December 6, 2018 Dear Families, My mother believed from the time I was six years old that I would be a teacher. Thus, I determined I would be anything but a teacher. Literally, anything else.  Her logic and observation provided the evidence she needed to support this belief.  My next door neighbor couldn't tell time … Continue reading Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

November 29, 2018 Dear Families, Each year, after we enjoy our Thanksgiving feast with family and friends, Paul, Maddy, Hunter and I return home to watch A Christmas Story.  You know the movie. The Major Award. The Red Rider BB Gun. The Soap Poisoning. The Triple-Dog Dare. Yep. That one. Prior to the start of … Continue reading You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid

November 8, 2018 Dear Families, Yesterday started like any other day. I woke up to my alarm, got ready for school, and headed down to the kitchen. I found my son in his normal location, the kitchen island stuffing his face and watching ESPN highlights on his phone. He barely looked up and blurted out, … Continue reading Red Cowboy Boots

October 25, 2018 Dear Families, “Do I have to keep these?” “I’m sorry, Hunter, these is an indefinite pronoun. To what are you referring?” “Can you please not give me a grammar lesson every five minutes? These, the trophies I got when I was little? They don’t mean anything.” Seven years ago, I redid Hunter’s … Continue reading How Do You Define Success?

October 4, 2018 Dear Families, Nothing emphasizes our lack of control more than being 32,000+ feet in the air traveling at a speed of 532 MPH in a metal container controlled by a stranger. Talk about faith. I hate flying. Period. Statistics that suggest it's safer than driving do not sway me. Not even a … Continue reading Between Space and Time

September 26, 2018 Dear Families, I first read the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne my junior year of high school in my AP English class. I distinctly remember the feeling of outrage I had over The Scarlet Letter. I remember at one point marching into the kitchen, slamming the book on the counter, and passionately expressing … Continue reading The Scarlett Letter, The Crucible, and Restorative Discipline

September 13, 2018 Dear Families, I distinctly remember getting in trouble two times in school. In fourth grade, I decided to expand my vocabulary on the playground. High schoolers in my neighborhood used very passionate words when they were being cool. I wanted to be cool. My teacher, however, not only disapproved of my colorful … Continue reading Parenting Stinks

September 6, 2018 Dear Families, Currently, the clock on the stove in the kitchen reads 10:06 PM. I sat down to write this wire at 8:45 tonight. My first draft of this letter started with a quote from Dead Poet’s Society. “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that I must constantly look at … Continue reading Life and Lessons…

August 30, 2018 Dear Families, This week, I write in an unconventional manner.  First, I ask that you read the following letter: Teacher to parents: About THAT Kid (The One Who Hits, Disrupts and Influences YOUR Kid)  If you do not read it at this time, my letter may seem confusing. I encourage you to … Continue reading Look at THAT Kid

This is a repost. I received several requests via email to know more about Maddy's struggles in school. Many parents indicated that they related to what I have shared regarding our families educational marathon. So, I offer this as a source of encouragement August 23, 2018 Dear Families, I realized that I blinked.  The realization … Continue reading Thornbushes, Thistles, and Weeds