SOLC-Right Now

Feel free to leave your own slice at two writing teachers

Right Now...

Right now I am thankful my girls are healthy.

Right now I am anxiously awaiting the new 5th graders to walk through my classroom door.

Right now I wish I could hold my parents in my arms and say all is well.

Right now I am happy that my parents are always near by and we will get through this trial.

Right now my family is remembering the life of my cousin as the one year anniversary of her death approaches.

Right now I am trying to be courageous and allow my children to leave the state with their dad without me.

Right now my body is healed.

Right now my heart has mixed emotions of happy, sadness, love, and excitement.

Right now I hope to live my life as if right now may end tomorrow.

Slices

Click the link to summer slices on my family blog.

Slice of Life 26/31

Today was blue box day. I copied all four entries. Put the copies in a safe place at school. Drove to the UPS store and handed over my school life. Just like that. I feel so relieved that the process is complete. It is in the assessor's hands, but to hand over my box to someone I did not know after I slaved over the analysis and reflection was more difficult than I expected to be. In fact, as I drove out of the parking lot one tear slid down my cheek. My life can go back to normal....if I even know what that is.

Slice of Life 25/31

Really feel as if I am 100 lbs lighter,
Especially now that all entries are complete,
Letting go of the BOX,
I am so proud of my work,
Everything is as it should be now,
Freedom to write what I want.

Dear Slicers,

I am sorry I abandoned you on the journey this year, but I have been working on my National Boards, AND THEY ARE FINISHED!!! I will be joining you for the last week and look forward to reading many of your entries.

Missing Slicing and glad to be back,

Lynnelle

Slice of Life 2/31 Dream Sweet

Baths are finished,
hair combed,
footy pajamas slipped on.

"Brush teeth," signs Emma,
running to the wash room,
standing on the stool.

Humming while they brush,
giggling as they watch each other,
sisterhood in action.

"Read book", cries Gracie,
hop on elmo,
blankets pulled high.

Pages wisping,
"again, again," they say,
echoing my words.

Tuck, tuck them in,
star song sung,
"Dream sweet, my mommy!"

Heart melts,
who knew love so strong,
God watch over them and
dream sweet.

~LYS~

Slice of Life Day1~Relieved Headache

It seems like there have been several storms brewing in our kingdom and today it hit! I received a noticed from Paypal that I had renewed a subscription. Never did I receive an email about, so I quickly sent an email explaining the circumstances. All the while thinking I will never see that money again; it evaporated into Cyber space. I sent the email 6 hours ago and I just heard the nice ding from my laptop that I had mail and sitting there in my beloved inbox. REFUND established! Yea! Thank you cyber space....so glad my money is back safe and sound and ready to be spent on doctor bills!!

December Daily-D7

In the last few months I've realized that it is really truly the little things in life that set us free. Tonight as I came home from a FABULOUS day with my 5th graders I knew I was headed toward an evening of not so much fun. Gracie tends to be a little overtired and blames Emma and I for it. Instead I was greeted by a well rested Gracie and we had pizza night (love mazzio's 6.99 Monday special), watched parts of Narnia, and then played in Gracie's chest of drawers. We walked through her "wardrobe" into a magical land. It was fun, exciting, and memorable. At the end of the evening, as I tucked and tucked and tucked Gracie in I realized tonight was a moment I would cherish. Holidays can get wrapped up in the must do's, but really it's about slowing down and looking at life through a different lens.

December Daily-Dec. 5

Papers and embellishment by Shabby Princess

December Daily-D4

Nighttime. Prayers. Reading books while laying under the warm covers snuggled up with Miss Emma is about as blissful as a perfect night can be. "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed" echoes in my brain. Emma's sweet giggles as I once again read that Momma Monkey had to call that doctor to help. As she turns the pages of her book, I continue to read. When I finish, she closes the books and asks to say her goodnight prayers. "God Bless, Nana, Papa, Gracie, Uncle Brandon, Mommy and Daddy. A-men." I grab her life size Elmo doll and "baby." Tuck them all in. "Mommy, Tiss pwease," she says. I lean in kiss her goodnight and go to turn out the light. "Sweet dreams, Mommy." "You too, baby girl."

These are the moments I cherish. These moments won't last forever, how I wish they would.

Dec. Daily Day 3

Papers and snowflake button from Shabby Princess Holiday Sampler. Third paper embellishment and light paper from Jessica Sprauge. Font: Lynnelle (my handwriting turned into a font)

Journaling:
Today I could feel the cool air finally descending on Oklahoma. Even so my girls wanted to play outside. While taco soup was simmering I had an opportunity to watch my kiddos play outside. Sliding down the slide, "Ta da!" Gracie says. Emma coming in shutting the door. Gracie opening it and Emma yelling, "BOO! I GOTCHA!" Today I am thankful. There are days that are so stressful that I forget about the todays. The todays that no one is hurt, no one is pulling hair, just playing like sisters. Today.

Slice of Life Oct. 16

Outside my window...I finally can see the sun! It has been raining for so long. What a gorgeous fall day.

I am thinking...I wish I got more moments in time to just rest and recuperate from the dailies of life, however I miss the hustle and bustle of my little girls.

I am thankful for...my family always being there in the small and big moments; my students who are embracing their inner writer and surprising me daily with their mini-lessons for me when I confer with them; the person who nominated me for teacher of the year--ah inspiring to be thought of my such a great staff; my girls are healthy.

From the kitchen...diet dr.pepper and my new favorite snack--kettle corn

I am wearing...pajama pants and big t-shirt.

I am creating...an outline for my entry one of my national boards.

I am going...to enjoy my favorite shows...I deserve a little quiet time.

I am reading...Eclipse: book 3 of the twilight series and starting to read The Art of Teaching Writing by Lucy Calkins.

I am hoping...everyone stays healthy in my family.

I am hearing...the sound of airplanes flying overhead as they prepare to land at the local airport.

Around the house...the sound of silence. Girls are with their daddy today and I am enjoying it, but also glad that they will be home soon.

Slice of Life

"Can we quickly run to Target before we go home?" I ask my mom while Emma crams a few more fries in her mouth.

"Sure," she smiles.

We quickly drive a few miles away. I am pondering why the leaves still haven't changed even though October is a few days away. Knowing that when the first freeze arrives my allergies will be gone. How I wish I had time to just sit, rest and enjoy nature...but not my life right now!

We walk into Target and I make my few purchases--one of them a new car seat for Gracie who is now almost 3 and has outgrown her other one. I get the bright idea to switch them out. I mean really it can't take that long right?

WRONG!! Emma and Gracie are in the front seats of my car while mom tries to read the directions to me and Emma is screaming at me to turn on Imagination Movers and Gracie is just upset because I am changing out her car seat.

30 minutes later I am sweating and exhausted, but achieved my goal. New car seat intact--check....unhappy Gracie--check...safe child--check!

Slice of Life Tuesday~News~

Honk, went my cell as I walked into my room. I'm sure that's my mom I thought. It was she said she needed to talk.

I knew my cousin was failing quickly so I picked up my classroom phone and dialed home.

"Lynnelle, do you want the news?" She asked.

"Of course, Mom," I replied. I knew I had said my good byes. I was prepared for the worst with my sweet cousin. My mind and heart were begin to believe it was real.

"He has tumors with lymph node involvement," she replied.

"What?I don't understand. Are you talking about the CT for Dad?" I ask. My mind reeling from the news. My ears beginning to burn and sound rushing into them.

"Yes," she said, "Lynnelle, the doctor's calling I'll call you back."

I clicked end. I sat at my desk. My mind racing with the same one word. Cancer. Cancer. Cancer. My dad has lung cancer. This isn't good. Lung cancer is deadly.

I find myself walking down the hallway teachers passing me getting ready to meet the new parents and students in a few hours. I walk into my friend's room.

"Caroline, my dad has lung cancer," I sob. I begin to shake as the words leave my mouth. She holds me up.

My tears rush down my face soaking her shoulder. Her words of strength and truth whisper to me.

But all the while listening to her hushed tones of comfort my heart beats to the rhythmic tune in my head--cancer, cancer, cancer.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur. I found out the details. Googled his chances. Slowly began to push down my fears, my pain, and my tears to welcome 55 new students and their parents to the 5th grade.

As 5:30 began to approach I could feel teacher mode begin, as my wonderful students arrived and I shook their hands and welcomed them. There presence helped me. The new lives who entered mine. I was able to help them at least for an hour. I hoped I helped relieve some of their fears and let them know I was ready for a great year because for a few moments I was able to relive my old normal. I knew when they left my new normal would begin.

*Please note that 3 days later we found out my father does not have cancer. He has another illness, but it can be treated. Thank you for your support.*

Slice of Life

Today I realized my daughter is growing up. Living with Down syndrome has been a part of our lives for over 5 years now. Life moves at a different pace. I have come to love the pace at which we move with Emma. Today we moved forward. The pace quickening a bit. Emma has officially begun a potty training marathon. Today I learned Emma thinks of herself as a "big girl." I try to not baby her, but to hear her BELIEVE she is big makes my heart swell with love, admiration, and the realization that no limits should be place on children. Tonight as Emma prepared for bed, I no longer put a toddler to bed, but a big girl.

Slice of Life~Drama Leads to Mommy Trauma

"You are going to have to wrap your legs around her," the doctor said matter-of-factly. He was so calm and acted as if this occurs in his office every day.

"Okay." Quickly I began to think how I was going to do this with a 5 year old in my lap and sitting in a small chair at the ophthalmologists.

I lifted my left leg wrapped it around her lower body, pushed her arms down with mine and tucked my foot behind my right leg.

I took a deep breath and prayed, "Dear Lord, let him have a speedy dripper!"

Emma's wailing. My heart is pounding so hard. My cheeks feel as if they are flaming.

"Done! I've never seen a kid who had such strong eye lids," he said with a smile.

I giggled and Emma said, "Bye!"

Should I tell her now that we will be back in 20 minutes after her eyes are dilated?

Slice of Life

We are so tired of the Oklahoma heat. This evening after dinner we went outside to "cool" off. We got out the Elmo splash pad, put on the swimsuits and I grabbed the camera. The girls loved it! Giggles, sand whizzing through the air, jumping through the water. Sounds of summer! Gracie is really loving the time outdoors and begins to experiment with catching the water in her mouth. Her face contorts as she figures out a way to make the water fall directly into her mouth. I giggle as I capture the moment through the lense and then she looks up. Sheepishly smiles, twirls so her ruffled tink swimsuit flies, and continues to figure out a way to catch the water droplets.



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A few slices of summer

Today as I was wishing Emma would stay in her bed I began to think of all the funny things that have happened this summer that I haven't blogged. So here are a few...

*We purchased a sand box for Emma and Gracie and they absolutely love it. Last week my parents were here for dinner and since it was only 95 degrees outside instead of 110 we went to play. Emma took her Papa by the hand and opened the door. "Hey, Papa, It's my beach!!" She yelled. Sure enough if you looked closely through a 5 year olds imagination you could see the steaming, soft sand and the hear the ocean waves (or in this case elmo splash pad). I love having children. It reminds me to see things through different lenses.

*Yesterday we went to the zoo. I packed the strollers, backpack and sippy cups and off we went. On the way there Emma began to sing. "Ha Bee, Ha Bee, Nana." I giggled. "Are you still singing Happy Birthday to your Nana, Emma?" I asked. "Yep!" she replied. "Ha Bee, Ha Bee, Nana. Zoo!! Zoo!!" Priceless moments like these will be cherished for a life time.

*Each day we could tell many Grace LeEva stories, but this one was just as cute as can be. We went by the tiger exhibit and I told Gracie what they were. "Mommy, BIG CATS!! meow!" I laughed out loud and the man next me drawled, "Yea, honey, but there a little big to keep indoors!" "Tank-too" She replied.

*Gracie recently switched from her crib to a toddler bed. I thought we would have the same battles as with Emma but I was wrong. She won't crawl in, but she lays down after you put her in it, pulls her blankie up on her head says, "Tank-Too, Night-night" and goes to sleep. Bliss!

Slice of Life~Reinvention~

This summer I was a specialist for summer school and used the money to buy new living room furniture. To my surprise once I put the new furniture in my house I decided to paint. It spiraled into a crash 12 hour painting fest. My wonderful mother helped me the entire 12 hours and my brother painted for an hour (he braved the 12 foot ceiling; I tried, but that's another story.) One year after my world turned upside I feel at peace; my solace-my reinvention.

Memoir Monday~Why Must You Use Your Ugly Voice?

More of a slice of life, but touched my day none-the-less. I have been co-teaching with a fellow colleague in our reading academy this summer. I am the specialist in the room instead of the core teacher. As a class we have been looking at words and recognizing text clues and reading with expression. Today I read the book "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More" by Karen Caltrow. We continued our discussion of the clues authors give us as readers as to how the text should sound when we read aloud. When I got to the second page and said, "YA AIN'T GONNA PAINT NO MORE" with much gusto and a child leaned over his desk and said to the teacher, "Why does Ms. Snow have to use her ugly teacher voice!!" Ahhh. Lesson learned. I haven't had the students all year and should have prefaced "sometimes I will be raising my voice when the author asks me to from the clues in the text." Needless to say I giggled the rest of the day.

Slice of Life~Can You Smell the Creativity?

"Hey, I am on my way home you want to check out the new Michael's?" I ask my mom as I walk to my car.

"Sure," she replies.

So I zoom, zoom to pick up my mom and off we go to the new Scrapbook Mecca.

When I walk in I gasp in awe and begin to giggle with glee as I see the aisles of perfectly themed crafts in Michael's. Aisle and aisle of creativity just itching to be put onto pages or crafts created for the perfect gift. Or to be honest for yourself. My heart stops as I look at the specialty papers. Oh, how I wish I didn't live on a budget.

As I began to walk up and down the aisles and into the themed corners I ran into my biggest temptation--bling. Oh the gorgeous bling; reds, pinks, emeralds green and of course the pink letters with yes...diamond bling. Oh, I could hear it saying to me the perfect picture is waiting to be taken for this embellishment. I cautiously walked up to the rack that held the blinged art. As I pulled it off the rack Just Say No echoed in my ears, but alas I couldn't resist. I must. I must have the bling. Secretly my inner bling demon says, "Score!" as the bling lands in my cart.

Ahhh, a great end to the day. The Bling Force is now subdued until....