The week started off a little rough with Naomi getting a fever at daycare on Monday afternoon followed by Mia waking up sick on Tuesday.   : /  Luckily, Joe was able to work from home so I could make it to my first day of work

My first few days teaching have been really great. Each day has been a little easier as I'm getting more and more familiar with the curriculum.  

Mia loves school daycare and likes to wear her backpack every day even though there's nothing in it. 

She hasn't shed one tear and has been an active participant in her class, which makes me one proud mama.

Naomi has been a little slower to adjust but overall is doing well.

I think Naomi might miss Mia more than she misses me.  It's really sweet.

And, now I'm off to bed because after 3 days of teaching I feel like I've been hit by a bus!  

Yep, I am going back to work next week.  I accepted a long term subbing position (a maternity leave) teaching 2nd grade at Cherry Creek Academy where I used to work.  I'll be working full-time for 10 weeks.  The girls will be attending a daycare center that is right in our neighborhood.  

I am so nervous.  Even though I truly feel like this is the right decision, I am still so worried about my girls.  I know they'll probably adjust better than I do, but what if they don't?!?

And, then I remind myself that it's only 10 weeks.  I mean seriously, how many stay at home moms get the opportunity to be a working mom for a short period of time.  

I'm excited to have something to add to my resume because even though I think doing letter of the week with my kids is super awesome, it probably won't sound as impressive to a future employer.  

I'm excited to make a little money.  After paying for daycare it's not a ton but it's enough to make it worthwhile.  It will feel good to contribute financially instead of only contributing through my amazing cooking and cleaning skills. ; )

I'm also excited to feel valued.  Feel like I'm doing well at something.  (Not looking for a pity party but let's be honest, toddlers and preschoolers don't exactly appreciate the fresh fruit and vegetable juice you make them or that you change their diaper so they don't get a diaper rash or that you organize their playroom so they have all the pieces to every toy, etc...)

With that said, I do value my time at home with them and know that they do to.  Which, is why I'm hoping I don't love the working mom thing and it will only recharge me to be a better stay at home momma when I'm finished.

Trust me, I realize how lucky I am that I get the option to be home and also have a career that I love that I know I'll be able to return to someday.  I will never take that for granted.

Starting next week, life will look a little different at the Jones house.  Not better, not worse, just different.  

If you think about it, please pray for us. 

Pray that my girls adjust well to daycare.

Pray that I have the energy and patience to be a great teacher and a great mom.

I will keep you posted on how we are all doing.

(These last 2 pictures were to remember our last Friday play date before my friend Abby moves to Pittsburgh and I start work.)

Some other posts through my journey of being a working and stay at home mom:

 http://jonesliving.blogspot.com/2011/01/working-mom.html

http://jonesliving.blogspot.com/2011/06/change-in-plans.html

Here are some other pictures from our trip to MN...

The girls on the airplane.

Joe and I with Ryder.

Sweet, sweet, Ryder.

Daddy and Mia making bird feeder ornaments.

This is how Naomi loves to be held…she is such a cuddly girl.

Baking.

Joe and I took the girls to Mall of America, which was so fun!

Grandma with her three grand babies.

Happy New Year!!!  We had such a fun New Year's Eve with cousins.  The girls made pizza and party hats and had lots of fun dancing and making noise! 

I've been thinking about a New Years resolution and am honestly just wanting 2014 to be better.  2013 was one of the hardest years for me.  I won't go into details on here but it was definitely rough.  I like the idea of choosing a word for the year so my word for 2014 is: Intentional.  I want to be more intentional in my marriage by having more date nights and spending quality time with Joe, I want to be more intentional with my girls by limiting cell phone use while we are playing at home and being more consistent with discipline, I want to be more intentional with my personal time by allowing myself to have personal time and spending it reading my Bible and exercising.  2014 is the year of intentionality because in order to make 2014 the best year yet, it will require work, and I am so willing to put forth the effort.  

Here are the top moments from 2013:

(Click on the text below to be directed to the corresponding post)

11.  Doing letter of the week with Mia

10. Thanksgiving play-date with friends

9. Trip to MN for my sister's baby shower/Christmas in MN

8.  Snorkeling in the crystal clear water of Belize

7.  Mia's Minnie Bow-tique 3rd Birthday

6. Naomi's Under the Sea 1st Birthday

5. Date night to see Josh Groban in concert at Red Rocks

4. Joe's Graduation

3. Creating a playroom in the basement

2. Cruise to the Caribbean

1. My Nephew, Ryder, being born

Here's to 2014 being the best year yet!  If you had to pick a word for the year, what would you pick?!?