Life of the Party

     This is a sequel to Firekeeper's Daughter, and is was a pleasant transition to a new main character's perspective. Hearing the next phase in the series from Perry's point of view was an unexpected change as well. One could say that I would love to read/ listen to another book of this caliber. I spend my very long commute each morning and afternoon immersed in the Audible app. Learning about their culture has been an absolute pleasure. It gives me a new perspective as a teacher of Indigenous students.       Perry's character longs to bring home one of her own ancestors from a museum collection. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be in someone's shoes going through the same thing. Before reading this book, I really enjoyed going to different exhibits and seeing their artifacts on display. I now see that this isn't something we should be doing out of respect for the dead.      Perry's character at the end of the book gets trap...

      Today I sit and ponder what accomplishments I have achieved this year. Some big and small ideas circulate through my mind. It's not about fancy materialistic items that I have obtained this year or awards I didn't  receive. My accomplishment was, "I survived, thrived, and made it here."      I know that isn't much of an explanation. Some people might not really grasp what I'm trying to say and some people might not even care. Battles are not often what people see, they can and are what happens behind closed doors. I made it another year without complete failure, so I'm proud about that. Depression and anxiety didn't get the best of me on days when I almost gave up. I learned new skills and developed new hobbies. The road that spans across this year was long, treacherous, and scary.   Mom guilt is a real thing and it consumed me entirely. It took things from me that cannot be described. I'm still shaken by the days of deep depression whe...

      Have you ever heard someone say something that completely contradicts who they are as a person? My outspoken personality is somewhat of a burden when this occurs. Today is not your day and I'm not the person you need to ask for a honest opinion. Don't ever ask me any questions. I will not sugar coat anything. Said person asked me when will I be "from here and be a local?"       Well, I didn't hesitate. It's a simple answer and I'm not so sure he was ready for what I had to say. "Never." You'll eventually be accepted and welcomed, but when things aren't in your favor people will always remind you that you moved here. Roots run deep here in small town USA. My favorite neighbor has been her for years and she still runs into this from time to time. When an older person asks me about my folks, I always start with my great grandparents and work my way down. Usually, they will know one of them. You cannot just simply fit in here by associa...

       It would be so amazing and convenient to actually have cell service in my area. I haven't upgraded my phone in so long I bet the newer stuff is lightyears beyond my 5C. Yes, it still works just fine. It is blue in color and fits perfectly in the palm of my hand. Upgrading now seems almost ridiculous. My motto is, "if it works why fix it or replace it?"  We still have the traditional land line too. Verizon needs to get with the game and upgrade their towers. I've had a cell phone for over thirty years and have never had service at home. Not that I need it, but it would be an extra layer of protection. It takes our local small sheriff office more than 40 minutes to respond to our house.         Discount?  You would think they would give customers like me some sort of discount, but sadly no. They suggest we use wifi calling, but then again we don't really access to this either. Wild Blue satellite internet is over priced and oft...

      It was an excellent gift to be able to go see the Christmas show at Dolly's Stampede. I think I will forever call it Dixie Stampede. My husband and I made the two hour trip over the mountain to go see the day show and let me tell you it was amazing. The price was a little ridiculous and the food was mediocre, but the show was phenomenal!      The overall experience is well worth the drive. Standing in the cold to enter the building with a toddler was not. She loved the horses and the animated toys that days around the arena. I personally enjoyed the ice skating scent, as well as, the arial show. I would have come to watch the show and not eat. It was that good! Everything is kid friendly and there was even a chair for mother's who are breast feeding. The staff was overall friendly and helped guide me to a restroom that had a chaining table.     I wish I would have taken some pictures to share with you all, but I was holding my toddler in my ...

      Sometimes you've just got to get out and explore. I was somewhat disappointed that we didn't get snow down here in the valley area. We got to see some sleet and some mixed participation, but no actual snow. My husband always willing to go adventures, and of course asked if we wanted to go find snow. I was overly excited and quickly loaded the truck with our essentials. Living in the mountains verses visiting them are two very different experiences. I think outsiders do not understand that you need 4WD when you near the top. There is a reason you don't pass many cars along this stretch of highway this time of year. 

      Yeah, it's that time of year again. Our wedding anniversary is upon us and I'm not ready for it. I haven't made any plans because it's so close to Christmas. Do any of you go all out for this? How do you celebrate this big day?      Maybe we could go out to dinner or maybe prepare a sea food boil here at home?  It would be something special to just not cook like I usually do. Should I suggest it or see if he even remembers?      Memories...     This time years ago I was waiting for our turn to get in front of the magistrate in Swain county. I was extremely nervous and couldn't form sentences correctly. I held my husband's hand with all the confidence in the world. My breathing was strained during to stress. I couldn't believe we were getting married like this. No real wedding nor family present. What pushed us to doing this? Did we just settle.     No. Money and family issues helped guide our decision. Josh...

      Maybe it's a southern thing, but I would know because I've been here my entire life. Men hate dealing with women when it comes to rural farming. Let me set the scene for you...     A man contacted me via Facebook about purchasing one of MY baby goats. Once he got to the house he requested to speak to my husband, even stated, "it's men's business." Really? I tried to explain that I would be the one who he had to deal with. First of all I didn't feel safe with his very abrupt nonverbal language. He seemed to be used to always getting his way and was almost juvenile in his mannerisms (tantrum). I ended up asking him to leave. He literally stomped his foot and crossed his arms. He and my toddler have a LOT in common!        I deserve the right to be able to conduct a farm exchange without my husband present. I missed out on a $500 deal, but it was totally worth it.  Maybe it's because I wouldn't budge on the price. He knew the pri...

  Night of the Living Rez By:  Morgan Talty        I couldn't stop listening to this book. I was completely wrapped up in the story of a young boy who slowly unwinds his harrowing childhood. We don't really get the full picture until the last twenty minutes of the book. I'm still confused what happened to the baby, but it was heartbreaking. I think I will go back and purchase the book to reread it for myself! The narrator did not do a decent job of using different tones for different characters. I think this is why I was lost sometimes and had to replay whole chapters.      I was left with so many questions as a reader. I wanted to know which version really happened the night the baby died. I also want to know if the protagonist was really a good person? He did "good' things but we also witness so many negatives. 

       My evening was filled with making Christmas treats for my coworkers. I really do enjoy all the activities we do as a staff. In many ways my school family is more like a miniature version of a real family. We check in and show up for each other! This week each team has a designated day to bring in treats and snacks. Our day rocked. I have attached a photo of some of the Christmas goodies. I made 10 batches that ranged from regular muddy buddies to some of the cheese cake variety.      The trick is to use all white chocolate with the peanut butter and add extra vanilla to the mix. The strawberry flavoring comes from jello packets added to the powdered sugar. These yummy morsels are completely addictive!  Tomorrow will be homemade peanut butter fudge. This is what I give my peers for gifts. 

     I was certainly not the life of the party in 2024. It is absolutely laughable to think about that. I was a worn out mama trying each day to survived parenthood, a job, and working on a farm. Partying is not on my current todo list. I haven't even been out on a late night in years. I've had late nights up with my children and trying to comfort them. The following days would be filled with dark circles under my eyes and yawning each time I became idol.      Party? No. Not unless I can wear my floppy pajamas with the big pink dots along with my lime green Crocs. Image that image... Uh, no. The party would start at 5:00 and end way before 9 PM. No real agenda and messy hair seems to fit the situation.      My ideal party would include a massive fluffy chair, coffee, and a book. I really miss the days where I could sit and read for hours. One could find me sitting like a statue reading in my favorite spot each afternoon. I would average aroun...

      Praise really goes a long way, especially in the education world. Today I'm thankful for my grade level team who makes the more chaotic days bearable. It's not about where you work but rather the peer culture that is set up there. We are a team and we succeed by doing our parts. Even when I miss a day, my team checks in. Emails and texts alike are sent through out the day to see how Taylor is or to simply check in on me. I AM thankful. I could even go as far as saying we mimic a family. Through work we have become friends and now that has developed into a team family. 

      Oh this is going to stab a few people the wrong way, but we're all adults here. Feel free to comment and/or add to the discussion. My husband's family doesn't always seem to understand that we are living paycheck to paycheck and buying all these extra gifts is causing us to go into debt. I thought I was done shopping and felt that what I owed was  manageable, but then I get texted a whole registry to purchase from. Everything is over the top. Even asking for family to pay for their honeymoon excursions.       We didn't even have a wedding because I couldn't even afford to feed them all. I wouldn't have been able to even invite anyone for me. The audacity and entitlement to assume that I would spend that kind of money on a Christmas gift doesn't sit right with me. Oh, not to mention that online "look at me" party registry that was sent to me. The "look at me" is referring to a gender party that I didn't attend. A baby shower is a...

      All joking aside. Have you ever had to run for your life from a Shamoo rooster? Well, I have and he was completely determined to flog me to death. I couldn't get through the fence face enough. I needed a name for our newest member and I call him Devil. If I can get close enough to him, I will take a picture for you guys. He is a massive bird who is very territorial over his coop and yard.      Devil will become the best chicken dumplings if he doesn't learn to chill out. I will have to face him again tomorrow  and try to introduce him to his hens. Ha! I might just take him out and tell my husband he killed himself. 

      A person is more than a number, but yet the "number" is what we focus on. There is so much more to a student than what they scored on a single assessment and to hone in on that one aspect is ludicrous. Teacher rant of the day...         Can we just move on past standardized testing? It's 2024 and these NC check in tests are absolutely insane. I want my students to know they are more than their scores. They can succeed in so many places and areas that are not accounted for with these various tests. I scored well on my tests as a child, but the stress didn't equate to what I was really learning in class. There are some many things not being addressed in that test. To take on single snap shot seems unjust.        I know they want to measure how well teachers are instructing students and the student's performance. Political figures want to ensure that teachers are actually their jobs. Trust me... No teacher got into education...

    Yes, you did in fact reading that right. This week is Christmas Spirit Week here at my  school, and I'm so ready and excited. Teachers have a very detailed planned week of Christmas goodies and dress up along with our middle schoolers.      By the way, middle school students love when their teachers participate in any dress up days. It shows that you are interested in what they are into and they will even coordinate with you. Tomorrow is pajama day and three of my students approached me on Friday about wearing red/ black flannel bottoms and a black top. I had to borrow a pair from my mom, but it will be worth it to see their faces. We have a Christmas pajama day, flannel day, dress as a Christmas character, and ugly Christmas sweater day. It's going to be a fabulous start to winter break.      What my students don't know. I packed goodie bags for my homeroom kiddos. I want them to know how great of a group they are. I get to start an...

      Working on the water during freezing temperatures has its battle scares. My gloves had grown stiff due to the water temperature and I carelessly removed them. My hand carries the results of that dumb choice. This is the first time I have never had this happen. I'm a little concerned as it seems to be spreading. I'll check in at Urgent Care this afternoon.  

     In the dark moments of the mornings just before day break is my silent moment of solitude. I cherish these few moments of reflection. It gives me time to write blog posts and time to just be me. The me who isn't constantly "on" or needed at every waking second of the day.       Silence is when my self dialogue kicks in. Ponding how my day will unfold and preplanning conversations that haven't even taken place yet. I rehearse any reading materials that I will use in upcoming lessons or I make lists of things that need to be done. Silence is forgiving and will allow you to embrace thoughts.       Silence is usually broke by a faint giggle drifting from my very rambunctious toddler's room. She always wakes up in a happy mood ready to play. She is what makes each morning spent at home special. I long for lazy Saturdays when I'm the one to wake her. She is always surprised when I walk into the room and will repeatedly say, "momma" u...

      Friends are the family that you get to choose, so pick wisely. Me, well I can honestly say I have two best friends that are more like sisters. We call ourselves sisters, because in a way we are. We are the for each other's big events and we are there for the sorrows. You don't really keep all your friends from school, but I did get to keep one, and she is now family.        My sister is everything I want to be, both as a mom and person. She is truly in her element as a parent of one daughter. I have seen her rise to the challenge of raising a girl in today's world. Her husband and her moved away and I was so proud. Seeing her succeed makes be beam with pride, see I didn't always think we would be where we are today. Our lives have went in different directions through the years. Watching from the outside one could probably say that our friendship will stand a lifetime.  When my father passed away, she was the first person at my house to help ...

      Autostar is by far the best car dealership around. Our salesmen have always been overly nice and supportive through the entire process. We have purchased multiple vehicles from them through the years. I especially like the Chevy Autostar in Waynesville, NC. Brandon is the person to ask for! He always goes above and beyond. They even call days later to see how things are going.         

      Being a Social Studies teacher is sometimes seen as the "easy" job or the one reserved for coaches. I have never seen it as an easy job by no means. It is my job to provide instruction on historical events, geography, primary sources, world religions, current events and help make a connection to content. That is a completely different topic than the one I want to speak on today. SPELLING is my focal point.  Even as a teacher I misspell things and make minor errors. Even on this blog I do not go back and edit. I do not have time for those tedious tasks. So here is my opinion: kids can make spelling errors in my class.        I'm not going to ding a kid for misspelling things because we live in a modern world where technology takes precedence over everything. Some of my kids utilize text to speech apps. Before you ask this is Gen Ed kids that use it too. We do a lot of handwritten assignments in my room. This is where I get to see their true w...

     Some people are under the assumption that spring water is amazing. Yes, we do not have a well and I do not worry about contamination due to owning all surrounding property. Our fresh water comes from a spring nestled high on our mountain. The was is very crisp and pure to the taste!        The chilling weather last week ended up freezing our water lines that run down to the house. The line is buried beneath 2 feet under the surface. There is only two places where it can possibly freeze and if you leave the water running in the sinks, it doesn't freeze. Early Saturday morning I woke up to find that our water was froze. I had to walk down to the creek and dip water to flush our toilets. Now, for some people this may seem outlandish, but for our area this is common. Bundled up in multiple layers I made the way in the dark down to the creek. I loath this.        The temperature finally reached the high 50s around 3:00 PM. Luckily e...

      It's that time of year, folks! Bundle up and layer those clothes and this morning was no exception! I glanced at the temperature on the porch and it was in the single digits. Our heating pump is struggling to keep up with this weather and my animals look miserable. I stuffed houses with straw and hay to fight off the cold.         I long for the days where we had highs in the 50s. I carry warm water down for the chickens and turkeys daily. Heated water bowls don't really help when there is no power to plug them into. My chickens, bless their hearts are still laying a few eggs a day, and for that I'm thankful. Even the wild turkeys have almost stopped laying eggs, but they love the laying pellets that I put out each day. We have one tame hen that refuses to roost each night and chooses to bed down in the chips. I find this odd. If you have any suggestions please feel free to send a message.        It's Christmas time so I ...

      It official!  I have a flock of wild turkeys roosting and feeding with my tame ones. This just makes me beyond happy. The wild turkeys actually climbed into the coop with my white ones and roost! They have grown accustomed to me and do not shy away when I bring the feed bucket. They can fly away, but they have chosen to stay with us for the winter I guess. They fly over the fence and forge but will come back over every afternoon to eat with our birds.        The wild flock consists of only hens, so my Jake, Mr. Struts is beyond happy with his sudden addition. He is a beautiful red and white turkey or traditionally called, bourbon. Struts is a gentle giant that loves to be petted. Oddly enough, he will sit on eggs when the hens get up to feed. It doesn't bother me that the wild turkeys have taken up with my group because I collect their eggs as well. Turkey eggs make the best omelettes! 

           As a herd of young elk cross the road traffic comes to a stop. This is often the case as you are passing through Cherokee, NC. Visitors often find themselves bombarded with the elk who are accustomed to the traffic. They are unaffected by horns and moving cars, so they will often take their sweet time crossing. This year has be especially difficult to get across the parkway due to the influx of traffic. Hurricane Helen took out the major roads into Tennessee, so the parkway is now a super highway for visitors. Today I was caught in traffic for over 45 minutes as pictures were being taken. One tourist decided he wanted to pet the elk and attempted to do so. I wish I would have recorded the whole situation for America's Funniest Home Videos. The elk snorted and ran from the man slamming into his new BMW. I literally laughed out loud as he had a meltdown over the massive dent left in his driver's door. Why even try to pet an elk? Instant Karma!...

    Analyzing my current behaviors has been somewhat informative. I wonder if there is some weird diagnosis for people who have to have lists to function? I have to have the lists checked off in order to feel accomplished. It's strange to really think about it all. The lists are do not serve as reminders, but more of importance. I arrange items based upon the tasks at hand and what matters most, which often leads to a massive let down for me.       My current list consists of the many chores that need to be done that go beyond the daily tasks. Mostly things that need to be repaired or moved. Lists assist me in my daily life of routine. I live a monotonous life and each day is basically a replica of the day before. Nothing changes and that is to be expected. When new things to arise, I really struggle with change. I even have list for school as well and I make various lists for my students as well.      We have lists of missing work, agendas, ...

      This is a true gem. During secret Santa at work someone gifted me an audible subscription  for three months. The three credits that accompany this gift has afforded me three new books to listen to along with a plethora of "free" books with the gift. I've never been the type of person to purchase books or even listen to them. I usually borrow books from the library or friends. Audible is AMAZING. My very long commute to and from work is often done in silence because our local radio stations go in and out. I hate static. I have found a new love for books. Yes, you can still get the same enjoyment out of listening to a book as you can reading it.          I have spent the last several weeks listening to samples of different books. The narrators are beyond talented and really make distinctions between characters. I'm currently listening to, "Firekeeper's Daughter" by  Angeline Boulley . This riveting story about the  Ojibwe reser...

     Not to brag or anything, but I really LOVE snow days. I am fortunate enough to work at a school that cancels school when there is inclement weather. I don't have to risk my safety to travel to work on snowy cold days and they also don't always make us use our leave time.      It was extremely hard to get up and face this cold winter morning. I found myself bundled up with multiple layers just to crank my car. I fell down the ramp and lost my hot coffee. I almost did come on in to work. Pain is still radiating down my left side where I landed on the rocks at the bottom of our long ramp. It had frozen over last night as it will do often before Spring gets here. Oh how I loath winter weather and cannot wait for it to be gone.     Putting out hay was absolutely unbearable! 

      Another mishap.      Either I'm the most clumsy person ever or the most unlucky person alive. I went out to let my house dogs out to pee and told my toddler it was too cold for her to come out on the porch. Of course she was angry and didn't understand. To my dismay she slammed the door which somehow locked the door. Imagine, I was in my yard in shorts, house shoes, tank top, and no coat in this cold weather. What should have been a few minute task turned out to be a learning moment. I had to stack items against the house and climb in through the window. My mind was racing because I thought Taylor might get into something. I do have cabinet locks  and baby safety crap everywhere. Baby gates block her from the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. My mom brain was frantically trying to process what to do.      I could see her inside from the window. She had climbed up on the couch and was drinking from her sippy cup waving at me. It...

      Society as a whole has become a consumer based community. Yes, I did participate in the Black Friday sales events, but not for  electronics or lavish clothing. We went for the pet food sales. I can now confidently say we have enough grain supplies to pretty much get us through the winter. 50lb sacks of feed was on sale for 12.99 last week and I just couldn't pass that up. The normal price is around $23. Corn for the other animals was 5.29!!!  

   With all the excitement of the upcoming holiday, I have forgot the real reason for celebration. We have made it another year around the sun. We are here together. There is always a chance that a loved one will not make it to see an additional Christmas, so be thankful for the small things.      Today I'm thankful for old handmade ornaments. The precious memories of making them come flooding in like a cascade of rain. It is both heartbreaking and cherishing. I can remember painting small facing on the snowmen with my dad. I can somewhat hear his voice in my head as he told me we have to use, "happy colors for happy occasions." His ever guiding hand helped me paint 22 of these tiny figurines. I still have my grandmothers glass angles that get wrapped in double layered newspaper each year. She used to have stories about how her and grandpa collected on each year. This year we will add salt dough ornaments of Taylor's handprints.       Today I...

       Every year people set goals for the upcoming year anticipating that there will be some cosmic change in their attitude. I guess my new beginning will be loving myself. All the flaws I usually see in myself is something I don't want my own daughter to think about herself. I will be trying to use more positive language when talking about my body in hopes that she will love herself.      My mother was so hyper focused on staying thin in my early years that sometimes I think this is why I hated my body so much during my teen years. It's hard to believe that even occurred if you were to look at her today. Mom was always a smaller woman who kept her hair perfectly curled and her makeup was flawless. I have never been the definition of pretty. I've always been a bigger person, but I've never been the kind of person to layer up clothes. As a teen mom would often remind me of what I was eating or how tight my shirts were.   ...

    The house smells of warm apple pies cooling on the kitchen table and cinnamon covered pumpkin pieces on the stove. All the desserts are made the day before so this is a PREP day for tomorrow's feast. Although feast doesn't really describe it. There will only be a few left overs and nothing will go to waste. When I think about the word, "feast" I often imagine a bounty of food that will yield lots of leftovers.      Today I'm thankful to have a warm home, a loving husband, and a healthy toddler. She has got to taste bits and pieces of the pies throughout the morning. I hope one day she too will have this same experience with her own children. The turkey is currently soaking in a salt garlic mixture in the fridge awaiting the oven. According to the news we have an Arctic blast heading our way to animal prep has begun as well.       I even collected all the eggs super early this morning to be used accordingly. The only thing we are currently...

       It's strange not going to work and having a few days off to spend with family. I'm very fortunate enough to have a job that allows family time. I have had jobs in the past that I missed all major holidays. Honestly, you cannot get that precious time back. I missed several holidays that I could have spent with my grandpa. I ate Thanksgiving dinners in the employee workrooms by myself while my shift partner ran the register. It's odd to think about how many families go through the same thing each year. Our family specifically buys everything prior to the holidays for this reason.         

      Seeing this term is cringe worthy and for a good reason. We all like to think we have a good mindset when it comes to spending money, but the truth can be far from reality. I took sometime today to really investigate where all our money is being spent, even included an estimate for gas to and from work. With the upcoming holidays I need to be really careful with our cash. There is no  room for error and spending money on unnecessary items. In our house the gifts for kids goes as follows: one thing to read, one thing to learn from, and one thing to wear. Seeing endless Christmas trees being completely surrounded by gifts is something I have never been able to do. There is no feeling of guilt, but there is a sting of awe.        I wonder what it must be like? Clearly, I'm thankful for what we do have and feel grateful for a warm cozy home. I think the traditions are more important than pricy gifts and superficial speciality photos. I cannot re...

         Today's dilemma is what size turkey to purchase for next week's family feast. It's either too big or too small. I could just butcher one of our current turkeys, but I have grown to like them and have named nearly all members of our small flock. I pet and feed them out of my hand. I crossed a line and have made them into pets. Purchasing a turkey from the grocery store seems useless and somewhat embarrassing. We live on a mini farm and our main meat source should come from our land. It feels like we are missing the point.           I just cannot bring myself to harvest an animal I have befriended. This is an area that I personally need to work on. If we were starving this would not even be a question. Do any of you guys have the same issues?

I have waited all summer for the babies to bloom. It has started to frost and look here! They are in full bloom and sadly the frost will take them out. I am beyond frustrated with these. Has anyone else had any success?   Last year they bloomed off and on all summer. The ones I have planted in the lower yard bloom multiple times each season.   

      What an experience?  My child can officially say that she is NOT a fan of Santa. Cherish Photography did their best to make this experience a special moment, but Taylor was just not having it. She wouldn't go to Santa, or sit beside him, or even stand out from him. The photographer was so understanding and smiled through the whole event. She ended up not getting any decent photos. Wasted money...  I do NOT care to pay for the photographer's time. She went above and beyond to get Taylor to settle down. 

       It is more like window shopping. The prices are just too high, but I really need a new car. When I say "new" I mean new to me. It's actually used cars that I'm looking at. The milage on my current car is just getting too high and I'm done with doing constant repairs. I have spent over $4000 in just repairs in the past few months. At this rate I will be broke soon.  We have to have a car to get to and from work. There isn't affordable public transportation out this way.      Suggestions?       

        Yeah...  I said it. I'm not so sure this is my true calling. Don't get me wrong; I love my animals and the monotonous routines.  When people come out to trade or buy from us the men always seems confused to deal with me. They want to deal with the "man of the house."         The jokes on them. HAHAHA        Ultimately, I do most of the chores and caregiving activities. So, yes you have to talk to me sometimes when my husband is unavailable.       The transition from my normal to living on a farm has been 3 years in the making.   I have learned: 1. Sometimes things don't go as planned. Goats seem to always give birth while I'm away at work or during the dark depths of the night.  2. Chickens are some of the dumbs creatures around. My chickens forget where to roost all the time and will often hide their eggs. Mama hens don't always have a loving nature toward their young....

     Time is a thief, or at least that what I'm told. It just rushes past us to greet the following day. We don't truly take in things as they are occurring, but we will often reflect back to days past with grief. I should have enjoyed that while it lasted.      Today marks one of those moments. Last year at this time I was activity encouraging my child to walk and now she is running circles around me. Stop and take it in. I should have relished in those candid moments of laughter as she was learning to walk. She would scream in joy as those first few steps took place. Man... what I would give to go back! Each new learning phase is precious.        I'm a mom who doesn't get to stay at home with my baby. My 8-3 job is essential for my family to support us. I wish I was fortunate enough to have the income to afford that luxury. Those of you who get to stay at home, please remember that some of us wish we had that chance. 

        Returning to work after such a long weekend was beyond what I could handle this morning. For the first time in months my husband decided to take us on an adventure. We spent the weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I must say that the Rainforest Adventures Zoo was the highlight of our weekend. It had something to offer for all members of our family, especially my little one. The traffic wasn't bad and there were no lines to wait in. We were able to be directly seated everywhere we went. They have already begun to put up the numerous Christmas lights, so I was thrilled to see them.          We ventured out to look at the Deer Park as well. It is an older attraction, but well worth the drive. I enjoyed petting the Camels and feeding the Lamas. To hear my child's laughter made it worth the smell. Emus smell absolutely nasty. :(         So, let's talk about trying to get a toddler to sleep in a strange place that i...

     Once again, it's November. Time is passing us by so quickly and I cannot seem to grasp why it feels this way. Is it seasonal depression or the upcoming holidays? I dread this month each year and here we are again and the exact same feeling of emptiness is here.        I watch my child transform from last year's photographs to yesterday's. She has supersized. Walking with small stumbling steps as she tries to explore the environment. I will take this take to fully appreciate  her 19 months. Her mischievous smile and waddle makes my heart happy. So, why I am I so sad about November?        Maybe this year will be different.

    Everyone seems to be hyper-focused on the election results, and as always the losing side claims there has been a miscount. I will never write about my personal opinion on who or what leads our nation. I will however discuss the importance of decency. No matter how you voted, I will still respect you as a person. The wonderful part about having a democracy is that we get to vote and help make decisions as to who our leaders are. I was asked several times at work who I voted for, my opinions, and why I had refused to answer.      With all the Hurricane Helene issues here in Western North Carolina, I always felt that something was off. Ask me about that! Ask me about friends homes who were completely destroyed and they have no where to go. Ask me about sending supplies. Ask me about the smell. To me this is more important than anything right now. There are still people in tents and it's getting cold at night. So complaining about the election will fall on deaf...

     It's Wednesday and my students have rushed in to see the newest election updates. I have the live polling board up displayed gallantly on the Smart Board. Students are asking various questions about the key (colors and what the represent.)  One very quiet student asked me who the other people were on the board.  Teaching moment!!!     They didn't realize that other independent parties can have a candidate  as well. This was a student led conversation about why they are "in the dark." Students discussed the importance of funding and how to "get your name out there." I got to sit and listen as they were actively Googling the questions they have.  Proud moment!      One of my middle school students stated that "maybe funding isn't the issue but who controls what is being put out there." As the bell rang for them to head to first period I overheard her say, "we can look that up too."          As  ...

     It's official. I have now seen the "Back to School" supplies everywhere. Ahhhhh. I was hoping retailers would at least give us until next week before putting up the signs.    Summer break always seems to pass by so quickly. With Taylor, I didn't even get to read a single novel this summer. Maybe next year she will be more active and vacationing will be much easier to do. 

 Your baby's first year passes by so fast. Working and trying to juggle mom hood has been a real struggle for me. I feel like I missed out on so much of her "firsts."  She is walking now, and I cannot help but think back to her first crawling moment. She's is almost running now. It's sad that I didn't get to enjoy her first year because I was in survival mode. Endless tasks and mom guilt is a REAL thing.  That first year...     Everything is overwhelming. Simple tasks seem enormous and beyond what I could handle. Even going to doctor's appointments was challenging. My appointments, not hers. My doctor offices made is seem like a bad thing that I had to bring my child with me. We don't all have extended family ready to help. She hasn't even spent a night away from me. Oh... and the first year shots!!! No one told me how hard it was going to be for me to watch my child get shots. The nurses were beyond nice, but it still didn't help with the tear...

 I'm taking a break from all social media. It's time to live a good life! 

       I'm not planning ahead by no means, but it's going to happen. We're waiting on a phone call from our family in Jacksonville, Florida. My mother's aunt is in really bad shape and her family lives so far away. the few interactions I have had with her side of the family have always been loving.       I'm dreading having to ask off to make the long drive there. I hope there is a miracle and she is saved, but they have called in hospice. How do I ask for leave, when I barely know the person?   I'll ask anyway due to the fact that mom cannot drive herself that far. I wouldn't want her to go through this tough time alone. Mom has always been in my corner and I will be there when she needs me most.      Keep my mom and her family in your thoughts. I know they need it. 

     I will not post the dramatic photos of my child. I got the profs today in the mail and I was very disappointed in the images. Taylor was completely traumatized by the giant white bunny that held her in the photos. She cried and/or screamed for hours after the incident. We tried the photo center at the mall and a private photographer. Both times she wasn't having any part of the situation. I wonder how other parents get the classic photos that are cherished years later?  SIDE NOTE: I will "save" these for her senior year tribute collection. 

      I had an eventful afternoon here in Asheville NC. I had to make the long drive to complete some PD here at the WRESA center. I-40 was terrible as always and I ended up in a traffic jam for over 3 hours.  Downtown:  Well...   I was beyond impressed at the stupidity of the people on the street. They were actively trying to pet a black bear. I guess their instagram photo was more important that their safety. The young man actually managed to chase the bear up a random tree while filming himself. I hope this isn't a "norm" here. Bears are not pets and you cannot pet and play with them. When I first walked up to him, he was feeding said bear a honeybun from his hand.  There was a man peddling his artwork. It was $20 well spent in my opinion. Young artists need all the encouragement they can possibly receive. I would post it on here, but I did not ask his permission to do so. It's a watercolor of the flower garden at the Biltmore house. He should have ...

      Some days are harder than others this time of year. My dad's birthday is slowly approaching and I'm dreading it. Another year without him. February has flown by so fast that I didn't even really have time to enjoy it. The Easter lilies have already broke ground and are starting to shoot up rapidly. They were my dad's favorite flowers. It's days like today that I think about him missing out on Taylor. He doesn't get to experience what it is like to have a grand daughter. He would have absolutely loved her. Dad was always good with small children. Some how the always seemed to enjoy his deep somber laugh.        Maybe it's a good thing he isn't here. I wouldn't have wanted her to see what drugs do to a person. They suck the life out of them slowly. She will never get to see the good side of who dad could be when he was clean. He would have taught her to fish, hunt, and gather. I spent so much time on a creek bank that fishing come second nature t...

      I feel like this topic isn't spoken about enough. We're expected to both work full time and be full time parents while maintaining a home and domestic chores. I'm currently struggling with finishing school work while at school. When I get home, my full focus is on my child. My husband comes in eats and goes straight to sleep (He works 14 hour shifts).       As mothers we put our children first, but when we miss work people judge. I know I shouldn't care about what others think, but it's hard to ignore when I'm constantly out. Society prompts moms to be this forever ongoing energizer bunny. When do we get the chance to recharge? I hear about all this self care/ self love advice. That's hard to do when you're the default parent who doesn't get a break. My mom helps with Taylor while I'm at work, so she isn't going to help out on a random Saturday when I need some sleep.       Any thoughts? 

     It's that time of year again. The chocolate holiday that makes mega money. Being married should make this time of year special because I have someone to celebrate with. It's just another day in our household. I don't really want candy or a fancy dinner. It would be nice to just celebrate us. Maybe this is how all mothers feel during that first year with their little one?     Maybe next year I can do something special with Taylor. Maybe a girl's day out is exactly what I need right now. A nice dinner, roaming through a book store, and buying a new candle or two. (Real life of the party material here!) 

      She is so close to crawling and time is just moving too fast for me to comprehend at the moment. I cannot believe she is up in a walker. We don't use it all the time, but she does enjoy the limited freedom that she receives from it. I'm beyond blessed.      Taylor's hair color has begun to really change again. I think she may end up being a blond after all. I just wanted her to have my hair color, but blond is okay too! Each month she is progressing and building new abilities. She's only little once, so I'm trying to soak it all in. I had a person email me about her because I don't post about her often enough. I'm thankful you have kept up with us! I look forward to hearing more about adventures across the ocean.       She still has a slight cough from having Covid. I hope this will go away with time! 

      Currently, we have had more snow days than actual school this week. It's Saturday and I'm trapped here at the house. I have been here for what seems like days. At this point I miss running errands.  Being here is boring and monotonous. Side note: Last weekend was very eventful for my small family. We went and bought a new truck. No, not a used one. The used inventory was actually priced higher than the new base models. So, now we have a new Silverado and I'm over the moon about her. She's then nicest thing I've ever had. She is really my husband's truck, but I will being helping pay the payment, so in a way it's mine too.  You know you're getting old when you get excited over the purchase of a new truck. I'll save the embarrassment for another time. 💀         I'm on kid watch again. I have went and checked on Faith multiple times each day. I just know she will go into labor in this cold weather. I love goats, but man... sometimes it is...

   My teenage years were filled with late nights, homework, and social outings. Man, those days pass by so fast and I never really appreciated them until now. My early 30s have been a complete adventure and brought new challenges into the picture.     I have a great need to get restful sleep now, but it just doesn't happen. I wake up every few hours to check on everyone and then it takes an additional hour to pass back out. Youthful me would have been dead to the world sleeping away right now. People grumble about missing things from their younger years.  Well, I miss sleep the most!     So here I am waiting for sleepiness to hit. I think I'll drink some catnip tea and see if that does the trick. If anyone has any additional suggestions please feel free to comment. 

     I really hate calling it "snow," because it was more of an ice storm than anything. I really needed my stuff out of my car, but I guess it will have to wait. There is at least 3 inches of solid ice covering my car with a light dusting of snow covering it. Snow is always exciting to have because it doesn't last long and we only get a few inches here and there.      Needless to say... the ramp won the daily battle today. I fell and slid the whole way down it. Not only am I cold, but turning purple as well. 

     Can I just say how much I love DBQs?  As lame as it sounds document based questions are what I live for in my classroom. Students have such a wide range of answers and observations. It helps them connect to the curriculum and elaborate on their prior knowledge. It is an open session for reassessment of materials.        This week we took a dive into the Industrial Revolution in Europe. We used an excerpt from Lucy Larcom (1889) and her perspective of being a woman with a job beyond the home. My favorite observation was, " I wonder if she saw herself as an equal?" This led to a discussion of the right to vote and how this opened doors for women. Students also asked key questions about vocabulary. The word, "leisure." was used and several of my students didn't know this term. DBQs can also be used to teach vocabulary, questioning, content, and reading strategies.  (BTW) Life of the Party?  I still use this the title of my blog because...

       I can still feel the lasting effects of Covid. Taking a deep breath just isn't happening and the amount of mucus that is still present is just ridiculous. Every virus is different for each individual, but I'm over this. I kept up with my vaccines and took the raved about vitamins. You know what? None of that helped in my situation. I still caught Covid and I still have symptoms. My body just has to "work it out itself."        Taylor is still having issues with mucus as well. She has a slight cough that seems to linger. There hasn't been any fevers in days but that cough is enough to make anyone feel sorry for her. Sleep is still nonexistent for her. She cycles in 2.5 hour increments. Which makes working nearly impossible due to lack of sleep. I have zero concentration and patience at the moment for tedious tasks.       Her first words were spoken the other day. I was very excited and sad at the same time. Her first word...

    Let me tell y'all about our school board!  I'm beyond thankful and blessed to work for a school system that truly values its employees. I have been working a side job here and there to cover the rise in the cost of living. I will now only have to work one job. I feel very valued in my current teaching position. I want to express my sincere thankfulness. They have provided a way for me to spend more time with my child. Working two jobs took away what precious time I had with her. I put in my notice Friday.     I'm officially only working one job!  Thank you school board for valuing your employees and providing for us!   

     After a long winter break, coming back to work is always hard. Readjusting to getting up early is what gets me most. Taylor's sleep schedule is so random that I'm usually only functioning on four hours of actual sleep. This morning commute was tiresome. I ended up braving the freezing temperatures in order to stay awake. 29 degrees and I had my windows down trying to keep my eyes open. People suggest coffee, but that doesn't work for me either.       Today will be spent prepping for the new semester along with some rearrangement of this classroom.