My First Blog Post

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis

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I love a good quote. And this quote illustrates that I’m not too old to embrace my new goals and dreams! Keep reading to find out why I started this blog! Especially since I NEVER thought I’d have a blog. Like ever.

I have wanted to be a grade two teacher for as long as I can remember. I was blessed to be taught by and to associate with some top drawer teachers, my dad being one of them. For a while there, I did say I wanted to be a dental hygienist, but that is only because my older sister, who I idolized, said she wanted to be one. (Seriously, I idolized her. Actually, I still do. Hahah!)

My dream came to fruition! I went to college and university to become an elementary school teacher. A whole six years’ worth of post secondary school! (Keegan and I got married a few months after I graduated with my teaching after degree. All I brought to the marriage, other than myself, was clutter, $50,000 worth of debt and a huge pile of issues. But that’s for another post… or ten.)

I LOVE teaching. I come alive when I teach. It fills me up. I love being witness to those amazing light bulb moments when I can see a student get the concept. Absolutely life affirming! I have found such a creative outlet in teaching. And interacting and associating with such marvellous little humans energizes me. I need to also mention, though, that as energizing and rewarding as it is, it is absolutely exhausting and challenging. Come to think of it, that is like every good thing in life.

After Keegan and I had our first child, Evie, I wondered how I could ever leave her to go back to teaching. Leaving my one year old baby with a babysitter was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I think I cried more than her. We both ended up doing just fine, though.

I went back to work for two more years, and boy, did I have a steep learning curve in all things working-mom guilt. I had been schooled in mom guilt, but I was not prepared for the working-mom guilt. Seven years later and I still feel that. And sometimes I wonder if Evie and I struggle because she secretly harbours resentment toward me for abandoning her.

I stopped working when I had Bennett, our baby #2. Wait, I mean I stopped working outside of the home. It’s laughable to say I stopped working. Hahahahahah! Hahahahaha! Hahahaha! (Stay at home life is for another post.) Twenty one months later, we had Lachlan, baby #3.

I have not returned to the teaching profession in five years. To begin with, I struggled a tad not returning. I felt like I was making a difference and I felt valued when I taught. I knew I was an important person to 20+ students and that made me feel like a million bucks. Plus I was lucky to work with colleagues who became my friends. My social quota was always met. It is safe to say that staying at home was an adjustment. However, I have taken my stay at home mom role and have embraced it. There are aspects I miss about teaching, but I have loved being home. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. I’m there for my kids, and I’ve been there for my extended family and for friends. I’ve been involved in my church and community, too.

I have identified that I need to have a creative outlet. I mentioned earlier that teaching was that creative outlet for me. I have dabbled in brush lettering as well as making punny cards. I love a good pun.

One day, in August 2019, I was texting a friend, and out of nowhere I had this very strong impression that I needed to start writing. This isn’t completely out of nowhere because it’s been a far off dream of mine to become an author of children’s books (and have my husband illustrate them. Awww, romantic!) It was quite random, though. I haven’t thought about it for years. As I was texting my friend, I started to cry. I cry when I feel the Holy Ghost. I knew this strong feeling came from a divine source. I called my husband Keegan and we talked it out, while I continued to cry. Keegan knows how I feel about teaching and how I feel it’s my calling in life. We talked about how I don’t think I can go back to teaching in a classroom full time. Through our phone call, we discussed how I could teach through my writing. I could blog. I could write books. People could learn from what I had to say, which means I’d still be TEACHING. I felt on cloud nine!!! I have learned so much recently and I’ve wanted to share it with people.

So, my people, I’m ready to share. I’m ready to share the good, the bad, the ugly. Let’s not forget the funny. I’ll definitely be sharing the funny. I hope that in some way, there will be something you read on this blog that will validate you, support you, or give you that little kick in the pants that you may need. And disclaimer? This momma needs many kicks in the pants.