June Special Days

Special Days

June 6 D-Day-65th Anniversary-2009
June 6 Teachers' Day Varies by Country
June 7 National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
June 9 Donald Duck Day
June 14 Flag Day
June 19 Juneteenth
June 21 Father's Day
June 21 Summer Begins
June 28 Paul Bunyan Day
National Ice Cream Month
National Tennis Month
National Camping Month
National Safety Month
National Zoo Month

Theme Resources:
http://edhelper.com/June.htm June Theme Units

http://edhelper.com/DailyThemes_June_6.html D-Day Theme Unit

http://www.dday.org/index.php?page=education D-Day Memorial Info

http://edhelper.com/DailyThemes_June_28.html June 28th Theme Unit Paul Bunyan Day

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/monthly-resources/june.htm Bulletin boards, plans, activities, units, resources

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/calendars/june.php Calendar Activities

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/themes/ Themes-World Environment Day-June 5--U.S.Flag Day-June 14

http://www.instructorweb.com/lesson/flagday.asp Flag Day Lesson & History

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth Juneteenth History & Info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teacher%27s_Day Teachers' Day by Countries

http://www.edhelper.com/DailyThemes_June_7.html National Ice Cream Day

http://www.education-world.com/learning/month/june.shtml National Zoo Month and Other June Calendar Themes

www.geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/summerfun.htm Summer Theme Resources

Huff & Puff & Blow Your House Down

We've just had a couple of days where the wind has howled and blown so hard our house shook like we were in an earthquake!! Friday night I kept waking up as huge gusts would shake and rattle our place. Things literally got "blown away". Hubby went for his walk in Fish Creek Park and trees were toppled over the trails. Today is calm.

A Very Unexpected Result....

.....to my Google search.I was directed to Tacoma Daily Index.com and I guess because of our last name and David having worked for the Abbotsford News, where his Obituary appeared in, it took me here. Now, I don't believe in coincidences, but this is almost "spooky". However, I would have dissolved in a puddle not many months ago, but this article, though a shock to unexpecticly come across, was strangely comforting....almost like David reached out to say "hi" :)Just look at that big smile!
WILLEBOORDSE, David George Saturday, 30 Sep 2006 Abbotsford News
Abbotsford, BC David George
Aug. 13, 1981 - Sept. 30, 2006
On August 13, 1981 a third son was born to Faye and George Willeboordse. David George Willeboordse arrived – a huge gift to his family – he weighed 9lbs – 13ozs. On September 30, 2006 David's life was cut short by a tragic accident in Langley, B.C.
David was born in Williams Lake, B.C. Shortly thereafter his family moved to Salmon Arm and lived in various places in B.C. Including Merritt, Surrey and Abbotsford as he was growing up. The last 13 years he was a resident of Abbotsford, B.C. In the last two months of his life, David began a new job in Ft. St. John, B.C and was staying there with his family while in the process of moving and beginning a new life there with his wife.
In the fall of 2002 David met a beautiful young lady, Karen Gurney and she fast became the love of his life. They were married on May 14, 2005. David and Karen were excited about a new beginning in Ft. St. John living closer to David's family.
Even at an early age "happiness" and "comedian" were words that defined David. Laughter followed him wherever he went. He liked nothing better than a good joke or a playful tease to those he knew and loved. Everyone loved David. He was a loving husband, son and brother, a great friend and a 'favorite' uncle. Growing through his teenage and young adult life, David developed Godly character which was displayed in his loyalty and love to those around him. He is known for his caring ways, his soft shoulder and his incredible ability to bring encouragement to those who needed it. David loved God with his whole life. He appreciated all that God made and was especially enthralled with the beauty of God's creation.
David's passion was people and his heart went out to those who were less fortunate than himself. One of the many highlights of his life was the opportunity to meet the King of Ghana, Africa, and then participate in a missions trip to his country. He would have loved to share in many more 'mission' experiences.
David is survived by his wife, Karen; his parents, Faye and George Willeboordse of Fort. St. John; his brothers, Kevin (Jodie) of Fort. St. John and Colin of Abbotsford; his grandparents, Sid and Joanne Miedema of Fort. St. John and Leunis and Julie Willeboordse of Abbotsford; his nephew and niece, Tyson and Kaylie. David will be greatly missed by numerous aunts, uncles cousins and friends.
Memorial service for David will be held at Heritage Alliance Church, 3440 Mt. Lehman Road, Abbotsford on Friday, October 6, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.

This & That

The past couple of days have brought spring rain. That rain, followed by today's sunshine, has caused the grass to be greener, the flowers to turn their faces to the sun and "smile". It also clears away the "funk" I've been in.
We're taking off to have lunch with my parents too. We have a new baby girl in the family...my nephew and his wife have a baby girl named Kylie and my parents can't wait to see the pictures :) They live in Ontario, and Mom wishes she could go snuggle their wee great-grand. For now, pictures will have to do :)
Meet: Kylie McKenna - 6lbs.10oz.

Life is a Gift

This is something we should all read at least once a week

****************************************************

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful,beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19.. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

End-Of-School Year Themes and Resources

http://edhelper.com/end_of_school_year.htm End of School Theme Unit

http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/holidays/endofyear/ End of School Year Theme Unit

http://www.edhelper.com/Teacher_Appreciation_Day.htm Teacher Appreciation Theme

http://www.teachingheart.net/endoftheyearpage.html Year Ending Theme Unit

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/EndSchool.htm Lessons & Ideas

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=264 End of Year Wrap-Ups

http://www.teachersnetwork.org/NTNY/nychelp/Literacy_Management/endofterm.htm Procedures

http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/saygoodjob.html Say Good Job 50 Ways

http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/ Teaching Tips

http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/reportcardcommentselementary.html Report Card Comments

http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/lastdayofschool.html Tips Last Day

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/end-of-year/index.htm Activities

http://www.vickiblackwell.com/endofyear.html End of School Year Resources

http://www.thevirtualvine.com/May-Summer.html Everything for End of School

http://www.pre-kpages.com/endofyear.html Books & More Ideas

http://www.theeducatorsnetwork.com/main/units/endofyear.htm End of Year Resources

http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/art/tshirts052199.html Custom T-Shirts

http://www.billybear4kids.com/graduation/memory/book.html School Is Cool Memory Book

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/books/schoolmemory/ Memory Book

http://www.vickiblackwell.com/templates/template_memorypage.pdf Memory Page

http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/songspoems56.html Poems & Songs

http://www.littlegiraffes.com/graduation.html Ideas & Poems

http://webclipart.about.com/od/msubgradaa/Graduation_Clip_Art_Links.htm Clipart

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/graduation/mgradposter.html Posters

http://www.abcteach.com/MonthtoMonth/poster.htm Blank Poster

http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/End_of_the_Year/ Theme Resources

http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/endofyear/052498.html Ideas

http://www.abcteach.com/Extras/studentcard.htm Card to Copy

http://www.hummingbirded.com/end-of-year.html Letter to Parents & Poems

http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/endofyear/certificates060399.html Certificates

http://atozteacherstuff.com/printables/cat_endyear.shtml Poems & Recipes

http://parentingteens.about.com/cs/graduation/a/gradparty.htm# Parties

http://www.allthedaze.com/summer1.html Games, Survival Kits, Awards, Ideas

http://www.fvsd.ab.ca/stm/end_of_the_year_and_summer_activ.htm Resources

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson184.shtml Lesson Plans

http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/endofyear.htm Resources

Inspiring Quote:“Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind. The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another.”— Marva Collins

Top 10 Teaching Tips--Last Day of School

Top 10 Tips for Teaching on the Last Day of School

For many teachers, the last day of school can be worse than the first. All of the worksheets are done, grading is finished, and the students are anxious to start their summer vacations. Any hope of getting in a last-minute lesson is dashed when you see your students' anxious glances at the clock. However, there are still some things that you can do to fill the time until that final bell rings.

1. Write letters: You can ask your students to each write a note to students who will be incoming in the fall. Have them talk about their favorite class activities, share jokes, or give new students important information for surviving the school year. You may gain some insights on your teaching style, and you can always use the letters as icebreakers the next school year.

2. Make some memories: Make some memories by creating class memory books that are easy. You can create simple printable worksheets for students to complete and staple together as a book. Have them write down favorite memories, draw pictures of the classroom, and sign autographs for each other. If you have time, you could even include a class picture on the cover.

3. Take out the trash: Quite literally! You can use the boundless energy that the students have to take down posters, scrub desks, shred old homeschool worksheets, or pack up books. To avoid the groans, consider making it a game or a race - divide the class into teams and see which team can complete its tasks first to win a prize.

4. Ad lib for laughs: Develop a list of silly topics, one for each child, and put them in a jar. Have each student pull a topic and give them a minute or two before calling them up. Encourage the students to get creative with fun topics like "what would you do if you were the president" or "convince us to buy your shoes."

5. Get outside: After all, your kids would rather be outdoors. Try some fun outdoor games that require teamwork, like relay races or water balloon tosses. It will allow your students to burn up some energy without tearing your classroom to pieces.

6. Play learning games: If your classroom is stocked with a variety of educational games, now is a good time to pull them out for entertainment. Organize game centers around the classroom and allow students to pick which ones they would like. Set a timer and have groups rotate from one activity to another periodically.

7. Focus on the future: Elementary school students in particular will enjoy imagining what the next grade will be like. Have them write an essay or draw a picture to share with the class. Or you can have students share their plans for the upcoming summer vacations.

8. Spelling Bee: Pull out all your spelling teacher worksheets from the entire year, and hold a class spelling bee. It will be an enjoyable way to spend time and refresh students' memories. Older children may enjoy a Jeopardy-style game involving facts that they learned throughout the year.

9. Say something nice: Pin or tape a thick sheet of paper to every child's back. Have students go around the classroom and write something nice on the back of their peers. If this is too rambunctious for your classroom, have your students make autograph books that can be passed from row to row and filled out by their peers.

10. Say thank you: Teach your kids to show their appreciation. Have them write thank you cards for their favorite school staff. This can be parent volunteers, the principal, even the janitor or the food service workers.

Taken from http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/lastdayofschool.html
More Resources at http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/endofyear.htm

Autographs & Summer Books

A New Look at Autographs

Many teachers at all grade levels use autograph books as a way to end the school year. Students sign yearbooks, self-published materials, and other kinds of materials. In the 1880s, autograph books had a different format. Seeing this format from the past can give your students new ideas on how to make autograph sessions more meaningful to both the author and the recipient. The site adds value to classes in history and writing. It also gives students a new perspective on the concept of autographs.

To see the html version of an 1880s autograph book, go to http://www.laurasnyctales.com/book/intro.html

Summer Books for Students

As the year winds down, students make plans for the summer, just like you do. Research shows that students lose ground during the summer months. Some research indicates that the drop will be lessened or eliminated if a young student reads just eight books during the summer. These next few weeks are a perfect time to promote summer reading to your students. Here are a few ideas from the International Reading Association:
Make sure students have library cards. If a field trip to the library isn’t feasible, consider bringing the public librarian to your classroom to help you. A librarian makes a great salesman for summer reading, as well.
Look to local businesses to help cover the cost of books for students. Students are much more likely to read a book that they own.
Have students set a goal to read at least 8 books during the summer.
Rather than reading a single book, use these last “Teacher Read-Aloud Times” to promote several books.
Make parents aware of ways they can help their child keep reading. Reading Rockets offers parents a wealth of suggestions. You can direct them to http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/summer#parent to give them useful information.
Have students develop a written plan for their summer reading.
Taken from: E-newsletter from the Texas State Teachers Association May 2009 http://www.tsta.org/

It's Bloomin' Weather

 

(click on Collage to enlarge)
I thought I'd just post this Collage to show you the lovely planters I just did this weekend. We also planted a couple shrubs and Hubby finished off the ground underneath the bird feeder with broken brick and then laid some topsoil and seed around the garbage bin slabs. I added the two rectangular planters just to finish off the look. We finished this all off this aft and now it's nicely raining. A job well done :)

Nice Weather

It looks like Mother Nature has gotten all the snow out of her system and now we're into lovely sunny, warmer days. It's supposed to be up to 16c, but it feels far warmer in the sun. Hubby has spent time mowing the lawn and doing some clean-up that he hadn't gotten to yet.
So, it's the Memorial Day long weekend for all my American frinds. I have a sister who lives in Washington State and she keeps me up on the different holiday weekends. I'm wishing everyone a wonderful, safe, hot weekend!

Before and After

BEFORE....

AFTER....
Remember the post I wrote, "A Tale about..."? Well, here is Wee Black Car after the surgury to fix her nose, teeth and ribs. Doesn't she look so pretty now?? :)

Wordless Wednesday

From this surprise snowfall....

To this staining project....

Back to this scene....

to today...

Hubble Space Telescope

Hubble Space Telescope and NASA Pictures

http://www.cephasministry.com/BlaineHubbleFotos[1][1].pps+Apr+6++2009.pps Great!

http://www.guy-sports.com/humor/videos/powerpoint_presentation_hubble.htm Photos

http://terpsichore.stsci.edu/~summers/writings/hubble/ Hubble Presentations

http://www.strangecosmos.com/content/item/151124.html Hubble & NASA Pictures

http://hubble.nasa.gov/ History of Hubble Space Telescope

http://www.aerospaceguide.net/hubblespacetelescope.html Great Hubble Facts

http://hubblesite.org/the_telescope/ Track It & More Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Space_Telescope Information & Resources

http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/spaceshuttles.htm Space Shuttles & More Resources

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (on May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day .

http://www.usmemorialday.org/ Resources
http://www.geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/memorialday.htm Theme Resources
http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/holidays/memorialday/ Teaching Theme
http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/memorial.php Theme Unit Resources
http://www.vickiblackwell.com/memorial.html Resources
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/memorial.html Poster Poem Lesson
http://www.freekidcrafts.com/kid_memorial_day_craft_ideas.html Crafts
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/patriotic/ Crafts
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson313.shtml Lessons

Memorial Day lesson plans teach students the history of American wars and promote an understanding of how patriotism and sacrifice have contributed to U.S. freedom and liberty.Read more: "Memorial Day History Lessons: Student Activities to Commemorate America's Fallen Soldiers Suite101.com" -

http://curriculalessons.suite101.com/article.cfm/memorial_day_history_lesson

Lovely Blog Award

I have been awarded this wonderful, lovely blog award from Frugal Southern Mom
Thank you so much! I am very honored as this is my first award!
Here are the rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
I will be passing this award to:
Back Seat Bikermomma
Pretty Sandy Feet
Studio D
In His Hands

International Missing Children's Day

International Missing Children's Day is May 25th, 2009.

The main purpose of the International Missing Children’s Day is to encourage people to think about all the children who have been reported missing around the world and to spread a message of hope and solidarity on an international scale to parents without any news of their children and who do not know where their child is or what has become of him/her. The banners there show just a small number of missing children. If you can also spare the time to visit http://www.humpherlinks.co.uk/directory/Missing_Kids/index.html you can check out even more official sites round the world. These sites and the children they try to help need your help. You, or someone you know, my be the one person to help a child in need.Thank you.
http://www.humpherlinks.co.uk/missingkids.html
Copyright ©Larry Humphreys 2008 - 2009
The ring manager of Schoolhouse WebRing ring sent me this message to share with others.

The Man in a Boy's Body

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student , pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer..

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.
He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional..
He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.
He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those
around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home , he defends their right to be disrespectful..
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy.
He is the CANADIAN Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our
respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot....A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'


When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops in Afghanistan , sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq , Afghanistan and all foreign countries.
Of all the gifts you could give a CANADIAN Airman, Soldier,
Coastguardsman, Marine,
or Sailor, prayer is the very best one.

Still Freezing

Look at this big Icicle hanging from the eves-trough!! This was taken at 1:30pm, so you can imagine why it's still hanging there and hasn't dripped away...yup, it's freezing out there!! More snow predicted. All those fragile new leaves and blooms are suffering.

You know you're a Redneck when....

you are camping in this weather!!!What a kick-off to the camping season!! Yuck!

 

 

Wind, snow,hail...

I'm confused...is it spring, summer, fall or winter? It rained, snowed, hailed...all of it blew in on a cold wind. Oh....and now the sun is shining!!

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Our Sister-in-Law owns a Carpet Cleaning business and we had her come over to clean the carpet and furniture.....a nice Spring fresh-up :)

Such a Helpful Son

Here my oldest son is, dragging the old truck canopy and the garbage that accumulated beside the shed and loading it onto his utility trailer, to take that along with his old shed, to the dump. Thanks Son....you are amazing :)

 

 

Thought I'd just share this wicked surprise that came howling in with the wind last night and is still blowing in. Not a funny Spring surprise at all!! There are just some surprises I can live without and this is one of them...up there is the same category as a root canal :P