At Considerable Cost

A long read from The Guardian this week has been on my mind since I first read it.   It was on my mind before I read it, as I've been thinking so many of these same thoughts and working them out loud with friends for a while now.      I like the author's tone because he includes himself as he ponders these questions.   The piece is based on his book, also linked below. This piece is definitely worth a read, as it applies to so many adults.   If I were still a middle school teacher, I would read this article with my students and discuss it.   These issues need to be addressed, right alongside those of internet safety for the mental and emotional health of our children.   Children today know nothing else.   We must protect their senses of memory and self.   We must encourage them to develop into real people, not just accumulations on social media.   They need to experience being really present in a situation, instead of being occupied with how they capture images of it to pro

  The kids like coming home to a table filled with decorating supplies for their valentines.   These are pictures that make it all look so beautiful.   And it was, but it wasn't perfect.   The ironing board in the background was knocked down, Thomas was bored with writing "From: Thomas" after the tenth valentine.   There was great moaning and gnashing of teeth at times;) BUT in their memories, I really believe they'll remember it the way it is in these pictures.   It's all okay!     Clare's class valentines from a free printable Idea for Thomas's class valentines came from pinterest Teacher gifts: spring bulb plants placed in brown lunch sacks and tied with ribbon Joey took Clare and Thomas to the Builder's Workshop at Lowe's while Emmeline decorated sugar cookies.    

All three of my children started school this year.   All three.   Thomas is now a proud kindergartner.   Clare is in second grade.   Emmeline began intermediate school which means a locker and schedule to remember.   My house is nearly silent during the day and it feels very empty and lonely.   I have to stop here and step off any pity train, though.   Every school day, I climb into my car and get to pick up my babies from school.   Then, I get to spend the rest of the evening with them, along with the weekends and holidays.   My house is not always empty.   It's not the same as the seven years we waited for the sounds of children to fill our home.   The idea of returning to homeschooling has been very appealing to me recently.   It's been appealing because I want my children with me all the time.   I honestly miss them.   My head soon takes over for my heart, though, and I am reminded of the reality of homeschooling for our family.   It did not work.   That is not to

 We had such a relaxing Christmas.   The kids woke up at a reasonable hour (an added bonus of Midnight Mass) and they enjoyed each of their gifts.   Our only negative was Joey didn't feel all that well most of the day.     I love the excitement of watching the kids open their stockings.   I think  they look forward to that as much or more than the other presents.   I was the same way.      A puffy coat! He "shaves" every day:) Her very own copy Pete the Cat! We left the mess until the next day.   I loved it.   I always liked the aftermath when I was a little girl and Mama would leave it for an hour or so until she couldn't stand it any longer.   The kids just played so well and we had a simple meal, so there was no need to hurry about. My heart was so happy, as during the day I saw my children playing.   Thomas was a pro on his roller blades after the first try and back indoors,