Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Pipe Cleaners Gone Wild...

Toddler Tuesday


This week I wanted to share with ya'll about the wonderful invention of pipe cleaners! If I knew these would be such a hit with my two year old I would have bought some sooner. Both of the activities will help with your child's cognitive development and fine motor skills.

When my son saw me throw a collander on the floor with some pipe cleaners he could not get over there fast enough. From being a teacher, I learned that modeling for your child (or student) with new activities is a must. My son caught on right away and started to use his creative juices.  After he was finished, he pointed at it and said "octopus". Sure enough, it did resemble an octopus. Thanks to the amazing Pinterest for the collander idea :)

 Joshua's "Octopus"


My little man found another way to incorporate pipe cleaners.... with Fruit Loops!  It was cute to see Josh munch on a few while he worked.  

 Fruit Loop Sticks



 Pipe Cleaners Gone Wild


Monday, April 29, 2013

What do you make, Mr. CEO?

The teacher at the dinner party

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One
man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his
best option in life was to become a teacher?'

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:
'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To emphasize his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher,
Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You
want to know what I make?'

(She paused for a second, then began...)

'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents
can't make them sit for 5 without an I-Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and
every person at the table.)

''I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't
everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given
brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to
know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we
live in the United States of America .

I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work
hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing
money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention
because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?'

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

=========================================================
 One of my college professors shared this story with us.  It's amazing when moments in life make me reflect back to this story of what really matters in life. Sure, teaching is not my career right now but I can read this from a mother's perspective.  Our job as a mother matters.  When people get all high and mighty about status or money, I can't help but get the last laugh. You know why?..... because they have forgotten the true meaning of life and what really matters. I'm sorry but a Coach purse or being able to go on vacation every month is not going to get you far in life.  Money does not buy happiness. Money can destroy a person's morals and ethics and it's sad when you see someone spiral into this pit of "money brings happiness".  I have seen it happen time and time again.

The other day I got a tad jealous seeing someone gloat about all they have.  The first few thoughts that came to mind were:  "Have they ever had to wonder how they were going to get their next meal?" "Do they not understand how they are coming across to others?"  I have been around many people that are struggling with finding jobs, getting food for their families, and they are living one day at a time.  And yet, this person is rubbing it in front of everyone's faces that she has more and doesn't flinch when purchasing high-end items. Don't get me wrong, I am not the money police, nor am I here to judge.  The purpose of this post is to remind myself and others that something is missing here.... When this person loses all that money, what then will she have?  Money cannot be a replacement with dealing with your emotions, money cannot be the answer to happiness, money cannot be your god.  When it does become any of those then you have lost everything. You have nothing.

The other night, I was talking to my husband about this subject.  Without hesitation, I told Dale that I wish all rich people were like Stan Lee.   We are a big comic book/superhero family and Stan Lee is the creator of many superheroes. We had watched a documentary on the life of Stan Lee recently and it was enamoring to see that his riches do not effect him.  Stan Lee has got to be one of the richest men in the world and here he is living like the average person.  You don't see him living in a mansion or boasting about all that he has. He is a genuine, nice fellow. 

Live a life of purpose.  I may not have much, but I am reminded every day of what I do have.  Every day I wake up and want to make a difference.  As a stay-at-home mom I don't get very many opportunities to reach out to others in the way I want.  My purpose right now is to raise my child into a man and teach him the responsibilities of life.  To respect others. To help those who are in far worse shape than him.  To live humbly and selflessly. To life a life full of love.  Money can be used for good or for bad.  Money can be hurtful to yourself and others. Money is not the key to happiness.  These are the things I hope to teach my son.  In a world that is already full of pop culture, I hope that I can instill the same values that my mama taught me.







Thursday, April 25, 2013

Lindsay's Style: Quick, Comfy, Chic




Please let me introduce you to a military wife that has great taste in style.  If I ever need help with a beachy outfit I'm going to ask this gal!  Lindsay and her little family are stationed in Hawaii. I seriously imagine her living in a human-sized sandcastle right on the beach--what a dream! 

Lindsay's Style:
I’m a 25 year old mother to a very busy 10 month old girl, so while I love to be on trend, I have to keep it functional for my lifestyle.  In three words I’d describe my style as “Quick, comfy chic.”  If you are a mother, you know your days run on a schedule, and it’s not your own!  So if I can’t put the outfit together in 20 minutes or less, chances are it’s not ending up in my closet.
My rule of thumb when shopping for clothes is that I have to be able to wear a piece at least three different ways.  This helps me maximize my clothing budget.  I used to be a frivolous shopper and I’d end up with tons of single pieces I could only wear certain ways, and as a result I had an overflow of items in my closet that were sadly only worn once or twice.  While I loved my snake skin purple BCBG shoes and my leopard and lace corset from my pre-mommy days, they no longer fit into my budget nor are they practical for a mom on the go…

After I lost the majority of my baby weight I ventured back out into the fashion world to find clothing that worked for me both as an individual and as a new mommy.  Some days it’s still a struggle and I’d rather just throw on that maternity top and some cargos, but I love the feeling of being the young, trendy mommy!

 

Bright & Beachy…

Print sheer top:  Ali & Kris from TJ MAXX
Pink cami:  Express
Shorts:  BeBop from Burlington Coat Factory
Sandals:  Charlotte Russe

Super comfortable, and these colors are flattering on many skin tones.  All of these items can be easily paired with other items.