Slice of Life Day Thirty One: How Did You Do That?

31 days.
I feel like my writing groove is coming back.
But how?  How do you really write everyday?
Some reflections on what I did to prepare and sustain this month.


Before March:
In February, when every other day was an ice storm and we all had the flu, I was on the couch.  (In an ice storm, with a fever--that as probably the flu.)  I made a 31 point list with topics to write about each day.  So when March hit, I wouldn't have to worry and fret about "what" I was going to write about.  I stuck to some themes and sub-topics to get me started:

• What I'm reading.  (Go here to see a link up on Mondays:  http://www.teachmentortexts.com/#axzz5BKq51lre)
• Ideas around pedagogy, management, assessment.
• My One Little Word:  Abide  
• What I'm Eating.  
• Fun Topics!  Ideas to get to know each other a little better and to share more of our story.  
• Celebrations.  Ruth Ayres hosts some celebrating each weekend.  Check out her blog:  https://ruthayreswrites.com/

During March:

I wrote.  It just became a priority.  My husband noted in January, "You are happiest when you are running and writing."  A side comment for him, a truth bomb for me.  So I've been fighting like hell to get those two things back in my schedule.  

I wrote before I sat on the couch at night.

I wrote while snuggled up on the couch in the morning.

I wrote before I watched tv, scrolled through a phone, tuned out for the night.

The Growth:
I know, I'm preaching to the choir, but the more I wrote, the more I found my story. 
Here are 3 posts from this month that I'm pretty proud of:
http://simplylearningtogether.blogspot.com/2018/03/slice-of-life-day-thirteen-first-grade.html

• This post allowed me to share my classroom story a bit.  It was a moment that I felt like my vision and the work of that all came together.  

http://simplylearningtogether.blogspot.com/2018/03/slice-of-life-day-twenty-outline-for.html

• This is a topic I continue to be passionate about.  I will continue to share thoughts and discoveries on this.  

http://simplylearningtogether.blogspot.com/2018/03/slice-of-life-day-twenty-nine-laughable.html

• This is probably my most vulnerable piece of writing.  And probably the most that I will share about my last year.  I see this piece of my story as being more of a storytelling piece to share verbally.  But I always think sharing our stories can help.  If this piece helps someone see something than I did what I wanted it to do.

http://simplylearningtogether.blogspot.com/2018/03/slice-of-life-day-eighteen-teacher.html

• Food is such a big part of who we are as a family, I may end up writing each week about this.  

What's next:

More writing.  I'm opening up a notebook to try out some poetry.  

I'm also considering extending my streak.  

We'll see!  

Congratulations for your writing accomplishments.  

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Thirty: I Think I Always Knew I Was Going To Be A Teacher

Talking with my hands, pretty confidently.  

In my cozy chair with a book.  

Just enough sass.  A cute Skirt, and I guarantee that I'm wearing sneakers.  

I see the finish line.  Let's Finish this challenge!  

Slice of Life: Day Twenty Nine: Laughable.

Dear Friends,
This post has been brewing all day.  Maybe for a year or more.  Thanks for being kind as I let a little more out.  I wanted to explore a bit of what it's like to write and be vulnerable and honest as I share my story a little more. 

A year ago these three things were a part of who I was (all at the same time):

1.  A Case of Strep Throat.

2.  A dog wearing an E-collar after eye surgery.  He eventually lost sight in his right eye after running into a stick chasing a squirrel.

3.  A Job Situation that would make many of us run for the hills.  And I started to.  Because I didn't feel like I had a choice. 


Oh man.  Did I struggle not to become the jaded old lady who wanted to only talk about these three things. 

I spent a lot of time with my Mr. 
I closed my circle in a little further. 
I quit writing. 
I quit running.
I slept.  A Lot.
Well.  That's not a healthy list. 


I took up Bible reading, because I knew if I was going to make it, I had to let everything fall away and let there be only Jesus.  Wowza.  That part was HARD.  Because I can do this thankyouverymuch.  And at that point, what else did I have left emotionally?  Not much.  Also, may I gently say, notice I said Jesus and not the church.  Sometimes seeing the wrong side of the church can be soul crushing.  And church was crushing mine at the time.  I went.  I sat in the back.  I cried.  I left early.  I visited lots of different ones to stay invisible.  Because I only wanted to be seen by Jesus. 

So.  After a year.  A Year that wasn't without more to add to the list, here I am. 

And the stress of last year? 

Laughable.  

Why? 

Because I sit here this year with two new things:

• values clarification.  I feel pretty rooted in what I value at this point.  I don't feel like I'm struggling at this point to know what I feel is important.  (In case you are wondering, Love is at the center of these values.  Because everyone of us deserves that.  Everyone.  I will Always lead with love.  Which might be translated into feeding you something.)
• a protected heart.  After a lot of clawing, crying, laying down, getting back up again, and crying some more, I came out on the other side.  And I know that I was being protected spiritually from things that won't ever deliver what my heart seeks.  

I can abide in what I know protects my heart and values:

• Quiet time with Jesus.  (Reading.  A Lot.)
• Time at home.  With Mr.
• I'm writing again.  
• I'm running again.
• Sharing Love.  
• Spending time with wise, discerning women.  That is critical to my well-being.  

The joy of coming out of this journey?  I can see it as laughable.  

I'll take that.  

Joy!  (In the laughing.)
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Twenty Eight: Self Care for When It's Really Hard.

A few days ago, I wrote about self care here.

But no.  Really.  What about the days when you leave at 7 AM, and arrive home at 8 PM? 

My secret?  I don't do all those things I wrote about before. 

When days are long, and I am away from my house for 13 hours, here is what that looks like:

1.  I still eat.  

Today, I had a smoothie, more Diet Dr. Pepper than I should admit, soup, a chicken sandwich.  I also had some turkey sausage as a snack.  I can't get hungry on days like this.  So I always have a plan about what I'm going to eat.  I confess. I get hangry.  No good comes of this. 

2.  When I'm home, I rest.  

When it's possible, only good vibes here people.  I snuggle my people and pets.  I put on pants with elastic.  I get under my favorite blanket.  I read.  I write.  I visit with my people.  I drink coffee in the AM, and tea in the PM.  Those dishes don't bother me.  They will be there later. 

3.  I work my plan.  

Last night, before the crazy started today, I made a plan.  I knew what I needed to do about every 30 minutes.  And I stuck to it pretty faithfully.  Not in a "No time to visit, I need to stick to my schedule" kind of way, but a "I'm here for many hours, let's make this work" kind of way.  

That's it.  Eat.  Rest.  Work the plan.  

Some days, that is all we can do.  

Continue to give yourself a LOT of grace.  

You are doing enough.

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Twenty Seven: Leaning into a Crisis

Friends.  Have you read this book?



I'll wait.  Go read this.  It won't take long. 

So, I want to talk about leaning into crisis. 

We had to lean in before we knew it was okay.

And then this book encouraged me to not shy away from the tough topics. 

So this year, when it hard topics came up, we got busy. 

This year, my students are especially interested in homelessness and how to help.  

Were first graders ready to tackle this topic?

Yes.  

First I applied for a Thrivent Grant.

Then I started buying fleece like it's running out!  

And the kids.  They are still tying blankets.  And they know they are helping.  The blankets will go to a local homeless organization.  

It was Smokey Daniel's Book that encouraged me not to back away from these tough topics.  

I could write for days on this book.  It is so encouraging in so many ways.  

Go get it.  

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Twenty-Six: The Limbacks Go to the Book Fair

Hey!  It's book fair time!

I happen to be co-chairing the book fair as well.

Let's have a peek-sie, shall we?

It's taking up an entire classroom, because that is how we roll.  One of these girls walked in this morning and said, "It's like a Book Land in here..."  

Be still my heart.  

I can retire now.

(Just kidding.  It's not time for that.)

#teacherwholovestoreadgoals

So, my boys joined me after school.  Here's what we came home with:

Mr. Got a book too.  So this stack is for 4 of us.  

My favorite part?  My 9 year old was having a hard time choosing books because there were so many he wanted to read.  I've waited 9 years for that.  

So we have a stack to keep us busy for a moment or so.

What are you reading this week?

Joy!

Kendra

Slice of Life Day Twenty Five: A Teacher Needs to Eat

I love slowing down on Sundays to just make some good food.

Here's what's on the menu:

It's a crock-pot potato soup.  I found the recipe on Pinterest, but it didn't have a link, just a picture if that makes sense.   So here's how it went down:

Put a 32 ounce bag of frozen hash browns in the crock pot followed by:  

32+ ounces of broth.  I used vegetable.  But chicken works too.  I always have to add water to this soup, so that's why I said 32+.  I usually add a cup of water.  

Also add 1 can of cream soup.  I like to use cream of potato.  

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Before serving, stir in a block of cream cheese and let it melt.  

Serve with shredded cheese, croutons, bacon bits...whatever suits your fancy.  

Now...a confession.  I.Love.Cookbooks.  

You may know this about me.  I've confessed it before.  

This weekend we were at the library, and I came home with 4 new cookbooks to flip through.  

These two I'm considering purchasing:

We've been looking to continually clean up our diets while we take on running again.  These two have some great, tasty looking meals that I think we can swing!  (And isn't that the catch?)

These two were great to look at!  

I loved looking at this one!  I marked some things to look up online later.  

Traditional cook books like this tend to not work for our food allergy-ness.   I maybe can pull one or two recipes out, but that's it.  

This book is so creative.  And hello!  Macaroni and cheese?  Featured in a book?  Yes.  

It is a beautiful book.  I have tucked on a wish list for another day.  

What are you eating these days?

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Twenty Four: My Mr.

I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do this without sounding like a sap, but I need to tell you about my Mr.  Because he's awesome.  And if you knew us personally, you know that me writing a blog post about him is both weird and groovy at the same time.  Because we aren't really sappy folk who publicly declare things.  But yet, he is so cool, I can't help but celebrate a bit.  Here's why:

This picture.  He's actually "shushing" me as we speed down the highway.  We were listening to Blue Oyster Cult and I was ready to play my cowbell, only I came in too early.  So, while he looks intent on driving, he was actually coaching me on when to come in when it was time to play.  

"You always know just what to say."  

I emailed him those words after my expectations of an event were turned upside down.  We needed to hold to our schedule, but wanted to extend hospitality where we could.  He sent this email that was thoughtful, funny, and to the point. 

"I'll type.  You talk."

He said those words to me when I was sobbing in a heap on our couch.  It was time to advocate, but it needed to come from him.  I didn't even have the strength to advocate.  So he did.  But had the tables been turned?  I would have done the same for him.  

"I need you to stop, his belt buckle is going to rip."

Words I said today as we were trying to hang a life-sized MLB player Fathead in our 9 year old son's bedroom.  And he immediately stopped what he was doing.  When we do house projects, he listens.   I know it sounds stero-typical around gender, but when I visit with my friends, I know that all Mr's don't take input when it's house project time.  He does.  That's cool.

"Let me help with dinner.  Bring your laptop and tell me what to do."

I was working on report cards, writing, and planning.  But I was also trying to manage dinner.  (Homemade stir-fry and egg rolls)

So he took over, while I multi-tasked (I know you aren't supposed to) and coached him through dinner.  

We just make a good team.  We laugh.  A lot.  My prayer for you is you have a person like Mr.  Maybe it's a dear friend, sibling, neighbor, or someone else!   Whoever it might be, celebrate your teamwork!  

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life March Twenty-Three: What I Did Today: A Reverse To-Do List

Have you ever been frustrated because you looked at your to-do list at the end of the day and it wasn't done? 

I mean, I know.  It never is. 

But today as I left, I was frustrated.  My desk was still a mess.  I'm not ready for Monday.  I'll have to go back tomorrow and finish that up.  It's just the way of the work. 

But today I:

• had a conversation before school around a professional book and learned what was really on the minds of some of my colleagues. 
• helped students get going on some math as the day started.
• lead a morning meeting where we are working hard to listen to our peers and stay on topic when we speak to each other.
• passed out snack.  
• helped students finish research topics of interest and write paragraphs on them.
• opened milk cartons and read notes at lunch to my PreK friends.  
• visited with a colleague 
• listened to some memory work 
• cleaned tree sap off a student's ear
• worked through a math test with friends
• rearranged furniture in the classroom.
• taught PE.  Exercises and free play today.
• dismissed students.
• set up a book fair with colleagues.
• visited with more colleagues
• drove a car full of kids home
• ate dinner and watched basketball with my Mr.
• typed a slice!

This makes me feel better when I reflect on what I have done.  Tomorrow is a fresh start to finish two quick jobs at school.  

Tonight?  Rest.  

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Twenty Two: Likes and Dislikes

Day 22 People. 
I needed to plan, run, plan some home stuff, and blog. 
So.Tired. 

Likes and Dislikes:

I like spinach.
I dislike it when it is mushy.

I like dogs.
I dislike it when they are big, pushy and loud.

I like basketball.
I dislike losing.

I like teaching.
I dislike the burnout I'm seeing in my people.

I like books!
I dislike not having more time to sit and read them. 

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Twenty One: 3 Memories and What I Learned About My Family.

Last week we spent so much time looking at pictures on the farm.  So many memories.
I loved every minute of it. 
Mom cut our old boyfriends out of the family history.  She cracks me up. 
Here are copies of 3 pictures I have with me now. 

This is still pretty much me.  A cute skirt with a t-shirt.  I can guarantee I'm wearing Keds sneakers.  Just a girl who wants her chocolate pie at Thanksgiving.  :)

I Love my Dad so much.  (Mom too!)  This picture sums up childhood.  A lot of fun.  We laughed.  A lot.  By the way, that tie?  It's Mauve.  Not Pink.  

This was my first dog, Pepper.  She was a rescue lady.  I knew I could marry my Mr.  when I brought him home, and she didn't bite him.  She was very protective and would snap at you if she thought you intruding too much.  

I also learned my Grandpa had a brother who died of pneumonia his senior year in high school.  The news article was heartbreaking.  But as we were going through these memories, I'm so glad that my Grandmothers kept articles and pictures and albums.  It filled in some more of my story.  Hang on to yours.  

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Twenty: An Outline for Self Care

I've been thinking about this post for several days now.  Just coming off of spring break, and thinking about the past year (throw up your hands situations, lots of tears, coming out of the situation, and turning 40) I've realized there are some really fundamental things that have helped me take care of myself. 

And I'm 40 now, so I think I get to share those with you.  :) 

Just kidding.  It's really about the self reflection.  A reminder to myself about what to do when I'm doing hard things. 

Now, back to why I've been thinking about this post for several days.  Sometimes, as humans, I think we just need to be kinder to each other.  I always hesitate to read suggestions to "make yourself better" because I tend to read those and feel like I'm not doing enough.  Once, I stopped reading a trendy "self-help" book that all my ladies were raving about.  I actually tossed it across the room to make myself feel better.

Why?  Because I didn't want to do what that book was asking me to do.  It wasn't for me.  And it made me mad a little bit because I didn't want to do any of those things.  It actually made me feel inadequate. 

And so dear Friends, here's what I want to say first. 

You are doing enough.  You are enough.

I'm so blessed to be in the Teacher Tribe.  It's really where my people are at.

(Please don't toss your device like I tossed my book and break it, but you can "clamshell" me in a heartbeat if you don't want to read this.  I'll understand.)  

How I Take Care of Myself When It's (Life and Hustle) Hard.  

1.  I Go Home.  

Sometimes, after the school day, I just need to finish my work at home.  The spots in my house allow me to think and focus.  And we know the work is never ending.  It's worth it to me to haul the books and the papers back and forth to get the work done.  It's my spot where I can think through things and work out ideas.  I'm also in close proximity to my people, and I find that comforting. But maybe that's not true for you. Find your spot where you can finish up your day.  

2.  I Exercise/Move/Go Outside.

This year, I'm back to running.  That is really my jam.  But for the past two years, it hasn't been.  But I was doing best when I was moving.  Walking around the block at school during lunch.  Sitting on the porch in the sun to drink my coffee.  There is research galore about being outside and emotional health.  You are worth the time to spend outside for a moment each day.  

3.  I Eat Dinner.

To have a meal plan for lunch and dinner each day helps us from stopping to get the fast food all of our days.  Now, let's be clear.  Sometimes the plan is fast food.  Sometimes dinner means meat and cheese and crackers on a board, and you put it on your plate.  (We call that a Homemade Lunchable.)  But when I'm prepared for meals, we eat healthier things.  (Notice I didn't say 100% healthy all the time.)  And feeding the humans is my job at home.  (Mr. does the laundry.  Kids do dishes.  It's a team effort people.)  I plan these things out on Wednesday or Thursday for the next week, and we grocery shop to get that done.  (Who does online grocery shopping?  I'm considering trying this over the summer,)

4.  I Work on what I love.  

This slice challenge and Must Read in 2018 at Carrie Gelson's website have connected me to two things that I love.  Reading and sharing the ideas with people; and writing and sharing the ideas with people.  When I read or write a little everyday, I feel good.  Now, in my circle I've also seen: sketching and watercolors, puzzles, sewing, crafting...the list goes on. (I'm not good at any of these things.) Even if it is for just a wee part of your day, find it and give yourself time to do it!  I like to do this work in the early morning, and my outside time at night.  

What works for you?  When there is life and hustle, (and there always is) what things keep you grounded in who you are?  

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Nineteen: What I'm Reading and Ordering.

Oh Friends.  The first day back after spring break. 
It was great. 
We were busy. 
We remembered what to do. 
They seem bigger. 
I love it. 
I'm exhausted. 

At school we read:



We missed reading it for March Book Madness, but I thought it was such an important read, I didn't want to skip it.  I have little activists in my room, and in the best way I can, I want to make sure they understand the history behind the stories.  This is a beautiful book. 


What I'm starting this week at home:


My 9 year old recommended this one to me.  It's taken me way too long to get to it.  I finished Drama last night as well. 

I don't know anything about this book!  It was a gift from a trusted reader!  It's time to dig in and give it a try!


Books I've ordered this week:

Okay, so we needed to order from Amazon, because we (the boys and I) accidentally ruined my Mr.'s Yoda pint glass.  So we ordered him a new one for Easter.  While I was there I ordered:




Which one would I read first?

(Also Mr. if you are reading this, act surprised when that pint glass shows up!)

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Eighteen: A Teacher Needs to Eat

So.  Spring break is rapidly coming to an end. 
I have all the mixed feels. 
I loved preparing my materials today and thinking about what we are going to work on for the next few days.  I only plan one week at a time...to stay on top of what the kids need. 


But I also love the pace of working when it's necessary, resting when it's not.

But let's get to to the food, shall we?

My 13 year old makes these Chicken Pot Pie Muffins.  Kind of like this.  But we use store made biscuits.  Also, he makes them completely independently now, which means I was watching basketball and folding my laundry!  It's good comfort food, and I love the portion sizes.  

 It's a ramen bowl!  The boys had showed some interest in them.  So, after a little online research, I realized that you can pretty much use any vegetables that you have.  Here's how it went down in our house:

1.  We sauteed 1 Tablespoon of garlic and ginger in some grapeseed oil.  (About 1 Tablespoon)

2.  Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, 4 ounces of sliced mushrooms, a dash of soy sauce, and 3 cups of water.  Stir that in.

3.  Bring this to a boil.  Then simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft.  

4.  Add Ramen Noodles without seasoning packs.  I used 2 packages for our batch.  Let these noodles cook for about 2-3 minutes.  

5.  Stir in spinach (I used the very careful measuring technique of grabbing a handful and dropping it in the pot.)   I also added carrots.  But this is where it could get fun and you could add all the veggies!  

6.  I garnished mine with some left over scrambled eggs.  I know.  Hard-boiled for ramen.  But I'm on spring break! 

Did you know you could put this in the freezer?  We don't usually use ginger very quickly.  Our produce manager shared this tip with me last week!  

The boys and I ate this while watching Kung Fu Panda 3, as we watched it rain Ice outside.  It was yummy and comforting and we are eating the leftovers tomorrow.  

I continue to write about food, because I think it's an important part of self-care.  (I'll say more about that on Tuesday.)   What are you eating these days?  

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Seventeen: Seven Things.

We just returned from the farm.

I loved all the time together.  But you know that let down when you get in your house again, and realize you are the one who is going to have to make dinner, not your mama?  (And by make dinner, tonight I mean pull some things out of boxes and put them in the oven.)

Ugh.  So I write.  And all ready I feel better. 

Seven Things About Me:  (A format found on social media)

1. An everyday item I couldn't live without:  Not to sound cliche, but my phone.  I document stories on there.  I take notes on there.  I reference Feedly, Bible, Planbook, and news sites.  I'm not sure there is another device that does what my phone does for me.
2. My Favorite Song:  This one.  Always changes.  Right now Toby Mac wins.   My 13 year old played it for me one day, and I don't know if he knew or not, but it was just what I needed to hear.  

3.  An Adventure I want to have before I die:  I want to do some hiking in a place that I'm not even thinking about right now.  Canada maybe?  Somewhere where there is cool hiking, but off the beaten path.  I felt like we had that with South Dakota.  

4.  A Pastime I never tire of doing:  Dinner.  Whether it's at home or out and about, I never tire of having dinner with people.  

5.  Treats I could eat everyday:  Chips and dip.  Hands down.

6.  People I'd be Lost without:  My husband.  I need to figure out how to write about him without sounding like a total sap.  And Doris.  

7.  A place I want to visit:  I think Banff.  But Friends in Canada, is it too fancy?  I want to hike and see Lake Louise.  

And that's all I have Friends.  See you tomorrow. 

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Sixteen: Google Photos And the Window into My Classroom.

I love having visitors in my classroom.  Why?  Because then they can see the story of the classroom.  They can see the learning that is taking place and the joy that comes with it. 

For YEARS, I tried to share my reflections via newsletter.  You know.  The 2 page document (front and back thankyouverymuch) that was outlining Everything we were doing and what was coming up.  Embarrassingly, I would become indignant if someone would miss information that was in my newsletter.  (With age comes some wisdom.  I'm so sorry!)

And then I became the Mama of 2 students in school.  And I couldn't keep up with the reading of the newsletters  and the managing of what was in them  and the managing of my own school work.  (If you do this well, I want you to know that you have a special gift.) 

And I wanted to apologize to every parent ever that I made read these Long, Long, Long-ie, Long, Long newsletters.  I'm just so sorry. 

But the story still needed to be told.  Parents still needed a window into their child's classroom. 

Enter Google Photos.  At an EdTech Conference a couple of years ago, I sat in on a session on Google Photos.  And my mind was blown wide open.  It was so easy to make albums and share the links.  I immediately went back to school and started to explore with it. 

It has changed how I communicate with parents.  They can see what we are doing each day in class.  It documents some learning that may not be documented with paper and pencil.  Often it is in Science, Social Studies, or during another Workshop time.  Parents have given me the feedback that it opens up conversation at home.  Instead of hearing "Nothing" when asked what happened at school, parents can use a picture to start a conversation about the classroom.  And this is what I want for them.  A peek into the story of their child each day. 

A quick "How To":
1.  If you have a Google Account, you already have access to Google photos.  I also have the
Google photos app downloaded on my Apple products.  When the app is open, it will back up the photos you take to your Google Drive and store them in Google Photos.  Yep.  Just like that. 

See the icon on the bottom right?  That is my Google Photos app.  

2.  Once they are in Google Photos, I like to organize them into Albums each week.  To organize an album,  click on the drop down menu in the app to determine what you want to create.  You can see there are several options. 

After you select your photos, you can name the album.  Then you can share the link with the people you want to.   If you look at this link, you can see a bit of my spring break story.  This link will show you the album.

3.  I also love the collage feature for conference time.  I make a collage each month for each student and print it off.  I keep it in their portfolio as documentation of their days in first grade.  Here's an example of a collage, using my dog:  (Imagine he's a student.  Can you see his story here?)

If I printed this off, it would be on 1 8x11 piece of paper.  

When I communicate now, there is always a link to pictures each week.  Parents know this is coming, and they know if they don't feel like they are getting the whole story they can Always ask me.  I also communicate important dates, and any quick announcements we might have as a class.  There is still information to read, there always is.  I have learned to be so discerning in what I'm asking my parents to spend time reading.  

What are some ways that you share your classroom story?

Joy!

Kendra

Slice of Life Day Fifteen: Rules for the Teenage Sleepover.

This post is dedicated to 4 new teenagers that have shown me there is nothing to be afraid of.  

Dear Boys,  (Girls are welcome too, but these days it's the boys who are filing through the kitchen...)

When you come to my house to sleepover, we have to know there are some rules:

1.  I will always have too much food in this house for you.  And bottles of water on the counter, so you can feel like your needs are being met right away.  Eat, drink, and laugh.  A lot.  You won't leave here hungry.  And I'll always have fresh fruit.  (Unless I don't.  But I'll go get some.  Fiber is important boys.  And let's eat some food that God made.)

2.  If your mama is out of town, and you need me to, I will hug you.  Even if we haven't before.  And then I'm going to text her to tell her you are okay.  Because like those Mama elephants, I am backing in formation to make sure you are okay.  (If you have no idea what I'm talking about with elephants, read here.

3.  Every time.  Every time you come here I will tell you to charge those phones downstairs.  You see, I get it.  I love my technology.  As I type, I'm within arms length of my iPad, phone, and laptop.  But when it's time to retreat, I will help you with that.  To keep you safe.  To keep you engaged with each other.  To bless you with sleep and rest. 

4.  I didn't think my heart could grow any bigger watching you guys turn into tiny men.  (Who aren't so tiny...)  But then you exploded into this laughter that landed you under my kitchen table and it did grow bigger!  The joy you have around each other makes this Mama so happy.  I'm pretty sure my heart is going to burst. 

5.  More laughing in my kitchen please.  That is really what it is there for.  For the memories and the laughing. 

6.  It might sound like I'm up in your business a little bit.  Because I am.  Because there are 3 Mamas that I adore who are trusting me with you for the night.  I don't take that lightly.  Your banter and your chatter are safe here.  I won't betray that trust.  But I will know that you are safe and okay. 

7.  Mamas (and Papas) love it when you are lounging on our furniture.  That's because we know you are safe and comfortable.  You are always welcome to lounge on ours. 

8.  I will listen to your stories.  All of them.  I DO want to hear about the YouTube video with the escape room and the guys from Lowe's.  You can tell it to me while I'm getting the food out. 

9.  I will encourage one of you to pray before our pizza.  Because if my one tiny gesture encourages you to become Men who love Jesus, well then...let's pray again.  Continue to build each other up so you can do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God together.  (See Micah 6:8)

10.  For the love of all that is basketball and baseball and holy, don't forget to shower before bed.  Because if you haven't figured it out yet.  I love you bunches.  But P.U. 

11.  Come back soon.  You are always welcome here. 

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life Day Fourteen: Abide: My Favorite Places at Home.

My One Word for the year?  Abide. 

I've been considering what this really looks like. 

How do I abide at home?  In one of my favorite spots, our living room.

I sit here a lot to work.  To rest.  When I can't sleep.  When I can't stay awake.  I love comfy pillows and soft blankets.  

This one.  I write and Instagram about him a lot.  But he will snuggle up every time.   Even today I'm writing sideways on the couch to accommodate his need to be on my lap.  He will paw and scratch at the laptop to get it out of the way.  I know.  It's bad manners.  But he's little and cute.  

So we don't have a dining room anymore!  We use that space for reading, writing, and studying.  Below the window is a sitting space for writing and drawing.  

My 13 year old lingers here to put together puzzles.  I was worried that he would stop working on creative projects when he got his phone.  He hasn't.  

There's a kid under that blanket.  Lots of room for snuggling and sitting.  Although I'm trying to work out a way to get one more arm chair in this room.  

My Must Read in 2018 is close by.  

And an end table for books, coffee, and writing.  It occasionally holds dinners, for when we "picnic."  

With my family close by, what else could I need?

Where do you abide?

Joy!
Kendra