Friday, January 25, 2013

Whew!

I just shipped off my paperwork and a large stack of practicum assignments to The Institute for Excellence in Writing's Instructor Accreditation Program.  Sounds fancy, doesn't it?  IEW is a really neat writing program that helps kids learn how to structure and plan their writing for different needs.

Do you remember sitting, pencil poised over a blank sheet of paper, hoping that inspiration would strike like lightning and you would finally know how to begin your report on ___________________?  having a plan is a powerful thing in the face of that blank page.  Students need to know how to plan summaries  research reports, literary critiques and different kinds of essays.  The IEW method helps them learn these formats (and a fancy trick or two) so they know where to start and writing isn't so daunting any more.

Pretty soon I have to start finding some students to teach!  Do you know anyone who would like to be in a writing class???

I am pretty excited about all of that, but for the moment, I can get back to sewing and de-cluttering.  I keep turning various patterns over in my mind.  I can't decide if I should make something for me, or one of the girls.  Decisions, decisions......

Monday, January 07, 2013

Going back

As much as I love the holidays and have my kids around for relaxed days of playing and reading, I also love my routine.  We do have a vacation routine but it is not as firm as the school/ work routine imposed by the outside world, more of a flow.

Adriel is back to work and the kids go back to school Wednesday.  Most exciting for me is that I am going to try running Tuesday after a 2 week break.  I have been trying to rehab an irritated hip.  I am nervous and excited to see if the break and cross training have helped at all.

Friday, January 04, 2013

Conversation over Breakfast

Miriam: (very indignant) I don't know why people make alarm clocks that are so annoying!  No one will wake up to that.

Abby: Mim, that's why they are like that; to wake you up.

Miriam: A little girl would want a alarm clock that says, "Princess, princess, it's time to get up princess."  That's what girls want. (authoritative voice)


There you go marketing gurus.   Apparently little girls want an alarm that wakes them up nicely and calls them princess.  Consider it a gift.  I would appreciate it if you had various colors available by next Christmas.