Merry CHRISTmas to All !!

Can You Try a Lttile Harder, Miss Shannon?

Last week at school we read the story Traffic. Traffic is a gripping tale of the counting of different vehicles in a busy urban city. At the end of the tale there is a horrendous traffic jam. The cause of the jam are 10 ducklings crossing the street among all the vehicles. 

Ok, to the video, as we were reading the story, my co-worker mentioned a hotel in Memphis that had these ducks that walk on a red carpet.  I told my students I would look for a video of this, I kept forgetting to look and I would said to the kids, "I will look tonight, I promise."This went on for several days.  Yesterday, right before the kids were going down for a resting time a little boy came up to me (clearly a stall tactic for going to sleep) and said, Miss Shannon, can you try a little harder to find the ducks on the red carpet."  This, for those who know me, could very well be my lifetime motto.. perseverance  is so not a strong character trait of me and it all started with the peppermint patties =) 

Today at school, we will watch the video...enjoy boys and girls!!  

There are several Peabody Hotels in different cities around the country-- this video happens to be taken at the Peabody in Orlando. 

For those of you who are thinking... I read this silly story this far, I might as well read some more about this subject. here is some history of the Peabody Hotel and their famous ducks.  Heck they must be famous- they've been on Oprah. 

Annual Santa Brunch

The Christmas Season has begun---  time for family memories and drama.  The sweetest thing about the day was my oldest nephew Joshua, who is 10 years old, still believes in Santa!!  

Here is the whole gang- all seven nieces and nephews!!!  

Hallum kids

Haugh girls 

And Don't Stuff Beans Up Your Nose!

There is no jellybeans in noses in this story, I just LOVE jelly beans !!

Last week a boy in my classroom's mom showed me a kidney bean that had been extracted from her son's nose over the weekend.  Ironically, it looked just like the kidney beans in our classroom.  

We then had to have a classroom discussion about not putting things in body holes. Now, take my word for it, classroom discussions with 3, 4 and 5 year olds who don't speak much English is something to experience first hand. The discussion came to a close when a little girl said, "Miss Shannon, you shouldn't put beans in your nose or in your fingernails !! "

Here is a cute anecdote about beans and little boys.......

The little boy's mother was off to market. She worried about her boy, who was always up to some mischief. She sternly admonished him, "Be good. Don't get into trouble. Don't eat all the cabbage. Don't spill all the milk. Don't throw stones at the cow. Don't fall down the well." The boy had done all of these things on other market days. Hoping to head off new trouble, she added, "And don't stuff beans up your nose!" This was a new idea for the boy, who promptly tried it out.

Me Has a Wii -- Yippppeeee !! Those All Rhythm or Sound the Same at the End

Thanks to my sister-in-law, Traci, I have a new toy to play with at home-- the Wii. With my new Wii I got Wii Fit. I am determined to get fit with my new Wii Fit--- hopefully this picture will not become a reality for me =) . The board holding up the yummy ice cream is the balance board- this is where yo do all your activities with the Wii Fit. It kind of reminds me of when some people use their trendmill as a place to hang clothes.



Check back for progress updates... maybe, just maybe, I will share my Wii Fit Age.....

We Didn't Start the Fire-- There was and always will be Drama, Drama, Drama

Remember this line as you vote tomorrow.... tomorrow we will either elect the first African American president or the first woman vice president.... I can't believe it !!! Please, please, please VOTE!!!!!

And also always remember God is and will always be in control of this crazy, crazy world !!

Oh, thanks Christi for getting this song into my head and telling me about this youtube video. I love this song!!

My 7700' Above Sea Level Girls Weekend

This past weekend my friend Pam and I went to visit our friend Jen in Conifer, CO. We have been friends for almost 10 years--- 10 years of friendship, laughing, crying, praying, serving and general shenanigans.  

Back to the weekend---we spend some sweet time together--- one of the added perks to visiting Jen in CO is spending time with her family. We crafted, walked the Mt. (twice 1/2), and golfed on the Wii. 

Here are some pictures from the weekend---- Thanks Jen, Sean, Peyton and Avery for letting us stay with you. 

It will definitely be less than 3 years before my next visit-- I need to go back to beat Pa in golf!!  

We Are All Like Pumpkins

I usually never read forwarded e-mails, but this one is pretty good..... thanks God for reminding me of your love and grace. 

A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?

'The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.'  

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.   Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.  Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

Twins are Twice as Cute

Since I don't have any babies to blog about and my sister and sister-in-law will not be having any babies any time soon- I get to brag about my friend Kelly beautiful baby girls, Elsa and Elena.  Last night I got to meet them... they are a delight and not even a week old yet-- tomorrow they will be 1 week old.  

Elena is on the left and Elsa is on the right 

Newborn babies are such a miracle from God... how can anyone say there is no God when they see these beautiful girls ! 

Saturday Bike Ride---- I Am Happy I Didn't Hit Another BIke This TIme

This past Saturday my favorite Pine River residents, Tom and Cheryl, came down to the cities for our fall bike ride.  We set out Saturday morning to Mpls on our quest to see the new 35W Bridge, we did manage to see it, but was not able to ride our bikes under it-- not yet, this weekend you can.   

Shuffle, Shuffle Step.....

I just got back from my first EVER tap/jazz dance class- it was a blast and I had no idea what I was doing, but I had soooooo much fun !!!  I have always wanted to take tap dancing class, I encourage you try something have always wanted to do !!  

This video is of Jason Samuels Smith on SYTYCD --- I don't tap like him.... YET!!!  

Autism Has A Face

Autsim Speaks Walk a- Thon

Saturday, Sept. 20th is the Autism Speaks Walk-a-Thon at Canterbury Park, this year I decided to participate with some teachers from my school-Highwood Hills Elementary.  Please consider sponsoring me as I walk around a horse track and raise money for children with autism. (Click on "sponsoring me" to go to the link) 

Hockey Moms !!!

To quote Sarah Palin...  What is the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?  LIPSTICK 

FYI...  The hockey player is my nephew Joshua and the hockey mom with the lipstick is my sister, Sheila  

 

 

Finally... Someone Agrees With Me About Favre

Need I say more.....   I LOVE IT!!!!  

"Ponytails Make You Look Harsh !! "

Ponytails make you look harsh.. that is what my Cole's hairstylist told me as she was cutting off my ponytailed hair. It's important to note I do not agree with this statement, but, I am pretty sure she is paid to make such statements.  She also managed to sell me lots of product... how can you say no to a someone who tells you how beautiful, fun and sassy. Many women may relate to times like this at the salon.  

I love my new haircut, I wanted a change, and I certainly got one!!  

I am a Homeowner ?!?!?

My hand is still numb and my eyes are still sore for signing all those papers....  yes, you guessed it... I just got done with the closing for my house.  I guess that makes me a real grow-up - if I forget about my grown-up status I will be reminded each month when my mortgage payment is due.  Thanks to my parents who helped me through the whole process- I promise I won't skip town on Saturday. 

I am happy I was able to find property with both a pool and tennis court-- you always want to be prepared for any guests that might stop by-- I am now ready for Michael Phelps and/or  Roger Federer . 

Just kidding, I purchased my townhouse in Eagan where I currently reside.  

Reason to Laugh on a Monday

Today as I watched Ellen I heard the funniest quote, "I love Jesus- but I drink a little !!!  "   Too funny !!!  

Michael Jackson Pepsi Commercial

If I not mistaken, I think this is the commercial where Michael Jackson got burned ????? Thanks Pam for leading me to the link !!!

Summer Fun

People often ask me, what is the best part about being a teacher?" Sometimes I say, "it's the privileged opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young children" (true but cheesy response) but other times I say, "June, July, August =) " . It is important to note teachers don't really get three full months of vacation...especially if you teach summer school like I did... Ok, back to summer.. summer, for teachers, is the time to relax and gear up for another school year.
This summer I have done many fun things... a few weeks ago I visited the MN History Center and had a blast!

I got free tickets through Museum Adventure Pass, check out this link, there are a lot of places you can go around the Twin Cities for free!!!

My Field Trip to the MN History Center

ask me why i serve -- Mission to Bloomington

You are wearing a kelly green tee-shirt that says "ask me why i serve" what would you say when people walk by and ask?


This week I am doing Mission to Bloomington-- I am already tired from the trip so I am cutting and pasting the mission trip description from Evergreen's website.=)

"We will meet practical needs of people in Bloomington. We will demonstrate God’s love for people, break down negative stereotypes about church and Christians, and engage people in conversations about God."
Yes, we are doing just that... I am working with the Kids Kamp, which has been a blast!!

Oh, my answer to the question "ask me why i serve" is: I serve because I am thankful for what God has done in my life !

Stay tuned for some more stories about the mission trip , God is faithful!!!

Also you can check out the Servfest website that talks about all the activities we are doing this week:

I Survived Camping

Well, I managed to make it home in one piece from my camping adventure on the North Shore-- boy did we have fun !! Thank you to my tent-mate Marcy and my 11-12 site-mates Tom and Cheryl for being patient with me as I ventured out from my urban lifestyle.
I experienced some new things on my trip---riding my bike to the bathroom in middle of the night thanks to our well lit campsite, starting a fire with charred firewood, riding in a very comfortable golf cart and watching a movie in the camper during a rain shower.
I had a blast- maybe, just maybe, I will go back next year, that's if the Miller's will have me and we can for sure get site 11-12 again!!

Look below for the photos i promised, I am pretty sure my photos don't do the North Shore justice... it is SUCH a beautiful place!!

A Camping I Went

A Camping I Will Go

Camping..... Oh how I love it!! Sort of not! Sleeping bags, tents, bugs and raccoons that eat Hamburger Helper and Cheerios.

Actually camping isn't exactly my favorite thing to do, especially on my first week off of summer break. Luckily, my upcoming camping trip will bring me to one of my favorite places on earth to hang out with one of my favorite gals on earth, my bestest friend, Marcy!

We are heading up to the North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Marais to camp for three nights, I can not wait to walk on the rocks in the day and sit by the campfire at night.

Hopefully I will be able to snap a photo like the one below... stay tuned for photos from the trip and wish me luck !!!

I Think I Finally Found a Husband

I have the privilege of spending my work days hanging out, teaching and imprinting the lives of 3-5 year old children. They crack me up daily. Last week I was playing my newly downloaded CD by Raffi when I say to my kids, "I really like these new songs, he (Raffi) has a nice voice". One of my kids shouted out, "Miss Shannon, you should marry this guy with the nice voice". I responded, "you mean Raffi", "yeah... you should marry Raffi".

Raffi just had a birthday on July 8th, he turned 70 .... I wonder if that is in God's plan for my life?? I do like bananas, but in my ear??