School

Here in the steamy state of Texas another school year is about to begin.  Mid-August may feel like an early start to school but since temperatures here climb higher and higher all August long, it's the perfect time to settle kids into their air conditioned classrooms.  

This is the first time in over 6 years that I will not be welcoming students into my classroom on the first day of school.   Ever since I finished graduate school in August of 2010 I have worked for St.Paul Public Schools in St.Paul, Minnesota as a special education teacher.  All of our Texas details fell into place while I was on maternity leave with Nicole, which means that I have been out of the classroom since November.  There are days that I sincerely miss the spunk and energy only elementary aged kids can share.  I considered it a privilege each and every time a child trusted me enough to allow me to teach them something new.   Teachers everywhere know that while there is no end to the amount of work and energy required to do the job well, we have boundless influence over the lives of the children we encounter.  It's bittersweet for me to not be preparing for the start of this school year, but I know that God has other purposes for my time right now.

For me, teaching was always about the kids.  I didn't grow up wanting to become a teacher like so many of my colleagues did.  I grew up wanting to work with kids and teaching just so happened to be a job that allowed me to do that.  I have loved kids my entire life. I mothered countless dolls and any child smaller than me who would allow it.  I started babysitting at the age of 9 and continued to care for children as my primary source of income year after year.  Being a mom was the very first career I ever wanted and I believe that God has continued to grow my mommy-heart with each opportunity I have had to work with children.  My favorite thing about every job I've had has always been the kids.

9 months old as of 8-7-16 and is now 17 pounds, 27 inches long.  Our little girl is growing up! 

I haven't fully come to terms with the fact that I'm done teaching for now, but I am incredibly thankful that I get to be a full-time mom.  So far this job has been simultaneously easier and harder than any other job I've had but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Peekaboo is Nicole's favorite game these days.  

I will start taking steps soon to be a licensed teacher in the state of Texas, but I don't have any plans to use that license in the near future.   I believe that one of the things God has in store for me here in Texas is to be a stay-at-home mom.  In many ways, this move has given both Shawn and I the freedom to do our dream jobs.

I hope you are well!
Love,
Erica