Still here! *I think the video is working now!*

I am sitting for just a few minutes and it is nice.

To say the last 2 months have been kicking my butt would be a huge understatement. (Big. Huge!...I really can never say "Huge" without thinking of Julia Roberts). Anyway, I think I was a teeny bit unprepared for the career change that I am currently in the process of undergoing. I say "career" change because even though I am most definitely still in education , there is not one tiny part, not one minute of my day that even slightly resembles my past life.

 Being an assistant principal is not harder than teaching, it is just different. I am really enjoying my new home at PHS and learning A TON, which is nice. It is just difficult trying to process so many new things/roles/responsibilities. My hours are longer and my drive is about 4 times longer than it used to be, so I am definitely feeling some effects at home, as well. Luckily for me, I have the most awesome husband, parents and in-laws in the world. I think I am averaging around 60+ hours a week right now being away from home and without their support (my mother seriously cooks us dinner more than just periodically), my life would have just stopped 6 weeks ago. I am figuring out what our "new normal" looks like and ways to make our lives even more efficient.

I will say that without realizing it, I have been sort of training for this time in my life. Being annoyingly energetic and never actually sitting down has made my transition to non-stop day pretty easy. Being an imom, I can multi-task and prioritize with the best of them. I wasn't exactly a 8-4 teacher, so I am used to long nights on the ball field. I was raised by a mom who told me I could do whatever I wanted when I grew up and I believed her. She is pretty much making this happen for me right now.

** SIDE NOTE: This is in reference to the fact that numerous people feel the need to project their rudeness on me in the form of some variation of this phrase, "I could never do your job. You know, you just don't get this time with your kids back."  Rude. Every single mom knows that mom guilt is a real thing, so why (WHY??) would anyone say this to me? And, it is a lot of people, not just anyone. Despite the fact that I previously mentioned that my mom has sent food home on occasion, I am NOT neglecting my kid. Actually, it is the opposite. I see this job as an opportunity to create a life for him and be a model to him of setting goals and reaching them. We spend a lot of time together. Mostly, because he takes a nap at MDO, so bedtime is after 9. (Don't think to judge me on that one, too. If you are thinking it should be closer to 7, I will congratulate you once again on the vacation that you enjoyed during your child's toddler years) I am ranting during my rant, I need to get a grip. My point is that my mom told me to pursue my dreams, so I chose to be a working mom who balances my career with my home life. It is difficult, but I (we) are making it work. Also, is it wrong that I don't want this time back? Don't get me wrong, Anderson is the. best. thing.ever and makes me laugh/smile/pause in wonder multiple times a day, but I love him more every day, so I can't imagine ever just wishing away who he is for who he was. Right?? I also hate, "It doesn't get easier", but that is a rant for a later post.**

So, to prove just how much wonderful, amazing, quality time we are having, here are some pics from the last few weeks...

 Shaving cream and paint party in the backyard.

 We made fire trucks with Jack at Lowe's! You MUST check out the Lowe's Build & Grow clinics. The finished products are so cute. And, if you need any help, Clare & I are becoming experts at making things with wheels:) **Speaking of Clare, Jack is going to have a little sister!! We found that out a few weeks ago & are SO excited. She will join us some time in Feb (or maybe Jan?)!

 We found a random safety day on the way home & had to stop for snow cones and ambulance sightings. With this regard, boys are way easier to entertain! I can't wait to see how Lucy Brimer fits in with all of our boy activities!

 Bobble Cole hooked us up with a $3 Halloween costume! (Well, it is between firefighter and police officer, as of now.) My mom made him a yarn hose. LOTS of fires everywhere we go.

 All firefighters only wear underwear in real life, of course.

 Our front porch. I love fall and I think it is because Halloween & Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays. I am PUMPED about Halloween festivities this year. Having a kid is the best around fun holidays because it gives you an excuse to do fun stuff. We have a pretty epic October planned with Jack & Lily, so we will keep you posted.

 Trying to get a final shot of a few of our summer clothes. I know I say it all the time, but thank you Kohls for making (& GG for buying) so many patch/eye shirts!! Someone high up in design at Kohl's has a kid in an eyepatch, I just know it.

 Speaking of GG, look at this awesome new toy she got him! He can actually ride it, which is precious.

 Nicole got him these sandwich cutters and one is an airplane, which means he will eat peanut butter sandwiches at school!! So fun.

I discovered a mini size shake from Sonic that is perfect for him (and, usually he doesn't finish it, so I get mine and a bit of his, which is nice:) Thanks, Cousin Shae for creating these! I credit her with everything Sonic does right. 

 Playing at a park with Jack-an ambulance was spotted! Jack is hidden back there, but it was the best pic I could get.

I try, but I am just not as much fun as Brandon at games like this.

First Powell game! Anderson had a blast playing with Bop, having snacks, running all over the track "playing football" AND one of my former students was a firefighter there, so he let us climb all over the fire truck & ambulance! Powell is pretty good at football, so I have a feeling that our season is going to go for awhile. This will probably not be his last game!

 LOTS of Lily time over the past few weeks. We celebrated her 3 1/2 birthday! The first thing she said to me when she saw me was, "Hi, Sissa! It's my birthday." We are really big on not spoiling our kids around here.

 Playing with this snake that Anderson had to have at Michael's (Note: Taking two 2 year olds to Michaels' will entertain/exhaust you- a lesson that Clare & I learned!)

Anderson's school had Open House & it was great to see his room & hear all about him. I was so proud of this post it note! That little sticky note took us  A LONG TIME, so I had to snap a pic!  A direct quote from his teacher, "If only all kids were like him, our jobs would be so easy." I am a little sad that she clearly doesn't recognize her kids yet, because she got him confused with someone else, clearly. She said he knows all of his shapes, letters, numbers and colors and is so kind. I agree with that part, but I am not sure we always see the non-tantrum throwing, sharing boy that she sees!

 I was lucky enough to spend a night in Chattanooga with Emily & Nicole a few weeks ago. We had an AWESOME time...going to Target, talking, eating free breakfast, eating at a delicious pizza place, eating yummy dessert and just hanging out! All of the planning was done by our very own travel agent, Emily Hortina. Also, big shout out to Noni who kept Anderson, since Brandon was working. Looking forward to our next trip!

 Lily & Bug at the Powell Soccer game where I was ridiculously thankful to the middle school kids who entertained them, while I acted official as the administrator at the game. (This did not actually require any work, but it was nice to have them entertained anyway)

 We made blueberry muffins

and cupcakes!!

And, a video for your viewing pleasure! Thank you, Incredibles, for promoting the fact that wearing glasses makes you a superhero!!