Friends

Today I have cried.. I have cried because I lost a beautiful friend.  Now.. although I have cried.. I have had a chance to share some stories about her.

As I was going through school, one of my classes I had to do observations.  I was going to school to be a special education and of course I had to do alot of observations.. but this one was different.   I had to observe a student outside of school.  It is one thing to work with students in school, but it is another thing to see how life in the real world works.  I was lucky enough to begin working with the Hiners. The Hiners allowed me into their homes and lives.  I met Kylie when she was 8 (at least.. I think she was 8.. I could be off) That semester was the BEST semester.. I mean how can you not love hanging out with an amazing family!  After the semester..I was able to still hang out with them and Kylie and I began making plans.  Even after I  moved to Dallas we had plans at least 2 times a year (okay.. so I usually scheduled with her before I scheduled with my own family)

So, enjoy the photos and memories (of course.. these are only a few!) Lauren, Mary, and Mark I am forever grateful for you opening your home and heart to me.. and making me a better teacher and person!

One of my first (and one of my FAVORITE memories) was taking the girls to the museum.  As we walked through the museum, we were able to touch all the hands on exhibits. However, Kylie had to be reminded several times not to touch the walls.  She would walk by a wall and say I want this one and this one.  We finally got to the 3rd floor where she asked to buy a vowel.

Going to the library was one of our favorite places to be.  It always amazed me that even though we got together about every 6 months she was able to greet the people at the library by name.  I LOVED when she read to me! She was super interactive and would ask questions while reading.  Now, Kylie had a great memory.. so often times she wouldn't even be looking at the book as she read, but could read it word for word.

I had the privilege of attending a fun Christmas party with these girls. (okay.. okay.. I know I am tech savy and here I am taking photos of photographs)

As Kylie grew older our adventures grew too.  We began to go out to eat, go shopping, swimming and so much more!

When we first started planning lunches, Wendy's was usually our go to place.  I learned quickly that Kylie LOVED french fries (okay.. so she usually stole a few of mine.. I started ordering larger fries.. sorry Mary it was twice a year) Kylie began to outgrow Wendy's and Mexican food became the go to place.  Sometimes... I would get to choose and I would choose Wendy's.  Misty and I visited one year and on the way to Canyon we had Mexican food for dinner, for breakfast the next morning we had breakfast burritos, and for lunch we had Mexican food. We had plans for dinner with Kylie that night.. and I just KNEW we could convince her to grab Wendy's or something different (Misty and I were tired of Mexican food!) The convincing didn't work.. and we got seated at Pepito's. We shared chips and salsa.. and Kylie ordered chicken strips :) I LOVED that girl!

Thanksgiving lunch at school with Kylie and Misty

You know I never pass up the option of a selfie.  Kylie had already left us :)

I loved Kylie's text messages.  They were always short and to the point, but I knew that she was thinking about me.  I loved our phone calls (even if sometimes they were too late)  I loved that when she was done with a conversation she would say bye and hang up.. no need to drag on.  I loved when she called and the first thing she would do was ask where William was or  what was William doing.  I loved on my birthday when she called me and sang me Happy Birthday.

Kylie was also the crafter and we spent many hours picking out the perfect project to do next. We would go shopping together at Target or Hobby Lobby.. and we would walk in together.. and walk out together.

Kylie was beautiful inside and out.  These are only a few of my stories. As I have posted in many of my blogs.. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing people and families.  I would not be the educator I am today without families like the Hiners.  Kylie might be gone, but I know that smile will last forever.  Thank you Mary, Mark and Lauren for allowing me to be a part of your lives.. and I hope that you know that you are still stuck with me! I am thankful for your friendship and love.. and I am so thankful that Kylie was my friend.

Teacher Appreciation 2017

Oh my goodness, I can't believe that we just finished the first week of May.  The first week of May is also Teacher Appreciation Week.  I have helped plan a Seuss theme, 80's theme (still my favorite I think) and a 50's.  This year the theme was Hollywood Stars! Each day had a little goody for the whole staff.  I got a TON of the ideas from this great blog.

Easy peasy decorations!

The VIP entrance to the staff lunch room

There was even a red carpet!

Did you know that Fodey makes clapper boards!  Printed off these for each door

Personalized popcorn bar.

PTA provided a yummy breakfast (there was lots of cream cheese and other goodies, just didn't get a picture of it!) 

Since the teachers were the VIP's our amazing admin was our "chauffeur" to Sonic during planning periods

The Mason's take such good c are of us! They grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the staff.

You can't go wrong with homemade dessert

 One of the best part of Teacher Appreciation week was celebrating our Teacher of the Year! I am SO PROUD that Emily Roberson is representing Elliott Elementary.  She is a rock-star LIFE teacher. She is always so kind and calm.  Her students are so lucky to have such an advocate in their corner!

Loved this end gift from admin! Every Star needs some SWAG.. and our SWAG was a portable charger!

Felt so appreciated this week with all the different goodies!

As you know my word this year is Explore and I LOVE Globes! I walked into the door today and found this beauty with a note "You are my whole world"

It has been a crazy semester! I have a final to finish and then a little bit of time off before the next 2 classes start up. Guys.. I only have 2 more semesters! I already know the theme for Teacher Appreciation next year.  What have been your favorite goodies or ideas? I am always looking for ideas :)
Next up..  appreciating some awesome Girl Scout Leaders (thankful I have had LOTS of help in this area)  I also have started checking off items of my #40by40 list.. another blog coming soon!

#iisdilearn

It has been awhile since I have blogged over here.  This Busy Bee has been uber busy in libraryland (well.. and 2 master classes.. Destination ImagiNation.. Girl Scouts.. and more) But, today was AWESOME! But... first up.. checkout my amazing new logo! Seriously.. Heck Awesome has taken such good care of me! I finally ordered new business cards and am planning on putting it on a jacket and bag too!

Today our district had a iLearn Digital Learning Day! Now, I won't lie when I woke up at 6am this morning my bright and cheery self was not all in for it! I LOVE learning.. but my brain has been so fried.  I knew it would be great.. but sometimes you still have to pump yourself up. 

IT WAS AMAZING!!! Yes, I am saying that much louder than I usually say things!

Of course there were a ton of people that made this amazing day possible (the whole Irving ISD Instructional Technology and Learning Resources Departments!).. but Carrie and Martiza did a great job making it happen.  there were over 40 sessions that were lead by fellow Irving ISD educators. Each session that I went to was relevant and had great information. I have added lots of Twitter links so you can go follow these awesome people.

I spent the first two sessions in the Collaboration Cafe.  It was participants choice.. sort of EdCampstyle.  I got to hang out with Luli and Dario who are both great ITS.  We talked (oh wait.. I listened and learned) about Doceri, Kahn Academy and Google Classroom.

3rd session that I was able to go to was all about BrainPOP. You guys know that I love BrainPOP! But seriously, have you seen the new updates? The Make a Movie is AMAZING! I can't wait to share this with my own teachers.  Already thinking about how I can implement this in the library!

Always love running into Arturo!

Sketchnotes from the BrainPOP session

I work with an awesome ITS (who I totally failed at getting a picture with!) and she has been using Seesaw and training teachers. I have seen her use it..and have been wanting to learn/use it more.. but you know there are ton of apps out there and there are only so many hours in a day.  I am super excited to finally sit down in a session and require myself to only pay attention to this app.  Angela and Karron had some great ideas how to use Seesaw in every type of classroom.  Y'all if you are a teacher and you are looking for the next great app.. you need to download and use Seesaw!

Ideas I had:

-Karron gave me the idea to use Seesaw during Bookfair to share books with parents.. SERIOUSLY!!!

-Angela gave some great ways to differentiate instruction for all types of learners.

-I would like to use Seesaw as exit tickets... but rather than creating separate classes for each class at school.. making a class for each grade level and the names be the classes university that they have for NEU.  

My brain is still percolating on how I can use this in the library.

My last session of the day was School Libraries: Learning Made Easy.

OMG! I have been in libraryland since August.. and let's face it.. I don't know anything! George and Kristi had so many great tips and tricks. Irving has a plethora of resources.. and I use a ton of them, but of course there are so many more.

Things I learned in this session:

-World Book has Dramatic Learning

-It is super important that when staff and student access the different digital resources.. they are doing so from the school webpage

-Novelist!!!

-Sorting our resources by grade level

-Britannica ImageQuest

-Saving lists

This list could go on.. and on.. and on.  I can't wait to share some of these with my own teachers to make their life easier.

George and Kristi had so many great tips and tricks!

Cool wall where participants could add puzzle pieces with what they learned throughout the day.  (My mentor librarian Renee rocks!)

Where you could add your Twitter handle

 I know I overused amazing.. and there are too many exclamation points, but seriously it was a great day of learning! I was able to connect with other educators and take away so many ideas that I can incorporate in the library.  I love library land, but I feel that my technology has not been as great as it could be, and this gave me a chance to only think tech and collaboration today.. which I haven't had a chance to do in awhile.  Want to see what I have been doing in libraryland.. head on over to Bee In the Bookends.  Thank you to all the people that made today such a successful day or learning.  I know that I walked away brimming with ideas (and I also know that I wasn't the only one.. go check out the #iisdilearn tweets)  Thanks of course to Patricia Alvarado for continually pushing Irving to great technology and digital resource ideas. Of course thanks to Dawn, Keith and Shane for supporting all of Irving!
What a great day!

Reflections and #40by40

With the start of a New Year.. means New Resolutions.  I decided several years ago to not make resolutions, but make a list of goals and dreams.  I also start each year with a word (and when I say year.. I mean school year.. that is how my life runs!) My word this year EXPLORE!

Reflecting on the past year and excited about the new year

In looking at my blog from last year, I accomplished most of it.  My biggest goal last year was Disney, but we didn't make it.  I did do lots of other things that made my heart happy!

This year I made a vision board that will sit right next to my bed.. not upstairs where I can't see it.  it includes:
-make a 4.0 in my Library Science Masters
-Don't feel guilty.  I am an anxious person.. and always aim to please.  My goal this year is to be okay enjoying the things that I want to do and not feel guilty for enjoying it.
-make better choices in healthy habits
AND..
-begin my #40by40
William and I also made a goal board together that includes getting to New Jersey...making some day trips and a couple of other odds and ends.

#40by40 Dream List
I am a LIST MAKER! William will often ask me what I am doing.. and I answer with Listing.  I make lists of lists sometimes.They say when you write something down and share it.. you are more likely to follow through.  So, I decided to make a list of 40 things that I wanted to accomplish by the time I am 40 (now.. some of these are fairly random).  I found this super cute book at Michaels that is part scrapbook and part photo album. Today I added the writing of the lists.. as I complete the different items, I can put pictures/information and fun items in the scrapbook.

So.. here are my 40 by 40 (I also divided them into different sections)
Travel
1. Book and pay for a vacation to Ireland
2. Take mom to New York
3. Take a trip to New Jersey
4. Tour a vineyard
5. Drive Route 66
6. Camp in a National Park
7. Go on a haunted tour
8. Go to Canyon with Elaine
9. Float the River
10. Go Skiing
11. See the Grand Canyon
12. Go on a girls weekend
13. Go fishing with my dad
Adventure
14. Take a wine tasting class
15. Get 3 tattoos
16. Indoor skydive
17. Learn to drive a stickshift
Family
18. Renew our vows
19. Have photos taken
20. Host a game night
Life Goals
21. Learn to crochet
22. Attend a New Years Even party
23. Write an article for Family Fun
24. Write a poetry book
25. Learn to make moms biscuits
26. learn to make dads gravy
27. learn to make William's Death by Chocolate Crepes
28. Learn to make bread from scratch
29. Make a photo book of my photos
30. Make a t-shirt blanket
31. Send birthday cards
32. learn to play a song on a guitar
Random
33. meet Bill Murray
34. Watch all the Liam Neeson movies
35. Do 40 Random Acts of Kindness
36. Go to a drive in movie
37. Get new luggage
38. Watch a meteor shower
Financial
39. Be in a better place with credit
40. Purchase a groupon and use it

Here is to years of adventures! Do you have a list that you check off?

I Believe

As children are snuggling in beds, I have a confession to make. I like Santa Claus.  I admit it.  My favorite Santa's are the almost vintage ones. Santa is so much more than a figurine.. but an idea.

My Uncle David posted this awesome video.. and it made me realize even more why I love Santa's.

But, my favorite Santa Claus is the real one. I know that I have talked about my mom and dad often, but on Christmas Eve.. I just have to talk about them again.  

I believe in Santa because my parents.  To me, Santa is so much more than the person bringing gifts on Christmas Eve. 

Santa:

-is the spirit of joy.. young and old

-is the spirit of believing.. even in wondrous ideas and dreams

-is the spirit of kindness.

-is the spirit of hope.

-is the spirit of love.

When my parents come into town I love going out to eat with them (when they are not in their Texas Santa attire) and watching the faces of children both young and old doing a second take as they see my parents.  The best part.. my parents are KIND and JOYOUS at all times and share that twinkle and smile with all they meet.  Watching them interact with people reminds me of the importance of being one to give kindness, love, joy and hope in various situations.  Having Santa in the family also reminds me that we need to share this kindness, love, joy and hope year round.

Each year for the past five years, my parents have traveled to the DFW area to spend one day walking around the Fort Worth Stockyards. I love being the driver.. and trailing behind to watch people interact with them. Age disappears.. race disappears.. social status disappears.. everyone is just another important person to Santa.  Yes, I believe in Santa. I am thankful that Mr. and Mrs. Claus (aka my parents.. just one of the many great Santa's out there) taught me the importance of seeing each person as a gift.

Photo courtesy of Elaine Plybon

It is almost that time of year to begin to make our resolutions for the upcoming year.  I am of course thinking of mine.. but I know what I want one of them to be.  I want to be a Santa.  Throughout 2017 I hope to share love, hope, understanding, kindness and believing to all those that I meet.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love crafting and creating, but often times I run out of time.  During the holiday season.. even if I don't have time.. I CRAFT!! My first year teaching I began an ornament tradition.  I know that I always love getting things in my box.  I also know that not all staff members get items in their box (custodians and cafeteria workers included!).  I began making ornaments for every person on campus. Does it take me awhile.. sure does.  Does everyone appreciate and like it.. of course not.  It makes my heart happy, and I have a chance to create something!

This year during Thanksgiving I turned our upstairs guest bedroom into a craft room (of course.. it had to be clean and ready when Texas Santa and Mrs. Claus came into town!

Not only is it the most wonderful time for crafting, but also for busy fun schedules that include family and friends!

Just a few of the items needed for all the crafting this year.

This year for ornaments I upcycled books.  I took regular ornaments and mod podged pieces of book around them.. sprayed them with a bit of glitter dust and added a ribbon (thanks to the help of Viola and Amelia!)

125 ornaments 

To celebrate the season in the library, I made my first book tree.  My awesome hubby came and added the fireplace and lights to my tree.

I also crafted my first ugly sweater and headband.  I have a confession.. I LOVE Christmas sweaters. Many of the sweaters and shirts I have for Christmas are probably considered ugly Christmas sweaters.. but I still love them! (Did you see this awesome backdrop in this picture.. Mrs. Gamez made it!)

 I no longer have a Daisy Troop.. but a BROWNIE Troop! I love these girls and it was so great helping them cross the bridge to become Brownies.  Oh how they have grown this year.

I couldn't do troop 1810 without this woman right here!

 Of course my favorite part of this time of year is seeing family.  I know I have mentioned it several places.. but I truly have the coolest parents ever! My parents come down in December and spend one day walking around the Fort Worth Stockyards dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.  This year Elaine Plybon captured some family pictures before we headed to the Stockyards. There were SO many good ones, but I LOVE these 2!

How fun to have some family photos.

Texas Santa visited the library for our Late Night in the Library as our guest reader! Upcoming blog over at Bee in the Bookends about all the fun things that went on during Late Night in the Library December and upcoming events in January!

Not the Chef

Today is my husband's birthday. I am super lucky that he is an amazing and talented man.  I am even more lucky that he is a Classically Trained Executive Chef, because..let it be known.. I can't (well.. maybe more of don't) cook. Now, I can microwave really well.. and drive thru I have down! I also enjoy watching him work in the kitchen and I get to stir items occasionally.

Chef William and Chef Gonzo at their last catering gig. Check out his Facebook page for more information

With it being the beginning of the year, and my first Girl Scout meeting happened last week.. there are a couple of treats that I am totally capable of making!

Last year I became the leader for Troop 1810 and oh my goodness.. I just LOVE those girls! But our first meeting last year, I realized that there was no one to bring snacks.  When talking to my mom, she reminded me that Nuglet (my troop leader Nancy) used to make the best snacks ever! Remember how I said I don't cook.. well this was right up my alley! Graham crackers with chocolate icing! I have now made this first meeting tradition of having graham crackers with chocolate icing.  The girls seem to enjoy it (and no real cooking involved)

Each girl got one graham cracker and a half of spoon of chocolate to make their own graham cracker cookie

But, there is an item that I LOVE TO COOK/BAKE.  Cakies! Cakies are that treat that we used to make at my house for family events, Christmas, Girl Scouts or anytime that we needed to bring a snack.  Super easy to make and so very yummy.

Throw back to my sister and I helping clean the bowl after we had made a batch of cakies

Favorite thing about cakies- they are easy to make (don't worry.. I am going to share the recipe!) Not only are they easy, but they are so yummy as well. I love that I can make these treats as a thank you to staff and leave them in the lounge or take them with me to meetings.

Put these out at the beginning of the year for staff

I said I would share the recipe!

Ingredients

1 egg

½ cup of brown sugar

1 stick of butter (softened)

½ cup of oil

2 cups of oats

1 box of cake mix

¼ cup of water as needed
Directions

-Preheat oven to 375

-grease an 8x12 glass casserole dish

-mix egg, brown sugar, butter, oil

-add 1 cup of oats and ½ of cake box mix

-mix together

-add 1 cup of oats and ½ of cake box mix

-mix well add water if needed

-spread mixture in casserole dish

-bake for 20-25 minutes

-let cool

Side note: When I was younger.. I even made macaroni and cheese that the dog (that ate EVERYTHING) wouldn't even eat.. my cooking skills have grown a little since then :)

Next up on the agenda- EdCampDallas.. and I have been blogging about Library Land over at Bee in the Bookends AND.. did you see my awesome new blog design? My friend Carrie (aka Heck Awesome) did an AMAZING job redesigning this blog and my Bee in the Bookends! I mean seriously- go check her out @HeckAwesome and her website.  I am in LOVE with it!