My Tribe

This weekend, I got to see my tribe.

This is a group of people who get it.  They get how exhausting this job is.  They get the demand of the essays to grade.  They get the unique layer being and English teacher adds to the education profession.

This group also challenges me, supports me, and encourages me.  They push me to try new things. They offer suggestions and guidance (and wine) when I'm stuck.  They make me believe I can do anything I want.

This weekend, I got to read with them.

I got to write with them.  

               

And I got to do it all with a good teacher friend and immerse her further into this community. 

This weekend reminded me I need to do more of this.  It's an effort to make time for these passions of mine, but it's a worthy effort.

After a few hours in their presence, I left rejuvenated, recharged, and refreshed.  It's perfect timing to take on the rest of my semester.

I love being a mom and a wife, but I also love being me, too.

Where You Lead, I Will Follow You

You walk over to me with your hand and voice welcoming me.  When I accept, you take me over to Daddy with the same greeting.  You make it really hard for us to say no.

Then, you lead us.  Sometimes around the island.  Sometimes to look out the front door.  Sometimes upstairs to play with your other toys.  Sometimes aimless around the backyard.  We usually don't know where you are going, but you always do.  But don't worry, we'll follow you.

More than anything, that's what I want you to always know:

Where you lead, I will follow
Anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, you need me to be with you
I will follow where you lead

I've been singing this song to you since you were born.  It's one of three or four in our nightly lullaby rotations.  (All the songs that I created memories with my mom, and now, I want the same for you.)

If I ever feel too tired or busy to go, I remind myself this stage is fleeting.  One day, you won't do this.  I plan to savor every moment you let me.

You're Welcome

This year at parent-teacher conference, I had more parents thank me than ever before.  Not the typically, polite "thank you" to end a conversation, but a true show of appreciation and gratitude.

A parent who appreciated my patience in helping her daughter who has fallen behind in class.

A parent who thanked me for my passion and energy in teaching his student.  Saying he wished he had a teacher like me when he was in school.

A parent who said all she hears about at home is how great "Nikki Smith" is everyday.  The feeling is mutual for her daughter.

I'm not sure why.   Maybe I have changed?  Maybe it's just a coincidence?  Maybe the current political climate?

No matter the reason, it is so appreciated.  More than you know.

That One Thing

That one thing you did yesterday is enough.

Yes, but --

I know, I know.  But that list is never going to be "done."

I know, but it was only ONE thing -- 

Right.  You did ONE thing for 2nd hour, and ONE thing for 3rd hour, and ONE thing for 5th hour and...

But, I didn't grade anything from my pile --

No, you didn't.  But you did today.  You got through two classes worth.

I did nothing but sit in front of the television last night --

While you wrote a six page grant application.

I couldn't get myself up to run this morning -- 

Because you are actually, physically wearing yourself out.  You're going to get sick if you don't take care of yourself.

But I still haven't planned for my new unit that starts on Friday -- 

And you will.  It will get done.

How do you know? 

Because it always does.

But -- 

Seriously.  Just stop.

Thanks page-a-day. 

The Missing Slice

The "Slice of Life" challenge so pointedly reminds me about the missing slice of my life: writing.  

I know the advantages for me, my students, my mind.

I know I always feel better emotionally, physically, and spiritually after writing.

I know I love to look back on my writing and reflect on the person I was through the voice.  

I know it's who I am. 

But, I haven't done it.  

I haven't journaled my thoughts, feelings or memories.

I haven't blogged Mila's many milestones. 

I haven't shared the amazing happenings with my students' learning.  

I could provide excuses.  Or, I could just write.  

So, before I delete this post and decide not to commit (because that would be easier) I'm going to hit "Publish" and see what happens.  

Mila is One Year!

Obviously, a little late...

Milestones:
I weigh 23.5 pounds and am 29.5 inches tall. 
I walk all over the house. 
I am cutting two molars. 
I had my last bottle of formula and am on to whole milk. 
I crawl up the stairs and am learning to crawl down.
I get my own snacks out of the pantry when I'm hungry.
I love my tea party set Mom and Dad got me for my birthday.
I love to pull all of my books off the shelves. 

Monday Milestones: Mila's First Trick-or-Treat!

There wasn't much thought that went into Mila's costume this year.  I immediately knew what I wanted for her to be.  Since she was born, she has been our little bug.  I started calling her my little love bug and bugaboo month one.  Now, it's practically her name.  Everyone call her bug.  Her favorite show is Beat Bugs on Netflix, which is a cartoon of little bugs singing Beatles songs.  Of course, she had to be a lady bug.  

Apparently, lady bugs have tea parties on top of coffee tables.  Yes, she climbed up there all by herself. In one quick moment.  

We went trick-or-treating to about five houses in the neighborhood.  She had no idea what was going on, but she tried to take everything in.   

M&Ms are yummy (Mila's first chocolate).