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

 August 16, 2018 Dear Families, I plan. When I say that I plan, I mean down to the finite details. My mom would say I entered the world with this disposition. Quite possible. As I travel my life's journey, I realize that trials and road bumps are not only a given they are predictable. So, … Continue reading Murphy’s Law and Mrs. Worley

May 10, 2018 Dear Families, This morning, I departed DIA at 8:55 AM. My destination-Arizona. My purpose to pick Maddy up from NAU for the summer. My purpose made the flight worth it. I hate flying. In fact, I loathe it. But in my defense, 24 years ago, Paul and I found ourselves on a … Continue reading The View from 32,000 Feet

February 15, 2018 Dear Families, Today's post may not be popular. I accept that because I believe with all of my heart that it needs to be shared. Yesterday, a friend asked me, "How did you empower your kids to have empathy for others all the time?" I gave her my standard response. "They aren't always." … Continue reading That’s a HUGE Speck

April 26, 2018 Dear Families, Ever have one of those parenting days. You know the one. The epic day of battle. It usually starts the minute feet hit the floor. Closet doors slam. Indecipherable murmurings fill the bedroom of your precious child and cloud the calm of the house. You quickly realize if you aren't prepared … Continue reading “Fine, Whatever, Go Ahead”