Monday, June 2, 2014

Changing Slices

Time for Tuesday's Slice of Life Sharing at Two Writing Teachers
       Thanks to all of you who gather this community (Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Anna and Beth) and to you who participate. I love reading what's going on in your lives.
       My life has changed because Saturday my daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters moved in with me while renovations are being done. This also includes a dog and two cats. By now, all are relatively used to their new lives, except one cat. Rose May, a beauty of a black and white cat, but shy, elusive, and now hiding out in the "parents" bedroom. Imogene, the almost three year old granddaughter is having more trouble sleeping. She's at the stage of transitioning out of a crib anyway, so she is lately spending time climbing in and out of the pac 'n play, lying in the bed with her sister, trying out my bed, and so on. If you've raised children, you know this hard, hard stage. How does one keep them down in the bed when in the crib, it was so easy?  And Ingrid is busy with EVERYTHING, painting, making pla-dough, playing in the sprinklers, reading books. Then she collapses in bed at night. Sorry, wish I had a pic of Imogene, too! She walked to get the mail with me today, (a half block), and literally jumped all the way!




         The good part of having company this way is that they really aren't company. We're having fun visiting, cooking and watching the girls. We go away to work, and return mostly at the same time, putting food together for dinner, talking over the day and then bedtime. I don't mind being alone most of the time, have lots to keep me busy, but this is such fun to be together. When one lives in the same town, with our busy lives, we don't really take time to talk about things, except once in a while. It will be a good week.

         I've finished my time with the one class, and spent the day working at school, meeting with a couple of people, but mostly re-organizing my office. Here's one picture of the mess, and now I'm asking for ideas for further organization. I am the worst filer. I struggle with choosing what keywords to use with paper files. Does anyone else have that problem? So I'm working and thinking how to best put the reading materials together, and the writing lessons, mentor texts, and on. I'm also trying hard to throw some old lessons away, ones I haven't used in several years. That's a challenge. 
         The ending of the year festivities begin Wednesday with Continuation, Thursday with goodbyes to students, and Friday with staff.  I know many of you have already done this, some are in your final week, too, and some have more weeks to go. Whew, it's a busy, busy time. 

16 comments:

  1. What a fun thing to have the little ones with you. They are hard to settle, but hey you get to go to work to un jumble your office and face filing! Ugh. I am right with you I am really horrible at filing. I think that takes a special type of mind. I file things but then, where are they? Anyway, have a wonderful week with all of your people!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can feel the warmth in your home surrounded by your family! :) As for your office, YES, I too needed help with organizing files. (I always felt like I was the only one who needed help with this, thank you for asking!!) The thing is...most of my files are now electronic. I have 9 days and I'm feeling like it's a marathon length sprint...so much to do, so little time. I'm trying to enjoy and soak up the moments! Happy end of the year & best of luck organizing! Interested to see your after photos! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. So glad you get to enjoy your family and have them even a little closer for a while! I am hoping to do a LOT of paper purging this summer. I am just not looking at my paper files as much as I used, but relying more on my electronic files. Let us know what organization method you decide to adopt!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a fun week! My mom is always excited when any of us stay at their house - she says she likes the quiet normally, but it's fun to be "loud" for a bit. And filing - I'm not sure. I just file it by what I call that paper, for example "Writing Mentor Texts" for those. Mine are pretty generic. I'm trying to have less and less files - and more on my computer - each year. I've gone from eight file drawers to two. Yay! Happy organizing to you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Isn't it fun to see your grandchildren up front and personal. I love it when we take our family vacation wit our grandson because I get to see all the little character quirks in the unguarded moments. Your granddaughter is beautiful. Sorry, I can't help you with the filing - I hate it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Busy time is right, Linda! What fun to have everyone at your house - chaotic though it may be. It's special, I'm sure, having everyone under one roof again.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds like a lovely week with your family at your house. I like how you're appreciating every moment of it and not annoyed with the "disruption" at all. Sounds like a busy, fun time! Good luck with the filing, too! That's an icky job!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a contrast (from my point of view) between the joy of little girls being active and organizing an office. Or maybe it is exactly what you need to keep your life in balance. Wishing you energy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have been going through files myself because I may be switching schools. (Hope to hear something this week!) I am a piler and a bad one at that. When I don't where to file it - I pile it! Then when my piles outgrown my desk, they go in a box. Not the best system but it works for now. I ought to send you my daughter - she is the queen of organization! She gets it from her dad! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have family living with me during renovations also! Our situation is easier - the only grandchild is one on the way! Makes me more excited about her arrival to read about your play times, though. Have fun! As for organizing, I say just go with what makes sense to you. Get some "Big Picture" ideas and group things underneath.

    ReplyDelete
  11. All this busy togetherness sounds wonderful. Enjoy. Your description paints such a clear picture of a warm and happy home and time.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! You are busy. Sounds fun but exhausting, too. I am the worst at organizing. Is that a quality of writers? You will feel good once it is done, though. Don't get too lost in the stuff. I usually start reading and find myself 2 hours later without being any closer to my goal. Good luck with all the craziness in your life.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Definitely a busy time, but what a great way to be busy. Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am imagining your very full house and I have a big, big smile! How fun, to have your family descend upon you during their renovations. Love your description of Imogene, and her transitions! A busy, busy girl with a busy, busy grandmother!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Aw, what fun, even though it's also crazy! Sometimes crazy is the best kind of fun! (I love how you said they aren't really company since they're family!)

    ReplyDelete
  16. How fun to have such dear house guests for a bit and you understand where they are right now in their own lives and why being in a new place could be hard. I'm sure they appreciate that. Good luck with wrapping up the year and organizing

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting!