Ages & Stages

Is there a better time to reflect on the seasons of your life than when you are cleaning out your closet? I found so many "seasons" in my closet, surprisingly, since I live in Louisiana. With each "season" I found different memories. Memories that made me happy and sad. Memories of events, people, love, laughter, heartache, and blessings. High School... A box full of high school formals that no longer fit me because I’ve had four kids and don’t have the same hips as I did in high school, which makes me sad. On the other hand, that box made me happy because I have fond memories of those dances and those friends. They even made new memories by putting stars...

We’ve seen it all: the Facebook posts, the funny Instagram memes, and the TikTok videos from parents who have been thrown into this seemingly impossible challenge of homeschooling their own kids. It’s a situation most parents never dreamed they would be in, and it is incredibly difficult for everyone.  As both a teacher and a mom, I understand. Students and parents are struggling, but guess what? So are teachers. For most teachers going to work every day is so much more than just a job. Teaching is a calling. It’s a passion that makes us complete. Each year, we meet a new group of students and have the awesome challenge and privilege of educating them.  However, a good teacher does...

Ohhhh what a day we had had! It was a gorgeous Thursday. We spent the majority of the day playing outside, there were giggles and belly laughs and literally all the fun was had. We had a successful dinner- you know where you don't have to beg, bribe, and barter to get your kiddos to eat that meal that you have spent time, energy, and money preparing. The whole afternoon had been magical. It deserved a magical reward. So we offered up "Waffles House" (as the 4-year-old refers to it) the next morning for breakfast. He was ecstatic. "I DOOO LOOOVVVEEE the Waffles House!" He must have told us at least 500 times. We put the boys to bed, I...

I'm not the teacher I used to be. This sentiment not only rings true because of Covid-19, e-Learning, homeschooling, and all that has been 2020. Teaching is my passion. I love helping people. I love learning. I love sharing the joy I find in literature with my students. I even like teaching them how to write, despite how painstakingly difficult it can be at times. But... Since having my own child, it has completely changed the way I exist in my classroom. I struggle with my internal anguish over taking care of others' children all day rather than my own son. Being a mom has softened me in some ways. Yet, it has also made my patience wear thin much more quickly...

Weeks ago, when the Governor closed schools until April 30th, I began to prepare myself for the inevitable -- my kids would not be going back to school this year. This was confirmed more recently with the Governor’s decision to close for the year. I dreaded telling my nine-year-old daughter because I knew this would be especially hard for her. She loves school and thrives in the structure that the classroom brings. When my husband and I broke the news to her, she was visibly upset with tears welling up in her eyes. She stormed off to her room, and I later asked her to write down what she was feeling. The following words are hers: I’m in 4th grade...