There are two things that are important to me - my kids and other kids. Feeding families, whether my own or others, is always top of mind. Food is about so much more than sustenance. Our dinner table is the nucleus of our family, yet many families don't have that luxury. I … [Read more...] about Food Bank is Vital to Our Community
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NC Citizens — Help Remove Punitive Standard 6 From Teacher Evaluations
Nothing gets me testier than testing. As you might know, I served on the North Carolina Statewide Task Force for Summative Assessment. If you’ve ever proctored a high stakes EOG test, you’ll know what a dismal experience it is for students and teachers alike. My own … [Read more...] about NC Citizens — Help Remove Punitive Standard 6 From Teacher Evaluations
Making A World of Difference, Starting in the Classroom
There's been a lot of chatter in the media about helicopter parenting and raising kids with empathy. It seems we have upon us a generation of entitled kids who don't know how to cope or feel or dare I say, behave. Mac Daddy and I have always believed we are raising adults, not … [Read more...] about Making A World of Difference, Starting in the Classroom
Not All Children Are Blanketed in Love – Support SAFEchild
The other day two gigantic boxes arrived on the doorstep of SAFEchild. It appeared to be a mass quantity of toilet paper (Stranger things have happened, and yes, toilet paper is a need at any non-profit so there's that.). Upon further inspection of the boxes, we uncovered the … [Read more...] about Not All Children Are Blanketed in Love – Support SAFEchild
Only in America
We are whacking away at childhood innocence. Lockdown drills. Active shooter drills. Arming teachers. Guns in schools, parks, playgrounds. My god, what have we done? When Bird gets home from school we have an hour together before Deal scampers in from up the hill. I relish … [Read more...] about Only in America
Happy 12th Birthday, Bird
I’ve been grappling with posting something for Bird’s birthday. As the boys grow up I post less and less about them. My firstborn turned 12 a few days ago. With the benefit of hindsight I see the qualities of his younger self manifesting themselves in new ways. They say that s … [Read more...] about Happy 12th Birthday, Bird
First Day of School & Growing Up
First day of school many moons ago You guys, I am loving your back-to-school photos. The beginning of a new school year holds such promise. We are all giddy as a spirograph of emotions spins within us and we swell with anticipation. Bird and Deal are off, and now my … [Read more...] about First Day of School & Growing Up