Back to School

I was intrigued when I read her response to my email concerning my son entering his final year of Mother's Day Out before Kindergarten.

"I think I'm going to need another PreK teacher...let me know if you know any one interested in a part-time job (wink wink)."

I knew she meant me.  I quickly forwarded the email to my husband, and instead of a response, he texted, "WHOA?!"  I wasn't sure if I'd be going back to teaching or not, but the idea was so intriguing.  I love to teach.  I love the opportunity to create in a classroom setting.  I love watching little eyes light up when they've realized something they didn't see before.  

But, God had called me 5 years ago away from the classroom.  He was clear.  So clear that I almost fought His directions to me.  God wanted me at home.  He wanted me to heal from my miscarriage.  He needed me to enjoy my second pregnancy and the birth of our first born without any distractions.  He also wanted me home when I quickly learned I was pregnant for a third time when Daniel was only 3 months old.  He knew I needed to stay within these four walls with sweet Samuel and his energetic, big toddler brother.  He had me here during the days of my 4th pregnancy which ended in a miscarriage, and He was ready for me to rejoice when becoming pregnant a fifth time.  He allowed me to watch Elias through all of his doctor visits, hospital stays, and procedures.  I have no questions NOW about why God called me out of teaching then.

It didn't take us but a day to prayerfully consider this new offer.  It was perfect for me and our little family.  I would teach at the Mother's Day Out program where our boys attend.  I would get paid for doing something I was trained by a university and gifted by God to do.  It was pretty clear to us that evening that I was going to be going back to teach Pre-K in the Fall of 2013.

Here I am.  

13 students (one of them is my own, Daniel), and I couldn't be more thrilled with what God and this program are allowing me to do each Tuesday and Thursday!  It's truly been so much fun and exciting going back to school, and I can't thank God enough for the opportunity to do so!

Our Carpet Area

The Wall of Art

Birthday Bulletin

Daniel was excited to find his name on the wall!

Oh, and to get his treat from his teacher, Mom.

Treat Bags for Students

Mine and Daniel's 1st Day of Pre-K

Mother's First Day Out

The boys' first day of Mother's Day Out has come and gone, and tomorrow they'll embark on their second day.  My prayer has been that this will not only relieve me but help each of them to grow.  I feared that Samuel would cry hysterically and hang onto my shirt with every ounce of being within him, and I worried that Daniel would be rough on the other children and be his typical, energetic, can't-slow-down self. 

While I'm certain the latter took place, I can assure myself that Day 1 was better than even I expected.  The boys slept well Monday night; in fact, I had to WAKE Daniel up to get ready just in time.  Samuel woke just like always, cheerful and happy to start the day.  While I'm not sure he was ready for what he had coming, he grinned with his big, busted lips (he, of course, had to have his first major fall the night before). 

(Samuel on the night before his first day of MDO.)

I had their bags packed and ready; I should say that I had their bags, lunchboxes, and nap mats perfectly monogrammed and embroidered (we all know me that well). 

Lunchbox Tags I made for each boy!

Their bags and mats

Daniel's things (lunchbox, cups, and mat) are Cars themed.

Samuel's things are all his buddy, Elmo.

It really wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be getting out the door...  until I realized we must have pictures!

Samuel cannot be old enough to attend MDO.

He just CANNOT.

While this is blurry, Daniel was so ready to get out the door.

He knew he was going to school.

He kept saying, "School.  Let's go, Mommy."

Realizing I really wanted a picture of the two of them,

Daniel grabbed Samuel's face and kept repeating,

"Say cheese, Samuel."

We made the two minute drive to the church where MDO is held, and I kept telling the boys how much fun they would have.  I just knew they'd begin crying as soon as I walked them to their classroom, but much to my surprise, Daniel let go of my hand and walked confidently into his room.  He didn't cry or seem upset at all...  Maybe because two of his buddies were crying and he was patting them and worrying over them, saying, "You okay, buddy?!" 

Samuel had a tight grip on my shirt.  I feared the worst at this point, but that's when their sweet teacher pulled out goldfish and vanilla wafers.  Miss Brooke is genius in my book already, simply for this random act!  Samuel mustered up some confidence and walked right over to the table for his own snack.  I think I was actually upset that he wasn't upset! 

Eating the first snack of the morning...

Okay, is this not so sweet?! 

My boys actually sat together.  :)

I left with such peace.  Do you know how good that was?!  To know that my children were in good hands and they were happy...  Nothing makes a mother feel better than that! 

So, I guess you're wondering what I did with my day?!

I worked on and finished these for my dear friend.  I know I was supposed to be OUT, but honestly, it was refreshing to just sit quietly IN. 

Center of Attention

If there's one thing anyone who knows anything about our 2 year old Daniel, it's that he loves being the center of attention.  Since little brother came along, we've noticed a few fits of jealousy on both boys' parts, but without a doubt, Daniel craves attention.  He loves having quality time with us, being praised, and pretty much "awes" himself to death anytime he sees a picture of himself. 

So, I had NO IDEA this next event would occur.  Seriously.  I had my camera ready to video tape how amazing he was about to perform at his End-of-the-Year Mother's Day Out Program.  Daniel had practiced his five songs for weeks, and Mommy and Daddy were about to lose it if he begged to hear "Bees" or "Shine" one more time!  Imagine my surprise when Daniel did this...


Mother, Come Get Me! from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.


Be the center of attention?  No, thank you, Daniel said.  I'd rather be in my Mommy's arms.