Slice of Life - March 10, 2015

Today was a good day.  A really good day actually.

I finally feel like we've turned our backs on winter and are headed for spring.  I'm not silly enough to say it won't snow again -- I know better.  I grew up in Vermont, where it snowed through May.  In fact, my college refused to hold our May graduation service outside since it snowed one time.

The snow has been shining, and the weather has gotten warmer!  I'm thrilled.  I'm not alone.  Finally, people in the neighborhood are emerging from their snow bound homes and braving the spring breeze for some fresh air.  Everyone is bundling the kids up, getting the strollers out, and heading outside.

The girls even broke out the sidewalk chalk today.  Good plan since you can't really play in the yard yet!  Oh, and puddle jumping.  Yep, that's right - Madeline's shoes were soaked.

Winston, our dog, is also pleased with the warmer weather.  That means it's nice enough to stroll the sidewalks and venture out a little father into the yard that has started to melt.  He has more territory to explore and couldn't be happier.  That means keeping the towel by any door he ventures out, so we are readily prepared to dry off his little paws and soaking wet tummy when he returns.

Ahhh - what a relief to finally have a reason to believe that spring is truly on its way.

What marks spring for me?  Easter, new shoes, hair cuts, and flowers.  My mom ALWAYS bought us new shoes every spring.  I didn't make my way to a shoe store today with the girls, but I did take them for hair cuts - they both desperately needed a trim.  Ella's hair has been wild.  I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that she doesn't brush the layer underneath.  Madeline finally has enough hair to actually trim and shape into somewhat of a style.

It was quite refreshing to see their little faces with fresh cuts!

I spent most of my day conferring with my students about their short story ideas!  I can't believe how much they have grown as readers, writers, and learners.  It's been really exciting watching them become more articulate with their ideas and words.  It was so impressive listening to the amazing ideas that they had come up with for their stories.  I can't wait to read the finished products!