A Completed 5k With My Buddy!

Dark grey sky, cold winds and hundreds of smiling young girls . . . that was the scene last Saturday at Chicago’s lake front for the Girls on the Run 5k race.  This was my 5th year participating as a running buddy for one of our 5th grade girls.  It was bittersweet, as this will be my last time . . . another “last” of my school career.  As hard as it was to wake up at 5am and bare the drizzle and cold winds it really was worth it.  The excitement of these young girls and the pride they felt upon completion of the race was contagious!  It warmed my heart . . . and boy did I need warming ;-), to see the camaraderie and support they had for each other.  Giggles, hugs, and high fives were given to all at the end of the race!  Being a running buddy is one small way I can give back and show my support to the girls! The “message” written on the back of the medal we all received at the end of the race really says it all . . .

“I have the power to believe in myself. To stand up for who I am. To say “yes” to a challenge. To cheer on new friends. TO GROW UP STRONG.”

Book Talk Tuesday

I have talked about how at our school we start each day with a morning broadcast.  Fifth grade students taking charge of presenting the news for the day.  A new segment that was added this year is called “Book Talk Tuesday” . . . an inspiration from Michelle “Literacy Learning Zone” and Chris “Reading Amid the Chaos”. . .  an inspiration that has become a huge success!  Students look so forward to hearing the “tips” for finding new books, as well as guest speakers sharing their personal stories as to why they love reading!  Michelle and Chris are electric when they talk books and they inspire students and adults to read . . . read . . . and read more ;-) How lucky our students are to have these two inspirational teachers . . . women  . . . role models!

Seasons Bring Changes . . .

Changes all around as the season unfolds
Flaming reds, rich yellows and magnificent golds
Temperatures dipping, rooftops glisten
Taking time to stop . . . and really listen
Small animals scurrying finding the perfect place
Readying for winter that they will need to embrace
Yes, signs are around that winter is near
Even promises that little white stuff may soon appear
Are you ready for the changes? Not sure I will be
But ready or not it’s coming I know on that we can agree . . .

John . . .

It’s been 4 years since that dreadful day
When you were unfairly taken away
So  many dreams and plans that included all eight
Were crushed in a split second on this date
We slowly remembered that they were your dreams too
And to toss them away would be unthinkable because we knew
You would want  . . . no expect . . . that we continue the dream
Because after all, we all are still a strong family team
And though here on earth it may only be seven
We know you are smiling down at us from above in heaven
xoxoxo to you John  . . .

A Bit of Rambling . . .

Some random thoughts . . . I just couldn’t wrap my brain around just one today . . . so here are my jumbled up thoughts . . .

 
How is it when you are young you aren’t old enough
Then you get old and you can’t do it anymore?

How is it that certain people can push our buttons . . . yet others don’t get to us at all?

How is it that there is more news coverage on who is going to play in the World’s Series than what’s happening with our government?

And speaking of our government . . . how is it that "smart" people can be such dumb as!?!?!?

How is it that in the 70's people stood up to our government . . . and made sure their voices were heard?

How is it that Christmas is less than 100 days away? . . .78 to be exact!

How is it that a simple text or picture from certain someones can bring a smile to my face?

How is it that I’m so lucky to have friends that are beyond awesome?  . . . thank goodness!

How is it that I’m even luckier to have the family I am so fortunate enough to have? . . . thank you . . . thank you . . .  thank you!