Going back to school was a little bit busier this year than in past years. That is because not only did Nate start kindergarten, but Joe and I headed back to school as well--as teachers. Crazy, right? Yes, yes it is.
Joe had been going a bit crazy working from home and not really interacting with anyone all day, except for through email and occasionally over the phone. So, while he was getting plenty of business, work was not ideal for him. He has always wanted to teach and now felt like a good time to give it a shot. He applied for and was hired as the middle school ESL teacher in his hometown.
A few weeks later, we heard from Joe's aunt that the high school was having a hard time filling open math positions. She asked if I'd be interested. I thought about it and decided I wouldn't want to work full time but if I could just work afternoons I might be interested. The principal called me and said that would be possible. They really were desperate, I think. Keep in mind, neither Joe nor I are certified teachers. Anyway, I thought--well, I might as well interview and see if I even get the job. So, I updated my 11-year-old resume (started from scratch, actually), filled out the application and went in for my interview. I did my best to answer all of their questions about how I would teach when I have no experience actually teaching. I obviously do have experience from these last 11 years working with kids, although much younger than high-schoolers. I am passionate about math education, especially after teaching my own kids all these years. Anyway, I wasn't sure what they would decide but sure enough--they offered me the job! Then came the tough part of decided what to do. That was hard--I was back and forth constantly.
One day I dropped the older kids off at golf lessons while Eli stayed at home with Joe and I had some time to think. I walked on the canyon path I love and just thought and prayed through everything.
I took this picture:
When it came down to it, I decided to take the unique opportunity of getting to teach the math that I love, get some work experience, and really step out of my comfort zone. Boy has that been true. I had no idea how hard teaching really is. I am learning! And I'm only teaching part-time!
The biggest thing holding me back was that I wanted to be at home with Eli. Nate goes to kindergarten while I teach so I don't miss time with him but I do miss time with Eli. It was heart-wrenching to decide but we felt like the cost wouldn't be too much since he naps for a lot of that time anyway. We found a great babysitter with a little girl his age and with a room he can nap in and he has been doing great. He's not always so enthusiastic to go but he has yet to cry or really cling too much when I drop him off. That might be coming--who knows? For now, I feel like this has been good for all of us, although it has definitely been hard. We're all adjusting.
Thoughtful little notes like this one from Natalie really help:
I love my family and that they support me so well.
OK, now on to the kids because it was a big year for them, too. It's the first and only year all three of the older kids are in the same school. Nate started kindergarten and managed to survive it alright. He was not looking forward to it. I knew once he gave it a chance he'd like it. He was happy to have a friend from his t-ball team in his class, and a close neighbor girl too. Eli and I took him to school his first day and he did great. He got right in line with no tears from either of us (although a little part of my heart broke knowing there was no turning back to the carefree days at home for him). We were both ready. I tried to get him to pose for some pictures and this is what I got:
Eli sure loves his big brother and misses him when he's gone. He can't wait until he gets to go to kindergarten.
Nate walks home with his sisters and he was happy and excited when he got home so I think it was a good day. He also came home with this paper:
The little stinker.
For a while he wouldn't admit he liked kindergarten but he's less stubborn about it now. He loved dressing up in the color of the day every day one week and he loves to show me all the things he draws. He does complain about having to write his name "100 times", though.
The girls both had a good first day. They seem to like their teachers. Elizabeth's work load has picked up a little bit this year but she is doing great. Natalie is doing a lot of online work in her class, which is new but I think she is liking it a lot.
Here they are in all their first-day-of-school glory:
I love those beautiful girls.
We're a month in and still doing pretty well. Yay for school!
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