Anticipation

On my solitary walk, listening to songs that both challenge and refresh my soul, I'm thinking about how a single word can hold such different meanings.
I've walked this same path each week for a couple of months, allowing God to speak to me in my quietness, observing the changes in nature, experiencing the visual gift of sunlight dancing on the water, and soaking in the warmth and beauty...in anticipation.
Anticipation of the winter that is coming...when the sun will be hidden behind clouds full of snow, and deceptive when it does appear, as its distance will not bring warmth, but harsh cold that makes it difficult to breathe.
Anticipation of holidays that are approaching...filling me with dread. Grief has been overtaking me on regular days...

And then there is anticipation of a much different flavor...
an upcoming trip to my "happy place" where the real world recedes for a few days, and fun abounds.
Anticipation of seeing special friends...of allowing the joy and love to fill my heart and carry me through to the spring.

Auditing MLT

Really, was it nearly two years ago that I took MLT for the first time?
As with every audit to this point, I felt it was an amazing experience! Although the course assignments were only slightly changed, I took this opportunity to look back at my original work and celebrate the growth that is evident.
I loved doing the projects, reconnecting with Beth Strudgeon and making some new connections in the course. Perhaps most important, experiencing MLT with new eyes at this time is helping me to celebrate moments with my students and find some "color" in this pretty "grey" school year.

Podcast of my most meaningful educational experience

Brain Based Expert Visit

MLT Reflection Video

Autumn in Wisconsin

Autumn is my favorite season in Wisconsin...
The brilliant blue, cloudless sky, the dancing leaves, change is in the wind. Soaking in the warmth of the sunshine and storing it up for the endless winter days ahead. God speaks under the canopy of leaves that reflect the beauty of His creation. Walking and reflecting, missing, yet knowing He is in control. The seasons change, but beauty can be found, and His love is constant.

Loss

I have a band director's heart, and in that moment the sense of loss was so profound that I experienced real heart-ache.
The change in my teaching position was presented as a "done deal" last spring, so the loss was known before it happened. The loss was anticipated over the summer. The loss was keenly felt as school started, and I began my 22 class section elementary music schedule. The loss hits with sudden tears at unexpected times.
I knew that seeing the band in the parade would be hard... I just didn't anticipate the jolt of pain or the "out of step" feeling.

I Remember...

This decal from a fast food restaurant, which I think cost me $1 has been on our front door for the past ten years.
I remember that day vividly. I was subbing in a 5th grade classroom in our brand new intermediate school. The principal came to the door of the classroom and asked to speak with me. She told me that America was under attack and that when I had free time I may want to stop in the library (where the only working tv was....the school was THAT new!) and catch some of the news reports. She asked me to keep things as normal as possible for the students.
At lunch time I did join other staff members in front of the tv and we watched in stunned horror.
As a mom, I really just wanted to hold my girls. As a wife, I was glad I could talk to my husband, whose company was immediately put under heightened security, and so thankful when all four of us were together at home that evening!
As a believer, I prayed and cried out to God, and prayed more.
As an American citizen, I saw our country pull together in a way I'd never seen before, as the images which were imprinted on my heart were replayed over and over on the news.
Love for America, mixed with the horror and disbelief, a hurting heart for those who lost loved ones, and for the loss for us all of the sense of security we had taken for granted.
I remember boarding a plane for our family vacation less than two months later...the first flight my daughters would remember, glad for the increased security measures, but still feeling very anxious.

This morning I was awakened by sounds of airplanes and felt eerily chilled. I remember.... it is good to remember.

Celebrating Brittany

19 years ago Brittany Jan Kellen came into my life! I remember wondering how I could ever love a second child as much as I loved my first, but she quickly captured my heart just like her sister!
So many memories , so much laughter, Brittany is a bright, colorful, BIG personality!
This birthday celebration will be different (at her request)... no Cat cake, or special dinner at home. We had a wonderful time celebrating, though, at Bluefies' for dinner and Gigi's cupcakes! I'm hoping this is an amazing year for Brittany at UW Madison... so excited for her!

Auditing DAE

Normally I haven't audited in back to back months, but auditing DAE exceeded my expectations and resulted in a project that will make things easier for me during the first week of school. I decided to present my music room rules and procedures in my flash project so that I could be sure all 22 K-2 music classes received the same consistent information. It was great to reconnect with Lisa Smith, and my biggest take-away is that now I know how to make short animated flash to use in videos!

Music Room Rules and Procedures