Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Gratitude





I live in a beautiful place.......












with my best friend.  How cool
is that?









Monday, September 26, 2011

Pumpkin Patch Fun in Farmington

I had the pleasure of spending a morning, a whole morning with the Community Education Staff in Farmington.  The theme was pumpkins.  It was a great morning for me as I picked their brains about childhood and the role that adults and schools play in defining it. I am learning so much on my journey about how passionately people feel about children and how disconnected we have become from some of the core values that support childhood.  We worked on supporting each other in our very complex roles as Community Education employees and had a pretty good time doing so.  I heard some great stories about mullets, bass fishing and psychics. Thanks for a great day, Farmington.  I hope our paths cross again. 

My Youngest

I asked my youngest daughter why she doesn't follow my blog after a wild shopping day that moved her wardrobe from "College Chic" to "Grown Up With Car Payments".  She said she doesn't follow my blog because I never mention her.  Allow me to mention my adorable, fiesty, opinionated youngest daughter, Erin Claire.  Oh what a mother will do for a bit of attention from her children!  Happy Monday, Sweet Pea!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

ASCD at SMU

ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) was one of the first punches on my dance card.  They ask the Minnesota Teacher of the Year to come to speak to students every year.  For me, it was a short commute!  They were so nice to work with my schedule and meet after my night class at ECFE.  A late night meeting is not a problem for college students.  I had a blast sharing my experiences as a teacher with them and they asked some great questions.  I let them in on my little secret.....I plan to engage Minnesotans in the task of saving childhood.  Kids need all sorts of champions in their families, their schools and in their communities.  I am out to recruit them!  Thanks SMU students and advisors, Karen and Scott Sorvaag for the invitation and for your enthusiasm.  I hope to see you all again. 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Central Lutheran Church Forum

On Sunday I got to hang out with Blake.  Blake just missed the chocolate covered doughnuts and wasn't too happy about it.  I was at Central Lutheran Church to facilitate a forum for adults about transitions.  One of the questions driving the forum was "How can we, as a church community, support families as they transition to school?".  I love challenging questions, great dialog and Lutheran coffee!  Thanks for inviting me to the conversation.  It is wonderful to know that folks, even those without kids in schools, care about the connection between great schools and a caring community.  The next time I see Blake will be over pizza!  I teach a parenting class at the child care center there with a fantastic group of parents.  See you all soon! 

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Reading is FUN!!

I was asked to visit Mrs. Gilliland's first grade classroom with one of my favorite books. I love reading to kids and I think kids benefit from seeing a variety of adults who love to read.  The first graders were great listeners and so much fun. It was nice to see so many ECFE graduates in Mrs. Gillilands classroom. I hope they invite me back!   

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Thanks District 196

The woman on the far left is none other than Marietta Rice, retired Parent Educator.  Marietta and I had the opportunity to work together on a project called "Community Engaged Parent Education". Marietta was my mentor.  Marietta is a warm, kind, loving person and I am sure that District 196 will miss her as she retired last spring.  Hmmmm, retired? What is she doing at opening day workshop then?  Yep, that's the kind of gal Marietta is....she came out of retirement to be there for me as I addressed the Community Education staff in my first speaking engagement as Teacher of the Year.  It was great to have her in the audience and such a treat to speak to such a friendly, engaged group of staff members who make up Community Education.  Thanks for asking me to join your group on opening day! 

Friday, September 2, 2011

A Great Minnesota Get Together Indeed!

I am a baby whisperer.  Really, babies love me and I love them right back.  This little guy and I had a very quick conversation about the future of public schools and the importance of early childhood education. He had some terriffic ideas! The conversation was quick only because he really likes his pacifier.  I had the opportunity to visit with lots of kids and parents while they waited in line at the Education Minnesota booth for their FREE calendar with their picture on it.  I asked kids, from toddlers to teens, about their upcoming school year and learned what I have always known to be true.  The start of the school year is an exciting time for kids, parents, teachers and communities alike.  We are all in it together.  Welcome back to school Minnesota!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Off the grid....

Matt and I were able to spend almost a week up north, way up north at a lovely resort on Lake Vermilion.  If you are looking to get away from it all and get swept up by the sheer beauty of Minnesota, call Eric and Mary Hanson at Pehrson Lodge Resort. We had the most relaxing time in the most amazing surroundings. It was hard to leave the lake!  I am really excited to start the school year and a bit anxious too. I have a busy first week with visits to Apple Valley, the Minnesota State Fair and Rochester on my calendar.