15 years ago this August, I began my teaching career. I will always remember my first class of Kindergarteners at St. Mark's Lutheran School in Milford, Ohio. It was a small class, but they were so precious! The children and their parents made me feel so welcome. It wasn't usually the big gestures but it was the small ones I remember most. I remember a mom taking the time to ask me what kind of soda I liked and bringing me a drink at the beginning of my afternoon session. I remember homemade goodies appearing on my desk more than once. And I still have the handwritten notes of appreciation … Read More...

I like simple and festive projects children can do for the holidays. When my sister shared her idea of making pine cone Christmas trees, I knew it was an idea I wanted to do myself - and share with others. Thankfully, Liesl shared her pictures of her adorable kids with their trees. These pine cone Christmas trees are a festive decoration that are simple enough for kids to make. That's what makes a winning project in my book! Side note. Does anyone else stumble over whether to spell pinecone as one word or two? I looked it up in the dictionary and learned it is actually correct both … Read More...