What did we do this summer? A blog from Kenya

When I first met Marc and told him about 730 Moments to Share, he was interested.  He read my blog and then he asked me to read his, What did we do this summer?  His blog, one that was written by Marc and his good friend Gloria while they spent the summer in Kenya a few years ago.  Marc and Gloria went to Africa to volunteer for the summer, working with children in an orphanage.  

They did things like clean the orphanage, cook meals, provide water, in addition to trying to get the orphanage self-sufficient.  Their hard work was something that you hear about, but can't truly imagine what it is like until you live it for yourself.  After looking at some photos from the trip, I'm not really sure how I would have survived.  Many children are HIV+ and have watched their parents die.  They only have the clothing on their backs and are so needy.  I would have probably wanted to take each one of them home with me.  

Among other things, Marc caught Malaria, and was extremely sick for a weekend while he was there.  After sitting with him and listening to his stories, as well as reading the blog, I was humbled and inspired.  I urge you to visit his blog, and read about his adventures! Not only did he help the kids, but he was able to go on some incredible safari adventures.  Check it out!

High Five for Friday: New Beginnings!

This has been one busy week filled with lots of fun, and I can't wait to share everything with you!

1. Field Day at School

Field day is one of my most favorite days of the school year.  This year was by far, the best field day we've ever had!  The kids had an incredible time, and the teachers loved it, too.  I had a ball watching my students laugh and play together.  We've had one amazing year, and it was great to celebrate all our hard work together!  My team and I even decided to get matching T-Shirts to celebrate third grade!

2. Last weekend, I was able to spend time at my sister's new apartment and play with my niece Sarah!  She is one incredible kid, and spending time with her is one of my most favorite things to do!

3. Shopping with my Mom

On Monday, my mom and I went shopping together to look for some things she could bring with her on her cruise to Bermuda.  I love spending time with her and having "girl time."

4. Tom and Katrina's Rehearsal Dinner

Getting ready for a wedding is always fun, and tonight was no exception!  Marc and I had a great time celebrating Katrina and Tom's wedding rehearsal with good friends!  

5.  I'm moving!

After a fun night with friends, Marc and I decided to hang out at a friend's house for a bit.  After some talk about "when we move in together," Marc reached into his pocket and handed me this:

The key to his place!

and he asked me if I would like to start to move in this summer!  I'm so excited for the new beginnings that lay ahead for the two of us!  I can't wait!  (By the way....how CUTE is this key!! I love it!)

Tonight we're linking up with Lauren Elizabeth and the ladies that host 5 on Friday! Click on over for more awesome stuff!

High Five for Friday: Feeling Nostalgic about School!

Friday couldn't come fast enough this week. I'm so happy the weekend is here! 

Some highlights from my week (all school related!):

1. Today was a gorgeous, sunny day and we had Field Day! My kids impressed me over and over again with how thoughtful, kind, and generous they were as they competed today. I know this sounds weird, but it's true! They practiced great sportsmanship and their teamwork was over the top. I told them how proud I was of each and every one of them this afternoon. Although I can't wait for the school year to be over (yes, it's true), I always get that pit in my stomach around this time of year... the feeling of "losing my kids" and saying goodbye. Today was one of those days where that feeling hit home. We're with our students for more hours than most of their parents are with them. We wear so many hats in one day: mom, dad, sister, friend, counselor, therapist, coach, nurse, mentor. They're my kids. My family.

2. Reading The Tiger Rising with my students. I often start the year with this read aloud, but decided against it two years in a row because Wonder replaced it. Ah, they're both so good! I wasn't going to read The Tiger Rising at all this year and decided at the last minute (Hello, June!) that I had to read it with them. Gosh, their thoughts and careful insights about the story have blown me away. The discussions we've had in class this week have been the most thoughtful all year. I love doing read alouds in my classroom and I can't wait to finish the book with them this week.

3. Final Essays & Feedback this week. There were several times this week that I declared myself insane for teaching and grading essay writing in June. What the heck is wrong with you, Dawn?! First draft essays were due on Thursday. I started reading each one and giving feedback and again... I'm finding myself blown away. They really stepped it up and are showing off their strengths as writers. I'm one proud teacher and I'm making that known to them! :-)

4. Tuesday lunch. Every Tuesday, I use my lunch time to meet with my Social Action Club. I've blogged about this club quite a few times this year. We decided to meet during lunch instead of after school to allow for more flexibility for members who couldn't make it. We're working on our last event of the year, raising awareness of World Refugee Day on June 20th. It's been fun watching sixth graders open up their hearts to issues like this in our world. Tuesdays are my favorite!

5. Talking about next school year! This week we created supply lists for next year and we finalized summer reading lists for the incoming sixth graders. I also spent a lot of time speaking with colleagues about new units for next year. I'm excited for a new start. It's the best feeling knowing that you get to start all over again with a blank slate.

Tonight we're linking up with Lauren Elizabeth and the ladies that host 5 on Friday! Click on over for more awesome stuff! 

Favorite Blog: "Love, Teach"

Every so often, I check the "Love, Teach" blog and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh... and then laugh some more. The other night, my husband turned to me on the couch and said, "What's so funny? What are you laughing at?" and I could barely get the words out of my mouth because I just kept laughing! "Love, Teach" is a blog that I was introduced to last year. The blog is written anonymously by a middle school teacher who teaches in a low-income/big city area. For the most part, she blogs a lot about her teaching experiences and describes these experiences in detail. She says the things all teachers seem to think and really want to say, but can't... and that's really why I love it! 

I blogged about "Love, Teach" around Valentine's Day because she described Valentine's Day in Middle School unbelievably well.  I remember saying then that I wanted to add her to our "Blogs We Love" list... but never did! Well, tonight I'm declaring that "Love, Teach" has finally made it to that list! Even if you're not a teacher, you should check her blog out. If you are a teacher... what are you waiting for? 

Her latest post is about thoughts and reflections on the end of the year. It's really funny and I totally agree with her #7 - must read books! 

If you're a teacher, be sure to check out "7 Signs it's the End of the Year" - amazing! 

Celebrating Dads!

Father's day is just around the corner...and this video reminds us of how many times we call "Dad!" and he's there for us!

Are you getting ready to celebrate your Dad this weekend? What are your special plans?

Entryway Bench Idea Inspiration!

Marc and I are in the process of "spring cleaning!" Since his entryway is at the bottom of a flight of stairs, I suggested having an entryway bench with cubbies underneath and a cozy seat.  I couldn't wait to share with YOU what I found!  You can find benches like these at Target, Pottery Barn, Lowes, or any other home design store, but I also know you could make these pretty easily as a weekend project!

I think this one is my favorite!!

Rangers Viewing Party in Bryant Park, NYC!

I'm watching Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals on the couch with my husband... but I really wish I was watching in Bryant Park, NYC. Bryant Park is showing the game live on a massive outdoor screen, as shown below. Ever since finding out about this event, I tried to convince my husband to go. It sounds like so much fun!!!

In between the game and commercials, they continue to show clips of what life is like in Bryant Park right now and all I keep saying is, "That's so cool! I wish I was there!" 

It's been 20 years in the making and New York hockey fans are finally able to see the Rangers compete for the Stanley Cup! Have to get back to watching the game... LET'S GO RANGERS!

Tonight we're linking up with Hump Day Happenings Party! Click on over for more great stuff! 

Inspirational Quotes: Alex and Ani

If you haven't "liked" Alex and Ani (they're famous for the inspirational bracelets that have been all the rage!) on Facebook, I highly suggest you do. Each day, they post inspirational quotes that I just love!  I often share them with my friends because they are just too good not to share! Here are some of my favorites:

Now, log onto Facebook and "LIKE" Alex and Ani!

Words can inspire and words can destroy...

Found this quote the other day and love the power it holds. Decided to make some pretty quote art with it:

Humans of New York Love

I saw this on Humans of New York today and found it quite interesting:

Click on the photo to read the caption.

I saw this post on Saturday and my heart melted:

Top Ten Things I Love About Disney World!

Since I'm on a Disney kick lately, I figured I would make a top ten list of things I love about Disney World!  If you have something you love about Disney, please add it to the comment section below!  I'd love to get your tips!!

10.  Soarin'

This is by far, one of my most favorite rides in Epcot.  The flight above California is incredible, and you really do feel like you're flying.  As you fly over the orange groves you smell...oranges!  When you fly over the pine tree forests you can smell pine!  I've never been to California, but this ride makes me want to go there every time!

9. Resorts

Staying on site at one of the many resorts on the Walt Disney World property is the way to go.  There are so many perks to staying on-site, from their transportation system to Extra Magic Hours...why would you stay off site?

8. Main Street Electrical Parade

The Main Street Electrical Parade wasn't running for quite a few years, and then they brought it back!  This parade is true magic at night at Disney World.  I love each float, and the light up costumes that each character wears.  This will be a must see on my next visit!

7. Toy Story Mania!

Another ride I love is Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios!  In this ride, you're actually playing an arcade game!  Everyone is a kid on this ride, and it will become an instant favorite for everyone you're with!

6. Cirque du Soleil- La Nouba

If you've never seen a Cirque du Soleil show...and you're in Downtown Disney...and you can afford the ticket price, I suggest you go see this show.  The show will keep you on the edge of your seat and your hands will be sore from clapping so hard at the end.  You will have a new appreciation for dance and the arts after seeing this show.  It's just another piece of Disney Magic!

5. Illuminations Fireworks Show

Haven't you heard the saying, "Disney does it best?!"  They don't disappoint when it comes to this fireworks show.  As many times as I've seen it, I can't help but say "wow!!!" the entire time!!  Suggestion: Grab a table outside at the Rose and Crown Pub for an amazing view of the entire show!

4. Wishes Fireworks Show

I love the Wishes Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom a little bit better, because I think you can't take the fairytale loving little girl out of me.  There's something incredibly magical and breathtaking as the fireworks are going off in front of Cinderella's castle.  It's completely awesome and exciting!!!

3. Thrill Rides at Hollywood Studios

 

These two had to go together...they're two of the best thrill rides in all of Disney World!  I love the anticipation of the Tower of Terror...and I love the fun of the Aerosmith "Rockin Roller Coaster!"  You can't miss either one while you're in Disney World!

2. Holiday Cheer

It doesn't matter what holiday is coming up...Disney does it right!  You'll be put right in the holiday spirit if you're in Disney World for Christmas.  I've been once around the holidays, and the decorations are just as amazing as anything else Disney does.  I can't wait to get down there for Christmas!

1. Feeling Like a Princess

Going to the parks and riding the rides, seeing the parades and watching the fireworks and other special events just makes the Disney Experience incredible.  Each time I go I can't wait to get back there again.  I'm hoping the next time I go my niece can come with us, so she can begin to experience the magic of Disney!

Calling All Teachers & Parents: Summer Reading & Writing Resources! [Part One!]

I'm really excited to launch the month of June with my students tomorrow. We're wrapping up our last big unit of the year and then we'll be ready to start our "end of year reflections." They'll dig out their writing portfolios and reflect on every piece of writing that they did this year. After that important work, we'll  launch our discussions around summer reading and writing. I absolutely love sending my students off with my summer reading and writing kits. I devote at least a weeks worth of time to this valuable work and I find ways to make it fun and exciting versus the dreadfulness that some kids assume summer reading and writing can be.

The teacher inside of me wants to use this space to preach how important it is to have your kids reading and writing as much as possible over the summer. The extra practice is invaluable. Notice how I also added in "and writing" - don't forget about the writing practice, too! The simplest little projects can go so far!

I'll be sharing some of my ideas for the summer reading and writing kits here soon. In the meantime, here are a few resources that I wanted to share:

1. Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge- I'm sure you know that your local libraries and bookstores have awesome summer reading challenge programs. There are also so many great ones online, like the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. I stumbled upon Pottery Barn as I was looking up something completely unrelated to this topic. I found it fascinating that they offered a summer reading challenge! They offer great book lists, progress trackers, and links to many activities to do at home. Click here to read more!

I LOVE these tips from Pottery Barn Kids! 

2. PBS Video: Use crafts to strengthen your child's reading muscles. This was a recommended link on the Pottery Barn Kids page. The short video showcases a few crafts to strengthen writing skills, alongside summer reading. The ideas are super adorable. Creating a reading tree, where each tree leaf  marks the each book you read. Creating a flower or train story wheel based on fun story prompts. Make sure you click here to check it out!


3. End of Year Mason Jar Gift: This obviously isn't related to summer reading and writing, but it is a cute end of year gift that your kids can help make for their teacher. I saw it featured on one of the link parties we participate in and I couldn't help but share it here, too! Mason jars painted like pencils... how adorable! And so easy! Click here for more information!

Tonight we're linking up with The Creative Collection link party! Click on over for many more amazing ideas! 

I'm going to Disney World!

My boyfriend and I have already started to think about vacations for our Holiday break this year.  We both have two entire weeks off, and were discussing possible destinations for the time off.  We looked into Peru...super expensive the way we'd want to do it.  I wanted to be sure to see Machu Picchu and the Amazon, which would cost a pretty penny.  It's still on both of our bucket lists, and I'm sure we'll get there.

Then, we thought more.  Marc knows I love Disney World.  I've been there many times...I can count at least 8 times, but I've probably been more than that.  It's a place where I can't contain my excitement when I arrive, and when I hop on the monorail one last time before I head home, I usually have tears in my eyes when I hear Mickey say, "We'll see you real soon!"  Gets me every single time!

This year, we're planning on spending an entire week in Disney World with both sets of parents, as well as Marc's sister, brother in law and his two nephews.  We're also hoping that my sister and her husband and my niece will join us, too!  We'll be spending Christmas in Disney World, something that I hear is truly magical.  I have to say, I'm really looking forward to the joy in the kids' faces as they see each new, exciting thing.  

We've been in major planning mode over the last couple of weeks, scouting out dining options and special events so we can make reservations as soon as we can!  I can't wait to share the fun with you as we plan this exciting getaway!!

Healthy & Fun Snacks {Kabobs} for the Pool!

I can't wait to sit by the pool today. It's such a beautiful day! Happy June!! :-)

I was searching for quick snacks to bring with me to the pool when I came across this post by Skinny Taste blog. Favorite healthy foods on a stick! Skinny Taste geared this blog towards cute school lunch ideas- awesome! I'm loving these ideas for snacks or lunch items to bring to the pool. Throw them in a cooler and you're done! If you're worried about using sharp skewer sticks, substitute them for coffee stirrers, popsicle sticks, toothpicks or even mini straws.

Here are a few of my favorites that she featured:

1. Mini Caprese Skewers

Skinny Taste says: Grape tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls layered on a stick. If you cut the tomatoes in half diagonally they look like small hearts. For older kids add basil in between the tomatoes and pack a small container of balsamic vinaigrette.


2. Mini Shrimp, Tomato, and Cucumber Skewer

Skinny Taste says: Use a cookie cutter for the cucumbers and you won't have to even peel them! If you want to make these for adults, add some feta cheese and olives and turn them into cute Greek Salad Skewers! Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is perfect for dipping.



3. Mini Ham, Cheese and Tomato Skewers

Skinny Taste says: It's almost like a chef's salad on a stick. You could use turkey and whatever cheese your children enjoy. Pack a roll or some crackers on the side. 

4. Mini Fruit Kabobs 

Skinny Taste says: Layer seasonal fruit on a stick and I'm sure they'll eat it. Choose fruit that doesn't brown easily such as berries and grapes. Yogurt makes the perfect fruit dip.

I'm in LOVE with these ideas for poolside snacks! So easy, so delicious, and so fun! Thank you, Skinny Taste for the ideas! Be sure to check out the Skinny Taste blog... the Top Monthly Recipes on the right side bar look and sound AH-MAZING! 

We're linking up with the Show-Licious Craft  & Recipe Party today! Click on over for more awesome stuff!