Embracing their differences SOLC #7

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I've been doing a lot of observing this week.

We're in a testing routine which places me in a classroom environment, not my usual resource settings.

When you're walking around the room, there's lots of time to think and notice.

I've noticed all the different cultures present at our school.

I've noticed the perfectionists, the lost lambs and the determined.

I've noticed the students who gain confidence and those students who suddenly lose confidence.

I've heard the sighs, the gasps, the breathy "yes" cheer, and the "oh no"s.

I've heard the wiggling, the tapping, the papers falling to the floor.

I understand that it takes a variety of students to make a classroom, and a variety of classrooms to make a school.

I'm thankful for the great amount of read aloud time I'm getting in a fourth grade classroom.  So many ideas from many children of different home lives, income levels, learning styles and personalities.

We are different.  

We are here at school for a shared purpose.  

We all aren't in the same place in our learning, but 

we're all in this together.

A helpful winter tool SOLC #6

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It's a handy little tool
Much smaller than the rest
It helps you in the winter
It really is the best

What is this handy tool
That helps with all the snow?
It's my baby snowblower
And man, can that thing throw!

It's powered by electricity
There's not a cord around
Long enough to reach the end
Of the driveway...that I've found

When the neighbors see me,
They smirk and they laugh
To see me out there with this tiny tool
and the big drifts that I attack

Oh baby snowblower you are little,
But you really help me out
Better than a shovel or a plow
Without you, I would pout!

Happy snow day recovery to my midwest friends... may the snow fall not as deep in the east today!

Messy kitchen = happy family SOLC #5

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When we remodeled our house, I knew the kitchen wasn't for me.  I'm the now-and-then baker and throw-together-pasta-for-dinner cook.  My husband, Jeff, is the true chef of the family.

For the past few years, Jeff  has traveled extensively for work.  My daughters have gotten used to nearly-edible dinners and take out opportunities.  I usually get a text at dinner time..."We were thinking of grabbing dinner at  Potbelly's... is that okay?"  I never say no.

For the past two months, my husband has worked locally.  The vast amount of meat in our freezer has been defrosted proactively and turned into some beautiful dinners with incredible side dishes...

Baked chicken (brined before baking)
Beef Bourguignon
Spaghetti with a rich meat sauce
Roasted vegetables
Garlic mashed potatoes

Needless to say, I have a lot of clean up after dinner, but it's worth it!  Our beautiful kitchen deserves to be used, and I don't mind scrubbing dishes and the stove top.

Our stomachs are full of food prepared with love.  Dinner has become a less stressful part of the day for me and the head chef.  The girls are staying home for dinner more often, and we've had more time to talk and laugh as a family.

I wonder what's for dinner tonight!

Lindsey SOLC #4

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Lindsey likes to ask about my blog.  "Did you write about me today?"  I chuckle and remember that the world does revolve all around 16-year-olds, right?!  "Maybe next time," I always reply.

Last year Lindsey had to wait until the final days of the SOL Challenge to get a few mentions in my slices (Daughter,  Car Conversations).  This year, she makes #4 on the challenge list of slices.

Lindsey is my oldest and a born leader.  I remember explaining to her -- at the ripe age of 3 -- the idea of "free will."  She always insisted that her younger sister should play whatever she wanted to play.  I remember trying to coach Lindsey that her younger sister could choose a different activity.  That never went over well.  Let's be honest, the girl likes to be in charge.

Lindsey is steadfast and loyal to her friends, teams and organizations.  She helps her friends when they need it and always manages to have fun.  Her teachers have always enjoyed her sarcastic, yet completely appropriate, sense of humor, since elementary school.  Lindsey has played every women's sport (except volleyball) and her coaches always rely on her to follow directions, know the plays, and support her teammates.

When asked what she likes best about her big sister, Allison stated:

"She's funny and a sweet sister.  She knows what is right.  I know if I have a problem, she will help me solve it.  I also love her long hair that has no split ends!"

Lindsey's passions include golf, lacrosse, and marching band.  (Of course she picked the coolest instrument, the sousaphone!) She's got lots of school spirit, so she's looking for a Big Ten college that fits her academic, campus and social goals.  A career in law or business (or a mix) is in her future.

I'll never forget the day Lindsey arrived.  She was due on my birthday, September 8th, but that wasn't going to work for her.  In the early hours of August 31st, I thought I had terrible stomach cramps from dinner.  Later that morning I made my way to a doctor's appointment.  We were supposed to attend a family reunion at my parents' house in the afternoon.   Instead of the party, I got to go to the hospital!

I'm exceptionally proud of the great kid she's become.  I know she feels like her dad and I have big expectations for her, but we know that she's capable of doing anything she sets her mind to.

Love ya, Linds!

 

Trust SOLC #3

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Trust.

I'm not feeling a lot of it today.

Two teen daughters.  One with decent grades and a tendency to procrastinate (inherited from me!).
One with falling grades and roller coaster attitude.

I want to trust that they will do their homework, study for tests and keep a positive attitude without me having to ask, sitting on top of them, or micromanaging.

I have two choices - trust or become one of those parents.
 I've read all about them.

Helicopter parents.
Hovering.  Fixing.  Solving.

I have to teach my daughters to find the way that works best for them to take care of their home and school responsibilities in a timely and responsible manner.  My husband reminds me they need to learn from their mistakes.  We learned.  We turned out to be pretty responsible people.

Do I worry more about how I am perceived as a parent if my children struggle?  Is it a big reflection on me - especially because I'm a teacher?

There's a fine line between enabling and empowering.

I'm walking on a parenting tightrope that's made entirely of

trust.

Date Night? SOLC #2

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Last night my youngest daughter went snow tubing with friends.  My oldest daughter volunteered at the elementary school's fun fair.  This left my husband and I with a few free hours.

We started at the local family-run Mexican restaurant.  We enjoyed some tasty food and a mango margarita.  Yum!  Then we decided to go grocery shopping.

Romantic, right? 

There's a new chain of stores in our area that's a neat combination of fresh market/bakery/butcher shop and regular grocery.  It's a 20 minute ride from our usual store, but I think it's worth the trip.  My husband hasn't gone with me before, even though he's the head chef and foodie at our house.

I really thought the trip would be a dud.  Jeff hasn't been feeling his best, and I really considered going by myself.

As it turned out, we had an enjoyable hour in the store.  It wasn't very crowded and we were able to stroll down each aisle and really take everything in.  We challenged each other to find the cheapest item when brand didn't matter.  We discussed our youngest daughter's need for seafood (she should live in Maine!).  We made fun of the prickly okra (how do you cook that?) and admired the beautiful purple eggplants.

Maybe date night at your place looks a little different, but on this particular Friday night in our corner of the world, nothing beat a relaxing trip to the market!

How I started to Slice - SOLC #1

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Two years ago, I thought my friend and colleague Michelle was C.R.A.Z.Y.  She had convinced me into writing a blog in 2010.  Now it was January 2011.  She was talking all about her new group of online friends.

She called them "The Slicers."

"Yeah.  Uh-huh.  That sounds nice," I said.

Then she talked about how she was becoming such a better writer and thinker.  She gushed about her new writing community.

"Writing community?" I thought.  "Oh - I can't be part of that.  I'm a big talker, but I'm no writer!"

Fast forward to last year, March 2012.  Michelle encourages Lynn at school to try slicing.  Lynn has started a blog and writes pretty often.

I ask Lynn if she's going to slice.  She's not feeling confident about writing every day, but she decides to join.

I'm still not convinced that I can do it.  Where will I find the time?

I visited Ruth & Stacey's website.  I clicked around. I stalked other slicers in February.

I jumped in with both feet.  I was nervous.  I was unsure of my ability to write something that would make sense.  I worried that no one would read or comment.

What happened after 31 straight days of writing?
I found a community where everyone is valued.  I made connections.  I found my voice.

I'm excited for all the first-time slicers... get ready for a month you won't forget!

We're so glad you're here!

P.S.  Thanks, Michelle and Lynn for your ability to listen, hold me accountable, and your friendship!! XOXO
P.P.S. Thanks to Ruth and Stacey for giving us a place to become a community of writers!