When one door closes....

As I finished my first year of teaching, I realized I was missing something.  Yes, I had dozens of crazy first-year-teacher stories, wonderful coworkers that are now great friends, and a cute little two bedroom apartment decorated in nothing but stars.  However, mid-year I realized I wasn't bogged down with lesson plans or stressed about what to teach anymore and I missed learning.  I love to be challenged.  I love to think and discuss.

I love to learn.

In my second year of teaching (in a new district, teaching a new grade level, with a brand new baby while building a house...whew!) I decided I wasn't busy enough?!  Ha.  I decided to begin a graduate program in order to become a future school administrator.  I researched ISU, Drake, and Viterbo, and ultimately chose ISU because of the easy communication, similar set-up to UNI which I was familiar with, and weekday classes vs. weekend (mostly).

Then, life got crazy.  Didn't I say I like to be challenged?  Well that happened alright.

While keeping up with classes, 20-page research pages, discussions, group projects and more...I taught 140+ 8th graders all about rocks, raised a baby into a blossoming terrible-two's toddler, had another baby, and made our house into a home.  The last two years have proven to be interesting, challenging, and oh so rewarding.

I've officially graduated with my Master's in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University.

I said it!  I typed it!  It's kind of sort of sinking in.

With one door closing, another door opens.  I decided I wasn't ready to be bored next year without grad school so...

I have accepted a 5th Grade teaching position at our brand new elementary {not even finished being built yet} in Waukee!  I am SO excited for SO many things {including a giant list of pinterest classroom ideas for all things elementary....stay tuned!}

When one door closes another one opens.  Here I come, elementary school!

Sweet week-old Kate watching mommy type paper, after paper, after paper...

(I know you're jealous that this is how I got to spend my maternity leave... =)