…a few thoughts on proximity control…

“Proximity Control” is a term you often hear when educators are addressing the issue of classroom management. It’s the idea that an adult in close proximity can help control the behaviors of students–and that the very presence of an adult can make a difference (without words) in a student’s behavior and choices. Well, the other day, I came across a couple of photos.  These two, to be exact: It made me miss those days when my boys could fit onRead more

gratitude

A few images of the past week…always lots to be thankful for. Some affirmation for  and growth in students. Some affirmation (and hopefully growth) for me. Some walks by the river with a loved one. A walk by the river alone. Some laughter and some tears. Some hope and some fears. Some goals reached and items checked off lists, lots of tasks completed, lessons taught and hopefully a few lessons learned…So here we are— another week is in the books.Read more
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Tease

So, I talked to my son Chase today.  He’s away at college, about 5 hours from home.  I wanted to let him know a few things including the fact that a package should be getting there on his birthday.  I kind of gave a disclaimer though, because I had made cookies and I said they didn’t really turn out well and so I didn’t send them….and this…this is what he said: “NOOOOOO!!” Oops. And so I right away finished myRead more

like tea

So, I received this little gift wrapped in a daisy ribbon a few months back. Opened it up and am so enjoying it tonight. I’m thankful for little gifts that serve as reminders of huge gifts of the people in my life. Choosing to be thankful for time together rather than to bemoan time apart. Thankful for the quiet after a long day of …not.  Thankful for the reminder to be still and know that God is in control andRead more

Irish Blessings

She loved St. Patrick’s Day.  Over the years, I would receive sweet treasures around mid-March…bundled packages she’d send via UPS. One year, it was shamrock napkins and “Irish potatoes” …not real potatoes, but the coconut-covered-in-cinnamon Irish treat. Another year, the package contained General Foods International Coffee…Irish Creme flavor of course. That was my favorite at the time. She knew that because for a year and a half I went to college outside of Philadelphia and was about an hour fromRead more
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biscotti for breakfast…

Vacation.  Yahoo. It’s a time when the “coulds” are allowed to win over some of the “shoulds”. I probably should have run to the store early  this morning to get groceries. I probably should  have already emptied the dishwasher and started laundry from our trip.  But I could take my time, because I really don’t have to be anywhere till 4:00 or so. And the choice of eating biscotti for breakfast is  definitely a “could” that is winning over aRead more
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waves of blue

Waves of Blue on Mountains High Rolling in  as I stroll by I Lift my heart,  I Lift my eyes As waves of blue draw me nigh And what comes as I lift my eyes Waves of Grace I can’t denyRead more
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“Hey Mom…”

“Hey Mom….” he says.  “I’m going to extend my stay here in Sweden…and…I’m flying you over! I’ve thought about it and if I give up a few trips, I could fly you over and…” I think all the blood rushed to my head right about then and I didn’t hear much else that he was saying…my brain was fixed on – “I’m going to Sweden!!!”  And this 51-year old mom who once-upon-a-time considered herself a girl with an adventurous spirit, well, IRead more