Happy Friday!

It has been quite a week and a half! After suffering with a pretty nasty sore throat for a few days, I finally decided it might not be a virus and called the clinic. Strep throat. It then worked its way through my three children at an interval of every few days. So far my husband does not appear to have it. By the third child, we didn't even have to go to the clinic; they just called in the prescription. So, four cases of strep, three visits to the clinic, three visits to the pharmacy--and a lengthy wait each time, mind you (my husband picked up the fourth prescription), four of us on amoxicillan ("Everyone line up for your medicine!"), and a few days off work and I think we are on the mend. During that week and a half, we have also had dentists appointments, we have (almost!) potty-trained the two year-old, AND this week was Read Across America Day AND our literacy night at school, which are big events for this teacher. And now it is Friday (breath of relief). As I sit and I look out the window at the snowy landscape and sip my coffee, I breathe in the moment of peace and quiet. Here's to a wonderful weekend to all!

What I am Loving Right Now

I was inspired to write this by a blog I have recently discovered, Modern Mrs. Darcy. Anne Bogel writes about books, reading, life, kids, goals, marriage, inspiration--pretty much everything and I am really able to relate to her writing. She also has a podcast, which is on my list. I recently read a post she wrote about what is saving her right now. Sometimes I get to a point where life feels really hectic and I feel like I can barely keep my head above water; I am fairly certain this happens to us all at various points in our lives. This post reminded me to find think about those things that keep me grounded and give me moments of peace. When we think about all that is right about our day, we are much better able to handle all that isn't right about our day. So, here is a little list of little things I am loving right now.

1. Fixer Upper on HGTV. I LOVE watching what Joanna and Chip Gaines do to these houses!! I think my husband does NOT love this show, as I am constantly wandering around the house wondering where we could put shiplap and subway tile.
2. What Should I Read Next? Anne Bogel's podcast (see above) has quickly become my favorite thing to listen to in the car. She features a guest (usually a fellow blogger) and the guest shares his/her three favorite books, a book he/she hated and what he/she is reading right now. I love listening to WHY people love the books they love and what books they hate. A little side-note here; two of the seven or so guests have hated Go Set a Watchman...kind of makes me want to read it even more now just to see why. My to-read list is getting longer and longer and I tell all of my book-lover friends about this podcast!
3. LL Bean Slippers. Oh, I love my slippers. They keep my feet warm and they are wearing so well! They were so worth the money as I definitely splurged on these babies.
4. Aveda Hand Creme. It is still winter here in Wisconsin, which means seriously dry air. This hand creme smells amazing and soothes my dry, cracked hands. I love it.
5. Brass Tacks. This is a newer furniture and home furnishings consignment shop near where I live. They have amazing pieces and I am inspired to create when I go there! Imagine the best of what you would find at St. Vinny's or Goodwill and projects with milk paint already completed!
6. Ghiradelli Brownies. You know, the brownies you make from a mix from Costco...amazing!! Better than any homemade brownies I have ever made.

And there you have it...just a few things I am loving right now. What is something that would be on your list?

Lessons from Dr. Seuss

Today is Read Across America Day! As I always do when I read Dr. Seuss to my children and to my students, I tell them how Dr. Seuss' books entertain us and usually teach us a lesson, too. There are so many lessons his books teach that I want my students and my own children to learn and live by.     Every time I read Oh, The Places You Will Go, and I get to the line, "Kid, you'll move mountains," I get a little emotional and think..."Yes...that is exactly what I want my children to believe." We could all use a reminder now and again that we can move those mountains...because we can. In Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are, Dr. Seuss reminds us that while things may be less than perfect for us, others have it far worse. Humility. Perspective. The Sneetches teach us that it doesn't really matter if we have stars on our bellies or not. Horton teaches us that, "A person is a person, no matter how small." Tonight as we were listening to Green Eggs and Ham at bedtime, we talked about how when we try new things we may find that we like them.  The Lorax lended itself quite nicely to a conversation my husband and I were having with our sons about trees and why we need to be careful about how many we cut down. "Nothing will change unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot." This could be said about more than just the environment. Every Christmas when we read The Grinch, I love the reminder that "Christmas doesn't come from a store." If you do a Google search on inspirational Dr. Seuss quotes, you will not come up empty handed, that is for sure. His books are obviously inspiring. But still. I never get jaded from these lessons. They don't get old. These lessons that we adults need just as much as the children we are reading the books to. And the lessons aren't lost to the children; they get it! Tonight I am thankful to Dr. Seuss. I am thankful to him for creating fun, engaging books. I am thankful to him for writing books that teach our children important lessons about life. Mostly, though, I am thankful for the opportunity to learn right along with my children. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

I Am...

When I was in middle school, there was a poetry unit. One of my favorite poems to write was the "I Am" poem...it seemed easy to me--write about yourself, your interests and what is important to you. As an adult looking back on that, I feel like there is a lot to learn from taking a look at ourselves...what makes us tick, what is important to us, what inspires us, what we love. It is in that spirit I begin this month-long writing challenge. And so, here goes...my "I Am" poem.

I am enough.
I wonder why there never seems to be enough hours in the day. 
I hear the laughter of my children--the song of my heart.
I see my husband, my partner, my best friend next to me always.
I want to be a writer.I want to make a difference. 
I am enough.

I do not pretend well. What you see is what you get.
I feel content, happy; life is good.
I touch the smile lines by my eyes-evidence of almost 37 years (but 37 is totally the new 27).
I worry too much about what others think.
I cry when I am tired; frustration seeps in.
I am enough.

I understand I have one life to live.
I say, "Just because you can say whatever you want, doesn't mean you should."
I dream my children go out into this world and leave it a better place.
I try to smile at people when I walk past them.
                   I hope
                                                I am enough. 

A Slice of Life Writing Challenge: Year Two

Last year was my first year participating in the Slice of Life Writing Challenge. I participated because I wanted to reconnect with writing--a part of me that has mostly sat on the wayside, which is pretty evident as the last date posted on this blog was last April. With so many other important aspects of life taking priority, writing time sinks to the bottom of my to-do list. And, this is okay...because I have discovered March and the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Writing Challenge. It is an opportunity for me to reconnect to writing. I do it for me. Last year, the only person outside of the Slicing community I shared the writing with was my husband. There was something safe about writing in a pretty anonymous setting; I could open up and I didn't worry much at all about expressing myself. I tried different formats and found that I really looked forward to writing a snippet about my day. Looking back at last year's posts reminded me of moments I would have otherwise forgotten, which is one incredibly important reason to write. I look forward to seeing where this month takes me and the moments I am able to capture. Here goes!

A Recap of Today

I am watching an episode of Bones from last week.
Before that, I kissed the best parts of my day goodnight.
Before that, I read The Giving Tree and Noah's Ark to my sons.
Before that, I visited with a dear friend and her precious new born baby and remembered what it was like to hold my own newborn babies. They grow so fast.
Before that, I enjoyed a dinner of chicken fajitas with my family and watched as my toddler cleaned her plate. Three times.
Before that, I smiled from the inside out at the sound of my laughing children as I cooked dinner.
Before that, I pushed my kids on the best tire swing ever (built by my very handy husband).
Before that, I cheered on my almost-four-year-old as he improved his bike riding skills.
Before that, I worked out, which immediately made me feel better.
Before that, I arrived home from work, ready to start the second part of my day. :-)

Requests from the Back

"Mommy, can you play "No Way Out?""

From the backseat, I hear my oldest requesting "No Easy Way Out" from the Rocky soundtrack.

"Sure." I happily play one of the newest additions to my running playlist. Pretty soon I hear my younger son.

"Mommy, can I hear "Ghostbusters?"" This is one of his favorite songs right up there with "Baby, It's Cold Outside," which he STILL requests even though it is April and I have taken it off of my iPhone.  After that, we listen to "Uptown Funk" which my oldest LOVES.  

Just like I do, my kids go through phases of music.  They really like to hear some songs over and over and over again and then, eventually, they move on to something else.  Like every other preschooler in the world, my son requested "Let it Go" every time we were in the car ALL. SUMMER. LONG. During the Christmas season, Mason's requests were "Rudolph" and "Frosty" and Jack had two different versions of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" he enjoyed. My husband preferred the Willie Nelson version. 

They sing along with me from the backseat and I love that we can enjoy music together.  I love they have preferences and make requests...even if that means I have listened to "Ghostbusters" more than any one person really should. :-)