tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57177731801872254902024-03-14T04:00:27.386-07:00You get what you getLorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-77981834916027656132018-03-10T17:10:00.002-08:002018-03-10T17:10:56.067-08:00She Reads!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week I read a review of the Big Umbrella on TWT. I
ordered two copies, one I sent to my grandchildren and the other for my Pre-K classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
arrived on Saturday. We didn’t have school on Monday and Tuesday I was busy playing
catch up to the plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wednesday morning
I shared the book with my class of Young 5’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I finished a little girl asked if she could “read” the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said “yes”, a short while later she came
back and proudly announced she’d read it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As soon as time allowed I asked her to “read” me the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Flawlessly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew she was learning,
just this morning I was interrupted before we read my morning message and she
announced she had read it by herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
she read it with me I wondered if her skills had taken off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three weeks ago she passed a Fountas and Pinnell
level A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she proudly read the book again to a beloved school
employee I realized the joy of watching a reader grow right in front of me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-86177668018835891382018-03-07T17:40:00.000-08:002018-03-07T17:40:08.344-08:00Cards and Letters<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband has been slowly going through the contents of his
mother’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s sorting all the
precious things she’d saved in 93 years of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clippings, cards, and letters she so
carefully saved are a glimpse into what she held dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight as he sat at the table reading the 64
year old cards and notes sent to congratulate them on his birth I was struck
with how rarely I take the time to write a note or card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m quick to text and e-mail, but the slowly
scribed note, not often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps it’s because it’s slow. Or because paper doesn’t
have spell check?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I freely admit I hate
my handwriting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the people I love
and care for the most are going to get a card….at least for this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-74302952034408999182018-03-06T16:36:00.001-08:002018-03-06T16:36:35.363-08:00I Can See Clearly Now<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve worn glasses since I first got my cat eye blue specs in
first grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I replaced them with
contacts when my dear sister put me in a yellow dress and yellow floppy hat for
her wedding in the early 1980’s. Glasses didn’t work in that scenario, so I
switched to contacts! About ten years ago, when I moved to kindergarten and
caught every cold the students had, I decided to give up my contacts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had my current glasses for the past 3
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year my script changes a
little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess three little bits
makes a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I’m terribly indecisive about my glasses I waited to
pick out a new pair until our daughter visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This inability to choose is possibly connected to my first mistake in
eye fashion in the early 1960’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I
finally remembered, before the office closed, to go pick them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I texted a photo to our daughter for her approval
as I left the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited for my husband to notice the larger
plastic style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is quite a
difference from the small metal rectangle shape I've worn for three or four years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked, made dinner and even ate dinner,
no reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, as we sat chatting after doing the dishes he said, “Amy just texted me to tell me <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>notice your glasses.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder what my 5 year olds will say tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking it will be more dramatic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-32938890684863308672018-03-05T13:43:00.002-08:002018-03-05T13:44:00.009-08:00Asparagus<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My preschool years were spent living across a dirt road from
my maternal grandparents’ house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
father had purchased a small farm when he returned from serving in the army,
but he needed an off -the-farm job to support the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he didn’t find a position in the area
they moved to a small house on my grandparents’ farm and he worked for them for
several years, while renting out the farm house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allowed them to make the necessary
improvements for the farm to house our family and animals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandma kept an immaculate home, with the help of my
aunts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also washed all the milking
equipment in the milk house and kept a huge garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The garden was surrounded by a white picket
fence, but the painting story will have to be another slice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fence was a necessity, cows and pigs
often get out of their pastures and pens, and they always pick the things you
least want them to eat as their travel snack.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The garden was on the east side of the barn, just a few feet
from the milk house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma would walk
through the garden as she went back and forth to the barn and pull the inevitable
weeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the west side of the garden
was my grandmother’s asparagus patch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
gardeners often do, we ate the produce that was in season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recall loving to eat asparagus that had been
put into a white cream sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom served
it over toast as a light lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
my favorite lunch, and I didn’t understand why I couldn’t have it year-round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom finally appeased me by substituting
peas into the sauce, making my lunch available even in the winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today as I shopped I saw the bunches of tender asparagus and
put it in my cart, I won’t cream it, it will get roasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I drove home I picked up my phone to call
mom and reminisce about my strange childhood favorite lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I paused as I reached for the phone, and tearfully
remembered mom’s gone now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nine weeks is
far shorter than I’d ever imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-58738327702163274772018-03-04T17:38:00.001-08:002018-03-04T17:38:29.867-08:00No School Tomorrow<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I live in Michigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We often have snow days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the
weather is really bad our schools even cancel the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since all the snow is melted and we’re not
expecting any weather events next week I was not expecting a phone call at 7:00
pm on a Sunday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our superintendent’s voice surprised me, she informed us
that all school buildings are closed tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An unexplained threat has caused this decision. She was clear that no
one was to be in the buildings tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'm saddened by the threat of harm to our small town. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-45721548238155401522018-03-03T06:23:00.001-08:002018-03-03T06:23:02.156-08:00A Change of Plans<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing up on a farm, we always had dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loved playing with them and they alerted
us as soon as anyone started up our quarter mile driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the farm dogs were never allowed in the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went into the barns when the
weather got nasty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never considered
the need to chain or pen my childhood pets, they wandered freely around our
land, and we never gave them a thought for grooming or training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an adult, now living on a busy road our family dogs have
always been primarily inside animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The freely wandering dogs of my childhood don’t mix with neighbors only
a half an acre away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year as our son does a residency in a college town his
wife and four children are living in a small three bedroom apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His great Pyrenees mix dog is spending the year
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baxter joins Belle, a golden
lab in our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dogs are friendly
and usually lie so close I can’t tell where one starts and the other ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most of the past nine months we would
occasionally get up to discover the dogs on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, they don’t even pretend to lay anywhere
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our grey cloth couch is now
covered with white hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really long
white hair, belongs to Baxter, the short is Belle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The couch now belongs to the dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday night my husband texted me to plan dinner with
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to see the
transformation of our remodeled house, we planned to share desert at our home after
dinner out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The couch would be sat on by
humans!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tidied the house and dust mopped the floor
my husband vacuumed the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accepting
the inevitable reality we covered the couch with a sheet as we left the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hours later we showed off the many changes in our house to
our friends, Wayne quickly removed the covering on the couch. We sat and chatted for
hours over brownie sundaes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning
as I woke, I recalled the delightful evening with friends, I wondered if we’d
protected our recently clean couch and then I remembered,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forgot to slice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Darn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-11709685059518909942018-03-01T18:04:00.001-08:002018-03-01T18:04:25.460-08:00I'm Going To TryI just looked, It's been almost two years since my last blog post. In that time we've said goodbye to both our moms and had a new grandchild born. We remodeled much of our house and I got a new knee. This year's class is an unusual collection, so now I need sit down and write!<br />
<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-20635176724340398332016-06-21T05:40:00.003-07:002016-06-21T05:40:33.928-07:00Call!<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A phone call at 5:58 am.
I know it can’t be good news. I
think of scenarios as I stumble half asleep to pick up the phone. It’s probably another bout with a bowel
blockage. A call from the Lifeline
because she’s fallen? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our home phone is in the kitchen. The first ring wakes me up. The second makes me get up. If my arthritis isn’t a problem I can make
the 27 steps before the answering machine picks up on the fourth ring. Usually
it screens calls from political parties and a persistent credit card offers. My
friends and our children question why we still have a home phone. We rarely use it. The reason is 92 years old. My mother in law knows the phone number and
she doesn’t need any changes to befuddle her.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She’s hung up by the time I get to the phone. No message!
I tried to call her back.
Busy. I force myself to count to
fifteen. I redial. Deep breath, trying to be calm. “Hi, this is Lori.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve been awake all night.”
Her voice is so soft, with those odd little cracks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh dear! My husband
is leaving on a business trip at 7:15.
He’s got a nine hour drive. I
know I’m on my own for this emergency room visit and hospital stay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do you need?” A
ride to the hospital, or maybe I should just call an ambulance. Possibly help cleaning up from the
nausea? Gosh! I hope she hasn’t fallen!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I forgot to tell Wayne my water softener is out of
salt” “You know how the water gets dark
when it’s out.” “Will you tell him
please?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I force a smile onto my face, hopefully in my voice too. “Sure, I’ll stop over later and check it out
for you.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I stumble back down the hall to the bedroom I check my
cell. 6:02 a.m. <o:p></o:p></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-37936695927377244032016-05-10T19:15:00.001-07:002016-05-10T19:15:51.870-07:00Field Trip<div class="MsoNormal">
Bus was late.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Content was great!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plants, fruits and seeds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And some edible weeds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One guy came giving mommy a hug<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In spite of the <b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Nasty </span></b>tummy bug!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Called on my cell<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He went home, all is well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It started to rain, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were inside, we felt no pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They provided a snack<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The things I bought to school they went back!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ll visit again to learn by the pond<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The memories we make will all be fond.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank heavens for the pics,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took..... before he got sick!<o:p></o:p></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-87837939925144893892016-04-26T16:34:00.001-07:002016-04-26T16:34:57.580-07:00Learning<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Last week I
spent two days at a conference about improving instruction.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The speaker was energizing.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She was a fun speaker with a wealth of
information that I can use.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The price of
writing two days of sub plans was pretty steep, but wow! What a pay off!</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I returned home with concrete ideas to change
my instruction.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As we made the 100 mile
round trip each day we had plenty of time to debrief and yes, laugh.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Today the
learning continues, my book order was delivered a day early. I ordered her book on Amazon and I can't wait to dig in. The price of dusty end tables and unvacuumed rugs is steep, but I think it will be well worth
the price.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-38788485239412335262016-04-19T17:35:00.003-07:002016-04-19T17:35:38.929-07:00When It Rains It Pours!<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning I woke up to the
realization that my alarm had not woke me.
The room was full of light rather than my customary dark awakening. My i-Phone has a setting for 5:30 weekdays but
it’s hard to hear an alarm when it’s in the garage. I’d forgotten my phone in the car after shopping
several stores in search of wedding decorations for our daughter’s
wedding. I don’t even have the excuse
that my hands were full. I left all the
loot in the trunk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I always arrive at school at least
an hour early. But sleeping an extra 80 minutes didn’t allow much of a morning
routine. I washed up , fluffed my hair, brushed my teeth, packed a quick lunch
and grabbed a portable breakfast. Unfortunately Monday night we’d had an after
school meeting at a different school so I hadn’t done my usual preparations for
the morning. No Morning Message
written. No bell ringer activity on the
tables. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the students arrived my hurriedly
written message was ready, I had music playing on the sound system and my
students all had puzzle choices at their tables. As I submitted attendance and greeted my
students I checked my plans. As we
finished the pledge and our morning greeting we turned to the Morning
Message. I looked up at a movement in
the doorway. In walked my
principal. My third yearly observation
was about to begin.<o:p></o:p></div>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-3400956053619752952016-03-31T18:17:00.001-07:002016-04-07T12:06:23.357-07:00Test Prep<div class="MsoNormal">
Today our spring break started at
noon. Why am I home at 9:00 p.m.? When we return from our spring break our 5<sup>th</sup>
grade will start our state testing then the 4<sup>th</sup> grade and 3<sup>rd</sup>
will follow. A few weeks ago we agreed
to a Star Wars theme, <i>May the Scores Be
With You!</i> A group of 5 teachers and later
family members worked for 9 hours as we transformed our Upper Elementary
hallway into an amazing galaxy. Our
students will be so impressed with the hundreds of stars, the characters and
bulletin boards we’ve created. It looks
amazing! I'm glad we have 10 days to rest up!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-71694749220907488872016-03-30T17:05:00.002-07:002016-03-30T17:05:29.507-07:00A Big Celebration <div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow is the last day of our March is Reading Month
festivities. We’re planning a little
celebration in our classroom to celebrate all the great reading we’ve done this
month. I decided to make Rice Krispies Treats for my class. No crumbs, no
frosting and fast to make. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For several years I’ve been in charge of our kitchen for
Vacation Bible School. I’ve always made
over sized treats as part of our snack menu.
To feed the 200 attendees I make about 24 batches, I double the recipe and
it is fun to see the kids react to the jumbo sized snack. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve found the off brand of the Rice Krispies works just as
well as the real thing in this recipe.
The store brand of marshmallows is fine too. My husband scoffed at me looking up the
recipe for something I’ve probably made a hundred times. The off brand doesn't have the recipe on the box. I wanted to avoid measuring so I did the math
for the whole box of cereal. Ooops, I
guess I should have sat down and thought…my doubled recipe is now tripled! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh well, I wanted to have an impressive snack! I think I’ve
achieved it, now the lid won’t fit on my cake pan. I think I’ll call these Rice Krispie Towers!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-18158203113851165892016-03-29T16:38:00.000-07:002016-03-29T16:38:34.383-07:00Eagles<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
For the past 4 years my class has watched the Eagles of
Dekorah Iowa. Well, one year the birds
choose a different nest and there wasn’t a camera on the new nest, but I
tried. We check out the nest before the
eggs are laid, and then when the first egg is laid we begin the 35 day countdown. Our spring break starts on Thursday, I was
really hoping for a timely hatch.
Yesterday there were signs the first egg would hatch soon. This morning we checked the nest cam before I
even took attendance. The Smartboard on,
all the lights were off when suddenly we saw those fluffy feathers as the
parent moved the other two eggs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Squeals of joy! Loud
yells of it’s a chick! And of course multiple hugs to celebrate followed. In a month or so we’ll make a class book
about the eagles, a great way to combine science and writing. Here’s to another hatch on Wednesday or
Thursday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-4291235842088701762016-03-28T17:38:00.000-07:002016-03-28T17:38:09.570-07:00Guilt<div class="MsoNormal">
She moved into our rural community the year before we
started 5<sup>th</sup> grade. She sat in
front of me, every day in the morning as our teacher allowed us to go to our
lockers to get a snack she and another girl would make me give mine to them. My mom often packed a fun sized candy bar for
me, a valuable snack for an impoverished farming community. I really didn’t like her, but the other girl
had been a friend until she came along. Together the two girls were increasingly difficult, I dreaded seeing them at school each day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Word spread through the telephone tree. Later confirmed by the local paper. She had died.
Shot by her brother as they argued while playing a card game in the
dining room. When we returned to school
Monday morning our teacher, Mr. Monfort looked like he’d been crying. He pulled her desk to the hall. Mrs. Martin, our school principal came in the
room. They stood and talked. Mr. Monfort tugged the desk back in. I don’t recall any discussion, or
support. Just the empty desk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The visitation was held mid-week but my family decided to
not have me attend. I remember feeling so sad. But also, so guilty for feeling relieved that
the two mean girls were now only one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-69164387340268826332016-03-27T15:36:00.000-07:002016-03-27T15:36:00.179-07:00One for You, One for Me<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
My breast cancer is estrogen fed. To reduce the opportunity of a re-occurrence
my oncologist has recommended an estrogen reduction medicine. She first mentioned it way back in November, right after my surgery. She said we'd talk again after I completed my radiation </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wayne wasn’t able to accompany me to my oncologist appointment I was updating
him on our conversation. She always takes the time to clearly discuss the
options and discuss my choices. As I
listed the side effects, he quietly listened to the laundry list of possible
symptoms for my headfirst chemically induced entry into menopause. I paused to wipe away tears. The past six months have been filled with so
much emotion and stress. I hate to take a medicine that might derail the
positive feelings and calm I’ve tried to embrace. With a smile he asked, “did she suggest any
pills for me?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a long shared laugh and a few more Kleenex I realized once
again, what a wonderful mate I’ve been blessed to have.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-65605675619119055682016-03-26T09:50:00.001-07:002016-03-26T09:50:22.249-07:00Sweet Tooth<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never been too particular. It’s got to have caramel, and nuts and maybe
some chocolate. It could be on ice cream
or in something with lots of sugar. I
thought I’d found my perfect desert. We were
having friends over, the perfect excuse to bake. And the safety net of knowing I wouldn’t have
the temptation around the house for days after.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a Saturday night with a clean house and time on my hands
I tried to replicate the desert I’d tried at a gathering of friends weeks
earlier. Melted butter, brown sugar,
coconut and nuts. Yum! As the desert cooled on the counter the
parchment paper made the removal from the pan effortless. The chef’s knife made it easy to cut the
confection into squares and then triangles.
Good thing I used the parchment paper.
A bubble of caramel, coconut and nuts was stuck to the corner of the
jelly roll pan. My thumb nail released
the bubble and I popped it in my mouth.
I savored the chewy caramel and coconut.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a Monday morning, with two days before my sick leave is
over I said. “I’m not too particular of
who I see or when I get in.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, I’m not in pain, but I’m going back to work after being
off for two months. I really need to
come in today or tomorrow. Dr. T. did
the crown, but I’ll be happy to see any of the partners. <o:p></o:p></div>
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-23834613372827613132016-03-25T16:22:00.003-07:002016-03-25T16:22:56.707-07:00Enough!<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not sure how it happened. There used to be so few and they were
treasured. For a while many of them were
promises of treasures from foreign lands.
Now the treasured ones are nearly obliterated by the masses. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I probably brought it on myself. I did quite a bit of shopping on line in the
past years. But do they really think I
shop every day? Several times? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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One of my spring break tasks is going to be clicking
unsubscribe instead of delete! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-12348410821834486962016-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:002016-03-24T13:53:20.035-07:00Memories<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember them as elderly friends. Mr. and Mrs. Van den Bosh, went to our
church. I can recall picking apricots from their
fruit trees in the yard. I clearly
remember their stone house, with a lush green yard; they also had cherry and
apples trees too. Funny, I don’t have
any memories of the inside of their house.
When we were recently looking at family photos my mom commented several
times the dresses my sisters and I wore were a gift from the couple. Mom said they occasionally babysat for
us. What a treat that must have been for
a young couple, working, farming and raising a quickly growing family, while
living over an hour away from their own families. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder why we didn’t see them as I grew older. My father was always so diligent about
visiting people as they aged and were ill.
Did they pass when I was young?
Maybe they moved? I need to ask
Mom at Easter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-58234650033470796192016-03-23T17:27:00.001-07:002016-03-23T17:27:13.676-07:00Spring Sing!<div class="MsoNormal">
My grade level is the only group in the school that doesn’t
participate in our spring musical.
Yesterday I overheard a teacher saying that her husband had been given Elton
John tickets but she couldn’t go because she needed to be at the concert to supervise
her students. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told her if the principal would approve it, I would be
happy to cover her class. With administration
approval I spent this evening in amazement.
I had about a third of the student body in their primary years. Wow! I
felt so proud listening to them recite lines and sing with such pride. I need to make sure I take the time to attend
this every year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today she asked if she could pay me, I told her I just want her to be forever in my debt!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dinner out with the staff before was an added bonus!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-83006430894538476892016-03-22T16:00:00.000-07:002016-03-22T16:00:06.854-07:00Attacks<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m saddened by yet another terror attack in Europe. Our summer plans had included Istanbul, but
in January after an attack in a spot where we’d planned to visit, we’re no
longer visiting Turkey. A trip that
includes several large European cities just doesn’t sound fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know many of these destinations really depend on
tourists. I know not going gives the
terrorists the win. But today I can’t
get the news reports and the crying voices out of my mind. Tonight so many people are in pain and grief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-84233057398559991412016-03-21T18:46:00.001-07:002016-03-21T18:46:16.114-07:00Tickets! I've got Tickets!<div class="MsoNormal">
Our school is going to become a PBIS school next year. I’m on our school leadership team, we’ve been working
with staff on developing what we as a school want to use in our
implementation. Full disclosure I’ve
never been good at rewards. Charts,
tokens, punch cards, I’ve tried them all at some time or another, and they
always fall by the wayside. I’m not motivated
by rewards so I just forget to remember.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enter Chelsea. Name
changed, of course, not that she really responds to her name. She spent her first two years in a neglectful
and or abusive home. She now lives with
a doting grandmother, who usually looks tired or looks the other way. Our school counselor says she has “trauma
brain”. She sees things very differently. She doesn’t really respond to anything I’ve
tried. Consistent rules and consequences have helped, but she’s a long way from
being ready for kindergarten expectations.
When I pushed for an evaluation
she was documented in a ten minute time span chewing on the leg of a table and
also eating a used tissue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes! I
tried every trick in my toolbox. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A month
ago, I started intentionally and consistently naming behaviors I wanted and
then frequently rewarding the behavior with a ticket. This was done for the entire class. The first few days there was a drawing at the
end of the day. Then I went to having drawings
at the end of the week. Last week I
finally got Chelsea to follow a direction the first time I asked. This is making me excited for our full roll
out in September.</span><br />
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-50172260480982322542016-03-20T17:28:00.001-07:002016-03-20T17:28:31.341-07:00Sharing is Scary!<div class="MsoNormal">
As we gathered on the rug one morning for sharing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My cats going to have babies, ‘cause she’s got no
heat! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My cat’s got fleas!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My Daddy doesn’t like cats so he’s gonna…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interrupting for all I’m worth, “Raise your hand if you have
a cat.” “Raise your hand if you’ve got a
dog”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Does anyone have a different pet? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK, sharing is done for today.” (and maybe forever!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-2635067599553528272016-03-19T17:42:00.002-07:002016-03-19T17:42:44.326-07:00Holiday Preparation <div class="MsoNormal">
I went into school today to do some cleaning and
reorganization. There are days when I’m)not sure it’s a blessing to have school keys.
While I was there I realized I needed to get some Easter projects
out. I checked one storage spot. No luck.
Where would I have put that oversized egg shape? I kept looking. Not in the over-sized hanging file. Not in the closet. Dang.
I spent days last summer organizing all my projects! Where could it be? It wasn’t until I was pulling holiday books (I love Max's Chocolate Chicken) from my April storage I realized Easter is very early this year and yes, the
egg pattern was right where it belonged…last year!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5717773180187225490.post-31757153991289076052016-03-18T18:21:00.005-07:002016-03-18T18:21:56.806-07:00 Science for the Littles<div class="MsoNormal">
Last summer I attended a science seminar for primary
elementary teachers. I resolved to
improve my student’s experiences in science this year. The Institute where the seminar was held told
us it offered free science programs for any school in the county, I only needed
to obtain funds for the buses. I decided
to dream big and I wrote a grant for four visits. My grant was fully funded! The
first visit was in early November, the day before my lumpectomy. Others thought I was crazy to take a field
trip that day. It was beautiful fall
day and my student’s joy at experiencing the outdoors as we gathered items
using our five senses was delightful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had planned to visit during the winter, child sized snow
shoes and sliding were the plan. Radiation
and recovery time changed that plan. We
really didn’t miss much, we didn’t have enough snow cover to enjoy either
activity, except for our blizzards, and then we couldn’t have gotten there
anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve now been back in the classroom for 5 weeks. Today our second visit happened. We got to learn about worms and next week the
director is delivering a classroom sized worm composer to our classroom. The class also got to learn about birds, and
this weekend I’ll be attaching the bird feeder she gave us to the window. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all started with me looking for some continuing education
credits!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Looking forward to two more visits! <br />
<img src="https://twowritingteachers.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/11454297503_e27946e4ff_h.jpg?w=150&h=150" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18021256117579217710noreply@blogger.com2