Our World Should Be For Everyone

As most of my readers know, my sister is a second grade teacher. Her first year has been full of challenges, as her students are not the easiest bunch to teach. But the more stories she tells me, the more I realize how much the environment that we live in influences the way we learn, what we learn, and which tools are available to teach us.

But a shortage of resources doesn't mean a teacher can't be resource-FUL!! My sis told me about donorschoose.com, and that she had something posted on it. When I went to the website and read her proposal, I wanted to cry!! Aside from being a great teacher, my sister is a wonderful writer and I think she has really conveyed the needs of her classroom. It just made me so sad that there are kids who don't know about their world! Our world should be available to everyone!!

In any case, I would encourage everyone to check out the website. Even if her proposed donation item is not for you (but I hope it is) maybe you can find another proposal that speaks to you, a way that you can help kids prepare for the world around them, and to know that there is even more world beyond them.

An Appeal

We have canceled our cable. It will save us money, and hopefully help me save brain cells. I'm trying to get away from the habit of watching TV at night, and to start reading more. I used to read all the time and have just gotten away from that over the years.

But I don't know what to read anymore!! What is relevant? Topical? Just plain good? What are my friends/family/peers reading?

So, I have recently signed up for Good Reads (goodreads.com). It is a website that lets you "friend" people, similar to other social networking sites. But here you can see the "bookshelves" of your friends, what they are reading, what they have read, their reviews and comments about books, etc. It's pretty cool.

I invite anyone who is willing to share their literary experience with me to sign up for Good Reads, and friend me. Just search for me by first and last name. There are currently only two of "me", so I shouldn't be too hard to find.

I look forward to reading with you!!

Christmas Fun

Phew!!! The holidays are behind us and I can take a deep breath knowing that there are no more parties to go to, presents to wrap, or trips to take (although, I wouldn't mind a few more days off from work!)

All in all, we had a wonderful Christmas. Good company, generous gifts, and Kiki was especially fun this year. Though I don't think she really grasped what was going on, she enjoyed her time with cousin Ev and her new toys are lots of fun. She also perfected her "camera face", which I think is a combination of her knowing she should smile and also anticipating the flash. It's so cute, and cracks me up EVERY time!!



While we waited for people to arrive at Grandpa and Grandma's Christmas party on Christmas day, Kiki tried out one of her gifts from Ray and I. I think she liked it.



Here is a video, so you can see her in action. Listen closely for the giggles.



When we got home, Elena enjoyed her other gift from Ray and I (on sale for $30 bucks, score!) I think Elena and her cousins M and L might have to get together for a bake-off, as they are all now equipped with the proper tools.