End of Year/2012 Goals

I usually do not do New Year's resolutions, but I decided I am this year. Why wait for the official New Year to start them?  Here they are!

1) Exercise not to lose weight, but to feel good and reduce stress.

2) Kinda has to do with #1, but run a 5K (have never done this before!)

3) Start a journal.

4) Try and be more stylish.  Actually coordinate outfits for school, outings, etc.

5) Start a little "book" for the hubby and I-- inspiration seen here.

6) Stock up on more fresh fruit and vegetables.

7) Read more.

8) Get more massages-- it is FREE with my insurance so I have no idea why I am not taking advantage of this. 

9) Play with my doggie more. --> They say playing with your pooch reduces stress...as researched here.

10) Start a notebook of interesting/funny/cute things my students say.  Hey, maybe this could be a bestseller one day!

11) Say no more.  I am one of those people that says "yes" all the time.  I need to learn how to respectfully decline sometimes.

12 for 2012.... #12- Have a baby? Just kidding! TRAVEL! I really, really want to go somewhere.  Anywhere.

There ya go... I am confident I will achieve these goals!

Do Not Touch the Art!

I teach students with special needs.  We took a class trip this morning to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.  We went with the rest of the general education third grade.  It was mostly an "exposure" experience for my students.  I had to make this social story (a story that is made to teach social norms, rules) so that they could learn the etiquette of the museum.  Here is the document:

Museum Field Trip

I am going on a field trip to the Grand Rapids Art Museum to learn about art.

I cannot be silly on a field trip.

I need to have a 0 or 1 voice level. 

  

I cannot touch anything at the museum.  It is not respectful.  I need to be careful.  

We will have a cold lunch to eat at the museum.

 I need to listen to the teacher and try not to be silly.  Today will be a great day if I make the right choices.  

I will stay positive. 

Needless to say, I had various students TOUCH  the paintings.  Looks like we will need more practice next time, but they really enjoyed the social story!

Hallo-Hubby Day!

October 31st = Hubby's birthday and Halloween.  He wanted me to make him his favorite cookies: can you guess what they are?

 Mmmm, you guessed it! These are usually a Christmas favorite, but because of the double holiday (Alex's birthday + Halloween), I dubbed these "witches hats."  I use the Betty Crocker recipe- soft n' chewy!  Then, you just add the kisses in the middle.

Delish!