My job

My job is a blessing.

I only work 8 hours a week currently, but those hours are important for so many reasons on so many levels.

On a weekly basis, I am reminded to be thankful for what I have, my childhood, and my upbringing.

Every single week I hear stories from my students that remind me that the stress I am facing are manageable. Sure, my life can be hard, but I am not dealing with the overwhelming worry that they deal with on a daily basis.

I can't go into detail much, as it isn't fair to them. These are just a few stories I have heard THIS year over the last few months.

However, I am thankful that :

No one held a gun to my head while pregnant.

No one threatened to kill themselves while my children were present.

My mother didn't tell me every morning I was stupid and wasting my time with school.

I didn't have to live in my car and work 2 jobs to pay child support.

My parents didn't ask me to drop out of school to support our family.

My husband is supportive in every way possible. He has never threatened me or our kids.

I never have to pick between paying bills or feeding my kids.

If we need to see a doctor, we go to the doctor.

I don't worry that I will lose my place to live because I got a flat tire on the way to work.

Gunshots aren't regularly fired in my neighborhood.

There is so much more. These people are working so hard to change their lives for the better in the midst of unimaginable stress.

My life is so good.

Sent from my iPhone

Amelia's turn

Not to be outdone, when Amelia saw William writing, she scampered to the table to join him. Here is her letter

Dear Megan,

I like spending time with Andy *. I also like spending time with you.

Ps I hope to see you soon.

From Amelia




*(note: she originally had had love and then debated whether or not she should love Andy as he isn't in our immediate family of 5. She looked to me for help and I made her puzzle it out on her own).

Andy's letter

I have been making William do some extra writing on the weekends as the primary complaint from his teacher is that his handwriting is frequently illegible.

William's reply: well, you never make me practice.

Not such a great reply because I don't mind one bit listening to an extra 15 minutes of wailing if it means my precious sweetheart develops his fine motor skills to his teachers liking*.

*i totally agree with her position. Upon inspection, much of his work is entirely illegible and requires much frowning to discern the meaning. It's something we need to work on.

This week, William wanted to write a letter to his cousin, Andy.

Translation:

Dear Andy,

I haven't seen you in awhile so what are you going to be for Halloween? Do you like Pokemon?

From William A.H.

ps write back
Pss use all information. Ok?
Psss. Use initials.

Dad's night at preschool

Thursday was a special night for Gemma! She had a Daddy's night at her preschool! It was a Halloween themed event and costumes are encouraged. before the party, I asked Gemma if she wanted a spooky costume or a pretty costume and she requested a pretty, pinct (pink) costume.

Done.

After dinner, we cleaned her up and helped her into a pink princess dress from our costume box. The moment she had it over her head, she started to twirl. It was a moment I will never forget. We have no in focus pictures as she was in constant motion, with a huge smile on her face. You could tell she was the most beautiful girl in the world.

When she slowed down, she said "pinct Elsa?"

Amelia started to correct her and inform her there's NO pink Elsa.

I hushed the big sister and agreed. "Pinct Elsa". This did not sit well with Amelia , but she bit her lip and decked her sister out with copious amounts of costume jewelry and lamented over the fact I would not allow Gemma to wear makeup to her party.

We took a few pictures outside and then she waved cheerily at my without looking back.

Then daddy whisked her away to an evening of fun, games and crafts. She adored every minute.

But mom,

My bed IS made! I made it in the shape of a smiley face!

Where is william?

Can you find William? I couldn't. Turns out, his head was stuck up inside his pillowcase. He is a nut.

He is such a heavy sleeper once he is asleep, I don't ever worry about waking him up.

Fall party #2

Here is William's party with the game I made John help me with (told you he is great. ). We took apart a skeleton decoration and the kids had to find the pieces and put them back together again in the correct order.

I was so busy running this station in the hallway, I didn't get to see much of the rest of the party!