Continual State of Becoming

I'm currently a little more than halfway through my intense summer school schedule.  Part of being in a cohort model for my graduate program means that I don't really pick my classes.  They just tell me what I'm taking and when.  And while I have enjoyed being in class with the same group of students, this summer schedule is kind of killing me.  We're taking 12 credits this summer.  12 graduate credits in a VERY condensed manner.  So first of all, 9 credits per semester is full time for grad students (I'm trying hard not to think about the fact that I'll be taking 12 credits in the fall as well).  But I didn't really have a say in it, so here I am, going to school Monday through Friday all day long.  And then coming home and dealing with my crazy no-summer-school kids.  It's been exhausting.  But mostly good. So I haven't really been doing too much other than school work, reading (soooooooooooooo much reading), and taking my kids to th...

As Matt and I kind of switch roles, I've been thinking about starting a new photography project. A few years ago we had some major life changes... a move, career changes, welcoming a new child into the family.  All of which have changed our lives for the better.  I've been back in school for a little over a year now and I'm so glad I decided to do this.  It's added a level of fulfillment and meaning that I have been missing for quite a while.  Part of what allows me to go to school full time while I have 3 kids is that Matt has been staying home with them (which he will continue to do while I am student teaching).  This role reversal (I "work," Matt takes care of the house and kids) comes with some growing pains as we shuffle responsibilities and navigate how to accomplish all.the.things. while not dropping any balls.  Although, two thoughts on that:  1- we can't do all the things, we have to prioritize and let go of whatever doesn't ...

Some photographs I took of our lilacs as they bloomed this year.  This might be the most beautifully scented flower, it's definitely become my favorite.

Happy Mother's Day! I have such a hard time with this day.  I mean, it's really just a commercial holiday, right?  Buy the mothers stuff (flowers, always appreciated) to show your appreciation.  Or maybe you don't even have to buy the mothers stuff.  Maybe you just do something extra to show your appreciation.  On this particular day... what about every other day?  What about doing something that actually shows mothers that we as a society value them?  Instead, we expect mothers to struggle, suffer, and work hard because it is their role... they do it because they care.... and they do.  So that is their reward.  But as a mother who has struggled with her motherly role (which does not in any way reflect the love I have for my family), this idea of "caring should be enough" to get through all the obstacles actually damaged me more than any of the the trials and tribulations (and joy) of the work I do as a mother. We also just went through t...

This is my favorite time of year to take photographs.  Here are just a few from around the yard.

I'm a big fan of Ted Talks.  I've watched tons of them.  Especially when I have some homework or housework that I really don't want to do.  A lot of times I find Ted Talks from authors or people I read about.  And I share my favorite Ted Talks with friends all the time.  So I thought I'd share a few in my blog as well. I love all of Ken Robinson's Ted Talks, as well as his books (I can't remember which ones I've read and haven't read).  I share a lot of the same beliefs that he has about school, particularly where standardized testing is concerned.  I think the other people in my cohort may be getting a little tired of hearing me constantly bring up the negative impacts of testing, but I just can't get over how much it really impacts the way kids learn.  I know it's part of the reality I'll have to deal with as a teacher though, so I'm trying really hard to find a way to be successful within the system (and eventually bea  for...

Yesterday we had a spring snow storm.  The kids and I all had the day off from school!  But we couldn't really do a whole lot because Agnes has pink eye, and a double ear infection (and Aaron is recovering from the same).  But we did what we could.  It was still better than going to school.

I'm back!  I've decided to give this blog another go.  I've kind of been swept up in parenting, school, life stuff so I nearly made the decision to give this up completely (especially since other social media is way more accessible), but then I read through some of my old posts and realized that I miss what I used to do here.  I'm not sure I have time for it like I used to (in fact, I know I don't), but I'm not ready to completely give up either. Brief update on life: I'm going back to school to become an elementary school teacher.  Not a music teacher or a librarian, but a general classroom teacher.  It's a lot of hard work, but I'm loving it!  Well, most of it anyway. Agnes is 2, Aaron is 5, and Dylan will be 10 in less than two weeks.  The kids are growing up! Aaron and Agnes currently have a viral form of pink eye.  It sucks, and I don't have time for sick children. I am no longer running.  I keep trying to get back in to it....