tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79979674034516265132024-03-08T03:32:49.158-08:00Lyssa ReadsWife, Mom, Teacher sharing the books she loves.Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.comBlogger656125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-90074434133876844622018-02-10T11:42:00.001-08:002018-02-10T11:49:25.218-08:00Thank You Teachers<span style="font-size: x-large;">We have just wrapped up teacher appreciation week at our school. Our parents go above beyond to make us feel special. As I sipped my coffee this morning, I thought about all the special teachers in <span style="color: blue;">T</span>'s life so far. We are so thankful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He started with his amazing sitter, Mrs. Vicki. Then there was fun Miss Jen at the daycare and his loving pre-k teachers at High Meadows. When kindergarten rolled around, Mrs. Cardwell welcomed him with open arms. She loved him and still does. Mrs. Rudolf was his first grade teacher and celebrated his quirks. For second grade, he had Mrs. Pennington. He became a writer that year. He was growing up and she helped him do so. Now in third grade, the grade everyone warned me about, he has Mrs. Jones. She is kind and loving. He has become a reader this year. He is reading everything and anything. He loves school. This may not last forever, but I'm enjoying it while I can!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He has lots of other unofficial, official teachers, too. Coach Chaddy and Mrs. Whatley cheer him on during PE. Ms. Moe chats him up at after school care. Mrs. Kristin asks his opinions about cafeteria stuff. Ms. Alexander fosters his love of reading and his curiosity. Mr. C. encourages his crazy science ideas and he and Mrs. Kaltreider see <span style="color: blue;">T</span> as the artist his. Mr. Matthews loves how <span style="color: blue;">T </span>listens to his music stories and<span style="color: blue;"> T</span> loves the stories. Mrs. Alter and Mrs. Hill show him how to do the coolest things ever on the computer. Ms. Chandra loves him and his stories. He loves them all. He respects them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I know this is a bit sappy, but I am so happy he is loved. As parents, that is all we want, someone to like our kid. He is liked. He is loved. He is happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">To all the teachers out there, the ones who say hello to my son and all of the other kids they pass in the hall, thank you. To all the teachers who are making it work after 37 grumpy emails, thank you. To all the teachers who are protecting your students from the germs while putting yourself through the ringer, thank you. For all the teachers who are tired from teaching kids all day and head home to love on your own kids, thank you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHX9rR1sQ_B2DGaAAyqcQzU2bsJZsQHi-K3KZ-Wg6GyR4idXhgIYSwuNI-wdOO_JLD4Bi1jXOi3d2E46W0PV0iS3e5v1Enr_7WL_LFPKvDPfE1hn9V7jz-Ky5Wdvx-oGaf975EYH7NhhO/s1600/26231355_10210490650614246_1119513810987927774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHX9rR1sQ_B2DGaAAyqcQzU2bsJZsQHi-K3KZ-Wg6GyR4idXhgIYSwuNI-wdOO_JLD4Bi1jXOi3d2E46W0PV0iS3e5v1Enr_7WL_LFPKvDPfE1hn9V7jz-Ky5Wdvx-oGaf975EYH7NhhO/s400/26231355_10210490650614246_1119513810987927774_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you teachers. Not just this week, not just on Valentine's Day, but everyday! Thank you! </span></div>
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Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-54040793674003734392017-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:002017-11-27T08:00:08.608-08:00Teacher Reflection<span style="font-size: x-large;">A wonderful friend of mine asked me to share 3 things that I was surprised by when I started teaching. She is a professor and writer and will be speaking to seniors (future educators) and community members in the spring. She was pretty picky about her plea. She did not want any happy, frilly, foo foo stuff. "I was surprised by how much love and joy I found in teaching." NONE OF THAT the email said. She had that covered. She wanted the true surprises. The things parents, professors, the community, these college students, etc would really be surprised by. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I made my list and it was harder than I thought. I really am surprised by the joy teaching gives me. I am surprised almost daily. I am surprised how quickly I forget the stress/behaviors/meetings because each day is a fresh start....just like parenting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But I did it! I chose 3 and here they are. Let me know if you agree or what you would add!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>1. Email. OH MY GOODNESS. </b></span><b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The emails.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGdOINH-EbutENhCGWghc4C1AjLtledO4E2i7Ici1tHCHUB1qxqrG5dDStKnTxp4ew8X7UJ0NbSNY8PJBZ1MNDLUqnmrnu_4ZoXX3SvqbaMSOSN_dZOSpOUMkIV0Xr_iHepRn5Qa60ks3/s1600/emailfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGdOINH-EbutENhCGWghc4C1AjLtledO4E2i7Ici1tHCHUB1qxqrG5dDStKnTxp4ew8X7UJ0NbSNY8PJBZ1MNDLUqnmrnu_4ZoXX3SvqbaMSOSN_dZOSpOUMkIV0Xr_iHepRn5Qa60ks3/s400/emailfull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I receive at least 20 emails every.single.day. to my school account. Some are county, some are ads, some are parents, some are team, some are sweet and some are never read. The emails, while convenient and much easier to track than the paper notes of yesteryear, can be quite overwhelming. Especially if you sometimes respond in your head and forget to send the actual email. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">2. Not everyone will like you.</span></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It does not matter what you do or who you are. You simply will not be able to please everyone all the time. I know this is a life thing, but maybe teachers think we can. You know, because teachers have magical powers. We think we can make everyone happy and that is exactly why I would really like for our future teachers to hear this one over and over. Just do your very best every day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>3. Stress eating is real. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is actual footage of my first year vs the current year. HA! Seriously though, you need a stress outlet and you can't let it be your family. You must find <u>your</u> thing that helps you let relax-exercising, writing, blogging, doodling, whatever. Stress can sneak up on you. It builds a little tower inside of you waiting to collapse. The outside of teaching universe does not realize we carry it all-every student, parent, grade, plan, colleague issue, email, to do list and so on-right there on our shoulders. It's a lot. Find your thing and remember to make time for yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I know there are so many others I could put on this list, but these are the chosen ones for now! This also reminds me that it is time to send my new teacher friends a hug and a happy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a great week everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-22198904065062145602017-11-26T10:14:00.000-08:002017-11-26T10:14:01.076-08:00TPT Giveaway!!!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you heard the news? <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a> is having a Cyber Monday <i>and </i>Tuesday sale!!! I don't know about you, but I have <strike>a few</strike> <span style="color: blue;">LOTS </span>of items (math games, STEM lessons, clip art, fonts, etc) on my wish list. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for sharing this graphic, Comprehension Connection!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">TPT has gifted me a $10 gift code to share with one of my readers. I'm so excited! I'm making it super easy, too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win the $10 gift code! That should help make a dent in your wish list! Happy shopping!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="0ae385e620" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae385e620/" id="rcwidget_cd76wand" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-31602502718539623702017-11-13T18:39:00.000-08:002017-11-13T18:39:20.338-08:00Wonder Giveaway!<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have been counting down the days until <i>Wonder </i>would be released! I loved reading this book (both times) and am hoping the movie at least half way lives up to my high expectations! I'll be heading to a screening on Wednesday and will be sure to let you know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh wait....why don't you meet me there? I'm giving away free advanced screening passes! Click the link below to claim an "admit two pass" to see the film this Wednesday, November 15th in Atlanta! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope to see you there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.lionsgatescreenings.com/WONDERATLMMR" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1510625928493_3611" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.lionsgatescreenings.com/WONDERATLMMR</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the meantime, check out the trailer! </span></div>
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Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-52742552175852577612017-11-07T18:35:00.000-08:002017-11-08T13:53:48.863-08:00Santa's Toy Factory<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=" ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved." class="wp-image-14205 size-full" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cam002-2.jpg" height="337" width="600" /> </div>
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Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.northpointmall.com/en.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">North Point Mall</a><strong> </strong>has partnered with<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.mattel.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mattel</a> to introduce a new holiday adventure that will be memorable for the entire family. <em>Santa’s Toy Factory </em>will open on November 11 in the center court area of the shopping center. <span style="color: blue;">M</span> is SO excited to see the Thomas & Friends toys while <span style="color: blue;">T</span> is all about the Hot Wheels! They can't wait to give toys a try for themselves! I'm excited to see it all and know that there will certainly be something for all of the kids on my holiday shopping list! This super shopping mommy is also very excited about seeing North Point Mall decorated for the holidays. </span></div>
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Here's a bit more about Santa's Toy Factory:</h2>
<img alt="Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved." class="wp-image-14209 size-full" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cam023-2.jpg" height="337" width="600" /><br />
Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Santa’s Toy Factory </em>i<em>s </em>designed to empower creativity through an interactive, immersive experience to meet Santa. Within the 1,600 square-foot space, young guests will have the opportunity to “test” new toys in Santa’s Factory before they get delivered to all the boys and girls on Christmas morning. After they “test” the toys, they visit different stations to digitally design, build and paint toys from Mattel’s iconic brands including Barbie<sup>®</sup>, Hot Wheels<sup>®</sup>, and Thomas & Friends<sup>™</sup>. The grand finale, of course, will be meeting Santa himself for photos and to share their holiday wish list.
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<span style="font-size: large;">“We are proud to be partnering with Mattel to bring this new, one-of-a-kind holiday concept to life,” said Nick Nicolosi, general manager of North Point Mall. “We are always looking for ways to introduce new brands and experiences to our community and can’t wait to showcase <em>Santa’s Toy Factory</em> this holiday season. We know our guests will embrace it.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">The experience with<em> Santa’s Toy Factory </em>is free-of-charge and photo packages begin at $39.99. To make reservations to ensure quicker access, please click <a href="http://www.celebrateyourholiday.com/Reservations/Mall/northpoint" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If you'd like more information, please visit <a href="http://www.visitsantastoyfactory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.VisitSantasToyFactory.com</a>. North Point Mall is located at 1000 North Point Circle and is home to a plethora of high-quality tenants including American Girl, Lego and the Disney Store.</span><br />
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Check out these One-Day Special Events Too!</h2>
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<strong>You Can Be Anything Barbie</strong></h3>
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<strong>November 12, 2017 </strong><strong>12:00 PM - 3:00 PM</strong> <strong>Center Court</strong></div>
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<img alt=" ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved." class="size-full wp-image-14202" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GGP_Barbie_play-1.jpg" height="422" width="600" /> <br />
Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.<br />
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<strong>Thomas and His Super Station</strong></h3>
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<strong>November 25, 2017 </strong><strong>12:00 PM - 3:00 PM</strong> <strong>Center Court</strong></div>
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Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.<br />
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<strong>Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage</strong></h3>
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<strong>December 7, 2017 </strong><strong>12:00 PM - 3:00 PM</strong> <strong>Center Court</strong></div>
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Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.<br />
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<em>Disclosure: I’ve partnered with <a href="http://www.blogginmamas.com/">www.blogginmamas.com</a> & North Point Mall to share these free family events with my readers, and am being compensated for this partnership. All opinions expressed are my own.</em>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-19091021326208674942017-10-26T15:15:00.001-07:002017-10-26T15:15:35.218-07:00So We Paint<span style="font-size: x-large;">Today was a day. TODAY WAS A DAY! It happens now and again and today was it. So I grabbed the boys, drove home, pulled out the paint and brushes, and we painted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The school bag stayed in the car. The dinner was cooked, not microwaved. The stuff will wait. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Today we paint...tongues out and everything.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqJN2fFWdQDYWx1q6NQn2bIQ-C54XtbratEnOMZzatTPxYMGXLxDo9WMQqVATzfM3yKzFqF2X0jKQZ1d9l8ecSubdf7hY5fk_oZnQ9drHnbo5tUi-130g4uUfuiy24m00REYhEZq38u93/s1600/boyspaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqJN2fFWdQDYWx1q6NQn2bIQ-C54XtbratEnOMZzatTPxYMGXLxDo9WMQqVATzfM3yKzFqF2X0jKQZ1d9l8ecSubdf7hY5fk_oZnQ9drHnbo5tUi-130g4uUfuiy24m00REYhEZq38u93/s640/boyspaint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-41485380008641967522017-10-22T09:32:00.000-07:002017-10-22T09:36:10.482-07:00DonorsChoose Giveaway<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love fall. I love everything about it. I love pumpkins (to look at not taste!) I love the crunchy leaves and silly Halloween fun. I love being a mommy in fall because the weather is cooler (well at least I hope it will be soon) and we spend more time outside. I love being a teacher in fall because of all the fun Octobery things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fall makes me happy. Fall reminds me to slow down and enjoy the little things. It reminds me to put down my phone and take a look around. It reminds me to share the love, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5psbHr1gahiqzBGS0E9MTZZe9HEwliTA-H1E2Muy3OiC6zBpCPmIyBTr5NncLPX5s-4G442aWEvI8Mws8n3splbocVfGoCTUicLMqp_TfWDWVFZ_t-KxC0DMjGXZD2U9MhAs8JV-rQM2/s1600/bdda9de30503a7eaa22234431b013197.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5psbHr1gahiqzBGS0E9MTZZe9HEwliTA-H1E2Muy3OiC6zBpCPmIyBTr5NncLPX5s-4G442aWEvI8Mws8n3splbocVfGoCTUicLMqp_TfWDWVFZ_t-KxC0DMjGXZD2U9MhAs8JV-rQM2/s400/bdda9de30503a7eaa22234431b013197.png" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">That's why I'm giving away a $20 DonorsChoose donation! Woo hoo! Enter the Rafflecopter! Contest starts today and ends on Halloween! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good luck! </span><br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="0ae385e619" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae385e619/" id="rcwidget_2rkfv4v2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-24850890917568821412017-10-08T19:10:00.001-07:002017-10-09T17:22:05.243-07:00Fire Prevention Week FREEBIE<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association and Sparky.org. </span><span style="font-size: large;">All opinions, funny stories, and awesome tips are my own! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Did you know October is Fire Prevention Month and October 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week? We take fire safety seriously around here and find that now is a good time to remind ourselves of the need for a plan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a really helpful <a href="http://sparkyschoolhouse.org/?%20utm_source=MDR&utm_medium=%20Blog&utm_campaign=NFPA2017" target="_blank">website for parents and educators</a> but they also have an interactive (and super fun) <a href="http://www.sparky.org/?utm_%20source=MDR&utm_medium=Blog&%20utm_campaign=NFPA2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website for kids</a>! They share exclusive content is an easy to navigate format. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have spent quite a bit of time on both sites and want to share a few mom/teacher highlights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mom Card~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. When <span style="color: blue;">T</span> was little, we took a white piece of paper and drew our fire safety plan. It was basic but effective. NFPA provides a guide for drawing an escape plan that is designed to be done as a family and is suited for where <span style="color: blue;">T</span> is now. Click the picture to print your own. There are several other free downloads including a fact sheet (must read,) info on smoke alarms and sprinklers as well as tips for staying safe while you travel. While on the subject, be sure to know where your child goes during a fire drill. I do and I am even in the building with him. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week/Teaching-FPW" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4B9nshpXLC3BXhZOcaLPWPaytdw_Fbc89xmORSYnijQrusJqfZ8UV8yaOn0Zpvl3kWnCGAjspLk0Nr-LV9yOkxo8a7qRxkx9Pry9sbWZhYaS2A7_LMav59wJrjFoN_bTD-Xo6kQXoifc2/s320/fireescapeplan.png" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Sparky has a <a href="http://www.sparky.org/games/%20sparkys-fun-house?utm_source=%20MDR&utm_medium=Blog&utm_%20campaign=NFPA2017" target="_blank">NEW app</a> and we can't get enough of it! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88vRMYH_PON-AwrVEJ3io3yW0JEu5wekEsGjVWI97_JqkndE12g8WXag9a0-1q9Me7M5IKUTdwGZ0Guq8e91eOrXB-FAc9x4fdZwjdpbBRk7LrGpWDEp2PlcgZhQundyaU_bgG1UkRGJm/s1600/funhouse1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88vRMYH_PON-AwrVEJ3io3yW0JEu5wekEsGjVWI97_JqkndE12g8WXag9a0-1q9Me7M5IKUTdwGZ0Guq8e91eOrXB-FAc9x4fdZwjdpbBRk7LrGpWDEp2PlcgZhQundyaU_bgG1UkRGJm/s320/funhouse1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPZaFHC3CWjzsrujLkV3OGSqVevfWce3ClAWBp-KBSepb0hiTGfBCrQxUV7Q2EVGiJpehaYGa8Kwt-NlpqPW7vsg4_SuWrHVyWjzSsp_m8e6kritowNTPFaCeRDWenkffdvjXn8pEMwnb/s1600/funhouse2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPZaFHC3CWjzsrujLkV3OGSqVevfWce3ClAWBp-KBSepb0hiTGfBCrQxUV7Q2EVGiJpehaYGa8Kwt-NlpqPW7vsg4_SuWrHVyWjzSsp_m8e6kritowNTPFaCeRDWenkffdvjXn8pEMwnb/s320/funhouse2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhNuC5EtujoC3a2vlki43dQwJBAtq9RxmwC0tD1jx8WhBnxEomJfS7TheOzkZUFHbWaSU267k9vfWOsuDzLV_F5gd2cyp8g25HjfXo0109T6N_vhzJPtfKOkTGoSKMTTBxtzt9mTsMEX4/s1600/funhouse3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhNuC5EtujoC3a2vlki43dQwJBAtq9RxmwC0tD1jx8WhBnxEomJfS7TheOzkZUFHbWaSU267k9vfWOsuDzLV_F5gd2cyp8g25HjfXo0109T6N_vhzJPtfKOkTGoSKMTTBxtzt9mTsMEX4/s320/funhouse3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://sparkyschoolhouse.org/# prevention-section?utm_source= MDR&utm_medium=Blog&utm_ campaign=NFPA2017" target="_blank">Sparky's Fun House</a> invites young children to practice their literacy and math skills while learning how to stay safe. It is a win win! While <span style="color: blue;">M</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span>is a bit under the age range (he's perfect for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUAyBYj0CTQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sparky's Firehouse</a>,) he has enjoyed sitting with <span style="color: blue;">T</span> and being in on all the action! He especially loves the robot game!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Teacher Card~</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. As a first grade teacher, I am all about safety and helping my students know how to stay safe. In fact, part of this month's homework was to discuss your fire safety home plan. I have added <a href="http://sparkyschoolhouse.org/?%20utm_source=MDR&utm_medium=%20Blog&utm_campaign=NFPA2017" target="_blank">Sparky School House</a> to my class blog and LOVE the ready to use resources! Check it out and then visit Sparky to print them all! </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CtLOUnkGCn8" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. There are activities for a wide age range of students, all the way through adult learners. There are songs and videos for the younger grades as well as mazes and challenges for upper grades. There are <a href="http://sparkyschoolhouse.org/# prevention-section?utm_source= MDR&utm_medium=Blog&utm_ campaign=NFPA2017" target="_blank">lesson plans</a> that you can adjust to meet your classroom needs. The<a href="http://sparkyschoolhouse.org/# prevention-section?utm_source= MDR&utm_medium=Blog&utm_ campaign=NFPA2017" target="_blank"> NFPA.org </a>is a great resource with a wealth of information for home and school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For our younger friends, here is a fire safety planning page just for you! It is just a tad fancier than the one we first made with <span style="color: blue;">T</span>. Be sure to add the date! His tree drawing on our original is one I will always treasure! Click the picture to download your FREEBIE! </span><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLRzfxezQ3IeWNlOGRMUU16QTg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1000" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlcpgUUBgWldXctKF1S8y8yLpOANt0Jsj4il90_J80AbOvCWHc8N5q6Cf5gqwaX4vdj7nC27KRhKFmX54xfL0PA5XayAOofX_68LGGLIPgrwzFn9JjdFkL4BeVs8rFyf0R9ExoWUPkRvb/s400/FSFreebie2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">While October happens to be Fire Prevention Month, it is something we need to be thinking about year round. When we change our calendar page each month, we review our safety spots. It takes 30 seconds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Make plans this week to chat about fire safety. Maybe <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week/Fire-Prevention-Week-quiz" target="_blank">take the quiz</a> as a family. Draw your plan and post it somewhere you know will keep the conversation going. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay safe friends. </span></div>
Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-85813919896180858482017-10-08T15:51:00.000-07:002017-10-08T15:51:52.136-07:00What We're Reading Sunday<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">T</span> has always loved books but this year (3rd grade) he has really become an avid reader. He can't wait to get his hands on a good book. I am loving it, but you know, trying to play it cool. :) Here are a few of his recent hits:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXrzDACsGLfYdO6zL66YCqJiMxiu25zGqjrWZqTejzRIoQMgQXlXfMDPriJdi4RSal8raA0HZYUEB2KxbyTOw0ywarjsZbDbJDu6wSon-0On7OIn3uyiCs5R7398UQvj3bMsB3IwZzhLY/s1600/images-20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXrzDACsGLfYdO6zL66YCqJiMxiu25zGqjrWZqTejzRIoQMgQXlXfMDPriJdi4RSal8raA0HZYUEB2KxbyTOw0ywarjsZbDbJDu6wSon-0On7OIn3uyiCs5R7398UQvj3bMsB3IwZzhLY/s320/images-20.jpeg" width="218" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpfjL-xPjo1HOowSLiLIDpwpLFxeo_F4lPreL9UH8EsNuQHnZlvDjGxCldZX6BS8Ew_lj4rwJak-Z_e5tRmqabiF7W1JTK5F5fA8LIK7ZwgmbH8JzZtCe8cGE7bhq7S47uS6CAchNQa04/s1600/image_54852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="347" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpfjL-xPjo1HOowSLiLIDpwpLFxeo_F4lPreL9UH8EsNuQHnZlvDjGxCldZX6BS8Ew_lj4rwJak-Z_e5tRmqabiF7W1JTK5F5fA8LIK7ZwgmbH8JzZtCe8cGE7bhq7S47uS6CAchNQa04/s320/image_54852.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66ooUHPw8GFnxeYeGyq9Aj6sz5GfBI60zi30LWvbGgUbuIOqSlD9cQJcTGeW7depBTcEu0MevcB5gAJ1xoSOKM2n_IRHFdJvcYWPP2p0OkDsHs6GgGXf-6VFXHRrr_ovtgKo1I9FtTuDl/s1600/images-21.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="733" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66ooUHPw8GFnxeYeGyq9Aj6sz5GfBI60zi30LWvbGgUbuIOqSlD9cQJcTGeW7depBTcEu0MevcB5gAJ1xoSOKM2n_IRHFdJvcYWPP2p0OkDsHs6GgGXf-6VFXHRrr_ovtgKo1I9FtTuDl/s320/images-21.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As for <span style="color: blue;">M</span>, hitting the 2 1/2 mark has really changed his reading interests. I'm kidding. He still loves hearing the same stories, playing with the board books, and pretend reading <span style="color: blue;">T</span>'s books as he snatches them right from his hands. We wouldn't have it any other way. Here are his current hits:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug9tAb0E0r8poG_EWyYKLhkDSieajMVseHjNrePjK6UlKhILpzHXsvp8A817VYPKva8-ZFzJx_CuWLkZ4ILqKsRdyUbAxLf8o9LPX9KZDInwpZoCgTeohwLT29a_Ixpka1ahsv148Nnqz/s1600/Unknown-16.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="182" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug9tAb0E0r8poG_EWyYKLhkDSieajMVseHjNrePjK6UlKhILpzHXsvp8A817VYPKva8-ZFzJx_CuWLkZ4ILqKsRdyUbAxLf8o9LPX9KZDInwpZoCgTeohwLT29a_Ixpka1ahsv148Nnqz/s200/Unknown-16.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvA172dh1qRHzvCHZRc25K3kstxrmrj4XWxRLnD-z0XYgGwExwEGVcADcsUvzyeMbHKwWhW0baypGQnPQWT44kbo9HpSc8yxV9bzWx1FAsyZ9XKRjNUjufqHF-KbrjLtnr2zGd4932Awa/s1600/51BdpUN9xWL._AC_UL320_SR298%252C320_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvA172dh1qRHzvCHZRc25K3kstxrmrj4XWxRLnD-z0XYgGwExwEGVcADcsUvzyeMbHKwWhW0baypGQnPQWT44kbo9HpSc8yxV9bzWx1FAsyZ9XKRjNUjufqHF-KbrjLtnr2zGd4932Awa/s1600/51BdpUN9xWL._AC_UL320_SR298%252C320_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As for me, I am loving every minute of reading with these two. I've been reading lots of teacher stuff but am also visiting these when I can:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1kH5HLeIk8nb0hyS1gn_DWIJ-6YQPF0HVsXjUKPjYzQ5sTj7SpNNwTEbRi2309BmDKxBjNYQ_nupgiVR8tnUZqIHqmRvpBp5S-4JeWLHtsrEQmM4JDBUj5euATw2k8dndHxvauYoNhOH/s1600/images-22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1kH5HLeIk8nb0hyS1gn_DWIJ-6YQPF0HVsXjUKPjYzQ5sTj7SpNNwTEbRi2309BmDKxBjNYQ_nupgiVR8tnUZqIHqmRvpBp5S-4JeWLHtsrEQmM4JDBUj5euATw2k8dndHxvauYoNhOH/s320/images-22.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGzfgSnCfzyF_it4OENHZBgaRY_usLdZIR_P6IKyQSP2kS-B7dH42JPKfqNf_4Ig1E_dMyM895cJB17r974-fXwT8IAybcFLZu-wrg7v33q_onLinJZ_bujf2HnAvJnxXdTqHks3UvDPD/s1600/images-23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="884" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGzfgSnCfzyF_it4OENHZBgaRY_usLdZIR_P6IKyQSP2kS-B7dH42JPKfqNf_4Ig1E_dMyM895cJB17r974-fXwT8IAybcFLZu-wrg7v33q_onLinJZ_bujf2HnAvJnxXdTqHks3UvDPD/s320/images-23.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What are you reading?</span></div>
Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-52084320306833629442017-02-01T17:20:00.002-08:002017-02-01T17:20:18.124-08:00Joy Cowley DOUBLE Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you remember learning to read? I don't, but I wish I did! Lucky for this teacher, I get to be a part of that reading moment for kids everyday and I love it. I cherish those moments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some of my all time favorite books for early readers have the same author, Joy Cowley. I was introduced to her books while I was student teaching 16 years ago. I've been a fan ever since. I've built readers with her books. I've laughed with Mrs. Wishy Washy and stopped with the milkman. I.love.her. <a href="http://blog.hameraypublishing.com/blog/what-is-it-like-to-meet-joy-cowley-a-teacher-bloggers-perspective" target="_blank">When I met her at ILA</a>, I was almost speechless. She is just as I imagined, calm and sweet, a lover of words and children. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZ0qV1OT-OeU0AiZ-z9t5jSUmA2bl5aj5tbHvEM2pQWjiAQT7-HI05Bkyid8qZd8YdMAGsy0K9lNpEpx8lgjwAfumKVdeMJknxNSZQUYVllhedDZTL08KMu2cLupxZeaNtwoNdQmpAM6X/s1600/Sahadevan-7-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZ0qV1OT-OeU0AiZ-z9t5jSUmA2bl5aj5tbHvEM2pQWjiAQT7-HI05Bkyid8qZd8YdMAGsy0K9lNpEpx8lgjwAfumKVdeMJknxNSZQUYVllhedDZTL08KMu2cLupxZeaNtwoNdQmpAM6X/s400/Sahadevan-7-2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ah! Sorry for geeking out! I just want to share the Joy Cowley love!! Her books are a must have for early readers, struggling readers, readers who like to giggle, readers who love animals, readers....well, you get the idea! Joy Cowley rocks and Hameray is her publisher! They are hosting a HUGE giveaway and a mini contest, too! <a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/win-a-joy-cowley-big-book-ls2" target="_blank">Click HERE</a> to enter the mini contest for one Mrs. Wishy Washy big book. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/joy-cowley-classroom-giveaway-2017" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtw7LjRJYafjgGvY1Mc8pHCDlTmRlUtevtu8FpaVkDbokiG2JPbLHjbEIvq0Cv68LK8jvJFElRu_zf7oYXjpUHks-MYkH_Yr0EWzCUf3vnC1yfQXGM8PquxTt0oD1ABduEDRDLbozEjsHo/s400/JoyCowley_Contest2017_550px.jpg" width="337" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/joy-cowley-classroom-giveaway-2017" target="_blank">Hameray Publishing</a> is also giving away a Joy Cowley Collection! The lucky winner will receive an entire set of the Joy Cowley leveled readers (<u>60</u> books,) Joy Cowley Early Bird lower-leveled readers (<u>45</u> books,) all of her newest big books (<u>34</u> of them,) a set of finger puppets and more! The book levels range from C-I and will be an amazing addition to any primary classroom! Read more about the collection <a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/the-joy-cowley-collection" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/joy-cowley-classroom-giveaway-2017" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsWeYC0LmBc8ppnlDd8eWeaZENrBCRvrlhdBJPH7YBshe8lFhDnRtVZJP7t204_zwK4h3I9lyQaGhRruc_H3qh5ejTcySp3sPpSxElbVBLUYX528igsmUKRqAmq7ZxCXxU5IDVv8vQ3aW/s400/Prize.jpg" width="382" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enter to win this entire set for your readers! Click <a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/joy-cowley-classroom-giveaway-2017" target="_blank">HERE</a> or on the pictures! It takes 5 seconds! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fall in love with Joy Cowley if you haven't already! Hurry though, contest ends 2/28 and the winner will be announced 3/1!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/joy-cowley-classroom-giveaway-2017" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNjUcET-YCP0JzkADc_RkfoTdLXMfiuNVht30LJhBBiAJAxeaG4Et6ovJO7KHn6oYIAYPTkTYEuTsoTH5OApSpckmdG8SB5DBvg88pZgG-Pcl_lEN0ZWJbYjrnocTA6hNfz5RSxBWT1DB/s320/JoyCowley_Contest2017_1200px.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-81527567934704857152017-01-10T16:43:00.002-08:002017-01-10T16:53:18.669-08:00Motherhood<span style="font-size: x-large;">If the magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone, then magic, pure magic happened almost three years ago when I stepped on the Listen To Your Mother stage to share <strike>my story</strike> one of my stories with the world. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is a story of motherhood, sisterhood, friendship, and most of all-love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Standing on that stage was a once in a lifetime moment. Being a part of something so much bigger than me was unbelievable. The bond I share with my fellow cast members is the best kind. They became friends and family. We still celebrate each other and cheer each other on. I have only the fondest of memories of the entire experience. In fact, I am honored that I was able to share this moment. It is one of my proudest mom/daughter/sister moments. Here it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q65UYb695b0" width="480"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm bringing this up in January of 2017 in hopes that you might be inspired to do the same! I hope you will step out of your comfort zone and write one of your stories. Or maybe share the story you have written down already. OR maybe even the one floating around in your head. The story, <i>your story,</i> can be about your mom, you as a mom, your grandmother, you as a teacher who gets called mom, your significant other....anything having to do with motherhood! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you are not so sure about all of this, watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRBcgEjka1hLBgCeglpEgrw" target="_blank">videos</a>. My story happens to be a sad one. Some will make you laugh out loud though. Some will make your heart smile. Some will make you laugh, cry, and smile all in one! <u>All</u> of the stories will stay with you and many of them will remind you of a moment of your own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you are not in or near the ATL, visit <a href="http://listentoyourmothershow.com/" target="_blank">Listen To Your Mother</a> to find a city near you. If you <b>are</b> in or near the ATL, click <a href="http://listentoyourmothershow.com/atlanta/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to find out how you can share your story. We have amazing producers and alumni! Grab a friend and convince them to do the same. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL62nynRpPEj8PSOtGmgEy-t9RhNbeQzjv4_vfsPGMVQXWMnbwmVuRTob1uzkaGwoIvdROZUi0rAtajhadDIJXzZ5ALbb4-1hyphenhyphen3FVFieRtQE9G9DZ_tBv77vxQ4amdKfma93kWn6b2mgQX/s1600/ltym.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL62nynRpPEj8PSOtGmgEy-t9RhNbeQzjv4_vfsPGMVQXWMnbwmVuRTob1uzkaGwoIvdROZUi0rAtajhadDIJXzZ5ALbb4-1hyphenhyphen3FVFieRtQE9G9DZ_tBv77vxQ4amdKfma93kWn6b2mgQX/s640/ltym.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Want more? I wrote about LTYM <a href="http://www.mymommyreads.com/2014/04/listen-to-your-mother.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.mymommyreads.com/2015/04/listen-to-your-mother.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Let me know if I can help you with your decision! I can read your draft, chat with you about your idea, or just have a drink with you to ease the nerves before you audition! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, let's do this! Let's <i>focus</i> on writing in 2017! </span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-69537073197791781052017-01-09T13:26:00.002-08:002017-01-09T13:28:36.479-08:00One Little Word<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you have read any of my ramblings over the years (how has it been <a href="http://www.mymommyreads.com/2014/02/my-one-little-word.html" target="_blank">years</a>?) you know I am pretty serious about my one little word. I wait for it to find me. I spend hours thinking about it. I say it. I write it in fancy letters like a boy's name on my trapper keeper. I try to be <i>one with the word</i>. I commit to the power of my chosen word. One time I even thought about getting a tattoo of my word (#wimp.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, that was before I had<span style="color: blue;"> M</span>. I mean really, I barely have time to tie my shoes and when I do, I think he secretly plots a way to untie them. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This year, my word once again found me, but it was more than a friendly hello. The word hit me like a ton of bricks. Like, HEY YOU! </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'M THE WORD YOU SHOULD HAVE CHOSEN ALL THOSE OTHER YEARS. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's my word.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFzfoPyaADMvOEdOAs_X2bDWo9RftT0cNDAtvKK1828wqx_Yg3uX_qjwDWgThNJUJvuC4XJdTyhzc_jzTkjrSkSODxZvJAUN0PeB71oS16Hq3j1UuP-ANNt8J9dnCD_B-B-HJqgIQv0V/s1600/focusMMReads.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFzfoPyaADMvOEdOAs_X2bDWo9RftT0cNDAtvKK1828wqx_Yg3uX_qjwDWgThNJUJvuC4XJdTyhzc_jzTkjrSkSODxZvJAUN0PeB71oS16Hq3j1UuP-ANNt8J9dnCD_B-B-HJqgIQv0V/s400/focusMMReads.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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-focus on what matters, including self</div>
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-focus on things I can control</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wish me luck with this handful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What's your word?</span></div>
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Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-54280503714455581272016-12-20T04:33:00.000-08:002016-12-20T04:33:01.868-08:00Decorations Are Up!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our decorations are always a work in progress, but this year we were a little later than usual (which is late,) and did not have them up until more than a week after Thanksgiving. In our defense, Thanksgiving was early this year! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">T</span> chose a shorter, chubbier tree than usual. He said it just spoke to him. How could we say no to that? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zTepR1pSdcU6X_WWbLrR8wCxDS5jad8o2zXU6rRhK1ENxqHVvcLpPny0BtrU5bzNgXHUY93iY2XemUnXInPymD8xUkrchPSH0acMmW15mjLt35TTsvL0vJs5rXg9KPIobBcnDDEOJDzD/s1600/IMG_2810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zTepR1pSdcU6X_WWbLrR8wCxDS5jad8o2zXU6rRhK1ENxqHVvcLpPny0BtrU5bzNgXHUY93iY2XemUnXInPymD8xUkrchPSH0acMmW15mjLt35TTsvL0vJs5rXg9KPIobBcnDDEOJDzD/s400/IMG_2810.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our tree is a crazy mix of kid made ornaments, gifts from students and family, keepsakes from our favorite places, and treasures <span style="color: blue;">A</span> made for us over the years. <span style="color: blue;">M</span> has only pulled ornaments off 5 or 6 times and the entire tree itself only once. I am feeling pretty good about that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My favorite ornament on the tree is this one. A few years ago, my Granny gave the little sister and I a box of her oldest ornaments. Each year I hang one on the tree. I tell the boys a funny story about Granny as we hang it. I still cry though. She is missed and the holidays always make it a bit harder.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf9npT_5r8lbQck_dEEcH4Lno2EJ5uhxqntLa51UgMiaup20mhYYViQZm2xQFiPORpDovX9SJBI_81EuNBpm4Fv9rHvtipXIPnwTt4pabkxUx_f2uSssyzlt4f8QeDnuvGjdB2ZcYuuSH/s1600/IMG_2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf9npT_5r8lbQck_dEEcH4Lno2EJ5uhxqntLa51UgMiaup20mhYYViQZm2xQFiPORpDovX9SJBI_81EuNBpm4Fv9rHvtipXIPnwTt4pabkxUx_f2uSssyzlt4f8QeDnuvGjdB2ZcYuuSH/s400/IMG_2815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As for other decorations, my second favorite spot in the whole house is our fireplace. Our family tradition is to decorate it with books. The books do not last long before being grabbed. Sometimes they read them. Sometimes we read the books to the boys. Sometimes they build with them. Sometimes we find them in the kitchen, on the floor when we are walking to turn on the lights and almost slip and fall on our face. Sometimes... :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4k5gEzCWbBBzKOalKi_7PAkzEpXOCR-bn3s5SaYMmciuqLb1RT7Kmqr2-pEm2JIzWIQwfYs1kqBl3gjlKVJNTxBqAtuekEHKt6woRgBmoNAOA8ecRaHj0Fo2KwFPli4Nq6wpdFdqCck9/s1600/IMG_2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4k5gEzCWbBBzKOalKi_7PAkzEpXOCR-bn3s5SaYMmciuqLb1RT7Kmqr2-pEm2JIzWIQwfYs1kqBl3gjlKVJNTxBqAtuekEHKt6woRgBmoNAOA8ecRaHj0Fo2KwFPli4Nq6wpdFdqCck9/s400/IMG_2811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Another tradition we have is the big reveal. We do not reveal our Christmas card until they have been mailed. So silly, right? I know! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQZ_m42FeM3fVgaH6o92-SOMfHpQo7DQN5FeOmhzq7ENSvVjvS5e6DK5nlRLOUBk-skS2PvozzUtkbo-usnukLgnjnS7OTHf7APxmqcWVzXY7qcnzoPLqn-HXpP5Dxr0ix8NW3TiMyyxL/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQZ_m42FeM3fVgaH6o92-SOMfHpQo7DQN5FeOmhzq7ENSvVjvS5e6DK5nlRLOUBk-skS2PvozzUtkbo-usnukLgnjnS7OTHf7APxmqcWVzXY7qcnzoPLqn-HXpP5Dxr0ix8NW3TiMyyxL/s400/IMG_2693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the meantime, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!</span></div>
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<br />Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-85511364253385744942016-12-18T08:25:00.002-08:002016-12-18T17:10:03.813-08:0012 Days of Christmas, Teacher Gifts<span style="font-size: x-large;">People usually remember I am a teacher around this time of year. How do I know? They say things like, "So...what do teachers really want for a gift?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I like to keep my responses varied and fun depending on the audience. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Sincere</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Gifts really are not necessary. We really do love what we do."</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Silly</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Nothing. Please, no gifts or goodies or notes."</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Snarky</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"I think the pay we deserve would be a great place to start." </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Serious</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Anything you give your child's teacher will be appreciated. You might also want to throw in a handwritten thank you note." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">With any response, people usually go to question 2 and ask what I give<span style="color: blue;"> T</span>'s teacher. This is an easier one for me. Our family is all about gift cards. We find out our teacher's favorite place or places and along with a beautiful note or favorite candy, send a gift card. <b>You can't go wrong with a gift card. You just can't.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last year though, my teacher BFF had an amazing parent give her a 12 Days of Christmas gift. Each day as they counted down until winter break, the parent sent a note and goodie to go with it. For example, on the 5th day of Christmas, her student gave to her (sing the tune!) 5 golden pineapple rings! Soooo cute! Susanne reminded me this year so I could do the same for <span style="color: blue;">T</span>'s teacher. Wanting to keep it personal for his teacher, we sat together and thought of items for each <a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/12-days-of-christmas-lyrics-christmas-song.html" target="_blank">verse</a>. Here's what we came up with! See if you can make the connections!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62MR1hVC4j47h9e0haepwGdvQp5TB1ukdlQTIiGbTjP8pUVoIK2IJN3ZMY4LfoRMrOUJ3adASKtTdgYOIqhrtnDNd2fluxfEHuea4t2ricbQGmkLkk8PpCF_No7rVZjXI2sOMG85OGOJX/s1600/Days1-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62MR1hVC4j47h9e0haepwGdvQp5TB1ukdlQTIiGbTjP8pUVoIK2IJN3ZMY4LfoRMrOUJ3adASKtTdgYOIqhrtnDNd2fluxfEHuea4t2ricbQGmkLkk8PpCF_No7rVZjXI2sOMG85OGOJX/s400/Days1-3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We included a cute note each day. Here's an example- "On the 1st day of Christmas, my 2nd grader gave to me... a partridge in a pear tree." On the back, we wrote, "or in our case, a super cute bird ornament." We also contribute to the class gift because well, our teacher rocks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Click the picture to download a set of free, blank cards to print! </span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLRzfxezQ3IQW9WZ1NoVHRneXc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrtbgIjuiOStjnN2YNdXzv90AnyRQaNOsTeehEkkbZXXLOoNTBHP2JpImIENhjnsnx69irjiCSpxKkRYrobqJ-8-wtK7DaLNYCGiISmgDH-xXWs145R7BoSplwcBoPwPPgFJ72SExrwIR/s320/title.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your child's teacher really will appreciate whatever you give him or her for the holidays! As cheesy as it sounds, it truly is the thought that counts! </span></div>
Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-13650825981407108252016-11-28T19:56:00.003-08:002016-11-28T20:00:04.506-08:00Being Brave<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh friends, it has been awhile. Too long in fact. I've been busy. I've been <i>really </i>busy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I survived back to school, fell hard for my awesome new class, rocked fall break, dove headfirst into conference week then wrapped it up with a quick trip to Disney World. Then I looked up from life to see that November is coming to a close. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I <u>do</u> feel like time is going too fast, but I <u>do not</u> think I am missing anything. You know what I mean? I've put a few things on the back burner (mainly housework and the blog) and tried hard to be present, be myself, be the person I want to be. Wait, I think that is called being brave. I'm trying more of that these days. I am being more brave. It's true. Just call me brave brave mcbravey pants. I'm the Queen of Brave. Braverita. Brave on the rocks with a dash of sparkly something! I'm brave! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9vOuS9jfwsq_7m-IW5lIjp94Hw3eW3ESWdNNaQ_x6upiInhwryldpELWXo5_zlK-g8V9ibEvypY_7Ii0CwrpktuTIP1Jx89SmwFQ5_R0t4sXW0iO8ul9ZuiPVHgJrQxNmcJAI695bywY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-28+at+10.47.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9vOuS9jfwsq_7m-IW5lIjp94Hw3eW3ESWdNNaQ_x6upiInhwryldpELWXo5_zlK-g8V9ibEvypY_7Ii0CwrpktuTIP1Jx89SmwFQ5_R0t4sXW0iO8ul9ZuiPVHgJrQxNmcJAI695bywY/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-11-28+at+10.47.08+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's brave when you forget balance and deal with what comes head on. Juggling mom, wife, teacher is no joke. I thought about taking a year off. I thought about doing something else. I thought about what I could always be doing better as a mom, wife, teacher, daughter, sister, etc. I thought and thought myself into more worry and strife than I deserve. It's brave to be trusting and here I am. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdwvDE4yoJXOu3VpQnB4bIp8LfV8pTWgv9P5hiFOK5ufN5U7inwzeO91s8FPECblVzoPJdjcFBubaCThBfKcYmsz1zho1zfswIvJE-2pY05Qn1lF1SIFb_4VMhtEH4RHxEko3IXc5RfNV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-28+at+10.47.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdwvDE4yoJXOu3VpQnB4bIp8LfV8pTWgv9P5hiFOK5ufN5U7inwzeO91s8FPECblVzoPJdjcFBubaCThBfKcYmsz1zho1zfswIvJE-2pY05Qn1lF1SIFb_4VMhtEH4RHxEko3IXc5RfNV/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-11-28+at+10.47.01+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Brave presents itself in funny ways. When you have to stand up for what is right, it is brave. It is uncomfortable sometimes especially when you are standing against the norm, whatever that norm might be. I am not shy and I am passionate about a few things. While I have always been brave in talking education, I've upped my brave game for my other passions, too. It feels good. I want my own children to be brave in this way maybe more than all the other ways. I want this type of bravery for my students, too. Brave is no joke. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XSL9jYzdK9REeLB-TduB5O5CUYHs9_J8RrQASp0rdhR_KcGiZRmyXYDrRRI5VVcWjogOowVY4egnGAZb4r023eH1MT7mPttMTAEGqteJO6zoMa-AO62U5I77M6YJRLTVcAZR5WF9NL4Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-28+at+10.47.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XSL9jYzdK9REeLB-TduB5O5CUYHs9_J8RrQASp0rdhR_KcGiZRmyXYDrRRI5VVcWjogOowVY4egnGAZb4r023eH1MT7mPttMTAEGqteJO6zoMa-AO62U5I77M6YJRLTVcAZR5WF9NL4Z/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-11-28+at+10.47.14+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's brave when you try new things and put yourself out there. I did it though. Order my brave shirt and put that puppy in the mail! Later when I am feeling a little more brave than tired, I'll give you the details! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Brave is admitting that you can't do it all. I.can't.do.it.all. Even though I really, <i>really</i> want to. I can't. and that's ok. I'm going to rock (or at least attempt to rock) this mom, wife, teacher thing and see how far it gets me. :)</span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-30903471544052176672016-07-03T19:11:00.001-07:002016-07-03T19:11:40.997-07:00What We're Reading Sunday<span style="font-size: x-large;">Summer means extra reading time. Wait, summer <i>should </i>mean extra reading time. That obviously does not apply to moms! I have read maybe, MAYBE 1/4 of the books on my summer reading list! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">T</span> on the other hand, has been reading. He has finished The Dragon Masters series by Scholastic and anxiously awaits the next book. We also read <a href="http://www.mymommyreads.com/2016/06/the-bfg-freebies.html" target="_blank">The BFG by Roald Dahl</a> together. He's diving into some nonfiction about spies at the moment and has another Branches read lined up after that one. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXfhr32GqXROzwTg1fNH41vji8GscwTRUo0mYL7ZvRu-Yxf9-PU2hEQY5AKbBQYGfYDgdTr_5pNL1BqHXhAnc3Lx7HcD-VewH2THqKNyJv323ZpNCwXo06V2foMkaAvgL1rElDEJp67wN/s1600/13555658_10206378388210256_2122064895_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXfhr32GqXROzwTg1fNH41vji8GscwTRUo0mYL7ZvRu-Yxf9-PU2hEQY5AKbBQYGfYDgdTr_5pNL1BqHXhAnc3Lx7HcD-VewH2THqKNyJv323ZpNCwXo06V2foMkaAvgL1rElDEJp67wN/s640/13555658_10206378388210256_2122064895_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We have also been reading to<span style="color: blue;"> M</span>. He is going through a phase where he doesn't listen at all, takes the book, blabs for a few minutes and throws it on the ground. So sweet. So, very sweet. We are hoping he will fall in love with Eric Carle's <u>Have You Seen My Cat?</u> as <span style="color: blue;">T</span> once did. Let's just say, we are going to keep hoping. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am reading and rereading these books. <u>Mindset </u>and it's classroom buddy are great (the book more than the resource guide) and they deserve revisiting. The chapter books are new to me and I wanted to read at least one in each series before putting them in my library. I <i>always </i>read the first in the series. No pressure first book, but it is pretty serious. I enjoyed both.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYJRlNvsNGbH10kNQMveCB7LZWWh8IyhmG7L_YXPTvFDtq0_HM5v40fg3f5h7NyGCqA2-Uu3MEcYoHJn3PLftoS1iOe9dEYK5byAyYChvFCFLnztfso-xRFo6M3dc_gtnFMZldAhZwHPo/s1600/13569987_10206378388850272_1031717420_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYJRlNvsNGbH10kNQMveCB7LZWWh8IyhmG7L_YXPTvFDtq0_HM5v40fg3f5h7NyGCqA2-Uu3MEcYoHJn3PLftoS1iOe9dEYK5byAyYChvFCFLnztfso-xRFo6M3dc_gtnFMZldAhZwHPo/s640/13569987_10206378388850272_1031717420_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But....time, I just need more time. That's something I usually say during the school year, but it is even more true in the summer. I need more time to read. I need more time to read to the boys. I need more time to pretend I'm reading but really sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's to making time, finding time, and reading time! What are you reading this summer?</span></div>
Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-79193993043067579072016-06-27T04:02:00.000-07:002016-06-27T06:28:16.509-07:00Washed Ashore: Georgia Aquarium's Newest Exhibit AND Giveaway! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1JD3oYB0yET-571yMigQKbfMCykIvsfSdqpiJw7ulwT7pstaTaeONBVJAzqZl7Xo38qvwPATQFbCT66gv4DqXY7kUWNbNoWb5MVoydXP8lnWoav3uW35ZnO2Pmj0fwE2jjc3JTI81id7/s1600/GAWASHEDASHORE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1JD3oYB0yET-571yMigQKbfMCykIvsfSdqpiJw7ulwT7pstaTaeONBVJAzqZl7Xo38qvwPATQFbCT66gv4DqXY7kUWNbNoWb5MVoydXP8lnWoav3uW35ZnO2Pmj0fwE2jjc3JTI81id7/s640/GAWASHEDASHORE.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our little scientist really keeps us on our toes. He is the first to remind me to put the paper in recycle and sometimes he even lets me know he turned out of the lights as he left my room. Hint hint, mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">T</span> loves nature, animals, and all things outdoors. At Dauphin Island last spring, he collected shells but also picked up litter as we walked along the shore. I love him. I just love him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As you might imagine, he was THRILLED when I told him our family is renewing our dedication to reducing waste by partnering with Georgia Aquarium. After our <a href="http://www.mymommyreads.com/2016/04/our-visit-to-aquarium.html" target="_blank">recent trip</a>, he declared "I love that the aquarium is not just about the shows mommy." He's right. There's so much more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Through September, the Aquarium is hosting a very special exhibit-<a href="http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/events/washed-ashore" target="_blank">Washed Ashore:Art To Save the Sea</a>. The exhibit offers an artsy twist on the global problem of ocean pollution featuring 13 larger than life pieces all created from ocean debris. Now <span style="color: blue;">T</span> loves art almost as much as he loves nature, so he is very excited about this exhibit! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Since June is World Oceans month and this awesome exhibit is so close to home, we decided to create our own piece of art using a few recycled materials.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ikn4bLG9YKwf8RV9LLLHRpvC-4QKkT0FAoP_xhyLezmwNk0QYCLwMpkFRvQdV0NfIEqGKKZsdU5BmxLxzcQED6mHoDx-DXrxvg3NSg-iuGoiWnvVxjo-zZluEkGlVvARg_YhEkh77T0j/s1600/GAWASHEDASHORE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ikn4bLG9YKwf8RV9LLLHRpvC-4QKkT0FAoP_xhyLezmwNk0QYCLwMpkFRvQdV0NfIEqGKKZsdU5BmxLxzcQED6mHoDx-DXrxvg3NSg-iuGoiWnvVxjo-zZluEkGlVvARg_YhEkh77T0j/s640/GAWASHEDASHORE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">T</span> and "Elephant's Dream"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now <span style="color: blue;">N</span> and I have no idea where he found all of these bottle caps <i>(obviously our neighbors,) </i>but we were so happy he found a good use for them! He painted his <b>cardboard</b> with watercolor, placed his <b>caps</b> into just the right elephant shape, then added a <b>newspaper</b> scrap tail. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4nNC5Kkym50MTKw5OPE2MLpkkTB-NCBT5W1CjCh-eMV97nyAKYk0NvIIrHvzYe7l51oAH5rV-b4uIVbNU6sf7yyE9ainWUxEJILG-lFzq_fJ132uQL5rcjOl_hihbBDFRQ9pu0rJsIED/s1600/GAWASHEDASHORE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4nNC5Kkym50MTKw5OPE2MLpkkTB-NCBT5W1CjCh-eMV97nyAKYk0NvIIrHvzYe7l51oAH5rV-b4uIVbNU6sf7yyE9ainWUxEJILG-lFzq_fJ132uQL5rcjOl_hihbBDFRQ9pu0rJsIED/s640/GAWASHEDASHORE1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This masterpiece is now proudly displayed on our mantle. I can't even tell you how much we love it. It shows his creativity and passion for animals. I have no doubt the <a href="http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/events/washed-ashore" target="_blank">Washed Ashore</a> exhibit will leave me feeling the same way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Would you like to see for yourself by winning 4 tickets to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaAquarium/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Georgia Aquarium</a>? </span></div>
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(Admission to Washed Ashore exhibit is included with general admission!) </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">1.</span> Use at least 3 items that you would normally throw away or recycle and turn them into art! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">2.</span> Post a picture of your creation on Facebook or Instagram! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">3.</span> Tag @mymommyreads, @georgiaaquarium, and tag #TrashtoTreasure and #SavetheSea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">4.</span> Proclaim your family's commitment to reducing ocean debris!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One winner will be randomly chosen by midnight Friday, July 8th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Looking forward to seeing your art! </span></div>
Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-39035333722184714032016-06-26T16:35:00.000-07:002016-06-26T16:36:34.147-07:00The BFG Freebies!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you read The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) by Roald Dahl? I'm going to be really honest and tell you that we have had the book on our shelf for maybe three years and I had no idea what it was about. When I read the blurb, it gave me the hivvy jivvies. (I am such a wimp!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When <span style="color: blue;">T</span> saw the preview for the upcoming movie, he said, "Hey, don't we have that book?" Yes, yes we do. I tried to change the subject, but he went to look for it and then he said, "Can we read it?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I think we know what happened next! While I still got the hivvy jivvies a few times, we both enjoyed the book. The language is amazing and the silly words from BFG are fun to read and play around with. "Am I left or am I right?" has become a common phrase in our house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Will I be reading it to my first graders? Nope. Am I so glad I read this with my son? You bet! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I know older grades read the book in class and I know others read it just for fun. Maybe you are going straight to the movie though! That's cool, too! No matter how you choose to enjoy The BFG, I have something to share! Our friends at Disney have given us a couple of very cool FREEBIES! Click on the picture below to download several BFG coloring pages and some totally awesome two sided bookmarks! </span><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLRzfxezQ3IWHVyS2h5d3ljREU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqAf0DZ1QH80dNbIb3Q6a86s_WPlPEa7jj4VTcdraudWy3n7AhyphenhyphenJmHHuQ_OZVixOjz62GIiKEE_soIwYecfhXx3vVVpfodUC4pQj0pncHeyksAWvHEPxi9vaR2zqNcdbYggZgkcWF8LsE/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-06-26+at+9.28.11+AM.png" width="496" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLRzfxezQ3INjh3Y08xT2hjYkE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqRFmS-OtuCfRW692BmQgdYDnOT_ys_pA2hVKgAiOojZmOcgVLW2hNCss99fHmCafFYjXg8wdCUKIRz9f13v60h21CMxCmo_tigZMN8QRUNtmLzvsnlX0lDvvvYU_Ig4PilDqr0fQnJzh/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-06-26+at+9.29.13+AM.png" width="492" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Disney's The BFG hits theaters July 1st! Click here to follow the fun on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BFGMovie/?fref=ts" target="_blank">FB</a>! </span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-15607252945080206192016-06-16T17:20:00.002-07:002016-06-16T17:20:26.679-07:00Summer Lovin'<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's be honest. When summer rolls around each year, teachers are happy, really happy.</span><div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is not because we do not love our students, we do. I do. I really do. There are other reasons out there you know? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are a few of mine:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. I have two, super cute little boys and one pretty cool husband at home and I love them, TOO.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAwrZeG9r-Uk-nKHWqb6A8P3Znox-U-u1GO1FpMQK5UOgCEXQ3GAzH0rnGckJLVv-fa_nOR28J-wEPBSeLJzbpjdgjrK_U6zW4kY93tVgjlZm5hEUBjO2huobG9eDa_zoyu-NmIljCHo_/s1600/13467552_10206273264862238_8480985_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAwrZeG9r-Uk-nKHWqb6A8P3Znox-U-u1GO1FpMQK5UOgCEXQ3GAzH0rnGckJLVv-fa_nOR28J-wEPBSeLJzbpjdgjrK_U6zW4kY93tVgjlZm5hEUBjO2huobG9eDa_zoyu-NmIljCHo_/s400/13467552_10206273264862238_8480985_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I13bw3Ob8h5PZDkJv_Xo6cUX367Nbtkcy2LYAf65by5yCzwp2Vatz-LlcI-H7MSSk1lEQH0eOZjlgeFbnNPsuKI3-k01R_SBKDxW9IrsvAWe4y4Rtkmn6JWuDPhyphenhyphenidjJD7HuGjtIbAbi/s1600/13467771_10206273247181796_2079849507_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I13bw3Ob8h5PZDkJv_Xo6cUX367Nbtkcy2LYAf65by5yCzwp2Vatz-LlcI-H7MSSk1lEQH0eOZjlgeFbnNPsuKI3-k01R_SBKDxW9IrsvAWe4y4Rtkmn6JWuDPhyphenhyphenidjJD7HuGjtIbAbi/s400/13467771_10206273247181796_2079849507_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. I want to go to a workshop to learn something new and not have to do sub plans. UGH! Sub plans!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHNhVplKa8xAlBpE-_xcA6Fn_s2ooJR3yEDkh0kaM1C4XmGYmmEYY0WyPkKcuqfZ07HGK375l6sWuDFBT4x10pl1PjaGpL8oUDQb3TaszblQuTPvQvvtIzguqhgDylD2kdFufhiJ50SgH/s1600/13453138_10206273268262323_1052800190_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHNhVplKa8xAlBpE-_xcA6Fn_s2ooJR3yEDkh0kaM1C4XmGYmmEYY0WyPkKcuqfZ07HGK375l6sWuDFBT4x10pl1PjaGpL8oUDQb3TaszblQuTPvQvvtIzguqhgDylD2kdFufhiJ50SgH/s400/13453138_10206273268262323_1052800190_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. I want to stay up late reading a book-any book I want, and not have to teach small people the next day! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_UC8o5ZOsmgfN9vHnozlVdIHgmwQ3XT8ctQgBdnUUxJyX5XRX57C-9rCEYIewGjShe0jHjNAVeskZQ2B4jBiC8IYavH5_HTjwa8jqO8D49siiuUHtDH9f-9dyzIH6Y0rIIUVweyqNxdz/s1600/13445926_10206273270142370_486853663_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_UC8o5ZOsmgfN9vHnozlVdIHgmwQ3XT8ctQgBdnUUxJyX5XRX57C-9rCEYIewGjShe0jHjNAVeskZQ2B4jBiC8IYavH5_HTjwa8jqO8D49siiuUHtDH9f-9dyzIH6Y0rIIUVweyqNxdz/s400/13445926_10206273270142370_486853663_o.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. I want to shop for my classroom and future students. It's true. I've already started.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNs9BmdJ0soV7E6REYPV6gjXdKvA1iVlCpyDXOpp5wq78Sn6QRY0xRdyalnKMruo-kJr5erqfjCNAByTrpIQFqqkqn9aTocFduDQ2rYKwKHwnILTMD_hslgDGG27k9DDDrPwE3Rv9yNz8/s1600/13441892_10206273291782911_640267588_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNs9BmdJ0soV7E6REYPV6gjXdKvA1iVlCpyDXOpp5wq78Sn6QRY0xRdyalnKMruo-kJr5erqfjCNAByTrpIQFqqkqn9aTocFduDQ2rYKwKHwnILTMD_hslgDGG27k9DDDrPwE3Rv9yNz8/s400/13441892_10206273291782911_640267588_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. I want to plan stuff that might not ever happen and dream up big, elaborate lessons and make lists that will never be completed and jot down ideas that might not ever come to fruition. I want to write! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCuwiW3JjBBb9GwmpM9GQJDOg-5rO7SAXtHdnMRzxJW4wDrbqg_2fcxJ615sjTGazBeqYU5Hihq0_qlbbh-a8E3LRoXDlAo6eYnBtOgZaWRXGkRX4Xl-HZSEJmZkYJFkVnqERlCk3Gn16/s1600/13396785_10206273311863413_1297471244_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCuwiW3JjBBb9GwmpM9GQJDOg-5rO7SAXtHdnMRzxJW4wDrbqg_2fcxJ615sjTGazBeqYU5Hihq0_qlbbh-a8E3LRoXDlAo6eYnBtOgZaWRXGkRX4Xl-HZSEJmZkYJFkVnqERlCk3Gn16/s400/13396785_10206273311863413_1297471244_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Teachers love summer because it is a break. It is a much needed break. We need to recharge, not only for ourselves, but for our students. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">With that, happy summer teachers! Cheers to you and whatever your reason is! </span></div>
Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-79273425650789508052016-04-20T18:51:00.000-07:002016-04-21T10:34:55.096-07:00A First Grader, A One Year Old, & The Georgia Aquarium<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We were invited to the <a href="http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwrte4BRD-oYi3y5_AhZ4BEiQAzIFxn_leXMX_SRbDwZqay5mckcGa7Pen5SSkh1vZpapm330aAh0-8P8HAQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Georgia Aquarium</a> over Spring Break to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. What a treat!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4_RT-zWqOdsAeP97Mmldnp6tE9JWsCXxNHpJ2bdtvHno9uhUzLN8I0gAFoq9f_yFbvzmFuId4uXNBYemAsMz3y66iBnkjRVlNK6Oi4CLoEBSrdLKJtLqafPc0s4XLP7e_Rb8EcKlnivX/s1600/GAAQ-10-year-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4_RT-zWqOdsAeP97Mmldnp6tE9JWsCXxNHpJ2bdtvHno9uhUzLN8I0gAFoq9f_yFbvzmFuId4uXNBYemAsMz3y66iBnkjRVlNK6Oi4CLoEBSrdLKJtLqafPc0s4XLP7e_Rb8EcKlnivX/s320/GAAQ-10-year-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I knew the area would be packed with out of town visitors, so we arrived early on a Sunday with a plan in mind! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T</span> and I visited the <a href="http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwrte4BRD-oYi3y5_AhZ4BEiQAzIFxn_leXMX_SRbDwZqay5mckcGa7Pen5SSkh1vZpapm330aAh0-8P8HAQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Georgia Aquarium site</a> and put a loose schedule together for our day! High on his list was a visit to see the NEW Sea Lion show and of course, all of the touch tanks! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We started with trips through River Scout and Cold Water Quest. We were watching the clock though so we could be in line for the Sea Lion show! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG3jQyWdjTSJpk_ujOf6lhlQhCwY6-F2qcvBX2yfeAEoXVfA68ZvI4kAGf4fu-5DQa-iUhIwgphveHJk9jP32w2r6XuPE12rfwSpUEt3RM1eC7kdWceGhxnwtWggy5Y1wubNVOEaSCCFF/s1600/13036499_10205939599720818_961984472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtG3jQyWdjTSJpk_ujOf6lhlQhCwY6-F2qcvBX2yfeAEoXVfA68ZvI4kAGf4fu-5DQa-iUhIwgphveHJk9jP32w2r6XuPE12rfwSpUEt3RM1eC7kdWceGhxnwtWggy5Y1wubNVOEaSCCFF/s400/13036499_10205939599720818_961984472_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">While only about 20 minutes, the show was great. The trainers spoke about the sea lions, their habitats, their food choices, their strength (WOW!) and the Aquarium's conservation efforts. But was it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T</span>'s favorite part of our full day? Keep reading!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIrCCVWAuruo65mXLUZ-UwKiwKESkyMLBJftUJr57uJuu79Jggl9Zr5qPHB3BOc3UKMJA7aICZwamyloEVP5z9Gr6fZ0_frVuVUbVKpAjXk5uIZsKN5IovBQj2fYHvTzh2hvI-KpDVNbc/s1600/13064087_10205939599680817_634268677_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIrCCVWAuruo65mXLUZ-UwKiwKESkyMLBJftUJr57uJuu79Jggl9Zr5qPHB3BOc3UKMJA7aICZwamyloEVP5z9Gr6fZ0_frVuVUbVKpAjXk5uIZsKN5IovBQj2fYHvTzh2hvI-KpDVNbc/s400/13064087_10205939599680817_634268677_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">After touch tanks, more touring and oohing and ahhing, we took a walking break with the 4D movie-Happy Feet! Again, the length was perfect for our seven year old and the content was fun and educational. From here, we decided it was time for a snack! The aquarium has added several options for snacks since our visit last year. We were impressed! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEvnqzZiVewx5zhxkIuYV7c_663kvETTBcK8hrP4JHO_osXcjGYB6PhJJvmF4SfVlL8yLmvshO35GMcu0ouPvj-s488nfSeDYSvRgoJvMczKJVzaBlit0UBR7BcmMWfqzUw1k7Nf4juPN/s1600/13054841_10205939599400810_2118887392_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEvnqzZiVewx5zhxkIuYV7c_663kvETTBcK8hrP4JHO_osXcjGYB6PhJJvmF4SfVlL8yLmvshO35GMcu0ouPvj-s488nfSeDYSvRgoJvMczKJVzaBlit0UBR7BcmMWfqzUw1k7Nf4juPN/s400/13054841_10205939599400810_2118887392_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPA9S46WhhYkb1HhhyphenhyphenNbE1waiEh7cg3q519C-CZ66z6yJcUVjtyHvVmHDt83hqnF2beUolGHRZDVbNu-hcUrB7wu0BKvZHeZWv2PHMjeqtFbXxdCz4dvVUpYLz_9FVE_UWm3z9xXy6_V9z/s1600/13052686_10205939599360809_964340576_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPA9S46WhhYkb1HhhyphenhyphenNbE1waiEh7cg3q519C-CZ66z6yJcUVjtyHvVmHDt83hqnF2beUolGHRZDVbNu-hcUrB7wu0BKvZHeZWv2PHMjeqtFbXxdCz4dvVUpYLz_9FVE_UWm3z9xXy6_V9z/s400/13052686_10205939599360809_964340576_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our next stop was a trip back to the belugas we had seen earlier in the day. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T</span> needed to see them "one more time mommy." I don't blame him. They are so beautiful and playful. I am a fan. We then went back to see the Africa penguins, because really, who couldn't use a little more penguin in their lives? Did you know you can check out the penguins from home on their <a href="https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/connect/webcams" target="_blank">webcams</a>? My class is super excited about this Georgia Aquarium feature!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU1BhdfRUgJhCfGVjSYKIdTMBpeiRJXhVkDgct7AEEQafqLnFFY_sSQ0AtbcXzIAbFVND0crP7CjjpWhR_pp8imqbN7nU_i9KPzEGlJBAH-9qHa51ge1HJE8MOjFsvoQLUcXJmzwNBobM/s1600/13064039_10205939599600815_1566115857_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU1BhdfRUgJhCfGVjSYKIdTMBpeiRJXhVkDgct7AEEQafqLnFFY_sSQ0AtbcXzIAbFVND0crP7CjjpWhR_pp8imqbN7nU_i9KPzEGlJBAH-9qHa51ge1HJE8MOjFsvoQLUcXJmzwNBobM/s400/13064039_10205939599600815_1566115857_o.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUa_R3fWb-B9NQ669TYWvK1vKyd_Qvv9yMtuHf6Wm81leN_gASC0-28meu3TonukTq7kq2NYCtHNJ6cywcarKVb1tsqjYrcrVe2M7CHG2bhGhIA-Awg2YoUfcLHCmawEP3mlwpWxN4oIF/s1600/13036475_10205939599560814_649607756_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUa_R3fWb-B9NQ669TYWvK1vKyd_Qvv9yMtuHf6Wm81leN_gASC0-28meu3TonukTq7kq2NYCtHNJ6cywcarKVb1tsqjYrcrVe2M7CHG2bhGhIA-Awg2YoUfcLHCmawEP3mlwpWxN4oIF/s400/13036475_10205939599560814_649607756_o.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We went through the tunnel o' fish (not the real name, but that's what <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T</span> called it) and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">M</span> was mesmerized. Watching the boys watch the animals was a highlight for me. It's just sweet. While this was big hit with both of the boys, it still wasn't <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T</span>'s favorite part! I was shocked!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the diver giving a thumbs up behind him? T thought that was soooo cool!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We went on the Ocean Voyager and saw the belugas being fed, visited even more touch tanks, and learned several new fun facts about some of our favorite creatures. But was this our little scientist's biggest hit of the day? Not quite.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Another fun feature are these little "mini-experiences" around the aquarium. You can take selfies and have them emailed to yourself of shared on social media. Needless to say, we took advantage of this activity!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We really wanted to see the Dolphin Show because it has been revamped for summer, but<span style="color: blue;"> M</span> was maxed out! I have heard rave reviews of the new performance that really showcases the dolphin talent! Next time! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">As you can see, they have really made some upgrades to the Aquarium. I have always enjoyed our visits, but I feel like our customer experience (including the super friendly staff inside) was so amazing this time. They are ROCKING their 10th Anniversary and they want us to help them celebrate! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Check out their</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/visit/tickets/tickets-offers" target="_blank">special offers page</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">for deals and start planning your visit now! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Learn more by keeping up with the Georgia Aquarium on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaAquarium/" target="_blank">FB</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgiaaquarium/" target="_blank">IG</a>, and <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/georgiaaquarium" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But really, what did <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T</span> say his favorite part of our day was? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>My favorite part was the Sea Lion show. I've just never seen anything like that before and I learned why they are in danger. It was really cool and Scout made me smile. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There you have it! I wonder what your favorite part will be? </span><br />
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Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-21018092842360721232015-10-18T17:20:00.003-07:002015-10-18T17:20:58.065-07:00What We're Reading Sunday<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you checking out our (almost) weekly post, What We're Reading Sunday!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Keeping it real, friends. Want to know what I've been reading? Family Fun, All You, and Time. I have been in the mood for short and satisfying reads and I love it! I haven't had the time to commit to a long read and that's ok. I even told my class about it! I've stumbled upon a Halloween craft, a recipe that I saved but will likely never prepare, and a bed and breakfast in Savannah that I truly hope to visit one day! That is some mighty fine reading! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">As for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T,</span> we are reading a book in the Magic Bone series together. It is cracking him up and that makes his reader heart happy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He is all about this Sports Illustrated Kids Puzzle book, too. He loves a good challenge!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtQHetf7VV9dO_pMX7_3FI9cpD-Lq2-gb55SAhyxrim7ceBm2bG-8QH_tlq0QbJBs6AOKTecuL5dMUExey10DaabiJBR5cIyVLb5BOJup7VBEe6vitNk9soqUGR8yBuR2NMQnVDOwlBoK/s1600/61Zsqq4eWYL._SX399_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtQHetf7VV9dO_pMX7_3FI9cpD-Lq2-gb55SAhyxrim7ceBm2bG-8QH_tlq0QbJBs6AOKTecuL5dMUExey10DaabiJBR5cIyVLb5BOJup7VBEe6vitNk9soqUGR8yBuR2NMQnVDOwlBoK/s400/61Zsqq4eWYL._SX399_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He is also still obsessed with Who Would Win books and I don't blame him. I learn something new every time I read one! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopTQFATNMmvV6xqjGDITR1V_sVvcGTs7PAYb4bMpKhKCN0BpxDt33ZNB99iDZVNLC46OYkt9XuiRKCa4H_EI7CN6bTEGFBBJNsoZUCPHysDb-QxsYyAPSF0TaLzlt-5W5DW1HOmetdnVZ/s1600/51gFRAfEdmL._SX315_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopTQFATNMmvV6xqjGDITR1V_sVvcGTs7PAYb4bMpKhKCN0BpxDt33ZNB99iDZVNLC46OYkt9XuiRKCa4H_EI7CN6bTEGFBBJNsoZUCPHysDb-QxsYyAPSF0TaLzlt-5W5DW1HOmetdnVZ/s400/51gFRAfEdmL._SX315_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Baby <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">M</span> is reading whatever<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> T</span> reads. He sits and grabs the book, gnaws the edges, and hits T's knees. It is pretty sweet. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What are YOU reading?</span></div>
Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-21230753670202977832015-10-13T17:30:00.003-07:002015-10-13T17:30:38.877-07:00Franken Freebie!<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm guest posting on <a href="http://www.primarypeach.blogspot.com/2015/10/fall-favorites-and-freebies-place-value.html" target="_blank">The Primary Peach</a> today! Come see and be sure to enter the $50 giveaway AND grab some awesome freebies!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiriSy0sCAOCUP3Fve3uDI_OikHfP8lzf5iPEbLlGR6BT6jcSZGPJGKg4arAPpje4Z-3TqpnBAIYe_mUenIAPvJMYTV0W4mQTICzn22-LogxtZlFPwM-tW-kh8ylrX4806c6I6AtX0D4w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-10-13+at+8.28.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiriSy0sCAOCUP3Fve3uDI_OikHfP8lzf5iPEbLlGR6BT6jcSZGPJGKg4arAPpje4Z-3TqpnBAIYe_mUenIAPvJMYTV0W4mQTICzn22-LogxtZlFPwM-tW-kh8ylrX4806c6I6AtX0D4w/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-10-13+at+8.28.44+PM.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy almost Hump Day!</span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-32257698906061378702015-10-11T18:13:00.000-07:002015-10-12T18:05:05.610-07:00What We're Reading Sunday<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for checking out our (almost) weekly post, What We're Reading Sunday!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Of all the teacher books I have read in the last, I'm going to say year, this one is the one I recommend most. In fact, I'm going to put it all out there and say that if you teach reading K-5, you should get this book. Right now. Like, don't wait. Meet <i>The Reading Strategies Book </i>Jennifer Serravallo.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oI4jhygrpszlv9myIPggLvDrGljJBoF6cr0N2R1y_GLVo1GyJ6oFBCL2-4vi6UHahjPwzzjfqHQ4baShBPosQidpgV1jcyHW5dzDE5JcL9yUPVgGCJ8GQ8TNejWzAvzuyiobUPxiTso_/s1600/12053270_10204847387096185_1593725481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oI4jhygrpszlv9myIPggLvDrGljJBoF6cr0N2R1y_GLVo1GyJ6oFBCL2-4vi6UHahjPwzzjfqHQ4baShBPosQidpgV1jcyHW5dzDE5JcL9yUPVgGCJ8GQ8TNejWzAvzuyiobUPxiTso_/s400/12053270_10204847387096185_1593725481_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I sat down to write out my lesson plans for small groups and felt so empowered flipping through the pages of the book. There are 3 chapters just on informational reading and the layout is the most teacher friendly I have EVER seen. It has everything you need to plan groups and even whole group lessons as needed. If the Units of Study are your body, you need this book as your legs! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This book was written for me. It was written for teachers by someone who gets us-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.jenniferserravallo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Serravallo</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">. I love her other books, too (see below) but this one is hands down my favorite. Maybe it is because this is filling a current void for me. Maybe it is the easy to use format. Maybe it is because I can use this book for years to come, no matter what grade I'm teaching! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGzLSw5IRC8ECzBj1kuVbcZo8JuDjFWO0qDLKp2uQhqDErCCbxquXm-Ep-WiI8_KH-yw7SDkkI858-2vS4csSr-_nePufk-yTe64QWEg3epNNLMYkWQaiC2RqWpp9dMtx1Sk9ITaV2DwK/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-11+at+9.04.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGzLSw5IRC8ECzBj1kuVbcZo8JuDjFWO0qDLKp2uQhqDErCCbxquXm-Ep-WiI8_KH-yw7SDkkI858-2vS4csSr-_nePufk-yTe64QWEg3epNNLMYkWQaiC2RqWpp9dMtx1Sk9ITaV2DwK/s320/Screen+shot+2015-10-11+at+9.04.08+PM.png" width="272" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Come friends, see for yourself....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2BzNkV_3X82W_EWLRRmCGpaErW77pUgnoXCLeoQUxbwUKfgdjAz1ce-ZTIwk_IqUbDvEn9WpT7QE0w8Bo1lbnSsVeor2A1lKs2N5LOY7o67sT8Ta1rPyYiPltTFOweGZr8lzt031VlUY/s1600/12165739_10204846363110586_673716007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2BzNkV_3X82W_EWLRRmCGpaErW77pUgnoXCLeoQUxbwUKfgdjAz1ce-ZTIwk_IqUbDvEn9WpT7QE0w8Bo1lbnSsVeor2A1lKs2N5LOY7o67sT8Ta1rPyYiPltTFOweGZr8lzt031VlUY/s400/12165739_10204846363110586_673716007_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Each section has strategy, genres, levels it is appropriate for, teacher language, and a visual. There are also tips, too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcNcDSZtrFdZaEWwaF4uux4ARugi5rLiB5IIttb5paYJKzDp42InQRrMxhimGfpIrnJr0sKUt6bnF7J8vTJWfKZUYiVHR8eMb7uKEzAdZ2QFkGdA-BQgPe77jcG5nnUfPH9E5wWSBjj_E/s1600/12166059_10204846363550597_2118839168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcNcDSZtrFdZaEWwaF4uux4ARugi5rLiB5IIttb5paYJKzDp42InQRrMxhimGfpIrnJr0sKUt6bnF7J8vTJWfKZUYiVHR8eMb7uKEzAdZ2QFkGdA-BQgPe77jcG5nnUfPH9E5wWSBjj_E/s400/12166059_10204846363550597_2118839168_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">You can't borrow this one. You can't share it with your teacher bestie. You need your own. I just told a friend that she must buy it for her new teacher daughter. We need this book. Our kids, our readers, need us to have this book. Our visual teacher brains need this book!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">If you do pick up this $40ish treasure (worth every penny,) let me know what you think!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-11579294028858303922015-10-09T06:36:00.002-07:002015-10-09T06:36:35.456-07:00Substitute Bad Words<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am not a potty mouth. On occasion I might drop a naughty word or two, especially when I am a little fired up, but in general, I lean on the conservative side of foul language. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There was this one time though, when <span style="color: blue;">T</span> asked what a certain word meant I almost spit out my imaginary drink. Not knowing what to say, I went with the traditional, "where did you hear that word?" In my head, I was repeating over and over <i>"please say Daddy, please say Daddy." </i>He did not say that though. He said, "When we were driving the other day on that road with all the cars, that big truck came in front of you and you slammed on breaks and said, 'what the $#%^!' Then you pulled over and checked on me but I was fine." </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jO5b6TM-99fU0s2J_GnvHuXWTYxtw09GYXVPKM_ddSJ-Ej5j55ET2wn5QeoG3tVnzYZPyhXJPf9PSbZcLT7rxldz4Kkv4_H0qlj8K88VZTiTn8NmVRwE6d6zp5qVfIt7bO5qaMg_S2F8/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jO5b6TM-99fU0s2J_GnvHuXWTYxtw09GYXVPKM_ddSJ-Ej5j55ET2wn5QeoG3tVnzYZPyhXJPf9PSbZcLT7rxldz4Kkv4_H0qlj8K88VZTiTn8NmVRwE6d6zp5qVfIt7bO5qaMg_S2F8/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">First of all, no parent wants to hear their child say that word. Second of all, no mommy wants to hear they are the background knowledge for such words. Third of all, well, it is what it is. (Pretty sure I need that on a shirt!) We had a talk about word choice, not the 6 Traits kind, and moved on with our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After all these years of priding myself on saying things like, "Oh spaghettios!" or one I stole from my friend Aimee, "Frickity, frack!" Then there's "ding dang diggy" and my all time favorite, "banana yogurt!" Try saying that last one in a really aggravated tone. It is healing, I tell you. All for not, I learned though, all for not. They catch them all. Kids have little microphones with recording devices in their heads. The setting is set to "things you shouldn't hear" and the files are saved accordingly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This ended up being a great conversation with other friends who shared their substitute bad words, too. Some say <i>oh ship! </i>Others say things like <i>what the frog </i>and one clever friend says FOGGGG on days that aren't so foggy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you have a substitute bad word? Come on, tell us, we won't record it and hold it against you later, I promise!</span>Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7997967403451626513.post-34544964811748924512015-09-28T18:34:00.000-07:002015-09-28T18:34:00.068-07:00Disney's Good Dinosaur FREEBIES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Disney Pixar's latest creation is The Good Dinosaur. It's not just another dinosaur movie though.....
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">If you have a little dinosaur lover, check out these freebies to print! Click the pictures to download!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLRzfxezQ3IUFlEV0RRWGp6VXc/view?ths=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPxr17nDwS_9JHYUKZ3FjnBxHtqwo_DXFoNgH3EwgJLB6vfXC8yCOPuFIzpnKwjIep2T4xXfj_rZvyJQAnapXQt4gJDhPgmp_W2-HY3-WuBhtPtixghTcI9Lor15mHHiv1UdjOKUzHkpb/s640/Screen+shot+2015-09-26+at+8.51.38+PM.png" width="484" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLRzfxezQ3IbDhtMVBEbmI0UDg/view?ths=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVignB9YBSF-YMhfjiivIYMa571pBasJHR_C3JY-X-H5XNIZ9itVgGpz8e-9nHEb_DqeKio6XjJIC05Er1eDcj_wYLk3ZRgB6ulJwMY9bnuIlv0CLr2An2UL1T_jdthqosfOKKMXOMt-bI/s640/Screen+shot+2015-09-26+at+8.56.44+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe I'll see you November 25th at the theater! </span></div>
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<br />Lyssathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14709174926669909849noreply@blogger.com0