Free-Lancer?

Endings and Beginnings

Last day of April. Good day to reflect on my Grandma Sabbatical Tour since the inaugural post (I'm sooo dramatic...). Augie is nearly three months old now and his mommy is taking very good care of him! He's growing and beginning to "coo" and laugh at all his fans. He truly is a blessing to all of us, and he's favored by his three girl cousins! The four of them have been enjoying playing at each others houses, having play and lunch dates and making Facebook and Instagram appearances daily! For the last three months, I've been very fortunate to be watching it all happening! Our not-so-little family is the center of our lives and the blessings that come daily immeasurably fill our hearts!

From L to R: Mila (4.5 y.o.) Addi (2 y.o.) Augie 

Mrs. Pelaez Teaches Lives On...

Screen shot of the first posts after decision.

Three Months Later...

A month after Augie was born, my husband suggested that I start a little tutoring- a few afternoons in order to get my teacher-fix. It was something I had thought of doing eventually, but his encouragement propelled me to consider it sooner, rather than later. He even offered a small conference room in his office building equipped with a nice conference table, comfy chairs (that can be adjusted and spin!) as well as a  yuuuuuuuuuuge TV (a little Trump-ee here) to use as a computer monitor. Furthermore, not ONE, but two dry erase boards! Let me just say that my heart raced immediately at the thought that I could create a little classroom in that space and continue doing what I was born to do. 

My head raced of all the materials that I had just sold (because I was NEVER going back into the classroom!) and remembered that I still had tons of stuff that I could still hold on to in case...this little tutoring actually took off! The rest of that day (did I say we were at the beach?) I was developing my business plan... How much would I charge? How do I build a clientele? How many days should I offer services? Will anyone come to the office? Should I visit student's homes? Yada-yada-yada....

All it took was ONE little nudge and,  ONE Instagram post, and immediately my business plan was put into action! ONE teacher friend contacted me ( you know who you are) and then another (you know who you are too!) and then, my ex-ex Assistant Principal (and you know who you are!!!) and then, a friend from my church- also a fellow teacher, called (yep! you know who you are too!), and before I knew it, my husband's little offer was beginning to come to fruition. 

As I started writing above, the last day of April is a good day to look back at the last three months and put in black and white how I’ve been reminded that there's always something to be grateful for. This crazy life that we all live (some run through) has to have purpose. I certainly know that it’s not always very clear to us, but we must always be grateful for the times of adversity and remember that we are being pruned. Made better, more like Him.

I believe that we (believers or not) must be vigilant, we must constantly be listening and allowing ourselves to grow. It just so happens that this past Sunday, once again, God was talking to me (He's in the habit of doing that!) through the Gospel.  What started out as an act of rebellion in my part, has flourished into the best-gig-ever!  Not only do I get to assist, share and be part of my daughters' mommy-hood (I keep making up words!) but I also get to be "Mrs. Pelaez" and still get my daily teacher-fix!

Sunday, 4.29.18 Gospel according to John 15:1-8:   

Jesus said to his disciples: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you.