RECYCLING THE HOLIDAYS

Mags: "What in the heck? The Easter Bunny?"
Tuck: "What are you...OH MY GOSH! MOM!! LOOK! It's the EASTER BUNNY wrapped in SANTA!"
Mags: "Come look, Mama. This is totally creepy."

I'll be honest. Mags has been known to fib here and there lately. Once I call her on it, she likes to follow up with "I was just joking." We've been working with her on this and giving her examples of how she can be funny without telling a lie. 

So, naturally, I wasn't buying into her Santa Bunny story at first. I gave her my best Momcher (Mom/Teacher) look. She countered my look by calling in the big guns...Tuck. Sure enough, Tuck's reaction told me there was something to this holiday chocolate mix-up. I went over to the table and what to my wondering eyes should appear? An unwrapped Santa with two big bunny ears. 

Someone at the chocolate plant was taking the 3 R's a little bit too far. What? You don't believe ME? Well, here it is. I think it could be up there with the Virgin Mary on Grilled Cheese. 

Drum roll, please! 

Of course, Chris and I spent some time laughing about what kind of Memes could be created for this little guy. We'd love if you'd join in the fun! In the comments, share your best captions for this confused holiday treat. 

Here, I'll start! 

BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE

Tuck: "It's the last day to be on our best behavior until Santa comes."

Mags: "Thank goodness, cause I'm exhausted from being so good."

From our house to yours: 

The Good Lie Giveaway

"Moving and unforgettable...The Good Lie is a movie that simultaneously enlightens and inspires." - Michael Medved

Two extremely powerful words caught my attention in this descriptive quote about The Good Lie. 

   en·light·en

   verb

1. give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.

   
   in·spire

   
   

   verb

   fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

   ______________________________________________________________
   
   Having my chosen profession and passion in life be education, there are so many things that touch my heart on a daily basis. Watching others around me lead and demonstrate their own passion for life is so rewarding.  I gain so much knowledge from students I guide through new concepts. Watching them in this process, I feel I grow along with them. They push my limits, as I push theirs. We stretch together, many times out of our comfort zones.  

   
   Preparing students for life's many challenges is an incredible responsibility. It's impossible at times to do it without others' help, support, and love. I often look for opportunities to light a spark in my students. People, books and movies are just a few ways I try to grasp their attention. So, when I was recently asked to review the movie, The Good Lie, with my friend, Michele, I couldn't pass up the chance. Especially if I could share it with our future generation. 

   
   And this movie did not disappoint. Starring Reese Witherspoon and actual former Lost Boys from the Sudan, The Good Lie gave the audience a chance to go on a journey. Personally, I felt a connection to the characters and the plot as I watched in complete admiration of their determination. I was cheering them on the whole way!  Their growth was immense and life-altering. The people they touched around them were forever changed for the better. 

   
   

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   Explore the true story behind this incredible movie produced by Ron Howard.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   You want to run out and see it now, don't you?  Well, I have some good news! It's coming out on Blu-Ray and DVD on December 23. But YOU don't have to battle the stores to get it. Because, thanks to our friends at Grace Hill Media, YOU could win your very own copy right here! Simply enter in the Rafflecopter below to have a chance!

   
   

   THE CONTEST ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014. READ THE RAFFLECOPTER CAREFULLY. THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Mags: "Why are we burying this statue?"

Me: "It's St. Joseph. People say if you bury him by your house that it will sell faster."

Mags: "Ummm...why are you putting him in a baggie and upside down?"

Me: "Well, that's how they say to bury him."

Mags: "Well, you know how dangerous plastic bags are. If you put it over his head...he won't be selling anything!"

In preparation for putting our home on the market, our realtor took pictures of the house to post on her website. On top of that, we worked with her to write a descriptive and appealing paragraph to fit in the character limit allowed on the site. We all tried to find the most important parts of the home that would jump out at people. This got me thinking.  What if there was no character or word limit to our description?  What would I want people to REALLY know about our house? 

Here's what I would want to say: 

Our sweet house is for sale. It is nestled on a quiet, yet accessible .76 acre lot in Harpers Ferry. Its walls hold 10 years of the most precious memories I own to date. The front door is sturdy, waiting to open to your future..as it did to ours. When we crossed it each night, we were home.  Being a split level, there's a landing on which you can catch your breath between steps...on which I caught many. The fireplace on the lower level, which absorbed many tender words and life-changing conversations, not only will warm your hearts, but also replenish your soul. The hall in the upper level is the road most traveled. It is filled with memories of passionate kisses, soothing newborn babies, chasing elated toddlers, and planning a plethora of adventures. In each of the rooms off the hall, our hopes and dreams were shared. Created. For 10 years, this house watched our marriage bloom, our babies grow, and our family form. And holding us tightly all along the way was its frame. But as life changes, so did our plans. Our hope is to sell our house. But it is also our wish that someone will fall in love with it as we did many years ago and give it purpose once again. 

Click on the picture if interested!