Today was my first day back to work since Declan was born & it went very well! It was wonderful to be back with my students and colleagues again. Kyle kept me updated all day which was super helpful/comforting and sent pictures all the time. 1 down...20 to go!!

Just goofing around on my last day home.  Tomorrow I return to work so today I am making.this.moment.last.

Here are a few pieces of advice:

Be kind to everyone you meet.
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Be the most positive person you know.

Don’t judge people.

Stay close to God.

Nothing good happens after midnight-George C Kelly Jr

I think like anyone I am most afraid of losing someone close to me,.  I know death is eminent for all of us and hard whenever it happens, whether out of the blue or after months of battling a disease.  I take comfort in knowing that with my faith I can get through it but I don’t want to ever have to face that.

I have an incredible job, well 2 now I guess, first I am MOM became one in January & that is the best job ever and I wish it was my only job but right now, it’s not.  So…job #2: I teach students that are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  This job is challenging, rewarding, frustrating, inspiring, and awesome all rolled up into one.  Each day brings a new opportunity to enrich and touch the lives of so many wonderful kids and I savor that.  I have to the power to affect someone’s life forever and I work hard to make sure those students know they can do anything they want.

This hands down goes to Sarah Markle over at Saturday's Story as she was part of the reason why I started this blog.  Sarah eloquently writes about her journey through life but more recently motherhood.  Since our children are a month a part I turn to her blog for guidance, support, and laughter.  She is able to put into words and be honest about her journey through motherhood.  Sarah is supportive and insightful and I highly suggest you add her to your favorites.

This was hard to narrow down because I love quotes and have collected them my whole life so I picked two that I love.  Here is the first:

“Perhaps the most important accomplishments of your life may go unnoticed but that’s all right.  You didn’t do them to be appreciated.  You did them for God from the goodness of your heart, to brighten other people’s lives or to make the world a better place to live in.” –Joshua in the Holy Land

That quote was from a rip of calendar my Mom or Dad owned.  I got it in high school a very pivotal time in my life where I was starting to stand out for my athletic ability and I was a part of some really good teams with talented young ladies.  This quote helped put things in perspective for me.  My athletic ability was a gift and I had to treasure that gift and use it to my best ability to help out my team.  This quote now pertains to many aspects of my life and I carry it with me daily.

The second one is from my girl Mother Theresa who was an astonishing person and is one of my role models.  The quote goes like this:

“Let no one come to you without leaving happier or better.”

Imagine if we all took that quote to heart how much better the world would be?  We would think twice about what we say to people and how we treat them.  It always goes back to the golden rule “treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

Confrontation makes me completely uncomfortable.  Whether it is for a good reason or not I hate confronting people.  My hands shake, I get a pit in my stomach, and get way too nervous.  I like to try and avoid it at all cost *but* when I have to do it I always feel better after the confrontation is complete and I get how I am feeling or what I am feeling out.  So sometimes making myself uncomfortable eventually leads to making myself feel better...

I am a half glass full (preferably wine ;-)), bright side, life is real good kind of lady.  I cherish many things in life especially my family & friends.  I met my husband during college while playing basketball and the rest is history.  We were recently given the best gift we’ve ever received in January, a son, whom we named Declan.  He.is.absolute.magic.  I’m a devout Catholic and love the traditions of my religion which are interwoven into every fabric of my being.  I had the best childhood ever.  We were far from rich in wealth but the wealthiest kids around because of the love and support from my parents.  I love my brothers and they are each wonderfully unique and 4 of the best men I’ve ever known, how lucky am I to have them as my best friends.  Marrying Kyle was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.  He is my support, my heart, my life-line, & my very best friend.  I believe every person has a story and gift to share with the world.  I am a constantly learning and trying to become a better person.   My parents set the bar high on how to raise children.  The older I get the better life seems to get.  Through my job I learned communicating without speaking is more powerful than you can ever imagine, it gives you a deeper perspective on life & what’s really important.