Can Anybody Hear Me? Cough...

Hello, friends... just popping in here to say I am sick! :( Sinus, congestion, sneezing, coughing, and many other maladies... sigh On top of this, or should I say because of this, my asthma is CRAZY!! So, this just makes everything worse. Yesterday I sounded like a frog, today I woke up with no voice at all. I will not EVEN ask which one my hubby prefers. ;)

I have gotten a bit of my voice back this afternoon but I am still really sick. But, that doesn't slow down my mind and I am working on a cute gingerbread activity that I think you will love. It should be up soon!

Whelp, I am off to rest and maybe drink a bit more OJ. Do you have any home remedies that you use you could share with a bloggy friend?  ;)

Did you say SALE?!! It's Cyber Monday! Let's Go!

Hi, friends!!! I have really been looking forward to today as it is CYBER MONDAY! I have placed all of my store on sale 20% and TPT is offering an extra percentage when you use the code "cmt12" at the checkout! In all, you will receive 28% off!! I don't know about you but my wishlist has been growing and I am excited to be a part of the sale! Just click the button below to head on over! Happy shopping!

  

Special thanks for the clipart, frames, and font for the button goes to:

Clipart by mycutegraphics.com ;  FSFFriday IminLove Font by http://frompond.blogspot.com;

Frames by www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dina-Migadaki

Great Blessings Giveaway WINNERS!

Hello, friends! I am so excited to say that my family and I had a beautiful Thanksgiving together. Want a glimpse at our table?

On to other great news, we have winners for the Great Blessings Giveaway! Here they are!

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You should be receiving emails from me shortly as well as those who have generously donated. Thanks for participating! I hope you enjoy all of the great resources. Also, don't forget about the Cyber Monday and Tuesday sale at TPT!

Review: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Hello, friends! Today, I wanted to share with you a great resource that I was recently given. I had the pleasure to review The Old Schoolhouse Magazine for the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  More specifically, I read The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, November 2012.

As a homeschooling mama, I was so excited to find plenty of resources that I can integrate into my homeschooling as well as insightful and encouraging articles. Some were written to provide a look into other homeschool rooms but others speak to the Mom behind the homeschool and for this, I was truly grateful.

One article that I really enjoyed was by Denise Mira entitled: Refuse to be a Victim: Avoiding the Self Pity Trap. From the title, I was a bit unsure as to what the article would be about but as I began to read the article, it really spoke to my situation. There are times that I feel confident in the fact that though we have fewer bucks to work with, staying home and teaching my kids has been one of the best decisions we have made. But, there are other times when I consider what others have to work with and how life had once been a bit less stressful financially for the Mathis household. Therein lies the trap! The article reminded me that it is not what is in my hand, it is what I do with that hand that matters!

For this season of our life, we have experienced miracles of provision and support. We have become wiser financially and more grateful for what we have. My children understand the value of money and the importance of gratitude. These are irreplaceable lessons that would be much harder to teach in other circumstances. So, for now, we appreciate what we have and are grateful for this season knowing that God is taking care of us. As Denise Mira wrote, “How you live today determines how you and your children will live tomorrow... Plant that measly little seed and watch it flourish!”  So, we refocus and reprioritize realizing that we are planting seeds for tomorrow. We embrace this season and look forward to what tomorrow brings.

The beauty of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is that no matter what style of classroom you lead, you will find wonderful resources and inspiring stories. There are articles for Charlotte Mason and Classical homeschoolers, relaxed styles and highly structured styles. There are fantastic articles for integrating the arts into your home and resources to remove some of the intimidation! There are tips for those who are homeschooling struggling learners as well as those who enjoy using unit based studies. Other great resources include how to simplify and organize your life, how to be frugal, and how to make your classroom more effective. There are wonderful product reviews from people who have used the products as well as answers to some of those tough legal questions that are so important for homeschooling families.

This magazine has quickly become a favorite read as it is written by those who have been there and who are currently enjoying all of those special homeschooling moments. J  The magazine is available in a digital file that can be easily read online and to make it even easier, just download the App at www.tosapps.com/ to access it from your Kindle, Apple or Android devices. One of the great blessings is the fact that this fantastic resource is free!

So be encouraged, inspired, and maybe even taught something new by checking out the Old Schoolhouse Magazine. It might remind you that homeschooling can be done! It just might require a bit more chocolate to survive. Happy blogging!

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 And just a reminder... you can still enter the Great Blessings giveaway with over 50 teacher's resources available to win!! Just click the link below!

From my family to yours... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
~Leah

A Giveaway, Sale, and Linky.. OH MY!

Hello friends!! This post will be loaded so hang on tight! First, let's start with the fantabulous giveaway here at Learning4Keeps that includes over 50 resources!! If you haven't already signed up, you can click the button below to enter. You will not want to miss this one!

Next, I am so excited to announce a MEGA SALE at Teachers Pay Teachers!! To take part in Cyber Monday AND Tuesday, you can get 20% off at my store plus even more by typing in the code! In total, you will receive 28% off! :) Whoop! Whoop! Who doesn't <3 a good deal? You can click on the picture to head on over to my store and take a peak. You might find a couple of things that catch your eye.

Here are just a few things you will find:

Homework Resources

 

Writing Resources

Classroom Management Resources

And more!

Michelle at the 3 AM Teacher had a fantabulous idea to link up and share some of the great resource creators that will be participating in the TPT Cyber Monday Sale! Just click on the links below to check them out!

Great Blessings Giveaway!

Hello, friends! Today is the first day to enter for your chance to win fantastic educational resources in my Great Blessings Giveaway! Be sure to hang out till the end of the post for a freebie! :)

The first Giveaway is for the following items:

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The Second Giveaway includes:

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The Third Giveaway has the following items:

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The Final Megapack includes:

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I am so excited to be sharing them with four lucky winners. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of these great TPT resource creators. Best of luck to each of you! As promised, here is the freebie that is perfect to start implementing after the Thanksgiving holiday. :) Enjoy!

Great Blessings Giveaway!

Hello, friends! I have been waiting on pins and needles to start a fantastic 200 follower giveaway! I am just a smidgen below that mark but this giveaway is too good to sit on! I have over 50 donations to bless you with this Thanksgiving holiday. I cannot tell you how much of a blessing each one of you are to me. :) So, I present to you the Great Blessings Giveaway.

It will run from tomorrow through Saturday! There will be 4 winners and you must know that each winner will receive a fantastic prize! Come back tomorrow for your chance to enter and win as well as to see the fantastic prizes! See you then!

New Writing Resources!

Hello, friends! Congrats to Ally and No Doubt Learning for winning the "Learning the Days of the Week" pack! I hope you enjoy it ladies!

Today, I have been focusing my energies on a project I started months ago and actually forgot about! I had started a writing prompts set and it has been languishing in a folder uncompleted and unattractive. So, I blew the dust off and got it finished today! It has actually created three new resources at my TPT store. Here are the new updates you will find:

The first pack is a 1st and 2nd Grade Writing Activity Pack. This download is for 22 writing prompts that are created on half sheet posters. A thought bubble template has been included so that oyou can post the weekly writing prompt. The different writing activities include: writing a story or book, writing a letter, creating a poster, writing persuausive and expository projects, creating a menu and a list. The download will be a zipped file that includes a PDF file for the writing prompt pack as well as a PDF file that is a spreadsheet to be used as a student writing record. Click on any of the pictures below to check it out!

The next pack is a Critical Thinking Booster pack. This pack includes 12 prompts that are meant to jump-start the thinking process by presenting students with "what if" questions that will challenge them to be critical thinkers. Each prompt is presented on a cute half page poster with clipart. A black writing template has been included for students to write their answer. This could be used for quick writing warm-ups, early finishers, substitute projects, or journal time. Click on any of the pictures below if you are interested!

Are you interested in both?? I have combined both packs for a discounted price in a combo pack! Click the picture below to check it out on TPT.

Happy blogging and don't forget to check back on Sunday for a CRAZY Good 200 follower giveaway! You will not to miss it!!

Learning the Days of the Week- NEW resource and a giveaway!

Hello, friends! I have had so many different ideas running through my head lately on resources to create, share and use with my girlies. I thought I would share the latest one I have completed. Hot off the press, you might say! This particular pack is 42 pages and works on learning the days of the week, their order, spelling, and abbreviations. It also familiarizes students with where you find the day on a weekly calendar. It includes:

An original Days of the Week Song Poster (Color and B/W)
An original Chant and Repeat activity (Color and B/W)
(7) Days of the Week Worksheets- one worksheet per day that allows students to draw, trace and write, recognize on a weekly calendar
Days of the Week Mini-Book
Days of the Week Posters (Color and B/W)
Matching Game
Abbreviation Chart and Worksheet

You can check it out by clicking on the picture below.

I am really excited to show you the pack! In even more exciting news, this resource was my 100th resource to be added to my store!! O_O  I can't believe it! So, to celebrate, I will send one lucky reader a free pack! Just leave a comment below with your email and how you would use the set! :) A winner will be chosen by a random generator tomorrow!

In even more, MORE exciting news... I have over 40 different TPT buddies that will be donating to my upcoming 200 follower giveaway! You will not want to miss this one folks so be looking for an announcement on Sunday! Happy blogging my friends!

Thanksgiving?? For Realz?

Hello, friends! Am I the only one who is in denial about Thanksgiving being next week?! O_O  Ummmm, how did that happen? It seems that days are flying by so quickly that if I blink it will be time to put my Christmas tree back in the closet. lol For those that are wondering: no, I haven't already put my tree up but my sister has! So, I kindof feel like I have permission. Dontcha think? ;)

I know many of you are wrapping up your Thanksgiving lesson plans but I thought I would share one project that I think is pretty fun and makes a cute display for a hallway wall or bulletin board. I call it the First Thanksgiving Meal Project. Did you know that the first Thanksgiving table probably had lobster and not a turkey? Interesting.... :) So I thought it would be cool to compare the first meal with our own! You can use real plates or I have provided templates. It has meal cards to use for the First Thanksgiving and students draw their own meal on the other plate. There is then a writing project the students can work on after completing their plates. You can find it by clicking on the picture below. :)

Hope you enjoy and happy blogging my friends!

Teacher Time-Saver: Homework Resources

Hello, friends! I thought I would talk about one of those necessary evils: homework. *sigh* Now, I was never a teacher who required hours of homework. I did assign enough to review what we learned that day or to review concepts to keep them fresh in their minds. I would always assign spelling projects, a reading or writing assignment, and one math sheet. The problem was that there were days that were swamped and I didn't always have everything copied, printed, and sorted. *sigh* I know, I know... I am probably the only one who was printing something off really quick to slide in their folders before rushing them out the door.

So, I thought I would create a few packs to make it a bit simpler in preparing homework folders. I created Math homework packs for First grade. The packs could be printed, copied and prepared for the month. There is one for November and one for December. I will be working to create packs for the year that will really make it easy to provide homework practice in Math. Do you have any ideas for Math concepts that you would like to send home for Math review? Comment below!!

Here are the packs available so far:

Another resource that I have to assist in homework is a weekly homework pack that includes 40 homework sheet templates. I really liked my homework sheets to look fresh and a bit different each week but didn't always have time to create one. So, I have created a 40 sheet powerpoint that you can simply insert your information each week. Here is my latest feedback on this item:

"Thank you! I can't live without your weekly sheets" - Hryan76

I can't tell you how glad it makes me to know that the pack is making a teacher's day just a bit easier. If you haven't already seen them, this is where you can pick up the pack.

In other news, my little spot in the bloggy world is getting SUPER close to hitting its next milestone: 200 follower! Even more amazing is that my Facebook page is at almost the same exact number. So, be watching for a STUPENDOUS giveaway that I am already working on now. :) You won't want to miss it!

Exciting Opportunities and New Resources

Hello, my blogging friends! It has been a few days and frankly, it seems that over the past few weeks I have been playing catch-up on my blog. Here are a few things that have kept me busy:

I volunteered at a Pure Freedom event. As this is all about training up girls by teaching them about purity and modesty, this was an event that was near and dear to my heart. If you have never heard of this, please take a second to check it out here! http://www.purefreedom.org/  Lesson learned: you must start teaching and preparing now about what many would call the "sensitive" issues so that they can make good decisions later in their life.

YES!!! I went to see Christ Tomlin and it was uh-may-zing! It was so moving to sing some of the greatest worship songs with thousands of other people from my area. I took my oldest two daughters and we had such a fun time together. Now to figure out how to get us all to the TobyMac concert next month. ;) Lesson learned: a new song that I can't WAIT to integrate into our worship program.

Jumpin Jacks! I took my girls to a place that is sort of a warehouse filled with bounce houses! The most surprising part, I played just as hard as my girls!! It was in the middle of the day, so there were very few there. So, I jumped in with the girls and played race, mermaids, friends, house... you name it! I had the best time and I was overwhelmed with the thanks yous and hugs that I received when we left. Lesson learned: sometimes you can accomplish more with your girls pretending you are Ariel than lecturing as a teacher.

Finally, I have been working on a few resources in my store. I have updated the cover of my Thanksgiving pack and added a Vocabulary Book activity. This is quickly becoming one of my best sellers!

I was also so excited to be contacted by The Classroom Creative to let me know that my Autumn Unit had been featured!  :) You can check out the link here: The Classroom Creative

Here are a few new things you will find in my store!

A FLASH GIVEAWAY!!

Hello, my blogging pals! I am so excited to bring you a new Math pack that I have created for Thanksgiving. My NatNat is in third grade and she seems to enjoy completing Mom's creations better than  her textbook. :) Go figure! So, I have created a new Math worksheet pack that she can use as well as my other teacher pals.  A few of the worksheets (multiplication sheets) are a bit advanced as we have not done a lot of multiplication. However, I did want to make them available for those who have been working on it.

I have decided to make this new set available for free for the next hour! Until 7:00pm, you can download this new pack for FREE!! If you like the pack, please leave me some feedback! I would love to hear what you think. Just click the picture below to get your copy:

Also, if you are not following me on Facebook, you are missing out on some freebies! I usually share my new materials free for a limited time to all my FB friends... just because! :)

A Trip to the Polls!

Hello, friends!! I have two wonderful things that I am thankful for today. For Day 5 of Attitude of Gratitude, I am thankful for my Lillee. She has been such a joy since I held her little 6lbs on July 30. She is and will forever by my baby. She is my snuggler and incredibly loving. I am so blessed to call her mine.

For Day 6 of Attitude of Gratitude- I am thankful for the opportunity and privilege to cast my vote. I am thankful to live in a country where I can have a say in who leads my country. There are so many who never have that opportunity. I am thankful that I can get in my car, drive to a polling station, stand in line with many others, and have a voice. I am thankful to my brave military who even now are tirelessly working for my freedom. So, I will see you later! I am off to vote armed with coffee in my hand and policy on my mind. :)

Counting my Blessings and Giveaway Announcements!

Hello, friends! Today is Day Four of my Attitude of Gratitude. I am thankful for my middle child Natalee. She is my free-spirit who loves to dance, move, and be herself. She feels everything deeply and is so intuitive of other people's feelings. My NatNat has a contagious personality and smile. She brightens up any room she walks into. I am blessed with my beautiful 8 year old.

Want to join in and count your blessings? Just follow the link below!

Next, I want to let you know of a few giveaways I have joined!I have a couple of bloggy buddies who are celebrating new milestones on their blog. They have put together HUGE giveaways to celebrate and you will find something in there by Learning 4 Keeps. ;) Just click on the links below for your chance to win!