It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

This week I read and loved...

The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng













Ten (Winnie Years Series) by Lauren Myracle













The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubenstein



At the Horse Show (Pony Scouts) by Catherine Hapka




I am still reading...

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech

Hope

Eleven years ago, I was teaching in a fourth grade classroom.  I remember the moment I found out about the twin towers.  My students were in art class. I was walking down the hallway to pick up my students from the art room when a colleague told me what had happened.  I was in disbelief.  I returned to our classroom with 28 nine year old students and a new perspective for the day.  I changed plans and immediately chose my favorite book for the read aloud:  All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan.  I tried my best to keep my classroom calm and kind for the rest of the day.  Parents were coming to the school to take their children home early.  Students were asking why this was happening and we were told to remain silent.  As soon as all of my students were on their way home, I made three separate phone calls.  I called my husband, mother and father. I just had to hear their voices and say "I love you."

Today, I am home with my daughters.  I start the day glancing at the sunflowers in our garden.  Their vibrant yellow color, grand size and bold petals remind me of courage.  A good morning hug from each daughter reminds me of compassion and warmth.  A smile from my daughter's preschool teacher reminds me to always look for and appreciate the helpers in our world.  A family dinner reminds me of all the things that I have to be grateful for each and every day.  Watching my daughters play soccer reminds me of strength and the beauty of working together.  Three good night kisses remind me of joy and hope. 

"Hope is always there, inside you, waiting to unfold." -Lauren Thomson
from the book Hope is an Open Heart

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

This past week, I have read and loved...

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech



Hope Is An Open Heart by Lauren Thompson



If you Find a Rock by Peggy Christian



The Doghouse by Jan Thomas



We listened to ...

Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger



I am now reading...

Ten by Lauren Myracle



Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech

First Day of Preschool

Mixed emotions
Fill up a mother's heart

It seems like only yesterday
you entered into our lives.
Memories of holding you
as a baby are still so vivid
in my mind.

The quiet times
of middle of the night feedings
and rocking you to sleep,
while your little fingers were holding
tightly onto my sleeve,
still warm my heart

As the youngest,
you have watched
your sisters
go to school on their own.
You have always been by my side
until now...

Today it is your turn.
Your backpack is ready.
Your new clothes have been chosen.
A snack is waiting.

You are ready
to explore the world.
It is time to meet new friends
and enjoy new experiences.

Kind teachers are waiting for you
Who I hope will appreciate
your joyful heart!
I know that you will be brave
as you enter a new world of preschool.

And so will I
As I leave my baby
to explore the world
with new friends.

And so, a new chapter
in our lives
begins...