4.15.20-4.16.20-4.17.20

I'm with you.  

Everything I've read about parenting an adolescent, (yes, Charly is only 11, but she's brooding at a teenage level.) says that sometimes the best thing you can do as a parent is just to be in it with them. So yesterday, as tears of frustration slipped down her cheeks, I tried to remember this. This revised type of "school" is hard for everyone, but sweet Charly was feeling the anxious weight of the "to-do" list, coupled with that Friday-exhausted feel.  

I temporarily abandoned my list of emails and student feedback comments, and pulled my chair next to her. "I know you're frustrated, but I'm here." I watched her check her multiplication, and answer tiny word problems on her Chromebook screen. For once, I didn't try and solve the problem for her (she knew how to do it), and I didn't chide her for not organizing her time better this week so she wouldn't have all the loose ends to do on Friday. I just sat. In a parallel chair, just with her.  

After she was done with her work she said, "Thank you mama.  I know you're busy too." It may not work every time, but this win made my day. 

I'm with you. I think that's all kids, or anyone, needs to hear right now. The other night we finished dinner as a family, having long closed up shop on Mrs. Wangen's classroom. I happened to check Seesaw for messages when I saw these from a student. 

"Mrs. Wangen, I need help with this. Can we Google Meet?" 6:23 pm

" I can't figure this out, can you help me?" 6:25 pm. 

He was waiting by his Ipad when I sent him the access code to chat. I showed him how to do the first few math problems on adding mixed numbers, and he quickly caught on. 

"I knew you'd get it right away!", I cheered, "Are you good now?"

**pause**

"Mrs. Wangen, can you just stay with me for a couple more problems?"

Yes, buddy, I can. I sure can. 

I know some educators are holding strict to their work hours, keeping boundaries tight. 

But we are going to get through this as a society when we honor doing what feels right to us. 

And let's be honest, sometimes all we need is just someone with us. 

We've finally reached the "cabin fever" boiling point

Speaking of cabins...Scott and Auggie went to check on ours. Brrrr.

Extra time at home means I could finish my ACES presenter certificate!

Wearing an Easter door hanger and playing with a toilet. Just a normal night. 

Taking apart an old black and white TV from my parents. 

TV was manufactured in 1975. My mom got it for her apartment her senior year in college. Ironically, I also took it to college in 1996. Then my son took it apart in 2020. Good times. 

Risked my life to get stamps. I lived. 

Hangin' with Hannibal Lector