It’s been a year.

You know that song "it's been a year..."?? Well, it's been a year. If we're being honest, it's been a couple of "years." They haven't all been bad. There have been some really great moments. Core memories that I'll treasure forever. Surprising the kids with a trip to Disney Christmas 2020, baseball weekends at Baum … Continue reading It’s been a year. →

Day 304 of 366

Lessons from Home: Quarantine Edition In the spring, our lives shut down. We did not leave the house for much—not church, work, school. No family visits north. Only trips to Texarkana were for doctor visits. All activities were suspended. No more cheer, dance, t-ball. No birthday parties. No get-togethers with friends. No play dates for … Continue reading Day 304 of 366 →

Day 161 of 366

LISTEN and SILENT are spelled with the same letters. Every teacher knows that. Why? Because nearly every one of us has had (or at least seen) a poster with those words hanging on a classroom wall. It’s a powerful statement. And that’s where I’ve been lately. Silent, so I could listen. I’ve watched friends and … Continue reading Day 161 of 366 →

Day 128 of 366

This week has been so long. I think I've cried more this week than I have the last seven weeks combined. Tears of joy. Tears of laughter. Tears of sorrow. Tears of pain. I am grateful for my district. I am grateful for my principal and her thoughtfulness. I am grateful for my co-workers. I am … Continue reading Day 128 of 366 →

Day 127 of 366

Life with God is not immunity from difficulties but peace in difficulties. That was the text from Mr. Roy today. And man, did I need it. Peace is hard to come by, especially these days. I feel guilty for wanting peace and quiet when I'm trying to work, when I should be grateful to have … Continue reading Day 127 of 366 →

Day 105 of 366

“Grace means that all of your mistakes now serve a purpose instead of serving shame.” Every morning, Mr. Roy sends out encouraging texts. I got on the list, because my mom was sending me some, and finally told me to ask him to add me. I look forward to them every day. Sometimes they are … Continue reading Day 105 of 366 →

Day 97 of 366

Been awake since 9am Sunday. It’s midnight Monday night. Lots of mom guilt.Lots of teacher guilt.Lots of guilt. Lots of anxiety.Lots of unknowns.Lots of going and going and going. Because if I stop, then what? I function better in high stress situations. I move into survival mode. There’s no time to let anxiety and fear … Continue reading Day 97 of 366 →

Day 84 of 366

A glimpse into Steele Academy...day 8 of quarantine. I forgot what day it was. But I know it’s Spring Break, and the kids FINALLY decided they wanted to play with toys instead of school first thing this morning. So that’s what they did. For 20 mins. Then, they climbed in my bed and wanted to … Continue reading Day 84 of 366 →

Day 68 of 366

It’s Daylight Savings, and the clock is about to roll forward an hour. So technically, it’s 2:47am. And I’m wide awake. Sometimes, the hardest thing to say “no” to is my brain. It just won’t shut off. And tonight is one of those nights. Which means tomorrow (today) is going to be one of those … Continue reading Day 68 of 366 →

Day 31 of 366

If I had only known. If I had only known that it would be the last real conversation. The last real hug. The last real “I love you, sweet pea.” If I had only known that he’d go home and slip into what would become the longest 27 days of mom’s life—the longest 21 of … Continue reading Day 31 of 366 →