tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82241287794140931982024-03-13T13:58:02.776-05:00Cute in the ClassroomAll things teaching, cute, and crafty!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-8566335778749614552015-06-04T20:24:00.000-05:002015-06-04T20:24:00.340-05:00A Letter to My Students<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKC7b-FJF6ll9OGIyQRfO0d_-W1aoqjZIH6nikbfVZf0Mb7NbAk4tuq7P2MuXXR0myl4BHhfme9ZdfV-A_uPTBQJV7oEKoskz-4y1GelQ_ULY3nfKwLARcxOt5jKCV15NLDd3TVx7m50/s1600/DSC_0745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKC7b-FJF6ll9OGIyQRfO0d_-W1aoqjZIH6nikbfVZf0Mb7NbAk4tuq7P2MuXXR0myl4BHhfme9ZdfV-A_uPTBQJV7oEKoskz-4y1GelQ_ULY3nfKwLARcxOt5jKCV15NLDd3TVx7m50/s400/DSC_0745.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">T<span style="font-family: inherit;">he last day of school is</span> a bittersweet day. I finished my secon<span style="font-family: inherit;">d year of teaching fourth grade today. And while I'm ready for the rest and <span style="font-family: inherit;">the adventure that <span style="font-family: inherit;">the "off season" brings, there is something about hearing that final be<span style="font-family: inherit;">ll ring th<span style="font-family: inherit;">at makes me sad. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I <span style="font-family: inherit;">was blessed with a wonderful<span style="font-family: inherit;">, sweet class this year. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I liked being "Mrs. Burns" for them. I liked when they accident<span style="font-family: inherit;">ally <span style="font-family: inherit;">(and sometimes on purpose<span style="font-family: inherit;">) called be "Mom". I liked their hugs, their sweet notes, and every time they said "I'll miss you". I am looking forward to getting a new crop of kiddos in August, but today I wanted to share with you the words<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I <span style="font-family: inherit;">had to write to my second class.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I began planning their end<span style="font-family: inherit;">-of-year presents, I search<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed Pinterest and TPT for a cute goodbye poem to attach to them. And though the notes I found were cute, they didn't <span style="font-family: inherit;">feel right. T<span style="font-family: inherit;">here was more that I needed to say <span style="font-family: inherit;">before June 4th. So t<span style="font-family: inherit;">his is what I wrote. Not to brag<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on me in any way (that wo<span style="font-family: inherit;">uld be a short conversation), but to brag on a r<span style="font-family: inherit;">ag-tag group of 9,10, and 11 year-olds that captured <span style="font-family: inherit;">my heart this year- through the good days and the bad. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span> ----------------------------------------------</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Dear Friend,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span>We’ve
had a great<span> </span>year together! It makes me
sad that it is time to say goodbye for the summer. Before you go, I want to
tell you a few things. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span>First,
I hope you know how smart you are. Every single one of you. And I don’t mean
you got good grades or made the honor roll. I mean that you are smart and
capable in your very own way. You are uniquely you - the best thing you can be!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span>Second,
I had a wonderful time with you. You are funny and sweet and you make my bad
days better. I hope you know that I have never been mad at you. I have never
disliked you. I have only ever loved you. And when you love someone, you do
your best to teach them and make them better. You were awesome when you came to
me in August, but I hope that you will leave me smarter, stronger, kinder, and
more polite. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span>Finally,
please know that I am always here for you. Always, always. I hope that next
year, as a fancy fifth grader, you will come back and give me a hug and tell me
how you are doing. Because I will never forget you. A mother never forgets her
“kids”, and that is what you have been to me this year. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span>Thank
you for the laughs, the smiles, the hugs, the tears. Thank you for putting up
with me, while I put up with you. Each and every one of you made me a better
teacher. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Have
a wonderful summer break! Read lots of books, and then come back and tell me
all about them.</span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span>Your
Teacher,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span> </span><span> </span>Mrs.
B</span></span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------------------------------------</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a wonderful summer break, teacher friends. Your break<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is well-deser<span style="font-family: inherit;">ved!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-86011937223654414532015-03-23T16:47:00.000-05:002015-03-23T16:47:30.305-05:0024 On My 24th<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><sup></sup></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Yet another blog post <b>not</b> about teaching. They're coming- I promise.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Twenty four things
that I am grateful for as another year of life begins.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">1. <b>Good health</b>. God
has brought me out of a dark place. Life is much different and I am so
thankful.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">2. <b>Family</b>. I am so
blessed to live close to much of my family, and that makes me so happy. I am an
hour away from seeing Cinderella with my Mom and sisters, and neighbors with my
second Mom and Dad. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">3. <b>My dog</b>. You don’t
understand that I own the cutest dog ever. In the world. And I love coming home
to his goofy, tail-wagging, slobbery self every day. He makes me smile when I
feel so far from happy.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">4. <b>God’s word and His
promises</b>. Where my words fail, His do not. Though I am full of doubt, sadness,
and fear, his mercies are new every morning. May His words replace my own.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">5. <b>My job</b>. Though it
can be SO stressful, I know it’s only because I care about it so much. I am
thankful for principals that back me up, coworkers that help me out, and kids
that adore me even on my worst days. They make it all possible.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">6. <b>My kids</b>. They have
a part of my heart, even though they drive me crazy sometimes. But when I drive
around town- it is their faces I look for on sidewalks, bikes, or roads. I scan
newspapers and websites for their names or their families. I spend my money on
them and things for them all the time. I leave work and talk about them- the
funny things they said, problems I am trying to solve with them, great things
that they did. I worry and I pray and I would give my life for any of them,
good day or bad day.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">7. <b>Arkansas</b>. I live
in a beautiful state, surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. Though I don’t
like the bugs, I have a great view so much of the time.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">8. <b>Creativity</b>. Though
I am not as great as some, God has given me a sprinkling of this. It makes me
good at my job. It fills bored moments with projects and ideas. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">9. <b>My church</b>. It has been
several years since I have truly had a church family to call home. During that
time, things happened that made us both untrusting and burnt out. So I am thankful
to now belong to a church family that is different from any other I have
encountered, in a good way. And I like that they let me hold babies, arrange
large stacks of wood, and throw 80’s parties sometimes.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">10. <b>Books</b>. I am
thankful for a love of reading that has never faded. I am thankful that I get
to spend my days buying and reading books for my kids, and for myself. And I am
thankful for another world to slip into when mine just seems too crazy.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">11. <b>Jellybeans</b>. Because
that’s what I’m eating right now.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">12. <b>Instagram</b>. This
year I was able to start an Instagram account specifically about teaching. Over
700 followers later, I am grateful to be a part of a growing community of
teachers online that share ideas, products, and encouragement with one another.
What a joy it is to have access to all these other people that “get” it.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">13. And on that note,
<b>Teachers Pay Teachers</b>. Though I don’t make millions (I wish, right?), I love
sharing the things I make for my classroom and helping other teachers out. And
that little payout I get once in a while helps fund my purse/shoe addiction. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">14. <b>Weekends and
holidays</b>. Because I need them and the sleep they give me.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">15. <b>Change</b>. Even
though it’s scary and annoying sometimes, I like a good adventure. God keeps us
on our toes.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">16. <b>Pinterest</b>. From
last minute dinner ideas to parties and school projects, it’s a lifesaver. It’s
my favorite mix of dreams and reality. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">17. <b>Words</b>. God’s
words. Other peoples’ words. Sometimes mine. That God would give us brains to
arrange words into beautiful songs and sentences is beyond amazing to me. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">18. <b>Pictures</b>. Because
sometimes it’s good to look back.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">19. <b>Friends</b>. There
was a time in my life where I couldn’t really say that I had any close ones. So
I am so grateful that has changed. I am thankful for friends that are family
and have to put up with you. For friends that let you cry and complain and don’t
make you feel bad about it. For friends that let you do crazy projects and let
you be bossy and go out to eat with you. For friends that help you find a
house. For friends that rant with you about work. For friends that generally
like you, crazy hair, crazy life, hot mess self and all.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">20. <b>Food</b>. Need I say
more?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">21. <b>Road trips</b>. Long
drives piled in the car. Making up stupid new lyrics for Taylor Swift songs.
Listening to podcasts. Complaining about the big fat dog baby in my lap.
Keeping each other awake. Driving through darkness feeling like the only people
in the world.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">22. <b>Music</b>. My
constant background noise. My escape. My long shower-taking companion. My
get-pumped-up-for-work songs. My point me back to Jesus times of worship. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">23. <b>Josh Samuel</b>.
Husband, friend, bossy-pants, forever love. Who buys me flowers and books. Who
tells me to hurry up when I’m running late (all the time). Who takes me to church
and Target and to see my family. Who lets me hold babies and talk about ten
year olds all the time. Who buys me Disney movies and records HGTV for me. Who
lets me sleep in and stay up late. Who makes me feel pretty and loved and makes
me laugh more than anyone I have ever known. You are my everything on earth.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">24. <b>Grace</b>. Without
which I could not be here, typing this. His love knows no bounds and I am
nothing without it. I am whiny and impatient and doubtful. But He never leaves
me, only loves me. That is word-taking, mind-blowing wonderful.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Here's to 24 blessed years and hopefully, more.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-27511106467450501402014-12-30T11:00:00.000-06:002014-12-30T11:00:01.228-06:00Why I'm Only Making One New Year's Resolution This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYZ4T9Y5MvuvG8VmbXEXj495GTVcrCNJ3zmK3WSZPepyTj24zH4E2zRz7yIIykaTGA_shD8ddAEjqdfrbNzjNEnFWY8EBXobQv7Hur_-Pm1y802Ny-CxRoqjQ2CS87R9l8f1DD67jFh8/s1600/DSC_9060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYZ4T9Y5MvuvG8VmbXEXj495GTVcrCNJ3zmK3WSZPepyTj24zH4E2zRz7yIIykaTGA_shD8ddAEjqdfrbNzjNEnFWY8EBXobQv7Hur_-Pm1y802Ny-CxRoqjQ2CS87R9l8f1DD67jFh8/s1600/DSC_9060.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello all! I am basking in the glow of winter break. So much so that I am even blogging. Crazy right? I'm her<span style="font-family: inherit;">e today to get personal with you again and talk about why this year, in 20<span style="font-family: inherit;">15, I'm only making one New Year's Resolution<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep, <span style="font-family: inherit;">jus<span style="font-family: inherit;">t one. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year I am resolving to do <span style="font-family: inherit;">this one thing better<span style="font-family: inherit;">- <b>faith</b>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me</span> start <span style="font-family: inherit;">from the beg<span style="font-family: inherit;">inning.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm typing this at 1:30 in the morning. I slept in too late this morning (oh <span style="font-family: inherit;">how I love winter break<span style="font-family: inherit;">) and can't fall asleep. So naturally, my brain starts to bring up all of the things. You know, the <i>thing<span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The list of <span style="font-family: inherit;">"Things<span style="font-family: inherit;"> That Are Currently Going Wrong <span style="font-family: inherit;">In My Life That Need To Be Fixed Right Away"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>. Those things. So here come the questions...Why me? Why can't I have that? When is that going to happen for me? Why can't I be happy all the time? Blah blah blah. The usual.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But this time, <span style="font-family: inherit;">something</span> stopp<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed me ("<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, God here!")</span>. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I started thinking about</span> my hand. It was stretched out across the bed, just where m<span style="font-family: inherit;">y fingertips co<span style="font-family: inherit;">uld touch my husband's arm. He doesn't notice. He's sleeping like a rock ove<span style="font-family: inherit;">r there. But someti<span style="font-family: inherit;">mes, like this ti<span style="font-family: inherit;">me,</span> I just <span style="font-family: inherit;">want</span> to reach out and know that he's there.</span></span> And God reminded me in that moment that He keeps his promises. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't date in high school. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't date until college. And it killed me, as many things do at that <span style="font-family: inherit;">age</span>. Anything <span style="font-family: inherit;">that set me apart from what I thought was "normal" or "cool" or "expected" was <span style="font-family: inherit;">lite<span style="font-family: inherit;">rally the end of th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e world.</span></span></span></span> I spent countless nights <span style="font-family: inherit;">asking God the same thing over and over- Why me<span style="font-family: inherit;">? What's <span style="font-family: inherit;">wrong with me? When is it going to happen<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for me?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I think back on those days, I am heartbroken all over again. But for different reaso<span style="font-family: inherit;">n<span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span></span>. First, I w<span style="font-family: inherit;">ould tell myself to <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">get it to<span style="font-family: inherit;">gether and put on some makeup. Because <span style="font-family: inherit;">I needed it.</span> But then I would grab myself by the shoulder<span style="font-family: inherit;">s and shake me and say, "If only <span style="font-family: inherit;">you <span style="font-family: inherit;">knew what I know now! If only you could see what God's <span style="font-family: inherit;">going to do</span> for you!"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And don't you know that's <b>exactly</b> what <span style="font-family: inherit;">God is saying to me everytim<span style="font-family: inherit;">e my <span style="font-family: inherit;">insomniac</span> mind brings up my laundry list o<span style="font-family: inherit;">f problems? In the midst of my whining <span style="font-family: inherit;">He is dying to shake me and say, "If only you knew <span style="font-family: inherit;">what I know<span style="font-family: inherit;">! If only you could see <span style="font-family: inherit;">w<span style="font-family: inherit;">hat's going to happen next!"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I met <span style="font-family: inherit;">my husband during <span style="font-family: inherit;">my sophomore year of college.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I was honestly just around the co<span style="font-family: inherit;">rner from all that God had for me. But I was letting my selfish thoughts blind my faith. <span style="font-family: inherit;">So <span style="font-family: inherit;">often I let a ba<span style="font-family: inherit;">d <span style="font-family: inherit;">case of the "why me's" ge<span style="font-family: inherit;">t the best of m<span style="font-family: inherit;">e.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So l</span>et my h<span style="font-family: inherit;">usband <span style="font-family: inherit;">(who <span style="font-family: inherit;">was and is</span> more than <span style="font-family: inherit;">I could have ever imagi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ned <span style="font-family: inherit;">myself deserving and a million ti<span style="font-family: inherit;">mes better than high school boys I might add)</span></span></span>-</span></span> let all the <span style="font-family: inherit;">countless b<span style="font-family: inherit;">lessings that surround me<span style="font-family: inherit;">-</span> be my constant rem<span style="font-family: inherit;">inder that <b>God is a promise keeper</b>. <span style="font-family: inherit;">While I am whining my life away<span style="font-family: inherit;">, <span style="font-family: inherit;">He is waiting and ready to reveal to me a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> plan that is so much more wonderful tha<span style="font-family: inherit;">n <span style="font-family: inherit;">my s<span style="font-family: inherit;">mall<span style="font-family: inherit;">, human mind can imagine. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Through my most b<span style="font-family: inherit;">roken <span style="font-family: inherit;">moments (though there are <span style="font-family: inherit;">may m<span style="font-family: inherit;">ore to come<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am sure)</span></span></span>, God <i>has brought</i> and <i>will b<span style="font-family: inherit;">ring</span></i> me joy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>I <span style="font-family: inherit;">only need <b>faith</b> to see it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And that, my f<span style="font-family: inherit;">riends, is my New Year's Resolution for 2<span style="font-family: inherit;">01<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. To live by faith, and not by my stupid<span style="font-family: inherit;">, selfish, go-to-sleep-it's-one-in<span style="font-family: inherit;">-the-morning sight<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ;<span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put
through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this
all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as
evidence of his victory." 1 Peter <span style="font-family: inherit;">1:<span style="font-family: inherit;">7 (MSG)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 1<span style="font-family: inherit;">4:31 (NIV)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going." 2 <span style="font-family: inherit;">Corinthians <span style="font-family: inherit;">5:7 (MSG)</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. - God keeps lot<span style="font-family: inherit;">s<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of promises in my life (and yours). This is jus<span style="font-family: inherit;">t one special exam<span style="font-family: inherit;">ple :)</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-43902917456936179292014-11-26T22:03:00.001-06:002014-11-26T22:15:43.858-06:00The DIY Woman<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">We live in a DIY culture. With easy access to the internet and <span style="font-family: inherit;">our beloved <span style="font-family: inherit;">Pinterest<span style="font-family: inherit;">, it has become increasingly popular<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to <span style="font-family: inherit;">do everything ourselves. Whether i<span style="font-family: inherit;">t's a new recip<span style="font-family: inherit;">e or doomsday prepping, Pinterest <span style="font-family: inherit;">has it all. And I love it. In the midst of house shopping, I went <span style="font-family: inherit;">on a pinning spree of DIY house remo<span style="font-family: inherit;">deling. What? I can remo<span style="font-family: inherit;">del <span style="font-family: inherit;">a <span style="font-family: inherit;">whole kitchen for under $500? That's amazing. *Pins* You can red<span style="font-family: inherit;">o cou<span style="font-family: inherit;">ntertops with spraypaint? *<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pins* And so on. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pintere<span style="font-family: inherit;">st is <span style="font-family: inherit;">especially <span style="font-family: inherit;">wonderful for my classroom. When looking for a good Thanksgiving craft for my kids the other day, I didn't even bo<span style="font-family: inherit;">ther with Google (<span style="font-family: inherit;">what is this the Stone <span style="font-family: inherit;">Ages?), I went stra<span style="font-family: inherit;">ig<span style="font-family: inherit;">ht there. And I love it. I love <span style="font-family: inherit;">finding things I never thought I coul<span style="font-family: inherit;">d<span style="font-family: inherit;"> do. I lo<span style="font-family: inherit;">ve pinning projects I know I will never <span style="font-family: inherit;">complete</span> or things I know I will never own. It's <span style="font-family: inherit;">like window<span style="font-family: inherit;"> shopping on your couch. It's perfect.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>But h</span>ere's what I think<span style="font-family: inherit;">.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (Take it or leav<span style="font-family: inherit;">e it). Sometimes Pinterest can make me fe<span style="font-family: inherit;">el...small. Let me explain. My husband and I recently went through the process of joining our church. Part of this process inc<span style="font-family: inherit;">luded thinking about your gi<span style="font-family: inherit;">fts and talents, and what you can get invo<span style="font-family: inherit;">lved in doing for the church and for God. <span style="font-family: inherit;">This is where the thought came from. There are <span style="font-family: inherit;">A LOT of things that I <i>wish</i> I w<span style="font-family: inherit;">as good a<span style="font-family: inherit;">t. Singing<span style="font-family: inherit;">, for one. I love worship music and my car is my <span style="font-family: inherit;">personal concert. But I <span style="font-family: inherit;">know that singing can't be my thing. <span style="font-family: inherit;">A<span style="font-family: inherit;">rt is another thing<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Back in the day before reality set in, I though<span style="font-family: inherit;">t I would be an ar<span style="font-family: inherit;">chitect. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Until I realized <span style="font-family: inherit;">that I absolutely CANNOT draw. I can<span style="font-family: inherit;">'t buil<span style="font-family: inherit;">d or fix things. I can't talk for long per<span style="font-family: inherit;">iods of time <span style="font-family: inherit;">in front of crowds. I can't bake and <span style="font-family: inherit;">decorate cakes that look like they should be on <span style="font-family: inherit;">Cake Boss. (Another talent <span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted to have once upon a time).<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I can't build houses or fix computers or <span style="font-family: inherit;">do anything other than <i>drive</i> my car.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the thing about Pinterest <span style="font-family: inherit;">and the DIY movement (as I<span style="font-family: inherit;">'m calling it)</span>, is that it makes you think you CAN do it all. Homemade chapstick? I can <span style="font-family: inherit;">ma<span style="font-family: inherit;">ke that! No, Hannah, you c<span style="font-family: inherit;">an't. You<span style="font-family: inherit;"> can't make a <span style="font-family: inherit;">homemade cake</span>. Don't even go there. Build your own <span style="font-family: inherit;">far<span style="font-family: inherit;">mhouse table? What? I can do that! No, <span style="font-family: inherit;">Hannah, you c<span style="font-family: inherit;">an't. You can't even hammer a n<span style="font-family: inherit;">ail properly. If someone on Pinterest <span style="font-family: inherit;">says it's "DIY" or "Ma<span style="font-family: inherit;">ke it Yourself", <b>I</b> should be able to do it, right?! That's where I think we<span style="font-family: inherit;">'re wrong.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Peter 4:10 <span style="font-family: inherit;">(NIV) says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have <span style="font-family: inherit;">received</span> to serve others, as faithful stewards of Go<span style="font-family: inherit;">d'<span style="font-family: inherit;">s gra<span style="font-family: inherit;">ce in its various forms". Similarly, Romans 12:<span style="font-family: inherit;">6 s<span style="font-family: inherit;">ays, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us<span style="font-family: inherit;">".</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I'm getting at <span style="font-family: inherit;">is that <span style="font-family: inherit;">"DIY" is not a gift. <b>I can</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>not do everything</b>. <b>You cannot do everything</b>. No<span style="font-family: inherit;">t every project I take on will be success<span style="font-family: inherit;">ful, and I shouldn't feel bad if <span style="font-family: inherit;">it doesn't. As social me<span style="font-family: inherit;">di<span style="font-family: inherit;">a has taught us, not everyt<span style="font-family: inherit;">hing <span style="font-family: inherit;">is as good as it seems. If you follow me on Inst<span style="font-family: inherit;">agram, chances are you won't <span style="font-family: inherit;">see me pos<span style="font-family: inherit;">t <span style="font-family: inherit;">a "I woke up like this" selfie, because that is a truly ter<span style="font-family: inherit;">ri<span style="font-family: inherit;">fying site to behold. I don't let my husband video me when I'm grumpy because I wouldn't <span style="font-family: inherit;">have any Facebook "friends" after that. We show what we want others to see. If my "DIY" project didn't turn out, I<span style="font-family: inherit;">'m no<span style="font-family: inherit;">t going to post i<span style="font-family: inherit;">t on Pinterest for others to try<span style="font-family: inherit;"> out.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But her<span style="font-family: inherit;">e's the good news. God t<span style="font-family: inherit;">ells us we are <span style="font-family: inherit;">"fearfully and wonderfully<span style="font-family: inherit;"> made". In Jeremia<span style="font-family: inherit;">h 1:5 <span style="font-family: inherit;">H</span>e says, "<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before I formed<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart". God doesn't expect us to do everything<span style="font-family: inherit;">. My worth to Him i<span style="font-family: inherit;">s not determined by my Pinterest projects or my c<span style="font-family: inherit;">raftiness. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think another f<span style="font-family: inherit;">uel to this fire is our obsession with the Proverbs 31 woman and being just like her. "She makes coverings <span style="font-family: inherit;">for her bed" (v. 22). "She makes <span style="font-family: inherit;">linen<span style="font-family: inherit;"> g<span style="font-family: inherit;">arments and sells them, and supplies the merchan<span style="font-family: inherit;">ts with sashes.<span style="font-family: inherit;">" (v. 24)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the ver<span style="font-family: inherit;">ses I want to draw your attention to: "She speaks with wisdom<span style="font-family: inherit;">, and faithful instruction is on her ton<span style="font-family: inherit;">gue" (v. 26)<span style="font-family: inherit;">, "She is clothed with str<span style="font-family: inherit;">eng<span style="font-family: inherit;">th and dignity" (v. 25), and</span></span></span> "Honor her for all that her hands have done" (v. 31). Here's the thing, I don't think God is calling me to be the p<span style="font-family: inherit;">erfect woman. I don't think God w<span style="font-family: inherit;">ants <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">m</span>e to spend my days making "linen garments" or sashes. <span style="font-family: inherit;">First of all, because they would suck. Second of all, it's not <b>my</b> thing. I should let someone that is actually goo<span style="font-family: inherit;">d at that, do that. </span>Instead, <span style="font-family: inherit;">I choose to fo<span style="font-family: inherit;">cus on th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e "honor" and "streng<span style="font-family: inherit;">th" and "dignity" and "wisdom" that I <b>know</b> he w<span style="font-family: inherit;">ants to give me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God giv<span style="font-family: inherit;">es us what <span style="font-family: inherit;">we need. Not w<span style="font-family: inherit;">hat we <span style="font-family: inherit;">want. Not a perfect singing voice to me (<span style="font-family: inherit;">probably because he knows I would be selfish abou<span style="font-family: inherit;">t it and not God-glorifying). Not <span style="font-family: inherit;">the mind or hand of <span style="font-family: inherit;">a <span style="font-family: inherit;">mathematician<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>, carpenter, computer worker, or artist<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to me. But <span style="font-family: inherit;">He did give <span style="font-family: inherit;">me the mag<span style="font-family: inherit;">cial, p<span style="font-family: inherit;">owerful patience it t<span style="font-family: inherit;">akes to be a teacher. And He did give<span style="font-family: inherit;"> me a spr<span style="font-family: inherit;">inkling of creativity<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to go along with that. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So my point is this. Shake off the pressure of a DIY culture. Take Pinterest projects with a grain of <span style="font-family: inherit;">salt. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop o<span style="font-family: inherit;">bsessing over the Proverbs 31 woman. God fearfully and won<span style="font-family: inherit;">derfully made <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>you</b>.</span></span></span></span></span> Just as you are. <span style="font-family: inherit;">And though he wan<span style="font-family: inherit;">ts you to grow and improve, <span style="font-family: inherit;">He doesn't expect you to <b>do it yourse</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>lf</b>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.<span style="font-family: inherit;">S. - If you need <span style="font-family: inherit;">to feel better about your D<span style="font-family: inherit;">IY skills, or j<span style="font-family: inherit;">ust need a laugh, check out h<a href="http://pinterestfail.com/" target="_blank">ttp://pinterestfail.com/</a></span></span></span></span><a href="http://pinterestfail.com/" target="_blank"> </a></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-26709122055458006692014-11-13T21:28:00.000-06:002014-11-13T21:28:15.421-06:00Spreading Schoolwide Thankfulness - A Thanksgiving Freebie<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yep! <span style="font-family: inherit;">It's me. Blogging. When was the last time that happened? Aug<span style="font-family: inherit;">ust maybe? Ha. Well, as al<span style="font-family: inherit;">ways, de<span style="font-family: inherit;">spite my best intentions, school overtook my blogging. More like my whole life. But today I<span style="font-family: inherit;">'m popping in<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to share with you a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> fun Than<span style="font-family: inherit;">ksgiving activity I <span style="font-family: inherit;">created for my kiddos next week!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspired by the idea<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of <span style="font-family: inherit;">doing Random Acts of Kin<span style="font-family: inherit;">dness, <span style="font-family: inherit;">my students and I will be wo<span style="font-family: inherit;">rking next week to spread <span style="font-family: inherit;">thankful notes throughout our school. And you can too! Here's the plan.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/We-are-so-thankful-for-you-Spreading-Schoolwide-Thankfulness-1556473" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/We-are-so-thankful-for-you-Spreading-Schoolwide-Thankfulness-1556473" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6ZnW3BoBqE-j3GbdcqjzBNvKYt0gSTJGP35yD3I4MAOts834ZCGIT33FjKfxWqGvjVkT4vnWtKD4dOaXTG0rhQYisLbqajKK96zPlOGZciYd6KFiY1WWD3WBJts2zzB_2219qPeYckI/s320/thankful2.png" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">E<span style="font-family: inherit;">ach student will get a note (I'll be doing <span style="font-family: inherit;">the black & white version on cardstock) that they will decorate<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Th<span style="font-family: inherit;">ey will then write a short note of thankfulness and sign our class name. As a class, we will go throughout the school and deliver our notes of thankfulness, sometimes leaving them as a surprise! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/We-are-so-thankful-for-you-Spreading-Schoolwide-Thankfulness-1556473" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/We-are-so-thankful-for-you-Spreading-Schoolwide-Thankfulness-1556473" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgDQMDUgiOTcpi9Bzaf3hjUvL7AyoliLwZEXK7LY2zgaOm_tejiJpaL6KCrSVlu93TqOWFbjKSCdh99MkBP-XrQe53tLTMic-Or4bj2-ogfGBv_gObROHmx3A4cqlSPh-KlLAXUUNwrs/s320/thankful1.png" width="233" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The idea of this activity is to get students thinking about thankfulness, <span style="font-family: inherit;">and to spread some much<span style="font-family: inherit;">-needed kindness <span style="font-family: inherit;">during the crazy days before Thanksgiving break. And m<span style="font-family: inherit;">aybe to take up <span style="font-family: inherit;">some time<span style="font-family: inherit;">, too. But I<span style="font-family: inherit;"> didn't say that<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">;)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The<span style="font-family: inherit;">re are so many ways you can <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">tweak</span> this...You could have students send notes to their parents/families<span style="font-family: inherit;"> or one an<span style="font-family: inherit;">other. Or you could just <span style="font-family: inherit;">s<span style="font-family: inherit;">end notes yourself<span style="font-family: inherit;">! <span style="font-family: inherit;">Share you<span style="font-family: inherit;">r<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ideas in the comments if you have them<span style="font-family: inherit;"> :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The best news? It's FREE! The "We are so thankful for you" notes are a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/We-are-so-thankful-for-you-Spreading-Schoolwide-Thankfulness-1556473" target="_blank">freebie</a> in my TPT store. Grab them and get some gratitu<span style="font-family: inherit;">de going with your students!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So how are you<span style="font-family: inherit;"> teaching your students about thankfulness? <span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd l<span style="font-family: inherit;">ove to hear your ideas!</span></span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a great week and <span style="font-family: inherit;">a Happy Thanksgiving<span style="font-family: inherit;"> :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-49966297517946622902014-08-11T22:08:00.001-05:002014-08-11T22:08:33.236-05:00Meet the Teacher Linky<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello all! Well, school has officially started for me. We are in PD all this week, then kiddos come a week from today! I am so excited for my new class, and I have a really good feeling about my second year of teaching. But, of course, I am super busy. And tired. It's hard to get back into my routine after being spoiled all summer with sleeping in and being lazy!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anywho, I am so excited about this linky from Stephanie over at <a href="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Falling Into First</a>! I am loving reading about my blogger friends and I love sharing with you guys about who I am "behind" my blog. So here's a little about me :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/2014/08/meet-teacher-linky.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/2014/08/meet-teacher-linky.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc7xVdTpcEbDhC3TzHmalhQOhMyPfcwCYK_8arIkim1ESHPrMxOsrTNWTYi488H3Fpx_rP3senvxSWDNKliBping2k-h7UiRMTShOqoH09uwAQr0RCShjBzBplNymzRlxlANuxZnuZtE/s1600/meet+the+teacher+picture.png" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey guys! I am Hannah Burns, a 23 year old fourth grade teacher from Arkansas. I am staring my second year of teaching! I love my fourthies and I love that I only teach Literacy ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgsI38sWM8q71hP75dFNL637uQ2n9xT0tVxF49tI6vr8-qtT0skdEc6Lyf9h0ex8SqWwiD2JGP88kMynvtIZ5Tvy9IqBLEocfFwtCynyY8QVEz7u0rl26EUoo4Kc-PxKZ4WxPrMCoMLg/s1600/DSCN7450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgsI38sWM8q71hP75dFNL637uQ2n9xT0tVxF49tI6vr8-qtT0skdEc6Lyf9h0ex8SqWwiD2JGP88kMynvtIZ5Tvy9IqBLEocfFwtCynyY8QVEz7u0rl26EUoo4Kc-PxKZ4WxPrMCoMLg/s1600/DSCN7450.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's me and Husband in Hawaii this past summer! We've been married two years now. I am so thankful for him and how he puts up with all my crazy teacher madness!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx92FUAxXwTwZTCbkHbzYo-y3Fkyc6Rb1XLxCsVq8yY81zY2nZnuolWfZOl5wdd8JxEB-mYLljCSR_lrH22NjA0lB-QsM6Kdw1Kq3ABJNHGPKWy1Qkby45gMbQ0CaHnzOvR_Ypez-BYk/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx92FUAxXwTwZTCbkHbzYo-y3Fkyc6Rb1XLxCsVq8yY81zY2nZnuolWfZOl5wdd8JxEB-mYLljCSR_lrH22NjA0lB-QsM6Kdw1Kq3ABJNHGPKWy1Qkby45gMbQ0CaHnzOvR_Ypez-BYk/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me and my dog baby Lewis. Yes, he is spoiled :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And below is me and my two sisters and best friends. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqhVgj_XdxaPkK9cr0rGO6K6gHPkikX7pGs6ztv5igbFORY2Av9gJm8Wb_uRWFLvcvh8CHKtmv4-JPYtNolQ94Lk7G-qwVwUxFGQ-BU25KqwCR8QOSHgMgq6X2XtnLkYE4LLhqEiMC2k/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqhVgj_XdxaPkK9cr0rGO6K6gHPkikX7pGs6ztv5igbFORY2Av9gJm8Wb_uRWFLvcvh8CHKtmv4-JPYtNolQ94Lk7G-qwVwUxFGQ-BU25KqwCR8QOSHgMgq6X2XtnLkYE4LLhqEiMC2k/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" height="223" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2M1zCBHMJmy2B_WysVYvewFITrXbfB0gQICpJqoaB1BBXxhd2RzptAAjsTAJeGxhfDOOiQxxgIBkgLqkku8QUZHQg9XWWO9fCLWc9GLJyacMaVxC2ONxijVta6JVRn5kansDqRsV7C4/s1600/qa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2M1zCBHMJmy2B_WysVYvewFITrXbfB0gQICpJqoaB1BBXxhd2RzptAAjsTAJeGxhfDOOiQxxgIBkgLqkku8QUZHQg9XWWO9fCLWc9GLJyacMaVxC2ONxijVta6JVRn5kansDqRsV7C4/s1600/qa.jpg" height="77" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are a few of my favorite things...</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Pens. School supplies in general. Books. Reading. Creating things for TPT. Dumb TV shows. Sleeping. Shopping. Candy. Instagram.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>If you weren't a teacher, what would you want to be?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A wedding or party planner. I love crafting and being creative. And I can't sit still. So I think that would be a good job for me! Ha.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Three Little Words That Describe You.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Restless. Bossy. Free-spirited.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Finish the Sentence, "_______, said no teacher ever!!"</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We should have more meetings....said no teacher ever! ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>It's your birthday and you can invite anyone (dead or alive) to the party. Who are you inviting?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>Ahhh so hard to choose. JK Rowling to rub off some genius on me. The Civil Wars (I'm in denial about them breaking up) to sing. Ed Sheeran to also sing. And all my blogger friends!!!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>If someone wrote a book about your life, what would be the title?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life in the Clouds</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>You get to pick one superpower. What is it?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I would have to agree with Stephanie on this one...teleportation would be legit. Think how much time you could save not driving in the car! And maybe then I would be on time to things. But probably not.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What's your favorite quote or saying?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="st">"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - Henry Van Dyke</span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>If you had to sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Um, none! I have a horrible voice. Maybe Broken Wing or Strawberry Wine. A classic. A hilarious classic.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Are you a morning person or a night owl?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so a night owl. Me and mornings don't jive. But once you get me up and caffeinated, I'm good.<b> </b> <b> </b> <b> </b> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's your favorite resource that you've created in your TPT shop?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is so hard to pick....I think every new thing I make is my new favorite. Haha. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/If-We-Were-Helen-Anne-Helen-Keller-Activity-575125" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/If-We-Were-Helen-Anne-Helen-Keller-Activity-575125" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRurZUALRrbo9pFDbcxNRb8fGSQ3L8wdv0ikYdDnpctUTHWkh9RbQ-JdpCmJBQd4FF_qtSnlmMKYb7YzCQZOgwlA2RhF19MfhHY6Owo9Wh51vubWFHC72A0Cv1cCRpELOEhvirD6l3OTk/s1600/helen1.png" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it would probably be my Helen Keller activity. This was my very first TPT product. I created it for my second grade student teaching class. And I will always love the spark of creativity this little freebie started!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Share something we might not know about you...</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love to sleep! I take a nap after work almost every day. No shame in this game.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>************************************************</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/2014/08/meet-teacher-linky.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/2014/08/meet-teacher-linky.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_V1keuElKywWzUAwYtwxjy-eJ01dS38faLczou1rK30CbRPK9YLR3L11k6BIGDTqPwstlupPusuWPs0cQn35H-UxaGSXo4lpid96m9PIJUhxHdETyZpfH3n2VI_ynw0AmJawPJXFulE/s1600/MTTB.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE this linky party! Go add your link so I can read all about you! And thanks again, <a href="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> :)</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-48582454678902204112014-08-05T20:01:00.000-05:002014-08-05T20:01:16.949-05:00August Already? My Currently<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello all! Where has the summer gone? I'm headed back to work <b>tomorrow</b>! I think I'm in denial. So I'm distracting myself by linking up with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Boy 4th Grade</a> for her <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2014/08/august-currently.html" target="_blank">August Currently</a>!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zRnEhhoSCLwfFmQ127ykbqv5wlaKLpt5S-_f1CdxgkLh56MJAL2NkRIrBpJIi2TTqTXfvL-7ngEAG91PXfWmp2SK8U6ftlDA_jAUkHQlktT39uLK9ijRpjKK8ALcrUYzvGYhnex6Wyc/s1600/august.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zRnEhhoSCLwfFmQ127ykbqv5wlaKLpt5S-_f1CdxgkLh56MJAL2NkRIrBpJIi2TTqTXfvL-7ngEAG91PXfWmp2SK8U6ftlDA_jAUkHQlktT39uLK9ijRpjKK8ALcrUYzvGYhnex6Wyc/s1600/august.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of this is pretty self-explanatory...I am soaking up my last real day of laziness with my little sister. Slept in, watched TV, went to the pool, read a book. But of course in the back of my mind are all the things I still want/need to do for school. Physically, my room is ready. We went up yesterday and finished hot-gluing numbers and and decorating. But now I feel like I have a million little things to do. Which is okay. I have time. 6 days of professional development before open house. That kind of time. So what am I wanting to accomplish before then? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWvLZZgRDUQcb6SfIburQJjlYMgL8oK2ffqZlhvV1x-Y2zmmpJ0C-NmhqW8FLTZ5-IZ4_ThdzqoWz7xFT-WnFNQ694RN7pUn1bIfGjESNhiHMKVWMoIZAz93sHzBqR20JYZP94ZwU16g/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWvLZZgRDUQcb6SfIburQJjlYMgL8oK2ffqZlhvV1x-Y2zmmpJ0C-NmhqW8FLTZ5-IZ4_ThdzqoWz7xFT-WnFNQ694RN7pUn1bIfGjESNhiHMKVWMoIZAz93sHzBqR20JYZP94ZwU16g/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First up is my reading area. I've moved it separate from my library this year. Last year my students were a little too distracted by choosing and looking at books to actually do any reading. So I'm going to try separating that some this year. In this picture you can see my cute rug ($10 thrift store find) and reading pillows I made. I love the way this looks. I'm also going to use this space for our meeting area and read-alouds. Last year, I didn't design my room with this area in mind, and we were meeting at the back of the room because it was the only space big enough. It wasn't very intentional at all. And I think my kids picked up on this. So this year we are going to meet here! But check out my teacher chair...yuck! I inherited it with my room last year. It's good for some things...but not meeting time. So it's going out. I'm not sure where yet, but it is. Instead, I bought a little black stool from Ikea ($4.99 what what) that I'm going to use. So I have to put that together. Or convince Husband to.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But can you see my desk in the background? All the wires and cords and junk? That's my next project. Since my desk is actually just a table (legit, right?) I want to make a little curtain to go around the edge of my desk and hide some of that clutter. I think it will help separate my desk area from the reading area as well. So I bought some lime green fabric yesterday (one of my other colors), some ribbon, and some liquid stitch. I don't really have a plan for how this is going to work. I don't sew. So fingers crossed it works out well ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcryb88_-cocvQICHVGea4wqKDuQHjyX716o-hrl5O2KYfWWWxaxhntyPnCkh9iFtcPIhztw19lrD9nelO4FaswxAoBFMHjDg0A6pl4dNDKqIF_qIVAfPq_yGWKkeZorbVEVCHgZE0rQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcryb88_-cocvQICHVGea4wqKDuQHjyX716o-hrl5O2KYfWWWxaxhntyPnCkh9iFtcPIhztw19lrD9nelO4FaswxAoBFMHjDg0A6pl4dNDKqIF_qIVAfPq_yGWKkeZorbVEVCHgZE0rQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next, I need to put the finishing touches on my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Writing-Process-Chart-FREEBIE-1351802" target="_blank">Writing Process Chart</a>. I had to pick up some more clothespins, and then I am going to number them so they're ready for the kiddos. I love the way it looks all hung up! I just used a little ribbon and some hot glue to put it together. Don't forget it's a freebie in my store if you think you could use it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">We don't get our class rosters until usually the day before Open House. So I also have a million and one things I want to do when I find out my kids' names. My Birthday Wall, for example, is blank. I also want to print out the labels for each of their notebooks like this...</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToYYf-trEyCgJGubE9swYdCobWvLWhJUdvExli6Sci-wLswK4nGHgsJXdFKWsVF4ED4rvK6n9PXgdrmSXDA9dRk8YPqU9qdVPKROkz3FE_qAuP9oMRyuFA5eSK8kMWJo-o3v-yjArnYk/s1600/reading+notebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToYYf-trEyCgJGubE9swYdCobWvLWhJUdvExli6Sci-wLswK4nGHgsJXdFKWsVF4ED4rvK6n9PXgdrmSXDA9dRk8YPqU9qdVPKROkz3FE_qAuP9oMRyuFA5eSK8kMWJo-o3v-yjArnYk/s1600/reading+notebook.png" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">But of course, I need names! So that's going to wait. If you follow me on Instagram, you saw that last night I was working on a little Time Capsule Project for my kiddos during the first week. I usually do some version of this with my kids, but it's pretty casual and thrown together on the spot. But this year I've made a cute little book for them to fill out and decorate, then "open up" at the end of the year to see how they've changed. I am working on putting it up in my store as well.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEy6PAgX8Gfv__p0a4V66aMJQdzWFx6sfUeKg8CXlNyIGx9WgUOFIqB83nUlNzUl0dpO8jbzd0pbwEu_G91n6LOUouSzKELBC5X8Y-XVASoflfbxyz5oNVRbai7j94MDK-X67LONg6yE/s1600/time+capsule+insta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEy6PAgX8Gfv__p0a4V66aMJQdzWFx6sfUeKg8CXlNyIGx9WgUOFIqB83nUlNzUl0dpO8jbzd0pbwEu_G91n6LOUouSzKELBC5X8Y-XVASoflfbxyz5oNVRbai7j94MDK-X67LONg6yE/s1600/time+capsule+insta.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">On top of that are all the usual back to school things...organizing supplies, take home folders, seating charts, etc. And of course, I need to print and prep my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Survival-Guide-Editable-1275114" target="_blank">Back to School Survival Guide</a> for the first day! Can't wait to use this as an interactive way to go over rules and procedures. And finally (yeah right), I also have plans to make these cute little gifts for my kiddos at open house that I found on Pinterest...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kreativeinkinder.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.kreativeinkinder.blogspot.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iKTu8FgvmPWeiMMv3ozrU-CO2BnTukjMp6pRdC5uMX81O1M-ciq2VWdsiI-2yH-LAW8PGIhRjG3TKaWf2-yOYb9TqBpL8a_Tt6AlyTLlEbwd3cO9tmCuYqS_3zxEEscLMfu73yYn4s0/s1600/4ab7070cb57cf1c1c937cb424e60ba82.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, without the zebra. But I love this idea! So yes, that is the cherry on top of all the things I have going on right now! What are you working on? And don't forget to link up your Currently if you haven't already :)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-33336144079268018632014-08-02T08:00:00.000-05:002014-08-02T08:00:00.650-05:00Love Your Library - Part Three - Organization<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Saturday everyone! If you're like me, you're soaking up your last few weekends of summer vacation. Actually I think this is my last one. Sad face. But that's okay because I'm going to Ikea this weekend. Celebrate! How are you celebrating your last days of summer?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to let you guys know that I will participating in the TPT Back to School sale coming up!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopcFBjOLxOQoq-zXMgZWy_WdZydoqjCDwyoCc8QRoOx91W3q4_QU08420GNmEvN-TXcfpjgi_PFjcAOAKuJyf6OZEZW03IN3Hek5J_wZTF0hFa7MiYoHEyJ40DWUXZ4Hm0uN4U96Z7RM/s1600/sale_300_300.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday and Tuesday you can get up to 28% off my entire store! Make sure you use the promo code above to get that extra 8%. This is a great time to get some of those wishlist items you've been storing up :) Happy Shopping!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkkYTY8S8iP2qTlWnygBL2sVS9LAlGYj8nFbsSXDExvdNJjj02phYFnRnmArujGjWFVyZrf-vjSve-ZiB4v0n2yHEXAr49NwhEoTZVUZG9pUJtWpKrkyJNrxwv7-mbn4kwDYkRemmWZM/s1600/banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkkYTY8S8iP2qTlWnygBL2sVS9LAlGYj8nFbsSXDExvdNJjj02phYFnRnmArujGjWFVyZrf-vjSve-ZiB4v0n2yHEXAr49NwhEoTZVUZG9pUJtWpKrkyJNrxwv7-mbn4kwDYkRemmWZM/s1600/banner.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today is Part 3 of my Love Your Library bloggy series. So far we've gotten inspired- we know that our classroom libraries are a representation of how we feel about reading and that our enthusiasm about books and reading make all the difference. Yesterday we got started- I talked all about where and how to get books for your classroom library, and the importance of growing your collection with a large variety of genres and titles.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_d2Vf8QQMZyRWybrKGEYQYivzF_epDARb2D8Fix9nlWXNKOSnczezflNL2K7H9RwoSnngsxajHhIJnaxRp1TDTIGuCRb2aieSGhWSH7dnuC4BjHj298g2dVNmY3GA6rpk758mB-x9A4/s1600/organization.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_d2Vf8QQMZyRWybrKGEYQYivzF_epDARb2D8Fix9nlWXNKOSnczezflNL2K7H9RwoSnngsxajHhIJnaxRp1TDTIGuCRb2aieSGhWSH7dnuC4BjHj298g2dVNmY3GA6rpk758mB-x9A4/s1600/organization.png" height="123" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today is all about classroom library organization. What? You mean you can't just buy some books and put them on a shelf? Please, no.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing makes me more sad than seeing a classroom library with no labels or organization whatsoever. Think about it this way- What if you walked into Booksamillion or Barnes & Noble and you saw shelf after shelf of books. Sounds good right? Except none of the shelves are labeled. There are no categories. There are no sections. It would take you hours to find the book you are looking for or even just a book that you want to read. You'd probably do one of two things- give up and go home or just settle for one of the first books you see. Neither of these things are what we want for our students. So this is me begging you to spend an afternoon <b>organizing</b> your classroom library.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are several ways you can organize your books. Some popular ways include by genre and/or level. This is really up to you- what works for you, your students, and your school. Personally, I want my library to be as close as possible to a modern bookstore or library. In stores like that, you "book shop" by interest, not by level. However, I also use a leveling system in combination with this to help my students choose "just right" books. At such a young age, they still need help identifying books that are "just right" for their reading level. Although, I <b>never</b> tell my students they cannot read a book from my classroom library. And it breaks my heart a little that some people do.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I never tell students they cannot read a book they pick up, but I do
guide them toward books that I think would be a good fit for them. I
think of myself as a reading mentor—a reader who can help them find
books they might like"</i>. Donalyn Miller, <i>Reading in the Wild</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again, Donalyn comes to the rescue. This is exactly what I try to live by in the classroom. Do I want my students to become frustrated by reading something that is way too hard for them? Of course not. Do I want them to build confidence in reading through books that are "just right"? Absolutely<i>. </i>But on the other hand, do I want to squash their reading interests by telling them that they shouldn't read a book? In my opinion, there are so many "voices" in the world right now telling students not to read. TV, video games, computers, phones...the usual culprits. If a student expresses interest in book- if a student stops watching TV or thinking about video games long enough to find a book they want to read- who am I to say no to them? How dare I squash that.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So while I agree that leveling your classroom library is a necessity, this is me begging you not to make it the <b>focus</b> of your organization. If you can help it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Moving on. The types of categories you can organize your library into are again, up to you and your students. My kindergarten-teaching Mom, for example, (Hey, Mom!) organizes her library into fiction and nonfiction. It helps her young students learn the difference, and it's a system that is easy to maintain for such budding readers. As a fourth grade teacher, I am really wanting my students to be more genre-specific. I want them to go beyond fiction vs. nonfiction and into Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Fairytale, Mystery, etc. At the same time, I also want to spark their interest. I want it to be easy for my often apathetic fourth graders to find a category that they like. So I use a combination of genres, popular series, popular authors, and popular subjects to organize my books. Some of my classes' most popular book bins: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Geronimo Stilton, Books for Girls, Sports, Scary/Ghost Books.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But you know what? These categories aren't always the same. They change every summer when I re-organize my books, and they change throughout the year with our subjects and the seasons. If we are studying Planets, I make a Planets bucket and put it at the front. If it is Christmas time, I make a Christmas bucket. A library that is always the same can easily become a boring library. Keep your classroom library always "up with the times".</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I want to show you my own library system and I few of my favorites.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmprRVsBZqmlT3qx-YJW6dBWUc1BijVNCO7EVH9dX58CIbfa951R1ROSjFxl7yWQg0X7bg3nT5Zt68002ftG9wfBZZ-wr_t1NKRLPh4bRVvzshCApqDdfumUdTr_-ohgrlYlEvhJIKCtI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmprRVsBZqmlT3qx-YJW6dBWUc1BijVNCO7EVH9dX58CIbfa951R1ROSjFxl7yWQg0X7bg3nT5Zt68002ftG9wfBZZ-wr_t1NKRLPh4bRVvzshCApqDdfumUdTr_-ohgrlYlEvhJIKCtI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Z17q8uDHc5W3ldBuqQXqyLSQEOrwpPrYH0lKdl4992dFduFy1mF9eJsZRXsZLlQYpVQPhwJD92o2OQAXbdDmGL3erMa46smm6RKSa5V7QAtEfCTiHywInCZwh0EnaN4AMjZG_p0W6A/s1600/library1+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Z17q8uDHc5W3ldBuqQXqyLSQEOrwpPrYH0lKdl4992dFduFy1mF9eJsZRXsZLlQYpVQPhwJD92o2OQAXbdDmGL3erMa46smm6RKSa5V7QAtEfCTiHywInCZwh0EnaN4AMjZG_p0W6A/s1600/library1+-+Copy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_5dBqF-UoXxLkTfV4dHdqTpr4p4341_IDtw4aklXICB0Al4kXliqZVHaLFUvlkXWdlFjIRCxl92_bRFBuBkp3OZrE__8CalW0Wemzu3yJdJ9OwN_D8E4HeSjGkz9KkDUQX4aSAQ-1lc/s1600/library2+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_5dBqF-UoXxLkTfV4dHdqTpr4p4341_IDtw4aklXICB0Al4kXliqZVHaLFUvlkXWdlFjIRCxl92_bRFBuBkp3OZrE__8CalW0Wemzu3yJdJ9OwN_D8E4HeSjGkz9KkDUQX4aSAQ-1lc/s1600/library2+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are SO MANY choices when it comes to book bins. Dollar Tree, Really Good Stuff, Big Lots...you name it they have bins you can use for books. It's all about finding your favorite. Personally I use the clear/sometimes colored plastic shoeboxes that you can buy pretty much anywhere. Why? Because they're like 88 cents and I inherited a big stack of them with my classroom. They are also easy to replace or add to when I run out. I don't have to order them online or match colors. I can just run to the dollar store and be done with it. They also fit chapter books. Which is good! Not all bins are created equal in that way. As you can see, I use attached (hot-glued) labels to the front so that students can easily see what category is which. In my library, each book bin or category has an abbreviation. I use this abbreviation on the books to help students and class librarians know where to easily return books without my help. It doesn't always go this way, of course, but it's a pretty good system. Below is a chart of the abbreviations that I keep in my library. It also gives you a good look at some ideas for genres/categories.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfao6Isk1KGDsdW1HzxRiV-prHmooietOVTk5x2DH1acyD5VNclADNHLra0ydELCZjpa57DMXtnVnuX8MDWHCWudKdm5q_xRrTXmZ-3Yk1ED2oSr-1vJ01a_JnO-oa6PmpirNRiIyxvqY/s1600/labels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfao6Isk1KGDsdW1HzxRiV-prHmooietOVTk5x2DH1acyD5VNclADNHLra0ydELCZjpa57DMXtnVnuX8MDWHCWudKdm5q_xRrTXmZ-3Yk1ED2oSr-1vJ01a_JnO-oa6PmpirNRiIyxvqY/s1600/labels.png" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2z_0taCtKJnntBJ61B1ai4ezdQpSd6j733O4hrxo2zuVWNz8_Gw-KcSlUJoxH4gJGuCCeKJbnJmgo7c0npV9hAON1BXu6W406cbEV1aoppHypw4CJMwoZC-5RhF4Hj46iKbrlo5qQMQ/s1600/Levels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2z_0taCtKJnntBJ61B1ai4ezdQpSd6j733O4hrxo2zuVWNz8_Gw-KcSlUJoxH4gJGuCCeKJbnJmgo7c0npV9hAON1BXu6W406cbEV1aoppHypw4CJMwoZC-5RhF4Hj46iKbrlo5qQMQ/s1600/Levels.png" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Above is the leveling system I use. To determine this, I use a combination of Lexile, DRA, and GLE levels to determine whether a book is above, on, or below fourth grade. I encourage you to look beyond just one leveling system (if possible), because they each focus on different things. Scholastic is a really good website that offers you multiple levels for every book. Ultimately, <b>you</b> know your kids and what they can read, and that should determine if a book is "just right". In my opinion. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Avery-Coding-Labels-Assorted-Removable/dp/B004INFQJ0" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Avery-Coding-Labels-Assorted-Removable/dp/B004INFQJ0" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3dPkXEMkesU_YOE0uHZgbiiGJ0qh-44I9VHxKRMdC-Vy7wTESvT879NmVA7tsLmJTsldI164WcPrwhTspoJLJwTaY_G_dWtugA4YbF9eIR3vpBl0DhjF2CKNuZbz6F2kN36Hxq0S_Ho/s1600/stickers.png" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are the labels I use for my leveling system (along with the yellow). I love these stickers because they're cheap ($1.00 a pack), and like the shoeboxes, you can always get them. Each book gets a label in the top right hand corner, according to its level. On the sticker, I write the abbreviation for its category. In the pictures above, for example, you can see the books from the Animal bucket with the letter "A" on their stickers. With one glance I can well level AND genre a book is. Love time-savers!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So that's it! Pretty simple. And easy for my fourth graders to navigate independently. Which I like.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some libraries I love, found on Pinterest, the ultimate place to find anything and everything. In my opinion.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kindercrazeblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.kindercrazeblog.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfKCkzzLEvZk8D2AczqZ0uBHp7q1qOspqR4oQZ4nl_mdaaLZcTc7rTvlDqEceUByDU6mZeVZqG974axSKtLMRBSIFxiBrBeg88EuUzcVdiCu9n_wVxBMT8054fADfws6n5FQ4_KNp-9Y/s1600/1b6e857d8d91e485a46dc20a62ab3b1c.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lessonswithlaughter.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.lessonswithlaughter.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKS15tCXiv9gUkXgZS9l0tlAPbD5rg70hOcSjfNSVXf04XewbGPUIBJqCTQIqXEUBbsk7sXEFM8dbv-h-jvIHM4LmiMMCpOQKLjs42vaE9D6t8g_WBGIy6v3rUAW8BlX-1FXJ1UOyiGw/s1600/1d38d0496def1035cff38695e9c0c942.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.yaloveblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.yaloveblog.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsvqVNfB7WslmZSCiqMfborTlIZcot5nv7xcV6Ea7kmZCZ5-_LuiNLxfDDVlqOvqI75Y2VpJuCQ3azatCDhajBCp-U1du_LdcI20yxJ-kR2K19FjIEmG07ib36nEJ0zC3tpf44aImGso/s1600/b78e6c3e050679d003ae9a93000b08fe.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rundesroom.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.rundesroom.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQbMxBG86dHUheuxUpCI_vmiwyb8dka3Yq494ww54m2E9cHB974njKoRIUTDBDZMG4Vp8dvO4lc2R6IfmY6vTNyyi1Pa4KhHQp-Wm_MvnDAJMlHMO2fkx_PLKIp9TIAqg4wpjCW_z9XI/s1600/fee205217e119685f1c31a58b0e51c7d.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, it's not all about being the most beautiful (though these libraries certainly are). It's about making reading interesting <i>and</i> accessible to your students. Both appealing <i>and</i> functional. I encourage you to go to Pinterest (or a website of your choice) and search for "classroom library organization". You will find SO MUCH. So many helpful articles, blogs, and pictures out there. Find something you like and make it work for your classroom!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much for sticking with me. I could go on and on about reading and books and libraries. But I'll stop here and do something fun instead...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Rockstar-Classroom-Library-Labels-1278006" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Rockstar-Classroom-Library-Labels-1278006" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4gv5V83mO1achTorP5dzrfumZ5sHBLNlBtmOx5yZ5oNPOJsbFSB8oMXMzMc1cSsYQXTSV8aE2Z6y2OM5PSJdpiHjm31I3wfaHsVLV3B-Xgl3i1e9GbLPghThJwQtwN8Oxti8kAaVTpU/s1600/rockstar+labels.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn3ugRkn26FcJ9hIjqYB2eJtHLk6YuYaBGdgEtp2UOUGhqLs5vrH2I4tpgfidqgXbk6cqQsESAN4scUhFC06aKy1ufF9g0YLIt8AMyBn6-q9mlEQr-9ptfnlWQAdnWUSGPeLwwh5j3Cc/s1600/chevron+library.png" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Red-Black-White-Polka-Dot-Classroom-Library-Labels-Request-from-Pamela-S-1351429" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Red-Black-White-Polka-Dot-Classroom-Library-Labels-Request-from-Pamela-S-1351429" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmMlbujZ7XlWCepb2A61A8tSf-nP9-FN30y-TQcYZxaB-nAXsfWfBicyy8VTM9A6eiajUf524EcdHOq2_h37sSHXzQyaeGYJdzuRcyC8PZWqRH6FMBnyLvwiNB6DJmODRr3EKE5sjXmw/s1600/redandblacklibrarylabels+cover.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Classroom-Library-Labels-Pastel-Chevron-1365114" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Classroom-Library-Labels-Pastel-Chevron-1365114" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFeNh732ab-AopZPtZLk58E28gshY61W94oG_FUgZiRxho-fWcUVe5I3pimepnMgKM9vOrAgYY8hIbQG0bJ5fahWaDiVRA_WkJRb9YINOSbOm4FLXgqrNwLZjumwwLShghQZZ1q_6Lvg/s1600/Picture16.png" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leave a comment with your email and the set of Classroom Library Labels you would like the most and I will pick two winners! These are what I use in my own library. I love all the categories AND having some blank ones to add your own :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a great weekend!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-90696086226330947002014-08-01T08:00:00.000-05:002014-08-01T08:00:01.047-05:00Love Your Library - Part 2 - Getting Started<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8FVRYcStlShbimFhLEZkLdNwU1q_6TZwrF94mSuzonpeWj8V877uQUEKqqnDqaLSKYtrl2ymt-8dfazsCNtETzwn8LnX7fDVzlPjp8hmh9LJLBBjdycdTGewivIYrEsvzwaHUTAkKe0/s1600/banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8FVRYcStlShbimFhLEZkLdNwU1q_6TZwrF94mSuzonpeWj8V877uQUEKqqnDqaLSKYtrl2ymt-8dfazsCNtETzwn8LnX7fDVzlPjp8hmh9LJLBBjdycdTGewivIYrEsvzwaHUTAkKe0/s1600/banner.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello all! Happy Friday! I am back with Part 2 of my "Love Your Library" series. In my <a href="http://cuteintheclassroom.blogspot.com/2014/07/love-your-library-part-1.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, I talked about Getting Inspired and the importance of your classroom library. I challenged you to really think about how you present and teach reading in your classroom and how your library reflects that. So...did you think? I hope so :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3UD4X2jpffGjK2bb22rWWtM9621n7oa7b7JZeVnmBU4okQRitb9TXoUT39i02JTggSo8wYEkXQ2O6rlVVLplL4ixcWbrdhVZ4t_SKm3iF4ZPxIoc9hJLLqq8TZxCNgfDfNlegy4EX2U/s1600/getting+started.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3UD4X2jpffGjK2bb22rWWtM9621n7oa7b7JZeVnmBU4okQRitb9TXoUT39i02JTggSo8wYEkXQ2O6rlVVLplL4ixcWbrdhVZ4t_SKm3iF4ZPxIoc9hJLLqq8TZxCNgfDfNlegy4EX2U/s1600/getting+started.png" height="123" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I want to share with you about getting started with your classroom library. I will be starting my second year of teaching this August, so I am very familiar with the ins and outs of starting a library collection. Some questions I will answer: Where do I get books? How many should I get? Which books should I get?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are all great questions for you newbie teachers out there! But if you are already a teacher and you already have books, maybe you can get inspired to grow your library or change your thinking :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's start by taking a look at my library...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7n8ZSzMneF096a8DTlmZOCk7EsgRU8-EbsI9-s-Ki2tCe4YzDSXefsRr9yvKQstG8DpoB2Ex_NHyumGFbTZ0tUKleZk_nuy7d8REafbB2mrq7V8Wr-V4IS7M1iFYacJcs4Jc6__AWuE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7n8ZSzMneF096a8DTlmZOCk7EsgRU8-EbsI9-s-Ki2tCe4YzDSXefsRr9yvKQstG8DpoB2Ex_NHyumGFbTZ0tUKleZk_nuy7d8REafbB2mrq7V8Wr-V4IS7M1iFYacJcs4Jc6__AWuE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4PmlgX0MHv6AQdvrSVcFk7uNKjlDe_-F9ouE8D7URGlyTzvDCAoTfIr5oWEZKbYjn-YTWUBxRoc5qPzvdvkDI4p_jTTY5Z_BH9cKgoXNEdoOMLPj47ThABCTcwXKH_mLyUuedmUcWRo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4PmlgX0MHv6AQdvrSVcFk7uNKjlDe_-F9ouE8D7URGlyTzvDCAoTfIr5oWEZKbYjn-YTWUBxRoc5qPzvdvkDI4p_jTTY5Z_BH9cKgoXNEdoOMLPj47ThABCTcwXKH_mLyUuedmUcWRo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay first of all, my apologies for these pictures. I am clearly not a photographer!! What I wanted you to see is that I have A LOT of books.Your first question is probably... Where did those all come from?! And I don't blame you.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's talk book hunting. Now, I will say, I was blessed to come into a classroom that already had a small collection of books. That first shelf on the left, for example, might be the amount I was happy to find in my classroom. The rest? All me! And guess what else?<b> I didn't pay full price for a single book</b>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So listen up, new teachers, teachers wanting to grow their collections, student teachers, want-to-be-teachers, and anybody else! Here are some great ways to get books:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Garage sales (both online and in person)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flea markets and thrift stores</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Half-priced or used bookstores</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Relatives/family members/friends</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teachers that are retiring/moving grades</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scholastic Bonus Points </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Know of some other great places? Leave a comment below)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as possible, begin collecting books. I started my collection in college, and actually found that having my own books made some of my assignments easier! (No late-night library trips) Don't be afraid to Facebook post about what you need. Chances are, someone has a whole box they are needing to get rid of. Scrounge around in flea markets and at garage sales. I bought a stack a couple of weeks ago of chapter books that were all 50 cents or a dollar. And you really hit the jackpot when another teacher retires or moves.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you notice, though, that my list didn't include big-name stores like Walmart, Booksamilion, or Barnes & Noble? That's because (unless I have an incredible major coupon or they're having a fantastic sale) I never buy books there. If I want a brand new book, I use my Scholastic Bonus Points to buy it or wait until I find it at a half-price store. (Now I know that newbie teachers won't have any bonus points stored up, but it's definitely something you want to keep in mind for the future.)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But Know This: <b>You can't find what you're not looking for</b>. If are not looking for books - if that is not your priority - I promise you will pass right by them. Change your mindset. Remind yourself that "Libraries can change lives for the better" (Sidney Sheldon). </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So there you go! That's where you get books. Although I will tell you, invest in some good tape or clear contact paper to keep your used books looking good for as long as possible.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How many books are enough? And though my husband and my wallet might disagree with me, my answer is you can never have too many. Which books should you buy? As many as you can, in a wide range of topics and interests. You never know what book a kid is going to pick up. You never know which one they will connect with. I, for example, have always <strike>hated</strike> disliked <i>Goosebumps </i>books. I cannot get past how creepy the covers are. But some kids LOVE them. Look for them, ask for them, share them with their friends. So I buy them anyway. Because you know what? What's most important is that they are reading. And that they are enjoying reading. So it's important to buy books from a diverse collection of genres, particularly those that are high-quality (really good authors with really good writing) and high-interest (sports, monsters, celebrities, etc). </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Furthermore, your library needs books that are on, above, <b>and</b> below grade level for your students. Not every child reads on the same level, so our library should reflect that. Think about it this way...what if you walked into a bookstore that had only huge, scientific textbooks in it. You could pick out some of the words in them, but you ended up leaving empty-handed because this library wasn't made for you. There was no way you could enjoy that. If we only include books that are on-grade level, that's how our low students will feel- discouraged and empty-handed. Because they know that library wasn't designed for them. And this is true for students at the other end of the spectrum as well.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am a fourth grade teacher that has <i>Clifford</i> <b>and</b> <i>Harry Potter</i>. I have <i>Junie B. Jones</i> <b>and</b> I have <i>Hunger Games</i>. And all kinds in between. The point is, there should be something for <b>every reader</b> in your library. And while I'm at it, don't think if you are an upper elementary teacher that your library doesn't need picture books. I made this mistake early on, and now I find myself searching for more picture books than chapter books. Why? Because picture books are incredible mentor texts. They are wonderful classroom read-alouds. And if you Lexile level them, you'll find that many of them are in a very high range! In your picture books, you can find some really quality writing. So keep that in mind as well.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">“<i>This is how I show my students that I love them - by putting books in
their hands, by noticing what they are about, and finding books that
tell them, "I know. I know. I know how it is. I know who you are, and
even though we may never speak of it, read this book, and know that <b>I
understand you</b>.</i>” - Donalyn Miller, <i>The Book Whisperer</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In order to find "that book" for each of our students, we need a wide variety of choices. We need to be willing to go the extra mile to find what will help them enjoy reading- whether it is in our own library or someone else's. Let your library grow. Ignore the voice in your head that says "I don't need any more books. What I have is fine". Don't settle for fine.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much for reading. My challenge for you today is to go beyond "fine". Go beyond "the basics". How you approach reading is how your students will approach it- whether it is with dread or with enthusiasm is up to you.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check back tomorrow for Love Your Library Part 3 - Organization.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-70975439819129500702014-07-31T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-31T08:00:01.259-05:00Love Your Library - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLiebJnQQqkNZK8rFqffRGXV_qNi4m5hplUA809kDnKSJcQTX8UT0V6QsoVHe5_fRTcAVWPUjfYYsB7IuJZBvnbjfIMi15f5-mGXdz_kGBDkqkTyy8FccSIriH_pM1JaX9HHN7pw6e3o/s1600/banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLiebJnQQqkNZK8rFqffRGXV_qNi4m5hplUA809kDnKSJcQTX8UT0V6QsoVHe5_fRTcAVWPUjfYYsB7IuJZBvnbjfIMi15f5-mGXdz_kGBDkqkTyy8FccSIriH_pM1JaX9HHN7pw6e3o/s1600/banner.png" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well here we go. Getting something that's been rolling around in my head this week out and into the blogosphere.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Question: Do you love your classroom library? Is your library a living, breathing part of your instruction? Do your students beg to visit it? Do they fight over being the 'class librarian'? These are all things that I can say (without being a Bragging Betty) are true about my classroom and my library. Because I <i>love</i> my library. This bloggy series is here to tell you why. And how you can too. Hopefully.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsovp_UYg73ErvmMlAH2ONrRxA6B3C-2aYcz9REsGE_elMA_mL4LKiI_EQIfUiXXjtRg6eGt5l7MmC5oZxCwhPn3ADcCZ7BR4Yim-27U-zamDAuvu_HMhEn9Hr1S1Yp2SPHwx6frHUIeQ/s1600/getting+inspired.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsovp_UYg73ErvmMlAH2ONrRxA6B3C-2aYcz9REsGE_elMA_mL4LKiI_EQIfUiXXjtRg6eGt5l7MmC5oZxCwhPn3ADcCZ7BR4Yim-27U-zamDAuvu_HMhEn9Hr1S1Yp2SPHwx6frHUIeQ/s1600/getting+inspired.png" height="125" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ignore the excuses...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm too tired. My kids don't even like reading. They only care about video games and texting. I don't have any money. I don't have enough room for a library. I have some shelves with books- what's the big deal?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. <b>Libraries change lives for the better</b>." -</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Sidney Sheldon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is something I truly believe (tell me if you agree)- that I can walk into any classroom and immediately tell you what reading is like there. If the kids love to read, if the teacher loves to read, if reading is valued and encouraged- I can tell you that just by looking at your classroom. Really.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And no, the "presentation" isn't part of it. You don't have to have a deluxe camping tent, an adorable chevron teepee, or an elaborate tissue paper tree adorning your reading corner.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what you need to have: Books. Lots of them.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And you have to present them right. Sure, that cutesy decor may <i>get</i> them there, but what <i>keeps</i> them there? A treasured, cultivated, expressed, constant love for reading communicated by you. The teacher.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">As one of my favorite fellow reading-lovers and fabulous author Donalyn Miller states, "</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">A classroom atmosphere that promotes reading does not come from the
furniture and its placement as much as it comes from the <i>teacher's</i>
expectation that students will read.” Miller's books, <i>The Book Whisperer</i> and <i>Reading in the Wild</i> are both fabulous. Seriously. If you're having trouble getting inspired for a new year of teaching reading- read this. Or if you just love reading like me- still read it. But I digress.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is reading important to you? Yes I did just ask that. You teach it everyday. You have millions of workshops, trainings, books, and worksheets dedicated to it. But is reading, actual book-to-eyes-curled-up-in-the-corner-in-another-world reading, important to you?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I get it. Not everyone loves reading. My husband for example, would much rather watch TV. Or play a video game. So I get it. But I really believe that if you are a teacher dedicated to your students' success, you <i>must</i> value reading. You <i>must</i> understand that it is vital. That our students cannot go out into a world not knowing just <b>how</b> to read, but what reading can <b>do</b> for them. Where it can <b>take</b> them. What it can <b>teach</b> them. To have the kind of classroom that Donalyn Miller is talking about requires you to believe this. Not to agree with it. But believe. Let it pour out from you and into your students.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So much of this "success" is driven by presentation. How do you present reading to your students? Is "library time" just another part of your day? Another "have to" on your long list of lesson plans? What does your library look like? Is it a shelf in the corner? Some books and a rug? Or is it the <i>heartbeat</i> of your classroom? The <i>core</i> of your curriculum? Another favorite author of mine, Linda Dorn, says that "Your greatest classroom resource is a good book". </span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Does your library express that? Is it functional? Worn-in and worn-out? Dirty and disorganized? Good. That means it's being used. Does your classroom library get used throughout the day? Or just during "library time"?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So this is my challenge to you: Think about your classroom library. I know it's Back to School time and your mind is a million different places. But I promise you. Your library is worth it. Your attitude towards reading and books in your classroom is worth it. What is your library saying about reading to your students? And what can you change (physically and mentally) to make reading truly treasured in your classroom?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And be sure to turn in to Part Two tomorrow: Getting Started With Your Classroom Library.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for sticking with me! Here's some <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ceMx24ldJLQkdXNkM0N1RoZW8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">freebie love</a> :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ceMx24ldJLQkdXNkM0N1RoZW8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ceMx24ldJLQkdXNkM0N1RoZW8/edit?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtH8kJZrxAs7nBNCiq0tNS_Dp9Ed3GhjEj1dBpjGbtk_Le6mrEPc-KLaTApShx9vRdzlYTXDjIacwAr2FSzh6YTHMid9z-MYdPkt9p_9tMK0LYCtdLB7LImSCE2J6yFhQazkU_3Z2e9s/s1600/quote1.png" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-7420724551586190852014-07-28T21:49:00.001-05:002014-07-28T21:49:37.058-05:00Monday Made It! (July 28)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello all! I am glad to be back once again in the blogosphere. I may have mentioned this, but Husband and I live out in the country. Our internet is very temperamental. And it apparently decided to die for two weeks :( So that's where I've been! Ha.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2014/07/monday-made-it-summer-week-9.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2014/07/monday-made-it-summer-week-9.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4X-w8fjxY3U2OpW62pcJ9kEAlRlwPpo3c6HLyhIESQBWzm_CfwHCT-wZevTTTDNyq2fJBZvto2pSpz8SAQdwArS28CUo07hStqI6CTb81xh_RS-RdESM4WZW6CCLG345ub-F2fnv8Zw/s1600/Monday+Made+It+1.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's Monday! You know what that means... time to link up your latest projects with Tara from <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">4th Grade Frolics</a>. And believe me, I only have like a MILLION projects going on right now. So here we go!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-fOH8dkoLh-CoMcvHQc53wi0sdo63CCI3PwEyGtCVQusMFLMiPc7nz298mLXSKZp2DFV0DwuerrWY3N0LwM8InSFV-1y-Cu0iLKJj-yXgboQtKlztp5HXH6d2zYpschQNjoWhE2LLqw/s1600/Button+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-fOH8dkoLh-CoMcvHQc53wi0sdo63CCI3PwEyGtCVQusMFLMiPc7nz298mLXSKZp2DFV0DwuerrWY3N0LwM8InSFV-1y-Cu0iLKJj-yXgboQtKlztp5HXH6d2zYpschQNjoWhE2LLqw/s1600/Button+1.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">My first "made it" is actually NOT school-related. *gasp* I know, right? Check out my new wreath for August/September!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcjNJD8tOqwG2AgJ8zwnuJ1m6RnBn5PVzGxJTuHp5C_O3eP1FSvxbsDub9YUYDrpEeDC7QFmBz33fZkD_UUnD78xBZMTwZxZWju-ZvllFj3IAYiZvernnQ_L2kBr-VPV7do6_8KoLFvQ/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcjNJD8tOqwG2AgJ8zwnuJ1m6RnBn5PVzGxJTuHp5C_O3eP1FSvxbsDub9YUYDrpEeDC7QFmBz33fZkD_UUnD78xBZMTwZxZWju-ZvllFj3IAYiZvernnQ_L2kBr-VPV7do6_8KoLFvQ/s1600/photo(11).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The story of this wreath and how I actually got myself to make something that WASN'T for school: I've had the same wreath up since spring. Like, a long time ago. It didn't really bother me though, because it was burlap, pink, and blue. Summer-ish, right? Sometimes I would look at it and think about making/buying a new one...but then I would think of something better to do (most likely school-related). So what made me change my mind? Husband. Yes. For real. He noticed how long it had been up there, and offered to buy me a new one. That's how I knew....<b>it was time</b>. So during my weekly (feels like daily sometimes) Walmart (small town Suzy here) I snatched up a cute wreath and some fake foliage and slapped this thing together. Oh, and a letter B for Burns. It's actually gold, not white like it looks in the picture. Whatcha think?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rgPVpHM0wHd1KhsmjDloggilifK7I4dg2Sk4_LvF9ct285VNGzc-gejGPcmn4KTqlCxEF5BHhhznJ4XpSWkS72jQR1HZAWcrtJNrQS2CKkAwL6Kt3f7nGTSi8F4PKVuN2CY3rHrlPig/s1600/Button+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rgPVpHM0wHd1KhsmjDloggilifK7I4dg2Sk4_LvF9ct285VNGzc-gejGPcmn4KTqlCxEF5BHhhznJ4XpSWkS72jQR1HZAWcrtJNrQS2CKkAwL6Kt3f7nGTSi8F4PKVuN2CY3rHrlPig/s1600/Button+2.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Talk-Turns-Taking-Turns-During-Literature-Discussion-FREEBIE-1351505" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Talk-Turns-Taking-Turns-During-Literature-Discussion-FREEBIE-1351505" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvZ4hTWGl1woyAUgQEALjfqtQo_Cr2BvACSWhPmnAWEKBsv5pEoIabbPIOThQ-2pAhChCdq-RDMogAZi7h9Td_neGN7ZrPiHMXdGr4w4EpzYN41JE86cfGIX0gDpS4u8MQU-yjzQEdqk/s1600/talk+turns.png" height="400" width="301" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">My next "made it" is a new freebie from my TPT store! I've been thinking a lot lately about literature circles and how I use them in my classroom. I feel like everyone (teachers) knows what they are and generally how literature circles function, but it wasn't until this summer (after some awesome workshops) that I really learned <i>how</i> to set them up and make them successful. This freebie is one of the ways that I plan on doing that this year. I learned this from my super awesome student teaching mentor. She actually used poker chips (love it) with her kids!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">How it works: At the beginning of the discussion, give each group member a couple of talk turns (or poker chips!). The rules? To share or take part in the discussion, you have to put a "talk turn" in the pile. When you run out, you're done! Everyone has to use all of their turns before the discussion is over. Once everyone has run out of talk turns, you can then share freely.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's talk about it: Would I use this <b>all</b> year with my groups? No. A goal of literature circles is that students learn the "norms" of discussions- when and how to take turns talking to one another about a topic. In real conversations, people don't carry around talk turn cards (although don't you wish some people did?) and my kids need to learn that. But, this is a great way to introduce this concept, especially to younger kiddos. At the beginning of the year, when we are learning the "norms" of literature circles, I will most definitely be using these, then taking them away gradually. I would also pull these out if some of my kids are backsliding into talking too much or not participating in discussions. You can do this with any small objects you already have OR you can go "Cute in the Classroom" style and download <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Talk-Turns-Taking-Turns-During-Literature-Discussion-FREEBIE-1351505" target="_blank">this freebie</a> ;)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What tools do you use to make literature circles run smoothly in the classroom? I'd love to hear! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFL9dGkQNff8BsVVd4fT_QLlgV1RL5ODYJFBcGH7-hZt05FijDhXx0EJG9ZGNN45Fa2doAD1NyKS4e1wEY16tjSmnnh2A8c2xix1BKLmHyrFYOROAsA0nhfLnXKJajdxijWb2jcLsnho/s1600/Button+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFL9dGkQNff8BsVVd4fT_QLlgV1RL5ODYJFBcGH7-hZt05FijDhXx0EJG9ZGNN45Fa2doAD1NyKS4e1wEY16tjSmnnh2A8c2xix1BKLmHyrFYOROAsA0nhfLnXKJajdxijWb2jcLsnho/s1600/Button+3.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And because I'm awesome, here's another "made it" freebie from my store...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Writing-Process-Chart-FREEBIE-1351802" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Writing-Process-Chart-FREEBIE-1351802" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp3qtaL1eLZnj4AIJ0Ws_sr9GFh8UQLeShUXJ7bvrl-yM4SOBfYPcny5UYoPyKIk-XwLVDgnoVplAZln4D7unYc_oUIp759b0PCZLhhyphenhyphen9Fx7W7iIYTFpjtyLsKV57Q-Jf_9qMAD_jzv8/s1600/writing+process.png" height="345" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Another for-my-classroom "made it". I plan on using this writing process chart to track my students' progress in their writing. I'm tired of writing time being chaos and students calling my name or lining up by my desk for help (don't judge me...you've been there). Now, they will have a clothespin (with a cute little matching number, of course) to move up and down as needed. Need a conference? Move your clip there. With one glance, I can tell who is doing what. And I like that. Feel free to grab up <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Writing-Process-Chart-FREEBIE-1351802" target="_blank">this freebie</a>!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2cdHLDah9srUWPCFO6ESDi5e4JtfwuTPfBXIR5wVBUBvYA04RmIbNy2yZvec_cFnG5kyf7uAD9Rm4neHiUshQ_BivaifxHl_45bIx3-4psezgi-wYE6qVQ_l3X4_LYYUKiS6YmtHvjc/s1600/Button+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2cdHLDah9srUWPCFO6ESDi5e4JtfwuTPfBXIR5wVBUBvYA04RmIbNy2yZvec_cFnG5kyf7uAD9Rm4neHiUshQ_BivaifxHl_45bIx3-4psezgi-wYE6qVQ_l3X4_LYYUKiS6YmtHvjc/s1600/Button+4.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And lastly, another digital "made-it". When I make some more progress in my classroom I promise I will post more real-life ones!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Red-Black-White-Polka-Dot-Classroom-Library-Labels-Request-from-Pamela-S-1351429" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Red-Black-White-Polka-Dot-Classroom-Library-Labels-Request-from-Pamela-S-1351429" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYftJSVjFMV7qByqFCVpkf9zHsj31ML-Mj6jZYbVH_SF9aRTY8F3CxPIjD6CtaeK6nYsFCjmL874NbKlJDl-X77cEDmX5EUaeLYTlWgaTBEog9D0hYwUQF6ALZzhAyB_MCG5BE4SfBxXw/s1600/redandblacklibrarylabels.png" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">More library labels! This time I made some red and black labels with white polka dots for a TPT follower. I love how cutesy these are. The thing I love (and hate) the most about my library labels (I also have chevron and zebra/rockstar) is that there are SO many choices. 172 to be exact. Today I was working on my classroom library and laboring over which categories to make or not...ah the joys of teaching. Anyways, <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Red-Black-White-Polka-Dot-Classroom-Library-Labels-Request-from-Pamela-S-1351429" target="_blank">grab 'em</a> if you need em :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So there are my "made-it"s for today! I worked in my room today and will return tomorrow, so hopefully I will remember to take pictures of what I "make" so I can post again next week about them! <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2014/07/monday-made-it-summer-week-9.html" target="_blank">Go see</a> what everybody is making and what not!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-89680282724983532982014-07-18T23:20:00.001-05:002014-07-18T23:20:15.480-05:00Five For Friday (7/18/14)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello all!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/07/five-for-friday-linky-party-july-18.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/07/five-for-friday-linky-party-july-18.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZuFTiy3e_2ZTPW_l113xhGTP_OGKW0LF0xAS6d0IDyQp2Z0yrN3G9QhawgEMLksLdrtB50kMyIqOWPyDioRlnmn3bq65_8yhUJa7BifGyKjiJM6eC17PUT2EDSo4kHxwP4LvkyXPK8k/s1600/fiveforfriday2_thumb%255B5%255D.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Linking up today with <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs</a> for another Five for Friday to tell you about what I've been up to this week!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBOMc2t8AyNMbYzHjo3ykoswL3ztYeg83nbpnpHyBWHtigfZlnM9awReS1oT7_DTkCll_xARKo9iUw6t5t6ezyrepdDA1gZ76FCg1TLul_NsyGj4cNqVoRyiMY9j_zu3Aur_wjbJta8w/s1600/Divider+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBOMc2t8AyNMbYzHjo3ykoswL3ztYeg83nbpnpHyBWHtigfZlnM9awReS1oT7_DTkCll_xARKo9iUw6t5t6ezyrepdDA1gZ76FCg1TLul_NsyGj4cNqVoRyiMY9j_zu3Aur_wjbJta8w/s1600/Divider+1.png" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First of all, I went to my classroom this week! You know what this means, right? I'm not in denial any more. I've realized that, as of today, there is exactly one month until the first day. The. First. Day. Sighhhhhh. So I went to school. And got started on a project I told you about in my last post...my bookcases! Like I said, my six bookcases were a <strike>hideous</strike> lovely combo of yellow, green, blue, and brown. Not cute. My original plan was to make them a dark brown. Cute, right? Not so much. Walmart had other plans. They were out of yellow in the paint mixer thingy. I'm Small Town Suzy, remember? And I am not patient. So I bought some premixed black paint and that's what the bookcases are. And I only have one and a half left to do! Woo!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pOAWhh2NG2NNCpAGFDrKR3-C4NU4_7XsYP_HYUPDFFLXXjSjmFx5aT-H4QXBDwEkQDLUdjNI39fmzrmHiBT5SBkYlkgIx4yTNZzxnjhEwM8br9AZ9u1YhnUbKyvzjgZfdp6yZr63cXo/s1600/photo(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pOAWhh2NG2NNCpAGFDrKR3-C4NU4_7XsYP_HYUPDFFLXXjSjmFx5aT-H4QXBDwEkQDLUdjNI39fmzrmHiBT5SBkYlkgIx4yTNZzxnjhEwM8br9AZ9u1YhnUbKyvzjgZfdp6yZr63cXo/s1600/photo(10).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqtyiz_LKaNNPk5ZFljz8JnvmElwjjB5tkz9sKclQmokiD_9k9bu3kXMufZXLGQu3vH9RNpH37lkjRtdHzhtn9rOM6SCIz-6xe0f1u9f-E7dPaPzHwmFUHL_lwmggRfAqd3bSZmHYaTM/s1600/Divider+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqtyiz_LKaNNPk5ZFljz8JnvmElwjjB5tkz9sKclQmokiD_9k9bu3kXMufZXLGQu3vH9RNpH37lkjRtdHzhtn9rOM6SCIz-6xe0f1u9f-E7dPaPzHwmFUHL_lwmggRfAqd3bSZmHYaTM/s1600/Divider+2.png" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which leads me to the reason why the bookcases aren't finished...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZs-WE7OQTo5km46MviyOj_deZ41LHFmU_mQ0dtimddLJn1tYV6SsAhmxWj0PNPw9p8kVGUanNavDfQxnViZXNc7bCRNR3uO5tvOD8RrOqMHr_R5lsAqvT0Rlppa-wYzPQkUJYTK39UE/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZs-WE7OQTo5km46MviyOj_deZ41LHFmU_mQ0dtimddLJn1tYV6SsAhmxWj0PNPw9p8kVGUanNavDfQxnViZXNc7bCRNR3uO5tvOD8RrOqMHr_R5lsAqvT0Rlppa-wYzPQkUJYTK39UE/s1600/photo.PNG" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My dog baby Lewis finally caught a car :( He loves to chase them. But the other day one finally caught him. He gave me a mini heart attack, I swear. We were very lucky in that he only has a dislocated hip. Nothing broken, thank goodness. But he has to have his leg taped up and his movement restricted for several weeks. Which should be interesting for him, since this dog LOVES to move. He's been pretty grumpy about it actually. So I have been dealing with that. Fun stuff, right? Not so much. Moving on to happier things...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLICzOU_Q69UX58aoAvqZo9UTsq9fMBq1BMkxPEdFCZdXPgti6pNOlR-Ejzbbk7rOhDtLQcr89NeUpehyWF1D_VGB2s9JJngLdBJ0ENA30xhBbAWHt0_gf78spyKaAIdo7yCIofdC4ueU/s1600/Divider+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLICzOU_Q69UX58aoAvqZo9UTsq9fMBq1BMkxPEdFCZdXPgti6pNOlR-Ejzbbk7rOhDtLQcr89NeUpehyWF1D_VGB2s9JJngLdBJ0ENA30xhBbAWHt0_gf78spyKaAIdo7yCIofdC4ueU/s1600/Divider+3.png" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you follow me on Instagram (@cuteintheclassroom), I posted today about my Back to School pile at my house. Anybody else have one of those going on? Mine is getting seriously out of control. It wasn't too bad until I hit up the school supplies aisle at the store yesterday...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L_rlg4KUVbzl3ujecjst0d7GkDoYi4MjDlazajlvIf1QBqXR9sIAdGIcf51lzz8nsl-LjpPdnGr4VWlhUmNV5ISwzvJhZJithkZdWa1uaC7a70Le38CxcvasVZRukqmxYWijC5BIxDs/s1600/school+supplies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L_rlg4KUVbzl3ujecjst0d7GkDoYi4MjDlazajlvIf1QBqXR9sIAdGIcf51lzz8nsl-LjpPdnGr4VWlhUmNV5ISwzvJhZJithkZdWa1uaC7a70Le38CxcvasVZRukqmxYWijC5BIxDs/s1600/school+supplies.png" height="341" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I was the crazy lady at the store with no children buying tons of school supplies. We should make shirts... "Don't worry, I'm a teacher." Ha. I stocked up on composition notebooks- I like to buy extras for the kiddos that don't bring them and I plan on using some for class journals. I also got index cards (can never have too many), markers, erasers, crayons, glue, and duct tape. You can also see my pillows for the library in the background and some book bins as well. And that's just what you can see ;) What have you bought??</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOgsuCuIBXhNSJFWsDC-DlZEydJ0TpCyoMTrsVOJxeOr6ssZRdpD5Mdp62g3S74uEfsKeGwIL5plQ0etiICDN1Ge4bklgx8aK8mIAZ45Ge4iyHIEf_ilfn6gFeL7sEqQkszWRyJrToDU/s1600/Divider+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOgsuCuIBXhNSJFWsDC-DlZEydJ0TpCyoMTrsVOJxeOr6ssZRdpD5Mdp62g3S74uEfsKeGwIL5plQ0etiICDN1Ge4bklgx8aK8mIAZ45Ge4iyHIEf_ilfn6gFeL7sEqQkszWRyJrToDU/s1600/Divider+4.png" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And now I want to share about a BIG project I have been working on lately. I shared a sneak peek on Instagram the other night...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWEEU1Zbl1GcaGoHOemaclu3lKHPDtH8qYt756YKPRC-59gtipLP94ccGO5-eG6uKWeLUv5SgWj4gGy_AQxG5qgC60eBUuLuGkKuo2vMGcTwDfPzHalcpBp7XyAKQbxkS9beFh4GG8CE/s1600/ccss+quick+guides.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWEEU1Zbl1GcaGoHOemaclu3lKHPDtH8qYt756YKPRC-59gtipLP94ccGO5-eG6uKWeLUv5SgWj4gGy_AQxG5qgC60eBUuLuGkKuo2vMGcTwDfPzHalcpBp7XyAKQbxkS9beFh4GG8CE/s1600/ccss+quick+guides.png" height="357" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My latest product is something I am really excited about using in my own classroom...<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" target="_blank">CCSS ELA Quick Guides</a>. Have you ever been writing the daily objectives/standards on the board for the day and needed the "number"? And then you have to go dig out your Common Core binder or find your lesson plans (my desk is a war zone) just to put "RL.4.1" on the board. Sigh. Precious seconds wasted. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't really remember how the idea came to me (it's usually in my sleep...not kidding), but I wanted a way to keep the standards handy, easy to find, and easy to read. No digging around, no searching through other grades' to find mine, just <i>there</i>. Ready to go. Done.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So here you go! Brightly colored- you can see them across the room on your desk amidst the sea of papers, notes, and books. Organized- by each ELA subject (Literature, Informational Text, Foundational Skills, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language). Fast- just flip right to the standard you need!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So here's how they work...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Download your grade.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Print.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Glue or staple together into a flipbook.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get to work.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLGGT3hJKKlcodeUS_0-JYEK8GPJlTM3i53zn2d7ubx1YWDvpk00FGnBrcnj6Ht_JPHDARGfm_od8dtwoN0C1_FVAYtswEJVSoLtef3Gtc7psvsQxqLuPGXcEwBBCBvxV_yVM1GXhc64/s1600/DSCN7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLGGT3hJKKlcodeUS_0-JYEK8GPJlTM3i53zn2d7ubx1YWDvpk00FGnBrcnj6Ht_JPHDARGfm_od8dtwoN0C1_FVAYtswEJVSoLtef3Gtc7psvsQxqLuPGXcEwBBCBvxV_yVM1GXhc64/s1600/DSCN7469.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgdD5ZwHwZqjBwYiLWzirhchAhj6QIqSrN04dOAkyEIGcpRg7XU8qhRWwj24JpdpM4l5p3AeU75-L5eZtjNgjki63ijJVJ2679bYXkZBCGiDKrp6y5_FStbti7R4m5J3eXBytKnwjTHs/s1600/DSCN7472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgdD5ZwHwZqjBwYiLWzirhchAhj6QIqSrN04dOAkyEIGcpRg7XU8qhRWwj24JpdpM4l5p3AeU75-L5eZtjNgjki63ijJVJ2679bYXkZBCGiDKrp6y5_FStbti7R4m5J3eXBytKnwjTHs/s1600/DSCN7472.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you guys think?? I currently have K through 4 posted in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" target="_blank">store</a> and ready to go. I also have plans to work on 5th grade, <i>and</i> if things go well, maybe some Quick Guides for Math standards?? Hmmm??? Anyway, if you're interested, check 'em out!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrViny4JGK_txCN_dh6MwltGn9vyT127ZgJvlAPHicTkik0KiPgDPyW1vMpjzvB1tXcKIB2liR-NWP-t0haMaZUHwQEjKADwJDnkaLJpFpw3ZQc9wlqTlGVp5WCHxCxXgI7mTK8D70Bo8/s1600/4thcover.png" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9OKKb_G1xdJwyQxirflQPd7uXLTTagRdDJWvz4COUkY0SmRcn7_xQeEPFHZqztaayMxU8BWKzDJ7DOy6NOjODIclyhXmlccomcp8RQxEpkrCx_L_3muDMH0uhVe5_MMr7v9_hmEvAAQ/s1600/Divider+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9OKKb_G1xdJwyQxirflQPd7uXLTTagRdDJWvz4COUkY0SmRcn7_xQeEPFHZqztaayMxU8BWKzDJ7DOy6NOjODIclyhXmlccomcp8RQxEpkrCx_L_3muDMH0uhVe5_MMr7v9_hmEvAAQ/s1600/Divider+5.png" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally, here's what I've been listening to lately...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUVbNqe1f3ngWGyjyYBnr67_AEl6SroVrJYJrbUM7KRL30MDx8kwEuhHGXs4K-arLmIincdobbYy07BnFvPrWtF9kF8R6Wy5i0X66xJ6NTl0OmM2hH_unUuB7oUpdzCphn39J9s64vsU/s1600/sam-smith-in-the-lonely-hour-track-list-album-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUVbNqe1f3ngWGyjyYBnr67_AEl6SroVrJYJrbUM7KRL30MDx8kwEuhHGXs4K-arLmIincdobbYy07BnFvPrWtF9kF8R6Wy5i0X66xJ6NTl0OmM2hH_unUuB7oUpdzCphn39J9s64vsU/s1600/sam-smith-in-the-lonely-hour-track-list-album-cover.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His voice is <i>amazing</i>!!! If I'm not watching TV, I have to have some kind of tunes to listen to while I work. What do you guys like these days?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well that's all for me on this lovely Friday! Hope you guys have a spectacular weekend.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. Thanks for sticking with me! Comment with your grade and email and I will choose two lucky people to get a CCSS ELA Quick Guide hot off the presses ;)</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-77431574161236673342014-07-13T22:10:00.001-05:002014-07-13T22:10:44.338-05:00Two Linkys on a Sunday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello all! Happy Sunday :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you all are enjoying your summer vacations...I know I personally am being as lazy as possible!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight I am linking up with <a href="http://mrslaffinslaughings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Laffin's Laughings</a> for A Peek at My Week and <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin</a> for their Scavenger Hunt Linky.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWsUQ9eg8u8c4VauVYn2JXQzcodFBKD25-Uh1YibeMau-g1xlaWeR7XBEzxRSBlc9kunxPikyZka9VonXtLusPT1zA2zssk6tafZrhKzhvdfmihzR7AEKV27KbX2VCOBA_zBIP7UqqhM/s1600/linky.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://mrslaffinslaughings.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-peek-at-my-week-7-13-14.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://mrslaffinslaughings.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-peek-at-my-week-7-13-14.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpPK9xUYg5QfqcNbOq5dwzHYxBlAZr1xCHY7PKsWINqhdwg_te01cyci30joSBhhWfVYmDH2NIglzT9XV6pZWhHkwJPQgdmwgO8sCW0dwEyzJP9jflmn5E_YxFo_e7wdiiL0fFvh8GfM/s1600/Slide1.PNG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-scavenger-hunt-linky.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FdeHub+%28Blog+Hoppin%27%29" target="_blank"><img alt="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-scavenger-hunt-linky.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FdeHub+%28Blog+Hoppin%27%29" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCxRABIMO0dy2d5_Xt3TpNu2zCJH4Jr7c7KQvnGK7CsjfcaO5zAYSolfHOh9WriFEFAGb__W5L-y6cftoendMtO1XpjzKDeRh2kBTT0D4yZVKYLMRshQq8_7rFVFJ7UFZwWXQJ8RSu0s/s1600/linky.png" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So what does my week look like? Well, I am finally getting into the "back to school" spirit. There are countless projects and ideas rolling around in my head right now!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(1) Tomorrow my plan is to paint my bookshelves at school! I inherited six bookshelves in my classroom last year (how lucky am I, right?) but was too overwhelmed with the whole "being a new teacher and freaking out" thing to worry about what color they were. They are a collection of bright yellow, hunter green, royal blue, and just plain wood. Yuck. So my plan is to paint them all a dark brown color (to go with my color scheme currently and hopefully any in the future) tomorrow. If they look good and I don't die, they might show up in Monday Made It tomorrow ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (2) I also had my first product request on TPT! I LOVE my Classroom Library Labels, especially since I revamped them not too long ago. A sweet follower of mine requested some black, red, and white polka dot labels for her classroom. So this week I will be whipping those up for her. I currently have <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" target="_blank">chevron</a> and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Rockstar-Classroom-Library-Labels-1278006" target="_blank">zebra rockstar</a> labels in <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" target="_blank">my store</a> now, if you want to check them out!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(3) My last plan for the week is to continue participating in the <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2014/07/oh-snap-its-here-its-here-its-finally.html" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin 2014 Scavenger Hunt</a>! Have you checked this out? I am loving it. I uploaded like four pictures on my Instagram tonight. Sorry. But not really. Because I really want to win A CAMERA. Seriously!!! I have already highlighted a bunch of items on the list to take pictures of tomorrow at school. Planning ahead. It's what winners do, okay? Okay. Here are some of my favorite posts so far...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6j00anBF6oBNDwm3Uz00TKaVDg1q9pSFN_stZRrIvRoFWs3WlN9gQcKWw7vxeOimzsLT7ohKdqglPcLW-wf7P0IEyOjTIuOEM5Jggx3KAzO8vOJvdYVSRE-B2UhXLG62xpiSZlDZ7oM/s1600/bloghoppin3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6j00anBF6oBNDwm3Uz00TKaVDg1q9pSFN_stZRrIvRoFWs3WlN9gQcKWw7vxeOimzsLT7ohKdqglPcLW-wf7P0IEyOjTIuOEM5Jggx3KAzO8vOJvdYVSRE-B2UhXLG62xpiSZlDZ7oM/s1600/bloghoppin3.png" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">A collection of seashells (just added some coral from our Hawaii trip!) and someone wearing leopard print (me... of course). Bought those sandals yesterday at my favorite place ever- Target! And they were on sale. Boom.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxEpN8w_-QrPk4_-tX9py7PvpBDS_y4vdqyoa9CwzLtgcRX647XIkyKbyB_0_d7QOXltavzbqXVqxWT9N_teZvDKbyv66_trP7nGjrPcDR0FofhKEF6lgam0VBJVB-xHUbEO-afAnHjQ/s1600/bloghoppin2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxEpN8w_-QrPk4_-tX9py7PvpBDS_y4vdqyoa9CwzLtgcRX647XIkyKbyB_0_d7QOXltavzbqXVqxWT9N_teZvDKbyv66_trP7nGjrPcDR0FofhKEF6lgam0VBJVB-xHUbEO-afAnHjQ/s1600/bloghoppin2.png" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">A coaster, a library card (mine, duh), and something gold.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr2O61cdkI10YXcmYJDJduUoLB_SXL0CALaEjA8y9nN0LmLT1-gpb-_Z2sPjV2IwigOymsZiG1R1vJC6qlHiinTjXNXERWblED65cHmsy4M1LZ1WIe2aPCHWK0OJUZGGfMYxLtbuCRk0/s1600/bloghoppin1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr2O61cdkI10YXcmYJDJduUoLB_SXL0CALaEjA8y9nN0LmLT1-gpb-_Z2sPjV2IwigOymsZiG1R1vJC6qlHiinTjXNXERWblED65cHmsy4M1LZ1WIe2aPCHWK0OJUZGGfMYxLtbuCRk0/s1600/bloghoppin1.png" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Six different colors of construction paper, mismatched socks, a PD book, and a teacher mug. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So if you haven't been scavenger-hunting...what are you waiting for? So easy. So fun. And a great way to meet other bloggy friends. Check out the rules and get your Blog Hoppin sign and item list <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2014/07/oh-snap-its-here-its-here-its-finally.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you're on Instagram, find me @cuteintheclassroom to follow my scavenger hunt journey and cheer me on! Or just follow me. Cause I'll follow back. And I like making friends :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And don't forget to give us a peek at your week <a href="http://mrslaffinslaughings.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-peek-at-my-week-7-13-14.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-91825244744007524512014-07-07T15:09:00.001-05:002014-07-07T15:09:29.272-05:00Monday Made It - FINALLY!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Arkansas girl is BACK! Remember like three weeks ago when I said I was going to do a Monday Made It about those pillows I made for my classroom library? Yeah, that never happened. Because this did...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/cuteintheclassroom" target="_blank"><img alt="http://instagram.com/cuteintheclassroom" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88t6DvUEfSzwKzesC6GbITbh5VWEOMYsJmux9Q-AxPvYWnwvHg7mxLNC2IyTUEuWnvJZ4YkQD_fNuaK16_SA0Ud3QrenKiemfNRCVcJtjBGM-qKkqPr_8r9ZSPv4j4T26Rw01A7J1boo/s1600/lkluo.png" height="400" width="397" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yep. I've had a good reason for my absence. Hawaii! It was amazing. We spent a week on Maui and <b>ohmygoodness</b> I didn't want to leave. I kept trying to convince everyone that technically I didn't have to come home til August...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anywho. I refused to bring my computer with me on vacation. I usually do. But this time I just brought books instead. Fun books. Not even teacher books. And I did ZERO work. Did I think about work? Yes. Can't help that. When I was sitting in the airport did I wish I had brought my computer? A little. But sometimes you need to make yourself take a mental vacation too. So that's what I did! It was so perfect. But now I am back, refreshed, and ready to go!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">It killed me being away from the blogosphere for even a week! My Bloglovin feed is OUT OF CONTROL. So much to catch up on. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">But first, I thought I would finally share with you the Monday Made It I promised like three million weeks ago: my new classroom library pillows!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2014/07/monday-made-it-summer-week-6.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2014/07/monday-made-it-summer-week-6.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwNbj84ggE2YMVRyCGZKh8vPWePEyFQlKNhaNHtv4DukEoeVDKrfqYW43WCx01OQFe6-2y9qV3GCkwQob3FFka7ZPFnvX0H2wN4Gz-TQkH9kEI2fVJGZoDe8EN8c9hscZaNvwMv-Ds3o/s1600/Monday+Made+It+1.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So here is the story of The Pillows.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I came to my classroom last year as a first year teacher, I was very blessed. The teachers before me had left LOTS of stuff. Most of that was a good thing. There was a lot of cleaning/chunking that happened this time last year. But they left rugs, lamps, shelves, stools...it was great. They also left two beanbag chairs for the library. Well, actually three. But one of them looked like it had been there since the 80's. So that one went goodbye. And I had two great beanbag chairs for my fourth graders to <strike>fight over</strike> sit in this year and read. Well naturally, as the year went on, one of the beanbags died. Big hole. Stuffing everywhere. Sad kids. Sad me. Because beanbags, for some horrible reason, are actually kind of expensive. And I did not want to buy new ones. I thought about trying to salvage the dead one...matching duct tape came to mind...but no. A new, better idea happened. Pillows!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ADXvJ293mwXiO4rzKKMRj_bLWaImwlr1FVXiGEppmmPcd4Sy88bpTxNAJ5lsnf7AfbUd5o9eXulf6VP2pA5zIkMFAKzytjoayPEuaF3tVpoCto9eK9-kheXq4TSD614gvwFcFz5siic/s1600/Picture4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ADXvJ293mwXiO4rzKKMRj_bLWaImwlr1FVXiGEppmmPcd4Sy88bpTxNAJ5lsnf7AfbUd5o9eXulf6VP2pA5zIkMFAKzytjoayPEuaF3tVpoCto9eK9-kheXq4TSD614gvwFcFz5siic/s1600/Picture4.png" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When Husband and I got married (two years this month!), we got a couch from a family friend. An old, comfy, loved on couch. It is the best for naps. And it came with throw pillows that were not really my style, if you know what I mean. So I chunked the covers and kept the insides, thinking "you never know" and put them in a closet. Two years later, I remembered the pillow inserts. And decided to put them to good use.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u4_KX7ipO8BNsSfdQm0Clc04pbg_IAv0DtZjI2Md8Vq4u6S5XBGQPfC5tpFE8XqqeiX2tUG25bHgPhu-Pp0vvdLDAZJvAlMSDenPRbOhG62bPMtxWNteSrjoe3bIO2hYs-3dZ_or6G4/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u4_KX7ipO8BNsSfdQm0Clc04pbg_IAv0DtZjI2Md8Vq4u6S5XBGQPfC5tpFE8XqqeiX2tUG25bHgPhu-Pp0vvdLDAZJvAlMSDenPRbOhG62bPMtxWNteSrjoe3bIO2hYs-3dZ_or6G4/s1600/Picture1.png" height="400" width="310" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I bought some microfiber filling and stuffed them up some more. I had to cut them open to do this, and I don't sew, so that's why they are ghetto-tied at the tops. Ha.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC2ov5ZfS1fhnlISFpy-BTMQxVQTCpyxH3vGy-ebQAWmEemnPqk_OrKyfi3XeHdQi30mDY2nM3fIl7xJBG9Q8pgSUa3q8MPaP_nmYldaUKJowRN5_SRGIAD8SDZ0J1ExOQ1Qe0m7ePxo/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC2ov5ZfS1fhnlISFpy-BTMQxVQTCpyxH3vGy-ebQAWmEemnPqk_OrKyfi3XeHdQi30mDY2nM3fIl7xJBG9Q8pgSUa3q8MPaP_nmYldaUKJowRN5_SRGIAD8SDZ0J1ExOQ1Qe0m7ePxo/s1600/Picture2.png" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">At this point, I think it would have been super cute to sew some pillows in a cute, durable fabric. You know, chevron or something. But I don't sew. Not even a little. Or if you like near an Ikea, they sell pillow covers on the cheap. That would have been easy too. And probably better looking. But again, I don't sew. And Ikea is four hours away. So this is what I came up with!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I bought some fleece (about two yards of each to make four pillows...with left over!) in teal and pink, two of my classroom colors. I really wanted brown or orange or lime green. But remember, I'm Small Town Suzy. Walmart is my fabric store. I got lucky with these, okay? Okay.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmbVaUaJj3rB9L3BMlDMRiy7t3_wE6zKWMx1YLsyV2dkDbEa2r3rmco-jla7KHDyTsF6TuGIRmUMqWINUy2RwGPx2cq081gR5H0PEo9oox1v2izw0E1oCPV07EiV7thKM6AprsmvUNIg/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmbVaUaJj3rB9L3BMlDMRiy7t3_wE6zKWMx1YLsyV2dkDbEa2r3rmco-jla7KHDyTsF6TuGIRmUMqWINUy2RwGPx2cq081gR5H0PEo9oox1v2izw0E1oCPV07EiV7thKM6AprsmvUNIg/s1600/Picture3.png" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So with some "help" from Lewis, who seemed to think I bought the fleece for him to lay on, I started on my pillows.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Note- This is not a tutorial. I did not follow instructions. I did not look up how to make these. I did not measure. I am a start-cutting-and-see-where-things-go kind of person. So I eyeballed two squares of each color, cut two to three inch strips on the sides, put the pillow in the middle, and double-knotted them together. Voila! Pillows. Done.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tips</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. If you are really into being neat and tidy, you should probably look up a tutorial to follow. You should use a ruler. You should measure things. It would make you feel better, and they would probably look better than mine.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. You do not have to use two colors. I chose two colors because (a) there was not enough teal fleece to do four pillows (b) I like pink and (c) I made myself choose something the boys would like too. Originally, I was going to make two teal pillows and two pink pillows, but then I thought about how much my students might argue about what color they got to sit on. So I made them all the same. Because I like to solve problems before I have them.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Get the good stuff. It's hard to tell, but I used two different types of fleece for these. The pink is the normal, thick kind. Good. The teal is thin and stretchy. Bad. You want to get all the <b>same</b> kind, first of all, and all the <b>good</b> kind. It will make measuring (if you do that), cutting, and tying your pillows easier.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. You can look up different ways to tie these. A woman in line at the fabric section was telling me about a cool way to braid the fleece together instead of tying, that way you don't have a bunch of loose ends. This might be good for younger grades. But I am lazy and just tied them together really well.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. This project is insanely CHEAP and easy. Hence my "don't care" attitude about the whole measuring thing. Seriously. It helped that I already had the pillow inserts (I didn't have to buy as much filling), but the entire project, including fleece and microfiber filling to make four pillows (two square feet each...huge!) cost me around $25. That's it. Even if they don't last more than one year, that is okay with me. It took one evening of work (I even did this while watching TV) and just over twenty bucks. It doesn't get much better than that.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So that is my Monday Made It. Fancy? Not at all. But this was a "made it" that my wallet and my classroom can be happy about it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What have you made this week? Be sure to <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2014/07/monday-made-it-summer-week-6.html" target="_blank">stop by and link up</a>!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-56111684227049613062014-06-20T23:05:00.001-05:002014-06-20T23:05:53.834-05:00Five For Friday June 20th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZuFTiy3e_2ZTPW_l113xhGTP_OGKW0LF0xAS6d0IDyQp2Z0yrN3G9QhawgEMLksLdrtB50kMyIqOWPyDioRlnmn3bq65_8yhUJa7BifGyKjiJM6eC17PUT2EDSo4kHxwP4LvkyXPK8k/s1600/fiveforfriday2_thumb%255B5%255D.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is it June 20th already?? Where is summer going?? Ahhh.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway. Sorry I have been awol this week. I was out of town at a teacher conference. But, after a day of recovery, I am BACK. And linking up with <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs</a> for my favorite random linky- Five for Friday. Here's my random.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhmqyFPUWKELCg3r6ms3CBt0J8A1N0LWQz-we1rqCdrBgz8TCkZwB1BaDazNFYlvmUxG1o6szA4sOsCPSmcsVpbW7pR2vcm2gYfvio8GuYGnzUM1NOL33Zehj4-zOBrdtixi5rEaUDfE/s1600/Divider+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhmqyFPUWKELCg3r6ms3CBt0J8A1N0LWQz-we1rqCdrBgz8TCkZwB1BaDazNFYlvmUxG1o6szA4sOsCPSmcsVpbW7pR2vcm2gYfvio8GuYGnzUM1NOL33Zehj4-zOBrdtixi5rEaUDfE/s1600/Divider+1.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I spent Sunday through Wednesday in Little Rock (I live in Arkansas...that's our capitol....here's your Southern geography lesson for the day) at a teaching conference called the Comprehensive Literacy Institute. It was hosted by the <a href="http://ualr.edu/literacy/" target="_blank">UALR Center for Literacy</a>. UALR is the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. At this place, there are some really smart folks. The main person is Dr. Linda Dorn. She is the author of the books T<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Deep-Comprehension-Linda-Dorn/dp/1571104038" target="_blank">eaching for Deep Comprehension</a></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Deep-Comprehension-Linda-Dorn/dp/1571104038" target="_blank">Apprenticeship in Literacy. </a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At this Institute, they work with schools to implement their approach to literacy. Through their approach, you work to make your entire literacy curriculum and workshops integrated. That is the big word. Integrated. Everything works together. Reading, writing, language, speaking, listening- connected. Their ideas are incredible and backed by some serious research and hard work. I highly recommend checking their work out. Or at least the free resources from their website. Ha.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was my second year to attend the Institute, and though much of the content was familiar to me, there were still many "ah ha" moments. I learned so much about mentor texts, vocabulary, and literature discussion groups. And got lots of ideas to take back with me, that I am sure I will share with you at some point :) So that is my number one. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. I am not being paid or sponsored or obligated or anything to mention their books or website. I just like them a lot and learned so much from their ideas. Okay? Okay.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSbU0Wpq3DKXjYvASzmDI9GG_smmEF3LRigjNJxW2Bq4r73HOOXvVeTEdqNSvvqC0YgNPpFNfL3k-e1jv1gaodMA8lhUzjp99EayKDCmUk-5UwmD_t0Zc5ROlE1LJn6Vw_Y6hdnt0LKQ/s1600/Divider+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSbU0Wpq3DKXjYvASzmDI9GG_smmEF3LRigjNJxW2Bq4r73HOOXvVeTEdqNSvvqC0YgNPpFNfL3k-e1jv1gaodMA8lhUzjp99EayKDCmUk-5UwmD_t0Zc5ROlE1LJn6Vw_Y6hdnt0LKQ/s1600/Divider+2.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">While I was out of town, I got to stay at a fancy hotel, eat out, shop, and watch dumb TV. And I got paid to go. So it was awesome, basically. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbSUT9uRexRzhYVw5H4LQjfax9qrfXLypJHqsrUM3ilbmcbRJFaabzFjurwqs3Z-j4jAwK2YKRf0XZ4EtXDStJkcrSdqMEssJ31ygmsGmUPw3LkjQ25rrNi0udNxn07vl3Ip3tahGtPk/s1600/photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbSUT9uRexRzhYVw5H4LQjfax9qrfXLypJHqsrUM3ilbmcbRJFaabzFjurwqs3Z-j4jAwK2YKRf0XZ4EtXDStJkcrSdqMEssJ31ygmsGmUPw3LkjQ25rrNi0udNxn07vl3Ip3tahGtPk/s1600/photo4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is me going to use the cool workout room and sweat all over the fancy elliptical. It was fun. And this is my cool new shirt that I got from Target. I like it. I posted this on my Instagram and Katie King from <a href="http://queenofthefirstgradejungle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Jungle</a> commented on it and followed me. ****BRB I'm fangirling****</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So that just about made my week. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.S. I don't actually know how to "twerk". I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it even if I did. Okay. </span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGTxxxTjtRHmM1gBSfyG9BCuQEmD8bQ2ohs7NQHWvaWR3C-853cvcXtORvgA_vNwK7Ev5cMDlBPFbdNFyfC-c5phODi5DGQCAswScF0FTOG9cAEQJkAZpus4oA8pWV18guBzb1YU0-Zc/s1600/Divider+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGTxxxTjtRHmM1gBSfyG9BCuQEmD8bQ2ohs7NQHWvaWR3C-853cvcXtORvgA_vNwK7Ev5cMDlBPFbdNFyfC-c5phODi5DGQCAswScF0FTOG9cAEQJkAZpus4oA8pWV18guBzb1YU0-Zc/s1600/Divider+3.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While in the "big city" we went to a teacher store. I love teacher stores. Sadly, Small-Town-Suzy over here has to drive at least an hour away to go to one. Walmart is my teacher store, mkay? So I was excited. I bought this really big piece of notebook paper. It's "wipe off" so you can use dry erase markers and I don't even have to laminate it. Love that. I'm going to use it to show my fourthies *exactly* how I want some things done this year. We have a document camera that I use sometimes to do this, but it's still hard for them to really see sometimes. So I got this.</span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy6reGJ64MOma5AXj8nhLuoXb-8uWlmnZPqOTKCWGk02WKsNAFO77TuC2y5peNT4AqUTmqG9DJdoQWfAkdOHnSorllbt34T-Opnzx0A7JgODiNlI0Xn8VRCHF5nWXABJLXUGKGXngTfY/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy6reGJ64MOma5AXj8nhLuoXb-8uWlmnZPqOTKCWGk02WKsNAFO77TuC2y5peNT4AqUTmqG9DJdoQWfAkdOHnSorllbt34T-Opnzx0A7JgODiNlI0Xn8VRCHF5nWXABJLXUGKGXngTfY/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have also been on the hunt for some buckets. Yes, more buckets. The teacher's best friend I think. Anywho, after looking at Walmart, Target, and another town's Dollar Tree, found these gems. At <b>my</b> Dollar Tree. Take that, big cities! They actually had so many choices that it took me forever to choose. I think the cashier lady thought I was a weirdo. Don't care. I got my buckets. I am going to use these for my Guided Reading groups. Each group gets a bucket. Everything is all separate and organized. That's the plan. Cute colors though, right?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.S. That's construction paper and colored pencils inside. I love dollar stores. And yes, I'm already buying classroom supplies. I'm a weirdo okay? Okay. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCoVFYLkJ2Od2Qk6MDBCyRZbMFWYnqdHsolfMW8kBOC1xkWJ1XFWPM-SKp8JZzat4sL2LGO-s9sYUaTnV9UyLpQI3Nf-EPGSnKAC_H35Y5l747DrVyZs1ydwVHTBQ2wWJ2ERkkKSua9U/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCoVFYLkJ2Od2Qk6MDBCyRZbMFWYnqdHsolfMW8kBOC1xkWJ1XFWPM-SKp8JZzat4sL2LGO-s9sYUaTnV9UyLpQI3Nf-EPGSnKAC_H35Y5l747DrVyZs1ydwVHTBQ2wWJ2ERkkKSua9U/s1600/photo3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmytMkKaSQL9YEGqScrv9Hx5eeDi-1yJFa1Q4YK4fvwi8KPsWFhGu7ocb5pM7HopkOhLBzX4vAoaxMw4A2g58l6Wd5b05gHQobk-kQHvlJrxu-boHGZlVzEtcKCJpH4cjSzZ4nAOQuUA/s1600/Divider+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmytMkKaSQL9YEGqScrv9Hx5eeDi-1yJFa1Q4YK4fvwi8KPsWFhGu7ocb5pM7HopkOhLBzX4vAoaxMw4A2g58l6Wd5b05gHQobk-kQHvlJrxu-boHGZlVzEtcKCJpH4cjSzZ4nAOQuUA/s1600/Divider+4.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, I made something. Woop! These are my new library pillows. I am saving the big fancy post about these for Monday Made It (because I never make anything and therefore never participate), but here's the basics. I needed new library seating. Beanbag chairs are randomly very expensive. I had pillows. I made new ones. And they only cost me $23. Booyah. Check back Monday for the "deets". </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.S. I do not really say "deets" in real life. That was a joke. Don't judge me. </span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR79Odl0Bq2a8pSjmEPa2ypQpicKl-aDG_5EpyFBwKxi8P3Ovie06hcBfs83lIYG-K1l7NyH3_666AyiaqX1PW0nlBUe0Ref9jgMAFz3pxwEMcC4R0EwpPWvSwQ4aglRBWJzrn1lJqCU/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR79Odl0Bq2a8pSjmEPa2ypQpicKl-aDG_5EpyFBwKxi8P3Ovie06hcBfs83lIYG-K1l7NyH3_666AyiaqX1PW0nlBUe0Ref9jgMAFz3pxwEMcC4R0EwpPWvSwQ4aglRBWJzrn1lJqCU/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx2N4_QUAhySdbUJVce2BrqlaZK78tJkhoST07lQDrtzKjihd1m05oRQ9HyqKnRu_CeT0nRSv8NKM0vt4uLgDnJDkNHatu3HhHKIYGDDiYTGr96wkm3YBsDKANTBa4TrF3HIUyeE43UI/s1600/Divider+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx2N4_QUAhySdbUJVce2BrqlaZK78tJkhoST07lQDrtzKjihd1m05oRQ9HyqKnRu_CeT0nRSv8NKM0vt4uLgDnJDkNHatu3HhHKIYGDDiYTGr96wkm3YBsDKANTBa4TrF3HIUyeE43UI/s1600/Divider+5.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And last of all, library labels. I really liked my library labels last year, and so of course, in true teacher nature, I redid them. Ha. I've added like a million more categories and a new KG font. And I didn't stop there. I made zebra ones!! In rockstar colors. Now, I do not have a rockstar room. But I think they are awesome. And I love these labels. I kept thinking of ways to make these labels work in my room. Seriously. They won't. But I wish they would. Cause I think they are adorable. So if you are in the market for some library labels with LOTS of category options, I have two options for you at the moment. Hopefully more to come.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Rockstar-Classroom-Library-Labels-1278006" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Rockstar-Classroom-Library-Labels-1278006" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdSkx673b-CYgnvIgyaBTVqLzxuP_hJ0QVmRorlOCvBDmO2K1cBfHTopbgRkyKnEb4kvrXwKzlf8UufeJuooc6r-lna5HXqkyBDbBY8L0h8BvBQh64vF198zzthIpz5rV2DoUQzd2Lyw/s1600/rockstar+labels.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Library-Labels-779081" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDae6n5AG8iIUXqQPxaCbkpYnINf2Gy05QsHpWcPzSN-JG3tU2WpjTdiMdFanduuqbk5Z_5N5TmRqHgNf6g-5HWvMQY5kZkBSpaiexJrsN9pBbRv3f_iTPSI8wCgLZAeIGTD70sqQWts/s1600/chevron+library.png" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So there's my five for the week! Go link up at <a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/06/five-for-friday-linky-party-june-20th.html" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs</a> and read some more :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Friday!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-55183347050744027802014-06-13T19:29:00.003-05:002014-06-13T19:29:49.861-05:00Five For Friday - June 13th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/06/five-for-friday-linky-party-june-13th.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/06/five-for-friday-linky-party-june-13th.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtvWhk3NHnfQoUnXnP4lI0slh2tpzE7P_jkTky3Jm20PaWquxEiYH7p-tu7xTMn93cIw6Zmwlgc1Plbe5k7gd3r_ydA0f60h2xl10pScWNxVKmbt-La2IcI5104JGe5P29QUqcp_H1IU/s1600/fiveforfriday2_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Friday the 13th! I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs</a> for <a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/06/five-for-friday-linky-party-june-13th.html" target="_blank">Five for Friday</a>! So here are five random things from my week...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxwDbzafFUIqSiiwWB71EkVCoZRB40TKboryrJI4nCO58vXKhg1v51W-QY4thjfiiV8ombCG55OqDDAdTJgpJSRKtaqNlxjK6Y1hVSIFozfJw_GENpSPdGqIO3rbrwObxiVPFag9Qirs/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxwDbzafFUIqSiiwWB71EkVCoZRB40TKboryrJI4nCO58vXKhg1v51W-QY4thjfiiV8ombCG55OqDDAdTJgpJSRKtaqNlxjK6Y1hVSIFozfJw_GENpSPdGqIO3rbrwObxiVPFag9Qirs/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">(1)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been so lazy this week...mostly sleeping and reading. With a little bit of cleaning thrown in. And some swimming. And just a smidge of work. I am working on not feeling so guilty about being lazy...during the school year I am literally working nonstop. So transitioning to not working at all has been weird. Awesome. But weird. I keep reminding myself that I deserve to relax. Right? Ugh. But anyway. This is a picture of my dog, Lewis. Sums up our lives these days. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">(2)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have also been soaking up all my laziness because I am leaving for a Literacy Institute Sunday afternoon. A couple days in Little Rock (our state capital) staying in a hotel, eating out, and learning about literacy with some teacher friends! I am really looking forward to it. And not just because I get paid to go. We're planning some shopping, cupcakes, and a teacher store visit as well!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">(3)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last night I worked on a great home project! My husband and I have lived in our house for almost two years and the shoes in our closet have been driving me crazy for that long. Okay, my shoes. Because that's mostly what it is. This is the "before" picture. Yuck.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOhrwMo_gopyJyGatVUNaCYzrsxpCvnEf9j8jiJUgeiULyu5GQmgWS4aMu6hBFutCvFDrSfh0yhwLgQxOr55TE_kP4sx4rkPm6BP1-7rfSePXfBhx134nVo7vRT5J_cOjKk3u0Tixh7k/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOhrwMo_gopyJyGatVUNaCYzrsxpCvnEf9j8jiJUgeiULyu5GQmgWS4aMu6hBFutCvFDrSfh0yhwLgQxOr55TE_kP4sx4rkPm6BP1-7rfSePXfBhx134nVo7vRT5J_cOjKk3u0Tixh7k/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can't find anything. Hate it. So...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">(4)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">We bought some shelves! I know, I really went all out for this one. Ha. But it looks sooooooo good! We bought two of these shoe shelves from Walmart for about twenty bucks each. The box said they hold like 16 pairs of shoes or something, but if you stack them up (like the flip flops) you can fit more. I even managed to fit three pairs of Husband's shoes on there! Miraculous. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFCGOiz4t1wK4EIyzFpcGIHKYvawU5XQ2xjf-NCqr5xw1HKZVuXh2y2ix7g2O5wIhl4SL8CBPQlCW5sgTbbdjvNHydwK21WPQM7wXoPuyFxYqpOWLOs67AqBzSzzj0lgK6jLTm-vravo/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFCGOiz4t1wK4EIyzFpcGIHKYvawU5XQ2xjf-NCqr5xw1HKZVuXh2y2ix7g2O5wIhl4SL8CBPQlCW5sgTbbdjvNHydwK21WPQM7wXoPuyFxYqpOWLOs67AqBzSzzj0lgK6jLTm-vravo/s1600/photo3.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadXqXEIUeUTzGQ1ugfHDzBPiUP5lOAnfKMXEHtMFm2wV_NhT26USUHEsioPTwFxbEhiOR8P2rarHFRAAHeEXsbr8rHctRLhOY1CY0WLzRwgcLSSCVmTl7lwX62WhLw1IMf56wSaCCRLM/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I may have a slight shoe obsession. Maybe.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">(5)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And this is the smidge of work I did this week. I finished up my 4th Grade Survival Guide for Back to School! I love this thing. Best idea my brain ever had while I was supposed to be sleeping. It's basically a little journal with rules, procedures, and stuff to know for my new kiddos. As you go over this stuff, the kids fill in the blanks and answer some questions about their first day and what they want to accomplish this year. And then they keep the little book or take it home and share it with parents. I can't wait to use it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So what I did this week was make an Editable version for TPT. It has like 40-something pages for you to choose from and then type in your own information to build your very own Back to School Survival Guide. So if you're interested in that kind of thing, go <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Survival-Guide-Editable-1275114" target="_blank">check it out</a>!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Survival-Guide-Editable-1275114" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Survival-Guide-Editable-1275114" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcZfuBItCPlX5V4gC9IqQRokaru4oLDNwIUhpQkEGZ9Kexn9mKKUUrMQEa4TRauUXY-P06wNxbNz953u0ziQD_BOFX2SZpgNB8rxHxSn3RkCbzc3gCY4uG5KFxCaFtsgQvm7uDIvZUeY/s1600/example.png" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for reading my random! Go link up over at <a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/06/five-for-friday-linky-party-june-13th.html" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs</a> and tell us about your week :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-20589580128450632242014-06-12T17:40:00.002-05:002014-06-12T17:40:53.770-05:00Throwback Thursday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello all! I am loving <a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/throwback-thursday-2.html" target="_blank">Teaching Tribune</a>'s Summer Bloggin' link ups! Today we are "throwing it back" (I'm so hood, I know) to the grade we teach.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/throwback-thursday-2.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/throwback-thursday-2.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkta_IN-KHrMsbR_8vtV1UOp6YHLNWd3FyAZw2Pv2CoNpNhv1kpafXop1Kn2n9hz03dxwxIBtQe9Vk3mypUcZiaP30Dd7auHpK3lpJbg6UGWXLsEZxVpfej8Pdsx-k9oCGgQx06PhGzE/s1600/10340066_235206046677458_6470495639370923010_n.jpg" height="307" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So after a little digging and calculating (where's Mom when you need her??), here is me in the fourth grade!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLvfhybXZQ7pWgwew9DQc58eXEVrW00QvrX5FE1ERqegLgijBkqvh841T47wnB-d-W3LKRTf37Oaj3IHkb4Wep-zGCTb3fHGpaefjbI4PLBzIQNz1aPrFTSkKeUJ6Yv3ph-qFMUZkXks/s1600/ScannedImage-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLvfhybXZQ7pWgwew9DQc58eXEVrW00QvrX5FE1ERqegLgijBkqvh841T47wnB-d-W3LKRTf37Oaj3IHkb4Wep-zGCTb3fHGpaefjbI4PLBzIQNz1aPrFTSkKeUJ6Yv3ph-qFMUZkXks/s1600/ScannedImage-8.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am on the left in the <strike>hideous</strike> gorgeous pink jacket with the cold sore (plagued for life, anybody feel me?) and my little sister Sarah is turning four and being adorable on the right. I am exactly five years older than her, which is how I figured out I was in fourth grade at the time. Apparently those were not very well photographed years. Which is surprising, since I am clearly model material. Duh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But anyway. I love this picture because it was so obviously posed by my Mom. My older sister and I were such bullies to Sarah when we were younger (we were 7 and 5 years older than her, respectively). Which sucks because now we are all best friends. She just graduated high school and is coming to college at my Alma mater here in town and I couldn't be more excited! She is also coming to stay with me this weekend, which is good because my conversations with the dog are getting longer and longer the more I am home alone... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So we are also supposed to say how/when we knew we were destined to be a teacher. Honestly, I didn't figure it out until I was a senior in high school. Both of my parents are teachers, so I grew up my whole life in classrooms, playing school, and bossing people around (although that might be because I was the middle child...different story). But I spent many years dedicated to becoming first an artist and then an architect. I bought houseplan magazines and everything for years. Then I figured out that I can't draw. Or do math. Whoops. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So when it came time for graduating/college/blah blah blah I started looking at what I could actually do. At the time I was teaching a kids' Sunday School class and "Cubbies" at Awana each night (kids Bible clubs, for those of you not cool enough to have them...jk). I had also worked many years of VBS, been a kids camp counselor, and was signed up to work at a preschool before college. I spent my days off from school in my mother's kindergarten classroom. What 17-year-old could say that? I did all of these things- not because I knew I wanted to be a teacher- but because I liked working with kids. <b>That's when I knew</b>. And I've never looked back!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, blogging friends, when did you know? Link up your Throwback Thursday over at the <a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/throwback-thursday-2.html" target="_blank">Tribune</a> with me!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-55600070332807150722014-06-10T12:53:00.000-05:002014-06-10T12:53:10.044-05:00Two For Tuesday - June 10th<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Two For Tuesday, friends! I am linking up with <a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/" target="_blank">Teaching Tribune</a> to share two of my TPT products that are 50% off today!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/two-for-tuesday-2.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/two-for-tuesday-2.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyrqvf16u37eWydbuNtkyw6aKnoZuDqQMDPN-3M5kECRnHrtz0SA2gq2b6pyn9_yYyqKGYft5NR3uDXvb4jrBk3M6dNzFCLjtEEtfUhnKQPTZcGmzjJI1ojyxddYlo9QJ20AxCHTsHmw/s1600/TTT+Summer+Bloggin+Week+02-28.png" height="307" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First up are my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Reward-Coupons-780688" target="_blank">Classroom Reward Coupons</a>! I shared about these the other day and how my students LOVE "buying" them with their <a href="http://www.classdojo.com/" target="_blank">Class Dojo</a> points. Aaaaaaaand even better I updated this just the other day to now include 30 coupon choices (used to be 14)!!! Woo!!! It is regularly $4.00, but today it is just $2.00! Check it out :)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfhaSkEnWoqfUFHAbrTbOqdr_YIUgUiyN46YSOC4muVpQJNb8pG_f1JCDhCEuZWHa8rj8_g_UQmUQWLud7fwvuE26nmr562h5przAspkAm-x-A_wbsdI-Dx0VX6n1h6jVt5cMSHh-KE4/s1600/TTT+Summer+Bloggin+Week+02-28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Reward-Coupons-780688" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Reward-Coupons-780688" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00Edsiw_WgZz7wtn7ZqN6UdlIUrEI713tt-mXEP3-la6w-m1z8pKPrJ1ZQoFhVL6DJD8m8x0Rp1Azcpa_yxE28o46Y4RHz9rmWI_6Txs4DTY7-QThZNU_20MksUgd8EbY38X-h21302E/s1600/coupons+final.png" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next is my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Grammar-is-Great-Literacy-Centers-Pack-1177607" target="_blank">"Grammar is Great" Literacy Centers pack</a>. This is a pack of six, full-color, ready-to-print and cut literacy centers that cover these skills: Parts of Speech, Demonstratives, Modal Auxiliaries, Pronouns, Adverbs, Common/Proper Nouns, and Fragment/Run On/Complete Sentences. My kids LOVED these centers. I used them last year to review for our state test, but I fully plan on whipping these out throughout the year to reinforce grammar skills we're working on. Today you can get all six of these for just $2.50!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Grammar-is-Great-Literacy-Centers-Pack-1177607" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Grammar-is-Great-Literacy-Centers-Pack-1177607" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MnBhSR2IKc-qswWRVaw48D2eoNj-k4TkLxn21CUIMO58uKXrZPyg20mQpio4SPBQ20x7jRm3VoM3xe0cij1JjTJ24vkYG5m7kvM5Z9AlFWla7fPEuxa8CPkIFIkIZUqf19XTRi-2PCU/s1600/grammar+is+great.png" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by! Make sure you check out the <a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/two-for-tuesday-2.html" target="_blank">Tribune linky</a> for a ton of great products you can get half-off today, and link up yours too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, just for funzies, I will choose two random people to get one of these items for <b>FREE</b>! Comment with your email and which product you would like (Grammar Centers or Reward Coupons) and I will send the winners their items. Thanks for reading!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-34162895730369327452014-06-09T18:37:00.002-05:002014-06-09T18:37:53.917-05:00Monday Meet Me<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello! Today I am linking up with Teaching Tribune for <a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/monday-meet-me.html" target="_blank">Monday Meet Me</a>. Just a fun way to get to know blogging friends :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/monday-meet-me.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/monday-meet-me.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KkyUFRA4ra5Fce3vV6R3FHaRBxlQjUEzTTKOFWtvY7nZPf4HzAI0wHa3MCYNIdIjQNdgeDiQ4CSL88yeqRGAo26GDYVPz3TnBPHEKF1M9G0uTuMoNhotGhpXO0aYGqSQql7Tk-EB_3o/s1600/TTT+Summer+Bloggin+Week+02-22.png" height="307" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't you love Mondays?? Okay, let me rephrase that... don't you love Mondays during <b>summer vacation</b>???!! Today was a good Monday. Except that I had to go to the dentist this morning. Yuck. But then I got to go home and take a nap and enjoy the rainy afternoon reading, so it got much better. Anyway! Here is a little about me...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUML_7nE70wP5pk-zomxuDQNqpD0iLM7oxa7k6YROFFvYNHcSTIrWf44n7QsKcEIaJVEWlfJg3tfETvIHCRgUpYDjNjpz6DIajDbsDgcih5Vr5GX_KkUB924q44dX3QH6YsPNxVw5dX0/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUML_7nE70wP5pk-zomxuDQNqpD0iLM7oxa7k6YROFFvYNHcSTIrWf44n7QsKcEIaJVEWlfJg3tfETvIHCRgUpYDjNjpz6DIajDbsDgcih5Vr5GX_KkUB924q44dX3QH6YsPNxVw5dX0/s1600/Picture1.png" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUF9OPDyLkAneuxnrcJyNFQuz43EtmVlL9OmPqUt0akwdOofKdh924chTiyF2si9gHR1eh4DuY798oq6-a2smEtDQNvdjswgjsZg4d7xFvicsFXwCJ2dXSvZrHuacH4IGn5lwi6fXQZc/s1600/TTT+Summer+Bloggin+Week+02-22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>I teach... this year I will start my second year teaching fourth grade literacy. At our school, we switch classes. My teaching partner does Math, Science, and Social Studies and I do Spelling, Reading, Writing, and Language. I looooooooove it. I have gotten so spoiled. And it's only been one year. I have never enjoyed Math and Science and History. I've always loved books and words more. And even though we are teachers and we can technically teach anything we are asked to... I just don't do my best when it comes to those subjects. Are at least that's how I feel. So that's what I teach! Any other literacy-only bloggers out there??</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have... a techie husband named Josh that I will be celebrating two years of marriage to in July! He is a computer programmer and the only reason I am blogging right now since our internet is out (rain rain go away). And I have a one year old cocker spaniel puppy named Lewis that I love like a baby. No shame in this game.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I watch... Friends! Love that show. Husband recently bought me the complete series. So yeah. You know what I've been doing with my life lately. And I always end up watching what my husband puts on... TV love comes with the whole "techie" thing. I could probably go without TV. Seriously, Netflix gets me through. That and my new Friends collection. But he loves TV and finding new shows to watch. And I just get sucked in. Always. Even if I don't like it. He is the reason I have watched Breaking Bad, The Simpsons, Seinfeld, Dexter, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, How I Met Your Mother, Orange is the New Black, House of Cards, and whatever video game he is playing at the moment. For many of those, I am grateful. Some good stuff in that list. Other times...not so much ;) But I love him anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I listen... to a lot of different music. At the moment, I mostly just listen to Sirius radio in my car. But lately I've been on a John Mayer kick (love him). I love Ariana Grande's voice (great workout music) and Coldplay's new album is sweet as well. In the past, I've been known to love some All Sons and Daughters, Mumford, Needtobreathe, Adele, Taylor Swift, JT... I could go on and on. I'm weird, okay?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I read.... lots!! I come from a reading family. Now that my sisters and I are older, we are constantly exchanging books. My older sister came to my house Saturday night, handed me a book, and went to check my bookshelf for something new to read. It's just how we roll. I'm really into dystopian society books (think Hunger Games) or just any kind of adventurous fiction with some romance thrown in. I draw the line at vampires though. Currently I am finishing up C.J. Redwine's Defiance trilogy. SO good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do... <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hannah-Burns" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a> OF COURSE. Who doesn't? Blogging! More frequently now that I am on summer break, and some crafting from time to time! I love calligraphy, painting, and hot-gluing. I am also trying to become some that "does" working out too. Especially since I am going on vacation in 16 days. Ahhhhhhh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So that is my "Meet Me"! Anything we have in common? Sorry I'm so random. Ha. Make sure to link up your Meet Me over at <a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/monday-meet-me.html" target="_blank">Teaching Tribune</a>, and have a great day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-6043177156699930882014-06-08T17:00:00.002-05:002014-06-08T17:00:51.390-05:00Sunday Smorgasbord Link {June 8th}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello all! I'm linking up with Michelle at Fabulous in First for her wonderfully random <a href="http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com/2014/06/sunday-smorgasbord-june-8-2014.html" target="_blank">Sunday Smorgasbord linky</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com/2014/06/sunday-smorgasbord-june-8-2014.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com/2014/06/sunday-smorgasbord-june-8-2014.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ9frg94gNAtaIXuRnvVbzxra6BRIUF4udUR-3LW36-LYBaN85Gasmm0-BWGYdKXLUtz9kiV5LXjUDXiKBWuvvmGgR8cDwujGRuGYYsnRHuwFzXz6OQC3zVJ9KW30jJCtQP8B4-G-tsY/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here in Arkansas it's a stormy Sunday afternoon. Perfect for blogging, reading, and napping. Oh and working on my computer. Which leads me to random number ONE...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopHVpajMyFGxryWVEUwS_AAks3whiQXUq4QKndZaRCNUJ7V65Tz44fgexvNE1U7EBoeaE0H-uC_4TlF89aVBrv5pgBF6wX5ygHm4oh7jcEZ7xuZMF-bR3i91-79m9G6_SfpxT887X-BA/s1600/hdfhdf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopHVpajMyFGxryWVEUwS_AAks3whiQXUq4QKndZaRCNUJ7V65Tz44fgexvNE1U7EBoeaE0H-uC_4TlF89aVBrv5pgBF6wX5ygHm4oh7jcEZ7xuZMF-bR3i91-79m9G6_SfpxT887X-BA/s1600/hdfhdf.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I shared on Instagram about a new project I'm working on. It came to me in a dream...well actually it came to me when I was supposed to be sleeping. Does that ever happen to y'all? But anyway, it's a 4th Grade Survival Guide for back to school. A book full of interactive pages with school rules, expectations, getting to know your teacher facts, etc. There are places for the kids to draw, fill in the blank, and respond to questions. The pages in the picture are about Class Dojo and how I use it in my room, and then how we do Citizenship grades in class. I've also done a page about me and my switch teacher and what to expect from each of us. I'm planning pages for "Lunchroom/Recess Expectations", "How We Get Home", "Things We Learn in 4th Grade", "Activity Classes and Teachers", and "Things to Know About Mrs. Burns". I am also planning on including some reflective pages at the back for students to write about their first day and how they're feeling. I'm really excited about how this is turning out. I'm trying to model it like the books my kids love so much (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, Dork Diaries) with the journal set-up. I think it will make teaching rules and procedures more interactive and exciting!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P.S.- I've also been dreaming up an editable version for TPT and other grades. Anyone interested? :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Random Number TWO</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told myself I wasn't going to do anything school-related this week. That didn't last very long??!! Oh well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Random Number THREE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Because it's summer and I've been really boring this week) Some of my favorite recent purchases...<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvCTO9oj4mkhi6M3E5x3GThoSu5V_wgKuoIKNjG5bsbUrq1JqHV0U31IWNqKjYdAk_iV6kQJDSdSCHc5BdnmZIQeSzPK2KzhnNOoSNb4V4sodc70L4DDyGK4AAxFRqEgPD5dk5-n1IIg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvCTO9oj4mkhi6M3E5x3GThoSu5V_wgKuoIKNjG5bsbUrq1JqHV0U31IWNqKjYdAk_iV6kQJDSdSCHc5BdnmZIQeSzPK2KzhnNOoSNb4V4sodc70L4DDyGK4AAxFRqEgPD5dk5-n1IIg/s1600/images.jpg" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Chacos! I held off on the Chaco trend for a long time...they're so expensive. But I'm so glad I (aka Husband) finally caved. They are so comfortable and perfect for summer. Much better than flip flops, but not as constricting and hot as tennis shoes. Love them. And I think they're going to be great for vacation!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY6zlE-bxLXMN53ngbs9Ccs55M0G2eEJo6Pv_m4Mod7W-tbYeD8fF35Okyk-KSBgEwtnv5w9MgXqwwWCKhvq8D-ex-jVoF5F32ateNDv2y4cJ8iStSotxgPCNRjEOHEIZpDNPxrk7z18/s1600/pop%5Bo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY6zlE-bxLXMN53ngbs9Ccs55M0G2eEJo6Pv_m4Mod7W-tbYeD8fF35Okyk-KSBgEwtnv5w9MgXqwwWCKhvq8D-ex-jVoF5F32ateNDv2y4cJ8iStSotxgPCNRjEOHEIZpDNPxrk7z18/s1600/pop%5Bo.png" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
These shorts from Old Navy! I bought two pairs. Mostly because they had some kind of deal going on. But I am really glad I did! They feel like they're already broken in when you buy them. I love that. Pretty sure I'll be living in these this summer.<br />
<br />
And (big finale) random number FOUR...<br />
I updated my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Reward-Coupons-780688" target="_blank">Classroom Reward Coupons</a> yesterday. Originally, it had 14 reward coupons, but now it has 30! I love these things. And my kids loved them this year too. I still do a small treasure box with the kids, but they really want the coupons. And it's less shopping on my part. They come six to a page, so I usually print one or two pages of each, laminate them, and use a cheapo plastic coupon organizer thing (official name) to let the kids "shop" the different categories. So if you're in the market for some classroom rewards, check them out! And if you've already purchased, make sure you re-download :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Reward-Coupons-780688" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Reward-Coupons-780688" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDRC2VoAkUHUd6CVe2NGIYrg8AdcxkXBa1jtFenhv9hcNJi2KclvRnlyqjiUehODQmwjaJ8fWEl4RxFPUYz8xBrD11CXBFP_8GtwNL4fBuFd4zo219FBc-N6xGpLh3FswQfz5fLvXicg/s1600/coupons+final.png" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for reading my random! And if you want to share a little random of your own, link up over at <a href="http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com/2014/06/sunday-smorgasbord-june-8-2014.html" target="_blank">Fabulous in First</a>! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-83446487778379581392014-06-04T20:02:00.000-05:002014-06-04T20:08:12.116-05:00First Year Teaching Advice - From Someone Who Just Lived It<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As of last week, I have officially completed my first year of teaching. I had an awesome year. It was hard. It was super hard. But I loved my kids and I love my colleagues. They made it all possible. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe a month ago I was asked to return to my Alma mater Southern Arkansas University and speak at a luncheon for graduating student teachers. </span>They asked me to give them some advice for their first year of teaching.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be honest, a part of me laughed at this. What could I possibly say? How do you prepare someone for being a teacher? Well this is what I came up with. I thought I would share, just in case there are any new teachers out there looking for some advice, or some returning teachers just looking for a laugh or reassurance that you're not alone. Disclaimer: This is by no means everything you'll need to know or the best advice out there. Okay? Okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dear New Teacher,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First of all, congratulations. College is hard and not a lot of people do it. So good job for making it this far. I want to tell you that when I sat here one year ago, about to graduate and become a teacher, I thought I had it all figured out. In fact, I can give you a list of all the reasons why: both my parents are teachers; I taught three summers of preschool; years of Sunday school, VBS, and camp; substitute teaching; not to mention all the countless observations, lessons, and student teaching I did in college; blah blah blah. If anyone should have been prepared for this, it was me. Boy was I wrong. My first piece of advice for you is this- <b>You do not have it all figured out</b>. You are never going to know everything you need to know. Whether you have taught for one year or for fifty, you will always have more to learn and more experience to gain. Figure this out early.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Probably the hardest lesson I learned this year was this: Take it easy on yourself. I spent many days and nights racking my brain about what <b>I</b> could do to fix a problem with my students. But sometimes, <b>you</b> are not the answer. <b>There are things I cannot fix</b>. Read that to yourself again. Rinse and repeat as needed. As long as you do your best each day, as long as you do the most that you possibly can, that is enough. Do not beat yourself up over the things you cannot change or control. Accept these things. Get creative about these things. Just do your best.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Don't be afraid to be different</b>. Currently, I am one of the youngest employees in my district, and the youngest at my school. I teach with colleagues that have been doing this for decades. When you think about that, it is easy to become intimidated. Here's an example. When I first began preparing my classroom last year, I snooped around in my neighbor's rooms. Not because I am creeper (I am), but because I wanted to see how everybody else "did it". You know what I mean. And I quickly realized that my room was different. Begin the freak out, right? "If my room is different-looking, I must be doing something wrong!" My first thought was to change what I had done to be more like everyone else. To fit in. But I am so glad I didn't. Do not succumb to following the crowd. Be different. Be young. Be fresh. Be excited and energetic. Don't be afraid to have different ideas. Don't be afraid to stand out in your hallway. <b>Be you</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The next thing I'll tell you about is flexibility. I know this is a shocker, but things will not go perfectly every day (as much as I would like them to). Lessons will fail. You will mess up. The kids will complain. Your boss might tell you to change something. You'll run out of time. The glue won't work. The projector will mess up. The internet will be down. There will be a fire drill. I could go on and on. And you know what? It's all okay. Deep breath. Your classroom will be like a family. Not the picture perfect families from TV, but the one you know about at home. Dysfunctional, running late, losing things, arguing, crying, driving you crazy. But it will also be full of compliments, hugs, laughter, jokes, and love. Be flexible enough that the bad days don't get you down. That the mess-ups just make you laugh. <b>Everyone is learning, including you</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Above all else, remember why you started this journey. Remember how you felt today, on the edge of so much possibility and creativity. When things get tough, as they inevitably will, <b>remember the good moments</b>. Like the time when you started to yell at your kids for passing notes again, only to find out they were signing a card to give to you with the words "Our Favorite Teacher" on the front. Or when they do something so randomly sweet and kind for someone else (without you making them or telling them to) and you just want to cry your eyes out. Or when you get test scores back and that one student that you've been working with all year knocks it out of the park. Or when they move up a reading level. Or run up to you wanting to show you the book they checked out of the library. That sparkle of "ah ha" you see in their eyes when they finally get it. Or even just the spontaneous dance parties or deep life discussions you have in class. Be a teacher that didn't just teach them. That encouraged them, disciplined them, never gave up on them, and <i><b>loved</b></i> them. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wish you so much good luck in your journeys. Work hard, stay late, get to school early, and push yourself harder than ever before. Welcome to the most frustrating and rewarding profession in the business. We're glad to have you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Someone Who Made It<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-22604191082635158492014-06-04T17:16:00.003-05:002014-06-04T17:16:47.767-05:00Construction Zone<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm here to apologize for the state of my blog lately...and currently, if I'm honest. It's been under a major construction project.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know if I've ever said this, but Husband is a computer programmer. Literally, his job right now is creating a website. He is fluent in html and all those other computer languages I can't even think of the names for. So, when little old me says "I want a new blog layout!", Husband says: "You can do it yourself". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now then, I am a if-I-can't-do-it-pay-someone-else-to kind of person. But he is not. Therefore, the blog renovation began. And it is still far from perfect. But I have learned a lot. And gotten frustrated a lot. But I am pretty happy with it right now. And thankful to Husband. Even if he pushes me to do things I don't like to do. Such as complicated blog renovations. And what not. Also he did some of it. So thanks for that too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I say all that to say- Thank you for your patience! Internet stuff is hard. Computers are mean sometimes. I am very grateful to people like Husband that deal with them all day because I certainly could not. And he certainly could not deal with fourth graders. So that's good that we have each other.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I am off to go swimming (must get skinnier and tanner before Hawaii!!!) and will post something later that I am really excited about. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a great day!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-19218718513356127562014-06-01T13:28:00.001-05:002014-06-01T13:30:23.370-05:00June Currently Link Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy June! We made it! Haha. I can't believe it's already June...so many things happening this month! PD trips/classes, vacations...crazy!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I am linking up with the oh so wonderful Farley from <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade</a>. Love reading her stuff :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here you go...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02gR1r32nvx87BKsxgCDEt-9VvdSe3hyphenhyphenE6odcHdTJZFn6P-so0w136wPGk__GuP7_uwsIyoldY-oxKak8qamCZlaCGlIQpqb3jFPXKSfetC-jcWoRQje2GrDn67jC5H-eZDQIaADpSrQ/s1600/errre.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02gR1r32nvx87BKsxgCDEt-9VvdSe3hyphenhyphenE6odcHdTJZFn6P-so0w136wPGk__GuP7_uwsIyoldY-oxKak8qamCZlaCGlIQpqb3jFPXKSfetC-jcWoRQje2GrDn67jC5H-eZDQIaADpSrQ/s1600/errre.png" height="640" width="483" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First of all, listening to "The Office". Love this show. Pretty sure Husband and I have watched it like a million times. Pam and Jim never get old though! :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Loving that I have no school work to do this weekend! No papers to grade, bellringers/worksheets to make, activities to plan, things to buy...it's so nice, right?! It also gives me time to blog, which I have really missed. Been spending time with my fam this weekend, and it's so great to actually be <b>here</b>- not attached to my laptop or gradebook.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On that note...I'm also thinking about work tomorrow. Though the school year is over and my PD is complete, I volunteered to some literacy curriculum planning tomorrow and Tuesday. Although I'm not looking forward to getting up early (so spoiled already by summer break), I am excited about mapping out next year. We are moving to some Common Core Units that mesh Reading and Writing Workshops with Social Studies and Science. I think it's going to be awesome! Aaaaaaaand knowing ahead of time what we'll be doing gives me time this summer to whip up some cute matching centers/activities to go with everything. And you know I like that ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wanting...a cupcake...of course. My baby sister graduated this past Friday (*sniff sniff*) and there are leftover cupcakes from her party calling my name from the kitchen. Must resist!!!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So naturally, I am needing to workout! Haha. Husband and I have been on a diet for a month or two and I've lost 10 pounds. And I loooooove that. Even if I hate dieting. And exercising. But, the more you do it, the more you like it. It's becoming a habit. A good habit, for once. Ha. And there have been so many inspiring Instagrammers helping me stay motivated! So that's that.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Summer Bucket List...I talked a little about these things during my last post, but here you go again!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Go to Hawaii. Leaving in 25 days. Must. Workout. Must. Not. Have. The. Cupcake.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Read books! Always on my to-do list. Will preferably be completing this item at the pool ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. And of course, keep being healthy. I don't care so much about the pounds I lose, but how I look and feel. I bought some shorts (yes, shorts!) yesterday that were a size smaller than usual. Things like that keep me going!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So how is your June looking? Make sure you head over to <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Farley's</a> to share and link up.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy summer bloggies! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.S. Here's a picture of me and my sisters from this weekend. Love them!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc4uWRbi3LLPfU4k9BGMzoT_500xUTQutYysb7uC6HZNM2nYYgAmkSGWurX13WqXSNJIEcBVgOspcZZVhAii31aIu50x86dyHKyUtK0RGZMDqXIQEpKnp_UABT6YsOPXJiyXKg46M9uI/s1600/DSCN7115-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc4uWRbi3LLPfU4k9BGMzoT_500xUTQutYysb7uC6HZNM2nYYgAmkSGWurX13WqXSNJIEcBVgOspcZZVhAii31aIu50x86dyHKyUtK0RGZMDqXIQEpKnp_UABT6YsOPXJiyXKg46M9uI/s1600/DSCN7115-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-91601518568522313762014-05-25T23:10:00.001-05:002014-05-25T23:10:19.239-05:00Memorial Day Sale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9oJ6SlTYp7W3thgXd18po3B1qKRc5HwXfpzvFGPoX6H_tSVZspV2nG2oEwmfPMGkmt6sV9d5fX3qs42Pu8Sto7uNPRlgHjM11o-HAzsoZ-zVliVkEhSodjm2oDdPQlNEuv7xxTnRgO4/s1600/Memorial+Day+Sale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9oJ6SlTYp7W3thgXd18po3B1qKRc5HwXfpzvFGPoX6H_tSVZspV2nG2oEwmfPMGkmt6sV9d5fX3qs42Pu8Sto7uNPRlgHjM11o-HAzsoZ-zVliVkEhSodjm2oDdPQlNEuv7xxTnRgO4/s1600/Memorial+Day+Sale.png" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm having a Memorial Day Sale!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check it out :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And if you're having one too, grab my button!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to the lovely Ashley Hughes and Jen Jones for graphics and fonts.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a great weekend! </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224128779414093198.post-74218414652279526562014-05-25T20:01:00.001-05:002014-05-25T20:01:19.945-05:00Top Ten Things I Want To Do This Summer Link Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello all! Today I am linking up with the lovely <a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Jump's Class</a> to talk about the top ten things I want to do this summer!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/05/top-ten-things-i-want-to-do-this-summer.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/05/top-ten-things-i-want-to-do-this-summer.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmFWzqUFI0WxcvfPeH-o6C4iEj19pGpTCcVk52UTJlT5uIfiHIt3dhQJnY7B_9bm1foDRBUPgMqIxXT_uT5oLfxFGqPTFMtF2aRZd34Tm5B5-31hpqAtkBlYiY6SNBfYema226IrWxSc/s1600/Summer+linky+button.png" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Technically, I'm not on summer break yet :( I have three more days!!! But, it's Memorial Day Weekend, I'm feeling summer-y, and I am beginning to round up all the things I want to accomplish. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. First of all, and most importantly, I am going to Hawaii!! Yep, you read that right. This small-town Arkansas girl is going to Maui in a little over a month! I'm probably the most excited just to be going to on a plane (I've never been), but to be going to paradise? Let's just say I'm counting down the days ;)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aKv9QANEqK5w2yVUQ42p0WMII-rnoECVuKss6OegTvNRx1zlHHaSQcrhg2AVlfRZq4deFza1lr-Sp-Y4hC7-SoXwkHfCHsX_5AjPx96w8deOeiYV0AG-CBEb0uFetJh3u0mKlk4GFWE/s1600/MC4xMTIxMTMwMCAxMzc0NTIwOTQ5XzUxZWQ4Njc1MWI5ZWQ=.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aKv9QANEqK5w2yVUQ42p0WMII-rnoECVuKss6OegTvNRx1zlHHaSQcrhg2AVlfRZq4deFza1lr-Sp-Y4hC7-SoXwkHfCHsX_5AjPx96w8deOeiYV0AG-CBEb0uFetJh3u0mKlk4GFWE/s1600/MC4xMTIxMTMwMCAxMzc0NTIwOTQ5XzUxZWQ4Njc1MWI5ZWQ=.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2. I am planning on getting some serious pool time in this summer. There is nothing better to me- tanning, reading, floating... I may or may not be getting an early start on this one today ;) This is yet another reason I love my in-laws- we live next door to them and their pool. So... you know where you'll find me every day!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrkGKBN54TSn2I3ny-Jdo9aLHwLXBaP_KUmM1JqOzqPjpd3TKR_3ukZ28tR-XIsPi2CBwq85OvZTRaYM0WibZLHvMHdEqTzu21DbhVHi3ziv1ek5E0fpQ4X-Dk0vR2X3fVhCfJWgfZNk/s1600/kjioiuo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrkGKBN54TSn2I3ny-Jdo9aLHwLXBaP_KUmM1JqOzqPjpd3TKR_3ukZ28tR-XIsPi2CBwq85OvZTRaYM0WibZLHvMHdEqTzu21DbhVHi3ziv1ek5E0fpQ4X-Dk0vR2X3fVhCfJWgfZNk/s1600/kjioiuo.png" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Next, I want to spend some quality time with the husband. My first year of teaching has taken a serious toll on him too! I work A LOT. I'm stressed A LOT. I take it out on him.... never ;) So I really want to make it up to him this summer. Trips, dinners, dates, and I may even try playing some video games. I know, crazy!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5DtNjeMdcEG0u1LXzATrh0SBTMVI71r8UXVUNe_aT1_6bYjLxBPoD96mZPKEJhaIwFoQx-Wwly_KEXFc3RIcgWZQE0koXJgWvN12In-e0XT-YWei03oAC8tnzAPFa8Fn2_ZFmvr8T0g/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5DtNjeMdcEG0u1LXzATrh0SBTMVI71r8UXVUNe_aT1_6bYjLxBPoD96mZPKEJhaIwFoQx-Wwly_KEXFc3RIcgWZQE0koXJgWvN12In-e0XT-YWei03oAC8tnzAPFa8Fn2_ZFmvr8T0g/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Fourth, more blogging! I have so AWOL this year it's not even funny. But I'm back! Or at least I'm hoping to be :)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPulcOo0W8NzJ3AkK9d7h5YzTbZRyx1Y3p6NUyeBEC7wUGZSYJ9MTCszSv0TuFrWVqZ4dWgXz7b8UWYeeRRiIj_Zl8rc6Af_mgb9vOoXU9e8ZG5MhVizIkgexJ8YbneI0-9Ol5ciFHQ1g/s1600/kjflksdjlksdjlks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPulcOo0W8NzJ3AkK9d7h5YzTbZRyx1Y3p6NUyeBEC7wUGZSYJ9MTCszSv0TuFrWVqZ4dWgXz7b8UWYeeRRiIj_Zl8rc6Af_mgb9vOoXU9e8ZG5MhVizIkgexJ8YbneI0-9Ol5ciFHQ1g/s1600/kjflksdjlksdjlks.png" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. I have about a bajillion (ballpark number) product/center/activity ideas that have been collecting in my brain this year. So I am looking forward to doing some "want-to-do" things and less "have-to-do" things.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYkkKmjLpTrsPlphDMhWoBbr5Fd5eXY2ilyKg8G4sZfT9rToZpD76k5fjGYHM3KHTKj9QcvFLKfxPNyFOkUZnrJOJRB3X8W3_5ee55GZNEK-Li9We02ZNjQqBScg-yNB4UjFcUywHPYs/s1600/moving1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYkkKmjLpTrsPlphDMhWoBbr5Fd5eXY2ilyKg8G4sZfT9rToZpD76k5fjGYHM3KHTKj9QcvFLKfxPNyFOkUZnrJOJRB3X8W3_5ee55GZNEK-Li9We02ZNjQqBScg-yNB4UjFcUywHPYs/s1600/moving1.png" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. I LOVE to read. I've kept it up some during the school year, but I have a stack of books calling my name at the moment. And no, they are not school-related. That's the point :) Here's what I'm currently reading:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLFhTHgsfPLD8PNp5o11gzmXdrrx0YsXie3wbnHIJ9yd4yvZDX6pEwSAKhInhUFpVEXd5D7sUkEgOgfyQglTsdRvamAy3AtfWQ229N5byps3RdaLEzyF5ZEJUGAlHwX0O2pEac1umpks/s1600/defiance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLFhTHgsfPLD8PNp5o11gzmXdrrx0YsXie3wbnHIJ9yd4yvZDX6pEwSAKhInhUFpVEXd5D7sUkEgOgfyQglTsdRvamAy3AtfWQ229N5byps3RdaLEzyF5ZEJUGAlHwX0O2pEac1umpks/s1600/defiance.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. Family time! I see my family a lot, but I feel like the whole time I'm thinking about school, typing away on my laptop, or grading papers. So I am definitely planning on spending some work-free time with the fam. Here's me and my two sisters at baby sister's prom a few weeks ago:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8xtoG-oebLh2Ro8ex7aUgW9Cl60_7I3Ox4GK-enyjvJA2Eb5FFw9vRfDU2y8VJu96b_kfKTU9M_eE5DRGYrfNPK1FUKSKHqdn9SUH2c8pSPdM2BYuNy0Jl6KLtUwLHmc6wEfV4IqoLE/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8xtoG-oebLh2Ro8ex7aUgW9Cl60_7I3Ox4GK-enyjvJA2Eb5FFw9vRfDU2y8VJu96b_kfKTU9M_eE5DRGYrfNPK1FUKSKHqdn9SUH2c8pSPdM2BYuNy0Jl6KLtUwLHmc6wEfV4IqoLE/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. I definitely want to make time for some crafting. I've already got a plan for a summer wreath in the works! Breaking out the sharpies and the glue gun soon, for sure. I've been really into calligraphy lately:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T4djz8Xb0C5eWvxvsmEus5LfrCykR2uBA3GHS0nZu5yV_zHcXXM0-NBWNeRZoFmo1OkfjvjBQtHjaxaAmsz_eSbfPQnljJ834K4tHoFXWfuNGCN0icOLr_xYHbLGqePnkO-FtElse-s/s1600/kjlsj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T4djz8Xb0C5eWvxvsmEus5LfrCykR2uBA3GHS0nZu5yV_zHcXXM0-NBWNeRZoFmo1OkfjvjBQtHjaxaAmsz_eSbfPQnljJ834K4tHoFXWfuNGCN0icOLr_xYHbLGqePnkO-FtElse-s/s1600/kjlsj.png" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 9. I'm (re)watching all of FRIENDS. I love this show. Husband (because he's awesome) recently bought me the whole series. So you can bet that will be the TV show of my summer!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGTN7txVuE8s16OaDe0ngkQK0LUk_A-Indd7v5qlCFBp7xX6TQH1-nxjocq5wXlMNJ1qiUfZ4WlPtv-wVHcaGXWxe7THVl0MRyUAOLX7ZHgURAJ5nqCOrJPSFeOAEXRcg2-ljIAxZUdM/s1600/friends-tv-show-wallpapers-1280x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGTN7txVuE8s16OaDe0ngkQK0LUk_A-Indd7v5qlCFBp7xX6TQH1-nxjocq5wXlMNJ1qiUfZ4WlPtv-wVHcaGXWxe7THVl0MRyUAOLX7ZHgURAJ5nqCOrJPSFeOAEXRcg2-ljIAxZUdM/s1600/friends-tv-show-wallpapers-1280x1024.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 10. And last, workout. Bleck. I hate exercise. But I've lost 9 pounds this Spring, and I want to keep that going. No picture, because let's be honest, I don't like it. Haha.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And that's the plan! My Top Ten Things for this summer! What are your plans? I'd love to hear them!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And don't forget to link up over at <a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/05/top-ten-things-i-want-to-do-this-summer.html" target="_blank">Mrs. Jump's</a>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Summer!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6JoBofLyVnaFsOXfdth9l99Q4IO0M4d9ssa63bpYadQNlQznO72qqJLHZm2PmwYPBSDIK58SpIeBoYM3LokNmc88VzbiQbZj22Sr5oMP7UMurms6Qe-GGgxVTA1Bd1QE8Lv2ATxne0o/s1600/hkjhkj.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945283395173624699noreply@blogger.com2