Last week was Homecoming Spirit Week at LHS. I have a love/hate relationship with this week; on one hand, it's fun to dress up and promote activities, on the other hand, our kids usually get a little off-the wall. This year's spirit events and homecoming court proved different. Thursday morning first hour kicked off our spirit assembly games. Each grade competes with each other until a champ in each of 6 or so games is called. I head up to the weight room during this time to assist with our students who can't handle the sensory overload of being in a gym with 1500+ people... With that in mind, we have a great overall view and what I witnessed was the best sportsmanship and overall behavior of all time! We were given a "heads up" a few days before spirit week, that a few of our students may be on the HC court. Knowing this ahead of time was crucial in getting a game plan in action to prepare these students for the limelight. Turns out, there was a least one winner in every grade who had a significant disability! While I realize we are not the first high school to do something like this, it is a reflection of the student body's priorities.
I find myself diving into photography more and more as time goes on. I love it as a hobby and appreciate those who photograph for a living! The competition is fierce and you need to have background and talent in many areas to be successful. That being said, I am trying to focus on learning more about how to navigate my DSLR and how to create the best photographs of people. I am signed up for a mentoring session with Amy Tripple at the end of October to get a direction of how to reach the latter goal. I'm also starting to build a simple "prop box" for family photos. One of my friend's requested that I take pictures of her and the family for their Christmas Cards! I'm excited to have my first official "session" with a great family.
I came across a post from one of my 18q parents that spoke about not treating those who are affected and there family's as victims. Though we have to navigate a different road than most, each child's road is going to vary regardless of ability. This ties in with continuing to live our lives with goals and hopes and dreams with the understanding of what Adele can and will potentially bring to the table. My aunt put it best when she said "Kelly, they're going to break your heart one way or another". Hard times happen to all who choose to get into this crazy world called parenting!
On that note, time to write some "hopes and dreams" for other students and edit some photos from this weekend.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Lean In
Friday night started my outstanding Labor Day Weekend! I took the opportunity to visit a friend who recently purchased a lovely new home. She happened to reference one of our favorite reads of late: "Lean In". I was reminded that leaning in should be done across many facets of our lives.
Saturday's version of leaning in came through the completion of my first obstacle run. This was a 7k which included 27 obstacles, of which I completed 24 with the help and support of my co-worker and friend who stuck with me the entire time through! Not to mention my husband and other friends waiting for us at the finish line!
Sunday morning, James, the girls, my friend and I went to Frankfort Fest with our friends who live right off the trail that leads to the fest. We walked on a paved trail that lead to Downtown Frankfort where we were met with artisan crafters, carnival rides, music and food. The girls went with James and his friend to the carnival while my friends and I wasted no time visiting as many artisan tents as possible! I picked up several great items including a few personalized ornaments, personalized ballet bag for Jade, metal signs for my classroom and home and of course, a cute teaching necklace! We met up with the boys after an hour and half to pick up the girls while they made there way to the beer tent. Of course, we needed to stop for gelato before we headed back to the house! I was so appreciative of my friends helping to take care of our girls. They took turns holding Jade and pushing Adele in the stroller. These ladies hold a special place in my heart because they are fellow Special Education Teachers who speak my language and always feel like home!
After an awesome afternoon, we scurried to get the girls ready for an overnight visit with grandma and grandpa so James and I could get the house ready for a Labor Day soiree with my Neptune East Family! We provided the beef, beer, wine and a few appetizers while everyone else brought a dish. Our first game of the evening was a politically incorrect version of Apples to Apples which had me laughing so hard I cried! We took a 10 minute break and moved onto Catch Phrase, which I haven't played in years but still manages to be a crowd favorite! It always warms my heart to reunite with this family because I can say without a doubt, they provided the meaning of true friendship and partners in the best years of my life!
Today was a family centered day that started with breakfast with James down the street from where we had our first apartment together. We picked up the girls from EP and headed over to The Arboretum for lunch and a hike. Jade impressed me with her map reading abilities and new found love for bugs! Adele took 20 steps on her own on the trail and was walking with me and James holding one hand! I love that Adele is now leading us to where she wants to go, not to mention that she will be full out chasing her sister in NO time! This evening, I promised Jade that we would bake muffins together. She was able to tell me how many eggs we needed and counted out how many muffin tins were needed. I have noticed huge growth in her academic abilities since she started going to preschool two weeks ago. I am confident that our babysitter set the stage for such huge growth! She traces letters on signs without prompting and can identify 3 out 5 given letters (yes, I just slipped into goal writing.... good lord!!!) Her enthusiasm warms my heart and I love hearing about new friends at school!
Leaning in and giving others the opportunity to lean in is what life is all about for me these days.
Saturday's version of leaning in came through the completion of my first obstacle run. This was a 7k which included 27 obstacles, of which I completed 24 with the help and support of my co-worker and friend who stuck with me the entire time through! Not to mention my husband and other friends waiting for us at the finish line!
Sunday morning, James, the girls, my friend and I went to Frankfort Fest with our friends who live right off the trail that leads to the fest. We walked on a paved trail that lead to Downtown Frankfort where we were met with artisan crafters, carnival rides, music and food. The girls went with James and his friend to the carnival while my friends and I wasted no time visiting as many artisan tents as possible! I picked up several great items including a few personalized ornaments, personalized ballet bag for Jade, metal signs for my classroom and home and of course, a cute teaching necklace! We met up with the boys after an hour and half to pick up the girls while they made there way to the beer tent. Of course, we needed to stop for gelato before we headed back to the house! I was so appreciative of my friends helping to take care of our girls. They took turns holding Jade and pushing Adele in the stroller. These ladies hold a special place in my heart because they are fellow Special Education Teachers who speak my language and always feel like home!
After an awesome afternoon, we scurried to get the girls ready for an overnight visit with grandma and grandpa so James and I could get the house ready for a Labor Day soiree with my Neptune East Family! We provided the beef, beer, wine and a few appetizers while everyone else brought a dish. Our first game of the evening was a politically incorrect version of Apples to Apples which had me laughing so hard I cried! We took a 10 minute break and moved onto Catch Phrase, which I haven't played in years but still manages to be a crowd favorite! It always warms my heart to reunite with this family because I can say without a doubt, they provided the meaning of true friendship and partners in the best years of my life!
Today was a family centered day that started with breakfast with James down the street from where we had our first apartment together. We picked up the girls from EP and headed over to The Arboretum for lunch and a hike. Jade impressed me with her map reading abilities and new found love for bugs! Adele took 20 steps on her own on the trail and was walking with me and James holding one hand! I love that Adele is now leading us to where she wants to go, not to mention that she will be full out chasing her sister in NO time! This evening, I promised Jade that we would bake muffins together. She was able to tell me how many eggs we needed and counted out how many muffin tins were needed. I have noticed huge growth in her academic abilities since she started going to preschool two weeks ago. I am confident that our babysitter set the stage for such huge growth! She traces letters on signs without prompting and can identify 3 out 5 given letters (yes, I just slipped into goal writing.... good lord!!!) Her enthusiasm warms my heart and I love hearing about new friends at school!
Leaning in and giving others the opportunity to lean in is what life is all about for me these days.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
What it Takes
The beginning of every school year brings reflection and determination. I am entering my second year of teaching having two kids. Last year was a whirlwind of emotions and commitments made outside work to serve my family and my sanity. This year I get to relish in a bit more stability and experience with how to orchestrate our three ring circus.
A couple of simple guidelines to strive for this school year: turn on my phone twice during the school day to check for messages, get one-to-one conversations going more often with my students and commit to limiting my weeknight commitments.
This morning I was thrilled when 8 of my Freshmen from last year came by to visit me in the morning before they started there day as Sophomores. One of my favorite things about walking the hallways from my classroom to the math wing for my co-taught class, is getting an opportunity to run into smiling students from years past. I love seeing them grow-up year after year and keeping in touch with them throughout there time at LHS and after!
You see a great majority of us are always striving for better ways to do x,y & z in our classrooms, this goes without saying. I'll tell you, just when you start to doubt that your not doing enough to make a difference, your reminded how much of a difference you do make.
A couple of simple guidelines to strive for this school year: turn on my phone twice during the school day to check for messages, get one-to-one conversations going more often with my students and commit to limiting my weeknight commitments.
This morning I was thrilled when 8 of my Freshmen from last year came by to visit me in the morning before they started there day as Sophomores. One of my favorite things about walking the hallways from my classroom to the math wing for my co-taught class, is getting an opportunity to run into smiling students from years past. I love seeing them grow-up year after year and keeping in touch with them throughout there time at LHS and after!
You see a great majority of us are always striving for better ways to do x,y & z in our classrooms, this goes without saying. I'll tell you, just when you start to doubt that your not doing enough to make a difference, your reminded how much of a difference you do make.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
18: Post Conference Thoughts
No big surprise that last week was exactly what the doctor ordered! We met fantastic families, affected individuals and Registry leaders.
The minute I walked into our first workshop, I could feel a weight lift off my chest. I knew then and there that we belonged. During lunch the first day, I spotted a mom of an affected child with a beautiful 18 tattoo on her wrist. I went over to her table and introduced myself, as I could tell from her badge this was also her first conference. I met another lovely mother with an affected daughter that comes from a family of educators. During mom's night out, one of the post poignant conversations was had when myself and a mom talked about our daughter's having old souls. We believe that our girls have wisdom way beyond there years and teach us an immeasurable amount about life.
Two veteran members from the Midwest who have children with 18q- introduced themselves to James and I. I had the pleasure of meeting there families and discovered that one of the member's daughters teaches at a nearby high school! These ladies are quickly becoming reliable resources and rocks to lean on.
Wednesday night's dinner dance was an opportunity to catch up with folks that we didn't have a chance to meet with throughout the previous days. One of the most beautiful moments came in the form of affected adults welcoming Adele to the family. We owe it to Adele to continuously seek guidance and support from her affected family; after all, this is a part of her identity.
Our family and friends in Jacksonville proved once again to be amazing! We spent Sunday at the beach for some time with our good friends that we miss dearly. My cousin lent us her mini-van (thanks Marv the mini), for the entire week along with picking up and dropping us off at the airport and watched the girls for us on Monday and Tuesday!
Savannah itself is a stunning city with gorgeous buildings and landscaping along with delicious food and drink. Shopping is a breeze and we must have walked 6 miles a day with no second thought. I was a big fan of how the city is structured. It is similar to Chicago in the sense that everything radiates from the water into a grid pattern. This made navigating a breeze!
James also had a chance to interact and connect with some amazing dads as well. These men offered him advice and glimpse into the future.
We are planning on attending as many conferences as possible. Next year we'll be heading to Stamford Connecticut to reconnect with our new family.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Georgia on my Mind
The night before traveling on an airplane for a flight set to take off at 6:00 am from O'Hare to Jacksonville FL with two kids under the age of three.....Yeah, me too!
In terms of logistics, my hope is that Murphy's Law is kind to us tomorrow. Weather is looking good on both ends and flight stats are positive. We are as packed as we are going to be and would like to give a special shout-out to my dad for volunteering to drive us to the airport at 4:00 am! We have packed "new toys" for the girls and a DVD for Jade. I'm crossing my fingers that Adele is willing to sleep on the airplane.
I need to give another huge thanks to my cousin, her wife and my "niece" for lending us there mini-van and helping us watch the girls in Savannah! We are looking forward to visiting with them in Savannah and our friends who recently moved to Jacksonville!
In terms of logistics, my hope is that Murphy's Law is kind to us tomorrow. Weather is looking good on both ends and flight stats are positive. We are as packed as we are going to be and would like to give a special shout-out to my dad for volunteering to drive us to the airport at 4:00 am! We have packed "new toys" for the girls and a DVD for Jade. I'm crossing my fingers that Adele is willing to sleep on the airplane.
I need to give another huge thanks to my cousin, her wife and my "niece" for lending us there mini-van and helping us watch the girls in Savannah! We are looking forward to visiting with them in Savannah and our friends who recently moved to Jacksonville!
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