All of this happened in less than ten minutes. "Come on in for dinner," I called out the front door. Andy and the kids began picking up the baseballs speckling our yard. Then in went the bats and in went the mits. They heaved the tub back to the garage. Everyone crowded around the bathroom sink… Continue reading Dinner Disaster (Ruth’s SOLS 29/31)

The 5th annual All-Write Summer Institute is planned for June 21 - 22 in Shipshewana, IN. At an ubelievable price, it is something you may want to consider. If you register before May 1st, it is $159 (only $99 if your school is a member of the All-Write Consortium). Check out this line-up of national… Continue reading Summer Plans?

Four more happy wake ups until Spring Break. The days before break always challenge me to continue savoring each day. I tend to get caught up in anticipating vacation and I forget to relish each day for what it is. I’m looking forward to collecting my final Slices for the challenge in these days leading… Continue reading Counting Down to Break (Ruth’s SOLS 28/31)

"I'm double excited with sprinkles on top," Sam said on our way to my parents' house. "Papa and I are going to have a grrrrrreat time!" "Not as much fun as we're going to have with Mimi," Stephanie countered. The argument, er conversation, continued about who was going to have the most fun -- Sam… Continue reading Shoe Shopping (Ruth’s SOLS 27/31)

One of the things I've fallen behind on due to writing the book is processing my photos. I have a little system I go through to get from camera to prints (to scrapbooking) and it's been shoved to the back burner time and time again. Tonight I decided to catch up. Well, maybe not catch… Continue reading Photos Galore! (Ruth’s SOLSC 26/31)

It's been a grey day today. All day the sky has been shades of grey and the rain has come down. I like grey days from time to time. They make me want to slow down and remember all the reasons I have to be grateful. I remember a slew of gratitudes in order to… Continue reading A Grey Day (Ruth’s SOLS 25/31)

(Since it's nearing the end of the month, I'm pushing myself to collect ordinary Slices that represent my daily life.) It goes like this: Good Night Sam Here's a keep-you-forever-hug, Momma. He hugs me tight, tighter, and then some more. You're the best Momma ever. I love you. He snuggles in, then pops up Can… Continue reading Good Night (Ruth’s SOLS 24/31)

This week I've been working with a team of extraordinary fourth grade teachers. They are on the brink of a unit of study based on research. I launched the unit with an inquiry into feature articles. I brought a couple of samples with me and posed the question: What makes a feature article? Most of… Continue reading Feature Article Inquiry

I used to be wiped-out after school. I spent every ounce of energy during the day and came home completely zapped. 4:00 pm in the summer seemed to be a completely different time than 4:00 pm during the school year. Four o'  clock pm summer felt like there was still an entire day left to… Continue reading After School (Ruth’s SOLS 23/31)

Our kids want a Wii. So we decided to start a "Wii Jar" and the kids could use it to save money for a Wii. This is how their friends got  a Wii, so our kids think this is a great idea. They get money by doing extra chores around the house. We had a… Continue reading Wii Money (Ruth’s SOLS 22/31)

I've read three new books recently that have brought a smile to my face -- not to mention to the faces of all my family members (the 4, 6, and 8 year olds + my husband). Because of this, my husband and I have been asked to read them again and again and again. All… Continue reading Lighten Up!