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the extra mile

These past few weeks have been a challenge–a big one. No need to go into explanations (aka complain!), but I can say a few key words and you might be able to guess some of the sources of stress… Spirit Week at school (with lots of out of the routine activities for my students who may or may not struggle with transitions), CANDY for students, Full Moon, Fatigue, more CANDY for students, and end of grading period assessments in theRead more

…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

a daily harvest

  “Stepping back and harvesting the gifts of the day. Reflecting on its fruits, giving thanks.  Knowing the difference between holding and grasping, needing and wanting, brings peace.” ~ Sister Stan I love this quote by Sister Stan. It’s so good to step back a bit and reflect  at the end of the day. It almost feels like a big exhale– an  often quite necessary letting down. And then, then after the exhale, well, there’s more room and space forRead more

remember

“Say no to fear and live with the hope and courage that come only when you remember that the Lord is near.”  ~Paul David Tripp, New Morning MerciesRead more
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presence

One of my favorite quotes is by Roy Lessin. I have it in a frame hanging on my wall.  Well, actually, it was hanging on the wall. The other day, just out of the blue, the frame fell down with a thump and landed on the desk underneath it. It made me jump and brought attention to this quote that I see everyday, but maybe, just maybe, needed to be reminded of again! Here it is: “Victory is not found inRead more

Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday Every ornament’s a story – and I could talk your ear off for hours detailing the story, the memory of each and every one.  Because these are my family’s stories. My kids’ lives told in yearly symbols of ornaments.Like the pink phone for instance? That one makes me smirk a bit because that was the year Hope lost at least three phones, one which flew off a rollercoaster, and one which was flushed down the toilet. Oops.  OrRead more
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a few Christmas thoughts on being empty and being full

There’s a lot of space under the tree this year. But the Christmas tree?  It is full, brimming with ornaments that probably cover every square inch of the tree. Every ornament tells a story.  It signifies a moment in time, a milestone, a period of time.  Yes, every ornament tells a story, and with 6 children contributing to the decoration of the tree, there are lots and lots of stories. As I decorated the tree this year, there were ‘stories’ IRead more