The Dusha's: Spring, are you out there? Please?

Well like most Minnesotans, I am sick of this winter. We have had our fair share of colds the past month and it's been far too cold to do much outside with the kids. This weekend is the exception as it is nice enough. I am at my parent's and forgot the kids' boots but brought all the rest of their gear. Sheesh.

So as I mentioned I am here at my parent's for the 2nd weekend in a row. It gives me a little reprieve and help to be here and helps to have a change of scenery for the kids. Actually I think there's a bit more to do here (yes, in Morris) because I can take them to the community center to the water slides, swim, play, etc. It beats being inside the house! Ryan has been gone the past two weekends with bball related stuff, but this is single mom season (though some like to refer to it as basketball season - same thing).

I try not to bring up work here because nobody really wants to hear about how "bad" I have it when I should just be thankful for a job. DISCLAIMER: I love what I do, but not in the environment I do it in. But I can't resist. It's been really tough and not tough in a "I wish I were just home with my kids" tough. Tough like I don't seem to be able to do anything right there. And it's frustrating for me because I have been there 8 years and never have I had so much "flak" for the way I do my job (which those people will remain anonymous here). The reason for my frustration is that I really struggled with the decision to come back or stay home permanently. So when I finally made the decision late last summer to return to my school I knew I had to do it 110%. I have "given" more to my job this year than any other year (besides maybe my 1st year when I just wanted them to realize that I was the best person for the job, blah blah blah). I have held more informational meetings for families, started a web site, written articles for the paper - all in a way to make sure that it is clear that I want there to be very good communication between myself, families and the community. And it's been a total slap in the face to be there. I don't cry often, but when I do it is always about my job. Is it worth it?? I don't know because if I am not going to be working there, then I don't want to live here at all. I don't "trust" the community so why continue to support it? I don't know, maybe I am bitter - but what I am is frustrated for giving it my all and knowing that it is still not enough for the people of this school district. So my family and I need to make some hard decisions... TBD... And for the record it was National Counselor Appreciation Week at my school. I am the only counselor there, I bet you can guess how many people said thanks this week. Don't get me started on all the hoopla we do when it is teacher appreciation week! =)

On a bright note - my kids are doing amazing. They are thriving and excelling at Tina's. Teague is very ready to start preschool (another decision to make - where to start him, always thought it would be in our district...) and Lola is saying new words everyday. I am so impressed that even LOLA is learning manners! Who knew?! I am like a proud peacock when it comes to them because they bring me so much joy and pride. What would I do if I weren't a mom? Probably shop too much.

Here are some pictures from the past two weekends at my parents' home. Happy Valentine's Day, we are celebrating by having our taxes done! =)