balancing act

you know that crazy clown at the circus with plates spinning precariously atop of sticks perched on his palms, forehead, nose, and chin? yeah, he may as well be me.

school has started.

and, I should add, I've returned to the classroom. my job-share-partner-turned-dear-friend, kate, and I took a leap of faith and decided to go back to teaching a regular classroom of 25 third graders. it wasn't a decision that came easily and I think we both spent a good deal of time soul-searching on this one. NOW probably isn't the best time to ask us if we are at peace with our choice...but if you wait a few weeks, we'll have our ducks in a row. I think I can say that I somehow blocked out the reality of how much busy-work a classroom teacher has. I have come home with a full bag everyday. on a positive note, the work days fly by now and I am enjoying the kiddos.

so, if you were wondering where I've been, now you know. despite the increased stress and time away from our boys, we're having a great fall. it's definitely my favorite season. I think there is something magical about a season that is so short. the cool, crisp days when we can walk to the park under a blanket of falling leaves are few and they are beautiful. I just adore having pumpkins on my front step and adding a layer of clothing, but still being able to wear flip flops if I want. we have busted out the yummy fall scented candles and I'm headed to the store to get some candy corn tomorrow. I'm excited for pumpkin pie, our annual trip to the orchard, halloween costumes, apple crisp...this list is endless. more oohing and ahhing about that in future posts.

for now I will share with you some of my favorite family moments from early september. the boys are growing up too fast and I would be lying if I didn't admit that there is a split second every morning that I'm scheduled to work when I contemplate calling in sick. these two have me wrapped around their little fingers and I miss them so much when I'm gone all day. don't get me wrong, I am grateful for my job as a teacher and I definitely know that I have the best of both worlds. believe me, I know.

drinking milk like auntie jen

we are taking time to stroll around in the wagon and look for the rain clouds. I can't think of a better way to spend a fall evening. can you?

henry bug is working hard to learn how chase after his big brother and puppies. it's hard to believe that our little peanut is quickly going to become mobile. and for the record...I'm not ready.

we headed to a small local zoo on a beautiful saturday morning in early september. the animals are all native to this area and the size of the zoo makes it easy to get up close and personal with all of them. a little too close for this mama's comfort. there are hand sanitizers around every corner for you to use after visiting, say, the bison. riiiiight. but the zoo was lovely and both henry and miles seemed to enjoy the short trip there. I foresee many a return trip to this zoo in the years to come. bring it on.