I'm Still Out Here..Somewhere

Who had the brilliant idea of beginning 3 blogs during the summer with full intentions of up-keeping them ALL faithfully even once school started?
Yeah....it was me...I'm brilliant like that.

Ugh.  I have been decently good at updating our classroom blog every few days but I suppose it's because I know I have parents following - plus we're doing some crazy awesome things too!  Wanna check us out and leave some comments?  We would LOVE it!  Check us out here!

Anyways, back to this blog. I'm putting it out there right now that I'm going to commit to at least a weekly post here.  Whether it be an update on what we're doing in the classroom, professional development I've stumbled upon, a complaint that I can't give up or who knows what else....I will have a post up.  Someone track me down and keep me accountable!

But today I'm writing about the "b" word....balance.  Holy moly I wish there was a formula for finding it quickly!  And I wish there was a way to explain to others how to manage it best.   But there's not so every year I'm left to my own resources and muddle my way around to find that  perfect balance.  Here it is, the beginning of 2nd quarter and I feel comfortable that I've found that balance. Although there are definitely days where I am certain that I'm just trying to keep my head above water and am sooooo far behind.  Please tell me I'm not alone on that one.  For the most part, I am able to get my planning done at school...there is minimal grading...I feel more focused both at home and at school. Don't get me wrong, I still have those days but they are fewer than usual.  I must be doing something right.  Not sure what it is.

Some days I think it's that I've been teaching this grade level for 4 years now and kinda have the hang of it.  Other days I think my class is just great and makes my job easier.  I think though that it's a good mix of both.  That and that I know God placed me here (that's a whole other post in itself).  I wouldn't choose any other job - I love where I'm at. I think that plays a huge part in it.  I also attempt to make use of every single plan time I have as much as possible.  Well, and the fact that with 2 little ones at home it doesn't leave much room for doing school work at home. There's just so much going on that I don't know what exactly to contribute it to but I definitely feel that every year I am able to find that balance a bit quicker and maintain it a tad longer than the year before.  Thankfully!

So what is your tip for finding that balance quickly? Or have you found that balance? If not...I promise it'll come to you if only for a day or two but you'll get it ;)