Piggy Banks

I went to the post office the other day to send a package to my brother in South Carolina. We had been talking recently about piggy banks - he was looking for one - and I happened to find one that a friend's grandson no longer used. So, I decided to surprise him and mail it to him. Of course, when you mail any package these days, there's always the standard questions asked by the postal worker re: the contents. No, the package did not contain any hazardous materials, explosives, illegal drugs, etc. Finally, I just said, "It's just a little plastic piggy bank." No need to heavily insure it!! However, the more I thought about it, especially after going on my daily walk, I decided EVERYONE needs a piggy bank these days. And here's why:

Save those pennies, nickels, and dimes -
They can add up over time.
With all the bailouts today
I think the piggy's the safest way
To have some money for a "rainy day"!

Picture Posting

My daughter is helping me learn how to post a picture to the blog. This picture was from our trip at Christmas to Hilton Head-- from left to right, April, her husband Michael, me, Roy, and my sister Jan. It was an AWESOME trip!! Thanks, April and Michael.

New Student

We had a new student come today. He visited our classroom with his Mom on Friday, but did not stay for the day. He seemed very shy and a little overwhelmed at a new school and new room. And, when he came on Friday, the students were at their Science special so he was not able to meet them. So, today was his first day meeting new faces and "walking through" a whole new schedule and routine. Oh, how difficult it can be to have to start all over in the middle of a school year ~ especially in Kindergarten! The morning was very hard for him, but I am happy to say that he "hung in there" and made it through math and reading groups, classwork, lunch, and the quarterly writing test. And then, because of the cold weather, we had play stations and he was able to play with three other children in the building blocks center. Watching him enjoy himself and seeing the positive way that the other children interacted with him ~ that was special! So, it made me think how hard new beginnings are for all of us at times.

It's really hard when you are new,
In a place that's unfamiliar to you -
Not always knowing what to say or do -
It's really hard when you are new.

The highlight of the day was his hug as he left to go home. He had made it through the first day and that was enough. So, here's to new beginnings, be it Kindergarten, new jobs, or new leadership for our nation. And, at the end of the day, give someone a hug!!

Snowmen

Friday was a special day at school - not just because it was Friday, but because our kindergarten class experienced the joy of making something to share with someone else. One of the second grade classes came to our room and these students taught our students how to make the cutest sock snowmen for residents of a nearby nursing home. The excitement in the room was contagious!! Listening to those second graders teach those little kindergarteners how to stuff the socks, and add the buttons, and use chalk to make rosey cheeks - and then tie the ribbons around the necks - and paint the eyes and mouth and glue on the sticks for hands....what fun! Each one of the snowmen has its own personality - just like each precious child in that room. After school on Friday I left to take our daughter, her husband, and another couple to Greensboro to catch a flight. But on my way back to Winston, I went back by the school - everything was quiet -- and I looked at those snowmen again. They made me smile!! I know they will bring joy to those precious residents at the nursing home. So, here's to Snowmen everywhere!!

I like Snowmen - fat or tall,
I like Snowmen - short or small,
I like Snowmen - they make me smile
Though they're only here for a little while.

By the way, if you really like snowmen like I do, check out the website for the World's Largest Snowman. Unbelievable!!

Weather and Change

Today was very cold ... and will be getting colder... which made me think about changes and weather. Both have a lot in common. Life is all about changes - sometimes coming when we least expect them. How we respond is what counts. So, I'm reminded of a poem from a 4th grade children's music book which says....

Whether the weather is COLD,
Or whether the weather is HOT,
We'll weather the weather -
No matter the weather -
Whether we like it or not!

The key is to weather the weather! Here's to warmer days ahead!!

Bumper Stickers

I just finished walking today and it was very cold, so I decided to walk around the parking lot of a school nearby where the sun was still shining. Interesting - just looking at the bumper stickers. One even said, "What would Scooby Doo?" That made me think:

Bumper Stickers can reveal,
What you think and what you feel.
So, please choose carefully what you say,
You're read by others every day.

By the way, I also found a penny and a coupon for Quiznos. It was a good walk!

Technology Thoughts

It's really exciting to know
That no matter how old you may be -
You can still learn something new
In the field of technology. THANKS, EMORY!!

First Sayings

Hi! I don't know how to blog but am "jumping in" with both feet....and hands.