Priorities...

This week I realized that my priorities have changed over the past 9 years. It was only 9 years ago that I was completing my National Board Certification at the same time I taught 1st grade and attended graduate school. Life was busy, but I have a great husband and I was able to succeed with both my National Board and my Master's. Now only 9 years later things have changed. Here I am about to renew my National Board and wondering where I can find the time. I still teach full time, but my afternoons and evenings are spent carpooling, helping or playing with my two children. This week I realized how important those car rides are to my daughter. You see my daughter is 11 and a very talented competitive cheerleader. This is her 3rd year cheering, but her first year at her new gym. She is on two teams, one a youth level 5 team. Youth 5 teams are kids under 12 that have level 5 skills (the highest ). There are only a few of these teams in the nation, due to how rare it is for girls so young to be so talented. This week we learned that due to politics the whole youth 5 division as well as many other things may change next year. There is even a chance youth 5 could be eliminated all together. Katherine still has one more year to be eligible for youth level teams and was hoping to be on Youth Elite again next year. In May, when she tried out for her new gym she was throwing tucks and a few layouts here and there. Now she can do a full and she can do it well. To see her tumble across the floor and hit the landing perfectly is all any mom could want. Katherine spent 5 hours at the gym yesterday just to help make a video to save her team. It was amazing to see how motivated she was to help "save" what she believes in. Although the voting has ended her "save youth 5" video can be seen on youtube for many days to come. Unfortunately, we won't know the result until March 1st.

When National Board asks what are you most proud of that you did over these last 10 years... My answer: I raised two kids... two great kids that have passion and determination to stand up for what they believe in. So, I guess you can say my priorities have changed.