Family Fridays #22 Amanda
Today, Amanda from The Educator's Spin On It is joining us for our 22nd Family Fridays! Be sure to check our her blog and head over to her Facebook!
Tell me a little about yourself
I am a National Board Certified teacher with oodles of experience in early childhood education. I have taught middle school, kindergarten and first grade. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in Reading for grades K-12. You will often find me in her backyard exploring nature with her kids or doing a hands-on science project at the kitchen table. I'm an outdoor loving person. I loves to walk my dog, Ivan and snuggle up with a good book when I'm not elbow deep in baking blueberry muffins in the kitchen. I shares educational activities for children ages 0-7 at The Educators' Spin On It
Where did you and your spouse grow up?
My parents are from Minnesota and I was born, raised, and went to school there. It wasn't until after my first year of teaching when I moved South. My husband is from Izhevsk, Russia in the Udmurt Republic.
What was it that first attracted you to your spouse?
I was attracted to his smile and willingness to learn more about the people and community around him.
Do you and your spouse have similar personalities or very different?
We are both very driven individuals with strong personalities. I'm a morning person and he doesn't wake up after at least an hour and a cup of coffee. In the morning our kitchen probably looks crazy - I'm running around getting 3 kids lunches ready, everyone dressed with teeth brushed and eating breakfast... he is trying to make a cup of coffee.
What makes your family unique from other families?
I think we are very similar to other families in that we want to raise happy, healthy children who make positive contributions to the world. We try to split tasks, but as a stay at home mom / freelance writer, many of the household and parenting responsibilities fall on my shoulders.
Does your family have any unique traditions?
Many of our family traditions revolve around the growing season. Growing up, both my husband and my families were gardeners. We both grew up with parents who harvested fresh produce and preserved them. There is nothing better than home-made raspberry jam in my opinion. As parents, we continue to make this a priority with our family. We harvest citrus every Christmas morning, go to the u-pick blueberry fields every May and we plant potatoes in the garden every Valentine's Day!
Will you continue this tradition in your own family?
Yes
What is one piece of advice you have to share with other families?
Be happy with what you have!