{that parent} #sol16

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I was that parent.

I was that parent who overanalyzed a kindergarten progress report.

I was that parent who carefully crafted an email asking for further clarification of a "progressing" rating (as opposed to a "secure") for my reader and writer.

I was that parent who asked politely for evidence and questioned how I could continue to help my reader and writer at home.

I was that parent.

I was that parent who received a detailed explanation the very next day.

I was that parent who was provided specific assessment information, "cut scores" and my child's data results.

I was that parent who is a full time Mom and full time teacher who understood every word of that email.

I was that parent who was relieved (calmed?) by the additional communication.

I was that Mom who cares deeply about my daughters, even to question the results on a kindergarten progress report.

I was that parent.  And I smile remembering the importance of open communication, even if I was that parent.

{writing into march} #sol16

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I was thrilled that I was able to stop in the #SOL16 Twitter chat tonight.  It's the connection that I needed to get me excited about the March Slice of Life Story Challenge coming up ... quickly!

Amazingly, I started this little blog six years ago.  It was going to be home to my thoughts and reflections about school life.  And there is some of that, but life is more than just about school!

I do my best to balance school life with home life with my husband and twin five and a half year old daughters.  There are stories at school and there are stories at home.  What I've learned is that my blog is dedicated to writing ...

Writing the stories in my heart.

Writing to savor moments.

Writing to live again.

Writing to share.

Writing to write.

Writing to make me hApPy!

Last year I wrote a little list of tips to prepare for the March SOL Challenge.  Thanks to Carrie, I was reminded of this little list, that I must say, is quite helpful!

10 Tips for the Challenge

Are you ready to join the challenge? Are you ready to write every day for 31 days? Are you ready to live the life of a writer? Are you ready to be BRAVE and write about what makes your heart beat?  

I hope you will be joining in! Let me know if you'll be writing this March.  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  We are here to help YOU join in and feel confident in this amazing adventure.  You won't regret it.  I promise!

{joyous fruit loops} #sol16

Slice of Life is hosted at the Two Writing Teachers

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Illness strikes again in our house. M. just finished up her antibiotic last Wednesday for an ear infection. P. complained of a headache, tummy ache, and was sleepy tired with a limited appetite. All this led to a trip to the doctor.

Sure enough.  But this round?  Strep.  Antibiotics started immediately. 

P. was sad to miss another day of learning and projects. My heart broke when I picked her up during read aloud and she started crying not wanting to miss the book!  (I smiled a little inside ... )

We occupied our day with Valentine projects, reading books, games, and a little TV. We picked up her sister at the end of the day.

"P.! Look what we made?!?" M. shouted as she pulled out a Fruit Loop 100 day of school necklace.

P. looked at me disheartened. Tears formed.

"I told Miss April you would LOVE this project! So look! Here are all your materials! You can make a necklace too!" M. explained as she held up the glorious bag of Fruit Loops. (Once again, smiling to myself: 'materials' ...)

"Thank you, Sissy!! Thank you!!" P. exclaimed as she grabbed her bag of "materials."  P. was delighted beyond belief. And M. was just so proud to know her sister so well. 

I love these little moments of pure joy ... even if it was all about Fruit Loops and the necessary materials.

{what's balance today?} #sol16

Slice of Life is hosted at the Two Writing Teachers

Join in and share a slice of your life. 

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I struggle daily with it.  I wonder how those super-moms do it all.  I think about all that those super-teachers do.  And then those super-mom-teachers?  Yeah, I struggle with comparison and balancing life.

Some days I give more to my girls and family.  Some days I give more to my teaching and professional life.  Rarely do I give myself the time and devotion that I deserve.  I know this.  My Mom reminds me all the time to put myself first.  (Mom, keep reminding me in my daily voxer "thoughts of the day."  It never gets old and I need to hear it again and again.)

"Mom?"

"Mommy?"

"Hey, hon?"

"Mrs. Nero?"

All day long I'm pulled in every which way and direction.  And I love it.  I love being needed.  I love being there for whatever the request may be  ... but I still struggle.  Balancing life.  Keeping life *happy.*  Smiling through it all.

I don't think there is a magic answer beyond determining priorities and those priorities change throughout life.  They change day-to-day and even minute-by-minute.  I know that over the last five years, I have needed to dedicate more time and energy to my girls and family.  But life moves fast.  In a blink, that pendulum will shift and I will focus more time on me and my professional learning and career.

For right now?  I gave myself 'me' time.  I wrote.  I opened up this laptop with my precious girls in bed, husband slightly snoring on the couch, and I wrote.  A step in the right direction of balancing me.

And all that I can do and promise myself is to do the best I can today.