Coming Home

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I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve written that I should probably introduce myself again.  I’ve had millions of possible posts half-written in the insanity that is my mind, and yet somewhere between thinking so eloquently, reflectively and sometimes philosophically and getting it to flow through me and spring forth as actual words has been quite a challenge as of late.

Admittedly, I have been in what I’ll call a “funk” for the past couple of weeks.  Spending my entire day with students who may or may not give a rip that I spent 4 hours categorizing my bookshelves to make them more user-friendly or fighting with the copier for 45 minutes on a Sunday night doesn’t provide the most rewarding experiences.  Add that to the fact that I I’ve entered a new age bracket, which wasn’t really a spectacular celebration, and I’m hyper-emotional being nearly 6 months pregnant, and I hope you’ll understand my absence.  Instead of seeing the glass half-full I’ve been much more inclined to find it completely empty, and trying to “fill it” with empty words and posed pictures seemed trite.

So, on those happy notes, I’m am at least pleased to report that lately, things are looking up.  I’ve had a few days where I’ve seen small successes with students and felt validated in the methods I’m using in class.  I’ve had engaging conversations with new friends, colleagues, and family.  I’ve been bombarded by baby kicks and rolls and happily enjoying Calder as we spent last week combining work, play and rest on our much-needed spring break.

In some ways, my most and least favorite part of a trip is that familiar trip that ends at our front door.  That moment between turning off the car and opening the door is filled with relief that we’re safely back home, and a almost-tangible twinge of regret that our time away has come to an end.  Walking in and looking around, things look oddly different and yet startingly the same.  Even here, as I type, I’m surprised by the changes that have taken place in my absence…yet it feels good to be back among the writing.

So the few of you who are out there reading, please know that I’m back.  Slowly, but surely I’ll find that groove once again and happily share the ups (and downs) with those who are interested enough to stop by.

A swing and a miss

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I was pretty optimistic about presenting digital stories to my 7th grade students.  I thought for sure they would think they’re pretty sweet and motivate them to put forth more than minimal effort.

One class of 7th graders engaged in a great conversation with me on Friday and they seemed on board.  They had ideas for how to make it fair to folks to different genres or writing, possible ways to circumvent the lack of technology issue, etc.  They’re the only class choosing to do this project.

I really hope that it goes well, and that all parties concerned have fun (and LEARN) throughout the process.  It seems like it’s getting harder and harder to keep these kids motivated or excited about a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g.  As if the job wasn’t hard enough…

Whew!

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I must say that this weekend was a strange combination of stressful and busy as well as relaxing and rejuvenating.  We loaded up the car on Friday afternoon and headed to Mom and Dad’s for the evening.  We were pleasantly surprised by a homecooked pot roast dinner with Gma and Gpa on Friday night and got to look at a bunch of pictures from Calder’s party (I know, I know – I still haven’t posted my pics either!).

After realizing at nearly 10pm that our hotel reservation was incorrect (for Sunday night instead of Saturday) I spent a good 45 minutes on the phone getting it straightened out.  Garth spent that time and then some trying to download some YouTube videos just in case we didn’t have wireless for our presentation.  Wearily, we climbed into bed only to sleep lightly due to an always-moving-puppy and a noisily-sleepily toddler. 

Saturday was spent bouncing from session to session at the MRA conference, and we did fairly well in that we were 3/4 in selecting great break-outs.  We began to feel much better about our presentation – not as nervous and taking note of presentation techniques that worked (and trying with all our might NOT to commit those that didn’t). 

We were back at our hotel room by around 5pm on Saturday and had the e-n-t-i-r-e evening to ourselves.  We commtted to spending the next couple of hours to getting all the last-minute work completed while ideas were fresh in our minds.  Surprisingly, we met our goal.  By the time our Pizzapapalis dinner arrived around 6:30 we were pretty much finished and ready to chill. 

We were both pleased with how our session turned out.  Of course, we know there are changes we would like to make, but we had enough people there to make us feel somewhat encouraged, but not enough to be too overwhelmed.  What’s more, we kept it informal and conversational, which we enjoyed and we think the audience appreciated.  There were about four gals who stayed for the entire time, came and spoke with us afterwards and were inspired by what they learned.  That’s a success in my book!

I think my favorite part of the whole experience is sharing professional success and accomplishment with the most important man in my life.  I still remember how much he impressed me when we began dating – he was so thoughtful and attentive to minor details.  We had great conversations about our respective work and could help one another as well.  Now that we share the same type of work, it’s even better.  He’s an amazing teacher, terrific husband and fabulous father.  Not that I didn’t know it already, but spending some quality time with him this weekend, made me realize this all over again!

This was the first time we’d both been away from Calder overnight, and he did tremendously.  I know that Grandma had a great time and we really appreciate her helping us out.  We certainly missed him and realized just how much he has transformed our lives!

Happy Birthday!

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March 2008 180

Dear Calder,

I have a few different drafts of this letter already saved on my computer, yet I find myself needing and wanting to write directly to you tonight.  I can hardly believe that it’s already been an entire year since you came into our lives and completely turned our worlds upside down. 

You have grown into such an amazing little boy already and I’m sure that this is merely the beginning of an amazing journey.  I keep thinking that we’ve arrived at my “favorite” stage with you, yet you continue to surprise me and each milestone brings another feeling of joy and excitement.  I’ll never forget the perfection of those first few weeks – crazy as they were.  “The Cocoon” I called it, loving how the world around us stopped and all that mattered was right here in our home.  It was the perfect combination of energy and relaxation, restlessness and peace – it was a living contradiction. 

You are quickly teaching me that each new phase will bring a different kind of joy and worry into my overflowing heart.  As you explore and discover your world, I’m awed by your focus and attention to small details.  I cannot wait to share countless memories with you, and I learn by your side how to be the best Mommy I can be.

The way you splash in the bathtub, cough when I tap your button nose, and play shy by snuggling in close, are just a few things I adore.  Your newest tricks – standing by yourself, melting down when you don’t get your way, and trying to climb the stairs – have caught me somewhat by surprise, and made me realize just how steep the parenting learning curve can be!

Thank you for all the ways you have made us a family.  You make me so very proud.  Happy First Birthday, Calder-Man!

Love,

Mama

P.S. I’ll post more pictures from your birthday party very soon, sweetie! 🙂

Saturday Surprise

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So I’m really kicking myself for not writing something yesterday because it was LEAP DAY!  I suppose that my ridiculously early bedtime is partly to blame, but still.  And I’m also trying to figure out how to “start” giving birthday wishes via my blog when I’ve already missed a few this year.  I think I’ll make March my official start date!  I’ll also give the disclaimer that this is not meant to be a comprehensive birthday blog and should I forget unwittingly miss any one of my friends and/or family members, you can be sure there was a very good explanation as to why!

While this isn’t exactly a “birthday” wish, I still think it can be loosely linked to the same category.  G. and I are thrilled to announce that we’ll be adding another little one to our family in August!  That’s right, Calder’s going to be a big brother!  We recently shared the news with our family and captured a shot of their genuine surprise!

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Now that the word is out (we still need to tell our students this week and friends at church) you can be expecting posts of pregnancy progress! 

Have a great weekend!