tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58674525606122114692024-03-18T23:27:08.490-05:00My Blessed Little LifeLiving the blessed life with my hubby and three kids.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-60040353585655585832014-08-06T18:03:00.000-05:002014-08-06T18:03:40.571-05:00It's That Time Again...It is the time of year that all parents look forward to...it is back to school time. As a teacher, I get both excited and a little depressed when this time rolls around. For 35 years, I've had a first day of school to get ready for, either as a student or as a teacher. It is always exciting to shop for school supplies and have new things. For me, it is a symbol of a fresh start I guess. My kids love school shopping too...I guess my love of office supplies have rubbed off on them. :) Unfortunately, as they get older the list seems to get longer and much more expensive. <br />
<br />
I'll be getting a new classroom ready this year. I'm moving back into sixth grade after a few years in seventh and eighth grades. I think I will miss the older kids, but I am so excited to work with the sixth graders again. I started teaching in sixth grade and I truly loved the kids. They are still innocent, and I love watching the maturing process happen over the course of the year. This year also is a change in how we are teaching reading and language arts. Instead of two separate classes, we will be blocking time so that we can focus on both subjects together. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and finding new ways to make reading and language fun and relevant for the kids. I have great partners in my department, so I am looking forward to what will come!<br />
<br />
It seems like we just left after summer school, so getting back into school seems very rushed. I know once everyone is back and in the swing of things, I will enjoy the year ahead. <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-6810532924612835862014-06-16T22:44:00.002-05:002014-06-16T22:48:38.080-05:00Summer...sort of. Summer is here, and I'm still at school...teaching summer school that is. I've really got to learn to say no! It has been a good experience and not nearly as chaotic as last year, so that is a win in my book. The money is always good and as a fellow teacher said today, where else will I make this much in 24 days (legally I guess ;-) The kids have been good, and I am teaching a reading class which is great. I'm looking forward to teaching reading again next year, so this has been a really good opportunity for me. <br />
<br />
After looking ahead at what the rest of the summer holds, time is going to fly by I think. I have training sessions in the middle of July and we will be back in school before I know it...and I'll wonder where did summer go?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-89037015543324714572014-05-12T21:36:00.000-05:002014-05-12T23:19:12.338-05:00Believe it or not...Believe it or not, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. It has been a crazy busy few months, and I'm sorry this little blog has gotten a bit neglected. School is wrapping up, and we only have 12.5 insane days left...everyone is to the "I'm way past done" stage of the school year, and nerves are getting mighty thin. I'm hoping that the projects that we have planned for the next few days help to keep the roof on the building. <br />
<br />
Life at home is just as crazy. Three teens in one tiny house is not a great combo, and with everyone's end of the year schedules, it is becoming a bigger mad house. <br />
<br />
Here is to summer break, lazier days, and working on projects that I choose, not that are chosen for me. I'm ready to tackle some of the household chores which sadly get neglected during the school year...like sorting through clothing. Goodwill, look at...we are heading your way very soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad-ujB_vyLzk9XqZ-jzXihan5CqLMaj9ZNwysRer48JX6oxdJMFL8JJlg7Img9quYfUIRseD-thp-GSNT7PtZkY112PM4-2vS_TgiDjrQ_6HK8vgVnMC3kNZxeenCEjNPoIM5QN0HiyI/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad-ujB_vyLzk9XqZ-jzXihan5CqLMaj9ZNwysRer48JX6oxdJMFL8JJlg7Img9quYfUIRseD-thp-GSNT7PtZkY112PM4-2vS_TgiDjrQ_6HK8vgVnMC3kNZxeenCEjNPoIM5QN0HiyI/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" height="77" width="200" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-62000036608387689822014-02-03T22:25:00.000-06:002014-02-03T22:26:13.466-06:00Grandpa Duane<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ-xMwS0Lw3rg10WU6Eaa02YSY1tp2zUFStdgh7A5ZMJG6vCkrejt7u4gAOP2lQsJTC9PRna6oCfJ2Ivz3PNGkYaHjZLSTegedordnsIhiXroyMtLLf_pvymGhqvBsUwnMw9YQlm3WdM/s1600/2014-01-27+20.48.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ-xMwS0Lw3rg10WU6Eaa02YSY1tp2zUFStdgh7A5ZMJG6vCkrejt7u4gAOP2lQsJTC9PRna6oCfJ2Ivz3PNGkYaHjZLSTegedordnsIhiXroyMtLLf_pvymGhqvBsUwnMw9YQlm3WdM/s1600/2014-01-27+20.48.52.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>One week ago, my family lost my grandpa Duane. At 90 years old, his body was done. 90 years of hard work, farm life, and a never quit attitude is hard on a body. While at his funeral, the pastor made reference to the Guillain Barre Syndrome that he contracted in the 80s. It causes paralysis that starts in the feet and legs and works its way toward the chest and arms. It can be fatal if it reaches the lungs and heart, but thankfully it was caught before that for my grandpa. However, the results left him without feeling in his hands and feet, which caused other problems for him. He often couldn't feel heat or cold effects, so he suffered burns and frostbite several times. He also had cuts get infected because of his lack of feeling, so he lost toes. This syndrome mixed with diabetes created difficulties with simple tasks like dressing and eating, but he never quit. He found ways to deal with the challenges of life, which in turn taught his grandkids and great-grandkids a valuable lesson about life: when life hands you lemons, make something sweet! (He had a tremendous sweet tooth...another great thing for a diabetic!)<br />
<br />
Ironically, he was buried on my grandma's birthday. It was really the best time, as he missed my grandma so very much after her death. They had such a sweet love story, and I can remember staying at their house and him calling for her to come to bed. She'd be fussing with something, getting us settled and what not, and he'd call for her. Even when she got sick and her memory slipped in and out, he would visit her everyday in the nursing home. He never quit, even when I could tell that it hurt him when she had bad days. I think many of us thought that he'd go sooner than he did because he missed her so much, but he held on. I am blessed that my kids got to know him and love him the way that they did. I wish we had been closer and could visit more often, but I know that my kids were blessed to know a great grandparent for as long as they did. <br />
<br />
I miss him, but I know that he is better off in no pain, and he can be with his true love again. Thinking of them happy and together makes me smile. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad-ujB_vyLzk9XqZ-jzXihan5CqLMaj9ZNwysRer48JX6oxdJMFL8JJlg7Img9quYfUIRseD-thp-GSNT7PtZkY112PM4-2vS_TgiDjrQ_6HK8vgVnMC3kNZxeenCEjNPoIM5QN0HiyI/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad-ujB_vyLzk9XqZ-jzXihan5CqLMaj9ZNwysRer48JX6oxdJMFL8JJlg7Img9quYfUIRseD-thp-GSNT7PtZkY112PM4-2vS_TgiDjrQ_6HK8vgVnMC3kNZxeenCEjNPoIM5QN0HiyI/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-49814661322464594192013-11-06T20:26:00.000-06:002013-11-06T20:28:53.186-06:00An Attitude of Gratitude #6We have three kids running around our house, and we also have three furbabies -- our Golden Retriever, Maggie, and two cats, Dewey and Sirius. Animals have a way of making you feel happy... cats who curl up, contently purring in your lap, or a dog who moves from room to room with you, just wants to be a part of whatever you are doing. While I could do without the dog and cat hair everywhere, I do love my pets like my own kids. I'm grateful for the companionship of animals (especially ones as good natured as mine!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapR3dQhxqv-phyphenhyphengxy20NjQmsP2f2y1QZxfAA8Egq7FSdNqIKfD4u15gpuvMkZzhT0oFelBu_csAs9aXoCcBHm2Gwmcr5R4L2oH1rJhEcPYlLyrwn1jaJ1ZtxgDnhHSYyt4onf3GvDW2A/s1600/2013-11-01+18.25.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapR3dQhxqv-phyphenhyphengxy20NjQmsP2f2y1QZxfAA8Egq7FSdNqIKfD4u15gpuvMkZzhT0oFelBu_csAs9aXoCcBHm2Gwmcr5R4L2oH1rJhEcPYlLyrwn1jaJ1ZtxgDnhHSYyt4onf3GvDW2A/s200/2013-11-01+18.25.48.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwFx1MFlkwpwGIlEzXtyEmPsVCjnEldAB4u8OTaMy0w5xPxlmfgFrBQMrBUNTuO3ww-XLX64MTIN_eosTVJUS5LDEZ3ISB9A_q5hl7bhcldE4o5aktjY23oqJ1UeMPeI3b1d8-_BZrZs/s1600/2013-10-20+19.12.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwFx1MFlkwpwGIlEzXtyEmPsVCjnEldAB4u8OTaMy0w5xPxlmfgFrBQMrBUNTuO3ww-XLX64MTIN_eosTVJUS5LDEZ3ISB9A_q5hl7bhcldE4o5aktjY23oqJ1UeMPeI3b1d8-_BZrZs/s200/2013-10-20+19.12.47.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dO_oM24jo6kpcmJroTAU9tTBZGgyOmN-ZlNI89U0ZLFFWFsugIrAQMPiEXXWPp6s3hxBomBaSH4EeMkIcHF2a9b-gTPIgS05Bo4qmH3oAhWdwLL216tPNKeiIjPa0FJu7rOr0oAQPe8/s1600/2013-05-02+22.28.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dO_oM24jo6kpcmJroTAU9tTBZGgyOmN-ZlNI89U0ZLFFWFsugIrAQMPiEXXWPp6s3hxBomBaSH4EeMkIcHF2a9b-gTPIgS05Bo4qmH3oAhWdwLL216tPNKeiIjPa0FJu7rOr0oAQPe8/s200/2013-05-02+22.28.05.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-16882236661060862132013-11-06T18:55:00.001-06:002013-11-06T19:17:13.505-06:00An Attitude of Gratitude #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qOlPjLOFNCngIxh5iGcTmROs4n4kNgeOc78t6fK0TY0a96n-xtyzfMBMYWOCg8NBSb9tg-5v7SKYp8Zm1xd6_3JaRUcWTF00ExJHI6FnRmkM_1qHn3qMGtXMJhtnFMP3Imm554Hx-q8/s1600/IMG_264017525388384.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qOlPjLOFNCngIxh5iGcTmROs4n4kNgeOc78t6fK0TY0a96n-xtyzfMBMYWOCg8NBSb9tg-5v7SKYp8Zm1xd6_3JaRUcWTF00ExJHI6FnRmkM_1qHn3qMGtXMJhtnFMP3Imm554Hx-q8/s320/IMG_264017525388384.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
That picture says a lot about who I am. I am an Iowa girl, born and bred. My hometown is a tiny little place in northwest Iowa, Primghar, made up of 900 good, God-fearing, hard-working people... farmers, teachers, small business owners. People who took a true interest in how others were doing and helped out their neighbors without being asked. I am so proud of where I grew up. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm grateful for the small town values that shaped who I am. I'm happy that both my husband and I were raised in similar towns, and we both share those small town values now while raising our kids. While I would give anything to raise my kids in my hometown, I am blessed to share my small town values with my family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-85699627413117350442013-11-04T21:04:00.000-06:002013-11-06T18:51:48.082-06:00An Attitude of Gratitude #4Tonight has been a very long, tedious night. I am preparing to have a sub tomorrow, which I just dread each time. I would much rather be in my classroom sick than to have to plan for a sub to be in my room. It is just so much work to get things ready and then find a way to explain to a stranger what my kids and I have been working on. It is just easier to be in the room and make decisions on the fly as needed. To make matters worse, I will be gone two days, not just one. I have a PD day with my language arts coworkers and then will finally get into the doctor for an appointment that has been rescheduled twice. Tonight I worked after school until 8 o'clock trying to get caught up with grading and planning in order for someone to come. I also needed to clean off my desk...what a job!<br />
<br />
My gratitude in all of this is that I have a job. I don't have to worry about the hunt and the rejection that many are experiencing daily. I enjoy the people that I work with...my team can always make me laugh when I am feeling down. Sometimes it just takes a look and we know what each other is thinking...that is a rare thing. I worked so hard to get back into teaching after being away for years with my kiddos, and then after working as an instructional assistant. I was so discouraged for a while when it seemed that no jobs would be available. I am blessed to work with middle school kids, even on those crazy days when they drive me nuts! I am so happy to be working with the other teachers on my team. While I'm not sure about the future of education right now, I have to say that I'm grateful to be working where I am at this moment.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-31572859500300205562013-11-03T20:11:00.000-06:002013-11-03T20:11:04.893-06:00An Attitude of Gratitude #3<div dir="ltr">
I love traveling. Going from place to place and seeing new sights always amazes me. Growing up, I loved to watch travel shows, and I remember thinking Samantha Brown has to have one of the best jobs in the world -- traveling from country to country, exploring new places, and she gets paid to do it! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This summer my husband and I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles and Las Vegas for a week, kid free. As much as I love traveling with my kids, I truly adore the time that my husband and I get to spend alone on trips. It is so nice to go to nicer places and not have to worry about the kids. I feel blessed and grateful to have the ability to travel and experience new people and places. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei8XTPqDJdJ71bZAl1kjzp03nuuj0vmUxwLOlIjgNz-Ry6jYdzNutEfrLSbZiyiHnv2Lu_vykWS287BVyNWrk3a49RHo-oSQxoUwPSV4XYdr6A0rhJLIzqSQ5UO8ICtlClYWrDYBMX2A/s1600/2013-07-14+06.21.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei8XTPqDJdJ71bZAl1kjzp03nuuj0vmUxwLOlIjgNz-Ry6jYdzNutEfrLSbZiyiHnv2Lu_vykWS287BVyNWrk3a49RHo-oSQxoUwPSV4XYdr6A0rhJLIzqSQ5UO8ICtlClYWrDYBMX2A/s200/2013-07-14+06.21.08.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5TXvcSyS8nsEGrSaimqZ6N862VZM8XuXVrLkxQkl2HTV6Fjt0H2gHb5ErGjrN7oncC4LGA7wIgwHf3dPth2WnCpuYLKoCn0pSZ70_SUY4eK55EjASA68chyRTR0HKS9zAXb5IZ4ZVUY/s1600/2013-07-14+06.31.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5TXvcSyS8nsEGrSaimqZ6N862VZM8XuXVrLkxQkl2HTV6Fjt0H2gHb5ErGjrN7oncC4LGA7wIgwHf3dPth2WnCpuYLKoCn0pSZ70_SUY4eK55EjASA68chyRTR0HKS9zAXb5IZ4ZVUY/s200/2013-07-14+06.31.31.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqRBy6VmxP0MXDI4FjjsngSxX8s9cNDcZzimae6hfWqca_qdOga-UHMHD6Ta3Dj_TuAm-OU7cer7T8X9Ij6BpbOlbIOH9r1IxPKTrG5TfGYphlBQB92dvfkT_iTohCQUVJ9LZxMy7dhI/s1600/2013-07-13+18.03.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqRBy6VmxP0MXDI4FjjsngSxX8s9cNDcZzimae6hfWqca_qdOga-UHMHD6Ta3Dj_TuAm-OU7cer7T8X9Ij6BpbOlbIOH9r1IxPKTrG5TfGYphlBQB92dvfkT_iTohCQUVJ9LZxMy7dhI/s200/2013-07-13+18.03.52.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-42208150297222895092013-11-02T22:32:00.001-05:002013-11-06T20:36:28.582-06:00An Attitude of Gratitude #2<div dir="ltr">
Today my family went to the movies. This is a very rare treat for us, due to the cost involved with taking everyone. We saw <i>Gravity</i> with Sandra Bullock. What a great movie! Although sad at times, I think the overall message of resilience is strong. I'm glad that we had time to spend together. Chris and I also saw <i>Last Vegas</i> last night. Two movies in one weekend.... almost unheard of anymore. It was a wonderful date night and much needed time together! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-46079801770771314992013-11-01T10:34:00.002-05:002013-11-06T20:37:00.041-06:00A Month of Gratitude! #1It is November 1st. Isn't this the best month to think about what we are grateful for? In the spirit of Thanksgiving this month, I'm going to post what I'm grateful for each day. So with that in mind...<br />
<br />
Day 1:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Today I'm grateful for comp days following our yearly conferences. This week we taught for three full days and then also had conferences from 3:30-7 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as all day from 7-4 pm on Thursday. This makes for such a long week...especially leading up to Halloween when my middle schoolers are a little wired any way! I'm grateful that our administrators give us a day to recover and rest after many hours beyond our normal teaching duties. It is so nice to sleep until 7:30, instead of getting up and leaving before sunrise! My body clock must be set though...I awoke at my normal 4:30 anyway, but going back to bed was a nice treat! What are you thankful for today?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5Hlflhzd_OtB0Y3mL-Wb_dqgF9hSWWRlY85IEIRdWCxPK4EmNEg57LDiGjKEPIjDSF7yi1TU532syOwBvibPhgRweNKiG0iyH3srVEesldvg_YVj68tZocu2093qx10swwkacJr3DYA/s1600/Inspirings-Framed-Print-Gratitude-Bestows-Reverence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5Hlflhzd_OtB0Y3mL-Wb_dqgF9hSWWRlY85IEIRdWCxPK4EmNEg57LDiGjKEPIjDSF7yi1TU532syOwBvibPhgRweNKiG0iyH3srVEesldvg_YVj68tZocu2093qx10swwkacJr3DYA/s400/Inspirings-Framed-Print-Gratitude-Bestows-Reverence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-55236115274255218822013-09-12T21:32:00.002-05:002013-09-12T21:32:51.155-05:00Another week done!Whew! The past few weeks has been a whirlwind. I can't believe that midterms are here already! With volleyball, STUCO, and of course my classroom work and three kids to manage, I feel like I've just been running nonstop. I am blessed to be busy and working alongside wonderful staff members, so I can't complain too much. I would like have one weekend where I can get things done around the house that are desperately being ignored right now. Soon, soon...all things in time, right?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-53217817779442268442013-08-24T10:52:00.002-05:002013-08-24T10:52:42.717-05:00First Full Week Done!Our first full week is done and I have to be honest and say that it has kicked my butt! Between my 7th and 8th grade classes of language arts, being a committee leader, and coaching volleyball--not to mention my own kids and their activities--I have just been exhausted all week. I love getting back into routine, but I forgot how hard it is to do so! My body is already back to the 4:30 wake up call...even today, when I just wanted to sleep in! It has meant some 9 pm bed times, though, because I just had to crash.<br />
<br />
I think that my classes are already better than last year, and so far (knock on wood!) the kids are much more receptive to our writing activities. Attitude is everything! We are switching to common core standards this year, which is really causing me to think about the level of teaching I'm using this year, which is great! <br />
<br />
Time to get busy with all the things around the house that have been neglected this week...have a fabulous weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-40717225892238019772013-08-11T12:40:00.000-05:002013-08-11T12:40:26.113-05:00Another 5K in the BooksMy oldest and I participated in the Kansas City Race for the Cure this morning. It was such a beautiful walk and I am always amazed to see all the people that come out to support breast cancer survivors and their families. It makes me feel like I am a part of something so important to see the wave of pink and white. Now to get into my school mode so I can get some work done for tomorrow. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and hate the fact that I have so much still on my to-do list and not much to cross off...ugh. Time to get busy!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TQO6CRDY5y3pM1iL8wEZdYEL9JAajCtjfbvpMKtaAHjlWZZPSfTLoUkurBq5c26xtkYU2v9dyx24CI407Xsnxh-4CLTobAOPbXvwjyMJc7NZ113pDXOhzsJOvA2Qe59Dt9gYJoyYwnk/s1600/2013-08-11+07.42.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TQO6CRDY5y3pM1iL8wEZdYEL9JAajCtjfbvpMKtaAHjlWZZPSfTLoUkurBq5c26xtkYU2v9dyx24CI407Xsnxh-4CLTobAOPbXvwjyMJc7NZ113pDXOhzsJOvA2Qe59Dt9gYJoyYwnk/s320/2013-08-11+07.42.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for 3.1 miles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f0qO0TF8zHUb8ZJKCaEumqKPwWyZlXHdBHiKabfmp18idq8J9J4dVfcZ0CUIjHlLzHIGt6BETYNDCOKFGbPEOD0h82SIq9wi2jlErq19dN2CC6JIANYcF5m13C8RjiHVUc1zJuDHlKQ/s1600/2013-08-11+07.51.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f0qO0TF8zHUb8ZJKCaEumqKPwWyZlXHdBHiKabfmp18idq8J9J4dVfcZ0CUIjHlLzHIGt6BETYNDCOKFGbPEOD0h82SIq9wi2jlErq19dN2CC6JIANYcF5m13C8RjiHVUc1zJuDHlKQ/s320/2013-08-11+07.51.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love seeing the crowd!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeSMU2B5HDHWFr86kg4nReBQy5AI7NaQfr8LtXfz1fBTyi5DmJnChAdXsEsgjV7BJsjdhg4JgzKlwWpvKDx0VOvNGnujY7IR0ZoKFNMadO-Uly3JhovFtZPMt3zAy5PIw1vx7lLuIIDY/s1600/2013-08-11+07.55.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeSMU2B5HDHWFr86kg4nReBQy5AI7NaQfr8LtXfz1fBTyi5DmJnChAdXsEsgjV7BJsjdhg4JgzKlwWpvKDx0VOvNGnujY7IR0ZoKFNMadO-Uly3JhovFtZPMt3zAy5PIw1vx7lLuIIDY/s320/2013-08-11+07.55.42.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H is still in a good mood here. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yK21uxWBPljCKOLLLujj2ri7cDCs78IpbR2F_14_dvS7K_C9EhToJ6CeFKwe47IKdxeCiHbl7f-ejs7EMp5pka1E84QrA_r0sY5tIf9cFtQGbenH0V1ife6V_9XRBcYxk8jiRR09hAU/s1600/2013-08-11+08.37.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yK21uxWBPljCKOLLLujj2ri7cDCs78IpbR2F_14_dvS7K_C9EhToJ6CeFKwe47IKdxeCiHbl7f-ejs7EMp5pka1E84QrA_r0sY5tIf9cFtQGbenH0V1ife6V_9XRBcYxk8jiRR09hAU/s320/2013-08-11+08.37.18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivQM71tz5SlBw-8-4AA9x41O8H5-jYmB3vQm2aw9KlNfuPM1hyphenhyphen1Kq2fsWxDRcm3vj6JKBhqm-Umr48iD4vgEHF0FWQlG-ldcZVZFOlml60QC6Gu-nE1Jo3yQvm2pHKYt8Ow2Tct4q0cc/s1600/2013-08-11+08.59.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivQM71tz5SlBw-8-4AA9x41O8H5-jYmB3vQm2aw9KlNfuPM1hyphenhyphen1Kq2fsWxDRcm3vj6JKBhqm-Umr48iD4vgEHF0FWQlG-ldcZVZFOlml60QC6Gu-nE1Jo3yQvm2pHKYt8Ow2Tct4q0cc/s320/2013-08-11+08.59.19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-88452431490987138432013-08-08T21:21:00.003-05:002013-08-08T21:21:38.893-05:00We're Back!Tomorrow starts another new school year. While I'm excited to get back into routine and meet with kids, I have to be honest and say that I'm not excited to sit through meeting after meeting for the next three days. Any one else every feel this way? I've been at school this week trying to get my room ready. It is almost there, but it isn't where I want it to be yet. It will get there, but for some reason, I sat in the room and just couldn't decide what to do or where to start. I'm not really overwhelmed, but I didn't have my head in the right place either. I think a summer that was just too fast played a big part of that. Summer school took a lot out of me...more than I had expected really. It is time to get back into the swing of things though. Enjoy your year if you start soon too!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-83367060722012343812013-07-29T10:35:00.001-05:002013-07-29T10:37:47.389-05:00And We're Back!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVQdMMbGGxCHKHvYy-OKLzOXiLvJDAhrj01sLv8IIWYiUjs_B0Fw5gh74jgmaB2jUPcCt3RQ7-9Ye1DVWxt0bWhLOoePSscBRNAwzOAH7xqTJp-Afa9P27cvfWLvkDwtj2_A5OyBQeFo/s1600/summer-vacation-beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVQdMMbGGxCHKHvYy-OKLzOXiLvJDAhrj01sLv8IIWYiUjs_B0Fw5gh74jgmaB2jUPcCt3RQ7-9Ye1DVWxt0bWhLOoePSscBRNAwzOAH7xqTJp-Afa9P27cvfWLvkDwtj2_A5OyBQeFo/s320/summer-vacation-beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where I'd rather be...sigh. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's that time again...the calm before the storm so to speak. Back to school displays are up and the sales fliers are in the mailbox...ugh. I'm not really excited this year. I usually love to stock up for things for my classroom, but this year, I'm not feeling it. I don't know if it is because my co-teacher left to try reading instead of language arts with me, or because it means I'll have to start a new co-teaching relationship. Maybe it's a <strike>little</strike> lot of both. I totally understand the need for change. We grade a lot...all the time. I can't fault her for that...we just had a great partnership that is going to be hard to reestablish again. But it will be done because I can do that or have a long year... and I don't want that!<br />
<br />
My kids are at grandma's house for the week, so it is a good time for me to get things done around here before the craziness starts in again. Two kids in middle school and one more year of elem for the littlest. Time is flying by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-21749307798545471892013-05-31T17:22:00.000-05:002013-05-31T17:22:43.189-05:00Yeah! Summer...oh wait.Yeah! School officially was finished yesterday. This has been such an exhausting week. We have 1 1/2 days with kids, then I had CPR training Wednesday afternoon after setting up our staff BBQ to celebrate another school year. Thursday was supposed to be our last teacher work day, but I spent it listening to Dr. Rick McGuire from the University of Missouri speak about Positive Coaching. His message was great, but I think the 8 hour PD session could have been accomplished in 2, so the repetitiveness just dragged on and on. Today I started my work for summer school. Today was all about unpacking boxes and planning lessons. I feel like I have a good start any way. 23 days of summer school will go by quickly right? I will miss having the extra days to work around the house, but the extra money will hopefully make up for it!<br />
<br />
So summer for me will really start in July. School work will start back up for PD days and curriculum writing then too. I guess teachers really don't have a lot of time of after all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-56389227851117977822013-05-13T21:45:00.000-05:002013-05-13T21:45:08.495-05:00End of the Year Craziness Has Begun!It is the end of the school year for us and the craziness has definitely begun. I feel like we are trying to get those last objectives taught and still trying to make it fun and engaging. It seems that the kids believe MAP testing to be the official end of the school year, even though we had another month left to go. Trying to get ourselves in a happy place is also hard right now...teachers are tired. Kids are tired. Rinse and repeat. <br />
<br />
I'm scheduled to teach summer school. This will be the first time in a long time. I taught it 12 years ago. I'm looking at the next two weeks of school and longing to be done, but there is four more weeks after that. It will be an experience for sure. I am hoping that the four weeks go fast and I can make it a fun and enjoyable time in the classroom. I pick up my materials tomorrow, so I get to find out what I'll be doing then.<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to having time to spend at home with my kids as well, so come on July!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-37458724078851015382013-04-21T16:47:00.001-05:002013-04-21T16:47:11.557-05:00A Little Time Off...So you may have noticed that I have taken a few days away from this little blog. Life in April has been a little crazy around the homestead here. End of the year activities are definitely kicking in full gear. Band contests, choir concerts, meeting, meeting, meetings...and then there is MAP testing too. We will soon be getting ready for state testing at school. Two weeks of testing might just do me in! I'm hoping it goes by quickly and with as few headaches as possible!<br />
<br />
On a positive note, my son will be competing in a state math contest this weekend...I'm excited for him. He is very excited to show what he can do! It will be good to have a little family vaca away from town, if only for one night!<br />
<br />
Hope your month has been going well. I'm just hoping to see spring come sometime soon...so tired of the cold!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-78468585214216191412013-03-31T04:00:00.000-05:002013-04-21T16:47:35.335-05:00SOL 3/31 I Made It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl029AeIKsY3VQ7RHvwfHQ_JlmMxYMUWI63RQwrc5ppWRKaCi9uwBTL3kqUKaGUa7Up59kUjD5Bvuhog5E3qAF_IpeAsFrjBPS7trnpeHL8i-JwoZznTP0cfsqZgzBQ5Mqj9jZKwN3lvk/s1600/sols_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl029AeIKsY3VQ7RHvwfHQ_JlmMxYMUWI63RQwrc5ppWRKaCi9uwBTL3kqUKaGUa7Up59kUjD5Bvuhog5E3qAF_IpeAsFrjBPS7trnpeHL8i-JwoZznTP0cfsqZgzBQ5Mqj9jZKwN3lvk/s200/sols_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Wow! I made it. Thirty-one days of writing on this little blog. I am so proud of myself for finishing the Slice of Life challenge, hosted by Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers. I don't think that I could have imagined that I would finish a month of blogging. A month of writing. I have truly enjoyed this challenge. I remember why I love writing. I have been able to try new styles of writing. I have also been able to read some really powerful posts from some really terrific writers. I have learned more about the subject that I teach. I have come across great ideas for my classroom. I have laughed and cried with others from around the world. Thirty-one days may be a short blip in time, but thirty-one days has helped me to become a stronger writer. Thank you to all the people who have read and commented. That has meant a great deal to me. I have grown to love the community of writers who support and encourage one another. Thank you, Ruth and Stacey, for challenging us to step outside of our comfort zones and try this. I look forward to continuing to write and learn and grow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK3uIGWHNgKM6jUQIz8BzrO1KM4p90zk06wj0Ena9LNvLA-JDwZZfob0kykGY-cyomB7MHCfC_TillWAlgbPh69_tMpp-snemm86ez4VP2vnXSaYILwJ0w8_bSpdVFKPjw1fU5fBKYUI/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK3uIGWHNgKM6jUQIz8BzrO1KM4p90zk06wj0Ena9LNvLA-JDwZZfob0kykGY-cyomB7MHCfC_TillWAlgbPh69_tMpp-snemm86ez4VP2vnXSaYILwJ0w8_bSpdVFKPjw1fU5fBKYUI/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-22026119972605193652013-03-30T09:41:00.000-05:002013-03-31T08:12:14.030-05:00SOL 3/30 Rockclimbing, Roadtrips, and Family<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kBreFuzjzPV7Fn1LrTB2ycJsSW1iquiozTwzfVReIW-PtoW8Oi9YA_Izsp0-s2Q_FP0L0Zk3YZHJ8s8wjn6lPkVLwwE8dNAc2TbdZm0OI5fne35eFxtI7dcULJUgKIiIPDFpRGhPMDE/s1600/sols_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kBreFuzjzPV7Fn1LrTB2ycJsSW1iquiozTwzfVReIW-PtoW8Oi9YA_Izsp0-s2Q_FP0L0Zk3YZHJ8s8wjn6lPkVLwwE8dNAc2TbdZm0OI5fne35eFxtI7dcULJUgKIiIPDFpRGhPMDE/s200/sols_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My nephew is getting baptized this afternoon, so my family (immediate and extended) have all traveled to Gillette, Wyoming to celebrate with him. My husband and I will serve as God parents for baby Zane, so the trip is extra special for me. From our house in Missouri, it is a very long 16 hour drive, so we tried to find attractions that would break up the trip. We drove to Mitchell, SD and saw the Corn Palace, and continued on. The Badlands were our next stop, where we hiked out on some pretty amazing sights. God's creation is awe inspiring! Who knows where we will head on the way home, but it is fun to watch my kids learn and explore. Enjoy some pictures from the trip so far. I love the question mark on the end of trail sign...kind of sums up how I feel right now. Things are ending, but it isn't the end of the trail for me. A fitting metaphor for life right now.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytkk5vzUsklKnizw-E6QnloJgYa5jRQuxu2sU0amfA7EPj2pEYiJpk4BewrxAaunNE2chzizwCHMF_pTFP-3heQjGbpJPvd1fEgvnwHo0tu1_FhPGSopoFoP8mscRZsu6NfcZGrP8kg/s1600/20130329_124435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytkk5vzUsklKnizw-E6QnloJgYa5jRQuxu2sU0amfA7EPj2pEYiJpk4BewrxAaunNE2chzizwCHMF_pTFP-3heQjGbpJPvd1fEgvnwHo0tu1_FhPGSopoFoP8mscRZsu6NfcZGrP8kg/s320/20130329_124435.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcKIaP_4cSk1m9UVgdlKW_smFXB0lVuGFCqnMpk27hdvbyNuxG0_qbw_Cc7s9aaKiqgO90uI_TVEMux4TH8qJau3Z_WBPPCFQ50AoNvDAC-lXk7fBo47WTeZWdAdCh-Jb47OffyM8n0g/s1600/2013-03-29+12.49.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcKIaP_4cSk1m9UVgdlKW_smFXB0lVuGFCqnMpk27hdvbyNuxG0_qbw_Cc7s9aaKiqgO90uI_TVEMux4TH8qJau3Z_WBPPCFQ50AoNvDAC-lXk7fBo47WTeZWdAdCh-Jb47OffyM8n0g/s320/2013-03-29+12.49.26.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjqC2Z5Z0IO4RGT-8FlI_k990bNac11W8DP2wTRzSl1RXvHQfr9Kf8e7xHsDg6DU164ERA6Hj3_xINpqPpX-RM68HLZTjGn9BeXiqACyZQy7VGTUpmu70Qy03cQDMbw4s3iqO-kaT0YQ/s1600/2013-03-29+12.33.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjqC2Z5Z0IO4RGT-8FlI_k990bNac11W8DP2wTRzSl1RXvHQfr9Kf8e7xHsDg6DU164ERA6Hj3_xINpqPpX-RM68HLZTjGn9BeXiqACyZQy7VGTUpmu70Qy03cQDMbw4s3iqO-kaT0YQ/s320/2013-03-29+12.33.06.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBwjOcb9bZqrHyBQdP_VVO0VboXEPXh_IeIj4GPhpPqu_32iKlYWYaXJRyzFKV2Vg1TOt81WYBxXG6EJtWR5BDeJ4RNCRgpI3ORl1e4EjVibfdXsg5bVyPd3sQlp4yShbEej0c9ewsk4/s1600/2013-03-29+13.34.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBwjOcb9bZqrHyBQdP_VVO0VboXEPXh_IeIj4GPhpPqu_32iKlYWYaXJRyzFKV2Vg1TOt81WYBxXG6EJtWR5BDeJ4RNCRgpI3ORl1e4EjVibfdXsg5bVyPd3sQlp4yShbEej0c9ewsk4/s320/2013-03-29+13.34.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXSfkeDobKgS4wLPAPQI2t5i0rOVCptsvZdAAHmq_N0XptcQmwkmH74Y0lufuA8rqWlmWHSTizn29MwB5KLNiwjQ7d8Y_7-fMBbTo-Oomn2Skq5kd5RFOhZ9CS3AW2D2RfV1bMmbcvAs/s1600/2013-03-29+12.31.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXSfkeDobKgS4wLPAPQI2t5i0rOVCptsvZdAAHmq_N0XptcQmwkmH74Y0lufuA8rqWlmWHSTizn29MwB5KLNiwjQ7d8Y_7-fMBbTo-Oomn2Skq5kd5RFOhZ9CS3AW2D2RfV1bMmbcvAs/s320/2013-03-29+12.31.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaIikd_wAwkyMJK1fV72VCHIU4_MsyOF3p8L2DtFgWHIQnfjN_5EEcOnYpU9UylkmQ96t9mX1SBGQmC_oxVoPDXf9DG8xDDCNpjYJaoPXVmkUYrT9jHVrA3Ffb0nNFGh0_30PtUfDqHk/s1600/2013-03-29+12.42.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaIikd_wAwkyMJK1fV72VCHIU4_MsyOF3p8L2DtFgWHIQnfjN_5EEcOnYpU9UylkmQ96t9mX1SBGQmC_oxVoPDXf9DG8xDDCNpjYJaoPXVmkUYrT9jHVrA3Ffb0nNFGh0_30PtUfDqHk/s320/2013-03-29+12.42.53.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aSD8D0r5LjNl-JjiUvDyjePurhnU77mkdsPxlIWMOH661dM0g_8LyHAz8qEHBpp1Mopn-gqIvTpbjiQXDuPIVOnO2uL_1anclc5A_MpKJxjc-znl8S_g0KiKZ3hw30LRW0HXFwMzC_U/s1600/2013-03-29+13.35.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aSD8D0r5LjNl-JjiUvDyjePurhnU77mkdsPxlIWMOH661dM0g_8LyHAz8qEHBpp1Mopn-gqIvTpbjiQXDuPIVOnO2uL_1anclc5A_MpKJxjc-znl8S_g0KiKZ3hw30LRW0HXFwMzC_U/s320/2013-03-29+13.35.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-33667840313497003022013-03-29T07:15:00.000-05:002013-03-29T07:24:48.164-05:00SOL 3/29 Kindness of Their Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF254bZy9LAEnYRBR7gI5v7-qKTnG_e-f1QEC2JxfsTfSuqbSCIantISz19ciH9Dex-0yGYHCvW_JTK2ZexWpfyo7-XgvjD3c29pmQmyhDVZCdvG-yQ1Mq2sKS1WjN8ScJ52LXtRJFF8/s1600/sols_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF254bZy9LAEnYRBR7gI5v7-qKTnG_e-f1QEC2JxfsTfSuqbSCIantISz19ciH9Dex-0yGYHCvW_JTK2ZexWpfyo7-XgvjD3c29pmQmyhDVZCdvG-yQ1Mq2sKS1WjN8ScJ52LXtRJFF8/s1600/sols_6.jpg" /></a></div>
This week our school has been participating in Pennies for Patients for the Leukemia Society. Every day, our counselor has come around to collect the money that my TA group added to our box. The top prize was a catered Olive Garden lunch, which was quite an incentive for my group! Second place would earn cookies, and third place could win bubble gum. <br />
<br />
Every day, I was please that my group added to our fund. After hearing from several of my co-workers, I was happy to see anything was given. The first day we had a small amount- $1.86. The second day, they added a little over $6. Day 3, the competitive bug hit and they brought in almost $40 in just one day. I was very proud of my group, and they moved us into third place of all the TA groups. Some groups still had empty boxes after day 3! Yesterday was our last day to collect money. As my group began to collect money to count on the table, I was amazed to see what they had accomplished. They were so determined to win that lunch that they collected $143 in one day. The pride I felt about my group can't be described in words really. They accomplished a great deal for an important charity- almost $190 in four days! We have students who have been affected by leukemia, so the fact that they could raise money to help them is so heartwarming. Out of the kindness of their hearts, and a little competitive streak, my students showed their true colors. I couldn't be more proud of my sweet group of TA kids! They may have come in second, but they were first place in my book!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIAfhV8zt09eKbMKnpw2t17nW0QKK-Ghi3HvgujC1yu0q0FuM13jqTMlLP20DS84qv8UmXchZvfUAVwBZXM1g5cyLkpjRRav7KtlZO3qD5bKArd3T4VTP_96WuOZzDnmOPK_VZibx4ho/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIAfhV8zt09eKbMKnpw2t17nW0QKK-Ghi3HvgujC1yu0q0FuM13jqTMlLP20DS84qv8UmXchZvfUAVwBZXM1g5cyLkpjRRav7KtlZO3qD5bKArd3T4VTP_96WuOZzDnmOPK_VZibx4ho/s1600/Sarah+Cline+signature.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-9468167416726351502013-03-28T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-28T06:06:57.354-05:00SOL 3/28 Is It Cheating?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMEXQaas78K33K2VVFygIT-66NeiS7gTvDZXkRHON9O3zZgyjQXALRHrPjI8VQOwtSXB5edHUgkPmV7SF7kNBmdDbu11KVdj7Orz35RXl41Et7Ii3SUZoR7FcRP0PxzhFgRHeMDqZzIM/s1600/sols_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMEXQaas78K33K2VVFygIT-66NeiS7gTvDZXkRHON9O3zZgyjQXALRHrPjI8VQOwtSXB5edHUgkPmV7SF7kNBmdDbu11KVdj7Orz35RXl41Et7Ii3SUZoR7FcRP0PxzhFgRHeMDqZzIM/s200/sols_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
On Monday, my students and I had a discussion about slicing. I offered my students the chance to slice this month, and am very pleased that a few took me up on it (offering prizes must have helped!) I had a couple turn in their slices because they had finished 31 entries and felt they were done. I myself have scheduled slices to go out a few days ahead when I felt inspiration hit and could write more than one entry in a day. But is that cheating? That was the question.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't think it is cheating to write and schedule ahead. For me, I feel much more at ease to write my posts and know that they are done for the day. I can log in and link up my slice before school, and then I know that I can go about my day without worrying about getting it done. I also have started a post, and then felt I needed to step away for a day or two. Sometimes having that little break brings clarity. I can refocus what I was trying to say. Sometimes I have several ideas swirling around in my head, and just need to get them down somewhere. I have a paper journal, but I haven't used it as much as I planned to do. I can't even really state why either. It is definitely more portable than this laptop! Blogging from my phone and tablet is mighty convenient though, and I love having the option to do that!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Are you a planner? Do you schedule posts to go out ahead of time? Or are you like my students and feel that each day should have its own entry and time spent on it alone? I think that either way is fine, as long as the writing gets done!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-70955514438491120062013-03-27T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-27T06:06:35.036-05:00SOL 3/27 My Sweet Maggie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMEXQaas78K33K2VVFygIT-66NeiS7gTvDZXkRHON9O3zZgyjQXALRHrPjI8VQOwtSXB5edHUgkPmV7SF7kNBmdDbu11KVdj7Orz35RXl41Et7Ii3SUZoR7FcRP0PxzhFgRHeMDqZzIM/s1600/sols_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMEXQaas78K33K2VVFygIT-66NeiS7gTvDZXkRHON9O3zZgyjQXALRHrPjI8VQOwtSXB5edHUgkPmV7SF7kNBmdDbu11KVdj7Orz35RXl41Et7Ii3SUZoR7FcRP0PxzhFgRHeMDqZzIM/s200/sols_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<i> My Sweet Maggie</i><br />
<br />
My sweet Maggie<br />
With your coat of red,<br />
A big cuddle bunny<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf1A8sgsnu1HWAgMSEJRu5B0XpDs_w6duXk3KP0-xics7-j4nRzQWYXyJ0wHhABK7hr6wgyDf1YP38E4RtPAOijFbJ2sAfLVBXlPfPBP869SHjJQMt4LE86K5B8zjJqyGqE8L82I-vi4/s1600/mobile+upload+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf1A8sgsnu1HWAgMSEJRu5B0XpDs_w6duXk3KP0-xics7-j4nRzQWYXyJ0wHhABK7hr6wgyDf1YP38E4RtPAOijFbJ2sAfLVBXlPfPBP869SHjJQMt4LE86K5B8zjJqyGqE8L82I-vi4/s320/mobile+upload+002.JPG" width="240" /></a>At the foot of the bed.<br />
<br />
My sweet Maggie<br />
How you love us so.<br />
You are always smiling<br />
Everyplace you go.<br />
<br />
My sweet Maggie...<br />
I listen to you snore<br />
As you lay so still<br />
On my bedroom floor.<br />
<br />
My sweet Maggie,<br />
With your coat of red,<br />
Guarding us as always<br />
At the foot of the bed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-3369317055233202172013-03-26T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-26T05:42:44.599-05:00SOL 3/26 The End is in Sight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fjTiTTGNfponnJbw1piqhKBiBlCbRqBOSQYVn4-MegBsU-OMUlu0Y-r0u_iCrGVPRclNL_8JnEawqxZDoWHN91ZUMfo4KvEzGatq1S7kbks16p-M6tP-2BYuqwniHojYi1jRUKQsDu0/s1600/sols_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fjTiTTGNfponnJbw1piqhKBiBlCbRqBOSQYVn4-MegBsU-OMUlu0Y-r0u_iCrGVPRclNL_8JnEawqxZDoWHN91ZUMfo4KvEzGatq1S7kbks16p-M6tP-2BYuqwniHojYi1jRUKQsDu0/s200/sols_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I can't believe it is almost here...spring break! I have waited for spring break for weeks now. With our wonderful weather lately, spring break is a welcome thing. I really was jealous of all of the other school districts in my area who had a week off last week. Why were we in school and everyone else is all off having fun? <br />
<br />
Our district never really has a break, but we always get Good Friday and the following Monday off. I have really longed to have a little break...just time to regroup and refocus on the end of the school year. The spring seems to drag out, and it could be because the weather has been a little unpredictable. One day it is beautiful; the next it is down right miserable.<br />
<br />
We have two days left after today...two days to <strike>suffer </strike> to make it through before we can hit the highway in search of family and fun. Oh course, the 16 hour drive both ways won't be the highlight of the weekend, but we will soldier on! Road trips are fun, right? We will be charging the phones and double checking the headphone situation for sure before we leave!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5867452560612211469.post-45644841792909734022013-03-25T21:16:00.000-05:002013-03-25T22:12:25.012-05:00SOL 3/25 On the go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XKxd5N_AZ4WMnl8GvD_LkqN8tD_ebB22U_ienh2k1p81mHOYqi8VnV5nLA_wDog0xeaSxZE28xtjtzR4BkApO9DMThRSFq-yyC78j4PJpOD6Vyg2n2ksMLDBiLkFMOk0kqndwoYokW8/s1600/sols_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XKxd5N_AZ4WMnl8GvD_LkqN8tD_ebB22U_ienh2k1p81mHOYqi8VnV5nLA_wDog0xeaSxZE28xtjtzR4BkApO9DMThRSFq-yyC78j4PJpOD6Vyg2n2ksMLDBiLkFMOk0kqndwoYokW8/s200/sols_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Today has been the sort of day when I go from sun up to sun down. We were at school bright and early, then felt as if I rushed around all day. We created flip books for parts of speech notes, so I rushed from table to table to answer questions. Most did well, but some of my friends just can't follow directions!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
After school I tutored, and then came home to fulfill mom duties. We are leaving for my brother's house in three days, and needed to find Easter clothes for the kids. Noah was able to search his closet for clothes he liked and fit (hallelujah!) The girls however needed something new. Every dress they own is two short or not church appropriate. So of we went. We also took care of haircuts so that was taken care of too. Luckily, the girls were successful. Me not so much, but I am sure I can dig something out of the closet that will work just fine. I took so long running around that I missed my monthly bunco night with the girls, but that's ok. There is always next month! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We will be celebrating my nephew's baptism on Saturday, and my husband and I will be the Godparents, so I need to find a special gift to bring for him. I started to crochet a baby blanket months ago, but haven't made much progress. That may have to ride along on our incredibly long drive to Wyoming! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Time to relax and unwind with a long bath, and a good book...maybe I'll indulge in a glass of wine too. Tomorrow will be here soon and I'll start all over again. Enjoy what is left of your night!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08686581476125842451noreply@blogger.com0