Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines

Around Here...

Around here....

We are making the most of time at home.   We are working to be cautious and conscious of how much we spread out these days.  So that has meant, more time at home and more time together, which has been a blessing in its own accord.  We are fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to get outside and play each day and also for other simple things we can do to keep ourselves busy and entertained indoors.

Around Here...

We are dabbling in our winter outdoor activities in our snow.   It is likely that lots of it will snow with upcoming forecasted temperatures, but so far we have had opportunity for sledding, skiing and snowmen!

Around Here...

We've been online.  I am doing some part-time work online that is connecting me with children and families all over the world.   The top picture is a snapshot from one of the art lessons have been teaching over zoom at 6:00 a.m. Tuesdays in Thursdays to middle schoolers in Russia.    Yes, I am teaching art to middle schoolers in Russia.   I have also been doing some work as a K-4 teacher for Oak Meadow, an independent distance learning school that is structurally based in Putney, Vermont.   In this role I am supporting students and families all over the world as well - so far I have families in Egypt, South Korea, Spain and in all corners of the U.S.   The last picture above is a family portrait I screenshotted from our ZOOM church gathering this past Sunday.

So that's what is happening in our neck of the woods.   I'd love if you'd reach out and give me an update on what and how you are doing during this crazy and different time we are all navigating.   Take care and stay well!

--------------------

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice in gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

What are you grateful for today?

::eighteen::

Eighteen years ago today we said I do!

I love the life that we have sharing together as husband and wife.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

First Snow

...from the vibrant fall colors to a blanket of snow...

Today was the day to size up mittens, boots, snow pants, jackets - - and to take out the sleds

-------

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice in gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

What are you grateful for today?

 

An Autumn Walk in the Woods...

The colors of fall are exceptional this year.   Yesterday, I made a point to venture out on a familiar hike and made a point to enjoy the beauty and also to capture some images to share with you here.

-------

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice in gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

What are you grateful for today?

Minnesota Parent - September/October

The September/October issue of Minnesota Parent Magazine is available throughout Minnesota and online now.

My ramblings in my School Days Column this month are about my efforts to be part of the solution for positive change in our society.

With my accompanying School Days Stuff sidebar feature, I shared the Kelty Bestie Blanket.  I love mine and highly recommend!

--------------------

Pick up a print copy of Minnesota Parent Magazine, or read the full issue by clicking -->HERE.

Find the online link to my School Days column---> HERE.

Pick up a print copy of Minnesota Parent Magazine, or read the full issue by clicking -->HERE.

Find the online link to my School Days column---> HERE.

mothering.com

After a bit of a hiatus, I have found my way back to writing for mothering.com

Click through the top image to see my most recent post on mothering.com.  

You can find all of my individual contributions on my author page on mothering.com.

If you like what you see social media shares are appreciated.  

As always, thanks for reading!

Around Here...

It's been a while!   We've been busy around here.  I have been doing a lot of garden harvesting and preserving.  We have also been enjoying time outdoors.

We're running at a different pace this summer, our kids are getting bigger and busier.   I am keeping very busy keeping them moving and doing my best to keep up with them in all of their different roles and experiences as growing, active children.

This is the time of year that I would typically be in super-charge mode, working on fine-tuning my classroom and participating in teacher workshop days and trainings, but, I recently made a big decision.

After 19 years in the classroom, I have decided to step away for a year.   I requested and was granted a one year leave from my full-time kindergarten position.  This was a decision I felt I needed to take to help me manage my own stress and to be more available and present for my family with all of the unknowns of the school year.

So this fall is going to mark a new chapter for me.  My plan is to take on some work that I can do mostly from home with less responsibility and more flexibility than I would have if I were going back into my classroom this fall.   

I am very grateful that my school administration was supportive of this request and that someone has already been hired to take my position.  I am already appreciating the change of pace. 

Snapshots from our weekend on the big lake

Here are a few snapshots from our trip to Grand Marais, MN on the North Shore of Lake Superior last weekend.   

-------

This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice in gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

What are you grateful for today?

Minnesota Parent Magazine - July/Aug Gear Feature

I was busy writing prior to the publication of the July/August issue of Minnesota Parent Magazine.

I would like to share one more contribution I made to the issue.

I was able to put together a gear feature article with my recommendations of family-friendly gear to explore the outdoors.

You will probably notice many of these products in my photos of my outdoor adventures.  They are tried and true recommendations!

Find the online link to the article "Gear up for Adventure" by clicking ----> HERE.

Pick up a print copy of Minnesota Parent Magazine, or read the full issue by clicking -->HERE.

---------------------

If you like what you see, social media 'shares' are appreciated!

As, always - thanks for reading!

Minnesota Parent July/August - BWCA Feature

In the July/August issue of Minnesota Parent Magazine I contributed a feature article with tips on how to visit the BWCA as a family.

Find the online link to the article "BWCA or BUST" by clicking ----> HERE.

Pick up a print copy of Minnesota Parent Magazine, or read the full issue by clicking -->HERE.

---------------------

If you like what you see, social media 'shares' are appreciated!

As, always - thanks for reading!