CHRISTmas

Keep Christ Alive this Christmas.

What You Need:
1 bag of M and M's (Christmas ones were $5 so I opted for these instead)
Favor Bags 
Printer (To print poem)
Cardstock (To back poem on printer paper)

Steps:
1. Pour M and M's into a favor bag
2. Type poem
3. Print poem
4. Paste poem on cardstock
5. Fold favor bag
6. Staple poem on bag

The magic of Christmas isn't in the presents, but in Christ's presence.

**This gift idea can be found on my Pinterest page: http://pinterest.com/pin/34762228345495601/

Rein Beer

To make Rein- Beer you need five materials:

1.     Bottle of IBC Root Beer or a bottle of Alcohol

2.     Ribbon

3.     2 googly eyes

4.     Red or Brown pipe cleaners

5.     Red Pom- poms (mold into antlers by creating loops)

All of these materials can be found by taking a one-stop trip to Target or you can go to Michael’s where they have everything you need except for the Root Beer. You are also going to need a hot glue gun or a bottle of Elmer’s glue for this project. 

**I made Rein- Beer for my Demonstration Speech. If you would like to view a full set of instructions please view my video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tp2y_PbRFo

Elf on the Shelf

Our elf made quite the mess!

Skylar got into the makeup! She is wearing eye shadow, blush, and lip gloss. 

Skylar is one messy eater!

This elf gets into everything!

Hungry? Want a cookie?

Uh oh! Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? 

On Skylar's last night with us she decided to tepee our tree!

Elf on the Shelf is a new tradition in our house this year and it has been a lot of fun. Many times, Skylar stayed on the shelf, edge of the laundry basket, and in a lamp, but on occasion she got motivation to do something naughty!

Here's a link to a hilarious blog about overachieving elves: http://www.peopleiwanttopunchinthethroat.com/2011/12/over-achieving-elf-on-shelf-mommies.html

Baby's 1st Christmas

Baby's 1st Christmas Ornament

Materials: 

Glitter

Glue (Martha Stewart Craft Glue)

Ornament

Ribbon to hang ornament on tree (optional)

1. Gather materials.

2. Paint baby's hand with glue and roll onto ornament OR trace baby's hand on paper, cut it out, spread glue on the hand, roll on ornament, and peel off.

3. Sprinkle glitter.

4. Let dry.

5. Add ribbon so the ornament can hang on the tree. 
6. Spray hairspray on ornament as that is supposed to help the glitter stick.

**If you decide to paint your baby's hand with glue and roll it on the ornament it is a 2 person job! I didn't have a second person so I chose to trace baby's hand on paper and it worked very well!

Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole

Prep time: 10 min; Total time: 40 min

• Tortilla Chips
• 1 Tbs Chili Oil (or olive oil and red pepper flakes)
  
• 1 Onion, chopped
  
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  
• 1 pound Ground Beef
  
• 2 Tbs Taco Seasoning
  
• 1 can Black Beans, drained
  
• 1 cup Salsa
  
• Cheese
  

Heat oven to 350.

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic and sautee until soft. Add meat and taco seasoning. Cook, breaking up meat with a spatula, for about 5 minutes. Add beans and salsa. Mix well and continue to cook until salsa thickens.

Line the bottom of a large baking dish with tortilla chips, pressing down on them lightly to break them into bite-sized pieces. Spread the meat and bean mixture over the chips and top with cheese. Add sliced jalapenos or other toppings that you ant to be cooked. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and gooey.

Scoop up with additional chips if desired.

 **http://www.healthy-delicious.com/2010/05/taco-bake/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love the poem!

Materials:

Blue Cardstock

Green Cardstock

Yellow Cardstock to back poem

Poem printed from the computer

Handprint Turkey (Made with paint)

Luminate, Building 429, and Newsboys

On November 10, 2012 I went to Grace Church to see Luminate, Building 429, and Newsboys. I LOVE Building 429 so I knew I had to buy tickets as soon as they went on sale. The concert ended up selling out pretty quickly so it was a good thing I bought tickets when I did. The concert was fantastic! Luminate and Building 429 were signing autographs and taking pictures with their fans. I was bummed out because I didn't partake in that. I hope they come back soon because I'll definitely be seeing them in concert again! I will be buying one concert ticket and I will be staying after to meet the bands!!

Luminate!

Sam!

Building 429!

The energy from Building 429 was INSANE!

I LOVE this picture!

Loved seeing my favorite band in concert!

JRoy!

Newsboys!

The drummer went up.

And then he started spinning!

It was the coolest part of the concert!

Halloween Craft

Adorable!

Ghost Footprint:

1. Paint child's foot with white paint.
2. Press onto black construction paper.
3. Add eyes and a mouth with permanent marker.
Optional: Add a bow for a girl ghost. Type out 'Happy Halloween' and glue onto the paper.

Squash Mac and Cheese

Prep: 15 min.   Bake: 14 min.   Oven: 425   Cook: 40 min.

12 oz dried Rigatoni

1 1/2 lb. Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks (3 1/2 cups) 

2 3/4 cups Milk

1/4 cup all- purpose Flour

8 oz. smoked Gruyere Cheese, shredded (2 cups)

8 slices Bacon

2 small sweet Onions, cut into chunks

3 oz. Sourdough Bread

2 Tbsp. Butter, melted

Fresh flat- leaf Italian Parsley

1. Preheat oven to 425. Lightly butter a 3- quart baking dish; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.

2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan combine the squash and 2 1/2 cups of the milk over medium- high heat. Bring to boiling; reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork, 18 to 20 minutes. Stir together remaining 1/4 cup of milk and flour; stir into the squash mixture. Bring to boiling; cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the Gruyere until melted; keep warm. 

3. Meanwhile, in a very large skillet cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels. Combine; set aside. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings. Return skillet to heat. 

4. Add onions to skillet; cover and cook over low heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and increase heat to high. Cook 4 to 6 minutes more, stirring, until onions are golden.

5. Add squash- cheese mixture, onions, and bacon to the bowl with the pasta. Toss well to combine, then transfer to prepared baking dish.

6. Sprinkle bread and remaining Gruyere over the pasta mixture. Bake until top is browned, about 14 to 15 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Sprinkle with Parsley. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Creamy Bacon Carbonara

Absolutely delicious!

CREAMY BACON CARBONARA

 2 eggs

1/4 cup Cream or Heavy Cream  (Whipping Cream)

1/3 cup Parmesan

Fresh diced Parsley or dried flakes

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp Red Pepper flakes

*(I doubled the Sauce recipe, and it was perfect)

1/2 lb. bacon

1 small onion, chopped (opt)

3 mushrooms sliced (opt)

1/2 lb. Pasta

DIRECTIONS:

Beat the eggs, cream, Parmesan, parsley, salt and the red pepper together in a bowl.  I just used a fork.  Fry the bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside.  With 1 -2 Tbsp. bacon grease, saute the onion and the mushrooms until the onions are translucent and golden.  Drain the pasta and while still warm, add to the onions and mushrooms.  Pour cream mixture into the pasta, and stir over low heat for one to two minutes. (**I doubled the sauce recipe and I saved a bit of the pasta water, just in case my sauce got thicker than I liked – simply add a bit if you need it)   Don’t do this on high heat, or you will make scrambled eggs.  Serve with additional Parmesan, and a loaf of Crusty French bread and a salad.  So Good!

*I added Zucchini, Chicken, Yellow Pepper, Parmesan Cheese, and some additional spices.

Dave Ryan's 5K

I ended up walking my first 5K, but I walked it in 40 minutes so I'm proud of myself. It was really about the cause anyway and Special Olympics MN was a great cause! 

Over 3,000 runners!

Good friends since 1st grade!

Lining up!

Walking to the start line!

Start line for the 10K and finish line for both the 5 and 10K race.

Walking to the start line!

And were off!

Almost done!

We did it!

My toe was killing me by the end and with reason, look at that blister!

Avacado Basil Pasta

Ingredients

• 8  ounces

  dried bow tie and/or wagon wheel pasta

  see savings
• 2  medium

  avocados, halved, seeded, peeled, and coarsely chopped

  see savings
• 6  slices

  bacon, crisp cooked, drained, and crumbled

  see savings
• 2/3  cup

  chopped fresh basil
• 2  tablespoons

  lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon

  olive oil

  see savings
• 3  cloves

  garlic, minced
• 1/4  teaspoon

  ground black pepper
• 1/8  teaspoon

  salt
• 1/2  cup

  finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

1.Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

2.Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the avocados, bacon, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt. Add the hot pasta and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 4 servings.

**My family loved it! I only had one Avocado so I added a Pepper. I also added an Onion, Cooking Wine, and Shallets along with some additional spices and Parmesan Cheese.

***Found the recipe through Pinterest, but here's the direct link: http://www.recipe.com/avocado-basil-pasta/

Introductory Speech

-->

What Makes You Tick?

Do you have a passion? My name is Liz and I have had a passion for young children for as long as I can remember. I enjoy working with children, teaching them, and watching them try new things. My passion for children and my knowledge of education inspired me to become a teacher in a private school and teach Kindergarten or Third grade. I know I can use my talents to help children grow, learn, and make a difference in their lives.

In school, I always enjoyed English, Science, and Art. I struggled with Math. I didn’t enjoy that subject until 7^th grade when I had a great math teacher. She made math more enjoyable by creating activities to go with each lesson. If a student didn’t understand a concept, she would explain it in multiple different ways. She was always willing to go out of her way to help make sure her students did the best they could.

            When she was my teacher, it was the first time I understood Algebra. It was also the first time I was able to get excited about math class. In high school, I would occasionally go to her house on the weekend for math help. She was very patient and knew how to explain the material in a way I would understand it. She and I have become very close, and I consider her and her family a part of my family. In high school, I started babysitting for her children, and I’ve been able to watch them grow and am honored to be a part of their lives. She has been a tremendous influence as to why I want to become a teacher. She showed me that you can influence a student’s life, make a difference, and be the one to help a student find love for a subject they thought they would never enjoy.

             Growing up, reading was a hobby of mine. I was considered a bookworm. I read books on the school bus, when I’d go for a walk, and I’d stay up late every night because I was so engaged in whatever book I was reading. The older I got the less I read for fun. The books which were chosen for me to read in high school and college had no interest to me so over time I lost interest in reading all together.

After taking a Children’s Literature class a couple years ago, I became a Children’s Literature fanatic. I believe reading to young children is important for many reasons. Not only is reading fun, but books help children develop language skills and provide background knowledge to all subject areas. My entire bookshelf is dedicated to Children’s Literature and for many; I have correlating lesson plans and activities to go with the story. I am constantly ordering books off Amazon, pre- ordering books from my favorite authors, and receiving the new Scholastic book order form makes my day. I love the illustrations, story lines, and memories children’s books include. 

             Good experiences with teachers, a love of learning, and a love for Children’s Literature all made me wonder if a career working with children would be a good fit for me. It was not until I started working with children in a setting outside of babysitting that I discovered it was my calling. I took a job at the YMCA working with children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old. I loved the structured setting and being able to implement curriculum to a group of children whether it was games in the gym, craft, or story time. My job at the Y helped me determine what age I wanted to teach. I enjoyed all the ages, but I felt like I could spend all day with the infants, toddlers, and preschoolers so I chose a degree in Early Childhood Education.

            Now that I have my Associates in Early Childhood Education and am going on for my Bachelor’s at Southwest Minnesota State University I am even more sure that teaching is the right career. I have had the opportunity to work at Sacred Heart as a Preschool paraprofessional and I loved it. I enjoyed watching the children try new things, make new friends, and find a love for learning that will hopefully stick with them for years to come. I took a Kindergarten Methods class and had the opportunity to spend a semester in a Kindergarten classroom. Teaching Kindergarten was everything I had hoped it would be and more. The best experience I had was doing an externship at Sacred Heart with my 3^rd grade teacher. I learned a lot from that experience as it was my 1^st time in a classroom setting where I was in charge and had to create all the lessons and activities.

            My love for children, hobbies, and the positive influence of numerous people around me has played a vital role in helping me decide to become an Early Childhood Educator. I know I can take my talents and help children grow, learn, and make a difference in their lives.

Nagging Mother

Irritated with my mom and I found this comic. I can relate, this is exactly how all the conversations with my mom go.

Christian Pickup Lines

 10 Christian Pick- Up Lines

1. Hey girl, I put the "stud" in Bible Study.

2. Hey girl, I was reading through the book of Numbers and realized I didn't have yours.

3. Hey girl, I'm not Boax but you can glean my fields any time.

4. Hey girl, if I march around you 7 times, would you fall for me?

5. Hey girl, would you be in my purpose- driven life?

6. Hey girl, I think one of my ribs belongs to you.

7. Hey girl, me... you... Song of Songs... the remix.

8. Hey girl, I didn't believe in pre- destination, until tonight.

9. Have you died before? That looks like a resurrection body to me! 

10. Hey girl, can I come to your church? I want to see your body... of Christ.

Thank you @davemelendez on Twitter for sharing these funny Christian Pick- Up lines.

Pregnancy Announcement

http://pinterest.com/pin/34762228344887294/

Thank you Pinterest, this is by far the best pregnancy announcement I have ever seen!

**Follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lizs07/

Leaf Songs

Today, http://www.survivingateacherssalary.com found a great collection of leaf songs and poems at the Busy Teachers Cafe. Here were a few of my favorites:

Leaves Are Falling
to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?"
Leaves are falling, leaves are falling,
All around, All around,
Brown and yellow leaves, red and orange too,
On the ground, On the ground.

Raking Leaves
I like to rake the leaves
(Make raking motion with hands.)
Into a great big hump .
(Pretend to pile leaves.)
Then I move back a bit,
(Take a step or two back.)
Bend my knees and jump!
(Bend knees, then jump.)

Ten Little Leaves
to the tune of "Ten Little Indians"
One little, two little, three little leaves,
Four little, five little, six little leaves,
Seven little, eight little, nine little leaves,
Ten little leaves fell down.

Five Little Leaves
Five little leaves so bright and gay
(Hold up five fingers.)
Were dancing about on a tree one day.
(Dance in place.)
The wind came blowing through the town,
(Sway with the wind.)
And one little leaf came tumbling down.
(Gently tumble to the ground.)

Four little leaves . . . 

The Leaves Are Falling Down
to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell"
The leaves are falling down,
The leaves are falling down,
Fall is here, and winter's near,
The leaves are falling down.

 The Leaves on the Trees
to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus"
The leaves on the trees are changing color,
Changing color, changing color,
The leaves on the trees are changing color,
All around the town.

The wind makes the leaves say "Swish, swish, swish,"
"Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish,"
The wind makes the leaves say "Swish, swish, swish,"
All around the town.

Then the leaves come tumbling down,
Tumbling down, tumbling down,
Then the leaves come tumbling down,
All around the town.

The leaves on the ground make crackling sounds,
Crackling sounds, crackling sounds,
The leaves on the ground make crackling sounds,
All around the town.

We'll rake them up into a pile,
Into a pile, into a pile,
We'll rake them up into a pile,
All around the town.

Diesel Turns 1!

Diesel had a busy day, he helped me change the sheets...

He played outside catching bugs and enjoying the sunny weather...

He tried on his Grandpa sweater, it'll be snowing in two months you know...

Then it was party time! He tried to run away...

He was a little overwhelmed...

And a little sad he had to take a bunch of pictures because he doesn't photograph well..

But, the presents made it all worth it!

He was exhausted from his exciting day and called it a night earlier than usual!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIESEL! We Love You!!