I once thought the dumbest thing as I was looking at a humongous area map at a large shopping mall. I was in search of a specific store that I couldn't find, and then I noticed a bright red X with a speech bubble beside it. "YOU ARE HERE," it read.
Oh my goodness, I remember thinking. How does it know where I am?
And it took about 2.5 seconds for me to come to my senses and be grateful that I hadn't said it out loud. Geez, Kate. That's been some time ago, a few years maybe, but it's funny how I'm thinking about that bright red X this morning...
You are here.
If you're new to my blog, I'd like to welcome you and say thanks for stopping by. If you're a previously devoted reader (you know, a regular from over a year ago when I blogged consistently), I'd like to say welcome back. It's so nice to be back in this space I call my own.
You are here. And I'm so glad.
It's only polite that I update you, but it comes with a warning: a lot has happened. The past year, 2018, has come with a multitude of life changes--spiritually, financially, romantically, emotionally. The very beginning of the year started with a traumatizing loss for our family, one that I will never forget... I'm not comfortable talking about it just yet, but if there's ever a time when I feel it's appropriate for me to share, know that I will. Apart from that, I'll start at the beginning.
The last time I published here, I was married. Things were rapidly declining, and I wasn't sure how much longer that union would hold together, but still- I had a husband and picture-perfect family. But we all know how those things go... You never really know what goes on behind closed doors.
Eric and I separated in February of 2018... He moved out in March, and our divorce was finalized in May. Marriage is hard. Divorce is really hard. It took several months, but I can confidently say that he and I are in a much better place now. We've remained good friends, and I respect him tremendously as Vaught's father and the man that helped care for our family for nearly 5 years.
I've spent the better part of 2018 adjusting to newly single mom life, which has honestly been an adventure all on its own. I had to readjust emotionally and financially, neither of which were pleasant changes to make, but looking back, I'm proud of how far I've come. Although Vaught's dad and I share equal custody of little man, I knew I needed to transition myself into both parental roles in order to make up for a loss of balance in my home. It wasn't easy; his dad is so much better at discipline than I am, and I'm still so grateful for that! But after several months, I felt that I got the hang of it pretty well, and now we all have a routine that, for the most part, we're comfortable with.
I'm still teaching 6th grade Special Education at the same school where I accepted a job last year. I absolutely love my job and am looking forward to continuing my career as an educator for as long as I feel the Lord calling me to teach. I now have so many goals within the field that I want to reach, and I'm working hard every day to get there!
If you've been wondering about Chubs, he is four years old now, and is just growing before my eyes! He's doing wonderfully in his 4K class at school. He's fully potty-trained now and is so smart! He can hold complete conversations, which he does all the time. I never tire of talking to that little thing! Right now I'm actually waiting on him to get home from the mountains; he spent Thanksgiving there with his dad.
We've had a crazy-busy-fun 2018, but I must admit that I'm looking forward to a brand new year in just over a month. So what's next for me?
I'd like to think I wake up every single day and just strive to be happy and grateful to be alive and to be surrounded by family and friends who love me so dearly. I work hard at my job- I adore my kids, and I can't wait to see what I'll be doing in the next few years.
As for the blog, I'm glad to be back, and I hope you'll be checking in with me again really soon!
After all, you are here. X.
