The Nitty Gritty

Van is my little cuddle bug. He gives the best hugs and tells me at least three times a day that I'm the best. He starts his morning with a meltdown and after that he's mostly a happy camper. My favorite memories of his 4th birthday today: He was so excited to see the streamers and balloons in the kitchen. He loved that his poster had an alligator V. He helped me make pancakes. This is the perfect age where he likes to help.   After breakfast he blew the bubbles I got him and was so excited he could blow many at a time. When I took him to preschool they greeted him as the birthday boy. Isaac checked him out for lunch and brought him to Carminati to eat with me.  When my secretary asked "How old are you?" He shot out his hand and showed her four fingers. My students sang happy Birthday to him. On our way to lunch he announced to the class that he was the leader. He stood in the front of the line with his hands on his hips and led the way. The giant crown on his head wa...

Today is my sister's birthday! I was thinking about her this morning and if I could describe her with one word it would be SUPPORTIVE. In all of my pursuits, she has been there to support me and help me out. I remember in jr.high and high school when Lana and I campaigned to be class officers, she would help us with our skits and posters. Then when I went to college, she would come to our dorm and hang out with us. The last 10 years she has been supportive of my career as a teacher and mother. I know I can always get a boost when I talk to her because, like my dad, she compliments me and commends me on my pursuits.  She loves Will and Van and always treats Isaac like her own brother. She helps me manage the stress of teaching and helps me keep the right attitude. Recently, I've been suffering from anxiety and she has been there every step of the way as I try to cope with it and find healthy ways of managing it.  Thank you Caroline for accepting me for who I am and for alw...