Not That Kind of Grandma

All the months leading up to the momentous birth of my granddaughter were filled with images of all the grandmothers I had known and defining which one of them I would become. I was not going to be that grandmother that filled her tiny little house with all kinds of baby things so that it seemed that the baby actually lived there. But it seems that little by little, I am becoming that grandmother. Somehow in that little Parisian apartment my transformation became complete and I told my favorite little family that I wanted Callie to start spending the night at my house. Now, my grandma vision was that would happen when she was sleeping in the "big" bed. But one thing I have learned over and over again in the past month is that we only have this day, this moment, now. That's it. No promises of next year or next month or even tomorrow. So the slumber parties at Grandma's Farm are about to commence. And I, for one can't wait!

My Life's Work

I am a teacher. I say that with pride and feel my heart flutter with the rhythm of the words. The journey of my profession has been long and full of twists and turns. My desire to teach was born with my children. It grew with them and it only seemed natural for me to follow them to school when the time arrived. I learned an unfathomable amount about the processes that go on in the brain from my early days in kindergarten and first grade. I have carried it with me to this day where I still use that knowledge in the 6th grade classroom. Yesterday I met with my principal to review our most recent test scores and was thrilled to find out that my students' scores as a group met the goals set my the state on each test taken. My first reaction was absolute shock because only being in my third year at middle school, I still have frequent moments where I doubt that I know what I'm doing and wonder if any of it is having an effect on the 11 year old mind. I am proud and happy and thrilled for my students. Now, one would think that after hearing that news I would relax a bit and rest for just a moment on my laurels but not this girl. It has rejuvenated my brain and spirit. If my kids have met these learning goals with me questioning what I'm doing, what can I do with this knowledge. Now that I know my effectiveness the bar has been lifted even higher. I am more dedicated than ever to bring my best to my kids. There's a part of me that just can't wait for Monday morning!