Life of the Party

       Man.... It has been such a long time. Quick update. I have had my own child and no longer foster kids. Parenthood has changed my complete thought process. Lack of sleep is really something that new parents go through. I always imagined that new parents experienced the "zombie" phase, but it was so much more. She is four months old and still doesn't sleep for more than four hours at a time.        I'm 33 and it has been a rollercoaster year with many highs and lows. My baby girl is beyond beautiful. The love that you have for your own child has no bounds. I instantly knew that motherhood was my new purpose the second I got to see her on the ultrasound. I thought is was always a cliche statement that new parents expressed. I love her and it has made me into a better person.          Maybe, I waited too late in life to experience this new joy, but I'm going to give it my best shot. I didn't get the opportunity to be a ...

        The teacher life is always exhausting, but highly rewarding. I have never identified with this until this school year. With no foster kids, but one biological on the way, I have been overly stressed. I had the opportunity to take a blended learning instructional course offered by NCDPI. This course was offered via a platform called Canvas.        I learned so much, but I'm tired and thankful it is over. Between doctor's appointments and school demands this course was only completed on the weekends. Christmas break is for resting and recharging for the new semester.  What do you enjoy about Christmas Break? 

 Where has the time gone?  It seems as if I have closed my eyes and it's almost over. This summer has been a blessing. I have spent time completing professional development and loving every second of it. Doing independent study session online through WRESA is amazing. I would highly recommend everyone to give it a chance.  So.... This school year I plan to:  1. Use more writing in my lessons where students can fully engage in their work.  2. Avoid any and all worksheets if possible. PBL here we come!  3. Choice 

 Why does the last few weeks of school seem to last so long? I am so ready for a break and some much needed ME time. I'm ready for long lake days and warm summer nights.  I look forward to sleeping in!  I haven't updated you guys in a while but........ I got married and loving life! Good things come to those who wait. 

 so...          Let's begin. I want to start out by saying that life isn't easy with four kids and a full time job! I honestly don't know how people do this successfully. As a foster parent, I'm still learning about all the invisible baggage that my kids brought with them.      There are nights when I don't get sleep, because they are afraid someone is coming to get them. My 16 year old fears the dark, loud nosies, and being left behind. I suggest all foster parents invest in personal flashlights. It seems to help when the they have their own. We have night lights every where, but that doesn't always help.      Develop and create a laundry routine.  I will only wash two loads of laundry each day.  There are around 6-7 people at my house on any given day, and we are NOT washing clothes all the time.  My children each have their own baskets. They are responsible for placing items in their closets.    ...

 Here is a list of things that I would suggest to keep when introducing a new teen to your home 1. Toothbrush  2. Hair Brush  3. Pads/ Tampons  4. Personal items (deodorant, etc.) 5. Night lights or a flash light  6. Plush Blanket  7. Snacks        I saw a huge need of taking in teens, so I decided that fostering teen girls would be my goal. It isn’t easy or for soft people. They are blunt and sometimes rude. THEY NEED LOVE TOO!  I highly encourage everyone to consider fostering teens first. I have found it to be a blessing! 

From the outside we seem organized and ready to take on any new adventures...        I’m glad it seems this way. We are always preparing for the worse and nothing ever goes as planned. I feel like each day has it’s own battles and we take them in stride. Today’s adventures included the never ending battle of fear. Fear of closed doors. Fear of being alone.    I have discovered that daily check ins really go a long way with my kids. We don’t always call it this, but we do take time and talk individually.       I have bought night lights for the youngest and I invested in a  motion light for the outside. She needed to be able to see at night from her window. This makes her feel safe that no one can come up to her window without the light going off.  It’s the small things in our daily lives that we overlook.   

       After becoming a foster parent, my eyes have really opened! It is a rewarding task and I do feel as if I have made a small difference. Our home is currently open and we are looking forward to taking in another child.   I want to high encourage people to adopt and foster. There are so many children out there that need a loving home.       It isn't an easy process and they will test your patience. I have decided to take in teens only. I think this age range is often overlooked.    Enable Ginger Cannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browser Disable in this text field Edit Edit in Ginger Edit in Ginger ×

    Owning a do is a very weird partnership between owner and dog. I love my fur babies and enjoy their daily antics!  My animals are my responsibility and I do take that serious!  Today, we had a woman reach into our car. She was immediately met with cold noses and sharp teeth. She yelped as Harley nipped her looming hand.       My dogs are protective, so do not reach in. They seem like babies but they are also very scary when they want to be. 

     I’m not officially a parent and NOW I see the struggle of remote learning. My child is using Edmentum alone with no live streamed instruction and she is struggling. What is the purpose and what are the teachers really doing?  I’m a teacher and I do live streamed classes everyday. My child has YET to speak with any teachers.  I do not know how she will make it through this semester. She was granted an extension, but this will be the death of us both.        Who else is feeling this struggle?   I never realized how hard this would be until a child moved into my home. I see her struggle each day with each new lesson. I do not understand how they expect her to finish this, and the extension isn’t going to help.