Day 31: Lock Down Drill

This being the last day of March, and the last day of the Slice of Life Story Challenge, I had planned on doing a nice, sweet, little recap or reflection for my final post. That is what I did last year, and the year before. But then we had a lockdown drill today, while I …

Day 30: Reading Under the Covers

as a mom I've dreamed of this moment and now it is here another generation of readingby flashlight under the covers

Day 28: What’s in my bag?

Last year, I was inspired by a student post to write about what's in my school bag as a way to generate story ideas. Stuck for ideas tonight, and short on time, so here I go again. What's in my bag? (2016 version) Post-its of all shapes and sizes, and a range of colors A clipboard …

Day 27: Hard Boiled Eggs

Ever since Lily was a baby, we've made Easter eggs every year. We have a humongous collection at this point. Dozens of blown out eggs, decorated in a rainbow of dyes and paints, glitter, and stickers. This year was the first year that Lily and I colored hard boiled eggs, instead of the labor-intensive blown eggs. …

Day 26: Not Ready Yet

In school, I am always teaching kids and teachers strategies for how to get ideas when they are stuck. "Think of first times, and last times," I often say. "Make a list of people, places, and things that are important to you." "Draw a map of a place where you spend a lot of time, …

Day 25: Goo Goo Ga Ga

Both of my children love to make people laugh. Lily was born with natural desire to make us laugh. As a baby she would "chair dance" in her high chair just to make us giggle. Now, as a kindergartener, she makes up jokes and puns constantly. And Jackson, at two years old, is taking right …

Day 23: Poop in the Tub

So, it finally happened. I guess I should consider myself lucky that in my entire career as a mom (all six years) that neither of my kids ever pooped in the tub. Well, that winning streak ended tonight. Lily, my six year old, and Jackson, my two year old were happily playing "animal mommies" with …

Day 22: Ideas for Future Stories

It's Day 22 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge. I missed two days last week when I was sick, and I am determined not to miss another day of writing this month! BUT it's been a very long day of school, followed by a board meeting at night. My brain is tired and I'm …

Day 21: Soccer

Lily dug through the outdoor toy box and pulled out a soccer ball. "Want to play keep away?" she asked. I was surprised she even knew what keep away was. She definitely didn't learn that from me! "Sure!" I said enthusiastically. Internally, my childhood aversion to team sports kicked in. I guess that means I'll have to …

Day 20: Going Down the Big Kid Slide

The children's museum was buzzing with excitement about the new play area. Jackson ran as fast as he could to the new treehouse and began climbing the stairs, which appeared a bit too steep for two year olds to climb on their own. "Wait for me!" I called. "Don't fall!" I moved quickly to get behind him …