Guest blogger: Teacher Steph

Hello! My name is Teacher Steph and I am in love with VIPKID!  It all started while I was searching for a part time job that would allow me to stay home with my one-year-old daughter during the day on my summer break from teaching.  I was looking for a part-time night job, anything really.  I stumbled upon VIPKID and did some research.  It seemed like a cool company and a good opportunity.  After passing the rigorous interview process (they want high quality teachers!), I was accepted as a VIPKID teacher! I was so excited.  It allows me to teach the hours I want, make good money, and be at home with my daughter Everly.  

VIPKID is so convenient for me, but that is not the only reason I love it.  The lessons are easy and fun to teach. There is very little prep time and no grading!  I have become TPR (Total physical response) and prop obsessed. Who knew I would have 4 different tigers to show the kids? I will do anything to make my lessons fun and interesting! 

The kids have stolen my heart.  They are so focused, driven, and incredible to be speaking and reading English at such a young age! I am so impressed.  My favorite thing is when I have a repeat student that is so excited to tell me about their day, or show me their hobby (like playing the harmonica), or make a connection with me over their love of Plants vs. Zombies.  I never thought I would care so much for children who are across the world from me.  

I am the luckiest teacher in the world. I get to travel to China and back every day to teach amazing children English!  If you are interested in becoming a VIPKID Teacher, please use my link and contact me for more information. 

https://t.vipkid.com.cn/?refereeId=5305061&partnerId=6890996

-Teacher Steph

Is it spring yet...

I feel like having an epic toddler fit and demand spring!  I am soooo over it!  Enough with the winter storm/ ice storm/ Arctic Blast/ wind/ flood crap!  Alex went sledding one time in December and his face is still bruised.  We have been doing the best we can to have some fun, but we want to go outside.  Our boys NEED to go out and play.  So bring on some better weather... We are waiting!  Lol.  Here are our best attempts at winter fun.

Getting my skinny back!

Before:

So I have decided to start writing about my journey to get back in shape.  Before I got married I lost almost 50lbs on weightwatchers.  After 2 kids and 5 years I managed to put them all back on.  In truth it was depressing. I've never been skinny in adult life, but I loved being in shape.  I'm at it again!  My goals this time is to make it a lifestyle change and finally keep the pounds off.  I am 30lbs down and I have 20 more to go.  So I wanted to show my progress.  Here's a look....

30lbs lighter:). 

Christmas Recap!

Another year has come and gone!  Amazing:).  Our Chistmas season went by way too fast as usual.  We had a season of firsts, first Christmas program, first Christmas with our puppy, also the first year they both "got" what was happening.  Cameron's "Merry Christmas ! Ho ho ho!"  Was too darn cute for words:).  Unfortunately both boys were sick with chest colds for Christmas and New Year, but we did our best to make it fun for them.  And now the photos!  Here is a look back on the most wonderful time of the year:)

3 or 12

Alex's school pictures were sent home yesterday. My little man is so photogenic, but I must note that he looks like such a big boy in them. Gone is the sweet toddler.. Enter school kid Alex. He is head and shoulders taller than anyone in his class.

Time for school

The day has come! My sweet baby, first miracle I was blessed with, is going to preschool! The funny thing is I am happy for him.. Nervous but really excited that he will be in an amazing program. Cam and I will miss him Tuesday and Thursday mornings!

Tales from the trailer

Camping with kids, sounds like fun huh? We have had a travel trailer and a membership to outdoor adventure for the last few years. Outdoor adventures is a family camp ground perfect for kids. While we love taking the boys it's not without it's stress. The packing is a long process. Weekend camping feels like set up, pack up, and where did my weekend go? However watching Alex fish or sitting around the fire makes it worth the work.

Our long labor day weekend was a perfect example of this. The boys loved it. They played, took long walks and slept really well after all that fresh air. Josh and I reminded each other that the chasing days are short lived:)