No, I’m not pregnant.
(You’d be amazed how many people thought I was when I told them the title of my new blog. To be fair, I’d name a baby “Scout” in a hot second, but Jeff would never go for it.) Some day I will, hopefully, be pregnant again; but, for now, a blog will have to do instead…
Now that that’s out of the way… WELCOME!
Today is my 30th birthday (woohoo!!), and I’m kicking off the new decade, with a brand new blog. Friends, meet Teaching Sam & Scout:
As you know, E, Myself, and I has been my internet home for the past almost five years; but, after some unfortunate domain expiration issues (oops) that forced me to take some risks and make some changes, I’ve decided to start fresh with a new name, new design, new focus, and – most importantly – new passion.
As the “tagline” says, Sam & Scout is about “attempting to juggle motherhood and teaching” – two roles I feel very-much called to – “with passion, purpose, and a little bit of style.” I will be blogging regularly here about the joys and challenges of being a working mom, my favorite things, my tips for staying organized at home and at school, what I’m wearing (I know, brace yourselves for awkward photos), and what’s on my heart. I’ll also be sharing more classroom resources and ideas for secondary English teachers!
As for the title… “Sam” is the name of my little boy – a wild-haired, wild-spirited toddler – but it represents my job as a mom. (Yes, we plan to have more kids; and, when we do, “Sam” will still symbolize that realm of my life.) EDITED TO ADD: We welcomed our girl Nora Kent on March 23rd, 2015. So far, she hasn’t said anything about her name not being in my blog title. 😉
“Scout” is a little trickier… Scout Finch is the main character of my favorite novel To Kill a Mockingbird (we might also kind-of lookalike, but that’s neither here nor there). So, “teaching Scout” represents my role as a high school English teacher. (Incidentally, although I love the book, I’ve never actually taught To Kill a Mockingbird to actual students – it’s traditionally an eighth grade book. Like “Sam,” “Scout” is just one name to symbolize lots of different books and lessons I teach in the classroom.)
Make sense?
So, to be clear, I’m well aware that making this kind-of change (new name, domain, etc.) is like committing blog-suicide (right up there with, say, giving your blog a title that needs two paragraphs to explain); but, I’m really excited about what the future holds for me – for us – in this new home. THANK YOU for being here!!
Will you please take a minute and introduce yourself in the comments so I don’t feel awkward? I would LOVE to know what roles you are juggling right now and what kinds of things you’d like to see us chat about here… Come on, don’t be shy!
Again, thanks for starting this new journey with me! – E
****
You can read more about me (50 random facts actually), my intention for this space, and what you can expect to see here in the future, by checking out the About page now. Also, you’ll find some of my favorite posts from E, Myself, and I reprinted below… New content to begin tomorrow!!
P.S. A HUGE shout-out to my sweet friend Erika, for the awesome new blog design and the hours of her life she will never get back spent reading (and responding to) emails from me. 😉
Happy birthday! I love it! (Because my FAVORITE book. EVER. is To Kill a Mockingbird. 🙂
Love the new name, look, site, etc. I creeped on your Instagram and took a peek yesterday. 😉
Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday to my wooooonderful sister! Love the new blog design.. Looks wonderful! xo
What a fun new site name! I am excited to follow you on your new blog!
Love the new space–looks great! Excited for you and this next phase of life (decade-wise and blog-wise)!
First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
E, Myself, and I was the very first blog I ever started reading (about 2 years ago) on a daily basis. I’m a high school math teacher and stumbled upon your blog on Pinterest. I love the way you write and how honest you are. I’m so excited about Sam & Scout. As the daughter of a retired high school English teacher, I knew EXACTLY what “Scout” meant 🙂 To Kill a Mockingbird is also my favorite novel of all-time (probably has something to do with the fact that I’m an Alabama girl…)
Congratulations on the new blog! I’m off to find it on Bloglovin’ 🙂
Same ol’ me hanging out in your new space! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Hi! Happy birthday to you and your new blog! 🙂
My name is Jackellyn and I am about to graduate with my degree in mathematics education. I will (hopefully) be teaching math to high school kids come Fall. Look forward to reading and learning things from Sam & Scout.
The new site is AMAZING! So excited to hear more from you in this new space!! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!! How exciting to start fresh with a new blog. Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird was the first thing I thought of when I saw your new blog name!
I’m not a parent yet – hopefully someday – but I love reading your honest good-days-and-bad-days take on motherhood. I find it a struggle to juggle all the balls in the air so I can only imagine what it’s like with kids in the mix! I find that theme popping up often among my friends – we feel pulled in a thousand directions. I’m trying to find peace in the midst of it all but what I’ve been reflecting on lately is maybe God doesn’t want us to have permanent peace but to draw closer to Him every day.
LOVE the new name, the design AND that you’re launching on your birthday. Happy birthday and hooray for a new chapter and fresh blog!
Erin
theviewfromfiveten.com
So glad to have you back on the blogosphere!!! I love the new name-SO fun & creative!! I’m a History teacher-teaching ENGLISH (yes, it’s crazy, and YES, it’s way out of my element, but I’m learning everyday and trying to have fun along the way!) I LOVE my job as a teacher and I wouldn’t want to do anything else. Right now, I’m teaching seniors and I’m having so much fun. Teaching is a passion of mine and I feel so privileged to have a career that is so fulfilling. Having said ALL OF THAT, lol, I really enjoy your teaching insight. I love your organization tips for the classroom. Can’t wait to see what’s next for your awesome new space!!!
Happy Birthday and Happy Blog Launch Day! I am excited to join you in your new adventure. I am a secondary science teacher on temporary hiatus. I am staying home with my little one (7 months) for now, but I don’t feel like my call to education has yet run its course. I look forward to seeing where this new space takes you 🙂
Love the new design! I’m a high school English teacher and mom of a two year-old little boy (with a new baby on the way), so I’m playing the same juggling game you are. Look forward to the new content – I’ve missed you posts since the other blog went MIA.
Happy birthday! I love the new name. I’m in the end phase of obtaining my teaching certification for secondary English and am adjusting to life as a new wife. I also stumbled across your blog on Pinterest a while back, and was drawn in by your honest look at life. I’m looking forward to reading more about your adventures both in and out of the home. Take care!
Happy Birthday! I love redesign!
I’m Val, momma to Claire (2ish), wife to Bob, fur-momma to Grace (boxer, 12) and Tanner (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 3). I am a PR-professional in the health care industry by day and trying to figure out how to balance this working-mom gig by day AND night. We live in Nashville. I used to blog at It’s Always Sunny in Somerville, but honestly, can’t find the time or passion that I used to have. I moreso enjoy reading these days. I can’t wait to read more stories about your life as a working mom – it’s always reassuring to be able to commiserate with someone!
Hi E, you know me, Meg G. OK, I’ll stop.
But LOVE the new blog and what a creative title! Who cares if you have to explain it – more interesting I think!
And Happy 30th Birthday! Being 3 years into my 30s, I have to say it’s not so bad. Enjoy your day and your upcoming weekend celebrations! xoxo
Happy Birthday 🙂 I’m Ileana, mommy to my sweet little boy Mason. I’ve been following your blog since December so sorry about the domain mix up but cheers to new beginnings 🙂
Loving the new look and name! Cheers to birthdays and new blogs!
Hey! I’m not sure that I ever commented on your old blog, but I’m jumping out of the shadows here! I’m a 5th year Family and Consumer Sciences teacher (3 years with HS and 2 years with MS). I love hearing about your experiences teaching, your sweet little family and your faith.
P.S. Can there be a “To Kill a Mockingbird” fan support group? I love, love that book so very much. I would totally name my (future/imaginary) children Scout or Atticus!
Happy Birthday! I, too, am excited to start reading your new blog and have followed your old blog for a few years. I feel like we have a lot in common, although I’m not a teacher. I am from Greenville, SC and have lots of friends that went to Clemson. Also, my best friend’s husband is from Roanoke and I’m pretty sure went to the same HS you went to. Anyway, I’m a mommy to one very energetic little girl and one very energetic jack russell dog. I’m mostly a stay at home mom, but I do work part-time from home. I love reading your posts on mommyhood! Thanks for sharing!
love the new site!!! and happy happy birthday!! miss you and am so excited for this new adventure!
E Myself and I was the first blog I ever read consistently- so looking forward to Sam and Scout. I am Erin… Wife, mama to little girl, part time English teacher, wanna be artist, attempting to abolish slavery,
Congrats on the new blog! And happy birthday!
No one understands my blog name either. They think “Living on Grace” is talking about God’s grace. Which is good, I guess, but it’s more literal than that. We live on Grace Street.
(And my husband is quick to point out that we SAVED BY grace.)
Happy birthday! So glad you’re back.
I’m Katie! I don’t have a blog but love reading your blog. Your honesty, humor and realness in life are refreshing! I look forward to following you here in your new space!
PS – My niece’s name is Hazel Scout, after the book. 🙂
Oh, two more things!
1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope your day is super wonderful!
2. I’m a wife and super new mom from MN. My son Andrew is 12 days old today 🙂
YAY!! I loved the old blog, and can’t wait to read more of the new. I am Samantha, a SAHM, blogger and you tuber (sort of, it’s really new and kind of awkward!). My husband, 3 kids and I live in Northern VA. Hope you have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Hi and Happy Birthday! I a non-traditional student (nice way of saying middle aged) graduating in 38 days with my degree in mathematics education. I am loving student teaching and am using so much wisdom that I gleaned from your blog. I started reading about a year ago…I believe I found you through Eat.Write.Teach. I am also a single mom to a son who just turned 18 and graduates from high school 3 weeks after my graduation…PARTY! In addition to school, student teaching, and raising a teenager, I work 3 part time jobs as a tutor in an attempt to pay the mortgage, bills, etc. It has not been easy, but if it were everyone would be doing it, right? I so look forward to all your adventures on the new blog!
oops…I *am a…
Like I said, math major, not English…
Welcome to Club 30! It’s pretty chill here – complete with earlier bedtimes, lower tolerance levels, and extra doses of sarcasm.
I am posting with a shocking confession… I have never read To Kill A Mockingbird. But all that could change this summer as I have plans for zero professional development and hours upon hours of me-time instead. ; ) (Sounds like a typical summer, right?)
Hi! I’m so glad you’ve found a new blog home! I loved reading E, Myself, and I. I can’t wait to see what will come! Love the new name!
Hi, E! I loved your last blog, and I love this one so far too! I am a high school math teacher, and I’m very interested in your education stuff! Maybe more generic stuff that all high school teachers can use/relate to? (Like the yellow sheet! That’s how I found you in the first place!) Thanks!
1) Love the new title, look, concept… it is totally YOU
2) Happy Birthday
3) Totally thought you were preggers; HOWEVER, once I read you weren’t knew EXACTLY what the Scout was referencing… teachers think alike!
4) So glad you are back… I have missed your posts!
Hi E!
My name is Kelsey and I just recently graduated with a degree in secondary English education. I must say, your classroom organization tips saved me during student teaching! I look forward to continuing your journey with you through the new blog!
I live it! !! Just want to make sure u know that mill mountain theater is putting on a production of to kill a mockingbird in july!!! 😉
*love* !!!
1st-Happy Birthday, again! 2nd-I love the new blog, the design, and the meaning in the name behind it. I do not believe that you can commit blog suicide when you are such an amazing person like yourself! So glad you got things worked out, even if it isn’t the way you originally hoped to get them worked out!
So it took me way too long to find the ‘comment’ button but regardless, i love your new site. I was a reader for a year or two, i can’t keep track, but i love this new blog. I’m a huge TKAM fan so ‘scout’ is so perfect. I’m excited to see what you do with this new space…and i’m already in love with this font. great choice! 🙂
I stumbled across your blog several years ago. I am a mom to 3 (15, 12 and 10) from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My degree is in English but I found work in the legal profession. I share your love of books and enjoy your writing style. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Eeeeek! I LOVE it. Love the look, the name, all of it!
Also, please get your husband on board with the name Scout! How cute is that name?!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Welcome to your thirties. You’re gonna love it 😉
xoxo Molly
The name is fabulous! I love this blog; a friend recommended it to me. I am a high school English teacher in Denver, and I am the mama to a 2 and a half year old daughter named Linnea. I definitely struggle with the work/life balance and look forward to reading about that here. Love your writing!
Hey E,
I’m Katie, I blog over at sunshine-and-music.blogspot.com. I’m a fellow Clemson Alum (Go Tigers!) and I just moved back to my hometown in Northern Virginia with my husband, a middle school math/science teacher, and our 18 month old son, Canon. Love the new look and new direction! I love how down to earth you are about the reality of raising kids, the “grass is greener” mentality, and your vulnerability of how not-perfect you are! Can’t wait to keep reading your new stuff!
The new name is great! I’ve been trying to convince my husband that Scout would be a perfect name for a future little one, but he’s still not buying it as a proper name. I’m the mama of a six month old little boy named Xander and my husband and I live in Roanoke. I work for the state, but I got my master’s degree in library science in the fall and am searching for a position in a library so I can be surrounded by books all day every day.
LOVE IT E, TRULY. I KNOW IT’LL BE COME MY NEWEST FAVOURITE HANGOUT.
I HAVE A WHOLE LOTTA BALLS UP IN THE AIR BETWEEN MARRIAGE, MOTHERING, HOUSE RENO, NEW BUSINESS, BLOGGING, SOCIAL MEDIA, SIDE PROJECTS… I’VE DECIDED I NEED TO LET SOME GO BEFORE THEY ALL DROP.
SO EXCITED FOR THIS REBRAND – LOVE YOU LONG TIME. XO
sorry for the all caps :S
Hi! Happy Birthday! I am excited for your new design! I am going to be a mom in a few weeks. I am an English teacher in New York. Balancing work and being a mom will be tough but I already feel inspired by your blog! 🙂
Hi E, I started reading emyselfandi a couple years ago, right after I had my first son. As a former teacher and new mom, I related to your voice, experiences, and point of view. My guy was born less than a month after Sam. I just had my second son almost four months ago and follow your blog on a daily basis. I look forward to continuing to read the new blog! Its one of the highlighs of my day! Happy (belated) birthday 😉
Hi E
Happy, happy birthday! Being 30 is great, I promise! I love reading your blog and can’t wait to read this one, that has the cutest name ever. You really need to name your next child Scout, boy or girl! I have no clue how I stumbled on your blog, but it’s been about 2 years ago. Please visit my ~tiny~ blog when you get a chance, it’s just my family’s day to day adventures of living in the South. My baby book really. gibsonsarewe.blogspot.com
thanks!
Congrats on the new space and turning 30! I really like the new layout! I too work
in education and I am *close* to completing my masters in school psychology, so I always appreciate your teaching/education posts. I am also on the verge of married life and kids, so I enjoy those posts also. I always look forward to reading your blog and love the humor you impart in your posts….Keep on keepin’ on 😀
PS: we are also friends on myfitnesspal!
I love the new blog!! I am turning 28 in August. I am mom to Patrick (15 weeks), wife to Daniel, fur-mom to Durin. I am about to go back to work from my maternity leave. I work in higher education and run a student center. I am also a fellow Clemson Tiger!!! I graduated with my Masters in Student Affairs in 2010. GO TIGERS!! I have been reading your blog for a couple years now and LOVE it. Your series on being a working mom really helped me with my decision to return to work after the birth of my beautiful son. Keep up the awesome work with your blog! You are such an encouragement.
Hi! I’m a sixth-year high school English and French teacher at a small private school, also approaching my 30th birthday. Married, but no kids (yet). I followed your old blog for awhile, but never commented. So glad you got resettled and to be reading again!
I’m late to the party as usual but congrats on the new blog. I was a big fan of your other one (being a fellow English teacher mom) and I’m excited for this new venture. Best of luck!
I just came across your blog and love it! I can’t wait to read through it 🙂 I’m a stay at home mom of a 1 year old girl and 3 year old boy. I also blog, run a craft club and do art on the side. It’s tough trying to do it all, but somehow we do, right? Glad I discovered your cute blog…please check mine out if you have a minute!