STUFF

Well, I'm getting ready to fly out to NYC tonight and I've decided to bring all my Chanukah gifts with me and save a bit of postage. I'm happy to report that all gifts (except 2 books) are handmade by me, and others, and I didn't have to enter a mall once! I've had a great time going to crafts fairs and shopping on Etsy and I really like the gifts I'm giving this year. My husband and I have decided to try to have a "not made in China holiday season" this year and it's really hard! Especially shopping for kids who really want to fit into mainstream culture right now. Many are just not interested in being original, what they want most is to fit in. That's been a hard one to grapple with as a parent of a teenager. All we can do is set an example and hope....This is why I can't wait to see how they turn out.

Summer Vacation- Almost Over

If you're a student, these words absolutely chill you to the bone. My own children get angry every time we pass the back to school isle in Target. My teaching ramps up again in September so I, too, am thinking lesson planning, registering 60 new students, will they like me?, learn anything from me?? As far as I know I'll be assigned three sections of toddler parents for the year. All want to know if their child is normal and extraordinary at the same time.

I love the children. No matter how hard the rest of my life may be that day I can forget it all for two hours when I chat with two year olds! I love talking with the parents. No one should have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to children. Happy, confident parents make for happy, confident children. That's what I try to offer each year. That's what I'm gearing up for now.

All of that said, and in spite of my own children, I'm looking forward to the start of school again. Some sort of regular schedule. Some time to myself to think and create and, and, and...... If you're a parent I don't need to finish that sentence!

So, I plan on enjoying these last few weeks and mentally preparing myself for all that comes with September. And, figuring out what I want to do with this blog!