#TeachersChangingLives - It really does happen.

The other day I had two students show up to visit me, they had graduated the year before. 

 

Okay first, that crap makes you feel REALLY old, REALLY fast.  I really don't get how I taught them four years ago, and now they're in college. After all, I haven't aged a single day, I'm still 25. (No comments from the peanut gallery needed, mmmkay?!)

 

As we sat and chatted about where they were now and what they were up to one of them looked at me and said something I don't think I can ever forget.  He said "When I was in school some days I felt like you were the only one who believed I could be something someday, and you never let me give up. Thank you."  Insert tears from my eyes here.

 

Now to be honest, when I started teaching I always said I wanted to make a difference.  I wanted to inspire kids and let them know that I would always be there if they needed to talk. I have had kids come to me in their darkest moments and tell me things I never wanted to hear. I have given relationship advice, parent advice, and life advice. But to hear a kid actually say out loud that I mattered to them - that's a pretty big deal, folks.

 

The funniest part is that I really wish I could get kids to realize when they are freshmen what they learn when they get out into the real world.  You may never need to remember what type of rock pumice is (igneous, in case you had the urge to Google it), or what the Pythagorean theorem is used for, or even who wrote The Great Gatsby- but sitting in class "learning" all of those things really is preparing you for real life.

 

We're teaching you how to follow rules, even though you hate them. We're teaching you how to work with others (and pick up the slack for people who don't do their part). We're teaching you how to overcome obstacles and challenges and to figure out how you solve problems on your own.  We're teaching you how to juggle multiple tasks and set realistic goals on what needs to get done and when.  We're teaching you not to give up and to work hard and to be respectful. We're (at least trying to) teach you compassion and understanding- so that some day when you become an adult and have to care about someone other than yourself you'll know how.

None of these things really have anything to do with the content that I teach- but the truth is that sometimes I'm more concerned with the person you will become rather than the grade on your test.

 

That's how a lot of teachers feel, and that's why we do what we do.  No one gets into this profession to make lots of money, or for the recognition, or for the "great hours" that everyone seems to think we have.  You get into this profession to help kids and to make a difference- and that's no easy task. If you can get your students to learn, grow and give back- then you truly have hit the teaching jackpot.  This guy has certainly done just that.

 

 

All over the country teachers are doing these things and really making a difference. Spending money out of their own pockets to provide students with materials they need. Office Depot and Adopt-A-Classroom have partnered to raise awareness about teachers, and all that they do in the lives of their students. Adopt-A-Classroom is a nonprofit organization that helps connect donors with teachers to enhance the learning environment for students, and you too can help by getting involved.

 

If you want to get involved here are two ways:
 

To Register your classroom as a teacher-

1. Go to the Teachers Change Lives Website

2. Click on the red box that says "Register Your Classroom," which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website

3. Follow the corresponding steps from there

 

To Donate to a Teacher in Need-

1. Go to Teachers Change Lives website

2. Click on the teal "Donate to a Teacher" box on the Teachers Change Lives website, which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website

3. Follow the corresponding steps from there.

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

More is always better at Christmas (and Cottonelle Cash Giveaway!)!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.

 

It goes without saying that at Christmastime around here, more is always better. For example,  the 11 foot Christmas tree we carted home, even though our ceilings are only 10 feet tall. Need more proof, how about the 4,000 white lights we then crammed onto the tree?  Still not convinced, how about the roughly 10,000 lights that adorn our front porch and dance and sing to music? Christmas cheer in excess is never a bad thing around here.

 

We bake cookies, decorate the house, put up three trees, leave neighbor gifts on the porches of our favorites, have breakfast with Santa, drive to see Christmas lights and spend time searching for the perfect presents for everyone. Last year I may have even pretended to be a reindeer with a few colleagues and pranced in front of the entire student body while pulling a principal dressed as Santa singing our own version of the twelve days of Christmas.  

 

When people see our house and tree they always ask if I know I married Clark Griswold. I am aware, and I may even encourage him from time to time, because Christmas is just so magical and a little more Christmas never hurt anyone.

 

 

As he was pulling the tree up the hill and was slipping, he was reciting this line from Christmas Vacation- I kid you not.

 

 

Yep, he's Clark alright.

 

 

But the one thing I would LOVE to have 25% more of this holiday season? Time. Each day I make my to do list and there is always something I just do not get to. This weekend I had it on the list to decorate the tree, the house, bake cookies and get our Christmas cards made and addressed. Well of course we got the tree up and the lights and ornaments on, only for the 300 count strand in the MIDDLE OF THE TREE to go out. There went three hours of my life, un-decorating, heading off to buy a new strand of lights and then re-decorating the tree that I had already spent four hours decorating. (I told you, the thing is a beast.)

 

Even if I didn't need the 25% more time to get things checked off of my to-do list, I would love to have more time to just hang out with the crazy toddler and just enjoy him enjoying life. He's a pretty awesome tiny human, and amidst the crazy of things that need to get done I don't get to enjoy that enough. 

 

No matter what you wish for more of this holiday season, its easy to see that 25% more of anything can make a big impact. More is always better. More time, more money, more love- its a win win.

 

You know what else is a win-win? Cottonelle!

 

 

 

When I say I want more time around the holidays it makes sense that I don't have time to be running out to the store every few days to stock up on essentials- like t.p.  Cottonelle Clean Care makes it easy by having 25% more sheets per roll than the competition- meaning it will last longer and keep everyone in the house happier.  The toddler loves to pull some off of the roll and pretend to blow his nose in it, just so he can toss it in the potty and flush it down (which is apparently thrilling when you are two).  I don't need to worry, because with 25% more I know that there is always enough on the roll to last through a few fake sneezes.

Another awesome thing about Cottonelle? They are working with some awesome bloggers and  giving away some serious cash this holiday! One winner (from all 30 giveaways) will be selected daily to receive a $500 American Express gift card for themselves AND for a charity of their choosing!!! The giveaway will be open Monday December 9th  and end Friday December 20th. All winners will be announced daily on the SITS Girls facebook page.  You can also follow the conversation on twitter #Moreisbetter!



So what are you waiting for- enter today and tell me in the comments, what would you like 25% more of this holiday season?

 

 

 

 

 

 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.

Custom T-Shirt from The Bellingham Baby Company Giveaway!!

Have you guys heard of The Bellingham Baby Company?

 

In 2005 Shelly and Jeremy Allen started a Mom and Pop online shop of fresh fun gifts and gear for babies, toddlers and parents.  They carefully selected each item they offered with safety, functionality and uniqueness in mind.  One thing they tried to make sure of was that their stock comprised mostly of products that are handmade by a mom, invented by a mom, or come from a mom-run company.

 

In 2008 they opened their first brick and mortar store in Bellingham, Washington. Doing this allowed them to expand their inventory and sell even more awesome products, always keeping in mind that customer service and satisfaction was key. 

 

And trust me when I say this, you will not get better customer service than with this company. Or a better selection of reasonably priced unique and customizable baby products.

 

When I first started talking to Shelly she reminded me of the kind of shop owner that would go around with you explaining all of the products if you needed help- and come on, you can't get service like that from a big box store.  They sell everything from shopping cart covers, teething bling,  handmade baby booties, diaper bags that are gorgeous and oh so much more.

 

 

One of the best sellers in the store are the personalized t-shirts, onsies and bibs that they offer in store and online. They offer tons of different pre-made designs and they even give you the option to work with them to upload your own custom design if there is something you have in mind at no extra cost. They really do want to help you to create your own special gift for someone, and if they cant create something you love you are not obligated to buy it.  All designs ship within 48 hours of order placement and the quality can not be beat.

 

 

 

 I immediately fell in love with this design, and when it arrived on my door step a few days later I could not have been happier with it.  The shirt is nice and thick, and its super soft. Even where it has been printed the design doesn't make the shirt stiff or wonky.  It washes beautifully-  just turn it inside out before tossing it in the wash. I have purchased these as gifts for friends before, and I can tell you that even after standing up to the roughness of a toddler and multiple washings they look as good as when they arrive.

 

 

Lovelies, seriously? This is like everything I love about Christmas in one shirt. A tree, lights, AND Rudolph? PLUS its personalized? Uh, sign me up!

 

Mr. Man will be sporting this next weekend when we go cut down our own Christmas tree, and if I could get one big enough to fit the hubs and me- well we would all match.
Maybe I need to give Shelly a call back on that one...hmm.

But here's the best part- the amazing Shelly has graciously offered not one but TWO of you lovelies your own awesome shirt!!  She's giving you the option to choose either a short or long sleeved bodysuit or t-shirt in one of their custom designs, or she can work with you to create one of your own, from size 0-3 months up to size 6!

So what are you waiting for, enter now!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


****DISCLAIMER- I was gifted a product to review and two to giveaway, but all opinions and thoughts are, as always, my own****



 

 

Did You Know July was National Vacation Rental Month?

This July, just like every July before it, we will be packing up and hitting the road for a little R&R. Growing up some of my best memories were made on summer vacations, and I certainly want exactly the same for the Grayson Boy.  Some of my best and earliest memories were of sand in my swimsuit and tasting the salt in the air. Since the kid has recently decided that the sandbox is the coolest thing since sliced bread, I knew it was time to head to the beach.

  

This year I knew we had to have certain creature comforts- gone were the days when we would pile into a hotel room and sleep on the floor and eat out every meal. Not only can that get uber expensive, it's also just not really healthy for the toddler to know how to order room service. Plus, knowing we would be going with my mother and my in-laws, I knew there was no way that we could all snuggle up in one room. We need our space and separate bathrooms. We are not that close of a group- if you catch my drift. So I knew this year we would be looking for an actual vacation home.  However I was really sad to give up the comforts of a hotel- like a concierge desk, Wi-Fi, Shuttle Services and oh yeah,  housekeeping. I really love the housekeeping. After all vacation is the one time of the year where I can throw my dirty towels on the floor and not make my bed and someone else comes in and picks them up, brings me fresh towels and makes the bed. I was not really ready to give up THAT- after all, it's my vacation too!

 

Enter Wyndham Vacation Rentals.

 

All of the space and amenities of a house like a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms and a washer and dryer in unit PLUS the creature comforts of a hotel? Sign me up!

 

Knowing I wanted to keep bean on somewhat of a regular routine, I had to keep a few things in mind for my search. He needed his own room, we had to have Wi-Fi for his iPad and I wanted a pool incase he decided he hated the salt water. Plus I wanted a place that looked family friendly, as I didn't want to spend the whole trip following him around terrified he would ruin the place. I also knew I wanted to book with a professional- no shady dealings going on here.  My in-laws would be traveling from Tennessee and we would be hoofing it from Pittsburgh, so we wanted somewhere either in North or South Carolina to kind of make it even on the driving or flying distance.

 

 I was thrilled to see that in the United States, Wyndham Vacation Rentals' properties range from private homes, resorts condos and villas in beach destinations such as Florida, South Carolina, Delaware and Alabama's Gulf Coast to mountain-side condos and luxury cabins in Colorado, Utah, Tennessee and Idaho.  While the condos in Colorado looked AMAZING this Mama needs a beach.  We decided to look at beach front properties in South Carolina, either Charleston or Hilton Head because we could fly into those fairly cheaply. Although I totally will be coming back to use Wyndham Vacation Rentals when we book our condo in Colorado for our ski-cation this winter.

 

Using the site was super easy, and it was super fast to find a house that met all of our needs. I hate when you put in that you need a house that holds six, but you end up with three bedrooms that have rooms that have two twins. No adult wants to sleep in a twin bed. Wyndham has a special feature in their advanced search to make sure you get exactly what you're looking for.

 

 

 What my search yielded was the most beautiful array of homes- here are a few of the drool-worthy possibilities we had to choose from.

 

 

 

 Um, I'll take them all?

 

Hubs, being the doubting Thomas he is, said that these houses couldn't be as good as they seem. But I knew that if we booked through Wyndham, we wouldn't have to worry because they we would be booking with a professionally managed vacation rental provider. Plus Wyndham Vacation Rentals® has this amazing "Vacation Rental Bill of Rights®". Which is basically a service pledge ensuring quality standards  including vetted rentals with accurate images, comprehensive customer service and real-time payment and bookings. Knowing it's coming from the Wyndham name that alone gives it a solid reputation, but having this Bill of Rights makes your decision to book through Wyndham Vacation Rentals easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

 

The best part? Right now Wyndham Vacation Rentals is offering summer deals at up to 35 percent off nightly rates on bookings made throughout July at Wyndham Vacation Rentals website! So what are you waiting for, go book yourself a vacation rental and reward yourself with a little vacation- tell your hubs I said you deserve it :)

   

 



I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.