Autumn Longmire
Gifts for Teachers in 2020: Fresh New Ideas
What should I gift my child’s teacher?
As a foreword, this post is not to sound ungrateful; it’s just to give ideas to those who need some inspiration. This article is simply a more detailed...
Disney in 2020: What Is It Really Like?
2020 crashed a lot of plans, but we weren’t going to let it ruin our Disney trip. We planned our trip in 2019. We were looking forward to character hugs, fireworks, and all the...
Is This It? Are You Done?
"Is this it? Are y'all done?"
If I had a dollar for every time I was asked this question, I’d have my student loans paid off by now. Similar to the question, "Are you trying?,"...
I Wish You Could See What I See
Dear Parents,
We are all anxious. School looks very different right now. Some of you had a really difficult time deciding whether or not to send your kids back into brick and mortar schools, to...
My 5 Favorite Kitchen Shortcuts
Does anyone else feel like they're always in the kitchen these days or is it just me? I feel like all my family does is eat, eat, eat, eat, and eat some more. There...
To The Kindergarten Class of 2020
To the Kindergarten Class of 2020,
This was your big year. I watched your little hands reach for crayons on the first day of school. Those same crayons are sitting in an empty classroom right...
Therapy is Not a Bad Word
Because I am a teacher, I have been to many IEP meetings. I’ve sat at the table, expressed concerns, and listened thoughtfully to results and opinions of professionals. However this IEP meeting was different. This time,...
To Grandmother’s House We Go
I really love the holiday season. I love everything about it. Ever since my sister and I were little, I remember snow days with hot chocolate, opening a gift on Christmas Eve, the hustle,...
A Love Letter To My Oldest
When you were born, you were my world. You consumed every part of my heart in ways I didn’t know were possible. You were my learning curve. Through you, I learned how to juggle...
Camping in the Smokies: Destination Dollywood
Pigeon Forge is our favorite vacation spot for many reasons, but the best thing about it is the short and easy distance from Knoxville. I love that we can take the family on a...
Goodbye Classroom Clipchart
Teaching is often like parenting; each classroom is unique, with its own atmosphere, guidelines, and expectations. But all classrooms have one common goal: Leading children to success. When we consider this, it’s important to...
Were You Trying?
I was making small talk at a grocery store in Knoxville. I stood there with my two children -- one boy, one girl. My pregnancy was acknowledged, and as I stood beaming, the woman...