Anyone still there?! My new life.

Hi friends!

Sorry for being such a bad blogger and reader lately.

Hopefully people are still reading this little blog of mine!

This is probably a super random post- but I feel the need to "unload". So here goes.

I've been back to school for 2 1/2 weeks and being back in the groove of being a working mom is really busting my behind! I'm at a new school and district and I feel like a first year teacher all over again.

It was quite an adjustment coming from a school where I knew everything, had a lay of the land, and was the one newbies came to for help to going to a school where I literally needed help finding the bathroom. Thankfully I am in the same grade level (which makes the adjustment easier) and thankfully my team is a big help. But it has been hard. Damn hard. I've cried many nights! 

I love my class.  They are a sweet bunch of kids and were quick to get our class routines and rules.  I am thankful for that!  I struggled with my schedule for a bit- trying to make it all fit was hard!  I knew that I wanted reading groups and stations as a part of my literacy block but was having a difficult time working it in with my schedule.  But I think I finally got it! :) We have different assessments and I have to take a ton of after school/weekend trainings.

I drive the van with all of the car seats, so I do drop off in the mornings and pick up in the afternoons. So I try to get to school as early as I can (which is nothing compared with my team mates) and stay as late as I can before I have to pick the kids up from daycare (which is nothing compared to my team mates). I have had such teacher/mom guilt! I have taken my nerdy-teacher-cart home full of work every night. 

Here is a little gist of our daily schedule:

5:30 am wake up and get ready

6:30 am wake up the kids and get them ready

7:00 am I take the kids to day care or my mom's house depending on the day

7:15 am drive to work

7:45 am arrive at school and prep

8:05 am duty (2 days a week)

8:20 am school starts

2:55 pm school ends

3:00 pm prep for school

4:30 pm leave school

5:00 pm pick up the kids from daycare/mom's

5:30 pm dinner

6:15 pm bathe all 3 kids/jammie time

6:45 pm feed the babies their nightly bottle

7:00 pm lay the babies down for night night

7:15 pm do books/bed time for Reagan

8:00 pm work on school work

11:00 pm go to bed

And to add one more whine to the list- the babies have been catching everything at daycare! I swear. I must have forgotten about the germs. Getting phone calls at work telling you to come pick up your child is just awesome for that already-there- mom-guilt!  Oh - and another whine- I've been period free (sorry for the TMI) for 2 years (pregnant and nursing) and boom- just got my period- so I'm currently all sorts of hormonal. Sorry.

I love my family. I love being a teacher.  I want to do both. I want to be excellent at both.  And that's the hard part.  I feel like I am such a perfectionist and want so badly to be a "super mom". I know I am not the first or the last mom in this position. I don't want a pity  party by any means. I just wanted to vent!   I am thankful for all I have.  But man, I hope things get a little easier.  Just when I think I've got it under control- boom! Life hands me another curve ball! I literally said "I'm doing it great today" as I drove to work yesterday morning. I had all 3 kids in cute matching outfits for theme day at daycare, had my lessons ready and prepped... feeling pretty good. And not even joking. I got a call that afternoon that Hudson was sick and needed to be picked up from school. See. It's always something! 

Thanks for listening! 

Teacher Week '13: Let's Talk About Me Monday

I'm excited to be linking up over at Blog Hoppin for Teacher Week '13.

Today's blog post is 10 things about me!

For those of you who are new to my blog- welcome!

And for those of you who are followers - welcome back! :)

Maybe you'll learn something new about me!

(1)

I'm Mandy! 

Not Amanda.

My mom loved Barry Manilow's song, Mandy.

Totally makes me think of that movie , "Can't Hardly Wait". 

Amand-uh! 

(2)

I'm 31 years old and will turn 32 in January.

Capricorn, baby.

Responsible, ambitious, bossy, err...

(3)

I'm married to Nick and we've been married for 7 years. We met in college and started dating when he was president of his fraternity and I was president of my sorority. He is an amazing husband and a wonderful father.

(4)

We have 3 kids. Reagan is 4 years old and is such a character. He makes me laugh so hard. We also have twin 10 months old babies, Harper and Hudson.  They are a handful but they complete are family.

(5)

I have always wanted to be a teacher. I mean, either that or a talk show host.  But that really wasn't in my cards.  I graduated from college with my degree in Early Childhood and got my Masters in Elem. Ed.  

(6)

I taught First Grade at the same school for 7 years before I got pregnant with the twins. I made life long friends and I was so lucky to work with the "dream team" as we were often called.  Unfortunately lives changed and most of us moved schools/districts.

(7)

I spent this past year being a stay at home Mama. Having newborn twins and a 3 year old was a lot of work so I was glad to be able to spent my days taking care of them. I'm so thankful to my parents who helped make it possible.

(8)

I've started this year at a new district and new school.  It's been pretty overwhelming learning new school procedures and routines, but I am so happy to be back teaching.  I actually came home today and told Nick, "I seriously have the best job!" 

(9)

I'm obsessed with reality TV. I love my Big Brother, Bachelorette, Real Housewives, etc.  Since I've been back to school my shows have taken the backseat. You should see my DVR.  Yes. I said my DVR. All of my shows are in the bedroom. And Nick's and Reagan's are in the living room. I don't share well. ;) 

(10)

I have the biggest sweet tooth.

I love all desserts, but cheesecake and ice cream is my favorite! 

Can't wait to read more about you guys!

Happy Back to School! 

Five on Friday Link Up

It's been a few weeks since I linked up for 5 on Friday!

So here goes!

(1)

Today I surprised Reagan and took him to his first ever circus.
I will do a separate post on it, but here is a picture to tide you over.

(2)

The twins turned 9 months yesterday.

So crazy.

My babies are 3 months away from turning 1 year old.
Oh my word.

(PS- they had their first ever cart ride this week too - Lakeshore!)

(3)

Yesterday I stopped pumping breast milk.
It's been a long journey and it's bittersweet to be done.

Now let's hope the boobies will start feeling better and my milk will dry up fast.
I am planning on doing a breast feeding /pumping post soon as well!

(4)

Big Brother started this week!
And it's the only reality TV show Nick actually watches with me! Yahoo!
Are any of you guys watching? Who do you like?

(5)

One of my hs/college besties came into town this week to see her family and she came over yesterday with her two little girls! We had fun just gabbing and catching up while Reagan (4) and Sydney (2) played and sweet Mila (6 weeks) slept through it all!

Here is Kristin and I in high school.

And here are our kiddos yesterday.

Throw Back Thursday and a Request

I've had so much fun looking through old family photos and posting them for throw-back Thursdays on Instagram that I decided to post them up here as well.   I just love looking back at how we dress, how we looked, etc.  Such fun. Enjoy!

 With my Mommy!

 I think I was about 4 years old here.

 Family story time. Ha Ha.

 Dying Easter eggs!

 Little baby!

My first grade school picture!

I look so much like Reagan here, right? Crazy!

 Totally an 80s baby!

 Family vacation!

 Probably 2 or 3 here.

 NBD - just listening to records in my room!

Playing school with all my babies!

Look at all the pink! 

I was so *tickled* to find out I was once again nominated for the Circle of Moms Top 25 Teacher/Mom blogs. I was so touched to be voted in for 2011 and 2012 as well.  I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE it if you'd take a second to vote for me.  You may vote once a day until July 9th. Thanks to whoever nominated me and thanks in advance for your vote!

 

      

Big News!

It's official!

I'm heading back into the classroom in the fall.

About a month ago I had an interview for a first grade position and was there for 2 hours talking and touring the school.  The principal was so kind and I really liked the school's atmosphere.  She unofficially offered me the job (but couldn't officially since it wasn't open/available yet).  I came back 2 days later for Move Up Day to meet my class for next year.  It was surreal! I left with faces, names, and photos of my classroom.

I was on cloud nine. 

This week I finally was able to get down to HR and start all of the paperwork!

So we're official kids!

The school is a little farther than I had hoped it to be, but I'm excited. This is a change in school districts for me which also means a raise (PTL!) It's a little sentimental because I have been at my last school for 7 years (since I graduated college). But it is definitely time to move on. As you all know I learned a big lesson from the twins- change can be good!

 I can already tell that this school's philosophy and such is right up my alley. I'm so happy! 

I have loved, loved, loved being home with my kids this year but my heart is so passionate about teaching.  I have missed it so much!  For those of you who have reached out via Instagram, blogland, and Facebook regarding my job hunt - thanks for all of your words of encouragement and concerns these past few months.

What My Husband Says About Me

Last week Becky created a link up for our husbands. I have had so much fun reading what your husbands had to say about you! I really felt like we got a glimpse into each other's lives! Thank you all so much for sharing!  Life has been pretty crazy around our house, so it has taken Nick awhile to write his.  I so appreciate him taking time out to do it. And I had such a good giggle reading what he wrote. 

Here is what he wrote:

1. Mandy loves taking pictures of our family. I think that she believes if we do not have a picture of an event, then it did not really happen.

Haha. Yep. Pretty much. Maybe one day I will get a fancy schmancy camera and really take it to the next level. Hint hint.

2. When Mandy gets tired she starts to play with her hair.  If she ends up bald in 20 years, this is probably why.

Hmm. I think I may end up bald much sooner. This post-baby hair loss is no joke! Do you think with twins I loose twice as much?

3. Mandy loves dinner party type games.  Like when everyone goes around the table and says their favorite .......

Yes. And now Reagan is taking over the throne. This is his favorite thing to do at dinner time now. He starts, "Let's talk about ....". A child after my own heart.

4. If you wake up Mandy from a nap, be ready for the most deer-in-the-headlights-look.  It's pretty cute.

So the moral of the story here is - just don't wake me up!

5.  Mandy changes into her comfy clothes the minute she gets home.  (Usually consists of sweatpants/shorts and one of my tee shirts).  Reagan will even notice and point out if Mommy isn't in her "comfies".

This is embarrassing because it is true.  Reagan has even announced to random people at the store "Something is wrong here. Mama isn't in her comfies.". Awesome. 

6. If Mandy tries to lay down and watch a movie, she will be asleep in 5 minutes.

Always have, always will!

7. If Mandy is really paying attention to something or watching TV, her head will slightly tilt her head to the right. Not really sure why.

Yes. This is weird. I've been known to creep people out.

8. One time before Mandy and I were dating, she saw that I was holding a football and said that she wanted to play catch.  She told me that she was the female version of Brett Favre.  She knew the way to my heart.

I may or may not have had a few drinks and was feeling pretty cocky.

9. Mandy loves her sleep.  If we did not have kids making noise on Saturday mornings I think she could sleep all day.

Definitely. Let's try it this weekend!

10.  Mandy hardly drinks caffeine so it's pretty hilarious when she drinks a Mountain Dew because she is bouncing off the walls.

Dance parties usually commence after a Mountain Dew. Just saying.

11. She loves to dance and sing.  It's just too bad she's not good at either.

Rude.

12. Mandy has to sleep with her 'blanky'.  It's her childhood blanket that is now just a tattered piece of fabric. 

I love my blankie.

13. Mandy is the most loving, thoughtful, caring, and considerate person that I have ever known.

Aww. Love you.

Your Questions Answered .... Part 1

O.M.G.

I did it.

I made a Vlog.

And boy is it a doozy.

Here are my answers to your questions about being a mommy!

Enjoy.

From One Mom To Another...

Today I'm so happy to be writing over at The Vintage Apple for her Thursday series, From One Mom to Another. She contacted me to interview about all things "mommy" for her blog. I was so touched that she asked me. If you haven't checked out her series, please do so! I've loved reading about other moms! Thanks Michelle! 

If you have any questions for me - remember you can ask them on my Ask Me Anything Post!

I will be answering the questions next week! 

Ask Me Anything

I've seen a lot of blogs do "Ask Me Anything" posts and I've always thought it was so fun to get to know the blogger a little better.

I thought this week I'd play along and let you guys ask me any questions you might have.

School questions?

Twin questions?

Mommy questions?

Book questions?

Random questions?

Anything! 

Maybe I will even try my first ever vlog with my answers!

So go ahead.

Fire away!
(Hopefully this isn't a total bust and I actually get some questions!
With over 600 followers, hopefully some of you will ask me things!)

My Inspiration Board

I have had an inspiration board hanging in my bathroom for four years. 

I started it after I miscarried.

I needed some inspiration and to get my mind off the negativity. 

I needed positive things to look at and read every day.

As my life has changed and different things have happened, so has my inspiration board.

I updated it this weekend and thanks to Pinterest, I really like my new pieces of inspiration.

If you want your own copy of any of these, they are all pinned on my quotes board on Pinterest.

Do you have an Inspiration Board?

What kind of things to you like on it?

Happy Anniversary!

Today is Nick and my 7th wedding anniversary.

7 years.

I can not believe it.

7 years seems like a really long time.

But then again it seems like a tiny fraction of our life.

We still have so much time together.

We've gone through so much together in our 7 years married.

Two houses

Two cities

Two dogs

Three kids

1 miscarriage

7 cars 

3 jobs

And each year our love changes and grows stronger.

Our anniversaries used to consist of romantic dinners and candle light.

Talk about change.

Our anniversary dinner tonight consisted of 3 kids under 3 piled into a booth with us at a noisy/family friendly restaurant. We laughed at how our life has changed.

And then we high-fived.

We've come a long way.

But I wouldn't change a thing.

I love our life together.

I love my husband.

And I love the children that we have created together.

Happy Anniversary Nick.

I love you! 

My Birthday Weekend

Yesterday was my 31st Birthday.

I had a nice and relaxing birthday weekend spent with those that I love.

Thanks for those of you who were sweet enough to wish my a Happy Birthday on Facebook and InstaGram. :) Here is a little recap:

Thursday

Thursday night I met my girlfriends for a birthday dinner.

It was a fun night spent with great girls.

I met and worked with these girls for years and it's always wonderful to get together.

Friday

Friday the twins and I went to our first MOMs twins playdate.

It was pretty crazy to see 6 sets of twins all under 14 months in one room!

Saturday

Saturday morning I woke up and had a massage.

It was so nice to get relaxed and at peace!

After the massage I did a little shopping and ran a few errands.

Sunday

I woke up and my boys brought me some cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

Then we dropped off the kids at my parents' house.

They watched Reagan, Harper, and Hudson so Nick and I could have a little date day.

Honestly that was the best gift of all.

We get so busy that we seem to hardly have enough time to just be us.

Nick and I went to the movies and saw Silver Linings Playbook. It was really quite good! I would definitely recommend it. After the movie we had a delicious sushi lunch at Kona Grill. We ran a few errands and then joined my family back at my parents' house. Both of my sisters were there with there children and we all hung out and caught up. 

It was a wonderful birthday.

Thank you to all of you who played a part in it!