A School Year Reflection #SOSMagic

I finished up my 14th school year last Friday. It was a year like no other, yet it went so much better than what any of imagined. Back in August we were "mantra-ing"--just give us two weeks. We wanted two weeks to introduce ourselves to our new students and establish some sort of relationship before we went virtual, which we just knew was going to happen.

Well, it didn't.

We were face-to-face the entire time (minus 7 days the first of the year plus snow days). Believe it or not, some new due-to-COVID practices we actually found out we liked and will continue next year. These include later and staggered start times, clear backpacks, and one-way hallways.

I am looking forward to summer so that I can reflect, relax, and rejuvenate. And I do not feel bad for wanting those things. This year took its toll on everyone, and there is no room for guilt.

I went in to school yesterday to pack up the rest of my room for summer cleaning. Although the room looks very similar, I am in awe of it’s contrast to last year.

Last year I had a time limit to get in and get out;

this year I lingered with my thoughts and memories.

Last year was full of sadness and fear of the unknown;

this year was full of hope and excitement about what all we accomplished.

Last year was void of goodbyes;

this year was full of pictures and hugs and fun memories.

Last year I walked out with tears;

this year I walked out with a smile!

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #SOSmagic

Remember and Embrace #SOSMagic

It's 10:30 Tuesday morning of the last week of school. It is my prep period, so I have no students and my 70s rock playing on my Pandora station.

Students are beginning the first phase of locker clean-out, and the sound of giggles and lockers shutting echoes their way down the hall and into my room. 

I smile and remember...

    ...the final writing in their notebooks,

    ...the end-of-the-year activities,

    ...the stolen moments of going outside,

    ...the surprising discovery of a missing book,

    ...the awards,

    ...the year-end video,

    ...the smiles and laughter,

    ...the anticipation of summer, 

    ...the hugs goodbye.

I remember what all we missed last May. I smile and open my arms and my heart to embrace these next three days.

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic

Lessons from Motherhood #SOSMagic

This is Mother's Day Weekend, and I have been blessed as a mother for 28 years. I was handed a bundle of life at the age of 28 and I was scared to death. As we went along, we bumbled, we failed, we loved, and we learned parenting moment by moment. 

Lessons from Motherhood

1. Being a stay-at-home mom is joyful.
2. Labor can be long.
3. Postpartum depression is real.
4. Babies can eat cereal before six months.
5. Napping is essential.
6. Finding a schedule that works...really works.
7. A child for each hand is the perfect fit.
8. Raising boys is different than raising girls.
9. Eating (and liking) Gerber's Dutch Apple Dessert is nothing to be ashamed of.
10. It's really OK if they eat the same thing for days and days.
11. Yes, you can memorize Good Night Moon.
12. They will know when you skip pages.
13. The next stage is always the best stage.
14. And yes, you will be ready for it.
15. Kindergarten teachers will take over being the most important person in their life.
16. But your place in line will move back up; I promise.
17. Preschool potty talk and middle school mouth do eventually go away.
18. A kiss and a Band-Aid eventually quit working.
19. Middle school is a time to let go for a while.
20. Yes, one of these days you're gonna miss "this".
21. High school and "blink of an eye" is a true metaphor.
22. Love for each child is equal, yet different.
23. Sleepless nights never really go away - no matter how old they are.
24. Saying I love you may look different than what you want it to be.
25. Giving them wings and roots are a gift.
26. It may take them a while to understand this.
27. Adult children can finally become your friends.
28. Motherhood is a joy and a celebration.

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic