End-of-the-Year Art

 About 5 years ago, I started an art project at the end-of-the-year with my class. It ties into our cultural studies of Mexico and South America. I have done it each year since, with the exception of last year (#thankscovid).

I have students who do phenomenal jobs while others do not even get one row of yarn put on (#itiswhatitis). My first year doing this I had a class of about 12. Two finished! But they are always the two I show off to my classes when I explain what we are doing. These two have always been my favorites! My class two years ago, however, runs a close raise to them. I had a group of girls who enjoyed this project so much that they completed more than one. Some of them doing 3! They did so good. 

First off, I only give a half sheet of poster board. Why? Because I am supplying it and the yarn. The bigger the picture the more yarn! (#broketeacherprobs)

Second, I have the students choose a picture they want to do. I let them do anything they want, school appropriate of course. The only guidance I give is if I feel the picture they choose will be way too difficult. I google coloring sheets for whatever they want to do.  

Once they have chosen their picture, I project it onto a board so they can trace it onto their poster board. I want the picture to be perfect! 

After they trace, they are ready to start working with yard. The key with the yarn is that it needs to be really tightly placed together row after row. For as long as possible, the yarn should be used in one long strand, not cut strand by strand and placed on the picture. There should not be any white showing when they are finished. They are not professionals, so there will be a little white, but there should not be big gaps in the yarn rows. Mr. Charlie Brown is one of my faves, but you can see some flaws. The student who did this one had way to much glue in some spaces, so it was hard to get the yarn in place, resulting in the bubbly areas. 

It is complicated trying to work with the yarn and Elmer's glue, but it takes patience. 

Charlie Brown and this warrior head are two pieces from the first class who did this project! They are still two of my favorites! 

Two years ago, I had a class that finished several. I had a few girls that fell in love and did two or three of these! They did a great job! 

This year, I had a group that really enjoyed it. Some of them managed to successfully finish FIVE pieces of art, and they did an amazing job on each one!!! 

Catching Up!

 Welcome..back? That hiatus is one for the books. I cannot believe I even found this old blog or remembered the login credentials, but I certainly enjoyed reading back through my posts! Blogging, err, writing, has been on my mind a lot lately. I've been trying to decide what to write about or what platform to use as a basis for my writing. After a lot of thought, I decided, I have a lot of platforms I can use--my faith, my job, my kids, my hobbies. So be ready for a little of all of it to hit the keyboard and post! 

First, let's catch up. Life is busy ALL. THE. TIME., but, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I get to watch my kids in their activities, softball/basketball/gymnastics, and they love each one! With both girls being old enough to participate in summer sports, we are now doubling up on time spent at the ball field--totally okay by me! We spend at least 4 nights a week doing something, whether it is practice, games or lessons, there is always something. Again, okay by me! When the kids decide they don't want to anymore, then okay, but for now, I will drive them wherever they want to go for whatever they want to do.

The oldest is in junior high this year. Right? I'm shocked myself. She keeps us the busiest with sports year round in school plus summer, not to mention, her swine projects in the winter. I'm biased, but she is a pretty good, well-rounded kiddo. I hope she always is. This school year has been different for her, and all of us, because of, you guessed it, COVID. She's spent her fair share of time in quarantine due to exposure and/or due to the fact that we didn't want her exposed so she could finish her last few major livestock shows. She handled it well. She is like me, in a sense, of being okay staying at home. She is also a good student, so doing school virtually for around six straight weeks was no issue for her. She has had a great year in junior high as part of the softball and basketball teams. It was great to see her on the field and the court this year. I think she will be a better player than I ever was. I don't know if that is saying a little or a lot. I hope it is saying a lot! (HA!) She has pitching lessons each week and has come so far from where she started three years ago. I love seeing the progress and how hard she is working. I hope that she keeps this passion and loves this sport as dearly as I always did have. 

The youngest is a spitfire. I'm certain God gave her to me to show me patience and teach me how to live life. She started school this year, and being the social butterfly she is (that is her dad for ya), she has loved every minute of it. Her teacher is nothing short of amazing as my almost 5-year old can write her name, write her sister's name, say her days of the week, say her month's of the year, identify all her colors, recognize most of her letters, knows her letter sounds, and can count with the best of them. You might think this is nothing, but considering I thought this child was colorblind because I tried and tried to do colors with her, THIS is something!! She is definitely not her sister. I do not think I will be able to just know she is doing her work and being a good student, I think I will have to check for and force her to sit and do homework. Her sister, thank goodness, just does what she is suppose to do without being asked or told (the kid would be failing if she didn't). This little spit fire lives life to the fullest every day. She plays hard and crashes (sometimes, she literally crashes) harder. She is always happy and smiling (unless is morning), and she is so independent. We laugh (or just shake our heads) A LOT because of her! We ask "Why?" and answer our own question with, "Because it's Lo." and this is the truest statement out there. Poor kid, the patience is thin, though, but I am trying. We all are trying. She makes me smile. 

We sold our house. We live in a camper, right now. We bought land. We are planning to build a house. I guess these will all be topics to write on as we navigate this process. Camper living isn't awful. There are a couple things that get frustrating, but, life is frustrating sometimes. It only teaches us to work through and be better in the end. Stay tuned for more on this front. I am sure it will be a fun journey. Our kids love it in the country already. They stay outside until dark as often as they can. It's great, especially for the youngest! She needed room to run and play and be free. 

We have a great group of solid friendships. Our tribe is big. We love our tribe. Our friendships have grown over the past year. We've watched our kids' friendships grow, as well. Having a good set of friends is important in life. We enjoy being with our friends and always want and wish the best for them. It's nice to have the same support coming our way. 

We are finally back to some normalcy in our church life. We enjoyed spending the year watching a live stream church our of West Monroe, Louisiana. While we enjoyed it, there is nothing like sitting in church singing praises to our Lord. We learned a lot from West Monroe and have decided we want to visit Whites Ferry Road Church of Christ in the future. The kids just started back to Sunday School classes. I think they missed it more than they realized. I am glad they love going to church, reminds me of myself when I was a kid. 

There you have it. Now you are all caught up on the happenings in our life. Stay tuned for more posts and what is going on. 

#BLESSED #FEELINGS

I have always had, and always will, have complete faith in God and his plans for my life, through good and bad.  I know there is always a reason.  I know there will always be a light at the end of a tunnel, even when it seems never ending! I know that my life's riches blessings are not based on material things, but on what is most important--God, family, friends and the relationships you build.  I strive everyday to figure my place in God's heart, to figure out how to be better, to be more, to be the example I know I should be! I am striving to be the best version of ME! I will admit, I struggle--it's hard, it's exhausting, it's scary, it's frustrating.

 My last post talked about how rich I am! Rich in blessings! My day started with another example of just how blessed I am! God sure knew what he was doing by blessing me with a friendship so special--God sure knows what he is doing, he steps in at just the right time.  I have a deep admiration for this special friend.  Her faith and determination, I envy.  God sure knew what he was doing.  There are no words for how very thankful I am for you.  I could not say 'Thank You' enough for what you did for me today.  You, my friend, are not only a blessing to me, but to anyone who has the pleasure of knowing you.

To you my friend, from the bottom of my heart, I  say "THANK YOU!"

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Phill 4:13

I'm Rich--Not Monetarily Of Course

No teacher ever got into this profession for the money! I mean, really?! If we wanted to be rich, we would have been a doctor or a lawyer.  We may not have a lot of money, but we are rich in so many other ways.  This is what I said to my kids today as part of my explanation as to why we rallied at the capital yesterday.  I explained so much more to them, but I think the thing that really made their day was for me to tell them that I didn't need money to be rich-- I am teacher! I have so many blessings in my life-- I'm a grand-daughter, daughter, sister, wife, cousin, friend, aunt, teacher.  I don't know if many people know that I actually hold a Bachelors of Business Admin as well as having a degree in Elementary Education.  I can remember visiting my mom at her school and feeling right at home, smiling at the kids and seeing the joy come over those teachers faces! Are we happy every single day? No, but who is? Do we enjoy our breaks? Yes, wouldn't you?! Does it mean I love my job any less? No! Every waking moment I'm thinking about stuff I can do in my classroom.  I am constantly critiquing myself--Was that good enough? Did I explain that well enough? I wanted my kids to understand that I'm there--with them and for them. I'm not rich with money, but I am the richest person in the world because God wanted me to be a teacher.  I firmly believe, in my heart of hearts, that God new all along while I was getting a business degree that I would find my way.  Teaching is my passion.  I love every minute of it--even on my worst days (Don't judge, we all have them!) 

I am not a big politics person, but within the last year I have become very aware of the Educational politics as it directly affects my life and my job.  Do I understand it all--Ha! NO!! I understand enough and what I don't I'm not afraid to ask! With all this being said, I feel it's very important for my kids to know--There were thousands of teachers, parents, and students fighting for YOU!!! I shared with them this morning and they watched a young man deliver the most touching poem.  They were awed and taken aback at how powerful he was, at how he addressed our legislatures so directly at the end of his poem, and yet one said, "It's really sad he has to address them and say PUT OUR TEACHERS FIRST!"  My kids know! I am open with them! I want them to see the important stuff.  I want them to know, WE GOT YOUR BACK! I want them to know--YOU HAVE A VOICE! No matter your age--YOU HAVE A VOICE! One young lady is making her voice heard! I am proud she is stepping up but I am more proud that she put in her letter EXACTLY what her teacher has said, THAT GOD PUT ME HERE and I AM NOT RICH IN MONEY BUT RICH IN BLESSINGS! 

YOU GO GIRL!

Valentine's Bulletin Board

Nothing to special about this one.  I had every intention of stealing yet another idea from Pinterest, but time got the best of me and it just didn't happen.  I love my little heart guy with heart balloons! No need for instructions on this one!

Girls + Basketball = Memories

I got the pleasure of coaching the 1st and 2nd grade girls basketball team.  We were lucky enough to be able to have a team of Chatty girls--our first year to do this! As a former athlete, I know how to play the game, I know what they need to do, and I know what I want them to do.  On the softball field, I can coach them--hit, catch, throw, run--got that and you stand a chance.  Basketball is so much different--dribble, shoot, offense, defense, free throws, out of bounds, half court, fouling--and the list goes on an on.  This was one of the best experiences I have had coaching--my 1st time coaching a basketball team.  I've always watched the teams I've coached become better and better with each practice and game that we play.  Basketball did not disappoint.  As I watched these 8 girls improve with each bounce of the basketball, I, too, was learning.  Learning new things to teach them and new ways to teach them.  

One thing I know for sure, I am so proud of these girls and one thing I'm even more sure of.. our future is bright! Each one of the girls worked their booty's off in practice and played their hearts out every single game.  They took the losses hard and won with pride.  Already, I see the love, the heart of an athlete, being instilled into these girls with just one season of games.  They each enjoyed every minute of practice and games.  They each knew what their responsibility was in the position they were set to play.  They played as a team, helped each other and developed a bond that will be one of the most cherished things in their life, the memories made and the memories to come. 

1st Grade Christmas Party

I couldn't make it for the whole party, but I got there while they were eating and at just the right time, because, Santa stopped by! Each kiddo was able to sit on his lap and have a good little conversation with him! I'm so glad that Jacilayne has finally decided Santa is okay and will sit on his lap (2 years in a row now!).  This time, however, she told Santa she wanted a remote controlled truck.  WAIT...WHAT?!?! How come she never says the same thing, except phone and ipad? In her defense, it seems that what happens is whatever the 1st kid up says they want, normally becomes the theme in the classroom! It's like they have major memory loss once they sit on his knee...?!?! Anyways, no she is not getting a phone, I told her I would write Santa a letter and tell him she is too young for that and an ipad!

Here is she is at her class party with Santa!

Has It Really Been 7 Years Already?

Do you know the old saying, "Time flies when you are having fun?" I'm pretty sure I heard that a time or two growing up but never really understood it.  You know they say, the older you get the wiser you become!  I now understand what this means! Although parenting is not always fun, in fact sometimes it's down-right exhausting, stressful, and hard, BUT, it is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done or will ever do! The last 7 years have flown by like the speed of light.  I don't know where my baby went but I am sure that I am beyond blessed to have this beautiful, brown-eyed girl to keep me busy and make my heart warm! Since her birthday was on Thanksgiving, we have her our presents that day and sang to her at our family's Thanksgiving later that day! The next Sunday was the designated party day--Jump for Joy here we come!! No pics from the kids playing, but there are tons of what was going on in the party room (I'll spare you all of that, however, I will share the birthday cake later on!).  I still can't believe she's 7! YIKES!

This was after her birthday party.. we went to eat!! Some of our faves!! 

Happy Birthday at Grammy's!! My pretty girl! 

It's the Most Wonderful Time....Of the Year!!!

Christmas is one of my most favorite times of the year! I love everything about Christmas, except shopping, hence the reason I did 95% of my shopping online this year.  Anyways, this post was not about my experiences shopping or not shopping this year! This post is about school stuff! Yay for school ideas! I forgot to take a picture of my Thanksgiving bulletin board, but here is my Christmas board this year! Both the reindeer and the Santa I used last year in a different setting, but this year I decided to use them both on the same board!

Rudolf is tangled upside in the lights and Santa, well, he had too many cookies and got stuck in the chimney! Both of these I found on Pinterest last year! Santa comes with a writing prompt, If Santa Got Stuck In My Chimney (or something along that line).

I added in the shadow snowmen for the display because I really liked them and thought my class did a fabulous job on them!

Thanks again, Pinterest, for the awesome ideas!

The Most Dreaded Time--Loose Teeth

I can deal with a lot more than I ever thought before I became a mom, but loose teeth---- I CAN'T EVEN DEAL!!!

This crooked, snaggle tooth makes me sick!! But that smiling face makes me happy! Please just pull that tooth already!!!

A Good Friend, A Good Run, A Good Cause

I've haven't been running since the beginning of October because my feet needed to heel up quite a bit.  I've been feeling really down, lazy and tired because I'm not able to do anything because the pain was terrible and then went to tolerable but I knew that doing anything would cause the pain to increase.  I was pumped to run two 5K's this month but slowly watched as I let these events slide from my view as the pain in my foot was not leaving. Plus, it turned off much colder than what we are used to in November!  We sat at dinner Friday night and I get a text from a very good friend sent me a text saying she had been running that night and it wasn't too cold after about 10 minutes and that she wanted to run Saturday night and if I would be up for it.  My heart screamed YES YES YES! My mind---EXCUSES! It's too cold (36 degrees Friday night), I haven't run in a month, my foot is going to hurt to bad.  My heart won the fight and I made arrangements for Jacilayne and signed up for the run at a little before midnight! Even though I hadn't ran in over a month, I managed to make it a mile before I had to stop to tie my shoes, and then kept on another half to 3/4 mile, managing to make it up the dreaded hill the first time and halfway the 2nd! That half walk up the hill might of been 1 minute and then two more stops later on for maybe 20 seconds.  I finished the 5K in a little over 43 minutes.  I was pretty proud! I have to give a shout out to my good friend!  She rocked that run and I am so proud of her! She finished in 34 minutes! I needed this run! I needed it for myself! I needed it for my confidence, energy, determination, motivation! I'm glad I have a friend close by that I can run with (hopefully)!

So to you Joey Scherler, Thank You for asking me and making me want to do it! It was a pleasure to be there with you even though we didn't get to really run together!

        Before the race, so excited!                        After the race! Clearly, I'm about to die! 

Plantar Fasciitis= A Pain In My Foot--Literally

I started my running journey almost 2 years ago when I started training with the couch to 5k program (C25K).  I used this program all winter in preparation to run my first 5K which I ran in March of 2013.  My first run was the Color Me Rad in OKC! It was so much fun! As soon as we finished and returned to my brother's house, he signed us up for the Mud Factor in June of that year, another first for me! I survived the Mud Factor and I mean that literally! It was the hardest thing next to childbirth I think I've ever done--but it was so very fun, I mean, when do you get to play in the mud as a 29 year old?!  I expected to be sore after the mud factor but much to my surprise, the only soreness came from my feet.  I lived with sore feet from June until October.  Okay, so it was much more than just pain, it was like excruciating and knives being stuck into my heels.  At first it was just during my first steps in the morning, then it evolved to be the first steps after I would sit down at any given point during the day, regardless of if it was a 20 minute sit-down or a 20 second sit-down.  

After a while, it turned into constant pain, and this is when I realized I didn't just injure myself during the run.  Off to the doctor I went only to learn it was Plantar Fasciitis.  So apparently there is this ligament in your foot that connects your heel to your toes (plantar).  Well, this ligament is affected by many things--age, weight, arch support.  Your arch will collapse some as you get older (not what I wanted to hear as I was approaching the 30 mark, which I was fine with until my body started to go nutso on me).  Anyways, as your arch collapses, the ligament pulls and it is very painful and causes heel spurs (which the Dr. says isn't what hurts).  There are several steps of treatments for this Plantar, and I started with the first--shots in my feet! Sounds painful, and it is but not the worst ever! 

After my first shots, I felt like a new woman! I mean, W.O.W.!! I could walk like an almost 30 year old instead of someone much more mature than me! I felt fabulous. Much to my dismay, however, the pain returned and so did the shots for the next year and few months, which leads me to the present time! I ran a 5k at the beginning of Oct. and on the same day just a few hours later I ran a 1-mile fun run with Jacilayne and by that night, I couldn't walk.  I honestly thought I was going to have to crawl around my house.. It was TERRIBLE! A few days later I tweeted (yes, I tweet, but don't follow me, I'm very boring) about my pain and #plantarfasciitis and in return I got a a tweet from someone (idk who it is) and told me about stretches (which I do) and this Kinesiology tape and a video on how to tape for Plantar Fasciitis.  

This past Saturday, a very good friend of mine wanted to run a 5K, and I agreed, sore foot and all.  I taped my foot for the first time.  Now, normally when I finish running, I can barely walk and this time, my foot was sore even before I started.  When I finished, the pain was nothing more than what it was before I started.  By Sunday evening, the only time my foot hurts would be the "first step" syndrome (that's my name for it!).  

My point in this blog is to inform.  I feel like I could have been treated differently.  I don't think I needed as many shots as I received after I talked to others who are seeing the same doctor.  I have some custom orthodics coming my way in hopes of helping with the support on my arch! But for those who are looking for additional relief or relief without getting shots or spending tons of money.  Check out the kinesiology tape and the video to help you out! 

I found my tape at Academy in green! Pre-cut strips! They have more expensive then this and different colors and designs! I'm cheap! 

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/kt-tape-original-precut-elastic-athletic-tape-20-strip-pack/pid-674465?color=Lime+Green&N=652969652&Ntt=kt+tape&Ntk=All

http://rocktape.com/videos/feet-hands/plantar-fasciitis-2/

Transition to a big girl bed--just a few years late

Most people post this wonderful life moment when their kid is around 2 years old after transitioning them out of the crib.  The difference between everyone else's post and mine?  Mine is about 4 years late and it's a much different transition.  Our transition is from our bed to her own bed! Now, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change a thing about letting her sleep in my bed for 5 1/2 years (she's only 6 btw).  Late night snuggles, early morning snuggles, staring at her sweet face while she sleeps, nothing will ever make me regret my decision to allow her to sleep with me, but there is a time when it is time.  We reached that time.  Why you might ask?

NEED I SAY MORE?!

A Little Encouragement Makes Your Day Bright!

For 3 years now, I've been able to wake up each and every morning and go to the job of my dreams.. the job that I know I was destined to do.. the job that can make me laugh and cry all in the same day hour minute.  But even with the ups and downs, sweat and tears, frustration and laughter, I truly enjoy every single minute of that 7 1/2 hour school day! It is a pure blessing and peace of heart to know that you are doing exactly what God wanted you to do with your life!

What makes my job even better though? The people I work with! I found this sweet note in my school mailbox one day! 

 Sure is nice to have someone tell you that you are doing great things, because sometimes, it doesn't feel that way! What this teacher doesn't know is that I couldn't do it without her! She makes me feel like a better teacher for always encouraging me! 

The job is hard..rigorous...exhausting...frustrating.. but with the kind words of encouragement from a co-worker, you know that all will be well.. and this put a smile on my face! Ann, you are the best and thank you for always making me smile and giving me the faith to know that I am giving 110% each day and that God does have my back! 

Hey all you Tweeters!!

I have come to love making bulletin boards! They are so very much fun! I always struggle at the beginning of the year coming up with something fun! My outside bulletin board isn't near my class, so I try to find something that appeals to everyone! Since social media is a big thing any more, I decided to give this one a shot!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 Probably not one of my very best, but I really did like it! I eventually changed out the "tweet" to something else.. before I actually changed the whole thing!

Owl Be It--Another Owl Theme

I just fell in love with my owl theme and hated to see it go! However, I needed a new take so it wasn't exactly the same as last year. So, as a teacher, what do you do?!? Why Pinterest all the owl themes you can find and come up with something.... DUH!!! What did we ever do without Pinterest?

 So, I found this cool tree on Pinterest.  I'm not very artistic but I free-handed this!! Yay me! I took this picture without anything on it, but it became the theme as you can see in the next photo! I now have owls on this board along with adding a Life Principle word each week!

 Again, another Pinterest find! The "Owl Rules" and I added the tree behind!

 I used this saying last year on my door and I love it, so this year I added some owls to it!

 New way to display the 8 Expectations!!! Use your owl branch!!

Decided we'd be the wise owls... See next picture!!

Our owls are wearing glasses!! Love these!!!

I also placed other posters and such from last year all in the front of my room with tons of quotes! It's very busy but so bright and colorful and gives the children so much to think about! I don't have a picture, but I also did a helpers spot--Whoooooo's Helping? and I used the pockets you put library cards in to write the helpers on!

Love the owls!! Don't know what I'll do next year! Not sure I'll be ready to give them up yet!!

Owl be it.. It's a hootin' time in 6th grade!!

I decided on owls for my classroom theme this year! I wanted to make stuff on my own but school crept up on me way to fast, so I just bought everything! I love it though! Pretty sure I'm going to have a hard time going with something else next year!!

 

 

Whooooo's ready for a Great year!!

A Trip To The Dentist

Most people are afraid of the dentist--dread going-- kids scream--kids cry--kids are bashful and won't talk--Jacilayne has been to the dentist before.. She didn't scream or cry but she was bashful.  Her shyness has gone away ever since she started school this year.  We switched dentists so today was our first trip to the new one.  Jacilayne asked the poor hygentist a 100 questions.. Then, while we waited for the dentist, what were we to do... A PHOTO SHOOT!!

I promise that my kid HAS worn a pair of sunglasses before!!! I. LOVE. THIS. KID.

Super Moon

Earth Science is probably the best part of my Science class in school! I simply find our world absolutely amazing; therefore, I used my handy new camera that happens to have a super zoom and got these amazing shots of the super moon... SIMPLY AMAZING!

 I mean, holy cow, you can even see the craters on that sucker!!

A Long-Awaited Return?? Hardly

I gave this blog thing a shot about 4 years ago, and as you can see it didn't last very long! Well, it seems like fun again, so I want to try it again! I'm in a different place now, I have a job outside of the home, so I actually might have more things to say now! Don't know if that's good or bad! I also have a 5-yr old now, instead of a baby! Time sure flies! So anyways! Welcome Back to me!!