10 things

tee, shirt, and shoes: old navy     jeans: target    necklace: groopdealz 

The other week my sister told me she wanted me to write a post with ten things I like about myself.  She had read a few other bloggers who wrote similar posts and then I searched and found quite a few who had done the same.  I think it's super easy to think of tons of things you don't like about yourself.  Physical traits or personality traits you feel like you fail at.  It feels weird to make a list (and weider to share it) claiming things I like about myself.  But turns out it was a really good idea.  I actually came up with about seven pretty easily, and had to search a little more for three more.  
My legs.  While there are things I find myself complaining about when it comes to my legs, I love that they are strong.  They ran many races, including three marathons.  They've played many games of soccer and make me feel strong.  
Stubbornness.  I love that when I set my mind to do something, I will do it.  I hate giving up and will keep doing something until I finish.  My stubbornness helped me finish marathons, do well in school and push for over 3 1/2 hours during childbirth.
My handwriting.  I remember loving my sister's handwriting in middle school and practicing to make it look nicer.  I actually used to like taking notes in high school and college because I liked my handwriting and like practicing.  (Hello nerd?  Oh wait. We're focusing on the positives here)
Loyalty.  I struggled a lot with friendships during middle school and high school.  I was often disappointed with friends and felt let down or left out.  I don't know if it's because of that , but I think I am a really loyal friend.  
Creativeness.  I love being creative as a teacher.  I loved making a lesson more exciting, making a bulletin board or coming up with a new project.  At home I love making a craft I see online, decorating our house or making something for Addilyn. 
My hands.  I like them.  Compassion and Empathy.  I am so aware that every pain and trial are different.  And that our struggles with infertility are much less than so many people deal with.  But through it I think God softened and opened my heart to being more compassionate and understanding of others.  I think about others way more often, pray for them and try to think of ways I can show I'm thinking about them.  
Disciplined.  Ironically I just posted about my lack of discipline spiritually, but overall being disciplined is one of my strengths.  In working out, teaching, being organized . . . in most things I like to get things done.  If there is something I need to do I don't like putting it off and want to finish it.  
My ability to find good deals.  I just wish I could make some money of my ability to find things so cheaply.  
Motherhood. There are countless times I have felt overwhelmed with my role as a mom the last eight months.  Plenty of things that I don't second guess and wonder if I'm doing the right thing, and know that will happen over and over.  But I know that I love Addilyn more than anything, that her most important needs will always be met and I'm confident in knowing that God picked me to be the best mom for Addilyn. 

Thank you Lauren.  Thanks for the reminder to focus on strengths and things I like about myself.  I think you should do the same!

Back to School

grey tee: old navy  skirt: target (similar)   leopard flats: target   necklace: kohls $4 clearance (similar)

Sadly, my summer has ended and this week is back to school.
Which means the occasionally tired eye, too early outfit post like this one.

Which also means there may be more of these:

To help me prepare for being back in school:

I'm doing my best to focus on the things I'm looking forward to like:
a normal routine, eight year old hugs,
looking forward to weekends, wearing work clothes,
 funny stories and doing a job I know I'm meant to have.


I'll be focusing on things like make me happy, like these new bracelets I got from Karly from the arm party swap that I know I will wear often:

(Thank you Karly - I LOVE them!)

I will be channeling my nephew's excitement for going to visit me while working in my classroom:



I will also be practicing this face, to show off just a few times at the beginning of the year so my students know I mean business.

You probably wouldn't mess with me if I looked like this right?

Happy back to school for all you teachers out there!

Arm Party Link-Up  Much Love Illy