Activities to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with your Children!


Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with your kids this year on Monday, January 21, 2014.   It is a time to for our nation to remember the injustices that Dr, King fought.

"The national holiday honoring Dr. King is an occasion for joy and celebration for his life and his work toward nonviolent social change in America and the world. Traditionally, we celebrate holidays with parties, family picnics, fireworks, a trip back home or to the seashore. However, we must also be mindful that this is a special holiday - one which symbolizes our nation's commitment to peace through justice; to universal brother- and sisterhood; and to the noblest ideal of all: a democratic society based on the principles of freedom, justice and equality for all people. Whether you celebrate Dr. King's birthday on January 15th or during Black History Month, the holiday is an occasion for thanksgiving, unselfishness, and rededicating ourselves to the causes for which he stood and for which he died." - See more at: http://www.mlkonline.net/holiday.html#sthash.Cbpb7fQL.dpuf

"The national holiday honoring Dr. King is an occasion for joy and celebration for his life and his work toward nonviolent social change in America and the world. Traditionally, we celebrate holidays with parties, family picnics, fireworks, a trip back home or to the seashore. However, we must also be mindful that this is a special holiday - one which symbolizes our nation's commitment to peace through justice; to universal brother- and sisterhood; and to the noblest ideal of all: a democratic society based on the principles of freedom, justice and equality for all people. Whether you celebrate Dr. King's birthday on January 15th or during Black History Month, the holiday is an occasion for thanksgiving, unselfishness, and rededicating ourselves to the causes for which he stood and for which he died." - See more at: http://www.mlkonline.net/holiday.html#sthash.Cbpb7fQL.dpuf
If you decide to use one of these ideas, please leave the blogger a comment to let them know you enjoy their work.  Try to follow their blog or Facebook pages.  All bloggers love to feel the love! Enjoy!



Free MLK Jr. Poster Activity




This teacher offers a whole bunch of freebies on her TPT page




I love how this blogger shares photos and memories of MLK Jr with his children


Help your kids get to know MLK Jr with this story of MLK Jr with comprehension questions



Create a Mini Book about MLK Jr.




This blogger compiled books and videos to use to teach your children about MLK Jr.  Her post is a MUST SEE




This teacher offers this FREE printable on her blog



http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/23747/what-is-diversity
Teach your children about diversity with this super easy demonstration
 


This is one of the four posters offered as a FREEBIE on this site.  Print them out and hang them up at home or in your classroom!



This blogger posted pictures of all the MLK Jr activities that she did with her class last year.   She has them available for purchase in her TPT store.



MLK Jr Color By Number free printable sheet




Create a Peace Wall in your home



Continue the conversation about peace with your children during lunch




A picture can say a thousand words




If your post was featured, please grab an "I've been featured" button and display it proudly on your blog!


Book Review: Billy Graham in Quotes



Title: Billy Graham in Quotes
Author: Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney
Genre: Inspirational, Christian Living

I am sure that if you are taking the time to read this book review then you must have heard of the legendary Billy Graham.   I chose to review this book because I really admire Reverend Billy Graham.  I grew up in a household where both of my parents listened to Billy Graham's sermons and attended his crusades.  As Billy Graham is nearing the time when he will meet his Savior, his children have been compiling much of work.  

This book is a compilation of Billy Graham's quotes.  He spent his lifetime preaching and serving the Lord.  There is a lot of material!  The book has a very helpful table of contents that organizes the quotes by topic.   This is particularly helpful when you are looking for something to say about a particular topic.   The book contains a variety of topics including difficult and controversial ones such as abortion, addiction, lust, death and war.  The book also contains helpful topics such as forgiveness, grace, strength and success.

 This book is not a narrative.  It is a compilation of quotes.  It is a thought provoking read nonetheless.  It is full of wisdom and love for the Lord. 

I would recommend this book to women and men of all ages.  I think it should be in every home right next to the Bible.  I used the book just yesterday.  I wanted to add a quote and verse to a card that I was sending.  I was able to look up the topic in this book and read Reverend Graham's thoughts on it.  I was able to choose a verse and a quote to add to my message. 


 Disclaimer: I received this book  from the Thomas Nelson Publishing Company through their Book Sneeze Program in exchange for an honest review.


January Photo a Day Challenge


I found this photo challenge on the Raising Mighty Arrows website.  I decided that I would give it a try this month.  I am not sure how many of the 31 I will actually complete on time. Either way it looks like fun!

Day 27: Sweet
How sweet are these two reading together before bed?


Day 25: What I'm Doing
Grading papers- the marking period ends in a few days!





 Day 24: In my hand
Yes it is cliche but I have a red pen in my hand



Day 23: I adore
I adore her spontaneity.



 Day 21: Pattern
My favorite pattern from Thirty-One Gifts that is sadly retired.


Day 20: I feel
I feel frustrated.  A 25 minute commute took me almost 2 hours




Day 19: Bag
 My absolute favorite bag (a thirty-one hostess special)



Day 18: Cold
I love a cold Snapple!


Day 16: Shoes
 Where I keep my shoes




Day 15: What I'm Reading
I am reading The Book Thief



 Day 14: 5 o' clock
 This is the nearest clock at 5:00pm today.  
Yes, I was still at school.  So much for teachers working 9:00-3:00.


Day 13: Looking Up
 In my classroom looking up, this is what you see.




Day 11: Where you sleep

Our bedroom in all its glory.



Day 9: Lunch 

 Yes, I eat a school lunch everyday



Day 8: 3 Things 
3 things that I read every day: lesson plans, my Bible, my ipad



Day 7: Water
Frozen water in our backyard pond during the "polar vortex" here in NJ


Day 6: Soft

 A soft pair of footie pajamas



Day 5: Fresh
A freshly made bed this morning


Day 4: Smile
I lay in bed and smile as I recover from my dental surgery.



Day 3: Orange

On this snowy day, these orange sandals remind me of warm summer days.


 Day 2: Goal
It is my goal to fit into this cute Ann Taylor dress that I found at the consignment shop for $15


Day 1: New
Ella's New Smile

Resolutions for My Facebook Friends


 If you read my post last year about resolutions, you know that I have a problem with them.  I don't write New Year's resolutions for myself, I would much rather write resolutions for other people.  

I may lose Facebook friends over this post but I write this anyways.  This year I am going to write resolutions for all my Facebook friends.


2014 New Year's Resolutions for My Facebook Friends: 

1. I resolve not to post about my exercise routines.  I will not post how many miles I have run or post pictures of myself exercising at the gym.  I understand that no one needs to know this.

2. I resolve not to post pictures or status updates with curse words in them.  It is just unnecessary.  As an adult, I should be able to express myself without being vulgar.  I understand that some of my Facebook friends may have children that can read and if they walk by a computer and see their parent's FB feed they should not have to read that nonsense.

3. I resolve not to declare my undying love for my significant other through Facebook.  I will yell into the next room and tell them in person rather than declaring it through my Facebook feed.  I am aware that this might make my Facebook friends throw up in their mouth when they read it. 

4. I resolve not to over use the "count down" post.  I will only post major milestones until the "big event."  I will avoid daily updates such as "only 187 more days until our sweet baby is due" and then the next day "only 186 more days until our baby is due."  I am aware that my Facebook friends can do simple math and can figure out how long it is until the baby is due without the daily updates. 

5. I resolve not to be depressed on Facebook.  I vow not to complain about being single and how I wish I had a boyfriend.  I will try to be content with whatever my marital "status" may be.  


6. I resolve to check all of my "controversial articles" on Snopes before I share them on my news feed.  It is a simple step that I can take to help stop the spread of misinformation.  

7. I resolve not to post pictures of my feet.  I don't need to explain this one.  Feet are gross and I understand that no one wants to see that. 

8.  I resolve to try not to post about my "first world problems" on a daily basis.  I understand that chipping my nail polish does not qualify as a crisis for my Facebook friends.

9. I resolve not post pictures of myself "clubbing," especially if I am over 30 years old.  Again, no one wants to see that.

10. Finally, I resolve not take "selfies" during the year 2014.  "Selfies" are not attractive for anyone that is not a child.  


What resolutions would you like to see written for your Facebook friends?

 

2013: Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

One of the benefits of blogging for me is that I can look back at old blog posts and see where my life was a week, month or year ago.   When I look at where I was at the end of 2012, I see that I am in a much different place now.   2012 was the year of the good, the bad and the ugly.  2013 was very different,  the year of many changes.  




1. Aaron lost his job at the end of 2012 and in January of 2013 he got a new job. 

2. I went from being a cancer patient to being cancer free!

3. I went back to teaching after spending three years home with the babies. 

4. My kids grew a lot!  I know- they do that.  It just seems like such a difference from last year. 



It was a really good year and our family has much to be grateful for.  I look forward to seeing what the Lord has planned for us in 2014!
 

My Most Pinned Posts of 2013



Here are my blog posts that have been pinned the most this past year.  Just click on the pictures to see the entire post.

Want to pin them for yourself?  Just hover over the picture and click the PIN IT button.




http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/06/skylander-birthday-party-with-free.html
This post contains free Skylander Party printables.  I blogged about a party that my friend threw for her son.  She did a fantastic job!  It has been pinned over and over!



http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/03/verses-of-encouragement.html
I love that this post has been pinned so many times!  I am glad that people are seeking the Lord in times of trouble!


http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/09/back-to-school-and-giveaway.html
This post was about my brand new middle school classroom.  I teach middle school science and this picture of my bulletin board has been flying around Pinterest!


I guess Do a Dot markers were popular this year!

http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/04/baby-shower-decorations.html
A post about the decoration at my sister in law's baby shower



http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/02/ellas-birthday-banner-pintastic.html
This post is a tutorial of how I made a first birthday banner for my daughter Ella's birthday.



http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/05/free-stars-wars-printables.html
Who doesn't love Star Wars?



It is cold here in the Northeast. Think warm thoughts!




http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/04/handmade-mothers-day-gift-ideas.html
This post has been getting lots of pins long after Mother's Day has passed.



http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/02/dr-seuss-activities.html
This post was fun to put together. My post popular post to date!




http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/12/super-fun-christmas-ideas.html
Christmas is over yet this one keeps getting pins!




http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/12/new-years-eve-ideas-for-kids.html
One of my most recent pins and it has already taken off on Pinterest!


What will 2014 bring?

What would you like to see on the blog?


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