Linky Party x2!

Today I'm linking up with Bigtime Literacy for Michelle's Blogging Challenge and Doodle Bugs' Five for Friday to share one of my personal accomplishments and four happenings during the week. ;)

Day 25: Go ahead and brag...biggest accomplishments?

The Blogging Challenge prompt today made me think of my pregnancy with twins.  My father-in-law, a retired OB/GYN, was the first to inform me that I was, indeed, pregnant with twins.  You see, he still had access to his former practice, so my husband and I went in to hear the heartbeat of "the baby".  It was exciting to hear our unborn child's heartbeat!  However, since my father-in-law had access to an ultrasound machine (and thought the heartbeat was "very strong" because he knew something we didn't!), we decided to take a peek inside my belly.  

My mother-in-law saw the screen and shouted, "There are two heads!!"  My father-in-law saw the panicked look on my face and shouted, "Don't worry, there are two bodies as well!  You guys are going to have twins!"  My husband started immediately crying with joy and I smiled, then happily cried.  I was relieved and very thankful I didn't have a baby with one strong heart beat and two heads, which was my original thought.  

When I met with my "real doctor", he told us the same information, but added that I was considered a "high-risk, geriatric pregnancy" because of my age and because I was having multiples.  Geriatric pregnancy!?!?  What, was I 80 years old??  No, I was 37, going on 38!!  Jeesh. ;)  

Anyway, I was put on bed rest and visited the hospital for a few days at a time here and there because I was having contractions prematurely.  My doctor set a goal of staying pregnant until at least 32 weeks to be on the safest side.  I missed my goal by one day, but was able to safely harbor the babies for 31 weeks and 6 days before my water broke.  Thankfully, the twins only had to be in the NICU for 3 weeks.  I was so cautious during my pregnancy because I was determined to have thriving, healthy babies.  It worked, hence, my biggest accomplishment! 

My daughter- 4 lbs. 5oz.

My son- 3 lbs. 9oz.

Seeing the twins are now 3 years old, my newest accomplishment is staying sane.  Just kidding! (Not really)  ;)

My kids received new bikes for their 3rd birthday. My husband used the garage this week as the construction zone to assemble the bikes with a little help from the twins. 

Shannon Soger, the Instructional Director and 1:1 Coordinator for our school district, wants to put together a one-of-a-kind conference coming in May of 2015.  She contacted some staff throughout the district to become the iLead Team, in hopes to gather support for obtaining resources and ideas, as well as organize the event overall.  Well, I was asked to participate and have accepted!  Looking forward to a great event hosted by our district!  More information will be posted throughout the year. ;)

I went to the zoo with my family, for what seemed like the first time for the kids (even though it was the 15th time this summer!), and came across some cute signs in the Bear Crossing- Great Bear Wilderness shop.  "Follow Your Heart" & "Keep It Simple" are great principles to live by, in my opinion. 

I added
"Rock and Roll"
because my husband's all about it!
&
"I'm A Happy Camper"
because we've successfully camped twice in 2 weeks!

Last, but not least, I had the opportunity to meet up with a respected and lovable friend for lunch yesterday.  She was my 2nd Grade partner way back when, as well as one of the Reading Specialists with me at my school.  She's moved on to become a remarkable Assistant Principal in another district, which is our loss.  In any case, we enjoyed some Asian cuisine at Stir Crazy and then were entertained by two promising fortunes found in our cookies.  I miss you, Gina! ;)

Colleen & Gina

Happy Friday everyone! 

  

"Apps Gone Free" & "CameraBag 2" iPads Apps

"Apps Gone Free!" icon

I'm not sure if you've heard of the "Apps Gone Free!" App, but it's a wonderful free App that keeps you up to date with each day's current "Free-for-the-Day" Apps that are usually "high quality paid Apps," according to iTunes.   Many times there are literacy related Apps that cost $$$, but you can download them for FREE.

The reason I'm sharing this post today is because there's an App called CameraBag 2 that I often use to add various filters, borders and so on to my photos, but it's ONLY FREE TODAY!   Check it out if you're interested.

"CameraBag 2" icon 

Happy Thursday!

My Most-Loved Mentor: Blogging Challenge Day 24

 Picture from funny-pictures.picphotos.net

Check out Bigtime Literacy for more Blogging Challenge topics.  Only one week left! 

Day 24: Who are/were your mentors? Who helped you grow as a teacher?

Mrs. Ruth Ann Dalenberg will always be my very first and most influential mentor.  She was my cooperating teacher during my student teaching experience.   During that time, I had many sleepless nights with my mind running wildly about what I needed to plan to keep 28 first graders engaged, motivated and enlightened in the learning process for each subject area.  

Ruth Ann seemed to be a natural with the first graders.  Since I was probably a bit insecure back then with my teaching abilities, she would always reassure me she'd been teaching first grade for approximately 30 years at that point, and one day very soon, I'd be a natural, too.  Yes, Ruth Ann was amazing at modeling effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques, as well as sharing resources, but she also had a way of teaching me lessons I'd never forget.  

For instance, I'll always recall the time I had to teach a science lesson that incorporated the use of pinwheels.  Once the pinwheels had been created by the students, we were ready to "put them to the test" outdoors in the wind.  Ruth Ann asked me if I was ready to take the students outdoors.  Of course, I responded with, "Yes.  I'm looking forward to it!" with a smile on my face.  Looking back (hindsight is 20/20, you know), it was probably a clueless "boy-do-I-really-know-what-I'm-getting-into?" kind of smile, especially since she gave an eye-raise with her comment.  Anyway, the minute the kids stepped onto the playground with their pinwheels, it was a disaster!  They took their pinwheels RUNNING, RUNNING, RUNNING chaotically in every direction possible!  Some of the boys even used the pinwheels as imaginary weapons against one another on the playground equipment.  I stood there...dumbfounded...with the look of "Whoopsie!" on my face.   

Needless to say, Ruth Ann and I had a "constructive feedback" session to discuss how I felt the lesson went.  She would always say, "What did you do right and what could you work on?  Start with the positives."  My response to that particular lesson was, "Well, I'd better go over my expectations of what to do and what NOT to do before I let them loose outside!!"  

As one would expect, I learned a lot from her because she allowed me to make my own mistakes and be reflective in my practices.  I will always remember her and want to thank her (again) for everything. 

On my last day in her classroom, she presented me with a book as a gift.  I've used it in my own classroom for 19 years.  It finally sits on my bookshelf at home because of all the wear and tear.  I replaced it with another copy to share with my students.  It's one of my favorites!

My actual copy-
the binding fell apart,
so the pages no longer stay put.

On the inside cover, each student from my first class had placed his/her picture and signature.   

"Thank YOU, Ruth Ann. This book is priceless." 

When all is said and done, over the years, I became a cooperating teacher for 9 student teachers and a mentor to 5 new teachers in my district because I wanted to pay it forward...just as Ruth Ann did for me. ;)

By the way, any individual out there recall minor catastrophes during your student teaching experience?  I bet you learned from your mistakes!



   

My Favorite Thing about Teaching: Blogging Challenge Day 23

Hop on over to BigTime Literacy's Blogging Challenge to find out what others love about teaching! :)

Day 23: What is your favorite thing about your career?

My favorite thing about teaching is probably a very obvious answer, but I'm going to say, "The children."  The quote above "I love teaching.  It's a job that lasts forever.  Whatever you teach children today travels with them far into the future", says it all.  Being a teacher makes a difference in the world and children are our only future.  Right?  Trust me, the students repay you on a daily basis with their knowledge, smiles, comments, and even a few behavioral challenges, but each is worth the time you're investing in their lives.

I enjoy seeing the students progress toward and achieve goals they have set for themselves.  When their minds are being challenged and an "A-ha!" moment sets in, it's a great feeling to know I helped guide them to that point.  The comments they make, such as "I wish I could be in your group everyday, even on the weekends!" or "Oh, I finally get it now!" are gratifying to hear.  

Having said that, some students I've been fortunate enough to meet have overcome such distressing circumstances in their young lives, but still manage to be optimistic.  They are truly awe-inspiring.  I attended a conference presented by Ruby Payne many years ago.  She discussed the challenges people in poverty face, especially young children. 

Click HERE for more information.

Ruby Payne's words really helped me be grateful for what I have, including the opportunity to be a teacher making a difference in children's lives.  Many of those young people I've encountered through my years of teaching have taught me some important life lessons.  I know I have learned from them just as much as they have learned from me.  

I may follow a similar routine and have a schedule to keep each day at school, but still, every single day is new, fresh and original...never boring.  I truly believe that no two days have ever been the same, which is impressive.  Don't you agree?

Thanks for reading!
   

A Story From My College Years: Blogging Challenge Day 22

Day 22: Share a story from your college years.

An abundance of fun and crazy times happened in Iowa City at the University of Iowa.  I loved the college scene- meeting people, being "independent" from my parents and taking the first steps toward my life as a teacher.  However, when I saw the topic for this post, the first thought that popped into my head was Coralville Lake in Iowa City. 

My college friends and I went to Coralville Lake every single weekend we had nice weather.  The lake had a beach area where a large group of us would gather to place blown-up palm trees in the sand to create a Caribbean vibe.  

Palm tree example!

We'd play beach volleyball, toss frisbees, swim, grill and so on.  It was a blast and a nice break from all of the studying, paper-writing and exam-taking.  We'd stay all day, then head back to our apartments to shower up and get back out for some fun in the night scene.  

Coralville Lake in Iowa City, Iowa
Picture from blog.traveliow.com

I met so many fabulous people during my college years and am still friends with some of them.   I will always remember the University of Iowa fondly because of the great memories, especially on the beach at Coralville Lake.  

Anyone else attend the University of Iowa?