Christmas in July Picture Book & Activity Exchange

So with all of the recent giveaways, I started thinking about
Christmas...

in July!

Which made me think of receiving packages in the mail. I {LOVE} getting packages in the mail! It is so much fun to open them (even if you ordered and paid for AND know what is in them).  When they finally arrive at your doorstep...sometimes it really does feel like Christmas, or a birthday, or any other gift receiving event! 

I mean who doesn't love to get "gifts" in the mail?!?!

(Don't get me wrong...it's also great to give gifts, too!  I love to brighten days w/ surprise gifts!)

All which led me to the idea of a

Christmas in July
Picture Book & Activity Exchange!

(I'm feeling a little bit like the mouse in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!)

I've talked two of my blogging buddies (Nicole at First Grade O.W.L.s and Jackie at Here We Go Loopty Loo) into cohosting the exchange with me...and we're hoping it's going to be LOTS of fun!

Now for the details:  
Christmas in July
Picture Book & Activity Exchange

1. Email me at
randeeschatz(at)hotmail(dot)com
with your name, mailing address, and blog URL
by Wednesday, July 13, 2011.
**We realize it's kinda quick, but we want everyone to receive their package by the end of July!**

2. By Friday, July 15, 2011 you will get an email with your exchange partner.
Go shopping for a picture book (possibly one of your favorites to share w/a new "friend").
**$10 Limit**
**Don't forget to create an activity to go along with the book.**

3. Have your package (book & actvitiy) mailed by Monday, July 25, 2011.


4. Make sure to follow us at How About Them Apples, First Grade O.W.L.s, and

Here We Go Loopty Loo
so that on Sunday, July 31, 2011 you can link up and
share your "gift" with us!

5. Spread the word about our Christmas in July
Picture Book & Activity Exchange!
You know what they say...The more the merrier!!! 

LOVING This Book Display Idea!!!

So during the first of my many blog searches this morning (aka stalking teachers w/great ideas) I came across a 4th grade blog (I have no clue how I got there) Go Fourth With Mrs. Owens. Any who, not only is Rachel (aka Mrs. Owens) offering a fantabulous 31 All-in-One Tote giveaway, but she has a great idea for displaying books in your classroom library. Maybe I'm late to the party, but she uses a dish drainer...uh, PERFECT! Easy to find and relatively inexpensive!  I've borrowed the pic below and linked it to her blog:

Also, don't forget to head over to her blog and sign up for your chance at a great 31 tote!

I'm feeling like it must be Christmas in July because there are soooo many great giveaways right now! Which gives me an idea...I'll fill you in soon (maybe)!

"Scent"sational Giveaway

Adventures in Teaching is hosting a "Scent"sational giveaway...a Scentsy Warmer!!! Hurry over b/c the giveaway ends Saturday, July 9th!

So I'm Still Off of the Wagon But...

I've been a VERY busy girl! I'm having LOTS of Summer fun! I do have moments when I start to feel a little guilty that I'm not putting too much thought into the upcoming school year, but then I remember my summer days are dwindling and I've got three boys that just wanna have FUN!

Let's see I've been so busy w/my boys...swimming pool, water park, park, picnic, creek, river, fireworks, and BBQ's.

But I've also done some fun things just for me...shopping,Zumba Fitness {LOVE}, playing on my iPad, making a t-shirt tote bags (only wish I'd used a cuter t-shirt, I,ll definitely be making others), Bad Teacher, dinner, and drinks with 14 of my closest teaching buddies (it had been MUCH too long), napping, and blog stalking (kind of a given).

So...now that I've made lots of excuses for not keeping up with Math Work Stations, please know that I have been reading everyone's posts (AWEsome ideas) and saving lots of the posted freebies in my google docs account. I will return to and finish MWS, it just may be a couple more weeks. My goal -get into school gear immediately following the Kindergarten Conf. I will be attending July 18th and 19th. I'm sure it will put me into "Back to School" mode...it always does! Until then I'm going to continue keeping myself busy doing super fun, summer stuff!!!

P.S. If you're interested in recycling a t-shirt and making a super cute tote, check out Mrs. Perry's post at Primary Perspective!

http://www.eduperry.com/2011/06/how-tuesday-tip-2.html

Wowza!!!! I'm a Winner!

Thanks so much to Miss Snowden! I was one of the 5 winners she chose during her fantabulous blog design giveaway! So stay tuned (or tune in) to see what she comes up with to "spice" up my look! I'm so excited!!!

Another Giveaway to Check Out!

"a little birdie kinder told me so"

The prizes are...
* a customized apple teacher bag- canvas tote bag with your name on it
* gift cards to two of my MOST favorite places (Target and Sonic- route 44 drinks baby) in the amount of $10 each

#1-What teacher can't use ANOTHER tote?

#2-What teacher doesn't LOVE Target?

#3-Need I mention the Dollar Spot?!?!

#4-Sonic...Just thinking of the many thirst quenching flavor combos I could order!!!

(This will also give the McD's "sweet tea gal" a short break...I'm not afraid to admit I'm

addicted to this OH SO SWEET concoction! I swear it MUST be laced w/something!!!)



Anywho, head on over an check out Karen's blog and register for some great stuff!!!

Great Blog Design Giveaway...Hurry Contest Ends Tonite at Midnight!

Miss Snowden at 1st Grade with Miss Snowden is having an AWESOME personalized blog design giveaway...I know I would LOVE to win it! Head on over to her blog to register yourself!