My VERY OWN Classroom

As difficult as it is to go back to work when the goal was to stay home, I'm very excited and truly blessed. This job couldn't have been more perfect for me and my family and I'm so grateful I only need to work part-time. Though my family and home were neglected for many days while I got things together, I was able to get everything ready. Here are some pictures of MY classroom:

I'm A Big Boy Now!

We bought Cooper his very own potty yesterday. We figured this way he can easily get on and off of it, but also to help him relax so he can actually go. We have been taking him to the potty and he finally went this morning. I have a feeling this is going to be a long process, but I'm so proud of my boy! He stood up and clapped when he was done. Super cute!

{Don't mind the other stuff he put in the toilet. Not even sure what it was! LOL}

An Opportunity

I've said it before that the Lord has a better plan for us than we have planned for ourselves. Though the goal was for me to be "stay-at-home-mom" this year, finding a full-time in Chris' career field has been difficult. So difficult that he hasn't found a job yet. Today, I was offered a job and it just seems right.

• It's younger grades (which I wanted). Kindergarten to be exact!
• It's part-time.
• It's mornings so that means less time away from Cooper because he will be sleeping when I leave and I'll still have my whole afternoon/evening/nights with him.
• Because it is kindergarten, it's half days. Which means I have MY OWN classroom and MY OWN class! As a teacher, it's been a dream of mine to do this at least once before deciding to stay home, but seemed impossible to do at part-time.
• This allows Chris to continue to look for a full-time job in his career field instead of getting a lame job just so I can stay home with Cooper. Happy husband makes for a happy wife!
• Chris will stay home with Cooper in the mornings while I work until finding a full-time job.
• When he does find a full-time job, we will be able to save for me to stay home next year and to have another child.
• If I teach one more year, I become qualified as a Level 2 teacher. I've already completed all the requirements and passed the exam, I just need to teach one more year. If I don't teach another year, the requirements could change and I would have to start all over as a Level 1 teacher. Not cool!
• I'll be at the same school I was last year. I love the staff and the principal. It's close to home!

I'm very excited, but it's hard to be excited about something that takes you away from your son at the same time. In many ways though, we feel this is what the Lord was having us wait for. Though it's not the plan we had, and I would do anything to be able to stay home with Cooper rather than work, it just seems right. So, here's to school starting in less than a week and an entire classroom I have to decorate! Ahhhh!!!

The Road Trip of Life

Life is a funny thing sometimes. I'm so grateful for the experience we had with Cooper being born early because it taught me that the Lord has a better plan for us than we have for ourselves. This has been something I've needed over the past almost 2 years, but now probably more than ever. I currently don't have a job. Our goal was for me to stay home this year to care for the little guy, but Chris has yet to find full time work. So, my last paycheck has come and I still don't have a job. Chris is still looking for full time, but there just isn't much out there. Hardly any teaching jobs have been posted. It's a trial and definitely one of faith. I was offered a job, but we both didn't feel it was right for our family so declined it. Talk about a leap of faith. I know things will work out. The Lord is looking after us. He always has. I know we'll look back on this and be grateful for what we learned... to trust in the Lord.

Weber County Fair

We went to the Weber County Fair this past weekend. One of the things I love about Chris' job is all the free event tickets we get. We got free tickets to the fair (and the Raptor's game we went to last time). It saves us money while allowing us to get out and enjoy time together as a family. Uncle Brandon and Nana went with us. Cooper also got to see Pawpaw and MeMaw while we were there. Cooper helped Nana feed the animals. He wasn't sure about it at first, but loved it by the end. He LOVED the carousal. When it finished he would tell us "more." He even won a ball at the duck pond. We had corn dogs, funnel cakes, and lemonade. We had a blast!

Girl's Camp!!!

I haven't been to Girl's Camp since my last year as a young woman. Though the initial thought of leaving Cooper for two days was difficult, I'm so glad I did. He had a fun time with his grandma, aunts, and his daddy. I got to know the girls and leaders better and feel the Spirit so strong. Us leaders were up so late the night I stayed laughing hysterically! I laughed so hard I had an asthma attack. Good times! Camp Woodland is BEAUTIFUL! Our tent was right by the river. I was able to hear the water at night and the crickets. I slept so well! The 2nd Counselor in the General Young Women's Presidency speak to us. She was so cute and said so many things that I needed. I couldn't help but crying feeling the Spirit and knowing my Heavenly Father was there and aware of my trials. The last night after testimony meeting I was given a letter from Chris (and Cooper). It was such a sweet, simple, thoughtful letter. It said just the things I have been needing to hear. I laughed and cried. I love these girls! I'm so grateful for my calling in the Young Women organization. I feel so blessed to work with these young, strong, beautiful girls.

Choo-choo!!!

Eileen, Cooper, and I went to the local Farmer's Market. Cooper enjoyed seeing all the dogs, played soccer with a horse, and rode the train with MeMaw!