ARIZONA TEACHER WALKOUT: PART 2

Now that school is out and we are into our first full week of summer, let me blog about what we did during the teacher walkout... On Thursday, I took the kids down to the Capitol to see the magnitude of the teacher walkout. It was incredible. On Friday, the mr. took the boys on a Fathers & Sons campout, so I took the girls out on a Mommy/Daughter date. We went shopping and out to eat before snuggling in at home to watch Beauty and the Beast. On Monday, we spent a lot of time playing in the backyard on our swing-set. On Tuesday, we got to play with a neighbor and her adorable puppy, Luna. On Wednesday, when we thought the walkout would come to an end, we did a full day at the zoo. The weather was a tad bit cooler and overcast, so several animals were more active than usual. And on Thursday, we played next door for hours with a bunch of neighborhood friends. Water squirters, popcorn, power wheels, ice cream, and so much more. It was difficult at times to keep all six entertained, but we tried to make the most of our time together. We definitely made some great memories.

365.3: WEEK 20

Things have been getting crazy over here. I started a new [medical] diet last Monday and I have never had more problems with food than now. It's been difficult. I've been dealing with extreme bloating, pain, and fatigue. A week into it, I am FINALLY feeling better. But last week was brutal. On top of my health issues, we've had end-of-the-year performances for most of our kids. We've been painting two rooms in our house. We've started birthday celebrations for our two middles (whose birthdays will basically get lost in the chaos of THIS week). Summer is quickly approaching, so everything is nonstop, go go go. Last week. Swimming at Mimi and Papa's. Playing games in the new toy room. Performing at school. Dealing with poor health due to autoimmune disease. Celebrating May birthdays. Watching a movie (while mom and dad work on big projects). "PURPLE!". This last one is a capture for my littlest little, who is OBSESSED with all things purple, especially Jacarandas. She yells 'purple' excitedly every time she sees one. I do not want to forget this little quirk.

May 15th - May 21st

365.3: WEEK 19

Seriously. Falling behind again. I have a bunch of photos to post from during the teacher walkout, but I just haven't had the time to edit them. I've been dealing with health issues instead. And moving my preschool classroom from the toy room to the front room of my house. Plus, you know, the six. And end of the school year events. ALL OF THE THINGS. Normally, I do well despite the chaos. But my health and lack of sleep have really slowed me down. But more on that later. Last week was slow to start, but nonstop by the end of the week. Bathing beauty. Devouring jello popcorn. Looking at magazines. Starring in a play. Beginning medical tests. Painting the new preschool classroom. Celebrating Mother's Day.

May 7th - May 14th

365.3: WEEK 18

We survived, hands down, one of the most chaotic weeks of the school year. This was done through a lot of play, a lot of friends, and a lot of food. I have a separate post in the making dedicated to what we did during the teacher walkout to stay busy. But last week. Running wild in the backyard. Playing with a neighbor's new puppy. Sharing popcorn and cotton candy at the zoo. Enjoying ice cream cones. Visiting Butterfly Wonderland on a field trip. Swinging at a piñata on Cinco de Mayo. Looking at maps in the scriptures at church.

April 30th - May 6th

ARIZONA TEACHER WALKOUT: PART 1

If you live in Arizona and have children, chances are that you were SOMEHOW affected by the teacher walkout. Guess what. I don't really care to hear your [likely longwinded] opinion on it. All you need to know is that I support my children's teachers 100%. These four fabulous women are shaping my children into amazing, little humans with the help of a speech specialist, a gifted & talented teacher, teaching assistants, playground and classroom aids, specialty teachers, and support staff. So you better believe that I wore red A LOT throughout April. I stood at the school and I stood at the capital because that's where they were, too, despite YEARNING to be in the classroom. I communicated with several of them throughout the duration of the walkout and offered continue support and encouragement. I simply cannot convey how much love and respect I have for all of the educators and staff members at my children's school. So here are our REDFORED pictures.