Today we experienced another first...{SOLC} March 7, 2015 #sol15

It seems like every day my children are growing up so quickly. Today I had one of those moments where I looked at my oldest son and couldn't believe he was sitting next to me in the front seat of my van. 

For his entire life I have driven him around in the backseat, but because my van was loaded with items that need to be moved, there really wasn't anywhere else for him to sit. It was the strangest feeling to have him next to me in the van versus all the way in the back. It's just another little sign to me that says he is growing up way too fast! It was so fun to have him experience a ride in the van from a new perspective. He was commenting about how roomie it was and that the view is completely different from the front seat.   

So, I may have a new companion in the front seat. It won't be too long that I'll have all three kids fighting for that position in the van and eventually, they'll all be behind the driver seat. For now I'm going to be thankful that I only have one who is actually allowed to sit in the front and I will cherish the time and conversations that that new position might bring with my son.

A Special Message {SOLC} March 6, 2015 #sol15

As an educator, I know how important it is to share positive stories and information with parents about their children. Today, I was on the receiving end of a special message that my son's teacher sent to me today.  My son's teacher was so excited about something he had accomplished that she couldn't wait to share it with me.  

To get a special message like this makes a parent's day.  I am so grateful that my son has a teacher that cares so much about him as a learner and personally celebrates his successes!  Please let this serve as a reminder to not only celebrate your students' successes but to along share it with their family!  Just like in my case, you might make someone's day!

Thinking about the last time...{SOLC} March 5, 2015 #sol15

I once read an article by a mother who spoke about recalling the firsts of her children's lives contrasted to all of the "last time" things happen in our lives. Tonight was one of those last time moments for me. You see, my youngest and my only daughter, will be starting kindergarten next school year. Tonight, I had to take her to kindergarten registration. It was the last time I will attend this event for one of my children. I know when she begins formal school, there will be lots of last moments for our family.

I can't believe that I will be sending my youngest child to school next year.  Even though she's been attending preschool,  Kindergarten is still a big milestone in her life and mine.  When we officially have all school-aged children, it will be a new chapter for our family! She was so excited tonight, which made me both happy for her and sad for me.  Regardless of how I feel, time will keep marching on...

Right now, I am going to celebrate the last time, even though, it makes me a little sad too!

STUCK!!! {SOLC} March 4, 2015 #sol15

STUCK!!!

So, this is happening right now in my driveway!  Our wonderful winter has dealt another low blow...with the ice and snow, my tires just continue to spin!  I'm now a half hour later than I should be this morning!  The kids are being so patient!  I am being patient when I really want to scream!  My husband is being patient while he tries everything we can think of to get the van unstuck!  

Have I mentioned that I struggle with unexpected circumstances in my day?!  We've tried salt...we've tried sand...we've tried rocks!  Still stuck and all I want is to be unstuck! Unstuck....unstuck...unstuck!  

Taco Tuesday {SOLC} March 3, 2015 #sol15

One of the highlights of our week is Taco Tuesday!  Family dinners are important at our house and especially a meal that everyone likes.  Everyone has their favorite taco toppings and the way we each make our tacos is as unique as each of us, which makes for even more fun.  By far, the highlight a family meal night, is the opportunity to talk about our days and share our experiences with each other. Now that the kids are getting a little older, they will ask Joel and I about our days, as well as, ask each other.  

Family dinners afford us the opportunity to connect and reconnect after our busy days away from one another. I love the opportunity to sit around the table and share with each other.  I am thankful for this nightly opportunity and especially appreciative on Taco Tuesdays!

Increasing My PLN {SOLC} March 2, 2015 #sol15

This week I finish a four week course on Universal Design for Learning.  The course has been completely facilitated online through Google hangouts and Twitter chats. I underestimated how fulfilling of an experience I would have connecting with educators who share my passion for instruction for students!  I learned so much from these passionate educators!  

The Technology we used connected us across different states and countries, united by one passion: making learning experiences for children as meaningful as possible!  I am grateful for the experience over the last four weeks to connect with fellow educators to learn, digest, play, engage, dissect, discern, collaborate, discover and share.  

  I have always been a learner who learns best through social connections and discussing what I am learning. The use of technology has just helped me to take that learning to a new platform and level.  

Using technology to build my personal learning network or PLN has enhanced my ability to share meaningful resources with my colleagues. As I continue to reflect on this experience that I have had, it leads me to ponder how I can help build these experiences for colleagues and for students.

The little things are often the BIG things! {SOLC} March 1, 2015 #sol15

Some days there is one moment that sticks out to you as something that really makes your day special.  Although, today was not unlike any other Sunday with lots of chores and preparation for the week ahead, it was also a day that made me feel honored to be a mom!  I love my kids, each one with his/her unique qualities, that make them special to me.  They each have special ways that they show me who they are and how much they care. 

Today, as I was folding laundry, cleaning up, prepping and bustling around the house, I happened to glance at my middle son and from a room away and he blows he a kiss completely unsolicited!  His act of affection just warmed my heart and gave me another reminder of how much the little acts of love mean the most!