I'm Baaaack!

It's been quite some time since I've posted anything. I have quite a difficult time managing my work and home responsibilities. I decided it was time to post some highlights of recent months. We were able to go to NY this summer and visit family. The girls all love traveling and spending time in NY. Scott and I had the opportunity to do a couple of things without kids, too. We went to the Finger Lakes for a trail race then went wine tasting. The next day, we went to the city to see my Mets. It was a perfect day for baseball. I loved it! We really enjoyed having family to watch the kids. We rarely ever get time alone together in AZ. Once we returned to AZ from NY, we started getting ready for school to begin. I started back to work on July 21. The girls started school on August 4. Ryann is now in 2nd grade,

and Avery is in KINDERGARTEN! It's amazing how quickly time passes. Before long, my little Ashtyn Belle will head to school too. I'm enjoying her as a 2 year old. I'm in no hurry for her to grow up. Overall, things are going very well. Scott and I are busy with our jobs and the kids are busy too. Avery is beginning dance and gymnastics class soon. Ryann is going to try her hand at baseball. All three of them will go back to swimming lessons this fall. All of this keeps us on the go, but life is good.

2013 Photo Book

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The Tooth Fairy Finally Arrived

Six  months ago, the dentist told Ryann that she needed to try to wiggle her teeth because the x-rays showed adult teeth coming underneath them. We tried, but the teeth weren't the slightest bit loose. Last weekend, we discovered this situation in Ryann's mouth. Ryann promptly wrote a letter to the tooth fairy, just to warn her that she might be needed soon. She left it under her pillow, and the tooth fairy came and got it!

After multiple calls to try to find an appointment that I could get her to with my work schedule, she is now down 4 teeth.

 It was a fairly quick process, but took some work. Those teeth had no intention of coming out. Apparently the roots dissolve when it's time for them to come out. These all have complete roots.

Ryann now has 4 gaping holes in her gums. She also has 4 shiny gold dollar coins. The tooth fairy came to our house for the first time. She left Ryann a note, complete with fairy dust, along with her coins. It was quite a big event.

It was superhero day at school. She was a real super hero herself. She was very cooperative, and didn't whine at all. Overall, it hasn't phased her a bit.

Preschool!

Avery started preschool on August 13.

So far, she really likes it. I'm not sure how much she's getting out of it, but I think that'll come. 

I just can't believe my AviBug is in preschool! They grow too fast.

Birthday

I was pretty irritated that I had to have a birthday again this year. I pouted about it for months in my head. It's not easy turning 29 again!

But...When it arrived, I realized how incredibly blessed I am. I have a fantastic husband, amazing kids, wonderful families in NY and Washington, and I've even developed my own little Arizona family.

Life is good....even at 29+.

Another Career Update

This year has been crazy. There have been all sorts of changes in our school district as far as staffing goes. Principals were scrambled, new Assistant Principals were hired, and tons of new teachers are still being hired. At my school, our principal was moved to another school. Our assistant principal became the principal, and one of our master teachers became the assistant principal. She had also been the site director of the after school program that I help coordinate. As an AP, she won't have time to do the after school program, so they decided to bring me back! I transferred to another school and back without ever having to move my stuff. :0)

We just got the official word on Wednesday. I'm excited to remain part of the community that I've been in for 8 years and Ryann has become a part of. However, I was looking forward to a change of scenery. I'm sure that might come somewhere down the road. Staying where I am is the best choice for now. I'm excited to stay on my leadership team and take on a new role.

I officially begin my journey as a master teacher on July 24, even though I'll be training and preparing all summer. I'm excited to see how it goes.

Birthday Season

In our family, spring is more accurately referred to as birthday season. It kicks off with Scott's birthday on March 18. Ashtyn is March 28th. I posted pics of that previously. Avery's birthday is May 2, but we celebrated the last week in April this year. We had a Strawberry Shortcake party for her at the house. We had lots of daycare friends and a bounce house. Ryann's turn was next. She turned 6 on the 16th of May. On the 18th, we had a party at Build-a-Bear Workshop. She had 4 friends and Avery join her in making furry friends. It was really a great time.

In addition to our family birthdays, we have several friends with birthdays around the same time. So, in conjunction with party planning, we shop for gifts and attend other parties. It's a busy (and expensive) time of year. Once Ryann's birthday was done, I took a big sigh of relief. Birthday season is exhausting. Somehow, I do love it, though.