Can We Say STRESS . . .

It’s that time of year again . . . S.T.R.E.S.S. levels are running high
I see it in the faces, I hear it in the sighs
Feeling the crunch of that damn ISAT test
Preparing the students in hopes that they just do their best!
We’ve been told since the bar has now been raised
If we make AYP we will indeed be amazed!
It’s like going into a war with no chance to win
And no matter what’s been said . . . teachers feel a a sense of chagrin . . .

Steps in our lives. . .

I think the steps start on our opening appearance to this world
Hopefully parents cultivate and nurture the work it takes to be able to move to those early years and the “next steps” . . . walking, talking, reading, making decisions  . . .
Then we reach a point when we are more in control of what it takes to again move to the next step . . . setting our goals, finding our passions, picking out colleges,  and doing what we need to do for our goals to become realities
Then it’s the first job . . . the job that may just be the first on the path to the ultimate goal . . . working hard always with our eye on the next step
Finally, we see a child in our life that we love so much moving to the next step . . .  the step that is one away from the ultimate goal that was set so many years earlier . . . and that my friends is priceless!

A Good Reminder . . .

I’m writing about something that happened last week.  I can’t stop thinking about it. . . . and each time I try, I tell myself “no” it’s good to remember, to remember how a tone in one’s voice can slice through a child . . . a good lesson for us all... teachers, parents, really anyone who is in contact with children.  I teach in the computer lab and the classroom teachers are in there with me.  I explained the directions for a new project and waited a bit before going over to E to see if he needed any help . . . because I was sure he did.  I went over the directions again and thought he understood what he was to do.  A few minutes later I heard his teacher asking him over and over if he understood what he was suppose to be doing, when clearly he did not.  I waited a few minutes before going over to him.  I touched his shoulder to get his attention and a couple of tears were sliding down his cheeks.  I parked myself down, tried to soothe away the tears before again explaining the directions with pictures this time.  I’m certain there are times when we all lose our patients, times when we ourselves are having a bad day.  But on this day I reminded myself how the tone in our voice, even if it’s a quiet tone can slice through a child.  Believe me I am not saying the teacher is a bad teacher.  In fact, she is a good teacher, just having a bad day and the stress of the job just got the best of her.  We tell children to “think” before they act. . . a good reminder to us all . . . especially on those stressful, no good, very bad days!

Snow

Blanket of crystals
Nurturing the earth deep into its soul
Untouched until . . .
Footprints . . . 
       tracks . . . 
            snow angels . . . 
Shear delight of children can be heard
In Mother Nature’s wonderland

Meet Kiki . . .

I am not what you call an animal person. But when  my niece Lyndsey rescued Kiki . . . all things changed.  Each time she sends me pictures, it brings a smile to my face.  Enjoy!

                                                                     Hi I'm Kiki, I can be shy unless the camera is on me!

I know I put it somewhere in here...

No pictures now I'm ready for a nap.

Sometimes a girls just needs a little vitamin D!

Nothing like a cozy spot on the chair.

Oh how pretty Lyndsey looks, but I wish she would stay home with me today.

What?!? You have a treat for me?

My Princess pose . . . it works for me.

Peek-a-boo . . .I love you!