Meeska-Mooska-Mickey Mouse!

Hayden decided he wanted a Mickey Mouse party for his 2nd birthday. Here are some pictures from the great time we had. For our first "official" toddler birthday party, it went very well! We had some very tired kiddos that night! (Sorry, they're out of order, and I'm too pooped to fix them!)
Daddy working hard on birthday toys.

Only one shot of opening presents; I have, like, 15, that I know you don't care to see!
Eating Mickey Mouse cupcakes. Yummy! Hayden can say "cupcake" clear as a bell.

The daddies playing with toddlers in the waterslide (or "bath" as Hayden repeatedly called it!).

Not too sure about the slide.

Ready for a little boy's second birthday!

Our MM birthday outfit (and a snack).

Cupcakes that my friend Rachel helped me make; time-consuming but looked great!

Daddy works/manages a print shop; lucky for us!

Decorations.

Annoyed

Ever have one of those days/nights where you have so much you're thinking about that one last little thing just annoys the mess out of you? That happened tonight. I wasn't necessarily worried; I just have a lot on my mind. We're within 20 days of the MCT2, Hayden's 2 birthday is this weekend as well as Easter, my house is a disaster, we're all tired, etc. I know, pity party. Anyway, this neighbor called to complain about our dog. Whoo. This neighbor had already called my mom at one point about an incident where Belle apparently "charged" her. I don't know; I wasn't there. Tonight she called me to complain about how while she and another neighbor were bird watching today, Belle came to the edge of our property, went stiff-legged, and barked. Hmmm. Belle was still on our property. Hmmm. You think Belle's possessive because she stood on our property and barked at those coming near. Hmmm. She roams the neighborhood like every.other.dog on this street when she's out. Did I mention she's an inside dog? I don't know; I'm sure it's not much a big deal to anyone else, but after everything else, it just bugged me. Yes, she's getting older and she is very temperamental nowadays. But Hayden can do anything to her, and she's never once gone after him. Whatever. I know in the grand scheme of things, it's minute. But when we're all leaving our house before 6:30, I can't track her down. 9 times out of 10 she's back in the house before David leaves. From now on, we'll just definitely make sure. Wouldn't want to have to worry about her biting anyone because in the words of our neighbor, "that would be really bad." Hmmm.

One of my greatest flaws...

One of my greatest flaws is getting excited about something prematurely. Thus was the case this week (yet again...sigh). I saw an opportunity to change teaching positions and become a volleyball coach. I thought the position was for the middle school/JV team, but instead it was for the high school team (which includes middle schoolers). That put things in a different light.

Since I have no experience as a head coach, I was obviously passed over. And I understand why. But...I love volleyball. I want to coach someday. But "someday" is not "today." Unfortunately. There would have been many logistics to work out with Hayden and our current work schedules, but I knew if that was where God wanted me, He would arrange the minute details.

Sometimes I don't know if teaching is the best job for me. Don't get me wrong...I love what I get to teach. I love trying to make English new and interesting. I love being able to love on students...especially those hurting ones. And those who need a listening ear or a hug or encouragement seem to seek me out. I've thought about girls' ministry; I don't know. For now, I feel sort of in a slump. Maybe a door will open right in front of me instead of me trying to barrel them down.

Change

I feel a change coming. I am uncertain if it's the one I have at the forefront of my mind, or if it will be something completely unexpected. I thank God that He knows. I'm not sure what all to say. It has been a very trying year work-wise. I'll let you know as soon as I do.