Literacy Learning Zone

Right now ... I am at a loss for words. My fingers are empty. The white page taunts me and I return the blank stare. And then I was reminded to just write. Just write. Just write. Write now ... The sun radiates the bright blue sky without a cloud in sight. The warm breeze sending leaves dancing and cotton puffs floating. The house is peacefully quiet, except the tick-tock tick-tock of the clock, a lawn mower in the far distance cutting healthy green blades of grass, And the girls voices traveling down the hall from their upstairs bathroom together creating special art with their hair.

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Sweet Harley (6 months old) For moments during the day -- all she wants is peace. The face of innocence. The love she has for us all. Oh, those eyes. The sweetness in her eyes. Her ears ready to listen to my every word. Her black nose warming in the sunshine. Her paws outstretched, resting -- Until an u nexpected surprise attack She decides to rise up and pounce The rebellious "teenager" puppy Nipping, jumping, and acting crazy Trying to gain our attention so that we notice her, play with her, enjoy her antics. For moments during the evening -- when all we want is pe...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ {16 small moments from my day} Today I ... started the day hitting the snooze button and sleeping in an extra 20 minutes  celebrated NOT having to make two lunches because the girls requested shamrock-shaped chicken nuggets for hot lunch walked the dog a mile through the neighborhood after the girls were picked up by the bus paid a fine at the library for overdue books because that's what happens when you check out lots and lots of books administered the third math PARCC assessment to a small group of students and they worked hard enjoyed a slow lunch reading slices and commenting, but...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ It was a moment I couldn't let by me. I met Jan when the girls were in kindergarten. They attended an after school program and she was one of the teachers. They loved going and I was thrilled they were happy to spend their hours after school there. Jan made their time special and fun. Due to our move, we transferred our girls to a new school and a new after school program. Our daily hellos with Jan ended. However, strange as it may be, we were in need of a new hair cutter. Through a conv...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Today, my six year old daughters -- and I can only say that for another 12 more days -- brought home an ABC end of the school year countdown. It starts on Thursday.  So that means there are only 28 more days left of school. "You will only be first graders for 28 more days," I thought out loud. Tears filled my eyes. "Don't cry, Mommy," M. said as she held my face. "You are going to make me cry." "I just can't believe it. You are almost ... I can't even say it...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Once in awhile we just can't make it to the bus on time. Instead of stressing myself and yelling at the girls, I take a deep breath. (I learned this after one or two not-so-good attempts at rushing to catch the bus.) "Finish breakfast and let's get ready for school. I'll take you this morning." On the drive to school, I shared that I wrote about M. losing her tooth . I retold my slice, mentioned the wiggle, wiggle, push, push and the tarantulas. "Mommy! No! You have to delete that part!" "Oh no, it's important I share all the detail...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ M. has a loose tooth. Wiggle, wiggle. Push, push. "Mommy, look!" She says as she shows me how she can push her tooth all the way forward with her tongue.  It is just barely hanging on. Of course, right at bedtime she decides it's bothering her. Wiggle, wiggle. Push, push. "Just pull it," I insist. "No! I can't. I want to ... Okay ... No!" "Then let it rest tonight. It will fall out when it is ready." I kiss her on her forehead and wish he...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Every year I write about this moment. This moment that happens every night, and it's not even a full minute of my day. This tender moment fills my momma heart. At the end of a long day, just before I'm ready to fall into bed, I make my way down the hall. I walk in the girls' room following the glowing night light and the quiet rain showers coming from the sound machine. One body is spread sideways across the bed with no blanket and her Wolfie stuffed animal is flopped on the floor. The other is tucked in tightly under her blanket, sleeping on her tummy with her Wolfie snuggled in. I brush the wisps of ha...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ My husband and I thought it would be a good idea to get back into our Wednesday night date nights. That time had slipped away from us after our move into a new home. Time together to actually talk and have full length conversations without interruption is rare with two six year olds entertaining us with their stories and thoughts on life. We also agreed to attend a marriage course at our local church to continue to grow together in our faith and strengthen our marriage. So Wednesday night date nights are at church. We discuss hot topics, such as the art of communication, the impact of family, and resolving conflict. ...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ We moved into our new home six weeks ago.  It still feels like we are on vacation.  The extra space and bathrooms and newness of it all.  Our main living space is free of boxes and everything has a place. Of course, the "Honey Project To Do List" will grow as we settle in.  But for now, we enjoy it, not worrying about the flowery wall paper or hanging brass chandelier.   As our "forever home," we'll have time to make changes and update. For now, we enjoy the newness of the neighborhood.  We moved a couple blo...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Yesterday was just another day.  It happened to also be my birthday. A special kind of birthday. I don't like big surprises.  I did not want a big surprise for my birthday. I warned my family, particularly my husband, Jon.  I. Do. Not. Want. A. Surprise. Of. Any. Kind. I got a surprise.   And I liked it. You see, my husband woke up early at 4:39 AM as he usually does on a Tuesday.  He got dressed and said his quick goodbye to go play racquetball. I dozed back asleep. My alarm buzzed me awake an hour later.  I hit snooze.  No need to get up early on my birthday. Six o'clock glowed brightly in the darkness.  I dragged myself ou...