First One!

2011-03-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

So, I am completely new to the blogging world and not so sure how this all goes, but I am deciding to dive in and learn! So... Here we go! My very first blog! :)

So much has happened in my life in all aspects of life lately. I didn't like how things were going, and decided to look at the common denominator... ME! So, with that said, I am deciding to work on just that! I am going to do my darnedest to be a better mother, wife, teacher, etc. I can't change anyone/anything else, but I can change and control ME!

My biggest question was HOW?! How do I become better at one without sacrificing another?! And...although they are all important aspects of my life, there is one area that I am NOT willing to sacrifice AT ALL.... quality time with my beautiful baby girl, Kaycee. So, I turned to my hubby and partner in crime (Katie) for help! Eddie has agreed to help pick Kaycee up from Holly's in the afternoons, and Katie has turned me on the the blogging world!

WOW! I never knew that teachers would GIVE stuff/ideas away like this! They are SO inspiring and incredibly helpful. I am really able to make MUCH better use of my time in the classroom! I switched the time of my Language Arts to the morning and Math to the afternoons, which frees up more time for writing projects and keeps the kids (and me) more on their toes! I feel like, for the first time in a long time, I am actually getting through to them. Some are still really struggling, but I am hoping that with more focus on writing and reading groups, they will catch on. I am also pulling from an old adoption series for math supplementation to help in that area. I just wish I had had this little epiphany sooner!!!!!

I have "stolen" SO many ideas for writing projects, art projects, centers, language centers, etc! I need a new ink cartridge! :)

Couponing has also become a large part of my life as well. I am trying to be much more frugal and am really enjoying it! I now have a completely stocked freezer and pantry and the bathroom cabinets are filling with great deals, too! There is *almost* nothing better than scoring something that you will use for FREE!!! (The only thing better?... spending quality time with Kaycee and my family!) I got 4 FREE boxes of whole grain pasta last week for... you guessed it! FREE! :) Wonder what the deal of the week will be this week! :)

So... With all of that said, here is the epiphany that I have finally come across and am trying to live...
I cannot change anyone except myself. I cannot change their attitudes or behavior, but I can change my own. I cannot change the hurtful words they may say or things they may do, but I can speak kindness and love others. I am willing to change. My hope? That I can change at least one life for the better and that someone will be able to see Christ through me and my words, behaviors, actions, attitude. Maybe eventually I will inspire someone else as I have been inspired! :)

In Him,
Sarah

2011-03-01T12:43:00.001-08:00

I am here, Welcome!

Blessed By Children

First One!