Gratitude in the Little Apple

I am sending out big thanks to two blogger friends today.  First, I want to thank Kim from Grade One Doodle Bugs.  I was able to get items from her TPT store as part of the giveaway I won earlier in the week. I selected her Poetry Writing Kit and Comprehension Pack, and look forward to using them to enhance my study of poetry this coming year.  Click on her button to check out her site:

Next, thanks to Mrs. Goodwin in I Live 2 Learn I Love 2 Grow for choosing to honor me with the Versatile Blogger Award!  It made my day for her to recognize my little blog.

Here are the requirements for accepting this award:

Versatile Blogger Award:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Include a link to their site.
3. Include the award image in your post.
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 5-10 other bloggers, include their link, and let them know.

Seven Random Facts About Me

1. I love to golf but am no Annika Sorenstam.

2. I have an adorable 7 pound dog named Berkeley.

3. I grew up living next door to my grandparents.  My grandmother, who was a teacher, is my hero.

4. I have sung on Good Morning America.  It was Elvis week, and they were looking for someone to sing an Elvis song.  I started mouthing the words to "Don't Be Cruel" just to see if I could remember it, and got picked.  After singing, Diane Sawyer said something about me being an entrant on American Idol, but my singing career was over after this gig. 

5. I am teaching third grade this coming school year, but have taught everything from Kindergarten to College (oops - luckily no middle school!)

6. I think I'm getting carpal tunnel from blog stalking.

7. Tomorrow I will be attending the Mickelson ExxonMobil Math and Science Teachers Academy in Jersey City, NJ, with 200 other teachers from around the country.  I am SO EXCITED!  I am one of two teachers selected from Wisconsin, and am absolutely honored and thrilled to be part of this extraordinary experience.  Find out more about it, and how to apply here!


Now for the blogs I am nominating for this award.  They all inspire me!

     Around the Kampfire
     Fancy Free in Fourth
     Kathys Coordinated Class
     Mrs. A's Room
     Fourth and Ten