Where to begin....

I really don't even know where to begin with this post.  I'm flabbergasted by the milestones that I've reached this year.... personally, professionally, and just as excitingly (is that even a word?!?!) through my blogging.  It was about 2 years ago that one of my coworkers & sweet friends suggested I start blogging.... While I didn't take the plunge right away... I did eventually & here I am today!   I'm linking up for Throwback Thursday with the lovely Cara Carroll. 

I'm sharing my very first blog post.... the beginning of this crazy whirlwind of a journey.  Be sure to check out below the post too.... my reasoning for choosing THIS post to share today! :)

********************************** Original Post 5/8/2012 **********************************

Hmm... I don't even know where to begin.

Why am I doing this?  
It was suggested by one of my wonderful coworkers that I blog this journey that I have embarked upon.  I have debated about it for a while and here I am.  I'm not beginning this to gain a sympathy vote or to have a place to do my whining, rather I am going to use this as a place to document what goes on in the life of a teacher, who happens to be a single mom, too.  Some days it may be a rant, others it will be gloating about my baby, my family, my kiddos in the classroom, my coworkers, the yummy dinner that I made off of pinterest, or my latest tech savvy moment.  Heck, some days it might be a combination of all of the above.

 I guess I should introduce myself for those who don't know me or don't know much about me...


First and foremost, I am a mother to a stunningly beautiful little girl.  A little girl that is into everything as she is currently learning to walk.  She most definitely has a voice of her own and quite the personality.  It is funny how much of myself that I see in her already at only 10 months old.

I am also a second grade teacher.  I work with the most amazing team, I think I would have been completely lost without them as I ventured into my first few years of teaching.  Lucky me, I have a great set of students, too... well most days they are great.

My parents divorced when I myself was in second grade, I remember being horrified that my worst nightmare had come true.  I had a very hard time coping with it, at times I think I still struggle with it.  Lucky for me though, my parents divorce resulted in the gain of a wonderful stepfather, a stepfather that has been more of a dad than I could have ever imagined.  With the divorce came an additional 6 siblings, making me the oldest of 8 kids total!  Whew!  I wouldn't trade it for the world and can't imagine having a small family myself.

I have some of the most wonderful and understanding friends in the world.  While I haven't made enough time, especially here lately, to keep in good contact with them, the majority of them of very understanding.


The life of a single working mom, it isn't the easiest job in the world, but I wouldn't change a second of it.

******************************************************************************************************

My sweet baby is now 2... if you caught my post back at the beginning of July!!  I am still a second grade teacher & believe that it is the BEST grade there is!! My team has changed, more than I would have ever imagined.  There is currently only one other teacher on my team, that is from the original team I joined.  I have to admit, even though I was bitter about some of the changes (as much as I love change!) I can STILL say, I have the best team ever!  :) 

With that being said, when I began this blog, I didn't set goals for myself as far as followers, page views, or creating & selling (because at that time, I was just creating a few little things that were for my classroom, not the TPT world).   I just wanted a place to share.  I didn't expect to have many readers... maybe just the people I work with and are friends with on FB.  I remember when I had my first follower, leave it to my best friend, Lindsey, to be one of my BIGGEST supporters! :) Then when I hit 5..... 10.... 15.... 20.... 50.... followers....These were all huge milestones.   Just as seeing 100 .... 200.... 500... 1000.... 5000.... views on my blog were huge for me!! 

My exact thoughts were, "YOU MEAN.... that people have been interested enough in what I have to say that my blog has been viewed _____ times?!?!?!? Seriously?!??!" 

It was last summer that I took the plunge after encouragement and suggestions from coworkers to begin uploading to TPT... 

It's hard for me to believe that a year later.... I have 100+ followers (on bloglovin & blogger is not far behind!), 125 followers/likes (as of the last check yesterday) on Facebook, and 80+ followers on TPT..... Not to mention that last week.... I realized that there have been OVER 10,000 views on my page..... Like I said earlier... Flabbergasted!!

All I can say is THANK YOU!!! Thank you for being interested enough in my life... my ideas... my thoughts.... and randomness to follow me, share with me, leave comments & feedback, and to read my posts!!

I will begin planning a 100 follower giveaway soon-like as a HUGE thank you for all of your wonderfulness!! 

 

Again.... THANK YOU!!! :)