Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for my family and friends and the opportunity to enjoy time together along with a great meal!

Eat, eat, eat!

The average person consumes more than 4,500 calolries and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving.

K

The Elf on the Shelf

So, I know I have been talking a lot about teaching lately, but that is my "Life Lately" and I am so excited to finally be working again. I suddenly remembered today about The Elf on the Shelf. I heard about this a couple of years ago and decided it would be so great to use in my classroom. I am sure my kids will love this and it is something to keep them on their best behavior the month of December. This will be really good especially with Christmas approaching and all the excitement of getting out for Christmas break. You can even register your Elf after you choose a name for him and receive a special letter from Santa.

If you haven't heard about The Elf on the Shelf, here is the story:
(all that it says happens at home will happen in the classroom)


The Elf on the Shelf Tradition
Have you ever wondered how Santa knows who is naughty and who is nice? The Elf on the Shelf – A Christmas Tradition is the very special tool that helps Santa knows who to put on the Naughty and Nice list. This interactive holiday hide-and-seek tradition is perfect for children and families of all ages

The tradition begins when Santa sends his scout elves out to Elf Adoption Centers. Waiting for their families to bring them home, these patient elves hibernate until their family reads The Elf on the Shelf, gives their elf a very special name, and registers their adoption online. Once named, each scout elf will receive its Christmas magic and become a part of the family’s Christmas each and every year. 

Excellent listeners and even better observers, these scout elves are the eyes and ears of Santa Claus. Although they cannot be touched, or else they may lose their magic, the elf will always listen and relay messages back to Santa. Taking in all the day-to-day activities around the house, no good deed goes unnoticed; these scout elves take their job seriously.

Each night, after the family goes to bed, the scout elf uses his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole. Once there, the elf will make his or her daily report to Santa and visit with elf friends where they will tell stories about their beloved families, play with the reindeer, and of course, sneak some of Mrs. Claus’ cookies!

Before the family awakes each morning, their special scout elf will fly back to their home from the North Pole. However, since these elves like to play games, don’t expect to find them in the same spot!  While some like to hide in the freezer (probably because it reminds them of the North Pole) and others prefer to sit on the fireplace mantle or hang from the chandelier, these elves love to play hide-and-seek with their families.

On Christmas Eve, the scout elf will listen for Santa’s bell and then fly back to the North Pole until the next season, wishing every girl and each boy a Christmas of peace and a year full of joy. 

I can't wait to read the story and see what names the kids come up with to name the elf. I am sure they will look forward to coming in and seeing where the elf is hidden. I think I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I am planning on making this elf do some pretty crazy things!

Enjoy the holiday!

K

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU'RE A TEACHER? by Jeff Foxworty

# You get a secret thrill out of laminating things. 
# You can hear 25 voices behind you and know exactly which one belongs to the child out of line. 
# You walk into a store and hear the words, “It’s Ms./Mr. ____________ and know you have been spotted. 
# You have 25 people who accidentally call you Mom/Dad at one time or another.
# You can eat a multi-course meal in under 25 minutes. 
# You’ve trained yourself to go to the bathroom at two distinct times of the day, lunch and planning period. 
# You start saving other people’s trash, because most likely, you can use that toilet paper tube or plastic butter tub for something in the classroom. 
# You believe the Teacher’s Lounge should be equipped with a margarita machine. 
# You want to slap the next person who says, “Must be nice to work 7 to 3 and have summers off”. 
# You believe chocolate is a food group. 
# You can tell if it’s a full moon without ever looking outside. 
# You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says, “Boy, the kids are sure mellow today.” 
# You feel the urge to talk to strange children and correct their behavior when you are out in public. # You believe in aerial spraying of Ritalin. 
# You think caffeine should be available in intravenous form. 
# You spend more money on school stuff than you do on your own children. 
# You can’t pass the school supply aisle without getting at least 5 items!
# You ask your friends to use their words and explain if the left hand turn he made was a “good choice” or “bad choice.” 
# You find true beauty in a can full of perfectly sharpened pencils. 
# You are secretly addicted to hand sanitizer. 
# You understand, instantaneously, why a child behaves in a certain way after meeting his/her parents

So true!

K

J-O-B

Finally! On Friday I got approved for a Kindergarten job starting December 1st! This is also my birthday and I couldn't have asked for a better present. I am going to be teaching at the same school I taught at last year, which I am so excited about. I am looking forward to teaching these kiddos and having my former students come visit me in my new classroom. I have a lot of work to do, but I am really looking forward to having a salary and benefits again. I am so thankful, especially during this time of year.

I am so glad that I did not give up on teaching. It has been a rough 4 months not being in the classroom, but  I still had hope.

I am praying for patience and understanding as begin my new adventure. It is going to be a lot different than teaching 3rd grade.

Keep me in your prayers!

K

White Chicken Chili

A couple of months ago, I joined Crock-pot Girls on Facebook. This page shares tons of recipes to make in the crock pot, which I love because it's so easy! I have made a couple of them, but the one I made last night was fabulous.

You will need:

1 can chicken broth

1 can Great Northern Beans

1 jar of chunky salsa, 

1lb of chicken cooked then shredded

1/2 block of pepper jack cheese, cubed. 

1/2 of cream cheese

A dash of cumin

1 can chipotle corn

1 can white shoepeg corn

Add some water if you need to (or more broth) to cover everything. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, doesn't really matter how long since the ingredients are already cooked. Stir occasionally. Serve this with tortilla chips or cornbread.

*My suggestion is that you do not add the beans until about an hour before you serve it so they will not get mushy.

*Also, if you want it to be more like a soup, add a little more chicken broth or water, if you want it thicker, add less.

It's great! Happy Fall!

K

DIY

I love this DIY i found on Plate and Pattern today. I think that it looks so easy, yet so great. I might choose different mirrors, but you get the "picture". 

They have giveaways every Tuesday, so head on over. THAT'S TODAY!

This was one of my favorite looks from the fall catalog. The unexpected color combination, the natural elements, and of course how the product pulled this look together. However, the real statement piece of this look was the mirrors. Repetition is a great design rule, and our trilogy mirrors pulled it off spectacularly. What's even better is how easy it was to do; let me walk you through it ... 

What you'll need:

• Frame (ours was from Hobby Lobby)

• Burlap

• Screws

• Scissors 

• Drill

• Masking Tape

• Ruler / Measuring tape

• Foam Core

- Katie and I cut the foam core to fit inside the frame (tip: if you're not good with an exacto knife and straight edge you can have them cut it at most crafting stores)

- We then cut the burlap to fit the foam core and taped the back.

- Katie drilled the foam core into the frame to make sure it was secure.

- Measure out where you want your mirrors to go and stick a tiny nail in the foam core.

Hope you were inspired by the DIY today!

K

A Stolen Life

I have been reading the book A Stolen Life. After watching Diane Sawyer's special on Jaycee Dugard, I just couldn't help to want more. If you have never heard of it, you need to pick it up because I have had a hard time putting it down. Although it may seem a little harsh, it is really interesting to read Jaycee's story from her point of view. She includes her journal entries that she wrote as well as reflections. Here is a little summary:

In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen.

For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse.

For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my own name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation.

On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Dugard. I don’t think of myself as a victim. I survived.

A Stolen Life is my story—in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it.

Check it out.

K

Teacher Tipster

A couple things I thought I would share. I was searching the blogosphere, especially 'What the teacher wants' blog and found some fun graphic organizers. These would be great to use in the month of November. Go here to download. This is what you will get:

As I was also exploring the blog world, I came across this giveaway at Second Grade is Splendid. She is giving away a Winter Unit. Head over to enter! I hope I win.

Hope everyone has had a lazy Sunday. I know I have.

K

Freedom Isn't Free

THANK YOU VETERANS for all you have sacrificed. My heart and my prayers go out to those Veterans past and present who have given it all for our great country! Today I am especially thinking of my grandfather, George Klein, who served. I miss you!

TWO WORDS

by Jennifer D. Moore

Have you thanked a soldier lately

For everything they've done?

For all their work and sacrifice;

For battles lost or won?

Have you ever passed a moment in quiet solitude?

Thinking of a way to show support and gratitude?

What about two simple words?

Thank You

Remember those that came before us,

and those that stand with us today,

And to those whose time is not yet here,

I have two words to say -

Thank You

You have the Heart to stand and fight.

The Soul to stand for what is right.

You stand for Freedom, day and night.

For all this and more -

Thank You

Two simple words you may not hear enough

When the good is hard to see, or the battle is getting rough.

Although your heart may break, yet and still you remain tough.

For all that and more -

Thank You

And though I might not know your name,

We're Red, White and Blue... family the same.

You serve our country willingly, protect freedom without fail.

Compared your brave actions, these words may seem a little pale.

But still... for everything you are, and everything you do

I'd like to say two simple words -

Thank You

HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!

I am Thankful

I am always on the go and thinking, but this past week my mind has been racing. Day after day I am constantly thinking of something I need to do, some errand I  need to run, or some appointment I need to make. It's like the energizer bunny; it keeps going, and going, and going.

I used to lie in bed at night and think of all the things I needed to do the next day. Making to-do lists has really helped me go to bed calm because I know that it is written down and I won't forget it.

Even with my brain in a ball and so much going on, I still do have time to remember to be thankful. This month, I have been keeping a list of things I am thankful for, adding to it as each day passes. 

I will share what I have so far.

Nov.1 Today I am thankful for opportunity.

Nov.2 Today I am thankful for my wonderful friends and family who I share such precious memories with and would not trade for the world.

Nov. 3 Today I am thankful for transportation. I am so grateful that I have a dependable way to get to and from place to place. Something I feel I often take for granted.

Nov. 4 Today I am thankful for the life that I live. Even though things may not always go as I wish, I know that God has a plan and he knows what is best. I have experienced this these past few months and everything is beginning to work out.

Nov. 5 Today I am thankful for a college degree. I realize that going to college is not for everyone, but I feel like I definitely made the right decision for me.

Nov. 6 Today I am thankful for technology. Through social networking, I have connected with friends from the past. I have gotten a chance to catch up and rekindle old friendships.

Nov. 7 Today I am thankful for music. There are so many songs out there that I can relate to. I love that when I find a good one, I can listen to it over and over.

Nov. 8 Today I am thankful for the sunshine on my face!

Nov. 9 Today I am thankful for my dog Truffles. He has been such a joy over the years.

Nov. 10 Today I am thankful for the colors of Fall. Reds, greens, browns, and yellows paint such a beautiful picture.

I will share the rest at the end.

Happy MOOvember.

Enjoy your weekend! No school tom.!

K

Not Yet?

I feel like this turkey is talking to me....

I really can't wait until Christmas, but I AM enjoying Fall so far.

 I love these pretty pictures of the leaves changing my friend took.

So, so pretty.

November is also an important time to remember our veterans

And to stuff our bellies on Thanksgiving.

Mine will be stuffed with these three things:

turkey

creamed corn

green bean casserole

the life of a picky eater.

Happy Fall Y'all

K

An effort to make you smile

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming word, would cut through the sky. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school.


As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.

When the mother's car drove up beside the child, she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?" The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty, God keeps taking my picture".

How cute.

...

I imagine this while reading...

Pretending it was stormy of course...

Enjoy your Tuesday,

K

Blast from the past

Thought I would share this picture my step-mom sent me today. If you know me personally, I don't think much as changed.

Maybe this is why mom only had one child.

Lord help her.

Roll Tide anyway

This past week has been pretty busy. Last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning I was in Nashville visiting Clare. I rode with Haley because she had to do some work and we made a fun girls trip out of it! I discovered some great new boutiques: Scarlet Begonias, The French Shoppe, and Boutique Bella to name a few. We ate tons of yummy food as well! Sambuccas, Sunset Grill, and tayste.

Friday afternoon, I added a couple more things to my suitcase and headed to Birmingham for the night to stay with mom. It is easiest to go ahead and cut the trip to Tuscaloosa in half the night before. Friday night I went to dinner at the Tavern with my good friend Lindsey. It was so good to see her. And even though the Tide could not pull through, I still had a great weekend. I enjoyed tailgating and spending time with my long lost friends.

I AM READY FOR A RE-MATCH!!

Have a great week,

K

We Got This

Headed to Tuscaloosa in the morning to watch the Tide roll. I am so excited to see all of my pledge sisters and friends from college. The day is going to be packed full of tailgating and visiting all of the fun places to go on the strip during game day. I am excited to eat yummy food and catch up with everyone. Thanks to Morgan, I have a wonderful picture to share.

I have loved seeing all of the different slogans and banners people have created during LSU hate week. I am very excited for this event! ROLL TIDE!!

Be careful on your travels this weekend no matter where you shall go,

K

Christmas?

So I figure since all of the stores are putting up Christmas decorations and Christmas music is already playing on the radio...I can talk about Christmas; my FAVORITE time of year!

Things I look forward to during the Christmas season:

Having hot chocolate to warm me up when it is oh so chilly outside!

Decorating the tree with family and friends.

Eggnog

Makes everything seem so wonderful, even if you aren't that good at decorating. Like me.

Hanging stockings. The best part on Christmas morning.

Baking delicious goods to give out to all of the neighbors.

This is crock pot candy. My grandmother's recipe is fabulous. I will share it closer to time!

And I always wish for a WHITE Christmas!

Hope this gets you in the mood.

I'm so ready!

K

*images via pinterest