Parenting
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Saying Goodbye to Teaching
My time teaching is coming to an end. One more week and then my mornings will be spent editing my YA (Young Adult) novel, getting it ready for an editor’s eye. How lucky was I to get to read Mystic to 6th graders for the past seven weeks? Little did I know how much stress it would cause. Every time one of the students asked, “Are we reading Mystic today?” I would hold my breath and hope for a positive response. So far so good. I haven’t received any sighs or jeers. Perhaps they’re savvy enough not to hurt my feelings. I will miss all the, “Hi, Ms. Rausin’s” and even the hugs. I’m more…
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Bad Teacher or Bad Parent
I was perusing Facebook when I found this post: 6 Telling Signs Your Child Has a Bad Teacher I became immediately annoyed. Really? If your child’s bored or disinterested with school, let’s blame it on the teacher? No. That’s not taking responsibility for your child’s education. That’s a blame game. Imagine spending hours on the weekend preparing lessons you’re excited to share in the classroom. You’re standing in front of the room, ready to teach your incredible lesson, and eighty percent of the class is sitting, listening, ready to begin. Just as the other twenty percent settle down, a student lets one rip, sending the class into hysterics and four of his teammates up…
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An Interesting Dinner With My Teenage Son
I put the following quote on the board and asked the 6th graders what it meant. “Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.” Mary Lou Retton Most of the students were unsure until I asked them what my purpose was. Then hands went up and I received answers of writer, teacher, and mom. They could see my purpose but not their own until I asked them what they like to do. The room buzzed with everything from singing and soccer to baking and dance. I explained that when I was their age I enjoyed writing stories. I suggested…
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Just One More
The story of Sydney New Family Members A week ago we adopted a new family member, Gerry (Gerard Butler) the greyhound. It probably wasn’t the best timing but we decided to have the carpet on our stairs replaced with Pergo right after Gerry came to live with us. I woke up one morning and Gerry was limping. Worried that he may have broken a bone I immediately took him to our vet. It turned out to be a pulled muscle. However, while Gerry and I were waiting to see the doctor a couple came in with a box. Inside were three newborn kittens a landscaper had found. The couple asked…
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Our Staycation
I had two wonderful weeks with all of us together. Now, our house is quiet again. You would think that saying goodbye and watching Arielle get on the plane would be easier after two years–I’d be used to it. Nope, it doesn’t get any easier. My heart sinks and I spend the next day telling myself it won’t be long until she’s home again. The boys are smart. They give me lots of space. Well, space and hugs. While I get used to the hum of the air conditioning and chirping birds (yep, that’s how quiet it is) I’m going to think about how much fun we had until I meet her…
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Mother’s Day Rewind
If I could go back and whisper words of wisdom to my 28 year-old mom self this is what I’d say: 1. Every age is only a stage that will last a short time. Take lots of videos and pictures. Put the laundry basket and vacuum down, it’s more important to be present with your kids. 2. Don’t stress about money. A picnic in the park, or searching for shells at the beach costs little but still brings just as many smiles as an amusement park. Sometimes more. 3. Slow Down! If you over schedule your lives you’ll become exhausted and won’t enjoy each day as much as you should. 4. More important than straight…
