Literacy Learning Zone

Tomorrow. May first. They turn ten years old. Ten years ago, my twin baby girls came into this world. God blessed us with so much when He gifted them to us. When I found out we were having twins, it was a big surprise. One is never really ready for a newborn, let alone two!! They have changed my life. Made me who I am today. Created me into the mother I didn't know I could be -- it is a scary, unknown role. But, every day, they make me a better person. Not perfect. But always reflecting and progressing. Lots of hugs ... and plenty of apologies. These two, though, bring us so much joy. They are similar, but yet so different. Sweet, stubborn, silly, kind, sassy, loving, funny, creative, special, determined, thoughtful, smart, beautiful inside and out. These girls are growing up before my eyes. In a blink. Ten years. A decade. Double digits. 10. I'm extra thankful for this time together now -- to savor every moment of every day. Before another ten ...

  Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I knew I always wanted to be a mom.  Jon and I were married almost seven years before we were blessed with our twin daughters. I remember the day vividly when I found out I was officially pregnant with twins. It was a shock at first. I remember asking, "How does that happen?" The nurse just laughed. And, in what seems like a blink, the girls are eight. Eight. Eight!  I can't even believe it. They are growing up to be amazing little people. They are sweet and caring a...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Today is my birthday. Over the last (almost) eight years, I have celebrated with a list of some sort on this day. Today is no different. Today I write about 42 things I BELIEVE in -- my one little word for 2018. (In no particular order, just what came to mind ...) I believe in ... 1. my God 2. my husband and his patience and love 3. my parents and family and all their love and support 4. my daughters and for who they are becoming 5. a few really good friends that I trust and adore 6. choosing kind, always 7. prayers 8. new adventures 9. experiencing life through my daughters' eyes 10. snuggles an...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Books are treasures in our house. And I'm one that can't say no to more and more books. We have stacks of books from the library. I buy new books from Scholastic and Amazon. We visit the Little Free Libraries. We devour books in our house. It's a problem that I know many of you also share with me, but when I see the benefits of creating a home of readers with my own two daughters ... I know we are doing the right thing. This week my readers were reading in the wild ... in the dark ... in the car, and even in bed, under the cover of darkness. And to be honest, it brought a smile to my face. (Just as the t...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Sprinkle pancakes Colorful candles Singing and wishes Another special day with friends and family -- It's birthday PARTY day! My girls have been planning a birthday party at our local roller skating venue, Orbit, for months. I decided to call and start inquiring about party packages in February and I am so thankful I did! I learned Orbit Skate Center was closing its doors at the end of March after 46 years in business. They received an offer that they couldn't refuse from a private party to purchase the rink and transition it over to an ice rink. There are not too many roller rinks around any mo...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Today is my Mom's birthday. And I can't wish her a happy day. There's a reason ... and it's not what you are thinking. My Mom is one of the most giving people I know. Right now she is volunteering on a mission trip in Guatemala for the week, and communication is limited. I sent her an email and a text this morning not knowing when or if she will receive them ... so today I'm honoring my Mom! My Mom is a truly amazing person. She really is! My Mom has always been so giving and...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ The month of October is busy as it is.  School is in full swing. After school activities. Homework and projects. Multiple birthday parties.  A week of Halloween activities and fun. Every day planned. Then throw in the Chicago Cubs and playoff baseball. Stealing time. I learned the game with my Dad.  I sat with him watching the Cubs win some and lose most. I grew up playing softball. I know the game and some of the obscure rules. But this game takes patience. Stealing time. ...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Yesterday was my first day of school with my colleagues.  Starting the year off with meetings. There were many new faces, including new staff members, teachers, and student teachers. As they were introduced, one name sounded familiar. I leaned forward to get a better look at this student teacher. There was a familiarity in the face. But I just wasn't sure. The meeting moved forward and I continued to think about this name and face.  I did the numbers in my head. That'...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I debated writing today. I debated about what to write about today. I did my usual pre-procrastination social media scroll. Twitter. Instagram. Pinterest. Ahhhh ... I linger as I scroll and smile. "Yes. Oh, I like that one. Favorite that! Agreed.  I needed to hear that." And, so, to continue on with my procrastination, I needed to share my love ... And, thus, a tweet that led to writing this slice. This last year I needed some positive reinforcements and to re-c...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Today is just another day. A Tuesday. But it's also a birthday of our wedding day - my best explanation to my girls about our anniversary. "Well, can we come to your anniversary?" I started making dinner of chicken kabobs and rice and the girls set the table together as a team. I continued working in the kitchen. The girls disappeared into the living room working quietly on a secret project. "I wish we were having cake." I overheard their con...