I have a LOT of clip art in my collection. A. LOT. And I have clip art from many different artists. But my clip art collection is special to me for a different reason: Through blogging and TpT, I have the opportunity to meet the real people who create that fabulous art!

One of my favorite clip artists is Zippy from Zip-A-Doo-Dah Designs. She is very talented... AND she is very sweet too! Here's a sampling of what is in my own Zippy collection...

So much loveliness!

And why am I telling you this? Because Zippy is having an AMAZING giveaway. In fact, there are twelve days of giveaways! And I am so lucky enough to be a part of the giveaway for Day 11. And if you enter, you can win a $30 Target gift card! What a perfect time to have some extra spending money!


But that's not all! You can win some store credits at TpT or some featured products. Lucky me... I am THRILLED to partner up with Amy Alvis and Joey Udovich. They are two of my blogging mentors! And their stores are packed with great stuff!

Here are the store and blog links for my pals...

• Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Designs on TpT... HERE
• Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Designs on facebook... HERE

• Amy Alvis on TpT... HERE
• Amy Alvis' blog... HERE

• Joey Udovich on TpT... HERE
• And you can visit her blog... HERE

So... How do you enter? Just follow the Rafflecopter directions below. I'm sending you lots of good luck wishes... I hope you win!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

This has become a bad habit... Posting my "Currently" on the last day of the month is a bit of an oxymoron. Hmmmm. I'm not sure if I have ever used that word in a sentence that wasn't on a task card, a worksheet or a white board!

Love these cute frames/fonts from Jen Jones HERE on TpT

There are just a few more hours in December... and in 2013. In some ways, it doesn't feel like December. It is supposed to be close to eighty degrees outside all week! Normally I would love this weather... but a little chill in the air would certainly help make the Christmas season last a little longer...

However, the sense of "vacation" is obvious! I got up late (Well, 6:00 is late for me!) and we went out to breakfast--on a Tuesday! Now it is noon, there is football on TV and I am happily pounding away on the computer. And it's still a Tuesday! Time is moving gloriously slowly!

The tree is still up. It is a beautiful tree. I am not ready to refer to it in past tense yet. It still smells good and most of the needles are still on the tree instead of on the floor. There are lots of JOY ornaments and heart ornaments and purple ornaments and Starbucks ornaments... and it just makes me happy!

Here's a picture of my tree... and the JOY cup from Barbara Gruener (from The Corner on Character). She is a real JOY-bringer! If you don't know her, you have to go over and meet her right away. In fact, if you click the picture, you can read a post she wrote about JOY. Yep, she's a true buddy!


At the moment, I don't feel any immediate stress... but it is there... lurking behind a brain cell. I just keep trying to hurry away before it grabs me!

There were MANY things I wanted to accomplish during my time away from school. Most of them will likely remain on my To Do list. I have a bad habit of working on the things I like to do. It's not like I really NEEDED to revamp four sets of fraction task cards, but I had fun doing it. And I made the whole week of Morning Welcome pages for my "smart board" (We actually have Promethean, but that always looks weird when I type it--like I am trying to talk about mythology when that is not the topic I am addressing!). I love to match the background paper to the action buttons on my morning greetings. And it IS necessary to have those pages ready for next week--just not necessary to spend a few hours trying to make them look pretty when it should take less than forty-five minutes to get them all done! Still, I had fun!

Of course, I haven't graded the pile of papers that I brought home. I don't know where we are going next in Readers' Workshop. And I can't bring myself to write that lesson plan on the lithosphere--or was it the hydrosphere?--for earth science. Yawn. Sorry! Maybe a trip to Starbucks will help? (Doesn't a trip to Starbucks always help?)

So that's it for Currently... Which will shortly be "Previously." Once again, I am the last one on the block to link up!

But that's okay. I'm sure Farley will have the January Currently up before the clock strikes midnight--or soon afterward. So I will tell you just a bit in advance (and, likely a few times in January as well!): Happy New Year! See you in the NEXT Currently link up!

Recently I read a post at Oh Boy Fourth Grade about focusing on the JOY. As usual, I think my friend, Farley, is on to something.

Based on the name of my blog, people often think my name is JOY. My name is Kim, but I don't mind being confused with JOY. It's a part of who I am in many ways.

Like Farley, I am making an effort to find the JOY at school--even when that is not an easy task. Here's my strategy: Before I leave school each afternoon, I sit down, close my eyes, and try to think of one good thing that happened that day. There is usually at least one good thing, so I can almost always head for home on a positive note. My general outlook has been remarkably improved!

I am blessed to have lots of JOY in my life. LOTS. And after thinking about all of the things I've been given, I've decided to give some away!

Elf from Bilingual Scrapbook (on TpT) and digital paper from sonyadehartdesign.com and "HelloAli" font from Jen Jones-Hello Literacy (on TpT)

There will be four lucky winners. And each of those four people will win a gift card. And each person can choose which gift card they would like--even if all four people choose the same card!

So, come on, join in! You could win some JOY of your own!




 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whether you celebrate the holidays or you are simply enjoying some rest and relaxation away from school... I wish you love, joy and laughter... and memory-making times with family and friends.





Kristen at Ladybug's Teacher Files made this wonderful button to share. This is a perfect example of the type of people I have met in the BloggyWorld... people who share of their time, talents and energy... people who say the nicest things when we just need someone to lend an ear, people who support each other on difficult days and rejoice (and laugh!) with each other in times of success and in times of insanity!

When I started a blog in September, I was hoping to find some new ideas. Instead I have found new FRIENDS who have made my heart happy.  Thanks to each person who clicked on "Follower," to each person who left a comment, to each reader who stopped by and visited, and to each Blogger who helped me be a better teacher, who helped my classroom run more smoothly, and who helped my kids learn while having fun (with some really cute stuff that I could never have made myself!)

Ever find yourself at the last minute trying to come up with a holiday gift for a book-loving friend--and not knowing what to buy?  Or, if you're still in school (Sorry), do you need a way to thank those people who make your life a little easier?

I have lots of people at school who support me and help keep me sane. I was struggling to find enough thoughtful, meaningful, affordable gifts to celebrate each of these different but wonderful buddies... and then I had an idea that proved to be a reasonable solution.

I gave each friend a Starbucks gift certificate and a Barnes and Noble gift certificate, and then attached a note of explanation. My intent was to give them an afternoon of rest away from school, kids, and other responsibilities. Given that I couldn't afford a massage and a fancy lunch for each of them, this was best alternative I could think of.


I was delighted when a few of them said later, "I know just what I'm going to use this for..." and "I'm already planning my afternoon out..."  It tickled me to think that they might enjoy a bit of quiet time and a tasty beverage--time just for them!  It is also possible that they bought a cup of coffee for strength and stamina and used the gift certificate to help with holiday shopping... and that's absolutely fine with me too! 

Got a few last minute gifts to pick up?  Maybe the book-and-a-beverage offer would work for you too.  Our Barnes and Noble bookstore has a Starbucks IN THE STORE, so I can certainly picture myself checking out some new books while sipping a mocha.

With that in mind, I'm sending you warm wishes this holiday season...

Hello Treasured BlogPals!

I'll begin with an apology to those who still have to work for four more days (and, in some cases, FIVE)...

Our District decided to put the five furlough days in June... So, happily, I am now officially FREE for two weeks of "Winter Vacation."  I no longer care what you call it.  All I can say is YEE HAW!

After my concerted efforts to follow the rules for the last two weeks and keep everything "holiday neutral," (see previous two posts!) I eventually had to concede that nothing is ever really under my control.

The bell rang on Friday afternoon, and, amidst the cheering and shouting about the first moments of vacation, I suddenly found myself holding an armload of gifts and cards and chocolate!  Better yet, as the students pushed their way to the door, a few sweeties gave me hugs, and then smiled and chorused, "Merry Christmas!"


The sound of those words made my heart swell!  I knew that they knew what I knew (follow that?!) and that made me smile.  Merry Christmas... the words we didn't say all week could be heard echoing down the sidewalk as they headed for their two weeks away... A few wishes for "Happy Holidays" were also added in and my day was complete!


All week we collected food for our Canned Food Drive.  Although we are a little school, we have big hearts.  This was a project organized by the kids in Student Council with very little adult help.  They looked so delighted as they left each classroom and added to their growing pile of goods--over 300 cans/boxes of food were collected.  I can't show my sixth grade "project leader," but if you look closely you can see her hands... the helping hands that made it all happen!


Of course it wouldn't be the same if December snuck by without a Farley Linky Party!  Thanks, Farley for bringing us all together again!  Here are my current musings...





Then, head on over and visit Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade  Everyone is waiting to hear what's happening in YOUR life.



After you visit Farley, you MUST stop by and read Reagan's "Top Ten Reasons I Know Christmas is Near" at Turnstall's Teaching Tidbits.



I read her post two days ago and I am still laughing... You could be laughing too!

So... It took me a week, but I've moved on.  I am now focused on finding JOY in sixth grade and in sixth graders!

The fifth and sixth graders in Student Council have organized a canned food drive, so we will be busy the week before vacation.  Although many of the families at our school have limited resources, I always love the look of delight on their faces when they participate in an activity.  Last year, one of the first graders lovingly handed over 26 cents telling me, "Please be sure that all of my money will help some children who might not have enough food for breakfast."  I am hoping we can get a few boxes of food together to be passed on to some families in need this winter.  I know that the (joy-bringing) kids in Student Council will love knowing that they helped someone.

Also, based on a post from Barbara at The Corner on Character, my principal organized a Knitting Club.  One of my Student Council officers has been responsible for contacting Children's Hospital to find the appropriate contact to pass on their knitted creations.  It was precious to listen in on her side of the conversation...  Yes, I'm calling from my Elementary School.  Some of our students have worked hard to knit caps for sick children.  Can you tell me who to contact about donating them to your hospital?"  Definitely joy-inspiring--and quite impressive!

As a result of my (joy-filled!) Blog Browsing, I will be making a lot of changes in my classroom in January.  I'm thinking of it as kind of a September Re-Do!  I want this week to fly by quickly so that I can grab my mocha and start planning and creating.  Am I the only one gets frustrated when "school" gets in the way of my thinking?!

I'm also excited to post some math games and some anchor charts I've been working on.  I'm not exactly sure how to do that--being a bit techno-limited--but I am going to find out!

Thanks, BlogFriends, for your encouragement and your sweet sentiments.  Suddenly the season feels BRIGHT again!

And, however and whatever you celebrate... Happy Everything!

I know it may seem like I haven't been in BlogLand--since I haven't posted for several days--but I've been here every day.  I've visited and commented and marveled at the cute and crafty activities and materials that I have seen on so many sites.

Until this year, I never realized how much I miss holiday festivities at school.

Sigh.

Twenty five years ago, I taught in a special education classroom for kids with significant disabilities.  We decorated a tree, baked cookies, made presents for friends and families, and sent the kids home with armloads of presents.  It was a time of LOVE and JOY.  For many of these kids, it was the only holiday celebration they would have.  We were respectful of the cultural differences of families and tried to have "something for everyone."  Santa visited, we lit candles for Kwanzaa, and we played the dreidel game.  We had a choral performance featuring songs from around the world and rejoiced in the season of giving and peace. 

Fast forward two decades.  That same school is now "holiday neutral."  After reading countless blogs and seeing hundreds of trees, elves, Santas, dreidels, and the like, I realize that we are, instead, "holiday missing."

I TRULY recognize the importance of being respectful of every child and family.  And I would never want to offend anyone.  But I feel like my "holiday spirit" has been put on hold until the last child leaves school and "winter break" begins.  Not a wreath, candy cane or holly sprig is in sight.  We just do our work and count the days.

In order to help ease my heavy heart, I have helped the Student Council organize a canned food drive.  By focusing on the needs of others, I hope we can kindle a little "good will" in recognition of the needs of so many people this year.  Through encouraging the "spirit of giving," maybe I will feel like I am, in a small way, bringing the sentiment of the season into my second home.

And, in reality, I understand and accept the restrictions.  Maybe it just makes me feel so old because "It wasn't always this way."  And, perhaps, it makes me feel sad because we are missing a chance to connect with many kids and families.  I worry that by saying nothing, we suggest that it is best to feel nothing about the many traditions and celebrations that ARE a part of many children's lives.  Like a missing puzzle piece, these two weeks feel incomplete. 

Next week, I will miss handing out candy canes and little presents.  I will miss hearing a chorus of "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" as I send the students out the door.  I will wish them a safe and happy "two weeks away."  But, in my heart, regardless of how--or if--they celebrate, I will be hoping for whatever will fill their days with JOY and PEACE.

Two weeks ago, I went to Walmart for Halloween pencils. Just around the corner were some red and green items... but I couldn't look.
It's wasn't time yet.

Last weekend, I went to Target to pick up candy for trick-or-treaters. In the next aisle over something silver and sparkly was within view... but I couldn't look.
It's wasn't time yet.

Yesterday I stopped by CostCo to pick up something for dinner. I could see giant reindeer and other lighted items peeking at me from above... but I couldn't look.
It's wasn't time yet.

And then today I went to Starbucks. Without ceremony or fanfare, the barista handed me my drink. Ahhhh.

And there is was.

                  The red cup.


It was time.

Just holding that cup made me feel warm and cheery inside, despite the rain outside. Equally comforting were the words on the cup, "When we're together, I know I'll never fail."

That's how it is with teachers. It is so easy to feel alone, even in a big school, because so often we think we are the only ones who are feeling frustrated, self-doubting, or disappointed.

But together, as Bloggers, we are a community. Even though we probably wouldn't recognize each other in Starbucks, we DO have each other.  We celebrate, encourage, commend and inspire each other.  We help each other get on and stay on the path to success (and pick each other up when we stumble along the way).

This is the season of love and peace and thanksgiving.  Thank you for what you have given me.  Thank you for what you have given each other.

So, grab a red cup... and celebrate this wonderful season.

It's time!