A big break -- with snow!

Wow, we had a week-long break, two snow days and STILL it's been a month since I posted last?  Sorry!

Here are a few things I've been up to:

• Teachers pay Teachers -- I've been updating and posting new items.  I really like the fact that what I make helps others.  Plus, I add a bit more because it's not just for me.  I feel like now these are things I can really share with other teachers, whether they're in my building or around the country.  TpT encourages me to really have high standards for my work and also to add instructions so the items are standalone.  The kids all seem to like what I use -- but they never really seem to care, it's all the teachers' neuroses, right??
• Sewing class!  I'm teaching a sewing class to teachers at my school.  Real beginner stuff, like threading the machine, sewing a straight stitch, following a pattern.  I realized that I love sewing, I love teaching, why not put them together?  So we have a three-session class for basically materials cost with just four students so far.  I'd like to start teaching at the Rec department in town as well!  I created a website that has information for students and fellow sewing/crafting enthusiasts.  I'd love to expand this to an online community!
• Twitter -- okay, so it's been a long time coming, and honestly, it's hard for me to even admit that a) I'm not on Twitter and b) that I'm not comfortable using Twitter.  It's like my age group isn't old enough to say "oh you kids and your new-fangled technology" but at the same time I'm not young enough to want to add hashtags to everything I say.  There are those older than me or my age who use hashtags on a regular basis, and there are those younger than me or my age who don't know how to turn on a computer (practically), so there are exceptions, but I feel like I'm in a bit of a Twitter no-man's-land.  It's such a big jump, not like Facebook which is doable (on some levels) for every age.  Twitter....  Argh!
• Revamping my curriculum using Wiggin's & McTighe's Understanding by Design framework.  I've also been using Stephanie Harvey, Gretchen Owocki, and lots and lots of books on questioning, reading comprehension, workshop, and you name it I'm reading it.
• No Notice and Note!  We haven't met for our book group in a month, so I haven't been rereading and posting.  We were supposed to meet this week but we got snowed out.  Rats.  I'll post this weekend because I still love and treasure the book!!
• Birthday party for my son who is turning 5 was held at the city hall gym.  It was a blast!!  We invited the entire preschool class, but only the four or five kids he usually plays with, plus a few family friends and neighbors came.  Perfect numbers!!  We had scooters, balloons, face painting, tunnels.  You name it.  Oh, and cake and presents of course!  He's going to be in kindergarten this fall and our baby is going to turn 1 in two months.  How time flies.

Having written this list, I'm realizing just how busy I've been.  So thanks for letting me process my last month!  My ultimate goal is to be a great educator, but an even better wife and mother and all-around citizen.  Life-work balance is extremely difficult for me.  I'm an "all or nothing" sort of person, in just about every arena in my life and personality.  I want to figure out, even if it's hard, how to be present as my own children are little and also further my career and understanding of student development.  If anyone has any ideas, let me know!!!  Oh, and don't forget, I'm super social (read: external processor) so I use a LOT of time talking to people, both to connect and to process things.  How do you balance your work and home?  What gives?