Some Exciting News

So something new and exciting is happening in my little corner of the world. I am happy to report that I am transitioning out of my current position at work. Since returning from work after having Jack I have been unhappy with my job. I don't know if it is my job or if its the idea that I would much rather be at home with my little boy.

A little background on what I do... For the last 8 years I have run 2 programs for a non profit agency. I run a day program for adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities and I also run an after school program for children with developmental disabilities. Our programs have grown more than I ever imagined. I currently have a caseload of 49 individuals with the potential to grow! I'm proud of the growth and the ability to support so many families. 

The problem I have are the long hours away from my family. I don't get home until at least 7:15 each night. I usually have to forego dinner in order to take walks with my family. I always miss Jack's dinner and it's heartbreaking for me. I keep thinking of all the times in the future I may miss because of my current position. 

Recently, my supervisor resigned. Although I am really going to miss her, her guidance and all that she has taught me in the last 7 years I am happy to say her position has been adjusted and I'll be transitioning in part of her current role. 

I will be staying on 4 days a week and I will be working with 31 families in the community. I will no longer be running 2 programs and will be able to flex my schedule according to meetings. I will not longer have to work until 6:30 when both programs end. I'll be able to get home and eat dinner with my family most nights. 

I'm so excited to be able to spend more time with my family. I'm so thankful that my company has give me the opportunity. I'm hoping to grow into this position, assist families all while enjoying mine. I've grown close to the families I've worked with over the last several years. I am lucky I'll be to work out of the same office and see the staff I have supervised over the years and the families I've grown to love. 

It's all about growing and learning. 

Wish me luck as I transition into this new position.

Summer Bucket List

I feel like we just skipped right past spring this year. One day it was snowing and the next it was 73 degrees! We are roasting today. It's 86 degrees and the AC has been on today. It's because of the heat and our allergies are just insane the last few days.

- Visit the Farmer's Market for fresh veggies and fruit.

- Sprinkler play

- Plant flowers

- Go to the Sussex County Fair

- Take Jack to the beach

- Unplug for a full day!!!

- Read to Jack every night

- Teaching Jack to swim

- Berry and Peach picking at Och's Orchard

- Lot's of birthday parties.

- Spend the day at the Warwick Winery

- Dinners on the deck

- Nightly family walks!

- Free movies in the park!

- Take Jack to the zoo

- Take Jack to Van Saun Park for their splash pad

- Hit our fundraising goal for Jack's Cystic Fibrosis, Great Strides Walk or at least get really close!

- Family hikes

- Picnics in the park

- Taking Jack's 18 month photos.

- Get great results at Jack's annual CF testing!

- Do some home improvements around the house,

- Concerts and dinner picnic at the park

- Transition into my new job position...more on that coming soon!

What are your plans for the summer?

Mother's Day Weekend Recap

What an insane weekend we had! I took today off  just so Jack and I could recover from it! I will say Jack got lots of rest on Monday. He slept late and took a nice long nap.

On Friday Brian and I attended the wedding of my sweet friend Lesley. Lesley is one of my great friends. We met about 7 years ago while playing softball. We both were single and supported one another while on line dating. What I love most about her is when I met a guy online (my now husband) I was afraid to go out with him and she pushed me to not cancel. I always like to remind her that she had a small part in getting us together.

Brian and I don't spend a lot of time away from Jack. We've only went on one date since Jack arrived. Probably not the best choice... Any who, it was difficult for us to let loose and have fun for a bit but once the music started and I had plenty of wine we had a nice time!

It was really hard waking up at 4:30 with a screaming baby. I had a really tough time on Saturday morning but we got ourselves ready and we were off to my nephew's 6th birthday party. Jack had a blast! Lots of little ones running around and getting dirty.

BTW, Jack pooped on the potty on Saturday!!!!
He's been watching his cousin potty train for several months and little man picked it up easily!

Sunday morning Brian went to work so this momma didn't get much rest. Jack was up at 7:30. No breakfast in bed for me. Instead I got Jack dressed and we went out to Starbucks and out for bagels. My little man and I ate breakfast on our deck and shared some smiles. In the afternoon when Brian arrived home we went to visit my family to celebrate the rest of the day. We stayed late and I finished my busy, no relaxation Mother's Day with a sleepy baby on my chest along with NY Rangers hockey!

Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day!

Handmade Mother's Day Gifts

Yesterday I posted some lovely items for Mother's Day. Today I wanted to share some lovely handmade items. I just adore handmade gifts .They show the thought you put into it as well as the time and effort! They are also budget friendly and who doesn't love all of that?

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Over the weekend Jack and I had a good time making the butterfly foot print flower pots. I'll Share those tomorrow.  We also bought a bunch of pretty flowers and we planted together. It was an absolutely perfect afternoon together. We sat on the deck, ate cheese doodles, we crafted and we both smiled. I swear moments like that make being a mommy so extra special. It's what being a mommy is all about.

Are you making a handmade gift this year?

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is right around the corner. I feel like we were just celebrating my first Mother's Day last year. Time certainly flies by with a little one. I'm sure this one will a lot different than last year. I'll be on my toes running this year rather than relaxing like that year. Jack keeps me on my toes constantly. I should probably ask my husband to give me the gift of being on daddy duty all day long. I think I may put my feet up and have a nice glass of white wine as a gift to myself!

We don't do big gifts in our house but if we did these lovely items would certainly be on them.

mother's day by kj2380 featuring a modern clock

1. Sunglasses- To cover up my lovely circles under my eyes.

2. Pretty Purse- Because some times Jack's puppy back pack doesn't go with everything.

3. TIME- Above all I just want more time with my little man.

4. Stella and Dot Charms- To add to my my charm necklace.

5. Starbucks Gift Cards- Well, because.... Coffee

6. Bubbles Bath- Amazing Grace for a nice relaxing bath. It may take 10 years but I'll be prepared.

7. Pretty Pajama Pants- I just love lounging in my down time. Might as well do it in pretty clothes.


What are some of the items you're treating the moms in your lives this year?

What items are you loving this year.

Come back tomorrow for handmade gifts for mommies!!!