Butterfly & Ladybug

Seagrove Beach, Florida - July 2013

I have finally decided to give blogging a try. It has been almost a year since I became a single mom and the girls and I have had many new experiences. I want to use this blog as a way to remember all of the good times we have. Since I have been horrible at keeping up with the girls' baby books, I thought this blog could serve that purpose too.

The title of this blog, Butterfly and Ladybug, comes from my nicknames for the girls. Ellie is my beautiful butterfly. She is so outgoing, loves life, and brings joy to all occasions! Ellie was born in May, 2006. She is seven and in second grade. Maggie is my lovely ladybug. She is very kind, a great helper, and sharp as a tack! Maggie was born in September, 2008. She is five years old and is in Pre-K.

I am so proud of my wonderful girls! They have gone through a lot these past twelve months but have stayed strong! They have made new friends at their new schools and adjusted well to moving to Lee's Summit. The biggest adjustment has been leaving our little house and moving in with my mom. We are so lucky that my mom has changed everything around in her house, and in her life, and welcomed us in! She has given the girls a wonderful bedroom and given me my own "apartment" in the basement. I don't know how we would have made it without her help! Love you, Mom!!!

I am still teaching 4th grade in North Kansas City but I am at a new school this year. After three years at Winnwood Elementary, I moved down the street to Chouteau Elementary. I have a nice class this year and we are working hard to bring them up to grade level. I have a great 4th grade team that has been a big help to me this year. But I still miss my old Winnwood friends and love seeing them at our reunions!

I'm going to post some highlights of the past year to get us up to speed. Then I am going to try to write a new post every few weeks.