SOLC 6/31

I'm stealing my writing idea from One Sunflower. Please take a look at her eloquent words.

She lulls me into a calm state. I'm listening to my four year old explore with language as she bathes. Using the words she learns each day and putting them to nonsensical songs warms my mommy heart. Splish-splash. Bath time ends, yet the lyrically sounds continue as she rests her head to bed.

SOLC 5/31

I can do this I tell myself as I unload the sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag.  I turn around open Emma's car door. "We are here!!!" I screech.  Emma jumps down out of the car and begins to run up the driveway barely stopping to grab her new princess sleeping bag.

"Paige's house!"  She yells.  Gracie tags along behind her.  They run through the front door.

"I here Paige!"  Emma says with great gusto.  My heart leaps with joy as all the pinkalicous princesses come out to greet Emma and get her situated at her first sleep over.  These are great friends  as my mind relaxes with realization that she is going to do just fine.  Her friends are wonderful to her. They allow her to be herself and even give them nicknames that have nothing to do with their real names.  Great friends who are always there for Emma and understand that life moves at a different pace, but see her genuinely sweet heart. Thank you, Eddie, aka Paige!

SOLC 4/31

Beauty is where we see it.
The smile of  a friend.
In a baby's laugh.
Beauty is where we choose to find it.
Noticing it and not ignoring.
The little things.
Today beauty was
found.
In a child playing music
from his heart.
The tinkling of the keys
Furrowed brow of concentration.
Springing the chords
from his fingertips.
Simply beautiful.

SOLC 3/31

Motherhood.  We all didn't know what to expect.  Each child is different.  Each way to rear them is different.  Tonight I went to a meeting for children with special needs. I have to admit I was very excited to go.  It was about looking to their future. As I was driving toward the school I began to feel as if I  was trying to gaze into Emma's future with a crystal ball, but it was fuzzy. I know where she is at right now, but I'm not sure what happens at 16 or 20.   As the meeting progressed the coordinators, parents of adults who have special needs, and support staff really did help me see what the future might hold for my daughter. Please don't mistake me for the one who believes my daughter can't do anything. That is not what I'm saying...I'm saying the opportunities that have happened in the last ten years has grown exponentially and all that is available to her now was discussed.  Gazing into the ball made my heart quicken. Especially when things like marriage, driving, job coaches are mentioned.  I want these things for my daughter, and it all feels within her grasp.   Last night I realized how much and how many people support my daughter and me.  As she continues on her journey to the workforce, there are so many opportunities for her.  The future is scary for all of us at times. But, I don't feel scared for her. I feel at peace. I'm enjoying gazing into the crystal ball of Emma's future and predicting what I will see.  Seven years ago when she was born and we found out she had Down syndrome the future seemed so uncertain.  But, now I see her life. I see a beautiful lady who loves fries.  I wouldn't be surprised if she were to come up with some new recipe for spicy fries.  Right now I see a young lady who loves books and I wouldn't be surprised if she wanted to read to others especially little kids. Right now I see someone who loves others.  I wouldn't be surprised if she worked in a retirement home helping others during the day. Right now I see endless possibilities.  I love my crystal ball. Gazing, hoping, dreaming.

Participate in the month long writing challenge at twowritingteachers.wordpress.com

SOLC 2/31

Explaining the Slice challenge to my students was exciting!  We are wrapping up our unit of study on essays and awaiting the dreaded state writing test next week. My writers are writers.  But, today as we looked at my slices I heard what all writers want to hear, "Read more! I love your slices!"  This makes me realize that as a teacher this is what my writers long to hear.  "I love your writing. I want to read more."  This moment as I shared my writing it made me eager to write more, but more than that to take time to respond to my fellow slicers.  So to all who read mine!!  Can't wait to read yours and read more and more!!

Join fellow slicers at http://twowritingteachers.blogspot.com/

End the R-WORD

As a writing teacher, I understand the power words play everyday. What about the words we say in our everyday life?  In my life I've heard the words, "You're child is mentally retarded." Then I've heard people I thought were my friends use the word retard as a synonym for stupid.  It's time to think about the powerful words we use each day.  It's time to think before we speak. 

SOLC 1/31

There are days that are stressful. There are days that are blissful. There are days when I sigh as my head hits the pillow.  Today was a wonderful day with my Gracie-Goose.  She and I had so much fun. I was originally supposed to have Jury Duty, but the judge let me postpone it until after state mandated testing. So I spent the rest of the day with my little one.  We ran errands, went shopping, ate chocolate cake.  FUN!  Then it was bath time. Blissfulness rudely ends. My temper flares because her demeanor change was so unexpected.  In my flurry of evening  routine I smartly reply to Grace, "Zip your mouth!"  She looks at me strangely and I walk out of her room to finish getting  her sister ready for bed. I hear, "How? I don't have any zippers!!!"  screamed down the hallway.  Touche!  Mommy has learned her lesson and found the zipper to her own mouth!!  It's called the Gracie!

You too can participate in the Slice of Life Challenge at http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com