chose to go with cream and denim, with splashes of red for a little holiday cheer. Tune in next week for 'Girls Night Out' wear!

Simple pleasures

Solo trip to Target...

Chicken tortilla soup simmering on the stove...key lime pie for dessert...

an extra day off tomorrow....movie night with the husband...

and three, count 'em, three new release books from the library in my hot little hands!  What to read first?? What a night!