Taking a Break, But A Giveaway is Coming!

I'm not Catholic, but I started kind of participating in Lent during high school just to see if I could give up chocolate for that long (nowhere near the right reason, I know). I kept it up through college with similar things: coke, Chick-fil-A, or something that might save me a few dollars but wasn't TOO crazy or life-changing. But I've been thinking about it this week and really trying to consider something that takes me away from things that matter more. And when I'm really honest with myself, it's blogging. I may not post every day, but I do spend a LOT of time reading other blogs. I enjoy these things and think they have helped me become a better teacher. I have made some great friends and connections across the country, and my Pinterest boards are filled to the brim with amazing ideas that I can/have/will use in my classroom.

However, I've decided to take that time and spend it becoming more intentional building relationships with the people physically surrounding me during the remainder of Lent (I know I'm a few days late). My husband and I started attending a new church over the summer, and we talk a LOT about being intentional with our relationships and bringing people to Christ. I have friends and talk to my co-workers and neighbors about going to church occasionally, but I can't honestly say that I'm doing my best to make sure they are Christians and understand how much God loves us and what He did for us. Now's the time.

I know that I passed 800 followers this weekend (that was an exciting email from Bloglovin!), and I thought about throwing a giveaway before I took my break. But I decided that I would hold it after and just gather support with a simple Google form. If you would be interested/willing to donate to my giveaway, I would LOVE to have you! It's been a little while since I've done one, and I want to make this a BIG giveaway!


In the meanwhile, don't forget to check out Erin's big giveaway going on all week! I know that's where my most recent surge of followers came from after I donated a product yesterday!

More Snow and my Favorite Picture Books

I'm finally back at school today (although on a 2 hr delay) after more crazy Virginia weather.

Seriously, the temps on Monday reached 70 (at one point, I changed into shorts). Then it snowed the next day non-stop from 8-5ish. We ended up with about 5 inches of snow and our 8th/9th snow day for teachers (10th and 11th for kids). Eek!! I'm so grateful that our 5th grade students aren't taking the writing SOL until April because some schools have it next week. Yes, they should be prepared already, but it's a little stressful to be out unexpectedly right before a big test like that.

Anyway, I wanted to share about a few picture books that I've bought recently and can't wait to use!

The Wreck of the Zephyr by Chris Van Allsburg has been a book I've had my eye on for about 3 years now. When I was in my Master's program, one of our teachers did a lesson using this book, and I was mesmerized! It's great for predicting and questioning, and, as usual, the pictures are BEAUTIFUL! I've become a huge fan of his books, and this one may possibly be my favorite!

I laughed about this book because I found it through amazon suggestions and was drawn in by the description alone. Then just after I got it in the mail, Collaboration Cuties blogged about how they use the book during one of their Mentor Text linkies! I've already bought their resource and can't wait to use it. Redcoats and Petticoats is based on a true story about a family on Long Island who served as spies for the Revolutionary Army. VERY fun!

I've been reading about this book on SO many blogs and finally caved in. Too cute! I read it to Keagan, and he was completely taken in. Usually he gets really fidgety and wants to turn the pages before I finish. Not this one! He loved the beautiful pictures, and the language was perfect! I could see this being great for teaching a lesson on word choice in writing.

And for a little fun, go check out my friend, Courtney, and her blogiversary giveaway. Erin Condren? Yes, please!! I can't afford it on my own!

Writing Tips: Part 2

I'm blogging over at Adventures in Literacy Land today about the second part of my sentence fluency lesson. If you're looking for tips on teaching writing, you won't want to miss this!

Currently March - PTL!!

February has come and gone!! Have I ever mentioned that it's my least favorite month? I know it's the shortest and there are a lot of fun holidays to celebrate, but I'm usually DONE with being cold by now and sick of being cooped up in the house when the sun goes down way too early. I live for longer days, warmer weather, and spring/summer clothes! Plus now that Keagan is older, we can enjoy more time outside on the playground or letting him ride his tricycle while we relax and talk to our neighbors.

Keagan was in a bit of a mood this morning, so I was glad that he went down for his nap easily. Unfortunately, I had a lot to do around the house and may not get a chance to watch another episode of Downton Abbey before he wakes up. We're going to try though! I have to watch them on my Kindle because the HDMI cord I bought to hook it up to the TV didn't work (apparently my TV isn't "HD" enough or something?). Anyway, I've only got 2 episodes left in Season 1, but I'm SO hooked!

I think I mentioned last month that my sister is having a little girl. Her due date was yesterday, but I've had my phone close by since last Thursday waiting to hear the news. She's in Mississippi, so I won't see the baby for another month (I'm going for a weekend April 3...not that I'm counting down...), but I'm still ready! I want pictures!!

Yeah, I feel like I've mentioned getting back on track every month since November. This month I really want to get motivated, though, because June is just around the corner and I need to do some toning! I'm going to try working out at night instead of in the mornings. We'll see if that helps.

Did you guess my question? "What is your favorite vacation spot?" I can't choose between the two!