Today, I went with my mother to see my grandma. She still lives in her three-story house that she entertained friends, cared for her grandchildren, and hosted holiday parties. Those things don’t happen anymore. That house used to be filled with life and now it seems big, dark and empty. It is too much for her, … Continue reading
Eff You, Diorama!!
Before I was a parent, I was a judging teacher. I’m not proud of it, but it’s true. I am not saying that all childless teachers are judging, but I was on a high soap box about my knowledge of good parenting. I used to think that if a parent was not willing to read … Continue reading
I Hate It There!
Unlike previous Septembers, this one was quiet. In the past, Septembers were loud and emotional and full of tantrums. Frequent emails and phone calls from the principal and meetings at large tables with all of the key players. This year, the return to school was quiet and the details we heard about school…almost completely quiet. … Continue reading
The Familiar Getaway
My parents have a time-shared condominium that we visit three or four times a year. My family has made the familiar drive up north, for over thirty-five years. I have taken middle school friends, then high school friends and college roomies for the weekend and now, my own family enjoys this getaway. The family dogs, … Continue reading
Halloween Report…No, Thank you!
According to my son, the Halloween party at school was okay. According to my son’s teacher, she said that my son held it together during the third grade “Harvest Party Rotation” quite well. There were several activities that he opted out of, but when adults asked if he wanted to participate he would answer, “No, … Continue reading
The Unexpected Walk
Today, I was attending a teacher training with all of the first grade teachers in The District. Although it takes time to prepare for these meetings, I was enjoying the time with my colleagues and learning strategies to tackle our new writing curriculum. Around noon, I received a text from my babysitter. The poor thing … Continue reading
Writing in Whidbey
This Friday and Saturday, my family went to Whidbey Island. The purpose of the trip was a Writer’s Convention that I was attending. I was nervous and intimidated and didn’t feel as though I belonged with the “real” writers. As we found the registration, I reluctantly walked in by myself and saw all the people. … Continue reading
Skinny Arms and Skinny Jeans
The other night, my son and I saw a commercial for a s’mores flavored treat. “I bet you would really like that!” He said with a smile. I told him that it looked delicious, but that I was trying to be more careful about my food choices. “Is that because you want to lose weight?” … Continue reading
Mama Bear Mode
Recently, I wrote a post about my son being bullied at school. I was saddened by the number of people who responded through email or comments with similar experiences. This shouldn’t happen. Like my son… Their child told the adults and it didn’t seem to help. Their child didn’t want to go to school and … Continue reading
The B Word
My son came home yesterday and used the B word to describe his day…bullied. He said that a particular boy in his class has continued to bully him since the beginning of the year. I had heard this boy’s name mentioned, but I thought the problem had gone away. It hasn’t. It happens in class, … Continue reading
My Twice Baked Potato 