October 13, 2011
California Here We Come!
We had our traditional Davis family vacation to California this year. Oh, how I love this trip. We get a beach house somewhere in Southern California (this year was Oceanside) and just relax, boogie board, read, take naps, eat good food, play games, and maybe take a day trip to a theme park (Disneyland usually). We go every 2-3 years and we've been doing it ever since I can remember. This year we went with the Glen & Janene Davis family for the last time because our families are just getting too big. We had a blast as usual! The weather unfortunately at the beginning of the week wasn't great. The ocean was warmer than the air! But by the end it was sunny & warm! We spent hours in the ocean and I got trampled by a few waves. We decided to leave Palmer with Brad's parents. We missed him terribly but it sure was nice to have a little vacation ourselves. He did great for them and it was fun for them to have some more bonding time together. Here are some pictures of the week!
Palmer at 6 Months
My sister-in-law, Rachel, and I took 6 month pictures of Palmer. They turned out pretty cute! These are some of my favorites:
October 8, 2011
Do I Miss Teaching?
Boy I feel like I get asked this question a lot. So I decided that maybe it was about time to write my feelings down on paper (err.. I mean on the world wide web). Besides I think it's probably good for me to sort out all of my feelings regarding this question. So below are the things that I do and don't miss about my past career.
What I Miss:
-Being surrounded by a whole bunch of adoring students. I even loved just walking down the hallway or in the cafeteria and children that I didn't even know come up and give me a hug or say hello. Makes you feel good!
-Seeing the excitement on a student's face when they finally grasped a difficult concept or they understood something new.
-Gaining 30 new friends/children each year. You grow pretty close to those students and I always had a hard transition into the next year because I didn't want to let go of "my kids".
-Teaching Social Studies (American History). I loved most subjects (except for writing) but Social Studies was by far my favorite. I loved the simulations, projects, and most of all the appreciation and pride for our wonderful country that I tried to instill in my students. They finally truly understood why we celebrated Independence Day and the sacrifices made for our rights today. So many students complain that history is boring- but it all depends on how it is taught and it made me feel good that I was doing my best to bring it to life.
-Working with adults- sometimes it gets a little dull around the house and I crave adult interaction. I loved talking with Ruth (the secretary) and Carolyn (my principal).
-Feeling like I was keeping myself educated. I hope to start attending some classes and such to not only keep up my license but to feel like I am still learning and expanding my own mind.
-The stricter schedule of my day. I think that because I had less time at home I probably used my time better. I would maybe say the stricter schedule to my year as well? It was strange when it turned to autumn last month because it was the first time in 20 years that I did not return to a school setting in the fall.
-The excitement of starting a new school year. I always had grand ideas of ways that I wanted to improve my classroom that next year. Most of them were forgotten by the third week of school when the craziness kicked in- but nonetheless it was exciting and motivating.
-Most definitely the paycheck. Not saying that I got paid well- but it's hard to see any of it go.
-Working with Amy Flynn (a fellow 5th grade teacher). She moved the year before I left so I don't know if this really counts but she definitely became a kindred spirit during hard times.
What I Do NOT Miss:
-The stress. There was always too much to do and not enough time. I always felt like I was letting something slip, but without devoting my entire life to teaching I had to let go at some point.
-Correcting papers. Grades. Report Cards. Oftentimes my evenings were ruined (and unpaid) trying to stay on top of grades.
-Parent Teacher Conferences. Enough said.
-Bad behavior or trying everything possible to motivate a student who could care less.
-Working with careless parents. It was heartbreaking to see some of my students fail purely because their parents didn't care.
-Working with some people that were impossible to please and inconsiderate to almost everyone around them. This was a biggie for me. When I get frustrated with Palmer I just remember what I could be dealing with and then I feel much better.
-Feeling inadequate. I knew I was a good teacher and my students scored well on end of year tests but I always felt like I was shorting them on something. Every teacher excelled in one or two categories. But I wanted to excel in all of them. Once again it comes down to the too much to teach and not enough time.
For the most part I just really don't even think about teaching. It almost seems like that was a whole different life of mine and now Palmer is my life. Do I wish I were back? Sure there are things that I miss and can't get in any other setting but for the most part I am happy with where I am right now. As I read through my list I realize that I still feel many of those emotions and can get those same highs & lows with just being a mom. I get to see the excitement on Palmer's face as he learns how to do a new trick. I get to have my child love and adore me every day (and of course I love and adore him right back). As my children grow up I can teach them the importance of our country, take them on field trips, and volunteer in their classroom. At the same time, I feel those feelings of inadequacy. Am I doing enough? It seems like some moms are so much better than I am but I have to remember that we all have our strengths and weaknesses. The stress of my day is different now but I still feel that there are so many things I would love to accomplish but somehow it just doesn't get done (make my own bread, become a better bargain/coupon shopper, study my scriptures more, exercise, etc.). I guess that's just life, huh?
Basically I loved teaching and I love being a mom, but I can't imagine doing both. Those hard nights when neither Palmer or I sleep well- I can't even imagine having to go to work the next day. I don't even want to think about how inadequate I would feel if I had to take care of work on top of church, home, family, friends, and my own little family responsibilities. I'm sure that if I had to teach for financial reasons I would make it work (and I know many amazing moms out there who are able to do all of the above plus some) but I thank my Heavenly Father every day for knowing that working might just put me over the top and letting us find a way for me to stay home. Will I ever go back? Possibly. I kept all of my stuff if that means anything. I don't forsee it anytime in the near future but maybe down the road I might get the itching to return. Who knows?
What I Miss:
-Being surrounded by a whole bunch of adoring students. I even loved just walking down the hallway or in the cafeteria and children that I didn't even know come up and give me a hug or say hello. Makes you feel good!
-Seeing the excitement on a student's face when they finally grasped a difficult concept or they understood something new.
-Gaining 30 new friends/children each year. You grow pretty close to those students and I always had a hard transition into the next year because I didn't want to let go of "my kids".
-Teaching Social Studies (American History). I loved most subjects (except for writing) but Social Studies was by far my favorite. I loved the simulations, projects, and most of all the appreciation and pride for our wonderful country that I tried to instill in my students. They finally truly understood why we celebrated Independence Day and the sacrifices made for our rights today. So many students complain that history is boring- but it all depends on how it is taught and it made me feel good that I was doing my best to bring it to life.
-Working with adults- sometimes it gets a little dull around the house and I crave adult interaction. I loved talking with Ruth (the secretary) and Carolyn (my principal).
-Feeling like I was keeping myself educated. I hope to start attending some classes and such to not only keep up my license but to feel like I am still learning and expanding my own mind.
-The stricter schedule of my day. I think that because I had less time at home I probably used my time better. I would maybe say the stricter schedule to my year as well? It was strange when it turned to autumn last month because it was the first time in 20 years that I did not return to a school setting in the fall.
-The excitement of starting a new school year. I always had grand ideas of ways that I wanted to improve my classroom that next year. Most of them were forgotten by the third week of school when the craziness kicked in- but nonetheless it was exciting and motivating.
-Most definitely the paycheck. Not saying that I got paid well- but it's hard to see any of it go.
-Working with Amy Flynn (a fellow 5th grade teacher). She moved the year before I left so I don't know if this really counts but she definitely became a kindred spirit during hard times.
What I Do NOT Miss:
-The stress. There was always too much to do and not enough time. I always felt like I was letting something slip, but without devoting my entire life to teaching I had to let go at some point.
-Correcting papers. Grades. Report Cards. Oftentimes my evenings were ruined (and unpaid) trying to stay on top of grades.
-Parent Teacher Conferences. Enough said.
-Bad behavior or trying everything possible to motivate a student who could care less.
-Working with careless parents. It was heartbreaking to see some of my students fail purely because their parents didn't care.
-Working with some people that were impossible to please and inconsiderate to almost everyone around them. This was a biggie for me. When I get frustrated with Palmer I just remember what I could be dealing with and then I feel much better.
-Feeling inadequate. I knew I was a good teacher and my students scored well on end of year tests but I always felt like I was shorting them on something. Every teacher excelled in one or two categories. But I wanted to excel in all of them. Once again it comes down to the too much to teach and not enough time.
For the most part I just really don't even think about teaching. It almost seems like that was a whole different life of mine and now Palmer is my life. Do I wish I were back? Sure there are things that I miss and can't get in any other setting but for the most part I am happy with where I am right now. As I read through my list I realize that I still feel many of those emotions and can get those same highs & lows with just being a mom. I get to see the excitement on Palmer's face as he learns how to do a new trick. I get to have my child love and adore me every day (and of course I love and adore him right back). As my children grow up I can teach them the importance of our country, take them on field trips, and volunteer in their classroom. At the same time, I feel those feelings of inadequacy. Am I doing enough? It seems like some moms are so much better than I am but I have to remember that we all have our strengths and weaknesses. The stress of my day is different now but I still feel that there are so many things I would love to accomplish but somehow it just doesn't get done (make my own bread, become a better bargain/coupon shopper, study my scriptures more, exercise, etc.). I guess that's just life, huh?
Basically I loved teaching and I love being a mom, but I can't imagine doing both. Those hard nights when neither Palmer or I sleep well- I can't even imagine having to go to work the next day. I don't even want to think about how inadequate I would feel if I had to take care of work on top of church, home, family, friends, and my own little family responsibilities. I'm sure that if I had to teach for financial reasons I would make it work (and I know many amazing moms out there who are able to do all of the above plus some) but I thank my Heavenly Father every day for knowing that working might just put me over the top and letting us find a way for me to stay home. Will I ever go back? Possibly. I kept all of my stuff if that means anything. I don't forsee it anytime in the near future but maybe down the road I might get the itching to return. Who knows?
September 9, 2011
Blogging Help!
Okay so I need some help on blogger. On some people's blogs on their contacts list it shows what the title and date of the latest post was for each contact. I want that. How do I put it on my blog? I've tried looking all over the place and call me stupid but I can't figure it out. Help anyone?
July 19, 2011
Our Summer in Pictures
Palmer has started solids. What a mess!
He is rolling all over the place these days! He is starting to scoot himself forward. Crawling here we come!
Palmer LOVES his daddy.
I was spoiled on my 26th Birthday!
We are part of a challenge with some members of my family which involves exercising and limiting treats. I am actually starting to enjoy running!
Brad went to Sweden and then Chicago for business.
He's turning into quite the world traveler!
Palmer has two teeth and is now sitting! Yay!
Happy 4th of July Everyone!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) came out in theatres. It was so fun to see but definitely made me sad to know that it is all over. Harry Potter has been a part of my life since I was in middle school. What an amazing series.
We've gone swimming a few times (here in SL and up at Lava Hot Springs). Palmer was not sure of what to think about it at the beginning but loves it now! Last time he fell asleep while we were in the pool!
Now we just have a couple of camping trips, a trip to California, and a family wedding to finish off the summer! Remember when you were a kid and it seemed like the summer was forever long? Time must go faster as an adult.
He is rolling all over the place these days! He is starting to scoot himself forward. Crawling here we come!
Palmer LOVES his daddy.
I was spoiled on my 26th Birthday!
We are part of a challenge with some members of my family which involves exercising and limiting treats. I am actually starting to enjoy running!
Brad went to Sweden and then Chicago for business.
He's turning into quite the world traveler!
Palmer has two teeth and is now sitting! Yay!
Happy 4th of July Everyone!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) came out in theatres. It was so fun to see but definitely made me sad to know that it is all over. Harry Potter has been a part of my life since I was in middle school. What an amazing series.
We've gone swimming a few times (here in SL and up at Lava Hot Springs). Palmer was not sure of what to think about it at the beginning but loves it now! Last time he fell asleep while we were in the pool!
Now we just have a couple of camping trips, a trip to California, and a family wedding to finish off the summer! Remember when you were a kid and it seemed like the summer was forever long? Time must go faster as an adult.
June 3, 2011
Oh How I Need You Summer
Okay really? I've tried to be patient with the weather this Spring. I know that Spring weather is always crazy and unpredictable but why oh why can't we just have a few more "70 Degree" days in there? How about "70" and not rainy days? Palmer is much happier when we can go out and so is mommy. Here is it is the beginning of June and I almost can't believe it because we had no nice Spring weather!
These are some of the things our family has had going on though while being cooped up (and a few of the days that were beautiful)...
Natalie got married! She was a beautiful bride and we're excited to welcome Cam Merrell into our family. Too bad they had to move to California...
We went to the Sand Dunes with Brad's family. Palmer got to ride a Prowler for the first time. I think Brad was more excited for this event than our lil' guy.
Palmer and I went to the Tulip Festival with my mom and Rachel. This was the first really warm day and it was delightful!
Palmer is becoming so much fun. His little personality is really starting to shine. He is full of smiles (and tears sometimes as well...) and his hair is growing back. Yay! We had a little rough patch with him waking up in the night multiple times wanting his binky but he's been getting better. Love/hate relationship with that binky! He is SO close to sitting (I can't wait) and he is now rolling over from his back to his stomach. The thing that we're trying to work on is taking longer than 45 minute naps. I never knew that a human could have such a strong internal alarm clock but he wakes up from every nap at 45 minutes on the dot. I can watch him wake up from the bedroom door. Yes- he's taking about 4-5 naps a day which means that I really feel trapped inside my house. Maybe just maybe he's going through a phase and will grow out of it? Please?
These are some of the things our family has had going on though while being cooped up (and a few of the days that were beautiful)...
Natalie got married! She was a beautiful bride and we're excited to welcome Cam Merrell into our family. Too bad they had to move to California...
We went to the Sand Dunes with Brad's family. Palmer got to ride a Prowler for the first time. I think Brad was more excited for this event than our lil' guy.
Palmer and I went to the Tulip Festival with my mom and Rachel. This was the first really warm day and it was delightful!
Palmer is becoming so much fun. His little personality is really starting to shine. He is full of smiles (and tears sometimes as well...) and his hair is growing back. Yay! We had a little rough patch with him waking up in the night multiple times wanting his binky but he's been getting better. Love/hate relationship with that binky! He is SO close to sitting (I can't wait) and he is now rolling over from his back to his stomach. The thing that we're trying to work on is taking longer than 45 minute naps. I never knew that a human could have such a strong internal alarm clock but he wakes up from every nap at 45 minutes on the dot. I can watch him wake up from the bedroom door. Yes- he's taking about 4-5 naps a day which means that I really feel trapped inside my house. Maybe just maybe he's going through a phase and will grow out of it? Please?
April 21, 2011
Life Moves Along in the Blink of an Eye!
Wow, life moves so fast that it seems like just yesterday I was writing my last post and then I realized that 2 months has flown by. Some happenings in the Buttars family include:
Palmer
*Palmer just turned 4 months old yesterday! It's so fun to see him developing and changing all the time. His big round blue eyes just melt my heart.
*He has learned how to roll from his tummy to his back which means it is nearly impossible to keep him on his tummy. He is also able to do a mini-push up on his tummy- he's just working those biceps and triceps out!
*His dad is so great at making him giggle all the time- I'm working on it :).
*He is able to support his head with his extra large cheeks and does a great job sitting with some added support. Before too long though his legs will get too chubby for his bumbo...poor kid. I am very anxious for him to learn how to sit on his own. Hopefully because he has such a large foundation it should be sooner rather than later!
* He loves cuddling with a stuffed animal to help him fall asleep. Don't mind the creepy stuffed animal in this picture! It's a Dr. Seuss creature and was the first thing I grabbed!
*He is just continuing to gain more and more weight! A couple of weeks ago I just weighed him on my home scale and he weighed in at a whopping 18 pounds! He is going through clothes like they are going out of style. He definitely is my weight lifting practice...all day long.
*Here is a picture of him on his blessing day...what a cutie. He was a GREAT baby that day. He didn't spit up all over his dad while up in the front of the chapel...that was what I was so worried about! It was a fun day to have all of our two families here for support.
Brad
Brad just recently accepted a new position at Packsize. He is now in the Sales Department and I believe the official job title is called a Sales Officer (which basically means he is over the salesmen...luckily not traveling to make sales). This should be a nice change of scenery for him. They treat him really well at Packsize and it's nice to be part of a company that is growing during this rough economy. Unfortunately he does have to travel some for his job. He has been gone all week to Louisville Kentucky and I definitely miss him.
Laura
Not too much new for me... I love staying home with Palmer. I can't imagine trying to balance work and him at the same time (thank you Brad). I did unfortunately fall down the stairs a few weeks ago and hurt my foot. It is now finally starting to feel better. Thankfully I wasn't carrying Palmer.
Other Family News:
*Kendra & Kris had a baby girl, Emmie, on January 25th. She is such a good baby and is darling. Here is a picture of her and Palmer...look at the size difference and they are only 5 weeks apart! I love the other picture because it looks like he is pulling the classic "yawn move" to get his arm around her.
*Andrew & Rachel had a baby girl as well on February 27th. She came 8 weeks early but thankfully is doing well! She was born at only 3 lbs. 2 oz. but is now weighing in around 4 lbs. 8 oz.! Her name is Annie. She is so tiny and precious. I don't have a picture of her yet but when I get one you better believe I'm posting it on this blog! We can't wait to get a picture with all 3 of the Davis grandkids side by side.
*Jessica & Riley announced that they are having a baby this September! They didn't announce until she was 17 weeks along so this pregnancy is going to fly by! They are having a girl...first one on the Buttars side.
*Sterling got home from his mission in Mongolia! We are so happy to have him home (especially Jaren who was sick of being an only child). He adjusted really quickly and it's nice to have the family complete.
*Kevin got in a pretty rough ATV accident but is recovering quite well. We're glad that he didn't get hurt worse.
*Rachelle and Natalie are both engaged which means craziness at the Buttars household. Natalie is getting married next month and Rachelle doesn't have a date planned yet. I can't believe they are both getting married.
Well that's all I can think of for now. I swear I need to make a goal to update this thing at least once a month.
Palmer
*Palmer just turned 4 months old yesterday! It's so fun to see him developing and changing all the time. His big round blue eyes just melt my heart.
*He has learned how to roll from his tummy to his back which means it is nearly impossible to keep him on his tummy. He is also able to do a mini-push up on his tummy- he's just working those biceps and triceps out!
*His dad is so great at making him giggle all the time- I'm working on it :).
*He is able to support his head with his extra large cheeks and does a great job sitting with some added support. Before too long though his legs will get too chubby for his bumbo...poor kid. I am very anxious for him to learn how to sit on his own. Hopefully because he has such a large foundation it should be sooner rather than later!
* He loves cuddling with a stuffed animal to help him fall asleep. Don't mind the creepy stuffed animal in this picture! It's a Dr. Seuss creature and was the first thing I grabbed!
*He is just continuing to gain more and more weight! A couple of weeks ago I just weighed him on my home scale and he weighed in at a whopping 18 pounds! He is going through clothes like they are going out of style. He definitely is my weight lifting practice...all day long.
*Here is a picture of him on his blessing day...what a cutie. He was a GREAT baby that day. He didn't spit up all over his dad while up in the front of the chapel...that was what I was so worried about! It was a fun day to have all of our two families here for support.
Brad
Brad just recently accepted a new position at Packsize. He is now in the Sales Department and I believe the official job title is called a Sales Officer (which basically means he is over the salesmen...luckily not traveling to make sales). This should be a nice change of scenery for him. They treat him really well at Packsize and it's nice to be part of a company that is growing during this rough economy. Unfortunately he does have to travel some for his job. He has been gone all week to Louisville Kentucky and I definitely miss him.
Laura
Not too much new for me... I love staying home with Palmer. I can't imagine trying to balance work and him at the same time (thank you Brad). I did unfortunately fall down the stairs a few weeks ago and hurt my foot. It is now finally starting to feel better. Thankfully I wasn't carrying Palmer.
Other Family News:
*Kendra & Kris had a baby girl, Emmie, on January 25th. She is such a good baby and is darling. Here is a picture of her and Palmer...look at the size difference and they are only 5 weeks apart! I love the other picture because it looks like he is pulling the classic "yawn move" to get his arm around her.
*Andrew & Rachel had a baby girl as well on February 27th. She came 8 weeks early but thankfully is doing well! She was born at only 3 lbs. 2 oz. but is now weighing in around 4 lbs. 8 oz.! Her name is Annie. She is so tiny and precious. I don't have a picture of her yet but when I get one you better believe I'm posting it on this blog! We can't wait to get a picture with all 3 of the Davis grandkids side by side.
*Jessica & Riley announced that they are having a baby this September! They didn't announce until she was 17 weeks along so this pregnancy is going to fly by! They are having a girl...first one on the Buttars side.
*Sterling got home from his mission in Mongolia! We are so happy to have him home (especially Jaren who was sick of being an only child). He adjusted really quickly and it's nice to have the family complete.
*Kevin got in a pretty rough ATV accident but is recovering quite well. We're glad that he didn't get hurt worse.
*Rachelle and Natalie are both engaged which means craziness at the Buttars household. Natalie is getting married next month and Rachelle doesn't have a date planned yet. I can't believe they are both getting married.
Well that's all I can think of for now. I swear I need to make a goal to update this thing at least once a month.
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