Caregiver Awareness Week

I found an article worth reading on The Mighty. It was written by Jessica Pridemore, a caregiver in Illinois. As a mother to someone with special needs, Jessica's words describing her job do not surprise me, but I think many of you may learn some things that you had never thought about. To view how Jessica feels about the work she does, click here. 

Cody is blessed to attend a day program with amazing employees like Jessica Pridemore. This past week, I had the opportunity to recognize them by sending some small and simple gifts. Thank you Jennifer, Maureen, Shaun, Alexis, Gaby, Jessica, and Lindsi. Our family certainly appreciates each and every one of you!

Easy, Last Minute Gift Idea

If you need a reason to shop Bath and Body Works Semi Annual Sale, here is one. Last minute gift ideas are easy to throw together when you have a stash of lotions, body wash and other products to choose from. 

It's easy to come up with a clever phrase using the name 'Beautiful Day' AND this scent smells good too. 

There you have it...a great excuse to do some online (or in store) shopping at Bath and Body Works and get your creative juices flowing.  

J

Kindergarten 2014-2015/ Part Two

Here's a look at the end of year gifts I received from students, parents, and Mrs. Johnson's (OEK) class...

The OEK children wrote thank you notes to me on flower pedals. Pretty cute idea, huh?!

OEK stands for Optional Extended Day Kindergarten. It's in place to help children who are low and need the extra assistance. I spent an hour each day helping these kids learn their sight words, letters and sounds and writing skills. It was amazing to see each child's progress. 

Here is the "POLISHing us up so we can shine" part.  

I love, love, love my job! 

Lingerie Gift Bag

Katelyn and I went to a bridal shower this weekend and wrapped our gift using an idea I had saved on my Clever Gifting Pinterest Board. 

Cute, huh?!

Source of Inspiration- A Girl and a Glue Gun

Korean Intern Gift

Our school is hosting Korean Interns and Miss Emma, the young lady assigned to Mrs. B's Kindergarten class, surprised me with a gift today. When she introduced herself to our class, Emma told us her Korean name, but asked that we call her Miss Emma. I suppose she thought it would be easier for five and six year old American students to pronounce and she's probably right.

Emma told me this is how you write Mrs. Lancaster in Korean (Upper Left).

Here is her sweet little message on the back of the card.

I love Emma's little Post-it note best of all.  :)

Pretty cool, huh?! It made my day.

Back to School Teacher's Aide Gift

Mrs. B. spoils me! She is a wonderful person and I am blessed to be able to work with her again this 2014-2015 school year.

Smokin' Hot 4th of July Gift Idea/ Out of the Archives

Jokester Father's Day Gift

With Father's Day fast approaching, I was reminded of a gift my kids gave their dad eight years ago. After spotting a t-shirt in the store that was clearly meant to be painted on by tiny hands, my (older) children thought it would be hilarious to make one for their dad. As you can see in the photos below, two of the "kids" were in their twenties and two of them were teenagers....definitely too old to be making a custom hand print t-shirt for their father.

The back of the t-shirt is creepy looking (thanks to Casey). Especially
if you saw Don from behind and had NO idea what the front looked like.

I think Don may have wore this once (around the house), shortly after the kids gave it to him. The two of us have joked about him wearing the hideous t-shirt at the most inappropriate time to pay the kids back. 

Some day...

Gift Idea for Teacher Assistant

I know what I will be sipping my Diet Coke and iced tea out of this summer. :)

...and I'm totally stoked about the candy.

Look at this cute little pocket on the card,

---with a note tucked inside.

It's very nice when parents are thoughtful enough to remember aides during Teacher Appreciation Week. This made my day! :)

Healthy (and Easy) Christmas Gift Idea

Mrs. B gave me a couple of gifts for Christmas this year. One of them was this bag of Halos with a sweet little note attached. 

This idea is going to go on my Clever Gifting Pinterest board. 

Thank you Mrs. B. :)