$10 Amazon GC Giveaway_God's Not Dead: In God We Trust is in Theaters TODAY!

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust is in theaters starting today, September 12th. From the series that is the biggest in faith films, this uplifting film takes on a journey that turns political. Great timing, I'd say, since we have embarked on political season here in the United States. 

CatLadyBox for the Month of August

Cat Lady Box is a monthly subscription box for cat lovers!

Isabella's Cookie Company was Bussin' in my Classroom

 Disclosure: I received a complimentary product(s) or a discount code to use towards purchase. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

This is my first year in a classroom without dietary restrictions. I don't mind at all when we have them (and every single year we've had them) but it makes snack time easier (yes, the big kids still love their snacks) when I don't have to check records before making a purchase. The latest snack I took to one of my classes was cookies from Isabella's Cookie Company. The verdict from my students, "These are bussin'!"

When the Math is Mathing: FabFitFun Subscription Box with Discount Code

Disclosure: A sample product or a discount code to use towards the purchase of one, was provided. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

What do I mean when I say the price of the whole FabFitFun subscription box is less than some of the items alone would cost retail? Well, I know you know what it means, but let me show you in dollar signs how good of a deal it really is...

There are 2 options for the subscription box.

1. $54.99 per box if you get an annual subscription (seasonal, 4 times a year).

2. $69.99 pay per box, if you get just one box.

Why is it a good deal? I'll tell you. Please note that every item with a *** in front of it, would cost more than the entire box, retail.

Let me also note, that you get to choose the items you want included (all full-sized items) so it is NOT a subscription box with any guess work at all in it. If you don't like the item choices (has never happened to me, but still an excellent perk), you can forward the credit towards a future box. 

Wordless Wednesday: Clever Boat Name

 

Tell me you’re married without telling me you’re married. 

Whether he named it, or she named it, I thought this was cute. 🤣

Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart with $5 Starbucks Gift Code Giveaway

Disclosure: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product. Opinions are 100% my own.

"Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart," by Lysa TerKeurst is an easy read. Chunked into bite-sized chunks that are easy to digest, figuratively speaking of course, it is also something easy to commit to, especially if you are fond of devotions.

CatLadyBox for July

Disclosure: I received a sample product or a discount code to use towards the purchase of one. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Cat Lady Subscription Box 

I've loved all of my CatLadyBox deliveries but this is tied for the top spot as my favorite. Everything in here is so cute. I have wooden cat clips and a note pad for my classroom, slippers (with removable dusters on the bottom), a t-shirt and an ice cube paw print mold for home, and 2 cat toys for our feline family member, Honey, including one on a stick with a long string, which is her favorite kind of cat toy.

Christmas in July: Joy to the World

Let’s talk about Joy to the World Collectibles!

An Exploration Into How To Get The Most Out Of Baltimore, Maryland

This is a collaborative post. Planning a US summer road trip is exciting. With so many diverse landscapes to see, amazing attractions to visit, and incredible food to try, the US is a great place to take a car and go on a road trip adventure.

While the more-popular cities like NYC and LA are great places to visit, they are becoming overcrowded. How about adding Baltimore to your radar? Baltimore is a great place for a road trip if you enjoy the rich history and special waterfront views. The reduced crowds (compared to NYC and LA) make this city more pleasurable for spending time and relaxing.

Let’s dive in and explore the best way to experience Baltimore.

Photo by Styves Exantus: https://www.pexels.com/photo/baltimore-city-hall-15983962/

(not exactly) Wordless Wednesday: End-of-Year Gift from a Student

 

My first year of teaching was hard. 

The ones in the middle were amazing. 

And then last year, I switched school districts to be closer to home and once again, it was hard.

In one of my Intensive classes, there was a young lady who was very bright, but her native language was Vietnamese and she was just learning to speak English. She worked harder than anyone else and got a 2 on her preliminary state test. She wanted a 3 (proficient). We kept working at it. I'd pull up a desk next to hers and we'd work things out that she was struggling with... and she caught on fast!  She just needed clarification. English can be difficult if it's not your first language. There are a lot of tricky things to figure out.

When she took the final state test, the one that counted, she got a 3. This is a student who never did anything outside of the 'rules' and students are technically not supposed to go to other classrooms when it is not their designated class time (although they do it anyway... but she never did). The day she passed she ran into my room (when it wasn't her class time) so very happy and excited to have earned her 3. 

"I did it. I got a 3!" she said, her eyes sparkling and her smile as genuine and wide as it could get. She was so happy she was practically bouncing into my room on her toes.

I get choked up months later, just thinking about it because that's how education is supposed to be. She wanted to learn and she appreciated being taught.

Fast forward to the last few weeks of school. She'd finish her work early and ask permission to crochet the last few minutes of class. Easy 'yes' from me. Every day she'd pull out her pink yarn and crochet a little. I though it was cute, not many students crochet (actually, I've never seen any crochet).

The last day of school she stayed after class, presented me with the bouquet of flowers she had been making for me, and asked to take a picture with her, me, and the flowers. Oh my...

Regardless of how the majority of the year went...there were moments... and this is one of my favorite teacher memories from any year.

'Bloom where you are planted' has never held more significance. 🌹