Summer Vacay

Since I don't have to work Fridays in June, yesterday was my first real day of summer break ... and I was disappointed to wake up to thunderstorms.  Although my original visions of a day outside in the sun were not to be, the girls and I headed downtown for a fun day at the Perot Museum.  

Photo dump of our excursion:

 

 We visited the dinosaurs and planets twice. Big favorite!

 

semi-view of downtown

 Gems!

 

 The earthquake simulator was a good time (although we agreed it probably wouldn't be so fun in real life).

 

 

 

 They raced multiple people/animals multiple times.  Always a fun attraction.

 

 We made it to the engineering attractions late in the day, and decided to start there next time.

 

 

 By the time we finished, the rain had stopped and the girls took off their shoes to hop in the stream outside.  A fun day with my girls was just what I needed after a busy school year.

School's Out

My first school year as a principal ended yesterday, and I have so many stories to tell.  My initial goal this year was to listen and learn, and to implement new only where necessary.  As it turned out, I learned last summer that one of my first jobs would be to overhaul the campus discipline system ... more implementation than I originally anticipated.  So with the help of my assistant principal, counselors, hard data, and a number of teachers who - thankfully - trusted me blindly right away, we embraced Social Emotional Learning and worked very hard to learn about and use Restorative Practices to build community and address problems.  It was a long but productive road, and we're only scraping the surface; yet even with bumps in the road, our work this year has been successful both in ways we can measure and in ways we cannot.  On Thursday afternoon, the staff gathered in the Learning Commons for a Closing Circle, which I thought would last 15-20 minutes ... it lasted 45.  We shared reflections and celebrations, and for the first time in a very long time (maybe ever?), I was in awe of the respect and admiration the people on my staff have for one another.  To be successful (and sane) in a school, you truly have to be surrounded by people you trust, love, and upon whom you can rely every single day.  I can't begin to pretend that my school is without issues, but a staff of people who genuinely care about each other and kids isn't one of them.  And people are what make a public school ... not test scores, not money ... always the people.  As I was driving home Thursday, it occurred to me, again, that to have been selected to lead this staff and community is truly the greatest honor I could imagine.

We had a nontraditional end to the year, as on the last day yesterday, we had to be completely packed and out of the building by 2:00. Huge dumpsters showed up during early-release carpool (always a great time at elementary school), and the movers showed up not long after.  We've literally spent months keeping the school running while packing and labeling every last book, piece of furniture, trash can ... you name it - all in preparation for our renovation this summer.  I also spent endless hours with my office manager selecting and purchasing large quantities of furniture ... to the point that I never want to pick out another chair or appliance (although I am so grateful for the experience).  I have to run back to school tomorrow for a last walk-through with the movers to make sure they've moved everything, and then construction crews will begin demolition.  It'll be so exciting to return to a new, updated school in August.  I still can't wrap my head around the timeline, but after many meetings with the architect and construction guys, I've decided that they are the experts and I can't worry about it.  They do this all the time.  We might be starting the school year without bulletin boards hung and desks labeled, but we'll be there, in our refreshed building with brand new furniture and lots-and-lots-and-lots of boxes to unpack!  In the meantime, this summer I'll be working out of Sara's school, just a short walk from my front door.  I also have my hardhat ready to go so I can check in on progress at my school once in a while.  

I learned a lot this year, possibly the most about myself.  I learned that even on humid days when the air destroys my hair, morning carpool is my favorite part of the day.  I learned that, when the buck truly stops with me, it's okay to process - sometimes for a while - before I speak.  I learned that a little praise goes a long way, and so does the occasional surprise food in the lounge.  I learned that I'm hard to read (and once someone told me this, there were many laughs about it).  I learned that I have to listen more than I talk (not always great at this), and I have to consider what I stress when having conversations with teachers - and I have to know who needs to hear what.  Mostly I learned that I have a lot to learn.  I'm very excited to continue this journey.  Here's a short recap video that we shared with staff and parents.  I could, and probably will, watch it a million times over - always with a smile.

Next year we are adding pre-k to my campus, which will be another adventure.  I look forward to knowing a little bit more than I did this year ... although now I have a better understanding of what needs to be addressed and I'm going to have to jump in and do it.  Knowing what to expect will come with its own set of challenges.  I also need to work on my work/home balance.  Always a challenge, but hopefully one I can manage a bit better in the coming years.  I feel like I missed a lot at home this year (which seasoned principals told me would happen), and I was always behind the eight-ball (thank goodness for Amazon Prime), but I tried to make up for it as I could.  After lots of begging on her part, I took a personal day to go on a field trip with Sara's class.  It's always good to be reminded that we're not that important at work ... a place can totally run without us!  And I had a great day with my big girl and her friends.

 After yesterday, which capped off a very successful year, that big girl is headed to 3rd grade.  And little sister will be in private kinder at Primrose (she misses the cut-off for public school kinder by two days - ugh - so she has another year before she gets to join Sara at the elementary school).  In the long-run, I think being on the older end of her class will be great for Emma ... it's just that right now, being on the younger end would be great for my wallet. Oh, well.  Here she is with a tattooed face and her drawing of a kite with wings ... mmm-hmm.

Ms. Molly will be coming back this summer to watch the girls while Steve and I are at work, and they cannot wait!  They love her!  They are looking forward to sleeping in, swimming, art camp, $1 movies ... all the good things summer brings.  I'm looking forward to stress-free mornings where I only have to get myself ready.  Also looking forward to a couple trips, hopefully some good books, and lots of reflection on Year One.

Book Talk

 I was looking for a book and came across The Things We Leave Behind, a short story prequel to The Girl Who Stayed.  I believe it might only be available in the Kindle version, which I got for free on Amazon, and as my reading time has been limited, a short story sounded perfect.  This prequel follows Zoe as she works up the courage to leave an abusive relationship, and although it ends with her seemingly walking out the door, the title of the counterpart novel suggests otherwise.  The blurb about it online makes it sound like Zoe does, in fact, get away from her current nightmare but comes face to face with more challenges. I'll probably pick it up when it's available for a lesser price.

I also got the Kindle version of The Bookshop on the Corner for next to nothing, and really enjoyed this easy feel-good read.  Nina is in her late 20's and finds herself out of a job as the public library system begins to fold.  Motivated by her love of books and lack of ties in her current city, she challenges herself to do something totally uncharacteristic.  She purchases a large van and makes plans to sell books out of it, and in the process, of course, really gets to know herself.  Great summer beach or pool-side read; there is so much happiness in simplicity.

"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading."

-Jane Austen

Mother's Day Weekend

 It's been a great Mother's Day Weekend!  Friday morning when I took Emma to school, she gave me the present she made: a mug with her hand prints on it.  She has since used it multiple times for her drinks because, although she made it for me, she made it.  So ...

Friday evening we came home to a package from Grandma: pics from recent visits, clipboards, stickers, notepads ... all the good stuff.  Happy girls!

Yesterday we slept in, I went to the gym, we ran a couple errands, ate at a restaurant that everyone agreed upon (win!), and then enjoyed the afternoon by the pool.

Today we headed to Arlington to watch the Rangers beat the Oakland A's.  Our cheap seats were actually in the shade, which was awesome!  We enjoyed lots of overpriced treats and drinks, and had a great afternoon together.  Emma had been waiting for the 7th Inning Stretch to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and it did not disappoint.  Another highlight for both girls was the wave that traveled around the stadium a number of times! 

 Emma and I took selfies when Steve and Sara went out in search of snacks.  At the ballpark today they were giving away these cute Rangers scarfs!  I had to take it off after a while because I was sweating, but I'll definitely wear it again. 

 Apparently Sara was in charge of her own selfies.

Everyone is tired after the game, so it's been a relaxing evening at home.  Probably one of the more important things I've done in a while happened tonight: I posted this gofundme page for Melissa and Adam, who are starting their adoption journey.  Please consider sharing or donating!  I am so hopeful that, soon, Melissa will also get to celebrate Mother's Day as a mom!

treading water

I feel like I've started many recent blog posts by saying I can't believe how quickly a month has gone by, and I feel that way about April more than any other.  It seems like just yesterday at school we were saying, "I can't believe it's almost April!" ... and now it's almost May.  I have almost made it through my first year as a principal, and while the end is in sight, there is still lots of work left to do.  Besides the fact that this has been my first year, it's also a year unlike any other due to our renovation and move.  The whole project is much larger-scale than I originally anticipated, and while it's very exciting, it's also brought a whole other component in terms of workload that wouldn't typically be part of my job.  The work will be worth it though, because when we walk in next school year, the building will have my stamp on it, and I know that's an opportunity that may not come my way again.  In this last month, I've had to make some difficult decisions at work, and I'm working hard to navigate the fine balance between relationships and tough calls, and the stress that lies therein.  Everyday is a learning experience.

A couple of weekends ago, my parents stopped through on their way back to MN from FL.  They were here for our long Easter weekend, and we heated the pool to ring in an early summer!

I can't wait for this to be every Saturday and Sunday!

Always have to get the group selfie.

 The last two Friday nights have been school spring socials - Sara's last week and mine last night.  Face paint, photo booths, cake walks ... all the good things!  Sara was excited to win one of the spots for the 2nd grade teacher party at the silent auction at her school.

 Last weekend Emma's soccer team had an end-of-season party (here they are waiting for trophies...).  We love this little team from her school and their coach, who is a teacher at school.  We're sad that some of the kids will go to kinder in the fall and the group has to split - they have such special little friendships. The parents all have fun together, too, so we plan to continue the social events.

 I stumbled across this selfie on my phone the other day, and it made me smile.  While I would love to pretend that this photo is super representative of our life right now, the truth is that these two spend more time arguing than not ... but I sure appreciate whatever effort was given by both parties to snap this shot.

 Steve is out of town this weekend celebrating Draft Weekend with his fraternity buddies, and tonight Sara is at a sleepover, so Emma and I are hanging out.  She planted some seeds she got from school the other day (hopefully they'll grow), we did nails, and now she is lounging watching "Ghost Busters" while we wait for more April showers to hit (we've sure had a lot of them this year).

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  Like with everything else this year, I'm preparing at the very last minute ... but I sure won't miss it.  So many people in my life deserve huge recognition this week!  Then, for us, it's state testing and various other events leading up to the fast and furious finish.  Maybe May will light a fire under me to make some plans for summer!

Book Talk

Except for professional reading (and because of professional reading), my recent requirement for enjoyment reading has been light and easy.  If that's what you're looking for, especially going into summer, I recommend both of these titles.

I chose The Marvelous Misadventures of Ingrid Winter because it came up as a free option through Amazon Prime.  It's about a mom who is trying to be good at all the things - home, parenting, marriage, work, etc., etc.  Sound familiar?  Anyway, she has some pretty big mishaps along the way but ends up where she is supposed to be.

Isn't everyone a Liane Moriarty fan?  Three Wishes is about thirty-something triplet sisters who define love/hate.  They have all kinds of drama.  Some of it's trivial, of course, some some is more serious - marriage issues, infertility, inability to commit anywhere in life.  Engaging story and an ending you can live with - or at least I can!

"I was born with a reading list I'll never finish!"

-Maud Casey

April Showers

It's a rainy April Sunday, so while Steve and Sara went downtown for Comic Con this morning, Emma and I met up with some of her friends and their moms to see "Beauty and the Beast".  It was so, so good.  A little scary in a few parts for the little girls, but the music and scenery were amazing, and I like how they adapted the story line in places.  Made me feel like a ten-year-old (minus the adult beverage, thanks to Studio Movie Grill)!

I can.not.believe. how quickly March came and went.  A few weeks ago, Steve ran another half marathon.  The girls and I went downtown to watch him finish the race.

 Even though Steve's prep for this race wasn't stellar, he still finished it.  I'm so proud of him, and I love the example he sets for the girls.  I always feel like such a bump-on-a-log when we go to watch these races ... I spend a minute feeling some inspiration to go run, and then I remind myself that I really don't want to.  I enjoy exercising, but I still don't think a half marathon is in my future.

 After I picked up the girls the other evening after a long, exhausting week, we headed for fro-yo.  We followed it up with popcorn and "Trolls" at home.  So much for a well-balanced meal ... everything in moderation, right?!  I feel like I work all the time, so the quality time with my girls was more important the other night than making dinner.

 Emma has been practicing -at family words at school.  She loves reading them to us.

 Sara orchestrated some April Fool's jokes around here yesterday, and Emma was thrilled to tag along with her.  Apparently she researched these ones on YouTube ... clever:

 

I'm thankful for this rainy day.  It's just rain - not the crazy storms we had earlier in the week (though we escaped damage unlike some surrounding areas) - but it's forcing us to lay low.  Sara is working on legos and Emma is making birthday invitations (I can't convince her that it's too early to get a start on planning her September birthday ...).  And now that it's already April, I know the next couple of months are going to be a whirlwind - planning for summer, finishing school, packing up everything at my school, hiring, soccer, etc., etc. - so, yes, enjoying the quiet rain today!