Quiet Day Today.

No grade 6 kiddos today - which means my schedule is blessedly light for a first day back from vacation! The grade is away for a week of team-building and outdoor education, they stay at a camp and come back closer than before, a real community.

This is been going on since I attended schools here, but due to my arthritis issues I was not allowed to go. In hindsight, it would have been a disaster to have me far from home and have to monitor my meds and health, and many of the activities I just could not participate in. So much of school has changed, it is much more accesable to many, and yet so much has still not.

I spoke of this with a musician in our band over the weekend - he's having arthirtis issues now at age 60, and he can't imagine having those same issues at age 4. Truthfully, I can't imagine NOT having those issues - the massive health struggles probably shaped who I am today. I'm not exactly in a place where I can say I am grateful for the struggles, but I will say it most likely gave me a sense determination that's stuck with me until now. Most importantly, it has helped my current relations with kids. Many of them have their own backstories that affect their learning. I know that even though I was one of the "smart" kids, on some days it was quite difficult for me to sit quietly with throbbing knee pain (especially when I got to high school -eek!). It really affected how I saw the world around me, and my interactions with others. I hope that it has at least led me to a place of kindness and compassion. Today maybe I'll try a little harder to put that into practice with my fifth graders who remain behind in my rehearsal room.

JRA info from the National Arthritis Foundation

Spring!

I have been gone from the blog for awhile - but very busy. Good music conferences, excellent friends, and outstanding family time. We seem to have a thing for butterflies these days!

Boston Children's Museum

What a fun day! We will return soon. Lots to do, and it was big enough so it did not seem crowded. We found a close parking garage, and spent part of the nice warm day outside watching the seagulls as well.

French Toast

We love to cook around here, as you know. Our favorite Sunday morning activity is making french toast! I am also glad these days for the simple quality cooking items that we own. Glass bowls are easy to clean and to handle, and the tongs are great for dipping!

Matching Dresses of the 70's

Tidbit: All the dresses were handmade by mom!

Barbie House has arrived!

Thank you Santa.

Visions of Sugar Plums Dancing in her Head?

Christmas is exhausting! Hubby is still sleeping, after lots of late night shoveling. I think M and I will head to the mall for some holiday mayhem.

Winter Crafts

Christmas Crafts! "Gingerbread" graham cracker house was made at Laurie's house. The crafts only get better there!

This has been the first year Maille can really do crafts - she's a good gluer, and has a farly long attention span. She also loves to bake. I am really enjoying this stage!

Grade 6

Grade 5

Third Grade

Second Grade

First Grade

Oh my goodness - I grabbed this from facebook. This was by far my favorite year ever of school. Oh, if I only knew what was to come! It was funny to see this - I remember every kid, all about each one of them.