Bring it On 2019

2018, what a year! It has been a roller coaster ride of events and emotions, but I wouldn't change it. It taught me some important lessons and made me step back and re-evaluate where my time is spent.

For the first time in my life I am working part time. That is not easy for me as I have either worked multiple jobs or full time since my freshman year of high school. At first I fought God on this one. I didn't think it was right or that it should be this way. It took many rejections and words from a new friend made in my part time position to see that this is what this year is supposed to look like for our family. I am supposed to be stepping back and spending more time with my sweet girl and husband. We have had more movie nights, weekend adventures, and have eaten much healthier as I now have more time to focus on making healthy meals. It has not been an easy transition. There has been lots to figure out, but God has seen us through each moment.

Even though we made it through the roller coaster ride of 2018, I am hoping that 2019 is a little less crazy. Although if its not we will just pray and follow God's lead to make it through. With that said, I do have some goals for 2019 that I am hoping to accomplish.

1 - Cook three or more healthy meals a week. This sounds like it would be easy but for us it is not. I have done better the last few months but I need to up my game and hit the three a week mark. I tend to fail towards the end of the week because we have swim classes and game nights with family.So I am hoping that if I can get two healthy meals at the beginning of the week then I can focus on one towards the end of the week. Our little family can use left overs for the days in between.

2. Actually organize all my personal and professional files. You would think that this would be something that I already have done, but no. My files are a hot mess and really need to be organized to regain a measure of sanity.

3. Live in the moment. I want to spend more time focusing on the here and now, instead of worrying about the future and holding onto the past. I have been blessed with a beautiful life and I need to spend more time actually enjoying it and showing my daughter how to enjoy life as well.

I don't know that I will be successful with all of these because sometimes life just happens and you have to change your goals, but these are the goals I would like to attempt in 2019.

Here's to 2019....may your be full of adventure, love, and many blessings : )

Ashley

Reflections on 2015

Good Morning!

As I sit and think about what to write for this post, I can't help but be a little shocked at all the things that I have done this year...in a good way of course. I am a very shy person outside of my little bubble of friends and family. Last year I was a new mom to my beautiful baby girl trying to figure out how to be a mom, wife, teacher, friend, person, etc. It was overwhelming and then on top of all that I decided to step way outside of my little bubble which is what is so shocking to me.

One year ago a good friend encouraged and helped me get this blog up and running. It was so far out of my element I didn't think it would last, but as you can see so far so good. Then a few months later she invited me, the rookie blogger, to be a part of the amazing Hello Sunshine Blog. For some reason unknown to me I said yes. Why not throw another blog in the mix. As it turns out that was a smart decision, those ladies are amazing and have been so welcoming and encouraging over this last year. Even when I miss a post or freak out because I feel like I have nothing to say, they are still there to pick me up and keep me going.

Around the time that I joined Hello Sunshine, I also got an instagram account to go along with my personal blog. Now lets keep in mind that at this point I still barely know how to blog and still don't understand all the parts of Facebook but I signed up anyway. Oh my goodness I had no idea the world that would open up for me. I have gotten so many great ideas and come across so many amazing teachers on instagram that its mind boggling. From there I was introduced to Periscope. That is even more amazing. I love watching teachers share ideas and tips on there. My personal favorite is Ashley from Schroeder Shenanigans in Second. She has some great tips and tricks. I still have yet to do a Periscope myself but who knows what 2016 will bring.

All of these things are amazing to me. I have never put myself out there like I have with the blogging and instagram. I am so grateful for Mrs 3rd Grade for encouraging and helping me along this journey and for the ladies of Hello Sunshine. I am achieving things that I never dreamed were possible thanks to the journey that are helping me walk along. Thank you to all the other teachers out there who have shared ideas, triumphs, and failures with all of us. It is more encouraging and uplifting than you could possibly know.

My final thoughts are of my goals for this next year. My goals are to become more consistent in my blogging for both my personal and Hello Sunshine. My other goal would be to attempt a Periscope. I would love to find the courage to let you all see me as I share something fun that I do with my kiddos. We will see how long it takes to find the courage.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and a beautiful beginning to 2016!

Ashley