Beginning my journey from relaxed to natural hair

I have finally decided to stop getting relaxers and embrace my natural hair. I had my last relaxer at the beginning of June. I am five months into my transition to natural hair. In the last five months, I have learned a lot about my hair. I've expiremented with a variety of protective styles. The following are the styles I've tried out: braids, a straw set, pony tail, bun, roller set, braid out, and a silk wrap. Soon I will try a twist out with some flat twists. Thus far it has been a lot of work to take care of my own hair instead of going to a salon every two weeks. I do intend to find a stylist that can help with my transition. Granted there are days that I've thought about going back to a relaxer; but I've decided to stick it out. The possibilites are endless. There is so much to learn about taking care of my hair. This is an awesome adventure.

Reflecting on the past 9 years

I have grown and changed a lot in the last 9 years. So much has happened. I graduated from college, got married two months later. Then I embarked on my job search. I didn't find a teaching job right away so I decided to apply at a school district as a substitute; which was something I really had no desire to do. But I swallowed my pride and applied. When I was going through the substitute training I got an interview and was hired as a long term sub for a 4th grad class. This proved to be a very stressful experience. But I guess it was better than going from class to class or school to school. While I was teaching as a longterm sub a friend of mine told me about an opening the school she was teaching at. I applied for the job, went on the interview and a week later was hired. I finally had my first full time teaching job. I was stoked. It proved to be hard to take over a fifth grade class in the middle of the school year. But, I did very well and had a great rapport with the students.

In the years that followed I had 4 beautiful children. First my son Sean was born Feb. 2004. My second son was born the following year. I became a stay at home mom after I had him. 2 years later my third son was born; followed by my daughter 2 years after him. I've been a stay at home mom for 6 years now. I've had my ups and downs. I have four smart, well mannered children. I often get complements about how well mannered they are and how well they listen to me when I tell them to do something.

After I had my daughter 2 years ago I started to think about what I wanted to do in life, especially since soon all four of my children will be in school. I am seriously considering going back to school to work on my Master's degree. So now I'm in the process of researching schools and programs. This July my husband and I will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. Hard to think that so much time has passed.
One thing that I've realized that the only time I have is the now. It's funny how most people often spend their time in the future. I decided 3 years ago not to worry about anything. Especially things that are out of my control. I don't have to accept or tollerate the bad behavior and treatment of other people. I've grown a lot spiritually too. I am always reading something.

Tomorrow my son Tavean will graduate from Kindergarten. It's moments like these that make me to think about when he was born and his early years home with me. It also makes me feel emotional and a little weepy eyed too. But it's good to be able to see my children grow and accomplish new things. Tavean has learned so much this past school year. It has had it's ups and downs; but more ups than downs. I look forward to enjoying his day with him.

I'm know I've said it before but I'm going to try to do more of this blogging. It just seems like my busy life with 4 little ones keeps me from it. But if other people can do it I can too.

Here I am a blessed mother of 4

It's been two years since my last blog. Long time. I've been pretty busy. Since then I've had another baby. Finally had a girl. She'll be one years old next weekend on the 27th. My children are growing up so fast. My oldest is 6 and almost finished with his first year of Kindergarten. My other two sons are 2 soon to be 3 and 4 soon to be 5. Lately I've been thinking about going back to school and earning my master's degree. I'm thinking about becoming a reading specialist. Hopefully I'll be starting soon. I will do it online. I am so determined. Since the start of of the year I've been working out at least 3 days a week most week. Since January I've lost about 10 pounds. I'm about 20 -25 pounds from my ultimate goal but only 15 from my first goal that I set after having my last baby. Which to me is pretty impressive. I'm determined to be healthier. I'm so glad that tomorrow is the first day of spring.

Life as a young educated stay at home mother

I have been a stay at home mom for almost 3 years now. Prior to my becoming a stay at home mom I was an elementary teacher. Responsible for shaping the minds of young children. Now I am responsible for raising and caring for my own 3 young children. Sometimes it can be very hectic and overwhelming. After I had my oldest I returned to work and placed him in childcare. The experience was not the greatest. The 15 months of his life that he was in the care of others he went to 3 different caregivers. I am with my children daily and I teach them things. All three are smart as whips. They are ages 4 to 11 months old. Overall I enjoy the time with my children. There are many who don't understand why I would want to stay home with my children day in and day out. Hey they are mine and I love it. They keep me plenty busy. No sitting down and eating bon bons for me.