Category Archives: Uncategorized

Come Play With Us, Danny

 (Ok, this post isn’t about REDRUM… but the picture incorporated Halloween and play, so…..) It was my dad’s suggestion, but I loved it. The two of us worked diligently to bend a plain metal coat hanger into the shape of a bare human foot. I didn’t just want to enter the fourth grade bubble blowing contest… IContinue reading “Come Play With Us, Danny”

Let Them Lead

 While in college at the University of Minnesota I had practicums in many different twin cities schools. While observing in one 5th grade classroom a sweet girl in a hoodie wandered up to the teacher and handed him a sheet of construction paper. Still wet with glue, she had attached the top sheet onto another,Continue reading “Let Them Lead”

The Healing Power of Nature

When I was a young child, I liked to go out in my backyard, especially when it was windy. I’d twirl around, arms wide, usually singing an original song (probably about the wind). In these moments, I felt magical.  At the time I thought, perhaps, I did have some magical powers like Rainbow Brite and She-Ra onContinue reading “The Healing Power of Nature”

Mornings Are Fun

 I’ve been spoiled the last 12 years on mornings.  Sure, maybe I helped by waking the kids up and making them breakfast, but then I grabbed my coffee tumbler, kissed everyone goodbye, and pranced out the door.  Mornings have been a shock to the harsh reality of a two hour window of pushing, nagging, forgetting,Continue reading “Mornings Are Fun”

The Creepy Lady at the Park

I’ve always loved working with kids. In third grade, I made my career choice, and it’s never wavered. During my senior year of high school, I spent the afternoons volunteering at a local elementary- having finished all of my required credits and ready to be a teacher.  Adjusting to my new schedule this year hasContinue reading “The Creepy Lady at the Park”

Jekyll and Hyde

I joked with my neighbors on Saturday night that the past week felt very much like a Jekyll and Hyde situation. Making the change from full time teacher to stay at home mom/researcher came to full reality throughout last several days. On good moments I sat on my lovely deck, pouring over webinars and booksContinue reading “Jekyll and Hyde”

The First Day?

 This morning I drove my 7th grader and Kindergartener to school for their first day of the year.  Being a classroom teacher, I’ve never gotten to do drop off on the first day. I haven’t taken the token pictures, handed them their backpacks, or watched their little backs as they walked into school. Kudos toContinue reading “The First Day?”

It Begins

Full honesty…I’m struggling today.  Today is the day all the teachers report back. Historically, I love this day. And while I’m sure it’s dread for some, I treasure the newness and hope of the year ahead. I love hugging coworkers that I haven’t seen over the summer while I hold my coffee tumbler. We areContinue reading “It Begins”