Snow Day

 We got a few inches of snow last night. We had a snow day. The kids were out of school and I didn't have to go to work. Some kids went to Grandma's yesterday. Etta had fun playing.....

 

Some Montessori inspired activities for the toddler classroom....

 I am lucky to work at a school that allows me to explore a lot of learning and teaching styles. I like to borrow a lot of ideas from different philosophies. The Montessori tradition is one of them. I like how many if not all items used in play and learning are real items. Young children enjoy emulating older children and adults. Using household items in play just comes naturally. There is no need to invest in expensive electronics toys or gadgets. Here are a few activities I put together this weekend. 

Happy 24th Birthday Connor...

 

There he is in-between two of his younger brothers.

26th Birthday Lyn!

 Lyn and I aren't talking face to face right now. It is very complicated. It is deep rooted in the past. I want desperately to change what is. For now all I can do is celebrate what is great about my oldest daughter. She is a strong brave woman. She makes decisions everyday I can only imagine. She is mothering 3 little humans. I am so proud of her. No matter what my life may bring me in the time I have left I am so proud to be her mother. 

Two years....

 Two years and a lifetime of challenges. I had recovered from my mastectomy. I was about to start chemo. I broke my wrist. Lost all of my hair. I went through 30 rounds of radiation. Had cataract surgery. I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a lobe of my lung removed. Lots of personal problems. Started a new teaching position. Moved into a townhouse... Wow, so much has happened.

Favorite book?

 Eli asked me a question the other day that was so simple but took me by surprise. He asked me what my favorite book was that my mom read to me growing up. I am guessing that my mom read some but I don't remember it. I told him that I never had her read to me. He hugged me and told me his favorite book that I read to him. I want to be a better mom not just one who works all the time.

Birmingham Museum of Art

 Eliot and her friend wanted to visit the museum. Etta tagged along with me. I didn't think the children's center would be open. I haven't been in here since before COVID. Etta is exploring the big kid section. It is so cool!

Why away so long?

 I haven't been posting for quite a while. So much has happened in the past year. I guess I felt if I put it all out there it would be too real. I guess I could just start wit the most recent challenge. I had my second cataract surgery last week. Chemo wrecked my eyes. I didn't realize cataracts would be a side effect from chemo. I opted for the "magic eyes". I had two different types of lenses put in. I had to go into debt to do so. I am not sure how much life I have in me but at least I can see now. I may need readers but so far I don't have to use glasses daily. The first surgery went OK. But the anesthesia didn't work well for the second one. I could feel the needles in my eye. It felt like they were in my brain. I had more swelling but all is healing well. My brain is still trying to interpret the different signals Each eye is seeing the world differently. It is like hearing things in stereo. Both speakers work together to put the music, melody, and words together. I am doing that with my eyes now. It will probably take a full month after surgery to integrate it all. 

Happy Birthday Jaynie!

 Nine years ago I got a call from my eldest daughter who spent the night at her grandmother's. She was due to give birth any day and today was the day. She was so brave and strong. Every birth is amazing and a miracle. But seeing my teenager give birth naturally was pure astonishing. Jaynie has been a force guiding her mother. My life no matter what is better for having Jaynie in it. Happy Birthday from Jaynie. 

Happy 25th Birthday Lyn

My oldest daughter is 25 today. She has accomplished so much in her life. I am so proud of her. She was such a delightful surprise when I was expecting her. She was such a good baby. (You aren't supposed to say that.) She has made me a grandmother and a mother-in-law. I only wish she lived closer. I miss her and the kids desperately. I fear I may never get to know them as they age. Lyn, you are my heart.

Happy 16th Birthday Eliot!