Temporary Long-Term Sub

What a strange combination of words in that title. I am working part-time as a long-term sub in a temporary capacity. Man, that is a mouthful!

Upon leaving my job in Texas, I knew that I wanted to continue my career. The challenge for me was going to be finding a good fit in Page. This is a small town, and job opportunities can be limited. I knew that I didn't want to return to teaching in the classroom, but I also knew that a second income was going to be important with the debt we have from Theo's doctorate program.

I actually put in an application with the school as a sort of back-up. Long story short, I was offered jobs at both the middle school and high school, but I could just not bring myself to accept a position. I had all these feeling of guilt and obligation. I wanted to please the people that had offered me work, but I was so not excited about the prospect of teaching!

I had been exploring the idea of doing consulting work, but wasn't sure how long that could take to get off the ground. It was actually quite a leap of faith to say no to the jobs that were offered. I had no solid backup.

Just before school was about to start, I got a call from the principal of the middle school, an acquaintance of mine. She told me that one of their teachers had resigned just two weeks before school was to start and she was in a panic. After much discussion, we decided I would work as a long term sub, only in the morning while they continued to look for another teacher. The understanding was, I could possibly leave for another job at any time.

I am teaching 8th grade English in the morning and helping a brand new sub (not a certified teacher) who is over the afternoon classes. In the meantime, I am also looking at chances to start my business consulting with schools on integrating technology in the classroom. Sadly, Page is very behind the curve in this regard. I don't know that I will make much progress here in the Page district. I do have a great contact in the Navajo Nation department of Education however. Theo's former college roommate and old friend, Derrik works for the tribe and is working on getting me in contact with the rez schools that could use my services. It is an exciting prospect, and I know things will work out how they should.

Begin Again

The first day of school was kind of strange. We are back in Page, so many things are the same, yet new all at once. Drake is a big bad senior and Corbin is a sophomore. Bowen and Rex are together at the middle school. I am curious to see how the boys will re-integrate with their friends from three years ago. A lot changes in those years. They have grown up a lot! This year is full of promise and excitement. Look out Page. Here we come!

The Third Teen is Thirteen

Another teenager in our house. This is becoming a pattern!

Salt Lake Summer Send Off

Once we were all reunited in Page, we decided a family road trip up north was just the time together that we needed. We are planning to have a celebration in conjunction with my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, so our official annual Ross Reunion was being put on hold until December. I am in charge of that event. It is going to be so awesome! Nonetheless, we still needed to get our Utah time in for the summer.

While in Salt Lake, we tried to keep up with the boys running in preparation for the coming cross-country season. We enjoyed going up to some trails in Draper one of the days. I though this was a lovely spot until the boys returned from their trail running in the foothills with tales of jumping over a rattlesnake right in their path! Sheeshee!

One of our days we ventured up into the mountains above Salt Lake for a chilly hike. It was crazy to get out of the car in late July and wish I had brought a coat! We even spent a day going to Bridal Veil falls in Provo, one of my favorite hiking spots when I was a co-ed at BYU. After all of the hiking, running, school shopping and general good fun, grandma gifted Bowen with his birthday quilt. Beauty!

Now it is time to head home to get ready for school to begin. Goodbye summer!

 

Fantastic Fifteen

This kid is FIFTEEN! What a ham! Love it!

Mini Move

In preparing for our move back to Page, we had some logistics to work out. Although graduated, Theo would need to prepare for his board exams which he would take in July. I was committed to work until at least the middle of July at the service center. We decided at the beginning of June it was time to put out house up for sale.

We had everything spruced up and got it listed online. We anticipated it could take a while to sell, but we figured we had the summer. Much to our delight and chagrin, within one day of putting a sign in our yard, we had more than one seriously interested party. Within a few days, we had an official offer on the house! Things were moving fast, and it looked like so would we!

We made plans to have the boys return to Page in conjunction with a trip that we had already planned in June. The Martin clan was having a sibling reunion of sorts, and we were already slated to go. It was decided that Theo and the boys would go to Page and stay with Theo's parents (we were starting a search for a new place. More on that later). I would stay in Amarillo for several more weeks to complete the things that I had scheduled before departing for good.

As we negotiated with our buyers, it quickly became apparent that they wanted to be in the house sooner than I would be finished with my job. I made arrangements to stay with my boss and dear friend Tammy in the interim. Things were all set up.

We left for Page and had a wonderful week going to the lake and generally frolicking. Corbin's friend Jacob joined us as well. We love having that kid around.

It seemed very surreal to consider we were actually here to stay! We had so much fun. Tim and Anne made the journey from Indiana, and Shaun and Bri were both there with their families. We rented a boat on one of the days, and had a fantastic time soaking up Lake Powell.

When it came time for me to go back to Texas, it was hard. My family was moving on to the next phase. I was going back to Texas. I knew it would be a few short weeks before we would all be together again, but it was hard to be separated again, much like when we left Page 3 years ago. It was a strange echo of events. Ultimately, things will work out. It is time to move on.

Nineteen and Counting

These beauties showed up at my office today. It is our 19th wedding anniversary! I love that man!