The Books that Change Us

Came across this article yesterday after my friend, Tiffany shared
it. It perfectly  reflects my beliefs about
literature:



Tiffany Gee Lewis: The books that change us | Deseret News



It is THE reason I do what I
what I do. It is all about instilling a sense of empathy into my learners. I feel more than anything, it is the MOST important concept I can share with them.

There is nothing like watching my students be moved and
changed for the good because of something that they have read. Despite
all the demands that lawmakers put on educators, I try to tune them out
and focus on truths like this. I have found that when
I do this, scores automatically increase.



For me, it is hands-down, without-a-doubt To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  Truths like seeing things from another's perspective, what real courage is, and how to be a good parent are just a few of the life lessons one takes from this classic.

My favorite quotes:

So, what books have changed you? What are your favorite quotes from them?

Savvy Tech

This week I have attended Project Optimize, a workshop hosted by the Schultz Center. This is my first experience in an entirely online learning environment since grad school. Except this time we interacted live with our instructors!

I was resistant to learning from a remote instructor, but have found that our humanity can be found through this medium. Our instructor, Nick Kaisharis, has been funny, engaging, and down-to-earth.

Here are some super fun and useful tools:

Padlet - an interactive bulletin board. Planning to use it for exit slips.



Brainshark - add voice to Powerpoint presentations. Here is mine.
Smore -online newsletters and fliers

Prezi - online presentations - thousands of ready made ones too!

Animoto - "Make great videos"

Voki- create your very own avatar. Here is mine, I chose this one for the anime crowd



and my favorite, Symbaloo - a customizable online desktop. The OCD organizer in me loves this easy way to organize my bookmarks. It also has ready-made ones you can add based on your interests.
Here is mine (so far!)


Memorable quotes:

"They learned because they failed and then they figured out how to succeed."

"The difference between sucess failure is one more try."

I just love these. I have a poster in my classroom that reads, "Failure is proof you are trying." Some of the most authentic learning happens when we fail.

Even though I have had to spend precious summer time away from my babies, this has actually been a productive learning experience.

What are your favorite learning quotes/philosophies? What are your favorite web tools? How do you use them?

Sweet find!

Was the month of May crazy at your house? We have been gone most nights from tee ball to dance to graduation festivities. It seems we ate fast food or scrounged up frozen corndogs or chicken nuggets all month. I long to cook and eat a home-cooked meal. My dear cousin, Leigh Anna mentioned this blog yesterday in a comment. I went over to check it out and I'm so glad I did!

Guess what I found?

A solution to crazy May (or anytime) nights: Freezer meals!

Scroll down to the bottom to print the mini-cookbook. Each recipe includes freezing instructions and a list of supplies to finish the meal the night you eat it. Can't wait to try them!!

Thanks Leigh Anna, I already love this blog (and yours too bytheway)!!!

P.S. Baby girl graduates from preschool tonight :'(

What happened?
First she was like this, then I blinked....

and now she's all growny and says things like "boring" (and makes the air quotes with her fingers)!  Sigh!

"You've GOT to stop being so hard on yourself!"

   These are the words my friend Dani insisted to me a few weeks ago. I was fretting about possibly hurting someone's feelings when a she gave me this advice which has turned out to be some of the best I've gotten in a while.  I constantly worry about being the perfect mom, wife, friend, you get the picture. Am I the only one who does this?  I don't really know why it resonated with me so much that day but since then I've tried to stop feeling guilty about every move I make.

Coaches' Wives Club -Kaylor, Hollie, Dani, Me (please no comments about my chins)

So it got me thinking about advice. Here are some I read recently that I LOVE:
(My comments/reactions are in grey)
1. We need to change what we say and what we allow to be said in front of us.
2. There are infinite numbers of do overs for your teen girls. Must remember this.
3. The most powerful teaching moments are the ones where you screw up. Lord knows I have plenty of these!
4. Do you light up when your kids are coming in the room or do you become the instant critic? Cringe!
5. If we own the story then we can write the ending.
6. Every time you watch Jersey Shore, a book commits suicide. Hilarious! Right?
7. You need at least one friend who will help you move a body. No judgement. There in a second. No explanation. Is it bad that I have more than one of this type of friend?
8. Midlife: When the Universe grabs your shoulders and tells you "I'm not f-ing around, use the gifts you were given."
9. We have to be the women we want our daughters to be. Beautiful.
10.Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love. Must do this!
11. It's no longer a question of can I do it. It's a question of: Do I want to do it? I have a feeling this doesn't apply to laundry.
12.There's nothing more daring than showing up, putting ourselves out there and letting ourselves be seen. Reminds me of my drama/music students and athletes.
13. In our moments of most intense joy, we realize how vulnerable we are.
14. What would you be glad that you did...EVEN if you failed? Loved someone! Sorry I'll let you decide.
15. We cannot give our children what we don't have. So true right?
16. Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.
17.Talk about your failures without apologizing. or making excuses.
18. It's not about "what can I accomplish?" but "what do I want to accomplish?" Paradigm shift. A good one for Mommies, especially this one!
19.Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.
20. You can't dress rehearse the bad moments.
and my favorite....
21. Want to be happy? Stop trying to be perfect.

So which is your favorite? Why? Aren't these great? I can read these over and over. Really trying to put some of them into action. So what's the best advice you've been given lately?

This pic really doesn't have much to do with the post. I just love my kids faces in it and the light and colors.

P.S. I'm aware that I sound a lot like Bree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) today. Will try to work on that. Or not....

Bring on Christmas!

Last day of work (not that I'm really working) today! Can't wait for what this weekend has in store for us:
 1st- Randi's Christmas dance recital (I cry everytime). Love seeing her on stage!

Last year, what cute elves!

2nd-Making homemade ornaments with my super fun and equally awesome buddy Dani!
3rd-CALLAWAY GARDENS!! Started going every year when Randi was a baby, missed it last year for Lacey's wedding. Love, Love, Love this annual trip! By the way, did you know it is one of the top 10 places in the world to see holiday lights!?!? There's nothing like seeing my babies eyes light up. The safari park is awesome too (yes I said awesome again on the same post).

Click here to view these pictures larger

More elf fun

An update to "Hermie" the elf''s nightly extra-curricular activities...

 "Mama, it must be "Northpole milk!"

 Snowballs everywhere!

even in her socks!

Elf on the Shelf

So we have a Christmas visitor, our Elf on the Shelf, "Hermie." This is a really fun tradition we started this year. You can find out more about it here. If you have small children or teach them, you will love it! I swear I have brand new children since Hermie arrived. So polite to each other and willing to go the extra mile to impress their elf! Ryan and I have had a lot of fun hiding him each night too. Below are some photos of our first few nights with Hermie. More photos to come as we get closer to Christmas.

He's here!

Naming our elf, "Hermie"

First few night's mischief...