My world is brigher today...

... even though it is in the dead of winter and there is snow on the ground!  My world is brighter today because I have met and have been meeting with all of my new "Differentiation Class" students for Spring Semester, 2017...  and they are going to change the world! (Some of them will do so, even as I watch them!)

The Learning Menu I have been using for my class has been "under construction" for way too long-- but recently UVU's Office of Teaching and Learning loaned me the "company" of an instructional designer... Sabrina!  You don't have access to my current menu... but you're welcome to visit this old one (just please "excuse the mess" -- and realize that my students no longer refer to this version). Sabrina streamlined my work and my ideas, and put them all onto my Canvas class page so that my worker-bee students can find everything they need to work at their individual paces, and each one to his and her heart's content. My student have shown me, in the first two months of this semester, that they really want to make a difference in the lives of their future students.

I sure do love my students, and feel fortunate to make a living with this job! I will be sharing my students' brilliance and insights periodically throughout the next few weeks.

A new semester begins...

... and I just can't wait to see what these new students can learn, understand, plan, and grow.  And just how much they can change the world!

Topics, Tones, and Tensions...

We have been studying the underlying principles (or hallmarks) of differentiated classrooms. These have been to set the stage, and because they are so important,

I may have kept us "swishing around" in hallmarks and morning meetings a little longer than I should have! They are important to differentiation, but the course needs to really be about differentiation. So, starting today, I am attempting to direct everyone's focus toward the deeper, difficult, and discerning topics having to do with differentiated instruction.

In order to claim that we are differentiating our instuction, we must offer that instruction differently according to differing need of our students (their readiness levels, or their interests, or their learning styles and preferences). So that I can better ascertain how deeply each of you know and understand about true differentiation, I am asking that you blog about what you're learning and observing and thinking about differentiating instruction, rather than the underlying hallmarks and building the classroom community that will enhance your ability to differentiate.

I will be reading your blogs with that intent, and using the "5-point-system" to gently "coach" you toward these "topics, tones, and tensions" -- related to how you will approach becoming a differentiating teacher.  The points are not "real" regarding your grade for this project of blogging...  as long as you get all of your required blogs submitted, mostly on time, and mostly improving when you've been coached, you'll receive the grade you want.  I promise.

Blog on, my Friends!

Welcome, new bloggers in the Differentiation classes of Spring Semester, 2014! This course in differentiation is a great journey... and I hope to show you so! As you begin to read about it, many of you will probably be making connections between differentiating in a classroom, and other processes or journeys in life. 

The BLOGS of all of the differentiation students who have chosen to Blog for their Engaged Learning experience can be access from this page.  They are listed by first name, in separate categories according to which section they are enrolled in.  Your blog is available to others, and their blogs are available to you.  It might be helpful to take a peak inside someone else's blog every now and then, to give you fresh ideas and new insights into the content you are all learning about.

Are you ready?  

Blog on!

It's a new semester, a new school year... and a new class of wonderful teacher-candidates, who are anxious to learn about differentiation, and how they can use it to change children's lives.  I am posting some of the blogs, authored by students in this semester's class who have chosen blogging as their "Engaged Learning Project."

Differentiation for Interns, Summer 2013

Beginning Tuesday, May 7, 2013, this blog once again becomes a class blog for EDEL 4620, differentiation.  Interns enrolled in this class will be required to blog about the reading and discussions assigned, and I will track their blogs by keeping them listed here.

Everything changes, including this blog...

Hello, Friends!

 I know of only a handful of valiant friends who have "stayed with me" and "followed" my blog.  My whole world has changed since my last posting, but I'll save that story for another posting on another day.

Now, as of Monday, August 27, 2012, this blog becomes the "course blog central" for my UVU course, EDEL 4620, Differentiation.  So, I'll still address my readers as "Friends," and recognize that they will soon be my colleagues.

The first blogging assignment is coming soon, so "stay tuned." You will need to place your responses on your own blog, for which you should have already sent me the URL (if you have not done this, please do so now, and please refer to this assignment in Canvas). 

Always note the due date for your responses. Copy the questions and paste them into your blog.  Be as brief or as prolific as you'd like, but be sure I understand your responses.

Things in our lives that are NOT normal:

1. Where we call home, at least until early June (when we will not be renting out our house, but moving back in, instead).
2. Our kind and generous neighbors who have sheltered us in their beautiful and spacious basement apartment, and even allowed us to bring Precious along!
3. Living in the same city as our adult children, but not under the same roof!  They, (Lacey & Paul) live in the same apartment complex, just different apartments.
4. Enjoying the month of April while NOT grading papers, giving final exams, and rushing to end-of-semester meetings in between everything. My sabbatical work has ended, but my reprieve from UVU duties has not.
5. Bob's recent MRI... showing some "abnormalities" that have been referred to a neurologist, and we have entered a stage of life that requires "another test to rule things out."
6. Asking permission from the renters, before mowing our lawn, so as not to disturb them.
7. All 3 of our "old & reliable" automobiles requiring a total of $5000 in repairs over the course of 4 months.
8. The love and kindness we feel from our neighbors and ward members.
9. The depth of our gratitude for blessings -- even miracles, and our love for the Lord.
8. His love for us, total and tangible... complete and unwavering, as He continues to send us messages of peace: "Be still and know that I am God."

If finally snowed in Charlottesville!

However, I was in Utah.  I missed what I had been longing for...  a sparkling blanket of white draped over the beautiful scenes that I love so much.  I think that I could not bear it if it were not for the fact that it snowed here, too, at the very same moments.

Some words from an LDS Hymn express what I see and feel:

Pale through the gloom the newly fallen snow
Wraps in a shroud the silent earth below
As tho' 'twere mercy's hand had spread the pall,
A symbol of forgiveness unto all.


I cannot go to rest but linger still 
In meditation at my window sill.
While, like the twinkling stars in Heaven's dome
Come one by one sweet memories of home.

You can listen to the entire hymn : The Wintry Day, Descending to Its Close
In the left hand menu, be sure to click on words and music!

Upside-Down Nuttiness and Other Tender Mercies

I had breakfast with my friend Sara this morning, and Sara has a goal to try at least one new recipe each week -- which is a great aspiration for a busy & single master's degree student who has to eat a gluten-free diet.  Today's breakfast was her idea and  based on a recipe from her collection ("Florentine Cake with Tomato-Garlic Gratin" from Cooking for Isaiah: Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals by Silvana Nardone and Rachel Ray, 2010, p. 181).  I chopped and sliced, but Sara was the chef. We both loved it so much that we decided to share it...  we think it probably fits a lot healthy eating plans.  Enjoy!

Upside-Down Nutty Spinach Quiche

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped raw nuts (we used a combination of walnuts, pecans & almonds)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 1/4  tsp. salt, divided

1 Tablespoon EVOO, plus one more for drizzeling

8 large eggs, slightly beaten

1 (10 oz.) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and wrung dry

1 medium tomato, sliced thinly

What we did:

1, Preheated the broiler.

2. In a small bowl we combined the chopped nuts, garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp. salt.

3. In a medium ovenproof skillet, we heated 1 Tablespoon EVOO over medium-low heat.

4. Meanwhile, in a larger bowl we whisked together the eggs, spinach and 1 tsp. salt.

5. We poured the egg mixture into the skillet and topped it with the tomato slices.

We let it cook without stirring it, until is was set around the edges and beginning to set on top (it was about 5 minutes for this).

6. We sprinkled the nutty-garlic mixture over the top and drizzled the other Tablespoon of EVOO over the top of the tomatoes.

7.We put it under the broiler until it was set and golden (and just barely before the nutty topping burned! About 4 minutes).

8. We took it out of the oven and let it "rest" for about 4 minutes, then sliced it into 6 servings.  (We each ate one, and froze the others).  As you can tell, we were very pleased with our efforts...  (the nutty topping looked like sausage, but tasted better!).

So, a yummy, legal breakfast was one tender mercy today.  The other one is that I'm getting a lot of miles out of my current tank of gas...  and yet another tender mercy for me is that, while it didn't snow here last night, we did receive beautiful ice-covered trees during the night, and they glistened in the morning sun.  All is not exactly well... but enough to get me to post a new blog today.

I have no more prayers for snow left in me...

I was just waking up as the sun rose and shed it warmth and vision into my bedroom this morning.  You know how sometimes when you wake up you have to stop and think about where you are -- and sort of get your bearings?  (I'm doing that more now, since Bob is in Utah, I'm in Virginia, and there is still no snow!).  Well, that's what was happening to me, and a small inkling of a thought passed through my sleepy mind... "This must be spring."  And here's the deal -- it's been like this on more mornings than not -- since way before Christmas!  I have no more prayers for snow left in me!  I think I'm giving up!

Even the geese gave up.  At least the ones that hang out at the pond below Monticello.  A large group of them, maybe fifteen or so, were gathered at the edge of the pond to honk a greeting to me on my first walk on the Monticello Trail yesterday.  Just changing the subject slightly...  now THAT is some Trail.

The trail gently slopes and winds its way up the "little mountain" (which is what "Monticello" means).  It begins in a little park beyond an entrance parking lot, and it ends at the Monticello Visitor's Center, at the entrance to Mr. Jefferson's estate.  The trail is wide and soft, covered with gravel and outlined by large rocks and boulders attractively placed to, I think, help with water drainage.  Every few yards the trail becomes a wooden bridge with railing that doesn't block the view, and even the bridges are still nice and wide.  It's a simple and tidy trail, and enhances your view of the flora and the view of the city of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia.

I'm sad that I didn't know about the Monticello Trail in the glorious Autumn, because for the first quarter of a mile, the trees that line the trail are labeled, and look to be every variety of oak and pine there is.  (I guess I will have to come back in a future autumn to see the colors!).  At any rate, I'm glad that I know about the trail now, and I plan to make good use of it while the snow is not flying.  It almost makes me happy to think about spring, as I consider spring on the Monticello Trail.

So here's my prayer today: "Dear Lord, Thank You for showing me the Monticello Trail, especially just before spring, so I wouldn't miss it, and especially if You're not going to give me any snow. Amen."

(I think this is what I can look forward to in the Spring!)

No Snow! Winter's slow...

When I chat with folks around here, in the stores or at work, they are quick to tell me that this winter is just right, 'thank you very much!'  They all like to tell about last year (but some think it was actually the year before) when they had more snow than anyone could handle, and had to stay home and work hard to keep warm.  I say, Bring. It. On.  A Colorado-turned-Utah Girl can only go so long without snow in January, especially after a devastatingly warm December!  I promise, if I could just have some clean, soft, white, piled-high snow, I will not complain about shoveling it, driving in it, or staying warm in it.  I will even quit complaining about the cold and dry 19-degree days followed by the spring-like 65-degree days that really look silly (all that fresh green grass with the naked, bare trees standing in it!).  Please, oh please...

How do I celebrate love at home, without getting homesick?

I'm not ready to say that it was the best Christmas, ever...  but it will certainly stand out in the top five best evers!  Pictures speak louder than words...  so hear ya' go!

The Gazebo at Ft. Monroe, on Christmas Night, 2011
(Missing Happy, who took the photo!)


Preparing for Christmas is, I think, an important key to enjoying Christmas.  This year, while living in Vernetta's beautiful home, we took part in the neighborhood tradition of lining the streets and driveways with old fashioned luminaries.

Lighting our luminaries on Christmas Eve, 2011
Most were still burning on Christmas morning as we collected them
before leaving for Church.

The sister missionaries (one from St. George, one from Highland, and one from our hometown -- who went to school with Paul and played lacrosse with Lacey) helped us with a special Christmas project.  They helped make our Christmas merry and bright!

A Baby changes everything...

I've been dreaming of a white Christmas... but it doesn't look like that will happen.  It's probably just as well, because I am so excited for the kids coming "home" for Christmas, and I wouldn't want a snow storm to prevent Paul's and Lacey's flights from arriving.    Paul gets in early this evening at the Baltimore airport, and Lacey arrives closer to midnight in Washington.  We'll grab a few winks at Uncle Glen's & Aunt Karen's home in Louden County, enjoy their family and that wonderful place for a few hours in the morning, and then head into Washington to pick up Happy from work.  We'll head for Culpeper, Virginia, home of the Packard Campus of the Library of   Congress, to see the original version of "Miracle on 34th Street" on their big screen.

http://youtu.be/O3wujkozv9E

I've been enjoying Christmas songs on YouTube, trying out several versions . People post their creative endeavors -- some better than others -putting slides to the songs. I prefer most songs with just the original artist performing. That's what I've shared with you here (click the link above).  Forgive me for saying so, but some of those slide shows are a little too didactic for me.  Today I'm loving Faith Hill's performance of "A Baby Changes Everything." Isn't that the truth! Babies changed my life and Bob's life, in 1981, 1983, 1987, and 1989.  This baby, the one in the song, changed the world.  I'm so thankful.

Bear with me for just one day.....

...of homesickness.  I woke up thinking about Amy Grant's song, "Heirlooms." I did my first, ever, download so that I could hear it and share it.  Four times, now, I've listened.  I made fudge yesterday, for the very first time (the old-fashioned, has-to-be-cooked-with-a-thermometer kind). The large, sprawling Christmas Cactus has bloomed a little past its prime, but I have a small stash of gifts underneath it, in place of a Christmas tree this year. 

Lacey and Paul will be here, one week from today.  We'll pick up Happy the next day. I can't wait. Christmas is more than an heirloom to me.

A kid needs a dog...

... but so do I!  I need this dog.  This photo was taken  

at the Oregon Coast, near Lincoln City, on our trip out there four years ago.  We couldn't bear to leave her with someone, so we drove to Oregon with her. And since we hadn't arranged in advance for "pet-friendly" beach house, Bob slept most nights in the car, with Precious.    That's how it's been, pretty much ever since Lacey borrowed her from the animal shelter, brought her to my class (while I was teaching) and begged, "Mom, please, can we keep her?" Lacey explains that she fell in love with this 10 lb. cockapoo when she first laid eyes on her, and it was reciprocal.  Well, I fell in love with her, too.  And it is absolutely killing me to be without her in Virginia. 

Christmas with Precious 2009

I miss my kids -- each one of them, but especially Lacey & Paul, who were living at home.  I miss Paul's cheerful presence and that he loves having me cook for him.  I miss Lacey's cozy company, and her adorable modeling of a fuzzy pink robe with little lambs all over it (and her pajamas with feet in them). But, I know my kids are living their lives and making their ways in the world, and being adults.  
     Precious (Lacey named her -- and how can you not love a dog named Precious?) -- on the other hand, couldn't come with us to Virginia, and certainly couldn't make her own way in the world. Fortunate for us, the Cannon Family, who rented our house and made it possible for us to rent a house here... graciously suggested that they take care of Precious, along with their two beloved cats.  (I love people who know what it means to love a creature!  I think we are all kindred spirits).  The Cannons have made Precious so happy...  particularly Lara, to whom Precious has become very attached.  But...  the Cannons are now making their way in their  world, and moving to Oregon.  What to do... what to do? 

Thank you, Mom & Dad (Grandma & Grandpa), for being willing to change your lives all around and make room for our little Precious at your house!  This is the best gift you could ever give me...  I know it will take sacrifice, and that you will worry and fret, and change all of your plans for her.  I know it is a huge responsibility -- the twice-daily walks, and the fact that she thinks she's a person, and doesn't like to be alone.  What I hope is that you will fall in love with her, too, quickly.  I know she's already fond of you both, and has loved her visits to your house.  We've noticed that she already has an attachment to both of you.  We will hurry home (as fast as April will get here!), and then we'll be reunited, and fade into the sunset...  (or something like that).  I just know that my love for you was already boundless, and by taking in "our best friend," you have once again endeared yourselves to us.  To me.  Thank you!   

Taking a step back...

Stepping back is a good thing.  It's not the same thing as "stepping away," or "stepping up," "back-stepping," or even "stepping out."  Stepping back  allows one to become observant, make a plan, re-evaluate, think twice, notice new things (as well as noticing old things that hadn't seemed remarkable before), and even learn a thing or two.  That's what this sabbatical year is for me.  I can't say that I have taken "a huge step back" because that sounds like a setback or going back in time -- not at all what I'm doing.  I will call it a deep step back...  a quiet step back, and a reflective step back.

I've been able to step back and look at myself from a new angle and to look at my marriage from a pleasant vantage point.  I've stepped back and focused the lens a bit to find a clearer view of each of my children.  (They probably hadn't realized that I stalk their blogs and their Facebook pages on a regular basis). I'm really impressed with what they are doing with their lives... each of them! I love what they are thinking about, questioning, and doing with their time.  They probably still won't believe that I can look and wonder and adore, without thinking I have to "fix it" or "make it better."  Like I said, my stepping back has been quiet and deep.  Sometimes it hurts. But my kids will be pleasantly surprised the next time they take their own steps back... and gaze my way.

Never too late to be thankful...

I just read a "Thankful list" from my niece, Amberly.  I read it on her blog and cried.  It made me feel a lot like I feel every time I read "Sixteen Things I Wish I Could Do" in Jerry Spinelli's Knotts In My Yo-Yo String. (I left my copy on my shelf in Utah, so I can't tell you what page it's on, but it is one chapter, all of its own, in 2 pages -- or maybe one!). Look it up! That list, too, makes me laugh and cry!I know that Thanksgiving day has come and gone, but I love that Alma advises us to "live in thanksgiving daily."  This gives me a moment to catch up!

I don't think that my list will make anybody cry -- it didn't make me cry.  I am posting it to help me count my blessings.  I had 15 (things on this list, but many more blessings to count!), which I tried to narrow to 10, but gave up with 11 still standing. 11 THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR  (in no particular order)...   1.  A sabbatical year to find myself (at least the parts of myself that had long been hidden). 2.  Bob, who loves me no matter what, and shows me with every word and action of his daily life. 3.  My amazing children who have been my teachers and are now my friends, truly, and my one son-in-law who is, in a new way, my friend and teacher. 4.  Autumn leaves, autumn colors, and autumn’s endings. 5.  Freshly-fallen snow and the way it sparkles in its perfect, twinkly way in the soft moonlight of a December night (I certainly hope there is snow here, in December!). 6.  My house in Utah, with it’s kitchen just the way I like it, even with its desperate need of a new floor, and its hearth room, reminding me where my heart is. 7.  Our Precious little cockapoo who thinks she’s a person and knows that our world revolves around her. 8.  My students -- the ones who come to me with their own innate gifts that they express and actualize for the good of their own students, and then stay in touch with me in order to tell me about the ways they change the world. 9.  Friends with whom I can be and express myself because they do that so well themselves. 10.  The first taste of pomegranate every November, and every single bite of the following varieties of apples (In alphabetic order): Ambrosia, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Pink Lady and Sweetango (It's new!). 11.  Hope, because of the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

My new favorite things...

Anything... from these two places:  (Portland, Oregon is a place in which I hate to be penniless)! Between these two shops in Multnomah Village, I found everything I would ever want to give to anyone I love.

...Hollowing out channels in the heart...

 "Sorrow is a cunning craftsman, hollowing out channels in the heart where love can abide when he is gone."   
I am unaware of the origin of this quote, but it was certainly someone who understands loss.  Thank you, Sandi, for sharing these words with me.  I will now share them with my friends, and with my Sundy.