Why Can't I "JUST SAY NO!"

So I requested a new position at work for next year. It is a preschool position working only with 3-5 year olds who qualify for speech and language services. They come, generally, twice a week for about 2 hours each time and it's set up more like a "class" than a typical speech session. There are 3 classes a day for 4 days a week, with the other day for testing and IEP meetings. It is a position with an SLP in the class (me) and a paraprofessional to help. Well..... I got it!! I am SOOO excited to get back to my age group that gets me the most excited in the world of speech. Before I came to the school district I was working ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) in Virginia serving birth-3 year olds. I still miss those days, and honestly, if it wasn't for the school hours I would go back to that in a heartbeat. So....this is the next closest thing with better hours (and no driving which is also a blessing) to be with my own 3 kids.

When bargaining for this position, I had to make a choice to take this program or to continue to be the district "lead" for speech. I was not being paid to be a lead, so there was no salary difference and it meant getting back to what I loved...so of course....I chose the preschool program. So.....today....in typical school district fashion....the plot changes....here is how the conversation goes....

Director: So....I really need someone next year to be our "go-to" person for speech questions. I can't leave that all up to our co-ordinator (who has no speech background) and you have done an outstanding job this year....

Me:...So....what are you saying?? (Thinking: crap- if they take this preschool position back I am going to have an absolute cow)

Director: Tell me what you didn't like about being lead....

Me: blah...blah....blah...blah....blah....(use your imagination....I don't enjoy people management is the bottom line)

Director: Well, we really need someone we can ask questions from and it really needs to be you...

Me: Hmmm.....any plans for memorial day weekend???

Later....I email them saying I will consider it IF they let me draft out what responsibilities I will retain and what responsibilities I will delegate. I am crazy and can't say no. Sometime I think it would be eaiser to think like my husband or my dad and bluntly say "Sorry, I'm sure you can find someone else to do that."

Loyalty- we all feel it sometimes and we can't quite figure out why. Today I felt it and still can't put my finger on why. I don't think it is an ego thing for me- I think it's that "I must help if they need me" complex. I have suffered from that for many many years....know any cures?

What can't you say no to?

Back from the dead...

Whew...what a stressful, busy couple of months. Here's the brief summary:

• Beach trip was FANTASTIC!!! Thanks Uncle Kenyon for your bed and breakfast- we will be returning!!
• Matt turned 2!! He is living it out in typical wild child fashion. He is making two year olds everywhere proud...and of course....smiling the entire time no matter what he is doing.
  
• Work...work...work...the 10% crazy parents can really make the job tough...hoping for some changes to my position next year to alleviate the stress!!!!
  
• Registered Katelynn for Kindergarten- I can't believe she is that big!!
• Well visits for all 3- that is always quite an adventure. I knew I was in trouble when the receptionist asked if anyone was helping me out...
• Looking forward to the end of the crazy school year train and the peaceful lazy days of summer!!
  

She's 5!!!

My daughter turned 5 last week. To celebrate I took her and her best friend to this place called Libby Lu . What a WAY fun totally girly night. There is nothing like listening to some cute 5 year old conversations and seeing two little girls revel in joy at spending time together. I hope they are still best friends 10 years from now and I can take another picture of them together just like this.

She wanted a giant cupcake cake for her party with all of our family. It turned out okay...

We are heading to the beach next week for Spring Break to take the kids on their first ever beach trip. It should be a fantastic family fun vacation. We'll get back just in time to celebrate the littlest one's 2nd birthday. They are growing up too fast!!

Has it really been that long??

Has it really been that long since I posted?? My heavens what a busy time the last few weeks have been.

I just got back from a great speech convention in our state. It was in San Antonio along the riverwalk so that is always a nice getaway.

My daughter turned 5 this week- is that really possible!!???

My youngest son will be 2 next month.

My how time flies....Has it really been that long???

All 3 down for the count...

My husband deserves Husband of the year so far. He stayed home today from work with 3 tummy troubled kiddos while I went off to work. It's no fun to keep 2 home sick- keeping 3 home sick....that is sheer torture. (And they all seemed alive and fed when I got home). Let's hope they are all better by Monday. I also had the pleasure of collecting a sample of the tummy trouble for analysis at the Dr. office since the youngest is on week 2 of tummy trouble. Don't care if I ever repeat that fun experience.

I read 2 books in the last week. The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. I vasilate from feeling distraught that there are others living in such harsh life conditions, to being so thankful for the HUGELY blessed life I live. I think the books were great and that they really put things in perspective. No more worries about the small stuff. I am free, I am not mistreated, and I am blessed with amazing love.

Motivated

A friend of mine sent me a picture of us from college this week. Wow. Found my motivation to work out. And....it's not how you think. I am the littlest size I have ever been in my life right now. I look back at my high school and college days and think....oh my. All the junk food, all the cokes...they definitely found a home! My parents tease me and my husband all the time that we eat "Weird". We are definitely a bit heavy on the fruits, vegetables, organic side with lots of lean meats/fish. I personally, love our eating lifestyle and wouldn't trade it for the world!

On another note....are those gray hairs on the top of my head? I cannot imagine why they would be there...! Thank goodness for hairdressers....

She WILL be a great independent woman......someday

My beloved daughter that is. In the meantime, let's all hope I can continue to cope with that strong independent nature without having her live her life in timeout.

January...does it ever end?? Need sunshine, outdoors, and daylight past 7!!