My Organic Health Kick!

I seem to be on a bit of an organic health kick lately.  Now that running is part of my regular exercise, I have found myself becoming more self conscious about the food I am buying.  I have to give credit to some of my Facebook friends who continue to motivate me with their choices as well as some healthy blogs I've read, and a wake up call video informing me of what really goes into the food I'm buying out there.  I also no longer drink diet sodas or use artificial sweeteners.  At first it was hard and I definitely missed them, but my body is already thanking me.

As I continue to hunt for organic grown food I was pleasantly surprised when I started noticing the supermarket I frequent carry their own brand of organic food known as Wild Harvest organic products.  Yes, I did my research on this product and found that it is indeed a true organic product with the USDA-Organic label found on it, and it is affordable.

The term "organic" can be vague and a little misleading, but after doing my own research into it, I fully support organic farming and buying real food from real farmers.  So much in fact that I'm even excited to begin my own backyard "farming" this spring.  Stay tuned for some blogs on how that turns out. :) I can't wait for the farmer's market to start back up in my area.  I promise I will be there every Saturday morning!

A New Year

It's New Year's Eve, a time that always has me reflecting on the year we are closing.  2012 has come to an end, and it's time to say good-bye.  Here are some of the highlights the year brought me.

I began 2012 in fabulous Las Vegas ending a holiday running streak challenge of running at least a mile a day that began on Thanksgiving day.  I'm so thankful to have been able to keep up my newly discovered passion and continue running.

Next came the addition of 2 new family members, Comet and Roxy.  They are not quite friends, as you can tell by the I know you're behind me and I don't like it sign that Comet's ears are sending out, but they have learned to tolerate each other.  And, when Roxy is not chewing on a shoe she has found or sneaking off with a sock, they are quite amusing and fun to have around.

In May, my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.  Twenty years ago Chris and I were married at St. John's Cathedral.  It was a perfect spring day and the start of our life journey together.  It's hard to believe we now have a 17 and 12 year old son.  Time goes by too quickly!

The Firecracker 5K was one of five 5K races I participated in this year.  I have officially raced in every season now. 

In September, I celebrated a major milestone with one of my grandmothers.  My Mamaw Dottie's 100th birthday!  From six wars, to the introduction of plumbing and automobiles, to the first man on the moon, this woman has seen and experienced some amazing things in her 100 years.  Reaching this age is a rare thing, and I am so blessed and thankful to still have her around.

Last but not least, the year ended with a wedding celebration with my sister and her husband Mike at the beach.  I'm so happy for her and  glad I was able to be with them on their special day.  They are perfect for each other.  I know they will have many years of happiness together.


As I say hello to 2013 my New Year's Resolution is to simply do what makes me happy, and that is to run more and enjoy life.  The last picture seems to sum it up quite nicely. 

Teaching: A Calling From God

"Teachers have class"; "The best teachers teach from the heart"; "If you can read this thank a teacher."

Having been a teacher for twenty years, these are some of the sayings I've run across that relate to teaching.  All of these are nice, but I think the greatest saying I've found comes from a book of inspirational quotes for teachers and the Bible, John 3:2.  It refers to Jesus and says, "Thou art a teacher come from God." 

When I read this scripture, it reminds me of why I'm an educator.  It gives me encouragement on those days when I feel nothing is going right, no one else cares, or it is just not worth it!  Jesus had twelve students (disciples) and it did not go perfectly for Him.  His students just did not get it at times.  He taught in parables, gave them lessons, guided practice, and evaluations, but still He always had to reteach a lesson because some did not get it the first time.

Teaching is not just a profession but a calling from God.  "You are a teacher come from God."  May this saying be forever in my heart as I strive to become the teacher He has called me to be.

A Teacher's Reflection In Time Of Tragedy

I have not stopped thinking about the tragedy that struck our country Friday all weekend and what I will do in my classroom now. I take my teaching job very seriously. There is no oath or secret handshake that teachers take to say they dedicate their classrooms to the children that step into them. We do what we do because we love it. I hope I never find myself in the situation that the teachers in Newtown, CT did, but if I did I would do the same as they did and protect the children I serve. So as I step into my classroom tomorrow I will do what I do best, educate the children that walk through my door with love and compassion. I will greet them with a smile and a hug. I will remember that even though I cannot prevent tragedy from happening, I can put my trust in God that he can give me peace and keep me strong.

New School Year

It's a new school year, and thanks to Pinterest and the teacher share ideas page on Facebook I'm finally getting into my back to school mode.  All of the ideas I have seen are easy to adapt to any theme.  Last year I decided to go with the leopard print theme in my class.  I'm having so much fun adding new ideas to my classroom this year.  Here's a peek into my classroom.


1.   Small group table area.

 2,   Class Rules and Conduct Clip Chart

3.   School PBIS Rules (PRIDE)

4.   Homework BINGO

5.   All About Me board

6.   Teacher small group table.  (Love the touch light idea for a no disturbing signal when working with a group.)

7.   Word Wall and Reading Center

8.   New classroom clock (that somehow keeps disappearing and reappearing in my classroom.)

9.   Birthday corner

10.   Crazy straw birthday treats

Random Act of Kindness

I'm not one to normally pick up strangers on the side of the road, but tonight was an exception.  My husband and I made a quick trip to his office building this evening.  As we were leaving, we caught sight of an old man, cane in his hand, hobbling down the sidewalk of a main street not too far from the downtown area.  At first my husband thought he recognized this man as one he sees quite often, but as we passed him up he realized it was a different man.  We slowed down wondering if the old man might be lost or needed help, and I suggested he turn around and ask him.  Then, we pulled into a parking lot the man was walking by and rolled down the window to ask where he was headed and if he needed a lift.  He graciously thanked us and accepted the ride.

I quickly got out of the passenger side of the truck and offered him my seat.  As I was helping this man in the truck I couldn't help but think, "What if this had been my grandfather?"  I climbed into the backseat next to my son Nicholas, the old man gave us directions to his house, and we drove off.  During the short drive we learned he was coming back from one of the casinos, and the bus had let him off there at the parking lot.  He said. "If you win, you take the taxi.  If you lose, you take the bus."  It was obvious that he had taken the bus and for a moment I was sad.  It was getting dark now, and I hated to think of this old man walking by himself to his home.  I wondered if we hadn't of stopped to help if he would have made it home safely.

We found the old man's street.  It looked like an old alley street, and his house was an old rickety two story house that at one time was probably one of the nicer homes in the old Highland neighborhood.  It appeared he lived alone, and we wondered if he had electricity and food.  I helped him out of the truck, and he politely thanked us again.  We may never see this man again, but I am grateful we were able to help out this kind stranger when he needed someone.

      

Z is for Zippity Do Dah

Zippity do dah, Zippity day. My, oh my, what a wonderful day...

It's Friday, the work week is over, I'm back from the gym, and I'm finishing up my last letter blog.  You would think I'd be tired, but I'm feelin' pretty good.

As I sit here writing and waiting for my husband to get off work, I'm making plans for family night also.   I think I'll suggest crawfish for dinner and maybe that Avengers movie that's playing now.  

It's a wonderful feeling and a wonderful day!