tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15735679511072184182024-03-12T19:30:19.723-05:00Echoes of the CreatorAlyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-30242204685871113792012-05-04T14:20:00.001-05:002012-05-04T14:20:42.807-05:00Friday Funnies: Haircuts, French Fries, and Family<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The end of the school year is coming quickly. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We only have 8 days of Preschool left! I can hardly believe it, and at the same time I'm totally ready for the break. My kids have been just as funny as ever, though. Here's what they've said lately....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C: My mom cut my hair last night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: Oh yeah?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C: Yeah. I had a 'nob' in my hair. A really big 'nob' so my mom cut it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It took me a minute, but I finally figured out she was saying a knot!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were talking about who in our class is 5 and going to be in kindergarten next year, when one student said, "Wanna know where I'm gonna go to school? High school!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was working on some papers when one student asked me "Do you want the stample-er?"<i> (aka. "stapler")</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A student was playing in the toy kitchen and said, "When I grow up, I'm gonna work at a rest-or-not!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One student was telling me about the fun he had with his uncles over the weekend. Then he told me, "I have lots of uncles. Uncle Joe is my uncle. Aunt Kim is my uncle. Grandma Mary is my Uncle."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B: Mrs. Alyssa! What does 'weak' mean?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: It means 'not strong'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B: Oh! Like if you eat french fries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Yep. Just like that.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-44412986576566066712012-04-30T17:36:00.000-05:002012-04-30T17:36:28.436-05:00Pinterest Flower Ring {DIY}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I am not very good at this blogging thing, but I actually have an excuse this time. My trusty laptop has finally quit on me. Being a newly wed and teacher, doesn't leave a lot of money just laying around for a new laptop. :) We are using my husband's net-book as our home computer, but it is super small and a little slow, so blogging hasn't sounded like fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband brought home a laptop from work this weekend, so I thought I'd share with you my latest craft project. I had some scrap fabric and an old ring just laying around, so I thought I'd make a little "Pinterest Inspired" ring from this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/134826582563972027/" target="_blank">{flower tutorial Pin}</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cut out a 1" flowers from black chiffon fabric (8 total), 1" circles from black tulle (5 total), and a 1/2" circle from felt.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI6-bLcImRhF1fDyBDsMgdnixa2umOxMpijoeeCzXaaCFEBQiM4ekH9QuIWtE2HWylvBf9zoxpj1OMJ8fblZRz8bJBBnIeHKBXBJ_ci2ahTG-AjRirRT474BkpxCpmsHg-Si9i5iH_A5Z/s1600/100_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI6-bLcImRhF1fDyBDsMgdnixa2umOxMpijoeeCzXaaCFEBQiM4ekH9QuIWtE2HWylvBf9zoxpj1OMJ8fblZRz8bJBBnIeHKBXBJ_ci2ahTG-AjRirRT474BkpxCpmsHg-Si9i5iH_A5Z/s320/100_1066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I folded the flowers into quarters and hot glued them to the the middle of the felt square. I did 2 layers of the chiffon and then a layer of the tulle and finished with a couple of the chiffon pieces on top. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was done, I glued the felt circle to the ring. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOWfXYRtxCrgg_9abujmsxlk5luJXSx_nKjj6_8VZbPAyKARhqdVexmHir0lBiw1-aR8zTVElKfb3xF5GmdEbNRgR7BstijO8Ql7RrjdYzUROZUJP6CNNGBiZyyFcmr_Od2rEylaCk5TH/s1600/100_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOWfXYRtxCrgg_9abujmsxlk5luJXSx_nKjj6_8VZbPAyKARhqdVexmHir0lBiw1-aR8zTVElKfb3xF5GmdEbNRgR7BstijO8Ql7RrjdYzUROZUJP6CNNGBiZyyFcmr_Od2rEylaCk5TH/s320/100_1068.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was finished, I thought it needed a little something, so I glued an old button to the center. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ta-da! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-76234249032973129032012-03-09T14:43:00.000-06:002012-03-09T14:43:43.315-06:00Friday Funnies: fast or slow?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">The latest funny sayings from my students...</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Student: "What color is this?" as if she were quizzing me. I paused and she started saying "tip-top tip-top tip-top"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Student: "Giraffes have hoobs"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Me: "You mean hooves?"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Me: "Are you pulling my leg?"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Student looks under the table."No, I'm not. See? My hands were on the table."</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Student: "Let's clap fingers!"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Me: "You mean high five?"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">One student was coloring a paper with a blank tv screen on it. He colored it pink and said "Look! it's a girl show". Then he colored it black. "Now it's a scary show". Then he put some red on it. "Now it's a shooting show." </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Student: "Last night we made punkin pie and apple criss. Mmmm... Does that make your tummy feel good?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">The kids were arguing over whose dad is the fastest, and I heard one student pipe up "My mom and dad are SLOW! I always beat them!"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-10885362942583847772012-03-06T20:14:00.000-06:002012-03-06T20:14:32.587-06:00Weather... you like it or not!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am so looking forward to warmer weather. I know I don't really have much to complain about this winter since it has been so mild, but that doesn't change the fact that I can't wait to pull out my capris and summer dresses! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A couple weeks ago, there was snow on the ground and it was perfect for snowman building. My husband has been waiting all winter to build a snowman family {he's calling it a new family tradition}. So here is this year's snowman family.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mr & Mrs Snowman and us! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then today, there was a glimmer of hope that spring is coming! The temperature in my car on the way home said...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLRBRjJuqCcrwucsvGW_XPFVdpf3DLw2VsF8nAd_mFsR8nNGPPlQMv5mI5vIOxq4cIb07Ag92CYPXRC9BICQGICvH7hyphenhyphenAu4_5E3kVzlTtPZnAr5wW9HTnTTbp4-ihoUbTsm8ArQ7KQLtY/s1600/100_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLRBRjJuqCcrwucsvGW_XPFVdpf3DLw2VsF8nAd_mFsR8nNGPPlQMv5mI5vIOxq4cIb07Ag92CYPXRC9BICQGICvH7hyphenhyphenAu4_5E3kVzlTtPZnAr5wW9HTnTTbp4-ihoUbTsm8ArQ7KQLtY/s400/100_0947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And it's supposed to be just a little bit warmer tomorrow! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today, I was thanking God for the little things... like driving with the windows down :) </span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-25672798486877995732012-03-05T16:48:00.001-06:002012-03-05T16:49:41.206-06:00Make a Difference Monday: Playing "catch-up"<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm sorry that I haven't posted much lately, but can I be honest with you? Writing on my blog is not a priority for me. It's fun, but there are other things in life that are more important like teaching preschool, spending time with my wonderful husband, spending time with friends, etc. :) Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sharing my heart and life with you, but sometimes there are just more important things to do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Anyway... I have been really bad about sharing the "Make a Difference Monday" challenges with you. I will try to do better, but you are welcome to follow my friend <a href="http://anaromaofmysavior.blogspot.com/2012/03/mad-monday-excess.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">here</a> so that you don't miss out! :) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The last couple weeks have been...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Send a valentine to someone who isn't expecting one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Turn off the radio in your car and spend your drive time praying.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Write a letter to someone you admire, letting them know that you appreciate them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You are more than welcome to go back and do one that you've missed! Or you could even do them more than once! :) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I especially enjoyed the challenge to turn off the radio. I love music. I love to sing, play and listen to music, so turning off the radio was not easy. As challenging as it was, it was a week that I really needed to spend that time talking to God. Some big things came up and it was great to be reminded to talk to Him about my troubles. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This week's challenge requires a little bit of work and planning... "Bag up some clothes and donate them." This means you'll actually have to go through your dresser and closet to find the things that you don't wear, but for some reason are still hanging on to. Then you'll have to take them somewhere to donate them. If you're anything like me or my friend, you will realize in doing this, that we live a life of excess. We have more than we really need, or can use. Take some time also to thank God for blessing you with enough clothes that you can have things to donate. Think about the other ways that God has blessed you. I know He has blessed me! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-62882823914891868562012-03-05T15:42:00.001-06:002012-03-05T15:49:29.490-06:00My Story...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The last couple weeks in church (I guess it was technically Sunday School), Pastor Dan has been challenging us to write out our "story". The story of how we each came to have a relationship with God. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I started thinking...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The point of writing down your story is so that you can more comfortably share it with others... My blog is the perfect place to share that because I can accomplish both at once! Writing my story, and sharing it with others {meaning the two or three people that read this} ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Without further ado...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*********************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">MY STORY</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was born into a Christian family... not only are my parents Christians, but my grandparents too... AND my dad is "in the ministry" (from Youth Pastor to Children's Evangelist to Camp Director to Children's Pastor). This being the case, we went to church every Sunday (morning and evening) and every Wednesday. I learned all the stories about David and Goliath, Noah, Shadrach Meshach and Abednego {there is video evidence of me teaching this story to my imaginary Sunday School class. I was born to teach. HA!}, Abraham and Isaac, Daniel, and of course Jesus from birth to death to resurrection! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That was my childhood and I loved it all. I loved the years of traveling around the country with my family as my Dad taught thousands of different children about God's love. I loved the summers we spent at camp. I loved being a part of Children's ministry with my parents and learning from them exactly what it means to show God's love to children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My personal journey began in April of 1997 {almost 15 years ago!}. That is a day that I don't think I'll ever forget. I can't remember the whole day, but I do remember sitting in a children's church service and hearing the gospel once again {the good news of Jesus death and resurrection that paid the penalty for my sin-and yours- so that I can spend eternity with Him in Heaven} from whoever was teaching the class. I sat there and realized that even though, I had heard that story probably a hundred times, I had never made the choice to follow Him for myself. I had never asked Jesus, the Son of God, to forgive me for my sin and become a part of my life. Well, sure, He was a part of my life because I was in church all the time and my parents and grandparents loved him, but I had not made that commitment personally. I knew that if I would have died that day, I would have spent eternity separated from God forever in Hell. That was a scary thought for a 7 yr old. Right there in my chair, I closed my eyes and prayed that Jesus Christ would forgive me of my sins and save me from eternal punishment in Hell. I knew that I wanted Jesus to be a part of my life forever, and I wanted to spend eternity with Him in heaven {and I still do!}. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From there, my life didn't change very dramatically. Yes, I now had Jesus as my Savior, but I still occasionally disobeyed my parents, was <strike>mean</strike> sometimes unkind to my brothers and sister. I went to church just as I had before, and I knew all the right things to say and do at church {including pasting a smile on my face as soon as we walking in the door of the church, pretending I wasn't mad at my brother or sister or parents because I knew - from the dozens of times my parents reminded us- that everyone there had their eyes on the "pastor's kid"}. I can't say I'm proud of the ways I put on the "Christian facade", when I felt {and was acting} the opposite. No matter how much I "faked it" in front of people at church, God knew what was really going on in my heart. He knew the dramatic change that He was about to bring into my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My 8th grade through 10th grade years were a turning point in my relationship with Christ. Sure, I was "saved" before that. I was going to heaven, but I had taken for granted the fact that the creator of the universe loved me and wanted to have a personal relationship with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, God lovingly brought me to my knees...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First, my dad was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. His first battle with cancer was when I was 4 so I don't remember it at all. As an 8th grader I was scared. I wasn't sure what lay ahead. I had no idea if this awful disease would take my dad away from our family or not. It was not fun seeing my dad, the strongest, funniest, smartest guy in the world to me, sick. And there was nothing I could do about it. And my story could end there, but it doesn't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My favorite passage of the Bible during that time became Psalm 46... </span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"<i>God is our refuge and strength,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a very present help in trouble.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>though its waters roar and foam,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the holy habitation of the Most High.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God will help her when morning dawns.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he utters his voice, the earth melts.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The LORD of hosts is with us;</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Come, behold the works of the LORD,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>how he has brought desolations on the earth.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he burns the chariots with fire.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Be still, and know that I am God.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I will be exalted among the nations,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I will be exalted in the earth!”</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The LORD of hosts is with us;</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah"</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These verses gave me peace. I knew that even though I felt like my whole world was falling apart, God was my refuge and strength. I had no reason to be afraid. My mom also introduced me to 2 Timothy 1:7 "<i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">" I also began to pray hard. I had never prayed like that before. I prayed that God would heal my dad of his cancer. As I prayed and looked to God for answers and comfort, I grew leaps and bounds in my relationship with Him because I learned to trust Him with everything. After months of praying, God answered my prayers.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My dad was and is cancer FREE! Even his doctor called it a miracle. It was an amazing thing to see God answer my prayers {and that of hundreds of others praying for my dad} in such a big way. I had never experienced that kind of answered prayer before. But God wasn't done with teaching me to trust him... As my Dad's battle finished, my Grandpa's battle began. He was also diagnosed with cancer. This was another big blow in my life to that point. I loved my grandpa. He was the Music pastor at the church where my Dad was the Children's pastor {How cool is that? My dad got to work with his dad!} He was the reason I loved music and singing so much, and he taught me and encouraged me through every performance. I was blessed to be a kid who grew up in the same town as both sets of grandparents {I might be <strike>a little</strike> bias, but I also have the best grandparents in the world} Again, this was scary, to have another man that I loved dearly, facing this awful disease. Why would God do this to my family? Didn't he remember we already fought cancer in our family? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>For as the heavens are higher than the earth,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>so are my ways higher than your ways</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and my thoughts than your thoughts.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>(Isaiah 55:9 ESV)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There was more we needed to learn. I guess I wasn't quite done learning how to completely depend on God {I don't think I'll ever be done learning this}. At the end of His first round of surgeries and treatment the doctors said my Grandpa was in remission. Again, I was overjoyed to see God answer my prayers with a yes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But a few months later, the battle began, and this time there was nothing more the doctors could do. I remember the night my mom gathered me and my siblings together to tell us the news. It was the hardest words I've ever had to listen to. I also remember praying together as a family that night. We prayed that God would choose to do a miracle and heal our Grandpa, but we also prayed that if God chose to take him home to heaven that he would give us the strength and peace. That became my prayer over the next few months. Prayer for strength and peace. My heart was broken, and there were many nights where I cried and prayed myself to sleep. It was not easy, but I learned so much about trusting God through that time. I remember the last time Grandpa was able to speak and told me that he loved me. I remember the last time I saw his eyes open, looking for Jesus to come take him home {away from the neighbors "yapping dogs"}. In April of 2006, we said "see ya later" to my Grandpa. It was the week before Easter {His favorite holiday}, and it made for a bittersweet holiday. We were missing him, but glad that he was able to spend Easter with Jesus. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I cannot say that this time in my life was fun or easy, but because of the things that I learned and the way it brought me closer to God, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I wish I could say that life has been a cake walk ever since, but life rarely ever is a cake walk. I also don't want you to think that having a relationship with God has made my life terrible. Actually, I hope you think the opposite. My relationship with God has given me hope and life. It has even brought joy even in the midst of trouble. God has used the more difficult times to help me to grow, but he has also blessed me beyond what I deserve {maybe a "blessings" post is in order for the near future}. God is still teaching me many things, including how to trust Him. He is still using circumstances in my life to give me a stronger relationship with Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My story isn't over, and I don't think it ever will be as long as I'm here on this earth. God has more to teach me, and the more I learn... the more I become and echo of Him, my Creator and Savior. </span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-37767129168478503772012-02-17T14:49:00.000-06:002012-02-17T14:49:24.373-06:00Friday Funnies: Valentines Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't get a chance to post any "funnies" last Friday, but I'll just combine them with the funnies from this week. Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me:"C brought us special birthday treats today"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C:"Pancakes!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me:"No, not pancakes"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C:"Oh! It's a surprise!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cupcakes...pancakes... She was close, right?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child:"You have holes in your jeans."<br />
Me:"Yes, I know."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child:"You have to buy some more. You can get them at... Do you have a birthday?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me:"Yes, I have a birthday."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child:"Well, you should get some for your birthday. Three of them."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me:"oh really?"<br />
Child:"Maybe we can buy you some!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me:"You want to buy me some?!?!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child:"My mom can."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How sweet :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were walking outside when...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child:"What's that?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me:"A snow blower. It blows the snow."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child:"It blows the snow away?... Is it magic?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stopped a child headed to the bathroom without permission and told her she needed to ask first so she said...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Mrs. Alyssa! I need to go to the bathroom!" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me:"ok, go ahead"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then she stopped again and said...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Mrs. Alyssa! I need to not say that!" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Too bad :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And of course the classic...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Happy 'Valentimes' Day Mrs. Alyssa!" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-56777911599246702852012-02-06T19:49:00.001-06:002012-02-06T19:53:22.358-06:00Make a Difference Monday: Week Two!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week, a friend of mine {Her blog is <a href="http://anaromaofmysavior.blogspot.com/2012/02/make-difference-monday-week-two.html" target="_blank">here</a>} started posting "Make a Difference Monday" challenges. I am doing my best to take her challenge and I am passing it along to you! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, without further ado...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Week two's challenge!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Write three (or more) notes of encouragement and leave them one of two places: tucked <i>conspicuously</i> between books at your local bookstore, or on windsheild wipers in a parking lot. The choice is up to you! OR... you could do both. :)"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have fun being an echo of the Creator! </span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-50118449547257366282012-02-03T12:12:00.000-06:002012-02-03T12:12:20.468-06:00Friday Funnies: Groundhog Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The funny things my kids said this week...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child 1: "I watched Peter Pan!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child 2: "I watch Justin Beiber!" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never thought I'd hear that one from a 3 yr old!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I like the Pirate Larry song where he says 'You look like Hunkin Crunch'!" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I gave the kids yo-yos for the letter Y. One student likes to call it a "Rodeo" :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids were running around during play time, and I heard the "popular" boy in the class say "Whoever's a girl GETS to follow ME!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A girl at AWANA this week told me she didn't want to go home. I asked her why and she said "Because I don't want to brush my teeth." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorites this week was...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The police don't let you watch Phineas and Ferb. They'll jail your mom and dad...and you! In jail, you'll have nothing. No computer. No TV. No friends..." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best one of all this week, was a student who showed his groundhog day project to his mom. He told her it was a "Warthog" :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday everyone!</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-74246702657611098002012-01-30T15:41:00.000-06:002012-01-30T15:41:08.951-06:00Make a Difference Monday...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A dear friend of mine {and fellow blogger} started something new on her blog today. She's doing <a href="http://anaromaofmysavior.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-difference-monday-beginning.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">"Make a Difference Monday"</a> {check out her post if you like!} She is challenging her readers to join her in trying to make a difference in the world with simple little things that can easily be done in the midst of busy schedule.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided, not only to join her challenge, but to pass it along to all of my readers as well. Every Monday she will post a new challenge, and I will do my best to pass it along to you {Be sure to follow my blog so you don't miss a challenge!}. I would love it if you would join the challenge too and leave a comment telling me what you do each week and how it goes! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Challenge #1:</b> Take a dollar bill. or if you're feeling really crazy, more than one or a five... or ten... or twenty! Stick a post-it note to it with something encouraging written on it. Then drop it in a public place! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her note said "You are worth dying for. In fact, someone already did. Romans 5:8... But God showed His love to us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a great challenge! And a great way I can be an echo of my Creator in a world that so desperately needs HIM!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-37393303741931866552012-01-27T14:50:00.000-06:002012-01-27T14:50:55.817-06:00Friday Funnies<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Kids Say the Darnedest Things"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyone ever seen this show? I remember watching this show with my mom several times and it always made me laugh. Well, the kids I know also say the "darnedest things". As a teacher and having a husband as a children's ministry director, I am around kids a lot and hear some pretty funny things. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Fridays, I will share with you all the funny things I hear throughout the week. I'm going to call them my "Friday Funnies". :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here goes nothin'!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my girls was telling me about her video games, and I asked what she plays them on. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She told me her "xbox 350" which sounds alot like xbox "free fit tee" coming from a 3 yr old.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was helping a student open a juice box and told her she needed to say thank you before I would give it to her. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She told me, "my mom doesn't let me say thank you"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To a 3 yr old Chocoate pudding is called "chocolate 'ogurt" :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At AWANA we will be doing a food drive. The leader announcing it was telling the kids who we are donating to.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leader: "it's called the Baptist Children's..."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">kids: "church!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leader: "no, not church. The Baptist Children's Home. Who do you think lives there?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">kids: "JESUS!" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could probably go on and on with all the funny things I hear, but this is enough for now {I have to get dinner started soon ;)} Hope it can put a smile on your face. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday!</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-49369668162506142682012-01-26T21:20:00.001-06:002012-01-26T21:21:32.348-06:00Photo Update<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few things to keep you updated on my life...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXqlRvaW3tlSs-Lw2J9C6n_9IQC8BKmjrqLBbM8kqcmcQSUZoUss98IpR_T3xnAjnFdKkwcmMCqeRjPDGg2eoax43JEppBIc9lht1EKfe7kCzMY_GnGCv0ohaFdzQVy6hU73_1m166kB/s1600/100_0810b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXqlRvaW3tlSs-Lw2J9C6n_9IQC8BKmjrqLBbM8kqcmcQSUZoUss98IpR_T3xnAjnFdKkwcmMCqeRjPDGg2eoax43JEppBIc9lht1EKfe7kCzMY_GnGCv0ohaFdzQVy6hU73_1m166kB/s320/100_0810b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Passion 2012 in Atlanta, GA</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcUkKhro4eEavxehKVh6ZsLhAj-i63F8dcr_9_f4qIdbX1ym1LmyEMEem5Xpp6Dv9YD_pmwHqLaJfpgK0kCerCbKqLyq1ml4-gNzdUkUcYXcjhyphenhyphencDIVQDPXKE3hIIEipjo1pX3F8coErv/s1600/100_0818b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcUkKhro4eEavxehKVh6ZsLhAj-i63F8dcr_9_f4qIdbX1ym1LmyEMEem5Xpp6Dv9YD_pmwHqLaJfpgK0kCerCbKqLyq1ml4-gNzdUkUcYXcjhyphenhyphencDIVQDPXKE3hIIEipjo1pX3F8coErv/s320/100_0818b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My new bulletin board </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The snow flakes say "{Child's name} loves _____" They had the best answers when I asked them what they loved about preschool. :)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOnqeZ-LWpRyVxJpv-tJNlhW-EXcHhrDRORwolwZHs6vqSV9rd2QYvKE9t_xzDU23k8TqH9TvA_IqwMTWoV2bJtLtVNQctszPvgtCCfB3UQVRQdfnlcqZ-9QjzFcAOsKOHPA8pMwMOKxQ/s1600/100_0824b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOnqeZ-LWpRyVxJpv-tJNlhW-EXcHhrDRORwolwZHs6vqSV9rd2QYvKE9t_xzDU23k8TqH9TvA_IqwMTWoV2bJtLtVNQctszPvgtCCfB3UQVRQdfnlcqZ-9QjzFcAOsKOHPA8pMwMOKxQ/s320/100_0824b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband and his {very} early birthday present... our first TV!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-71424154304606476202012-01-24T19:52:00.000-06:002012-01-24T19:52:16.333-06:00Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I was in the mood to bake something tonight, and I just happened to have two wonderful things on hand.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. A bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (a christmas gift of course because I'm </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">too cheap to buy them)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. A box of brownie mix (Aldi brand. Seriously the best brownies in the world.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have mini muffin tins and a working oven. :) Here's what you do. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix up the brownies according to package directions. Preheat your oven to 350. Spray the mini muffin tins with non-stick spray. Fill the cups 2/3 full with brownie batter (my small cookie scoop was the perfect amount). Gently push an unwrapped peanut butter cup into each cup. Bake them for 10-14 min. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are delicious and bite size!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And a picture of mine fresh out of the oven...MMMMmmmm!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaChRnIUA6h4_hBd2ymYLq0HHEil2k9USuYW1QMMRlgSbv-15sJBhs4u7ne4-q-ggyErAg_q9d5tytvhy0_uEfx-A7wqYmD4EEHm4TtuMlX6DYA0zwV89Q0DIVQDtU9WiB5aKzxqq_y0O4/s1600/100_0831b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaChRnIUA6h4_hBd2ymYLq0HHEil2k9USuYW1QMMRlgSbv-15sJBhs4u7ne4-q-ggyErAg_q9d5tytvhy0_uEfx-A7wqYmD4EEHm4TtuMlX6DYA0zwV89Q0DIVQDtU9WiB5aKzxqq_y0O4/s320/100_0831b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-70777757705593428382012-01-11T12:24:00.000-06:002012-01-11T12:24:53.751-06:00An underestimated letter...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Letters... I have been teaching through the alphabet with my students and we've done some pretty fun things so far. When I realized that yesterday was going to be the letter V I thought "oh great. Worst letter ever! What in the world can you do with that letter?" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a first year teacher, I am always searching for ideas and this day was no different. I began my search thinking about how "un-fun" I expected this day to be. But, Praise the LORD there are some wonderful websites and blogs out there that help keep my classroom fun! One of my favorite sites for ideas is the <a href="http://www.preschoolexpress.com/" target="_blank">Preschool Express</a> (especially the "individual letter activities" in "Alphabet Station"). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, after looking through several different sites, blogs, and pinterest (of course) I came up with a plan. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made Vampire Bats (we use Zoo Phonics and this is the animal for this letter)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wn4YrRiIEnP61xOeCaDz1X8ajcwu_2U-hC1b5o313ffzj49W1GpPVUU2beMf6yYPkXsmPmufzdLd1a4R7pqfgYYMnRuqr654jaMA4iuXa4yG1dVB7rWV92EASlfNU9uhXmYo3THPaJgZ/s1600/0110021052cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wn4YrRiIEnP61xOeCaDz1X8ajcwu_2U-hC1b5o313ffzj49W1GpPVUU2beMf6yYPkXsmPmufzdLd1a4R7pqfgYYMnRuqr654jaMA4iuXa4yG1dVB7rWV92EASlfNU9uhXmYo3THPaJgZ/s320/0110021052cb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We talked about Volcanoes and how they "erupt". We made a big volcano out of play dough and (with some baking soda and vinegar) witnessed an eruption! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YtgWRF9-WAoy4_E7ZLCNjKM26sAqvK8C3yathgLNufMSFfcxxQhv81NjZrJjRS-2M8c53Ybfp53HQnMy6lkZecEBXE3sSEGfEJU1OO5YfMEarxS-EGiIqRyeGtgC21wSit4jwehyXxjF/s1600/0110021058jb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YtgWRF9-WAoy4_E7ZLCNjKM26sAqvK8C3yathgLNufMSFfcxxQhv81NjZrJjRS-2M8c53Ybfp53HQnMy6lkZecEBXE3sSEGfEJU1OO5YfMEarxS-EGiIqRyeGtgC21wSit4jwehyXxjF/s320/0110021058jb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also talked about Vegetables. We played a game where one student would look at the picture of a vegetable and describe it to the class trying to get them to guess it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It turned out to be one of my favorite days! The kids had a BLAST! </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I know, I LOVE the letter V! :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhWQU28A3AZLHIDWblzOkiOjvlyFuHNcEZHmo1aSoV_Cyp4jAGcYl0BPkjMvjxofIzBLXy0SK0WU7NNdEKXauzcrYvvzNc3qQa598lJ-Pu37CpDg5L_GMRaq7P-ZzIrW5Mi2FlpE2aPGz/s1600/0110021108kn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhWQU28A3AZLHIDWblzOkiOjvlyFuHNcEZHmo1aSoV_Cyp4jAGcYl0BPkjMvjxofIzBLXy0SK0WU7NNdEKXauzcrYvvzNc3qQa598lJ-Pu37CpDg5L_GMRaq7P-ZzIrW5Mi2FlpE2aPGz/s320/0110021108kn.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc3BWB9fxvDl2Kxyg4hw_Lcfuuj7yg_y4QQNJ_Suyw2hKbM-fjY1gg6DAatu3rOmDjr_SwnBW98wPHBCxHyGkYMk3Kce8O0QzAO-9e00rwRyOKW_S_KD6k6Ud1j-rPlWfZ2u66tNb3zwO/s1600/0110021052kb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc3BWB9fxvDl2Kxyg4hw_Lcfuuj7yg_y4QQNJ_Suyw2hKbM-fjY1gg6DAatu3rOmDjr_SwnBW98wPHBCxHyGkYMk3Kce8O0QzAO-9e00rwRyOKW_S_KD6k6Ud1j-rPlWfZ2u66tNb3zwO/s320/0110021052kb.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll have to forgive my pictures... I forgot my camera and had to take them on my phone and I don't have a fancy phone with a nice camera. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-13815811760084933252012-01-06T11:53:00.000-06:002012-01-06T11:53:23.290-06:00An Award?!?! for me?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is Christmas break for me, and I am loving every minute of it. I have also been out of town for most of it! My husband and I visited my parents for Christmas (in Normal, IL... Believe it. I really grew up there.) Then we headed down to Atlanta, Georgia for the <a href="http://268generation.com/passion2012/#!/home/" target="_blank">Passion 2012</a>. It's a HUGE christian conference for 18-25 year olds and I felt so refreshed afterward! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So anyway, this brings me back to today. I was checking through all my emails and things (since I haven't in a while) and found out I have been nominated for an award... TWICE! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfIVAd7Ni9Msz2FkbVECcKRWvCA8j3YaA8dCXku9Bqg-uKo2SylaCWthMVq7ePnywEcpcAvVrOLpsoJvahUWva1DTydhFs4lgi1w2VjtJez7tHEkjWdI6Z5Dn4rblPPXH36ie3DhiDUFR/s1600/blog-award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfIVAd7Ni9Msz2FkbVECcKRWvCA8j3YaA8dCXku9Bqg-uKo2SylaCWthMVq7ePnywEcpcAvVrOLpsoJvahUWva1DTydhFs4lgi1w2VjtJez7tHEkjWdI6Z5Dn4rblPPXH36ie3DhiDUFR/s1600/blog-award.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently there are some lovely ladies out there, who found my blog and think it's worth reading.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are 3 things that I am supposed to do since I have accepted this award.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#1. Thank the person that nominated you with a link back to them. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I am so very thankful to Julie at <a href="http://lovingandlearninginprek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Loving and Learning in Pre-K</a> and Tessa at <a href="http://spotlightonkindergarten.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Spotlight on Kindergarten</a>. They have some great stuff on their blogs, so please check them out!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#2. Tell 7 things about yourself.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here goes nothing...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. I have been married for almost 8 months now... and yes, I love married life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. We moved to Michigan last May. I was a little nervous about Michigan winters, but have yet to see much snow. :) Can't complain.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. I teach pre-k to my small but wonderful group of 7! Love them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. My husband is the Children's Ministry Director at our church which means I get to work with kids on Sundays and Wednesdays too! I love it!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. I love ice cream and there is always room for it in my stomach.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. I am a HUGE fan of dark chocolate.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. I love my new Cricut and sewing machine and wish I could craft all the time!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#3. Pass this award on to 15 newly discovered blogs and let them know that they've received an award!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow! 15?!?! hmmmm.... how about some new and then some of my old favorites.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://www.2teachingmommies.com/" target="_blank">2 Teaching Mommies</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.<a href="http://fromkindergartenwithlove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> From Kindergarten with Love</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://mrskarensclass.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Karen's Preschool Ideas</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. </span><a href="http://alwayskeepheart.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Always Keep HeART</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://anaromaofmysavior.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">an aroma of my Savior</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <a href="http://melyssawithay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Melyssa with a "Y"</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://mommyperrott.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Front Porch Looking In</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. </span><a href="http://kentuckykindergartenkorner.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Kindergarten Korner</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-55081229118626160862011-12-16T13:27:00.000-06:002011-12-16T13:27:52.154-06:00Teddy Bear Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week we had "Teddy Bear Day"!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids each brought in a teddy bear (They even laughed at me for bringing one too!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Teddy bears sat with us during calendar time and Bible time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I laid a blanket on the floor and we had a picnic for snack time. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We played "Teddy Bear, May I?"... played like "Mother, May I?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a "Bear Foot Race"... I tapped the ends down and cut an x in the front of 4 cereal boxes. I cut out construction paper bear prints to put on top... the kids put them on their feet and <strike>raced</strike> walked quickly across the room :) So fun!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Rb_e8QL4HoGhthD-7ODTGmruZcwTVjXbkCgkLNmF1k9WUAONtUWwWWWyqkbJAmoADcRT7dWAZRghj5iqrYjDgWTuJmDpplje_P8x9CgEoPHEPBx0x9o1lEipIod4ukao27jKv2O1N9vj/s1600/100_0745p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Rb_e8QL4HoGhthD-7ODTGmruZcwTVjXbkCgkLNmF1k9WUAONtUWwWWWyqkbJAmoADcRT7dWAZRghj5iqrYjDgWTuJmDpplje_P8x9CgEoPHEPBx0x9o1lEipIod4ukao27jKv2O1N9vj/s320/100_0745p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before the kids left, I had them put their bears to bed, because they were having a "sleep over".</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJCSSq2_xy_gsiHDZUUb8hbIYh0IhooW268gv9Fj4j0J0q-aNlbgjCvYg16cpsjPRpOT3PB_nm_08jE7Y8o-CAXusQGkTpXxRSW-RvyTO079jvIOK2NTitbVAzmxGg4LGUUgpEevlhpO3/s1600/100_0754p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJCSSq2_xy_gsiHDZUUb8hbIYh0IhooW268gv9Fj4j0J0q-aNlbgjCvYg16cpsjPRpOT3PB_nm_08jE7Y8o-CAXusQGkTpXxRSW-RvyTO079jvIOK2NTitbVAzmxGg4LGUUgpEevlhpO3/s320/100_0754p.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they got back to Preschool the next morning, the bed was empty and their bears were found around the room eating breakfast, drawing pictures, and playing in the toy area. :)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYLVQ6jMTPSxJqiksZBCroOAYdNdIAapOzAoMQe6a4d6YIPlN-aGVtv7SjoXtXto0MRS3cTXMX0FfC_CdN3vZl4thVvQklpN0zMbTSY58skUFpvGRRAck-vYLG0b8S0TEAAcytHFMUFdF/s1600/teddy+bears+hiding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYLVQ6jMTPSxJqiksZBCroOAYdNdIAapOzAoMQe6a4d6YIPlN-aGVtv7SjoXtXto0MRS3cTXMX0FfC_CdN3vZl4thVvQklpN0zMbTSY58skUFpvGRRAck-vYLG0b8S0TEAAcytHFMUFdF/s320/teddy+bears+hiding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh! and the student who found his bear said to me "No! He didn't do that!" as he snatched the crayon away from the bear. I worked hard not to laugh out loud. :)</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-72680732751130168642011-12-16T10:41:00.000-06:002011-12-16T10:41:26.356-06:00A Preschool Christmas...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I figured it's about time I update you on what is happening in my preschool classroom. If you are a parent of one of my students you have seen some of these things and some of them you have not. If you read this, you have to promise me that you will act surprised at the things you have not yet seen. Deal?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So... without further ado, I present Christmas in Preschool. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bulletin board. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It says "Do you know his name?" and then lists the names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6 which just happens to be the verse we're learning. :) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5w-Cl4lohihEst_eVJVL1-eZHnMoVfqNdCIpk0RIvK5xpRvOmpnSVhauM3L5F37Rit1HuvMcxukcYP0Ob93rYjtN7VSNDIHaY0J85dwPImunVS5Hbc_UX4Vz3s_SjFRnDBEYTvu2cp92/s1600/100_0650p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5w-Cl4lohihEst_eVJVL1-eZHnMoVfqNdCIpk0RIvK5xpRvOmpnSVhauM3L5F37Rit1HuvMcxukcYP0Ob93rYjtN7VSNDIHaY0J85dwPImunVS5Hbc_UX4Vz3s_SjFRnDBEYTvu2cp92/s320/100_0650p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The gifts we made for our parents. We talked about how Christmas isn't just for getting, it's for giving. So we made something to give. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF7n5a3DxKVhc7vOOfHZ6gBU4QHdmAu7V6hfoYOo3J8lLHSeK5Aq6nvRLKRVCet9KQcaxjXBTWs8FCLF-d5-M3KFPcr4Q8QOnzX0XIDgnDLBYL07FRxIUBfYhwQAe42sDad81r-khYYO4/s1600/100_0773p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF7n5a3DxKVhc7vOOfHZ6gBU4QHdmAu7V6hfoYOo3J8lLHSeK5Aq6nvRLKRVCet9KQcaxjXBTWs8FCLF-d5-M3KFPcr4Q8QOnzX0XIDgnDLBYL07FRxIUBfYhwQAe42sDad81r-khYYO4/s320/100_0773p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the gift bags I found at walmart for $.25! I punched holes in them and I'll tie ribbon through them once the kids put the ornaments in them. I had them color these cute tags to add a little more of a personal touch {parents love that stuff... or so I'm told ;)}</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvSLpAwWp6Ih_-hQeT0STqcCRrndiQ756xUOB1uKzzE8XSKmZblbxUf4NEN9bl_nSTA8O4GoT1otkPtbAqLr5KcwzqWcgJr79gg_kUMOaJnRf6JGDeDXks4MjWYw6MIhGbxw-OfV_sdMF/s1600/100_0776p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvSLpAwWp6Ih_-hQeT0STqcCRrndiQ756xUOB1uKzzE8XSKmZblbxUf4NEN9bl_nSTA8O4GoT1otkPtbAqLr5KcwzqWcgJr79gg_kUMOaJnRf6JGDeDXks4MjWYw6MIhGbxw-OfV_sdMF/s320/100_0776p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, that's what we have for now. Next week we will have a little birthday party for Jesus and hopefully I'll remember to take pictures and share them. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Merry Christmas!</b></span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-48707815283089789482011-11-18T09:34:00.000-06:002011-11-18T09:34:19.093-06:00What I have learned...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I realized that it has been a while since I've written about what God is teaching me. Then I realized I wouldn't know where to start because it's been a LOT lately. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There have been many changes in my life in the last six months {hard to believe it has been that long already!}. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I graduated from college. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got married. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I moved to Michigan. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am teaching Pre-K. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few of these changes have been unexpected. If you know me, you know that I am a planner. I also am not a fan of big changes. And I can't say that it has been an easy transition for me. But what I've learned is that God is, once again, faithful through it all. I don't know why I ever forget or doubt that fact. He has never failed me yet. He isn't going to start now. He's got things under control. I really don't have to be the one in charge, even though sometimes I think I do. I've always been told "He's God and we're not." So, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm learning to "let go and let God". I'm being flexible and trying my best to just follow {which is not an easy task for an oldest child}. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am just glad that no matter where I go in life, God is already there. I don't know what I would do without Him. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know that was a little bit of rambling, but it's what is in my heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You might call it an Echo of my Creator. :)</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-12873325153061291082011-11-01T19:35:00.000-05:002011-11-01T19:35:33.968-05:00Roasted Pumpkin Seeds... Our new favorite<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, before you decide not to read this post because you don't like roasted pumpkin seeds, hear me out. I am not a pumpkin seed lover. I remember trying them a few times when I was a kid, but was never a big fan... until now. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found this recipe on <strike>my new addiction</strike>...</span><strike style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">time-waster</strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...</span><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssajanel/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (feel free to follow me!). I was planning on making them and taking them in to my class to let my kiddos try them. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You can go to the original blog post </span><a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/10/delicious-roasted-pumpkin-seeds-and-how.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started with rinsing my seeds to get most of the pumpkin goop off of them. Then I drained them and let them dry on paper towels over night. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlmtG551p3AgVPSi5n0WognuzqBbi-CuSM2T3m89_m92JQyJWWzgZZ3t9Z6hKMvO104R-gGhMwecX3W4mqikX8aIWpkxa496fLudBgjKwC3uXWNHKuZFGWApTVp36-4DYwotvp18QpK65/s1600/100_05051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlmtG551p3AgVPSi5n0WognuzqBbi-CuSM2T3m89_m92JQyJWWzgZZ3t9Z6hKMvO104R-gGhMwecX3W4mqikX8aIWpkxa496fLudBgjKwC3uXWNHKuZFGWApTVp36-4DYwotvp18QpK65/s320/100_05051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They stuck to the paper towel a little bit, but I just peeled them off and put them in a bowl. I had almost 2 cups. I put all the seeds in a bowl, then mixed the seasonings together. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 Tbs butter, melted</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp worcestershire sauce</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 shakes garlic salt (this cracked me up when I read it!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 shakes onion powder</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*If you are an exact measure kind of person, just let it go for this one recipe :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I poured the mixture over top and stirred until all the seeds were covered.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB4NSunErbXQWAxCe91P4DtvX7wFBl9SQobIC594dWgdxgOPABMyQgUR-CyrqpAJcoFejgsIFx8K__UA0IPMGNuCn13t3HLyTTwnJbG3OnVqJfMfjjrZ1kwmEgJwQMtiHKjcUhiU3UjY7/s1600/100_05451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB4NSunErbXQWAxCe91P4DtvX7wFBl9SQobIC594dWgdxgOPABMyQgUR-CyrqpAJcoFejgsIFx8K__UA0IPMGNuCn13t3HLyTTwnJbG3OnVqJfMfjjrZ1kwmEgJwQMtiHKjcUhiU3UjY7/s320/100_05451.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I preheated the oven to 250 degrees and lined my baking sheet with foil (this made for easy clean-up!). I placed the seeds in an even layer on the baking sheet and popped them in the oven. I stirred them every 20 min and baked them for a little over an hour. Next time, I'll probably let them go a little longer. They were not quite as dark as I wanted them. You may need more or less than an hour depending on your oven. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0RSJnO6M3I3WuFhdHIs9QDJt6v0bna3GznlWJELoW-QLasvxU7hbth7lpxnW4ZOb6URkx2fMOFS_xPF8WBqEpjs5gQ0kzc0Qcc1PdwUqAS32tfq_S7on1ooEd8hr884tZlUdbsKLcWXp/s1600/100_05501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0RSJnO6M3I3WuFhdHIs9QDJt6v0bna3GznlWJELoW-QLasvxU7hbth7lpxnW4ZOb6URkx2fMOFS_xPF8WBqEpjs5gQ0kzc0Qcc1PdwUqAS32tfq_S7on1ooEd8hr884tZlUdbsKLcWXp/s320/100_05501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the finished product. They tasted like chex mix and were delicious!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi1uOoQw4Q_L2X47OE1vDwHkdf5TGeuLa0PWIjFSx2VL71Hy8U1mvj1g7zqV9qwDYdmzBK07N8xlgVoJq7JyEYrMwqheHcNIIdm6pJuEV4joIG8xMLkBD-RfbF5NMBFyBDSAPIS-LM_Db/s1600/100_05581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi1uOoQw4Q_L2X47OE1vDwHkdf5TGeuLa0PWIjFSx2VL71Hy8U1mvj1g7zqV9qwDYdmzBK07N8xlgVoJq7JyEYrMwqheHcNIIdm6pJuEV4joIG8xMLkBD-RfbF5NMBFyBDSAPIS-LM_Db/s320/100_05581.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In just a few hours the bowl looked like this... needless to say, my kids didn't get to try them. oops! ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdQocqKBzYd_oBnipddeFkwS_6qSQfEu-Xc5X7BEaBsNE6BLlwoLkrsqXpgW9AcFdGI4mrPy17LLA8CdD6YsvA8ATKB61tht93UGHPFvgEyTB0tydn60o_2FJQtfV3YbvGwNKeAbCfw1j/s1600/100_05811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdQocqKBzYd_oBnipddeFkwS_6qSQfEu-Xc5X7BEaBsNE6BLlwoLkrsqXpgW9AcFdGI4mrPy17LLA8CdD6YsvA8ATKB61tht93UGHPFvgEyTB0tydn60o_2FJQtfV3YbvGwNKeAbCfw1j/s320/100_05811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Fall!</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-71189011552211373432011-10-18T17:50:00.004-05:002011-10-28T14:17:30.385-05:00Going back to Preschool<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I sort of dropped off the planet for the last couple months and I will try to fill you in soon... The short story? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{I got married in May and am now a "MRS"...} </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{My husband and I spent the summer working at camp in Michigan. He also did an internship at a church here too.}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{At the end of the summer, Jerrod became the full-time "Children's Ministry Director", and I became the Preschool Teacher at camp.} </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This brings you basically up to date, and to the reason for my post today... I have never taught Preschool officially (although I've worked with kids of all ages for years!), but so far it has been going pretty well, I think. My mom has been a HUGE help with ideas and advice, since she is teaching K-3 this year and has experience in K-4 as well. It is perfect because I have 3 and 4 year olds in my class! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a little peek at some fun things I've done so far... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb_5v-pBztyZOB6g5TgRafrvMFx09MDb3hC2ueBW9Pn41hLi1Jk2TmTuljVn-joPE61cAGCPaBMV_8QvYfOj4OlsxxRwWmYOty7ZQydxv_u8xKKhbqh78TO1URtxzEdvUjKLH5D6fh21f/s1600/bulletin+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb_5v-pBztyZOB6g5TgRafrvMFx09MDb3hC2ueBW9Pn41hLi1Jk2TmTuljVn-joPE61cAGCPaBMV_8QvYfOj4OlsxxRwWmYOty7ZQydxv_u8xKKhbqh78TO1URtxzEdvUjKLH5D6fh21f/s320/bulletin+board.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is my "seasonal" bulletin board. I'm planning on changing it throughout the year. This is how we started off the year...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYR7_mHIZK812eaKWpAVVJCnlBI3KSLPAgWNUPWFgER3ZgPIMtbMB06DZ0fXCfrR5UVUEs_Qj3IS4eB-mUWbMvOT3Fhsit6Cb2UrVEAVNw2BbjJgk11iy3JPJ4AY1xFzT3lQm7s4TNYsj/s1600/bulletinboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYR7_mHIZK812eaKWpAVVJCnlBI3KSLPAgWNUPWFgER3ZgPIMtbMB06DZ0fXCfrR5UVUEs_Qj3IS4eB-mUWbMvOT3Fhsit6Cb2UrVEAVNw2BbjJgk11iy3JPJ4AY1xFzT3lQm7s4TNYsj/s320/bulletinboard.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is what my "seasonal" board looks like now. The kids made the apples and leaves (yes, I know the leaves are huge). The paper bag owl in the corner was inspired by my friend at <a href="http://anaromaofmysavior.blogspot.com/2011/09/craft-fall-owl-puppet.html">An Aroma of My Savior</a>. The kids loved making them, and they all turned out adorable wish I could show you all of them!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, just thought I'd catch you up on life... I figure if I start somewhere I'll probably get back to doing this a little more, and I'm sure I'll have ideas and funny stories to share this year!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-24515409379622536362011-04-26T21:09:00.000-05:002011-04-26T21:09:43.737-05:00Popcorn...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is a first for me. I am going to post my first DIY <s>project</s> recipe. Today, I'm tackling microwave popcorn!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as I was surfing my some different blogs today, and I discovered you can make your own microwave popcorn! Of course, after reading it I just had to try it myself. I am not a HUGE popcorn lover, but I do enjoy an occasional bowl. I prefer to have it made in a popper instead of just the store-bought microwaveable bag, so this seemed like it could be a good alternative. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, without further ado... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**drum roll please**</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...and in true blogger fashion... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bring you Microwave Popcorn! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although, a true blogger would post pictures along with the instructions, I decided my new "friend" Jessica went through all the work of taking pictures I'll just let you see hers <a href="http://www.jessicalynette.com/family-2/best-popcorn-secret-ever/">here</a>. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what you need: olive oil, popcorn kernels, brown paper bag, toppings</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. place 1/4 to 1/2 cup of popcorn in a paper bag</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. add 1/2 to 1 tbs of olive oil to bag and shake it up</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. fold over the top of the bag a couple times</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. place in the microwave for about 2 minutes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. pour into a bowl and add your toppings of choice</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Voila! Popcorn!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tested it out and had fun doing it! I think it would be a fun thing to do with kids too. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a couple things I learned... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. I think 1/3 cup of popcorn would work best with the size of the paper bag. I did 1/2 cup and it was very full. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. I used 1/2 Tbs of oil, and it worked well. You could also make it without the oil, but then you miss out on the fun of shaking the bag! :) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. I cooked mine for less than 2 min and a few kernels were burned in the middle, but 95% of it was perfect!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Toppings... There are so many different things you could use. I used parmesan cheese and a little bit of salt. Some other ideas: butter and salt, dry ranch dressing mix, m&m's, craisins, powdered cheese topping, garlic, cinnamon sugar, seasoned salt, taco seasoning, and I've even heard of lemon or lime juice (haven't tried that one yet) Go <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/snacks/popcorn-snack-attack-8-awesome-toppings-for-popcorn-113065">here</a> for more topping ideas. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, I would give this project an A. :) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-11644341065555819972011-03-28T18:38:00.001-05:002011-03-28T18:38:21.237-05:00quiet in the library...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sitting in the library and a mom and little boy walk by. I got to over hear their conversation...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boy: "Mommy, why is it so quiet?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mom: "Because people like to read books."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boy: "Oh, then it should be quiet... I don't hear a single voice."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mom: "I only hear your voice." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">:) Too cute!</span>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-84982133093529099172011-03-24T10:20:00.001-05:002011-03-24T10:21:56.006-05:00My answer is...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a poem by Alyssa</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">dedicated to her wonderful fiancé, Jerrod</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night you asked me to banquet,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and I gave you no reply,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure you're not surprised,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That I didn't ask "Why?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope that you know,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't buy a new dress,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But to answer your question,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will gladly say........................</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">YES!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for asking me, honey. I love you! ;)</span>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-44692218349137427492011-03-24T00:46:00.001-05:002011-03-24T00:52:55.638-05:00Just another echo...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have about a million things swirling through my mind right now that I want to get out. Hopefully I can make this all make sense in writing. God is really using this student teaching experience to teach me some things that I never expected to learn... But if I really think about that, when has God EVER taught me what I thought He would through something? Ummm... basically never. So why should now be any different? If I already know what I think He is going to teach me, then why in the world would He have to teach it to me?!?! Anyway, with that being said here is what I've realized so far (because I'm pretty sure with 4 1/2 weeks left, He still has more to teach me). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The realization that God is teaching me came tonight. I'm on spring break, so I'm at home all week, as opposed to in champaign on week nights. Since I'm in town, one of my friends invited me to her small group tonight. To be honest, I <s>kinda</s> didn't want to go. Since I've been away at college for the last 3 years of my life and about a month of Christmas break is the longest I've been home since then, I don't have very many close friends around here. I know a lot of people because my dad is one of the pastors at church and I basically grew up here, but I have very few close friends my age here now. All the rest of my close friends are back in Iowa or on the other side of the world (GERTY and JESS!!!) and I miss them dearly. Anyway, with that being said, I was reluctant to go tonight. But I decided that a good friend would go, and that I should try to be a good friend and just suck it up and go. Little did I know what God had in store for me tonight. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lesson #1. God taught me the lesson that I think every Bible college graduate talks about. "I wish I had worked harder in my Bible and doctrine classes in school and really learned all of it." That was my thinking tonight. It is so hard when you are completely surrounded by the Bible and Doctrine all the time to really appreciate it. I wish that I would have studied during those classes to learn more about God and His Word, instead of doing it to earn a grade. But then I think, such is life. Hindsight is 20/20 right? I know and have seen more now, than when I was a freshman, and I know I will continue to learn more and more about life as I grow older. I realized this because I started thinking about where God is leading Jerrod and I. We really think that God is calling us into ministry, and with that realization, I could very well be a pastor's wife in the not-so-distant future. I may be the small group leader, counselor, mentor, etc. I want to be ready for that day, when I will be called to give advice to other women and girls and I want to be able to know scripture that I can point them back to. As I sat and listened tonight to these girls share their hearts with one another, I couldn't help but be thinking "I know there is a doctrine or an attribute of God for this topic." The challenge to me is, do I know God and His Word well enough to be able to use it to give advice and counsel to others?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lesson #2. I realized how much I miss my friends and church in Iowa. Ok, I know this doesn't sound like a spiritual lesson, but I promise if you give me a second I'll explain. God has really blessed me with some great friends and a great church there. These people I have really grown to love in the last three years. But isn't it interesting, that it takes me having to be away from all these wonderful people for me to realize what I have. I have friends at school that understand all of the daily stresses that I go through, and I miss being able to talk to them about those things. I miss my other friends, that know all about the stress of wedding planning that I'm going through or are just fun to hang out with (yes, David, I miss the "fat" jokes too). I miss my college group at church, where we are constantly being challenged to grow and are learning together. There are other people in and around that area that I miss. I've realized that these are people that God has placed in my life that are there to encourage me, to laugh with me, to pray for me, to talk with me, to challenge me, to praise God with me, to sing with me, to be sad with me, and the list goes on and on. I am so thankful for these people and their place in my life. I miss that. I miss all of these great things about the relationships that I have built over the last few years. Who knew? God did... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These two lessons are what God really seemed to lay on my heart tonight. I thought it was neat too because the first person I wanted to share it with was my wonderful fiancé Jerrod who I am also missing because he is in Iowa too, but that is a whole other topic for another day. :) God is good and He is faithful, and He is definitely at work! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully if you took the time to read this novel I have written, it makes sense to you, and maybe God can even use it to echo in your heart what He wants you to learn. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pray that I will be just an echo of my Creator... </span>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573567951107218418.post-35584460367139551022011-03-21T08:48:00.001-05:002011-03-21T08:48:40.000-05:00if you have it on you...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday morning at church I had one of the second grade girls come up to me and start a conversation. She said, "So, I heard you're getting married." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I replied, "Yes I am."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Well who is he?"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I knew she wouldn't know him but I answered anyway, "His name is Jerrod."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh... Could I see your ring if you have it on you?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HAHAHA!!! As if I wouldn't have worn it for some reason...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I said, "Of course I have it on me. Here it is."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh that's nice."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm so glad she approved :) </span>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01260201939498673808noreply@blogger.com1