September 13, 2018 Dear Families, I distinctly remember getting in trouble two times in school. In fourth grade, I decided to expand my vocabulary on the playground. High schoolers in my neighborhood used very passionate words when they were being cool. I wanted to be cool. My teacher, however, not only disapproved of my colorful … Continue reading Parenting Stinks

September 6, 2018 Dear Families, Currently, the clock on the stove in the kitchen reads 10:06 PM. I sat down to write this wire at 8:45 tonight. My first draft of this letter started with a quote from Dead Poet’s Society. “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that I must constantly look at … Continue reading Life and Lessons…

August 30, 2018 Dear Families, This week, I write in an unconventional manner.  First, I ask that you read the following letter: Teacher to parents: About THAT Kid (The One Who Hits, Disrupts and Influences YOUR Kid)  If you do not read it at this time, my letter may seem confusing. I encourage you to … Continue reading Look at THAT Kid

 August 16, 2018 Dear Families, I plan. When I say that I plan, I mean down to the finite details. My mom would say I entered the world with this disposition. Quite possible. As I travel my life's journey, I realize that trials and road bumps are not only a given they are predictable. So, … Continue reading Murphy’s Law and Mrs. Worley

May 10, 2018 Dear Families, This morning, I departed DIA at 8:55 AM. My destination-Arizona. My purpose to pick Maddy up from NAU for the summer. My purpose made the flight worth it. I hate flying. In fact, I loathe it. But in my defense, 24 years ago, Paul and I found ourselves on a … Continue reading The View from 32,000 Feet

April 26, 2018 Dear Families, Ever have one of those parenting days. You know the one. The epic day of battle. It usually starts the minute feet hit the floor. Closet doors slam. Indecipherable murmurings fill the bedroom of your precious child and cloud the calm of the house. You quickly realize if you aren't prepared … Continue reading “Fine, Whatever, Go Ahead”

April 12, 2018 Dear Families, As we begin our initial descent to the conclusion of the year, I find myself struggling to settle on a topic for this week's article.  I could address the cliche that spring fever definitely fills the halls of the middle school. Students exhibit signs that their beloved summer break is … Continue reading The Mystery that is High School

October 19, 2017 Dear Families, Pop Quiz...Do you know the following acronyms? TBH...  IKR... IMO... To be honest, 15 years ago, I never thought I would spend a significant amount of time researching and learning the latest trends in social media. When social media slang began to trend, my biggest struggle came in my attempts … Continue reading …TBH…

March 23, 2018 Dear Families, I remember teaching Maddy and Hunter to ride a bike. I hated every minute of it. I couldn't run fast enough to protect them. I quickly realized that "a best practice" for teaching a child to ride a bike is to use gravity. Starting off, headed downhill works best. I … Continue reading Don’t Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

March 8, 2018 Dear Families, When Hunter turned 16, all the cliches of that milestone flooded my mind. I found myself transfixed. I found myself filled with anxiety.  I realized that essentially, my "parenting" days are done. Of course, Paul and I will continue to discipline poor choices and hold him accountable to the standards … Continue reading The Epic Growth of a Parent