Five on Friday Week 9
Welcome to Five on Friday Week 9!
- I am still super happy and flabbergasted by the outpouring of support and donations we have received to help those in need. I will be posting the numbers of what was collected and where it goes next week. Below are a few pictures of the stage at my school. I can not say thank you enough to everyone who has helped promote, gather, and sort all of the items!
- One of my dear friends and co-workers got me a Teacher Box from Penzeys. I wouldn’t have bought one for myself, but I thought they were super cool. I love the pins, the bumper sticker, and the book! They are now decorating the handle of my teacher work bag and the bumper sticker is on my computer. Thank you Beth!
- I’ve discovered Penzeys Pumpkin Spice this week. I used it on top of Dave’s Killer ‘Raisin’ the Roof’ Bread that I had toasted and spread with cream cheese. I’m now addicted! The Pumpkin Spice is delicious and has a hint of vanilla,. It makes this breakfast bread even more special. I put my toasted raisin bread, cream cheese, pumpkins spice breakfast in my environmentally friendly Lunch skins. Also, If you haven’t tried Dave’s Killer Bread you need to! They are a wonderful company, doing wonderful things, and they have a wonderful product!
I used organic low-fat cream cheese to add a bit of creaminess and extra protein.
Lunchskins are awesome! They come in all sizes and have lots of fun patterns.
- I have been waiting impatiently for my DNA results to come back from Family Tree DNA. They finally came back last night and revealed some surprises. I can’t wait to do some research this weekend! I can’t wait to further explore my families history.
- I am so happy that Tijuana Flats is close to my house and offers a teacher discount on top of their weekly deals. After this very busy week, I’m beat and too tired to cook. They made my night a lot easier! Mr. Teacher and I both had a big beef burrito with black beans, guacamole, queso, chips, and an assortment of hot sauce for the grand total of $17. Sometimes you just need take-out.
Remember it’s the little things that count! Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to share your top 5 below. Also don’t forget to sign up for weekly emails!
Happy Friday!
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Five on Friday Week 8-The Gift of Giving
It’s time for Five on Friday where I post a list of the top five things that spread some joy this week. If you would like to spread some joy and help people directly affected by Hurricane Irma, please email me!
I know I usually talk about food and products that I really have enjoyed over the week, but lately I just can’t get away from Hurricane Irma and her aftermath. I want to help! I want to make others safe and comfortable again. Here is a copy of what has been shared on Facebook around Lee County and with parents at the school where I teach. Please feel free to copy and share it as well. I know there are so many in need right now all around the world, but one small donation can really help!
HELP NEEDED!!!
Hello Friends. We have quite a few families at my school who have lost everything as a result of Hurricane Irma. Lots of our students are now living in hotels or with family or friends because their own homes are uninhabitable. Several of our parents now have no income because of the devastation Irma caused our area.
We are collecting items at school to give to these families with the hopes of alleviating some of the burden and challenges these families are facing. Specifically we are asking for donations of clothing & shoes (all sizes from infant to adult), bedding, household items, diapers, and children’s toys. Think of everyday items that are needed to take care of you & your family… these are the things that are desperately needed!!
We are also collecting pet food, pet toys, litter and puppy pads for Lee County Shelters affected by Irma.
In addition, we are doing a non-perishable food drive for the Salvation Army in Lee County.
You may also send gift cards and needed items will be purchased for those in need.
Anything at all that you can do to help is greatly appreciated !!!!
PS… any items that are not used by our Gateway families will be sent to help with the hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
Here is what is spreading joy this week!
- Back to work-I have truly missed the kids in my class. I am so happy to be back to work and teaching. Even my kiddos who were affected by the hurricane and lost everything are back more ready and willing to learn than ever! We have a lot of stuff to fit in, but we will somehow get it done.
- Make-up days-I am grateful that the school board of Lee County approved days for making up the time we were off from the hurricane easy to manage. We thankfully will still have a holiday break, and a spring break.
- The gift of giving- I am truly excited that I get to teach the kids in my class what if feels like to help others and to give not only of gifts, but of time and energy. Yes, I had students in my class whose families lost it all, but even those kids are willing to help others. Yesterday was the first day of our clothing, personal items, household goods, pet food, litter, pet toys, puppy pads, and non-perishable food drive. My students eagerly helped to unload cars of donations. They helped carry boxes. They help organize the items. They just want to make the world a better place. I am very proud of them and I can not wait to see what happens over the course of the next week.
- and 5.The snowball effect-I am so thrilled beyond belief of the outpouring of support I have already received for this donation drive. What started out as a non-perishable food drive has turned into a drive to help 4 different charities simultaneously, all of them local and with all of the unused items being sent to help others in Puerto Rico. Word is spreading about this drive thanks to my wonderful family, friends, and co-workers who have posted and shared this information on Facebook, told their churches, friends and families.If you are a teacher in another state and would like to involve your students in It is wonderful to have everyone coming together for a common goal.
The hurricane was awful, but at least it is bringing people together and bringing out the best in each of us. If you would like to help the Lee County Animal Shelters,Lee County Salvation Army, or The families of children in Lee County Schools please email me and I will get you the information. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
What has made you smile this week? I would love to hear your top five too. Please leave me a comment with your top 5 below. Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter!
Happy Friday!
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Five on Friday Week 7ish
Welcome back to Five on Friday where I post a list of the top five things that made me happy during the week. I know it has been three weeks since I have posted this, but I am finally back!
- Disney with family- My mom’s birthday is in September. She requested months ago that we go to Disney for 2 days to celebrate. We did 3 parks in 2 days. We rode every ride! We stayed open to close both days and spent 1 night at the All Star Movies Resort. It was really fun to go with my nephews who are just about 3 years old. They like to ride the rides now and we were having a blast dancing and singing while we waited in line. I am a little sleepy, but it was worth it!
Riding Small World
2. Matching Shirts-My mom has always wanted up to wear matching shirts with our names on them when we go to Disney. We have lots of tee shirts that are the same, but nothing with names. I thought it would be the perfect surprise for our trip. I had everything all planned out, then Irma hit. The shirts I ordered didn’t get here in time, I didn’t have access to my friend at work who was going to help me, and I certainly wasn’t going to bother someone about making the shirts after a hurricane. We also didn’t have internet so I couldn’t print anything off of etsy. I had to have them for mom’s birthday! So, I decided to get creative. I ordered some supplies from Amazon (Thank God you can shop on your phone!) and set down to work with what I had. I don’t think they turned out half bad and mom loved them!
3. Back to work-I am excited to go back to work tomorrow. The students do not come back until Monday, but we have a day to plan and get stuff back together before their arrival. I have missed my class!
4. Inspiration at Epcot-I love bao buns! I have had them numerous times out in restaurants and Epcot has this really yummy version with duck in hoisin sauce featured in their China Booth during the food and wine festival. They were so yummy I just wanted more, but I didn’t have any room in my belly and today I am back home. So as tired as I am, I decided that I would try to duplicate the recipe at home today with what I had in the fridge and pantry. I was not about to go to the grocery store. I didn’t have fresh cilantro or green onions for the top, but I did have hoisin,pork chops, and a hundred spices to work with. So I found a few recipes for the steamed buns, figured out a dough that would work, created a steamer out of a metal strainer and stock pot, and blended up some 5-spice powder. I would say that they turned out pretty well! I’m going to perfect the recipe in the upcoming weeks and I will have it up soon.
5. Generous and Kind People-I am so happy that people are willing to help with my upcoming Disaster Relief Drive that will benefit the animal shelters in Lee County. I usually do a food and blanket drive for the animals before the holidays, but right now they are in desperate need of help! I can not stand to see animals in need. It is so heartbreaking! My dear friend and co-worker Janet, got me a phone number today of a group that needs help. I contacted them and they really need cat and dog food, litter, puppy pads, and toys. My principal is also willing to help and for us to use our school as a collection area for the items. My wonderful sisters are already starting to stock up on stuff needed for this drive. FYI cat food is bogo at Publix this week!
Then tonight my sister had a friend of hers in Indiana that is also a teacher contact me. She wants her class to do a drive to help the schools impacted by Irma. This is so kind and generous as well! I will be working in the upcoming days to find out what is needed in the schools. I know our school wasn’t severally damaged, but others were. Supplies are expensive and teachers do not get paid very much money.
The hurricane was awful, but at least it is bringing people together and bringing out the best in each of us. If you would like to help the Lee County Animal Shelters or Lee County Schools please email me and I will get you the information. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
What has made you smile this week? I would love to hear your top five too. Please leave me a comment with your top 5 below. Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter!
Happy Friday!
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