Ryan Fieldtrip to SchoolHouse of Wonder

I'm Going back to Work!

I got a job, like a real grown up job. It's kind of an overwhelming and anxiety producing change in life- but I feel good about it. At least at the moment. I start on Monday so I guess the real test will be how I feel after I know what it will actually be life. I am working at my old High School as their alumni coordinator.  It's part time and it has a finite length of the school year- my last day is May 31. I'm relieved by the existence of an end date- it lets me really explore how feasible it is for me to work at this point- and it lets me explore if this is the sort of job I would like to do.
It's a game changer for me- I haven't worked outside of the house apart from an off babysitting job for about 8 years. I have never had a responsibility that so much competes with my responsibilities as a parent. When you volunteer for things- your family is the clear winner in the competition of how time should be used. But when you are getting a paycheck the choice isn't as clear.
Since this opportunity came up out of the blue and I have other things that I am currently responsible for that I have to figure out how to get done. I am a co-room parent for Kenzie's class. I am the room parent in Audrey's class and I am in charge of parent communication in Ryan's class. I am also on the board of directors at my older two kids school. I am busy most of the time and I have just committed to 20 more hours a week. It will be an adjustment- but the schedule is flexible so I am confident I can work it out. I just hope that my sanity is not sacrificed for it.

There will be updates on this subject I am sure- well not sure because who knows if I will have the time but there will certainly be things to say!

Kenzie Class Photo

Here is Kenzie's first ever class photo. Sure she looks a little terrified by the process, but who wouldn't be? Her teachers Kristal (the one holding her) and Misty are great! We are so happy that she got into this class!

Trick or Treating

We went over to Christina's house to trick or treat- she ended up inviting what seemed like everyone she has ever meet to it was a great big party! Audrey lasted about 8 houses, Ryan was going strong and then all of a sudden she was done and Kenzie would still be trick or treating now if I didn't stop her- she discovered candy! 

Kenzie's Class Halloween

This was the one Halloween party I didn't make it to. Kenzie doesn't deal with me or Don coming and going so we skipped it. She got to hang out with her teachers which they told me later was a great choice because she was one of the few kids not crying when the parents left after the playtime.

Ryan's Class Halloween

 

Audrey's Class Halloween Parade

Audrey's class at school (and the rest of the A building) walked in a campus wide parade today. They seemed to have a great time showing off their costumes and the rest of the school cheered them on as they walked by. 

Fall Festival at Uncle David's New Neighborhood

My brother just moved into a new house in Chapel Hill. We hadn't had a chance to go check it out yet and their neighborhood happened to be having a fall festival so we decided it was the perfect opprotunity to see his new place. They had BBQ, live music, playgrounds, games and such. It was really nice and the weather was perfect. We wish he lived closer but we certainly understand why he decided to move where he did. 

Dentist Day

My kids LOVE the dentist... no joke, they ask all year long when their next appointments are. Ryan was bummed today he couldn't have x-rays. Who knows- apparently no one told them that most people despise going to the dentist. Good news, they were both cavity free! Though Ryan's big teeth are growing in big and there isn't enough room for the new ones to come in so in the next year or so we will have to talk about pulling some baby teeth.... he might not like the dentist as much after that... The next appointment in 6 months I will be taking 3 kids to get their teeth checked. Hopefully Ryan and Audrey's love of the dentist will rub off on Kenzie.