tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71692639241060898822024-03-13T10:36:55.381-04:00The Hickman Five - Faith, Family and FunSara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.comBlogger703125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-38287327993766668532016-01-19T10:00:00.000-05:002016-01-19T10:00:10.274-05:00Tell Me About It Tuesday: The Play-Based Preschool Free ResourceTell Me About it Tuesday has typically been a day where I review some great products for you, my wonderful readers. I will be using this day to more tell you about a preschool resource we have been using. (Product links are provided if you are interested in picking them up for yourself.)<br />
<br />
Today's resource -- a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Polar-Bear-Hands-On-Centers-1648442" target="_blank">Science Journal.</a><br />
<br />
Now this is not something you would typically think of for preschool. Let me tell you this ... my kids had a blast using it!<br />
<br />
*full disclosure these pictures are from when we used this resource last winter ... Little Miss was 5, not in school yet and Little Mister was 3.*<br />
<br />
Here is what we did.<br />
<br />
First we gathered our supplies (I knew I was going to do this with them the night before and froze water on the cookie sheet over night.)<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhsLaZbm-kM/Vp0-N-rkN5I/AAAAAAAAP0Q/SJdrxnp6SpY/s1600/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BGuesses.png" imageanchor="1"></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adgi23H2n9E/Vp0-RKcVeYI/AAAAAAAAP0c/Wdbue_0wjOQ/s1600/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BSet%2BUp.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" border="0" height="576" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adgi23H2n9E/Vp0-RKcVeYI/AAAAAAAAP0c/Wdbue_0wjOQ/s640/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BSet%2BUp.png" title="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We made our guesses and wrote/drew them on our journal page.<br />
<img alt="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhsLaZbm-kM/Vp0-N-rkN5I/AAAAAAAAP0Q/SJdrxnp6SpY/s640/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BGuesses.png" title="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Time to test our guesses!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2LUcB5ExdQ/Vp0-vSB9uqI/AAAAAAAAP0o/WlqPP6b0QBA/s1600/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BTest.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2LUcB5ExdQ/Vp0-vSB9uqI/AAAAAAAAP0o/WlqPP6b0QBA/s640/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BTest.png" title="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Like all good scientists we documented our results.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Te9wJwAfSBs/Vp07MhZjuWI/AAAAAAAAP0E/gV59SILGvFk/s1600/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BDocument.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Te9wJwAfSBs/Vp07MhZjuWI/AAAAAAAAP0E/gV59SILGvFk/s640/Will%2BIt%2BSlide%2BDocument.png" title="Will It Slide? Critical Thinking and Hands-On Science for Preschool. (FREE in product preview)" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I loved this activity for them because it engages them from the start to finish. They had to work on taking turns, but they both made guesses when it was the other's turn.<br />
<br />
It worked on their critical thinking skills as they documented the process. They had to think about how they were testing the item. They had to think about the different items they were testing. Little Mister said that both Rubble and his dump truck would slide because there were both construction trucks.<br />
<br />
Today was all about the process. Sometimes they drew, sometimes they wanted to trace.. If we were to do this again I am sure they would want to write letters. At the bottom of the page they have to color yes or no answering "Did it slide?" This is a great way to discuss what they thought and what actually happened. Little Miss had told me that the eraser didn't slide because it was softer than the block.<br />
<br />
My favorite part of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Polar-Bear-Hands-On-Centers-1648442" target="_blank">this activity</a> is that even after we tested all the items they wanted to keep doing it. We kept going after we filled all our journal pages talking about the different items as we tested them.<br />
<br />
**This activity is included in the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Polar-Bear-Hands-On-Centers-1648442" target="_blank">FREE PREVIEW</a>!<br />
<br />Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-50975260603015901902016-01-18T14:07:00.000-05:002016-01-18T16:13:38.305-05:00Welcome 2016Here at the beginning of the year people think on the past year and make resolutions for changes.. -- or refuse to make resolutions because they are just setting themselves up for failure. I am more of this camp. However, we are in a season of change again so I have to look at things and make some decisions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LexE1V4oCF4/Vp01_tPKcBI/AAAAAAAAPz0/XGT6RfE_mX0/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LexE1V4oCF4/Vp01_tPKcBI/AAAAAAAAPz0/XGT6RfE_mX0/s640/IMG_0872.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
This season is coming to an end. I will be returning to home pre-schooling my son. There were many thing involved in this decision that I won't be getting into. One thing is certain though, I have to replace my income ASAP.<br />
<br />
I will be returning to my Teachers Pay Teachers store development. I am excited to see the growth of it without any assistance from my end, so I am really excited to see where it can go with some work. I will also be continuing to build my Jamberry Nail Wrap business. I am working with my Team Manager and I will be hitting goals with that as well.<br />
<br />
I would love to say that I am going to have new blogs to post EVERYDAY! Let's be honest, I am going to my best.<br />
<br />
This season has shown me two things. One, I can actually embrace change when I am not afraid. Two, I thrive on routine - that takes my short attention span into account. <br />
<br />
Looking forward to seeing where 2016 takes us!Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-23751951747417512942015-10-14T06:32:00.002-04:002015-10-14T06:32:28.989-04:00What's New Wednesday Link UpHappy Wednesday All! Time for What's New Wednesday!<br />
<br />
I am about to upload a new pumpkin unit. Here are some of the great things that are going to be in it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DB--UPkp4B8/Vh4uJSc7lII/AAAAAAAAPpE/esJOHNr4ZUQ/s1600/IMG_1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DB--UPkp4B8/Vh4uJSc7lII/AAAAAAAAPpE/esJOHNr4ZUQ/s640/IMG_1360.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpMTJVTulQw/Vh4uJClTzmI/AAAAAAAAPo8/kxV8dlwkA24/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpMTJVTulQw/Vh4uJClTzmI/AAAAAAAAPo8/kxV8dlwkA24/s640/IMG_1361.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0eCs73uUE/Vh4uJdpyggI/AAAAAAAAPpA/kU8OBHqMhp4/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0eCs73uUE/Vh4uJdpyggI/AAAAAAAAPpA/kU8OBHqMhp4/s640/IMG_1362.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou4InboN9Tc/Vh4uKifUq8I/AAAAAAAAPpU/U0Qh1Sql9T8/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou4InboN9Tc/Vh4uKifUq8I/AAAAAAAAPpU/U0Qh1Sql9T8/s640/IMG_1370.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHJICZ51tUA/Vh4uLCTUKOI/AAAAAAAAPpY/sUisA9lFjow/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHJICZ51tUA/Vh4uLCTUKOI/AAAAAAAAPpY/sUisA9lFjow/s640/IMG_1382.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It has 20 hands on activities and a full set of preschool task cards. I am super excited to get it loaded for you all! <br />
<br />
So what is new with you? New blog post? New freebie? New product? I would love to see one of each! <br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="572806">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=572806" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-69504473132854906312015-10-01T06:53:00.000-04:002015-10-01T06:53:50.458-04:00Throwback Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwBENauRokU/Vg0HRGHGAtI/AAAAAAAAPoc/3TukiUhKaWc/s1600/40159_440764346897_4405879_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwBENauRokU/Vg0HRGHGAtI/AAAAAAAAPoc/3TukiUhKaWc/s640/40159_440764346897_4405879_n.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
I am not sure I ever shared anything about the most amazing Grandma a girl could ask for. This is going to be a short post because I am feeling all emotional and don't feel like sobbing before starting my day! hahaha<br />
<br />
This is Grandma Lovrek (my Mom's mom). That is me. If I could have spent EVERYDAY, ALL DAY with her I would have. I still would.<br />
<br />
This woman looked right at my sister and said .... "Just add him to the list of your next ex-husbands. That's what's gonna happen if you want to marry a rockstar." As she was going on and one about marrying the latest musician she was in love with! <br />
<br />
This is the woman that when I was 2 made sure that I got extra special goodbye's because I needed EVERYONE to say goodbye to me or I would have a meltdown. She was by far my all time favorite babysitter.<br />
<br />
Since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month ... I am just going to say - cancer sucks. It steals the people you love. Grandma battled uterian cancer, that moved to all sorts of other parts of her body. Just when we thought we were in the clear it showed up again. She was the one person I hoped was going to meet my kids, and I know she will one day ... LONG LONG LONG from now.<br />
<br />
I am surprised how much I still miss her and think of her 9 years later. She passed away on 9/15/2006. Thanks for watching over us Grandma! I love you!<br />
<br />
<br />Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-13835245556352531712015-09-29T22:17:00.000-04:002015-09-29T22:17:17.997-04:00What's New Wednesday #3<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is not something that is new </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">…</span><span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I am
exhausted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjOYeb-5npc/VgtF6LitoZI/AAAAAAAAPoI/ZddFvpXGRVM/s1600/exhaustion%2Bpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjOYeb-5npc/VgtF6LitoZI/AAAAAAAAPoI/ZddFvpXGRVM/s640/exhaustion%2Bpost.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We have been short staffed </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">–</span><span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> we were short
staffed before we had 2 people quit. So things have been a little crazy at
work. We have moved and we are getting settled in our apartment. My Jamberry
business has been super busy with the launch of a new catalog. To be honest the
thing that seems to be taking the biggest setback is actually my Teachers Pay
Teachers store. I am so thankful that the sales keep coming in without much
(any) new things posted in a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do have quite a few things about ready to post. I have updates for
the All About Me bundle about ready. I have gears and robot updates loaded to the
bundle, but not the single products. I am updating my apples products and about
to add to my pumpkin product lines. So there is a lot coming down the pike. I
am excited to get them up and ready for you all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pretty excited that Halloween products are already starting to sell
too! What do you have going on? Link up
your newest item below. You can link up one paid product and one free product.
I love it when people also link up their newest blog post. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Jenniferr; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="568138">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=568138" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-80596879183362049442015-09-24T07:02:00.001-04:002015-09-24T07:02:13.619-04:00The Play Based Preschool - What's New WednesdayMoving has made my life absolutely insane!<br />
<br />
So although I have TONS of new things going on, I have had no time to post anything. I wanted you to have a link up since I posted one and then haven't since! <br />
<br />
I can't wait to see what you have done lately!<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="566349">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=566349" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-16662642188570041192015-09-03T08:30:00.000-04:002015-09-03T08:30:03.417-04:00Fall Lapbooks: PumpkinSo I have found this new <strike>obsession</strike> love. I keep seeing all these amazing interactive notebooks. I wanted to know more about interactive notebooks. That was my first mistake. That is how I stumbled upon ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lapbooks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKQCPDGKERA/VeOyxApJqII/AAAAAAAAPns/28fRKnBvrO8/s1600/Blog%2BImages-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKQCPDGKERA/VeOyxApJqII/AAAAAAAAPns/28fRKnBvrO8/s640/Blog%2BImages-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lapbooks are these amazing things that fit into a file folder. They are interactive and custom. They really work for any age. The older the kids are the more custom they are. This is the one I made for 4 year olds. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTCK9ZuDNQw/VeOdh9hn-FI/AAAAAAAAPnY/oe-vVJ1iFiY/s1600/pumpkin%2Blap%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This pumpkin lapbook is great for all preschool ages." border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTCK9ZuDNQw/VeOdh9hn-FI/AAAAAAAAPnY/oe-vVJ1iFiY/s640/pumpkin%2Blap%2B1.JPG" title="Lapbooks for Fall are what all preschool teachers need." width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXgcIpNBn8g/VeOdh_6s1lI/AAAAAAAAPnU/yeUVq94iqgM/s1600/pumpkin%2Blap%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Activities on all pages the flaps of this pumpkin lapbook." border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXgcIpNBn8g/VeOdh_6s1lI/AAAAAAAAPnU/yeUVq94iqgM/s640/pumpkin%2Blap%2B2.JPG" title="This pumpkin lapbook works on 6 different preschool skills." width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once I figured out what I wanted to included it was pretty easy to put together. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Creating the flaps was much easier than I was fearing. You simply fold the edges to the middle creating a new way of opening. I have found that this is called a 'shutter fold'. It basically divides the folder into fourths. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am already thinking of all sorts of other things that we can do with these. The back of this one I added a pumpkin patch play mat. A small file folder type game can be on the back and the pieces stored inside. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That Pp flap there on the bottom is covered in packing tape so that we can use it over and over again. Under the flap is a blank area for all the words she can think of that starts with the p sound. An area to draw or write.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love just love it! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am already dreaming up ideas for Christmas ones. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Do you love it? Do you want one? It's at my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LAPBOOK-Pumpkin-Lapbook-1501625" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers Store</a>. </div>
Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-2690316781009868932015-09-01T22:00:00.000-04:002015-09-01T22:00:00.860-04:00What's New Wednesday - RelaunchWhat's New Wednesday is a place for us educators to link up some new stuff. Did you recently post a product? Have you posted a tour of your classroom in a blog post? Did you post how your first week went? Have you recently updated a product you want to share? This is the place for you!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My newest product is a bundle. It a product a year in the making. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Letter-Lapbooks-A-to-Z-Set-2006172" target="_blank">Alphabet Lapbooks</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grSP2u7UwAE/VeOSt7d1NqI/AAAAAAAAPm4/tC7R30WXoiw/s1600/IMG_9304-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grSP2u7UwAE/VeOSt7d1NqI/AAAAAAAAPm4/tC7R30WXoiw/s640/IMG_9304-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope to have a full blog post on how to assemble and use these lapbooks here soon. These bad boys work on assembling the letter, tracing and writing the letter, phonics and visual discrimination of the letter. It works on both upper case and lower case letters.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Be sure to try it out by downloading the preview. You will get 3 letters for free!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Letter-Lapbooks-A-to-Z-Set-2006172" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWD0wIktUgY/VeOUJ1HGDMI/AAAAAAAAPnE/k5oH219zSkc/s640/Letter%2BLapbooks.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now it is your turn. Link up your newest product, update, freebie, or blog post below. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="558857">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=558857" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-75797536866675886672015-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:002015-09-01T09:00:09.647-04:00Teaching Tuesday: Back to School TourLast week I was able to have an entire day to label and set up my room. Here is your virtual tour.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZmqI4MypZ0/VeONdVJdFBI/AAAAAAAAPmo/-SNx18qA4_U/s1600/Blog%2BImages-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="I had so much fun decorating my room. Let's get learning! Back to school 2015." border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZmqI4MypZ0/VeONdVJdFBI/AAAAAAAAPmo/-SNx18qA4_U/s640/Blog%2BImages-003.jpg" title="Teachers Pay Teachers check out my classroom. Back to school 2015, classroom tour." width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Welcome to The Purple Panda room. We are a room of old 2's and young 3's.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-CNfZhigL0/VeNnGxOZPVI/AAAAAAAAPlg/tAnFpcAHxo4/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="It is back to school time and I wanted to jump in with all the sharing of my classroom spaces." border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-CNfZhigL0/VeNnGxOZPVI/AAAAAAAAPlg/tAnFpcAHxo4/s640/IMG_0867.JPG" title="As part of #TPTcheckoutmyclassroom I am providing a virtual tour of my room." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is where we do all our large group learning. I have trays that we use when we are doing things right here on the floor. Every day during circle time we answer a question. This week we answered "How do you eat?" and they sorted food into spoon, fork or fingers. I love this chart!<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_9aG2Wmuhs/VeNnGyxuEQI/AAAAAAAAPlc/Mu7i4yjcbxQ/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Die cuts don't have to be used in the shape or color they are cut out in. DIY color blocking of die-cuts." border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_9aG2Wmuhs/VeNnGyxuEQI/AAAAAAAAPlc/Mu7i4yjcbxQ/s640/IMG_0866.JPG" title="Oh the things my glue stick and I can do. I love my eclectic, themeless classroom decor." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I added little labels all over the room. You can clearly see the cots one here. The very first locker is where I keep teacher circle time and large group activities. I also keep our carpet squares there.<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SP7MzUZJd90/VeNnG8cBxAI/AAAAAAAAPlY/h6080dpsze0/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="All About Me math task cards. Teaser of an upcoming Teachers Pay Teachers update." border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SP7MzUZJd90/VeNnG8cBxAI/AAAAAAAAPlY/h6080dpsze0/s640/IMG_0868.JPG" title="Tiny room with Tiny Centers." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">My learning centers are small -- my room is small, so my centers need to be small. This is great for my kids because they are able to interact and engage. I keep things simple. I add as many theme oriented things as I can. Our theme at the start of the school year is <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-Bundle-1400284" target="_blank">All About Me,</a> Family and Pets. </span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwgCrpcDfE4/VeNnKODhnNI/AAAAAAAAPlw/U_-AuXagrMs/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I used the pre-primer sight words as part of my decor." border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwgCrpcDfE4/VeNnKODhnNI/AAAAAAAAPlw/U_-AuXagrMs/s640/IMG_0869.JPG" title="Check out my word wall." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Above my writing center are great things needed for the learning to write and read.. Like letters with phonic pictures and pre-primer Dolch sight words. They are able to use the chalkboard as much as they like and I have chalk available at all times.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vq3WeD0Qyo/VeNnMhlYEMI/AAAAAAAAPmA/p9E_CiKPblc/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hey Teachers, Parents and Home Educators! Check out my room." border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vq3WeD0Qyo/VeNnMhlYEMI/AAAAAAAAPmA/p9E_CiKPblc/s640/IMG_0871.JPG" title="The theme isn't just for our class. It can be found in the real world too." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This poster is actually one of my favorites. It is my "Theme in the Real World" It is pictures of families, kids and homes throughout the world.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fiukkqTaFs/VeNnMEUejjI/AAAAAAAAPl4/K0Hd2-Ym1qY/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Since I have extra lockers they are used for teacher storage too." border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fiukkqTaFs/VeNnMEUejjI/AAAAAAAAPl4/K0Hd2-Ym1qY/s640/IMG_0872.JPG" title="Teacher corner, tiny portable teaching organization." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is my teacher supply corner. I spent a lot of time sorting and organizing this corner. This locker is also used to hold one of my 31 bags that I use to keep our week organized and my activities in one place. Also, every single thing I do has to be able to be broken down EVERY Friday. All organization must be portable, small and functional.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcCUP8i7wrs/VeNnNr6k_MI/AAAAAAAAPmE/EHDddz0f8go/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My art center can actually accommodate all 7 students." border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcCUP8i7wrs/VeNnNr6k_MI/AAAAAAAAPmE/EHDddz0f8go/s640/IMG_0873.JPG" title="Art Center - used far more than ANY other center." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love art. My kids love art. I have three art sections to my art center. The white table is our standing art space. This is where we mostly do our play dough. There is a drawing tablet on the wall for free drawing and the table for seated art work. Since my room can only have 7 kids I can usually just flatten the shelf and fit everyone around the table when we are doing large group art. These are end tables from IKEA.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dga5sNXbdHY/VeNnQL0ayMI/AAAAAAAAPmQ/ills1y58fQ8/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I am such a science nerd it is sometimes hard to keep my science exploration contained to this little space!" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dga5sNXbdHY/VeNnQL0ayMI/AAAAAAAAPmQ/ills1y58fQ8/s640/IMG_0874.JPG" title="My empty art gallery. It won't stay that way. I love displaying their free and guided art. It is their space too." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Discovery and sensory is all about our Five senses during this theme. This area is a cramped so I am trying to find another solution.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86Y_Jnmgnto/VeNnQpWb7cI/AAAAAAAAPmU/Un4QASyrelw/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="Textures, textures, textures - 5 senses sensory bin. Cotton balls and paper. All it needs now is some pasta." border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86Y_Jnmgnto/VeNnQpWb7cI/AAAAAAAAPmU/Un4QASyrelw/s640/IMG_0875.JPG" title="Sensory bin with shredded paper - loved my all hands so far!" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a decent first week. I have found out things about them and they are learning their new environment.<br />
<br />
I feel like we have not had enough interaction with the learning centers, and I feel like our centers time is much too long for this group, so I may be breaking things up some. Like moving our question of the day to the middle of center time and adding a second activity to it. Only time will tell. I have 2 new ones starting Monday so .... shall be interesting.<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think! I love your comments.Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-23651011088110100082015-08-31T09:18:00.000-04:002015-08-31T09:18:00.045-04:00Four Tips for Simplifying Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R13InJQHmko/VeNkKbegmXI/AAAAAAAAPlM/Uyaw5MxM8bc/s1600/Blog%2BImages-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Now that I am a working Mom I have to release my expectations. My Christmas does not need to be Pinterest Perfect. Tips to Simplify your Christmas." border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R13InJQHmko/VeNkKbegmXI/AAAAAAAAPlM/Uyaw5MxM8bc/s640/Blog%2BImages-002.jpg" title="Four simple tips to simplify your Christmas." width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
September starts the season of celebration in my family. Last year our list was insane.<br />
<br />
The sad thing is that many of these things I can't cut out. We have 13 people in our family (his immediate family and mine). TEN of them have birthdays between September 1 and December 30. It makes things crazy.<br />
<br />
I want to simplify.<br />
<br />
Here are the big things that I am planning this year.<br />
- Hubs birthday night in Indy. This is so needed for us.<br />
- Pumpkin Farms (that is really just picking where we are going)<br />
- Halloween -- I am seriously just buying costumes. No time to plan or make anything elaborate.<br />
- Little Mister's birthday party.<br />
- North Pole Breakfast!!!!<br />
- Little Miss's birthday party. (I owe her a nice one I was so sick last year and it was just not fair to her).<br />
- Christmas Eve: Pizza, Movie and PJ night!<br />
- OUR CHRISTMAS MORNING!<br />
- Wisconsin Visit for Christmas<br />
<br />
Here are your 4 Tips to Simplify Christmas.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Plan for it.</span><br />
<br />
Make a plan for it and stick to it. If I don't have a plan my stress level increases easily 10 fold. I like having my plan all in one place so I tend to make myself a planner for this time of the year. This year I might print someone else's planner. <br />
<br />
I really like this one from <a href="http://www.livecrafteat.com/live/organized-entire-christmas-holiday-planner/" target="_blank">Live Craft Eat. </a> ** this is not an affiliate link, I just really like it.**<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Say No. </span><br />
<br />
There are things that I just have to say no to. Like last year I went a little crazy helping out with the Christmas parties at church. This year I am picking one roll and I am picking at most 2 parties. It became a chore. So, we will be snack makers for 2 parties this year and that is it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Be Flexible</span><br />
<br />
Life happens. You have to roll with the punches. I just pray they are not the same punches as last year.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Be authentic</span><br />
<br />
Your Elf on a Shelf does not have to be Pinterest Perfect. Be you. Your Christmas cards do not have to have the perfect saying, pose and outfits. (But if that is you and you rock it than do it!) BE YOU! Ask yourself what do I want my kids to remember about Christmas in your family?<br />
<br />
<br />
What do you do to keep your busy seasons stress free and moving smoothly?<br />
<br />
<br />Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-44115811724764140032015-07-27T08:30:00.000-04:002015-07-27T08:30:00.765-04:00Time Management Tips for Busy MomsWhen you go from Stay at/Work at Home Mama to Working Mama one thing becomes even more important.<br />
<br />
Time Management<br />
<br />
For me, I didn't want to give up any of the at home things I was doing when I started working out of the house. So I knew one of two things would have to happen. I would either have to give up something or become really efficient with my time. <br />
<br />
Time Management was going to be the key to success for this now Working Mom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWloUE_P-XY/VbUxxG_FUoI/AAAAAAAAPj4/eE7gj52JJWU/s1600/Time%2BManagement%2BA%2Bto%2BZ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How one working mom has become efficient with my time utilizing these time management tips, an A to Z list." border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWloUE_P-XY/VbUxxG_FUoI/AAAAAAAAPj4/eE7gj52JJWU/s640/Time%2BManagement%2BA%2Bto%2BZ.png" title="An A to Z list of Time Management Tips for busy moms working at home or out of the home." width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is my A to Z list of Time Management Tips for Moms.<br />
<br />
A: Anticipate -- Set aside a time of the week when you plan out your week. Is there a day you need to plan some carpooling? What appointments are this upcoming week that you need to plan for?<br />
<br />
B: Block your Calendar -- I actually do this a few weeks at a time. I have a pretty set schedule so I can block in the big stuff and just fill in the weekly stuff in my anticipation session.<br />
<br />
C: Cross off the Daily Tasks -- add those daily tasks to your DAILY to do list. Yes write SHOWER on that list. Write GET DRESSED on that list. There is something motivating about crossing things off a list. Did you do something you forgot to put on this list? Add it and CROSS IT OFF!<br />
<br />
D: Dinner after the Dishes -- Plan out tomorrow's dinner after you take care of the dinner dishes (even if that mean tossing them into the sink to wash a different day --- yep I do that!) This way you don't have to worry about "What's for dinner?" at the beginning of the witching hours, I mean 4 pm.<br />
<br />
E: Elsa it! -- What? Come on what do you think of when I say Elsa ... Let It Go! sometimes you just have to Let It Go - quit beating yourself up, God gives us grace, extend some to yourself.<br />
<br />
F: Flexibility -- I am not referring to bending over backward to make it all happen. I am referring to life happens and there will times that you just have to bend.<br />
<br />
G: GPS -- Use it to plan your routes so that you are not driving all over town getting your errands done. Do you have to go to an appointment on one side of town, but still need get groceries? GPS and see if there is a grocery store near your appointment.<br />
<br />
H: Honey Do List -- I know men hate this list. I am more referring to just delegating. Can your 5 year old feed the dog? Have them do it! Can your 15 year old change the trash cans? Have them do it! You (Sara) do not have to do it all!<br />
<br />
I: Intentional -- Be intentional and mindful of your time. If you plan to spend 10 minutes on one task,, don't spend 20.<br />
<br />
J: Jump Start -- This honestly has been the biggest stress reliever for me. When I wake up (intentionally) before the rest of the family I get to ease into my day, and not have to be "on" from the moment I open my eyes.<br />
<br />
K: Keep relationships a priority -- It takes a village right? Be part of the village, not the one who is always working, always needing to accomplish this or that.<br />
<br />
L: Leisure Time with Family -- All work and no play does not make for a happy family.<br />
<br />
M: Multi-Task (When appropriate!) -- Folding clothes and ironing - This is a great time to catch up on some podcasts you want to learn from. Making dinner and having to wait for water to boil? Empty or load the dish washer.<br />
<br />
N: Notepads -- Keep on handy at all times! You never know when you will need one! Inspiration can strike anytime, any place! Just last night I see a cute (expensive) cart for the bathroom at Target -- Oh I need something like that for circle time! Write down, look for cart for circle time.<br />
<br />
O: Outsource -- Hire help if you need to or can. Can't do that, find ways to swap skills with friends. Do you need time to yourself? So does your bestie! Swap time with kids -- win/win! You and your bestie get to recharge and kids get playdates!<br />
<br />
P: Prioritize -- Yes, do the most important stuff first. This also means do the stuff that you hate doing first. Get it done and get it over with!<br />
<br />
Q: Quiet Time -- You are a busy mom.. Quiet time is necessary to recharge your batteries. For me this is time spent in actual silence, no music, no tv. Just quiet. So refreshing.<br />
<br />
R: Running To Do List -- This is not your daily to do list, this is just the on-going list of things you want to get done. As you schedule time to complete these things you will move them from your Running To Do List to your Daily To Do List.<br />
<br />
S: Shortcuts My Friend -- It is okay to use sauce from the jar. It is smart to prep your meals before hand. It is okay to use a cake mix. From a dietitian that just did a CPU for us at work -- "frozen vegetables are okay, so are canned -- I just want to get vegetables in them!"<br />
<br />
T: Technology -- There really is an app for that. I am not a big app person for keeping my schedule, but let me tell you ... the alarm clock on my phone -- would not be able to function without it! I set it for everything! At work or at home, yep I use it all time. The repeat function saves me so much time. I just set them all up once and go!<br />
<br />
U: Utilize Waiting Time -- this ties into appropriate multitasking. Don't try to combine two things that need focus, but if you are waiting for the cake to finish baking this is a great time to sort the pile of mail sitting on the counter.<br />
<br />
V: Verbalize! The word is "NO" you need to use it. You only have 24 hours in 1 day. You need to sleep, rest, and eat at least 8 of those. That leaves you with 16. You will need to say "no." And no, it is not a cuss word.<br />
<br />
W: While You Wait Bag: You have one for the kids. Toys, books, apps on the phone - you have things to keep them occupied while you are waiting for this or that. Have one for yourself. Toss a book in your bag, write out thank you cards or a note to someone, a knitting project you are working on. You can be productive while you wait it just takes some planning.<br />
<br />
X: X out time for yourself. This is a must. If you don't you are going to crash and burn. Speaking from experience. THIS IS A MUST.<br />
<br />
Y: You must USE it: It's great if you can make your day work perfectly on paper. You must open your planner and see what is going on. You must look at your lists and get things done. You must use it or none of this will work.<br />
<br />
Z: ZZZZZ's You must get them. Sleep is not an option. Have a bedtime routine. Teach your body when to start winding down for the day. Get restful sleep you will be amazed how much more you will accomplish just being well rested.Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-80327985970270488592015-07-18T16:05:00.000-04:002015-07-18T16:05:48.272-04:00Coming Soon!So I did it again ... two months later I am finally updating the blog.<br />
<br />
If I have had you as a reader for a long time I am sorry that I do this to you from time to time, but I want to thank you for sticking around.<br />
<br />
Life has been gone through another cycle of ups and downs.. Many more ups than downs this time around.. I am not sure I even have the words to explain it all. I will over time - and it gives me some great content to share later! haha.<br />
<br />
I will fill in two things ... I am now a working (out of the house) mama. The balance to make that happen has been part of all the ups and downs. I will fill you in on how that all came to be in a later post, it is totally a God thing. The other is that we are <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MOVING!!! </b></span>(Would it be wrong to fill this whole post with exclamation points? - Yes it would Sara, yes it would!)<br />
<br />
Not that I am counting, but we get our keys in 59 days (from the point of writing this). <br />
<br />
Because of these two major things I would like to say that I am ready to jump in and post new stuff daily! Let's be honest, I am just not there yet, but I am really going to put the energy in and get things continued in the right direction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzEYj04tSFs/Vaqul0UepEI/AAAAAAAAPjc/dDLzCOnxWhk/s1600/Blogging%2BSchedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hickman Five Blogging Schedule" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzEYj04tSFs/Vaqul0UepEI/AAAAAAAAPjc/dDLzCOnxWhk/s640/Blogging%2BSchedule.jpg" title="Blogging Schedule " width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Working Mama Monday is for all those trials and tribulations of being a working mom. (And hubby is working a mid-shift job so this is going to be fun! God is really having fun in our lives right now!)<br />
<br />
Tell Me About It Tuesday is still for anything I have time to review. Let's be honest, reviewing is not happening right now. I mean for real -- I don't have time for that right now. So the what I am telling you about might take a different spin. (It may even take a new theme as time goes on --- like maybe Teaching Tidbits Tuesdays)<br />
<br />
What's New Wednesday is going to come back. I met a few of you in Vegas and you said you liked linking up, so I will do my best to bring it back! I will also be talking about my latest project, or newest product on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Who doesn't love Throwback Thursday? It may be school oriented, business oriented, life oriented, who knows .... you are just going to have to tune in to see! <br />
<br />
Fun-Filled Family - Yep, that is going to be a family post, something having to do with a Hickman Five Adventure or something these crazy kids say. :)<br />
<br />
Saturday and Sundays have not theme, they are my free for all. Maybe even free of posting. We shall see.<br />
<br />
This week will not have many posts, seeing that I am going to be writing them and scheduling to make sure they post. But the week after will start to have regular posts again, I hope. Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-58136283552329520862015-04-30T09:30:00.000-04:002015-07-18T15:28:59.640-04:00My Heart Belongs to Two Men.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My heart belongs to two men and my husband is perfectly okay with that. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have always heard the cliche statement, "You heart will just grow in love and you will be able to love one just as much as you love the other." As women we usually hear this when we are fearful of having a second child. And it is true - you don't love one less so that you can love them equally. You just get more room to love. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Isn't it amazing that God loves us so much that He gave his ONE AND ONLY Son so that we can have a life with Him! Think about it mamas, HIS ONE AND ONLY SON. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Could you have done it? There is no way on God's green Earth that I would give up my ONE AND ONLY son. Even if God asked me to, I would be holding on so very tight, I wouldn't be able to let go. Sure, God, yes He is yours, but you gave him to me! You can't have him back. He has my heart!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcKA_Bpdeeg/TsHJ3Y-C-NI/AAAAAAAABWg/vRrLozq0Q5k/s1600/alex%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Boy, Day 1" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcKA_Bpdeeg/TsHJ3Y-C-NI/AAAAAAAABWg/vRrLozq0Q5k/s1600/alex%2B3.jpg" title="My One and Only Son" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The day that Little Mister was laying on my chest (yes in this picture he is not even a day old) no longer brewing in my belly. My heart grew 3 sizes! Yep, I experienced exactly what The Grinch did!. My heart belonged to another man now. My husband now has to share. He is okay with that by the way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the time of writing this Little Mr is 9 days shy of 3 and 1/2.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love him more today on day 1262 than I did on day 1. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love him more today than I did on day 1 because ... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEVVqlPnW5U/VNFCWuA9qtI/AAAAAAAAPVs/7SRyCxCO0z0/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEVVqlPnW5U/VNFCWuA9qtI/AAAAAAAAPVs/7SRyCxCO0z0/s1600/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have seen how passionate he is ... that will take him to places he hasn't even thought of yet. Oh and he is a thinker!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGDs4ns9ABY/VNFCgLSq71I/AAAAAAAAPV0/U6K2N4qcqlw/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGDs4ns9ABY/VNFCgLSq71I/AAAAAAAAPV0/U6K2N4qcqlw/s1600/088.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Just like his daddy he loves to laugh. He loves to make you laugh! When he realizes he made you laugh he won't quit. According to him, "Quitting is a bad thing Mama." Just remember that when things get hard baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3w7Vi3bLQHw/VLcsPvli0pI/AAAAAAAAO14/55Whe0t1A0Q/s1600/1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3w7Vi3bLQHw/VLcsPvli0pI/AAAAAAAAO14/55Whe0t1A0Q/s1600/1065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He is a lover with spunk. Don't let this sweet, sweet darling face fool you. He loves hard. Knock you to the floor with a flying bear hug hard. For him love him hard in return. The harder the better!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwdVL_BRcHs/VLcskePhSmI/AAAAAAAAO2Y/u6TiH2RrYMs/s1600/1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwdVL_BRcHs/VLcskePhSmI/AAAAAAAAO2Y/u6TiH2RrYMs/s1600/1187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dirt + Cars = One Happy Boy. I am so thankful that he is 3 1/2 now. I can let him spend as much time outside as his little heart desires with minimal supervision. He is so content to take his cars outside and just play in the sandbox or the grass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njCD27TM65w/VIdLtxTRsnI/AAAAAAAAOiM/VMlcxzrCNG4/s1600/240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-njCD27TM65w/VIdLtxTRsnI/AAAAAAAAOiM/VMlcxzrCNG4/s1600/240.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Helper extraordinaire in the kitchen. Give him time and he will be doing it all on his own. Watch out ladies, he might have mama's gifts in the kitchen. Another skill that will take him far!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaXfeAj6pgo/U77-UGx2ojI/AAAAAAAAOJA/4JW7Iq_p-ZM/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaXfeAj6pgo/U77-UGx2ojI/AAAAAAAAOJA/4JW7Iq_p-ZM/s1600/077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Be still my beating heart. What did I do to be this blessed? I don't deserve any of this. Thank you God for loving me this much and so much more..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnQ3Dxk6KOk/UHEEwQ27d3I/AAAAAAAAFUE/Kjjie-dumjA/s1600/IMG_20120928_155304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnQ3Dxk6KOk/UHEEwQ27d3I/AAAAAAAAFUE/Kjjie-dumjA/s1600/IMG_20120928_155304.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
He is adventurous, curious, and daring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fyww0ihZPu8/UC0vzxEJB4I/AAAAAAAAEP0/ZvdmMNAE9nw/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fyww0ihZPu8/UC0vzxEJB4I/AAAAAAAAEP0/ZvdmMNAE9nw/s1600/040.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Watch out world! He is going to get you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWDg6NRxANs/T0fFyqsdBjI/AAAAAAAABkc/eImWKnLfC4M/s1600/RSCN1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWDg6NRxANs/T0fFyqsdBjI/AAAAAAAABkc/eImWKnLfC4M/s1600/RSCN1205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Full of life since day one. Stolen this Mama's heart from breathe one.<br />
<br />
I thank God for him. Even on the days when I can't get pass the fighting, hitting, pushing, arguing and crying -- I thank God for my son. I thank God that I don't have to give up my one and only son. I couldn't do it. I would be giving up my heart.<br />
<br />
Mommy loves you Monkey Man. More than my words will ever be able to express.Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-16913910089145458242015-04-28T22:30:00.000-04:002015-04-28T22:30:00.377-04:00What's New Wednesday: Link UpGood Morning Lovlies!<br />
<br />
I hope you have had a wonderful week. What's New in your world this Wednesday?<br />
<br />
Newest in our world - Hickman #1 will be working from home - eek. I am not sure if I mentioned it but once again he was looking for a job. Seriously we have had the worst luck lately. He has been looking for about 5 weeks this time. I am really hoping (praying actually) that this is the last one.<br />
<br />
Funny how God likes to show us He is listening. I have started writing our prayers, things we need on a post it or paper and putting it in my bible. This is exactly what I wrote "God we need Keith to get a job, a career really, that can take care of this family - in abundance. Thank you for all you do." The next day he was offered the job that he accepted. IF it is what they say, it is well in abundance. If it is HALF what they claim it is still more than what we need. If it is 1/4 of what they say it is we are covered . I am hopeful. Next week will show us much more.<br />
<br />
What's New on Teachers Pay Teachers and Teachers Notebook?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/SAMPLE-Bugs-and-Insects-Bundle-1830797-1430132662/original-1830797-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="246" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SAMPLE-Bugs-and-Insects-Bundle-1830797" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a><br /><a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/SaraHickman/sample-bugs-and-insect-bundle" target="_blank">Teachers Notebook</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is my newest Freebie.. It is a sample of the Bugs, Bugs, Glorious Bugs bundle. It has a little something from most of the resources in the bugs and insect bundle. <br />
<br />
I have taken the Bugs and Insects bundle and split it into 8 packets if you are looking for just a portion. Remember, bundles are 30% off purchasing all the portions individually. <br />
<br />
Thank you to all of you who linked up last week! I got so busy that I wasn't even really able to promote it at all. We had over 30 link ups!<br />
<br />
Now it's your turn! What's New in your world?<br />
<br />
This link up is for your newest products (1 paid, 1 free - TPT or TN) and/or your newest blog post.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to check them out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="520291">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=520291" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-77861074204972619322015-04-28T09:30:00.000-04:002015-04-28T09:30:00.034-04:00Review: I Finally Quit by David Ross<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it was presented that Heather Randall of Christian Women Affiliates had a “different” book for us to review and wanted to make sure she had willing reviewers I took a chance. I read the summary of I Finally Quit by David Ross on Amazon. I replied to her, I would be willing to review it. And here we are. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cwareviewcrew.com/uploads/2/5/7/1/25718390/8474632.jpg?250" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cwareviewcrew.com/uploads/2/5/7/1/25718390/8474632.jpg?250" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I Finally Quit by David Ross is a memoir with a call to action. David Ross was successful, engaged, and at the top of his game when his world came crashing down and sent him straight off the cliff, metaphorically of course. You see Ross was all those things, but he was a alcoholic and a smoker. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ross takes you through a series of “fortunate” events. Horrible, but “fortunate” events that took him from where he was to the lowest of lows and back up the mountain. This time that mountain was a different mountain, one of sobriety. This mountain lead to living, really living, not just existing.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I read the summary of “I Finally Quit” I thought to myself, okay I don’t really have things that I need to quit … like this. I have other things I am sure, but not like this. His story sounds really interesting and maybe it will give me some concrete tools to pass on smokers and drinkers in my life. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That was my expectation. Having finished the book I don’t feel like my expectations were met. I know what David used, but he didn’t give any tools on how to take what he did and use it for yourself. The final 10 pages of the book or so are a call to action. The action being join the “I Finally Quit Movement” through the <a href="http://ifinallyquit.com/">ifinallyquit.com</a>. I felt this was a little like pleading, honestly. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What I didn’t expect was to find myself so incredibly intrigued by this story. I actually found myself wanting to come back to the book and find out more. How did he do it? What did he go through next? I found it amazing that he quit drinking without being checked into a rehab facility. When you read about what he went through I dare you to not be amazed by what God can do in people’s lives … even when they don’t really seem to know Him all that much. Ross mentions that it was obvious God’s hand was on his life and he talks about one time where he saw an angel. It did not appear that he was actively seeking, or in a relationship with God while all this was happening to him. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wanted to know more. I went to <a href="http://ifinallyquit.com/">ifinallyquit.com</a>, I registered and looked around. He has groups for anything you want to quit -- low self worth, sweets and sugar, complaining -- right now there are 16 support groups. The movement is newer, but the dream of this movement is what got him through the dark temptations. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His story may be what you need to take that next step into quitting the thing you want to quit. His website might just be the thing you need to connect with the support that is going to help you move to quitter. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can become a quitter here> <a href="http://ifinallyquit.com/">ifinallyquit.com</a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can pick up a copy of “I Finally Quit” here> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1939989175/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1939989175&linkCode=as2&tag=touofhomlea-20&linkId=ICJAEWJ4O5PR5XF6">The I Finally Quit Movement: Recruiting an Army of Quitters</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=touofhomlea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1939989175" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can like I Finally Quit on Facebook here><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ifinallyquit">www.facebook.com/ifinallyquit</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5svBoOa2TE/Ua-nwd1WbhI/AAAAAAAAHa0/_S2vD0x-t1c/s1600/12%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5svBoOa2TE/Ua-nwd1WbhI/AAAAAAAAHa0/_S2vD0x-t1c/s1600/12%2B-%2B1" height="103" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-73215310110613226482015-04-22T10:32:00.000-04:002015-04-22T10:32:57.156-04:00What's New Wednesday Link Up!I know I have basically fallen off the face of the earth. Through each person getting sick over the last few months, allergies, job losses, some not-so constructive criticism and a class at church ... I guess I fell off a bit.<br />
<br />
But ... I am back!<br />
<br />
So here we are spinning our plates again. I am sure something will fall off again, but then we will just pick it up and get going again. Success is a journey.<br />
<br />
What is New here with The Hickman Five<br />
<br />
1. I have become a Jamberry Nail Wraps consultant. I know get paid to have pretty nails and help you have pretty nails too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC9ciMddzzQ/VTeP-hWNfeI/AAAAAAAAPh4/kFS_VOJqw68/s1600/16752277378_e19e16946d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC9ciMddzzQ/VTeP-hWNfeI/AAAAAAAAPh4/kFS_VOJqw68/s1600/16752277378_e19e16946d_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am hosting my #instalaunchparty over on<a href="https://instagram.com/hickmanfivemama/" target="_blank"> Instagram</a>! Come party with me. I was just challenged to join the 25% club! To do that I need to sell 12 more wraps! Want to help? Get your wraps <a href="http://sarahickman.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
2. I have added more to my <a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/SaraHickman" target="_blank">Teachers Notebook shop</a> and my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sara-Hickman" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers store</a>. <br />
<br />
Teachers Notebook is mostly new by adding products that have already been in my Teachers Pay Teachers. It seems like there is a different clientele at both places, so I am enjoying have both stores open. Seeing that I have not been doing as much marketing as I would like on either it is nice that thing have been still selling on both. <br />
<br />
Seeing that it is What's New Wednesday I am going to share with you one of the new products that is available on both stores. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Bundle-of-Robot-Hands-On-Resources-1791928/original-1791928-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Bundle-of-Robot-Hands-On-Resources-1791928/original-1791928-1.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
This Robot Bundle is has 8 Hands On Resources! You can check it out here on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundle-of-Robot-Hands-On-Resources-1791928" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a> and here on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundle-of-Robot-Hands-On-Resources-1791928" target="_blank">Teachers Notebook</a>.<br />
<br />
What about you? What have you been up to? Link up below -- please limit product links to your newest (not shared before) 1 paid product and 1 free product. You can link up from either store. You may also link up your newest (1) blog post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="518486">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=518486" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-67769562498374119622015-04-21T06:50:00.000-04:002015-04-21T06:50:56.872-04:00Review: Supermarket Healthy by Melissa D'arabian"Recipes and Know-How for Eating Well without Spending a Lot" -- yes please! That is exactly what I need. This is the promise that Melissa D'arabian makes on the cover of her recent cookbook "Supermarket Healthy." This book came out of the desire for D'arabian to feed her family of 4 healthy without breaking the bank at all those fancy health food stores.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVb-iqSjkGA/VTYmKjZ69RI/AAAAAAAAPhk/ZKIuz3Twyu0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVb-iqSjkGA/VTYmKjZ69RI/AAAAAAAAPhk/ZKIuz3Twyu0/s1600/010.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Something dangerous happens when you pick a cookbook to review from a small snippet of a description and a well worded sub-title. You take the chance that there is nothing in this book your family will eat. The struggle is real with 2 picky eaters in the family. And no I am not referring to the kids. Little Mr. is rather picky and I am in a high sensitivity season where 90% of what I eat sends me right into stomach aches and other delightful things that a lady does not discuss.<br />
<br />
When I received this book from Blogging for Books I jumped to flag all the pages of things that we might be willing to try. Let me tell you there are several. I go to make the grocery list to add some of these items to the list to try out some new recipes to find out that The Mr was let go from his job. Grocery budget just went from having some buffer to barebone basics, no extras not trying nothing new. If it is not something we know we will eat, it cannot be purchased.<br />
<br />
So I held off on reviewing thinking he might land something soon and we could try out a recipe. Well, he is still looking ...<br />
<br />
Seeing this beautiful book sitting there I just had to re-open the pages. I happened to open to a page called "Blue Prints". These are pages that tell you how to do make xyz without giving you the actual ingredients. So you can step out of recipe box. I could used things I had and still make something newer.<br />
<br />
So I tried out one of these blue prints and they are great! You just follow the 2 or 3 steps and you are done.<br />
<br />
Here are some of my highly scientific and completely quirky ways that I look at cookbooks - and how "Supermarket Healthy" stands up against them.<br />
<br />
1. Is it pretty? Do you want to open it? Do you want to hug it, love on it and treat it well?<br />
<br />
Yes. The cover is what drew me in.<br />
<br />
2. When you open it ... How many pages do you need to turn to find pictures? Just a few (yeah!)? Are all the pictures in the middle of the book (boo)?<br />
<br />
When I opened the book I happened to land on a dual page recipe, but I turned the page and there was a beautiful picture of "Soba Noodles with Garlicky Clams and Fennel" smiling up at me -- not that this picky eater would ever consider putting that in my mouth.<br />
<br />
3. Are the recipes easy to read and follow?<br />
<br />
Now although I have yet to make one I have read several of them. Very easy! Now, I am somewhat of a natural in the kitchen. I like to be in the kitchen. I like to cook. So ... would my sister who can bake, but ask her to make more than dessert and she might have a bit of an anxiety attack, be able to make these? Definitely! There are no fancy terms or difficult directions.<br />
<br />
4. The real test -- would we eat the majority of the recipes?<br />
<br />
No. To be honest, I flagged things that we would try, but of the over 150 recipes I would venture to say we wouldn't even eat more than 50 of them. My mom made a good point, the author is from California and they have a different style of eating than we do here in the midwest. That shows in this cookbook.<br />
<br />
You can tell that Melissa D'arabian really started this cookbook to take care of her family. Very few of the recipes take more than an hour from start to finish (according to prep and cook times) -- that is good for busy moms, but the recipes are fancier than I would make on just "any night".<br />
<br />
Overall, I think this is a good cookbook and worth the investment if you are looking for healthier options while still only shopping at your local supermarket. I also think you have to be more open minded to the things you are eating and preparing for your family to really enjoy this book.<br />
<br />
I mentioned it above, but I want to make it clear. I did receive this cookbook from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are 100% mine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-76190449085928369972015-04-15T12:49:00.001-04:002015-04-15T12:49:31.491-04:00The Struggle is Real<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTYqbFnOMQo/VS6VsFlENkI/AAAAAAAAPhM/Fq2bK7peuoQ/s1600/DAY%2BSPA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTYqbFnOMQo/VS6VsFlENkI/AAAAAAAAPhM/Fq2bK7peuoQ/s1600/DAY%2BSPA.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I know that nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-2f7995a8-bdf8-0285-adae-06f5dc2b0e8d"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Romans 7:18-19</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The struggle is real. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The struggle is never going to go away.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As long as we are sucking wind on this planet, the struggle is real.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This struggle is that of sin. I am sure you have heard it, “sin is sin.” I have, many times. My exact thought -- “I am good, I am not sinful. I don’t do the big ones.” Yeah, well what about the little ones? What are you talking about Sara?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What about listening to that little nudge, and doing what it tells you to do? Not obeying. Living in fear. Doing just enough to barely survive. THOSE are the sins that I struggle with. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Obeying</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Control</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Loving</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it comes to these sins -- I am a SINNER. I fail daily. Thank God for His grace and mercy.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But when I don’t sin. When I obey, when I stop trying to make it work my way, when I respond in love -- oh my then I give God room to work. Then I give God room to bless others. Then I give God even more reasons to want to bless me - even though He has all the reasons He needs, I am His and He loves me!</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me explain it the way Jesus would have with a story. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I really don’t like grocery shopping. It is a chore that I just like to ‘get done’. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well last summer we were on the hunt to replace the kids kitchen. It was too small for both of them to play at the same time. It was falling apart. It was really cheap to begin with. I had looked at a few places but found nothing that I felt was a great deal. I would scan every single garage sale as I passed to see if it was worth stopping and really looking. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back to the grocery shopping. I was on the way to the store - I decided (God lead me) to take the time to drive to my favorite Aldi rather than the one right up the street. On the way I see this garage sale. I slow down and peek … toys, but nothing big. I keep going. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After I am done shopping I am putting the cart back and I think to myself, I am going to leave my quarter in the cart and bless someone. (This one probably was me, not God.) Then I feel that nudge, that hey you are about to be told to do something from God. “No, you are going to leave 3.” “What? Then I have to go back to the car, get two more quarters, walk back over here … and God there are people coming! I will probably have to talk to one of them! (All of a sudden 4 people were heading toward the carts!)” </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then there is that split second -- are you going to obey or not. Sin or follow directions?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mentally kicking and screaming I walk to my car, get two more quarters and walk back. I put one in the first cart. I put one in the second. As I am walking away I get the look … the look that registered as “crazy lady what are you doing?” I respond to the look by saying, “Random Acts of Kindness. Have a quarter!” Then I high-tail it out of there. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I get in my car and breathe out … I don’t think I took a full breathe during this whole thing - what was God wanting me to do! I was way out of my comfort zone, but a few seconds later I was back in my car, breathing and safe. Back in my little cocoon of pseudo invisibility. I am heading home, feeling rather good that I obeyed.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I get up to this yard sale I see it. Front and center, big and calling my name. A KITCHEN! This was the same yard sale that I passed on the way to the store. I stop. I walk straight to that kitchen. “How much?” willing to pay up to 20 … “$5” WHAT?!!?!?!?!?!?! (mentally) I pull that money right out of my pocket and I give her $6. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moral of the story … I had that nudge … I heard the request … I had a split second to decided obey or sin … I obeyed … God rewarded me.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I get ‘rewards’ like that everytime? Of course not. I would guess that if I really looked at it I would see more rewards than I do. Am I more willing to listen to that nudge that says … do this. You bet. God needed me to see that listening and obeying are important! Do I fail at it? EVERY SINGLE DAY! Does God give me chance after chance? Yep. That is why He is such a better parent than I am.</span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, Paul lays it out for us. The struggle is real.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-because-the-struggle-is-real/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojRKecO4qiU/VS6VYEf9vaI/AAAAAAAAPhE/LCsPCNKP1fQ/s1600/keep-calm-because-the-struggle-is-real.png" height="400" width="342" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-24181387296295193602015-04-03T15:22:00.000-04:002015-04-03T15:22:10.398-04:00Focus FridayAHHHHHH<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First things first it is 8:30 on a Friday and my family is still sleeping. So Praise The Lord - I am getting some quiet time even with having decided when I went to bed I was going to let God wake me when it was time to get up and not my alarm clock. ... FYI this is a dangerous prayer, there have been times when God wakes me at 3:30 am. I looked at the clock and was like ... Okay God if I am really supposed to get up THIS early you will fill my head with scriptures about how the lazy sleep. Then those scriptures come an hour later! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have started getting up around 5 lately and it is actually really nice to get those several hours of quiet time before the house gets up and running. As Franchesca says ... before the Crazy Kicks in.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ar750jeupg8" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
Oh my has this song spoke to me lately. I have tons of plates to keep spinning. I feel like I keep adding more too.<br />
<br />
1. I sell Educational Resources on two websites. I have been really active with one and more passive with the other. I am trying to be equally active on both and that is harder than I thought.<br />
<br />
2. I am a blogger. I am a reviewer. I am a writer. I feel like this is one of the plates that keeps falling and crashing.<br />
<br />
3. I am a Jamberry Nail Wraps Consultant. (This one is super new.)<br />
<br />
4. I have joined Boom Boom Prints to sell artwork.<br />
<br />
So many plates. So many plates. Because all of these are online ventures I also have to do all the marketing, promoting, relationship building -- crash, spin, crash, spin. Oh man that plate does not like to keep going.<br />
<br />
Let's not even mention the fact that I am Mama. I am Wifey. I am friend. I am sister. I am sister-in-Christ. I am daughter. I am princess (I am the daughter of The King after all). Ohhh.. and I am Sara, I forget her often. That is the plate that is usually sitting over there on the floor.<br />
<br />
(Time to take care of kiddos and finish while they eat breakfast.)<br />
<br />
I have big jobs and life likes to spin out of control. Not only do we have my plates, but we have Hubsy's plates to keep spinning.<br />
<br />
Here is what we need -- we need to be two octopi united as one (since we are married and united as one anyway). We would have 16 arms and we would be able to keep it all going. God has it all wrong!<br />
<br />
God made us with two hands, that is it. When we get married we both only have two hands ... our hearts and lives might be united, but our bodies ... not so much. God did it this way so that we would lean on HIM.<br />
<br />
I heard something (again really) but it was really profound the way that I heard it this time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2vkfiLMOH84/VR7jtiOrnrI/AAAAAAAAPgk/8OerTiOjRIs/s1600/Add%2Bsubtitle%2Btext%2B(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2vkfiLMOH84/VR7jtiOrnrI/AAAAAAAAPgk/8OerTiOjRIs/s1600/Add%2Bsubtitle%2Btext%2B(1).png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is time to take some time and focus. So today will be Focus Friday. Take all these plates, list out what I need to do for each. Make a schedule to work like it all depends on me. I also am going to write something around my schedule that reminds me that I need to extend myself grace and I need to quit trying to achieve way more than is realistic.Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-47948076630322515802015-04-02T17:29:00.000-04:002015-04-02T17:29:50.534-04:00"How I Tricked My Husband" a Thoughtful ResponseRecently this article was shared on Facebook. "<a href="http://www.keepinglifesane.com/cleaning-tricks/#comment-145" target="_blank">How I Tricked My Husband to Think I Cleaned - when I didn't".</a><br />
<br />
Go ahead, jump over and read it. At first I really thought it was written to be humorous. As I read it, it really doesn't seem that way. I mean honestly she posted before and after pictures. Then I skimmed the Facebook comments - always a mistake, when will I ever learn - of course their were the the ... "what?" and the "that really sounds like cleaning". Many of the comments centered around the whole notion that if he wants a clean house he can do it himself.<br />
<br />
So my first notion was to try out her "tips" and I did. You can read that here. Strange thing happened when I was tricking my husband I cleaned. MY HOUSE GOT CLEAN.<br />
<br />
This author did her job because I am writing about her post, it was shared on Facebook who knows how many times, I am even still thinking about her post - so good job (<a href="http://www.keepinglifesane.com/cleaning-tricks/#comment-145" target="_blank">Keeping Life Sane</a>)<br />
<br />
Here are my thoughts --<br />
<br />
1. If you truly have to trick your husband to think you cleaned when you didn't there might be something missing from your relationship. You shouldn't have to trick your husband on ... well almost anything. I mean if you are throwing him a surprise birthday party some tricks may have to happen -- everyday life not so much.<br />
<br />
2. Yes, as a Stay At Home Mom time can get away from you. Yes, as a Stay At Home Mom there are going to be days where you get nothing done. Yes, you will feel guilty -- the enemy is good at that one. Yes, as a Stay At Home Mom you will think it is SOLELY your job to parent, cook, clean and kiss the boo boos - you are not alone in this ... your husband is part of the team!<br />
<br />
3. For those who think "He should do it himself". What if you had to switch roles? What if you had to be the parent out of the house working? Would you really want to come home to a house in such a mess that you then had to clean yourself? The answer is no. That would lead to more problems. We are women, we are emotional by creation. We would be all up in his stuff while we were throwing stuff around "putting it away" and "do I have to do everything around here?"<br />
<br />
4. We all have different standards of "clean". Mine have actually really changed over the last 2 years.<br />
<br />
A quick story --<br />
<br />
In 2013 I was the working parent. My husband had lost his job and had been doing a 100% commission position that was just not taking off in the market we live in. We HAD to pay our bills. We HAD to put food on the table. We HAD to do something. So we talked about it and he would continue to look for a job that paid well. While he was looking I would get a job. He was the staying home parent and responsible for finding babysitting when he had a job interview. I would be the working parent.<br />
<br />
He got to see first hand what I do, day in and day out. He even said to me during that time ... how do you get it all done? I would come home from work at 6:30. He would have dinner done. Man we ate A LOT of spaghetti and egg mess at that time. He would have attempted to get laundry done and have the living spaces straightened up. I would get home and he would collapse. It is tons of work taking care of at the time a 1 and 3 year old. <br />
<br />
When the words "What did you do all day?" came out of my mouth it was not in that accusatory tone -- wow this place is a mess what did you do all day -- it was from that place of "I want to hear about your day - the good, the bad and the ugly."<br />
<br />
Fast forward to 2014, he had gotten a job and I had all intentions of keeping mine until he made me quit. No one had ever met him at the daycare I worked at. The one time he came in to pick up the kids he was able to get all the way to our son's room in the back of the school without any security measures. When we got home he said, "You are going to work Friday and you and the kids will not be back in that school ever." He never puts his foot down like that, so of course I listened. I would rather be home with my babies anyway.<br />
<br />
Remember there are always two sides to every coin.<br />
<br />
Now, I have a husband that has never said to me, "What did you do all day?" accusing me of sitting around doing nothing. Has my husband walked into a house a straight up hot mess of hurricane Miss and volcano Mister? You better believe it! Has he walked in and I am just starting to cook dinner ... YEP! Does he know that I take my job as Wife and Mama seriously? Of course. If our home is a HOT MESS he knows one of two things. One the kids have been horrendous and are probably in their rooms until Daddy get's home. Or two, we have had so much fun playing that time just got away from us. It could be either really.<br />
<br />
Are there times that he has come home to dinner being cooked and the house being clean. OF COURSE, more times than the other really. <br />
<br />
If you are finding yourself "tricking your husband to think you cleaned" ask yourself ... are your expectations of what your husband expects unrealistic? My husband does not need to come home to a dust free house. Of course he prefers to come home to a straighten up house so he is not tripping on toys the moment he walks in, but clean is not necessary. Ask yourself are you taking on more than you can handle? This was me for a long time. I thought it was my job as the Stay at Home Mom that I had to be the one to do all the cooking and cleaning. We are a team, and if I ask my husband to do this or that ... it is OKAY! Most ... okay really all ... that pressure I was putting on myself.<br />
<br />
Now, truth of the matter is that I do 97% of all the cleaning and cooking -- because I want to. And yes, I work from home. Truth be told, I want to spoil my husband. I know he works hard and I know that it is really cost inefficient for me to go out and get a job. The least I can do is make sure he has a clean home and dinner waiting.Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-88492560568423410772015-04-02T09:47:00.001-04:002015-04-02T17:30:27.573-04:00Tricking My Husband to Think I Cleaned -- The TestHave you seen this article? <a href="http://www.keepinglifesane.com/cleaning-tricks/#comment-145" target="_blank">How I Tricked My Husband to Think I Cleaned, When I Didn't</a>.<br />
<br />
So here we go! I am going to put her tips to the test. Here are the BEFORE's. Yes, my house is a straight up HOT MESS. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdFurszrRXg/VR0lKIahIHI/AAAAAAAAPfk/TxiMrb1czcM/s1600/TrickCleaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdFurszrRXg/VR0lKIahIHI/AAAAAAAAPfk/TxiMrb1czcM/s1600/TrickCleaning.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old. The only way this test was going to happen is if I had them busy doing something else. Hurricane and Volcano are outside playing during this test.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Trick 1. Change the Table Cloth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can see in the before picture ... I do not use a table cloth. However if I were to use a table cloth I would have to remove all items from the table and it would look like this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzmdHeX8ZRo/VR0mTVK9bRI/AAAAAAAAPf0/xZdEIRGGZKE/s1600/IMG_8696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzmdHeX8ZRo/VR0mTVK9bRI/AAAAAAAAPf0/xZdEIRGGZKE/s1600/IMG_8696.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to do something with all that stuff. So I put it away. Please pretend this is a clean table cloth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tip 2: Make the bed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, this one I am not testing. Right now our bedrooms are turned upside down. Puke-Apocalypse has just ended and literally every laundry basket is in there and full to the brim needing folded and put away. Making the bed would not help a single thing. Not.A.Single.Thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tip 3: Go through the Mail </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
SKIPPED! It doesn't usually pile up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tip 4: Clean out the sink.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwVzIGAr7Lw/VR0qQlGrRKI/AAAAAAAAPgA/QP5erb5VIfo/s1600/IMG_8682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwVzIGAr7Lw/VR0qQlGrRKI/AAAAAAAAPgA/QP5erb5VIfo/s1600/IMG_8682.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Taking a before picture of our dishes would just be gross. Funny thing happens when you wipe out the sink. You also wipe off the counters around the sink since you already have some soap and water on the paper towel you just dried the sink out with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tip 5: Remove junk from the counter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our things never end up on the counters. Our counters on in the joint living spaces with my in laws, so we always have our stuff off the counters, so this is not an applicable tip for us. Untested.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tip 6: Pick up the living room floor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will refer you back to the before picture. HOT MESS. I have a 3 and 5 year old. My 3 year old thinks that to find the specific car you are looking for you turn the box over and dump it out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5YkMXnAvEA/VR0rRN_A8GI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/qvqRrYhEMvg/s1600/IMG_8695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5YkMXnAvEA/VR0rRN_A8GI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/qvqRrYhEMvg/s1600/IMG_8695.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our living room is where we play. We live in less than 700 square feet for all of our daytime living space. The bedroom is maybe 6 by 9, so not room to play in bedrooms. So yes picking up all the toys off the floor does make it look much cleaner. She had a bonus tip to vacuum the center of the room. The vacuum lines make it feel and look much cleaner. It was not possible to vacuum at the time of these pics due to sleeping family members.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So in conclusion - these tips make it look like you have a clean house -- <span style="font-size: large;">because you do</span>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For more thoughts on this post click<a href="http://thehickmanfour.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-i-tricked-my-husband-thoughtful.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-8330323447821935722015-03-23T11:25:00.001-04:002015-07-26T15:45:10.030-04:00Ebb and Flow of the Work at Home MomJust over a year and a half ago I wrote about the ebb and flow of our <a href="http://thehickmanfour.blogspot.com/2013/06/wah-wednesday-beautifully-challenging.html" target="_blank">schedule</a>. We are in flux again, and this time it is much more stressful. After a minor mental breakdown over the weekend and break-through I think we are going to be okay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3QtkaZbe3o/VRAUbpYX57I/AAAAAAAAPfI/h6Ya6d1hKck/s1600/Life%2Bis%2BHard%2BImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3QtkaZbe3o/VRAUbpYX57I/AAAAAAAAPfI/h6Ya6d1hKck/s1600/Life%2Bis%2BHard%2BImage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So instead of showing you my "Facebook Happy Life" I am going to keep it real.<br />
<br />
I am sure I don't have to tell you this.<br />
<br />
LIVE IS HARD. Life as a Work At Home Mom is HARD.<br />
<br />
Our reality.<br />
1. Our 3 year old is out growing naps. Goes from full gear to crashed in the matter of nanoseconds. He wants to nap from 330 to 5 and be up until 1030 pm. Our 5 year old can make it until 7 without a nap then she goes into full meltdown mode.<br />
<br />
The struggles with this<br />
<br />
-- if I let them stay up they are a little unbearable the whole time they get to spend time with Daddy during the week. Then he doesn't get to spend all that much time with them after work. <br />
-- if I force them to nap bedtime needs to be pushed back and I am worn out by the time 730 rolls around. (It literally is forcing them to nap. Threats of lost toys and lost playtime. Yeah, it's bad.)<br />
-- I work during nap. This is when I get the most done. It is my laser focus time. ... for the last 2 to 3 weeks it has been discipline every 15 minutes and I have gotten nothing done.<br />
<br />
2. I have been sleep deprived for 4 years now. -- but Little Miss is 5 ... yeahp. She was a great sleeper. She slept through the night by 4 months. She took naps great, and for the most part still does. HOWEVER she tosses and turns like she is sleeping in a darn washing machine! Her blankets end up who knows where, she can't find them to cover herself up when she gets cold at 3 am. So what does she do ... Mommy, can you help me? Listen to crying or just get up and do it? Ongoing discussion in my house. Then there is Little Mister. At the same time when Little Miss is getting cold so is Little Mr. instead of asking for help he is coming over with blanket and stuffies in tow to sleep with Mama.<br />
<br />
The struggles of this<br />
<br />
-- when is Mama supposed to get rest and recover from a full day of being Mama?<br />
-- of course Mama has been trying to get work accomplished so she has been staying up late. When this insanity starts at 3 am I have maybe gotten 2 to 3 hours of sleep.<br />
<br />
3. The job front is not as secure as one would like. That just adds a whole different level of anxiety. Is it ever going to end? Is it ever going to stop raining?<br />
<br />
So I say again. Life is hard.<br />
<br />
I went looking for some answers.<br />
<br />
I went to church and walked out feeling so beaten up spiritually. Here is the funny thing - that is not AT ALL what the message was even about. I left church wondering if the love of Jesus was in my heart of just plain hatred. I didn't go home (Hubs knew I was going to take some alone time before I even went to church). I started venting - in the form of a blog post that will now, never see the light of day.<br />
<br />
That is when I had a breakthrough. <br />
<br />
The biggest thing I realized is that my schedule, my work time and non-work time needed to be revamped. The second biggest thing I realized is that I had to stop playing and delete Farmville2. It was doing nothing but causing anxiety and taking time away from important things -- like my kids. I realized that the enemy was using my attempt to get time in The Word against me. I was having thoughts like "It is not okay to read just 1 chapter a day -- if you can't read more you should read it at all." and "listening to The Word be read to you is not the same as reading it yourself -- you aren't even paying attention to it."<br />
<br />
I realized that without changes my life would continue to spin out of control and fall apart.<br />
<br />
Changes I am going to make - mainly I am going to go back to things that worked before.<br />
<br />
1. I feel better when I go to bed, lights off by 10:30.<br />
2. Life is better when I get quiet time in the morning. BEFORE everyone gets up.<br />
3. I am going to find ways to adjust our schedule and keep the kids happy busy when I need to be working.<br />
4. I am setting work hours and non - work hours.<br />
<br />
I will keep you posted on how things are going.<br />
<br />
<br />
Feel free to leave your work at home tips in the comments.Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-25690792211334311632015-03-13T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-13T09:00:00.578-04:00Review: Against the Grain by Nancy Cain<div>
What happens when you are a mom known for your homemade pizza Friday nights and your son is diagnosed with celiac disease? You realize that gluten is in everything! You head out on a mission to find a way to make pizza. This is exactly what happened to Nancy Cain, owner of Against the Grain Gourmet and author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385345550/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385345550&linkCode=as2&tag=touofhomlea-20&linkId=WFPVBAOIVGC3GPOR" target="_blank">"Against the Grain."</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPmaRWKmEOg/VQGhNJniFtI/AAAAAAAAPeE/TeKd2sonZag/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPmaRWKmEOg/VQGhNJniFtI/AAAAAAAAPeE/TeKd2sonZag/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8%2B(1).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The introduction to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385345550/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385345550&linkCode=as2&tag=touofhomlea-20&linkId=WFPVBAOIVGC3GPOR" target="_blank">"Against the Grain"</a> tells the Cain family story that lead them to creating a gluten free baking company. She then explains the fundamentals of gluten free baking and why gums are not necessary. In the fundamentals you find out so many things about the importance of the pans (much more important in gluten free baking than standard baking) and the essential items for a gluten free pantry. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had wanted to experiment with gluten free baking in November since I was tired of the constant stomach aches. I had gluten free pizza at a friends house and it was the first time in a long time I was not in pain 15 minutes after eating. I purchased a gluten free flour mixture, gluten free bread mix and xantham gum. I had made the bread and that was nice to be able to eat a sandwich. I had cut it out for the most part in bread and pasta for a week. I realized that I am sensitive to gluten - I can eat some, but when I hit a limit I then get 'sick' again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I saw this cookbook available to review at <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" target="_blank">Blogging for Books</a> I jumped at the chance. I had experience with a few gluten free mixes and although it was nice not having stomach issues after eating, the texture of the foods left much to be desired. After the introductory pages I found myself leafing through the recipes. I found things that I was SO excited to try. I had The Hickmans pick out things to try and I added the items to my grocery list. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now I typically get everything I can at Aldi and Dollar Tree. This is how I feed us typically for around $75 for a week. Knowing I was going to be trying out some new recipes I added $25 to our budget for this week. I also knew I was going to have to head out to some other stores. I found most of what I needed at Kroger. I think I would have found it all, but they were out of the Buckwheat flour. I got all the extra I needed (except the Buckwheat flour) for 17. The coconut flour and coconut milk were on sale, it would have been 20 without the sale.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found a recipe for pancakes and instead of the flours suggested I just used the flour mix I had. They turned out. They were good, but not great. I knew it was because I didn't follow the recipe exactly I used different flours. I read the introductory pages, I understood that different flours need different hydration levels. I knew not using the exact flours listed would make a difference. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So with the next recipe I followed it, to the letter. We are trying the little Hickmans pick. Tater Donuts. Gather your supplies and helpers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fjB3tmidpE/VQGphK-PsaI/AAAAAAAAPeY/dNzPTMyDWXc/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fjB3tmidpE/VQGphK-PsaI/AAAAAAAAPeY/dNzPTMyDWXc/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8%2B(2).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3u4TXqTr3Y/VQGphOpnMbI/AAAAAAAAPeU/7Rzs-2RdS-E/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8%2B(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3u4TXqTr3Y/VQGphOpnMbI/AAAAAAAAPeU/7Rzs-2RdS-E/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8%2B(3).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Follow the directions and get this scrambled egg looking dough. Be fearful that it is going to taste like fried eggs and potatoes, but keep going and trust the process. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Taste the donuts with a little hesitation ... the whole fear of fried eggs and potatoes. Then realize that your fears are -- once again -- unwarranted. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are delicious! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I called my dad (a chef).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
D: "Hello."</div>
<div>
M: "Dad, I may never buy donuts again. These are as if french crawlers and cake donuts had a love child."</div>
<div>
D: Laughs at me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I text the husband.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Oh my these are a little bite straight from heaven. As if it is a tantalizing dance just for my mouth. Seriously, you might not get any!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The kids are crazy and didn't like them. These are very airy and they like a dense cake donuts, so that makes sense to me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is something else that I just love about this cookbook. With each recipe there is a little story, reason behind the recipe, or tip to make the recipe even better. I love aspect. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had mentioned it earlier, but I want it to be known. I was given this book in exchange for a review. At no point was I asked to give a positive review and all the opinions are 100% my own. </div>
Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-77045486733610639452015-03-10T14:48:00.000-04:002015-03-10T14:48:54.025-04:00Tell Me About It Tuesday: Freebies!As many of you may or may not know - I was a social worker, turned preschool business owner, turned teacher, turned at home mom. Some days I just "stay-home" and do all the fun stuff - play, errands, parent. Other days I "work-at-home" - I run a Teachers Pay Teachers Store. I also homeschool my two for preschool. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-0X-QI2Sps/VP870Fv9owI/AAAAAAAAPdw/ZK3CGIEsgxQ/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-0X-QI2Sps/VP870Fv9owI/AAAAAAAAPdw/ZK3CGIEsgxQ/s1600/Pinning%2BImages%2B8x8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Educlips/Order:Price-Asc/Page:2" target="_blank">Clip Art: Edu-Clips</a> // <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ashley-Hughes-38" target="_blank">Background: Ashley Hughes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Of course I love to test out my own creations, but then you get sick for an entire month and you are able to rely on other teachers creations. Here are some of the Spring and Easter freebies I am looking forward to using with Little Miss and Little Mister.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/CVC-Word-Egg-Hunt/original-211746-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/CVC-Word-Egg-Hunt/original-211746-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVC-Word-Egg-Hunt-211746" target="_blank">Yeehaw Teaching in Texas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
You hide pictures in eggs and they will match the egg to the answer sheet provided. They will color the eggs on the answer sheet to match the color egg they found the picture in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Counting-by-10s-with-Flip-Flops/original-215250-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Counting-by-10s-with-Flip-Flops/original-215250-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Counting-by-10s-with-Flip-Flops-215250" target="_blank">Miss Mittereder</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The flip flops come in two sizes and it comes with a worksheet. We will make a game or two with this resource. The worksheet will come in handy when I have to give Little Miss her own things to do to keep them separated and occupied.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Jellybean-Sorting-Graphing/original-216775-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Jellybean-Sorting-Graphing/original-216775-1.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jellybean-Sorting-Graphing-216775" target="_blank">Wild About Teaching</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We do this activity different ways all the time. Around Fourth of July we did this with M&M's. At Valentine's we did this with conversation hearts. My two love these activities. I am looking forward to the added aspect of sorting into the circles first with this activity.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Bee-Matching-Noun-Sight-Words/original-236908-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Bee-Matching-Noun-Sight-Words/original-236908-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bee-Matching-Noun-Sight-Words-236908" target="_blank">A Special Kind of Class</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Matching games are LOVED in our house. How cute are those bees?!? When this is printed out the kids will match the noun on the hive with the noun on the bee.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last year I made these color by number grids. I am looking forward to using them again this year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/FREEBIE-Color-by-Number-Grids-for-Easter-1209767/original-1209767-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/FREEBIE-Color-by-Number-Grids-for-Easter-1209767/original-1209767-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Color-by-Number-Grids-for-Easter-1209767" target="_blank">Sara Hickman</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7169263924106089882.post-10279809461708585082015-03-10T10:54:00.002-04:002015-03-10T10:54:45.789-04:0010 Things ... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWGB1RQR1zk/VP8FWrmhxaI/AAAAAAAAPdg/83Tq0mD4swk/s1600/10%2BThings%2BI%2BlearnedAbout%2BMyself%2Bturning%2B(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWGB1RQR1zk/VP8FWrmhxaI/AAAAAAAAPdg/83Tq0mD4swk/s1600/10%2BThings%2BI%2BlearnedAbout%2BMyself%2Bturning%2B(1).png" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-e45fa548-0408-1cf7-6605-1a7c48655906" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yep, I had a birthday - and I didn’t do much about it on the blog. I think most of you would make a better stink about it than my extended family did.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. My daddy is always the second person to tell me happy birthday. Hubs has him beat every year (now). If I am not called by 10am on my birthday I am worried about him.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. My all time favorite cheeseburger comes from “The Works” in Loveland, Ohio.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. The dessert pizza there is AMAZING! </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(I decided my birthday present this year was doing NO kitchen work of any kind - and no house cleaning. Went to a restaurant for it all instead of meal then dessert.)</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. I have learned that I may never actually sleep through the night, ever again. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. I have tons of friends that like to use Facebook to wish you a happy birthday. Which I love people taking time to wish me a happy birthday.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. I miss personal contact on your birthday. This is why we sent a video to our friend and babysitter on her birthday.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. I really miss getting cards on my birthday now that my grandparents have passed.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. My kids are going to be great gift givers - they already put their heart in their gifts they give. Even if it is just a colored picture from the coloring book.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. I would rather spend my birthday with my Hickman Five than anyone else.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Give You Glory'; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10. 37 will be better than 36 -- it has to be.</span></div>
Sara Hickman designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02932439554332340805noreply@blogger.com0