As a teacher who helps coordinate recess, I spend a lot of time on the playground. I can’t tell you how many times a day a student approaches me with a bumped knee or upset stomach (Tire swing. Every time.) I know that sending that child into the nurse will not only significantly cut theirContinue reading “Just for Five Minutes”
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Running Up the Slide
A few years ago I took my youngest, Auggie, to a playground nearby. I chased him around for a bit, and then watched as he attempted to play with the two or three other kids at the park. Inevitably, he ended up at the big twisty slide. First standing at the top and throwing aContinue reading “Running Up the Slide”
I Love You, Mom…and the Tesla
We recently traveled as a family to Florida. Four days of volleyball nationals in Orlando, followed by three days at the beach in Sand Key near Clearwater. It was the perfect culmination to a fun but stressful end to my daughter’s club volleyball season. (November to June for the record!) We spent a lot ofContinue reading “I Love You, Mom…and the Tesla”
Yes, and…
When my high school daughter was little she loved going to Cherry Berry. (Ok, she still does, but it was on another level of joy at five years old.) I can still picture her in deep contemplation, standing in front of the tall metal levers- debating over which frozen yogurt flavor to unleash in twisty strands.Continue reading “Yes, and…”
Unwavering
I am in a season of auto pilot. Drive the kids, order groceries, make dinner, go to work, maybe sneak in a run or a workout. Repeat. We joke that we are day-by-day, planning the next day of coparenting and codriving. On top of that, this is the second weekend in a row, by sheerContinue reading “Unwavering”
Magnetic Goodness
I’m starting this post with three stories: Here’s the first. Years ago I had a hard conversation with a friend at the time. She had been distant, so I summoned up my courage and asked if our friendship was ok. The floodgates opened and she responded with a laundry list of ‘offenses’ I had committedContinue reading “Magnetic Goodness”
She Sees the Thestrals
She was another mom in a group of friends my daughter hung out with when she was little. I really enjoyed her; great sense of humor, always willing to have the girls get together, and pleasant to chat with. But there was a hesitancy about this mom friend. A slight pause, a glancing shadow crossingContinue reading “She Sees the Thestrals”
The Top Five
Well people, we made it. Another school year down and I finally (finally) find myself in my happy place on the desk with a glass of raspberry iced tea. And although I am beyond exhausted, I am grateful and reflective about my first year in this position (K-5 Student Advocate/Social Emotional Teacher). I have neverContinue reading “The Top Five”
The Mystery in the Field
“We need your help, Mrs. Wangen!”, I heard as two kindergarteners pulled on each of my arms, dragging me across the snowy field just beyond the Sweeney Elementary blacktop. I approached a huddle of eight or nine stocking-capped heads hunched over a spot in the snow. “We found something!”, one of them smiled up atContinue reading “The Mystery in the Field”
Olfactory Power
Growing up, my grandparents always had a wood-burning fire on Christmas. I’m guessing the fireplace was used on other occasions, but to this date my childhood mind can only recall Christmases. I could smell it when we pulled up, my sister and I clutching our most treasured doll or Fisher Price speciality from the morningContinue reading “Olfactory Power”
Teaching the Good Stuff 