Exhaustion!

Whew! It doesn't take long to forget how hard it is to be a mom and work outside the home (not that it's easy to work at the house either!)  I haven't meant to ignore this little blog, but the beginning of the school year always takes it's toll on me.  This year it's never ending, though.  With new standards and a new teacher evaluation system, and me just being the overachiever I am (ha!) and trying to incorporate so many new things for the kiddos, I am almost overwhelmed with work.  Add to that two hours a day on the road and by the time we make and eat dinner, clean the kitchen, and there's Wheeler time, that doesn't leave much time for anything else.  I keep thinking to myself "what's more important, work, or family."  While I overwhelmingly believe my family is more important, I don't have a choice but to work at this time.  When I'm at work I feel like I'm neglecting my family and when I'm spending uninterrupted time with the family, I feel like my kiddos at school are suffering because I have soooooooooo much I should be doing.  It's such a tricky balance.  I'm not sure I'll ever master it.  I give all I've got to both, and still try to find a little time for myself (thanks to my wonderful husband!)

On Being Mommy

It's hard to believe we celebrated Wheeler's 3rd birthday yesterday.  Everyone says it, but seriously....where did the time go.  While trying to cherish every moment possible in our busy lives, it has all flown by so quickly.  It seems the time waiting for your little one's arrival goes soooooooo slow, even though you're busy with doctor appointments, getting the nursery ready, registering, showers, and the like.  Then when your little one arrives, time flies!!!!

I barely remember holding Wheeler for the first time.  He was five hours old before I got to hold him.  When he was born he was running a fever and they had to whisk him off to the nursery for antibiotics and to check him out. I knew he would be fine.  I knew the hospital should have started me on an IV antibiotic the night before when I came in and my water was leaking. They had made the decision to wait for my doctor the next morning, unless I progressed. After he was whisked away, I had some minor complications.  Nothing major.  I just couldn't hold him for a while.

John says this is one of his favorite pictures of me and Wheeler, when I finally got to hold him at about two in the morning.

I do remember six in the morning when the nurses brought him to me.  I remember thinking "Oh wow! He's really mine!"

We've had some great moments together over the past three years.

some not so great hair days

visiting friends

making new friends  

 hanging with Grammy and Jacob

hanging with mom

taking baths

dressing up (yes I will get mommy for this one day!)

playing outside

with daddy

my new Jeep

with mommy

with my cousins

Dollywood

Spending the holidays with family

Christmas with Mommy and Daddy at Fantasy of Trees

cooking with mom

My first surgery
 

 dressing up

going to the circus

 and I  love playing in the snow!!!!

My life has changed so much, as I know any mom's does.  I truly don't miss sleeping in, alone time, or peeing by myself.  I love the snuggles, the "I love you's" and the kisses.  I live to see his smile each day and feel his little arms wrapped around my neck.  All too soon this will all be over.   I cherish every moment with him and thank God everyday for allowing me the privilege of being his mommy.

I Can't Believe I Am Doing This!

I have always wondered why the every day person would post to a blog.  I have wondered if people are self centered enough to think the whole world was interested in them.  I have perused mommy blogs and I was hooked (and wrong, I think!).  I saw so many other moms out there I could commiserate with.  It got me to thinking, maybe someone would be amused by my ramblings, so why not try my hand at this blog thing.  I also thought maybe it would be a fun way for some of my friends or family I don't see often to stay up to date with what is going on in the Lewis household.  Don't expect too many posts, grammatically correct posts, or hey, even coherent posts for that matter!

I'm not sure I should even be trying my hand at this, as my husband would say, I already have so much going on!  Currently we are trying to get our house on the market (anyone need a cute little house in South Knoxville!), I teach 1st Graders, an hour away.  I have an indescribably amazing two year old little boy with more energy than the energizer bunny!  I am seeking my Ed.S (Education Specialist) degree from LMU in Curriculum and Instruction.  I am trying to catch up a little on my scrapbooking (I'll never be caught up!).  I am currently trying my hand at the Knifty Knitter and just finished my first scarf (Yay me!).  I am beginning a new Bible Study (Boundaries with Children!).   

I don't consider myself an intellectual thinker.  I don't keep up with world issues or politics like I probably should.  I am passionate about my family (I do have the best in the world!)  If you become at all interested in my life, let me know.

I will update and figure this whole blog thing out, pictures included.  Just bear (or bare, not sure which!) with me. 

Til we meet again..........