Teacher Appreciation Week 2018

National Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday of the first full week in May, the entire week is celebrated as Teacher Appreciation Week.  This year it is celebrated May 7th through May 11th. If you need some ideas here's what I am doing this Teacher Appreciation Week.

Teachers are such a gift I am sure you know they are some of the hardest working people, just like a mom's work never ends, it is the same for teachers. I frequently see them grading, and planning on their lunch break, taking home more work that needs to be done after hours.  

I love that we have designated weeks and days it is a great reminder to stop and honor those special people in our lives.  Plan for Teachers Appreciation Week it helps if you budget to give gifts throughout the year, it makes gift giving easier if it's planned.

Take some time and think of ways your family can show appreciation to your kids' teachers.  It can be small gifts every day this week or maybe a larger gift you have in mind. Depending on your budget it can be a handwritten note or picture drawn by your child, don't limit showing appreciation to needing to spend a lot of money and don't limit it to just your family you can get the other parents involved. You organizing something is a great way to show appreciation.

This year I got together some of the parents and each grade is going to take a day of the week the Kindergarten and 1st Grade class parents are providing all the things for a Teachers Appreciation Breakfast to kick off the week.

Another day of the week my son's third-grade class is going to make a Taco Bar Luncheon for all the teachers and staff.  

In the past I've made themed gift baskets, gift cards are always a favorite.  One year I made these super cute DIY Crayon Wreath's.  Inspired by the crayon wreath and some other crayon creations I saw on Pinterest this year I also made this easy DIY Crayon Pencil Holder.  

I used a tin can that I emptied, washed and dried.  Then I hot glued this ABC Themed Ribbon on the top and hot glued crayons all around.  I love the way it turned out.  I am going to give this to my son's 1st-grade teacher.  Inside I put a ruler, glue, pencils and dry erase markers which teachers always need. I'll include a gift card with it but I had everything else to make this, this is an easy DIY and fun way to bless a teacher.

This year I wanted to paint some mason jars and use succulents.  I thought these would make a nice gift they could keep on their desk or also take home and display on a mantle or shelf.  On Pinterest there are some really cute Teacher themed painted mason jars, made to look like a pencil, ruler, etc. I wanted to go with a more neutral theme.  I think they probably receive plenty of teacher themed gifts.

I found these mini 2 1/2" succulents for $3 at my local Orchard Supply Hardware Store.  I already had the mason jars, paint, and ribbon. I also saw some artificial succulents at Target for $3 you could also use artificial plants or flowers. 

I washed and dried the mason jars, used a paper towel and rubbing alcohol over them, I've heard that tip somewhere whenever you paint glass. I did two coats of paint on these and then used twine on the top part.  I was going to distress the jars a bit using sandpaper but I didn't find any sandpaper at my house, maybe I'll do that later.

Although I had planned on using the mason jars, I was at the 99 Cent Only Store and they had these cute galvanized flower pot sets for only $1.99. So I picked up a couple of these too.  Any of these gifts would be great for Teachers Appreciation Week or for an end of the year thank you to your teachers and administrative staff. Don't forget the administrative staff who keep everyone in the loop with school newsletters and lunch menus. 

I used larger 9" succulents for these galvanized flower pots they were on sale at Orchard Supply Hardware 3 for $12, great deal! You can make these a variety of ways with burlap and ribbon, you could paint them.  I only painted the top rim part, because I personally like the metal look.  

I hope these ideas help you in blessing your kids' school teachers and staff this year and hopefully encourages you to help plan something for next year.  All the parents I spoke with about getting involved with the breakfast and lunch were super excited about helping and so glad we were doing something as a group.

Here is the link to the DIY Crayon Wreath I made a couple of years ago. 

https://bit.ly/2ptCFJ6

More Gift Ideas:

Fresh Flowers

Starbucks Gift Card or Bring in drinks for all the teachers. 

Gift Card to a nice Restaurant
Gift Card to Michael's or Dollar Store (I know many teachers who would appreciate this.)
A DIY Gift Basket (Treats, Replenish School Supplies, Pamper Yourself Theme, etc.)

Bring in breakfast or lunch for all the teachers and staff.  
(You could get other parents involved to help with these meal ones.)

Make your own Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, Salad Bar for lunch, Taco Bar, or BBQ.

Note: This post is NOT sponsored or paid in any way, I just like to share where I found the products I'm using. I welcome sponsored posts that can be a nice benefit in blogging but know I always share my own opinion with my readers regarding my experience with companies and products.

Here are some more ideas I found online.
A Girl and a Glue Gun: Cutsified Clorox Container

The Lovebugs Blog: 10 Poems About Teachers

The Dating Divas: 101 Teacher Appreciation Ideas

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Cinco De Mayo | Crafts, DIY Decorations and Recipes

This year I am not hosting a Cinco de Mayo party, I have a busy weekend that week. I will be attending a local Women's Event on Cinco de Mayo and celebrating May the Fourth on Friday before.  Don't be dismayed I will definitely be making salsa and tacos, that week, who I am I kidding we eat tacos every week. 

If you are hosting a Cinco de Mayo party here are some ideas for your party.  These ideas are budget-friendly and easy to make, we did these last year for our Cinco de Mayo Party. Click on the images or links above image. I hope you will try them out and tag me in your photos so I can see all the fun!

DIY Photo Booth: https://bit.ly/2GFyKVU

Cinco de Mayo Fun for Kids: https://bit.ly/2qdRD84

Cinco de Mayo Rice Krispie Treats: https://bit.ly/2HhCda9

Easy Buñuelo’s: https://bit.ly/2HgZmtk

Tips for Hosting on a Budget and DIY Piñatas: https://bit.ly/2H1RhuH

Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe: https://bit.ly/2GKTQ4U

Looking for some local Cinco de Mayo festivities:

Sacramento Summit Fundings Community Dinner - Thursday, May 3rd 3pm to 7pm.  More info: https://bit.ly/2H4s7LS

Lincoln - Friday, May 4th 5pm to 8pm.  More Info: https://bit.ly/2GHfL97

May 4th the Downtown Lincoln Association will host a Cinco De Mayo on the Fourth party in the heart of Downtown Lincoln (5th and F Street). Join us for food trucks, dancers, a mariachi band, music and lots of community fun.

Farm Fresh to You's 7th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Saturday, May 5th 4pm to 10pm. More info: https://bit.ly/2qf9Q4o

Roseville Church Dinner - Saturday, May 5th 5pm to 7pm. More info: https://bit.ly/2qdnyp7

South Sacramento - Sunday, May 6th 11am to 6pm. More Info: https://bit.ly/2Hh2cyu

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www.BlogAboutItAll.com. 

Sacramento 4 Kids | Sacramento Family Resource

Have you heard of Sacramento 4 Kids?  

Sacramento 4 Kids is a FREE online resource guide for families with kids in the Greater Sacramento area. You can find Events, Things To Do, Kids Activities, Arts, Music, Birthday Parties, Camps, Child Care, Classes, Deals & Discounts, Schools, Field Trips, Health Providers, Kids Eat Free venues, Places To Go, Sports, and resources for Special Needs children.

I love following Sacramento 4 Kids on Social Media, they have giveaways! I recently won tickets to the KidsExpo.  Following them on Social Media is a great way to share with your friends and family about upcoming events for families.

You can find things to do with your kids by your city. From Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, West Sacramento, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Natomas, Rancho Cordova, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Galt, Lincoln, and Lodi.

I love their Deals and Discounts section, you can find which restaurants offer "kids eat free" deals every night of the week.  What a great way to save money as a family!  

I love that they are busy parents, just like you and I. They juggle sports schedules with school events, drive in carpools and obsess over planning perfect birthday parties. They know your time is valuable, so having kid-friendly events and information in one place is important. Go to Sacramento4Kids for all things kid-related in the Sacramento area.


Contact Information:
Address: 9245 Laguna Springs Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 706-5437
E-mail: info@sacramento4kids.com 

Social Links:
Facebook: @Sacramento4Kids

Twitter: @Sacramento4Kids

Instagram: @Sacramento4Kids

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is quickly approaching, here is a DIY Photo Gift Idea along with some of my favorite Mother's Day gifts throughout the years.  I love pictures, and I must say these Mod Podge Photo Letters were really easy to make and I love the way they turned out.

What you need:
1. Paper Mache Letters (I found at Hobby Lobby for $2 a piece)
2. Paint for your letters. 
(I used black spray paint I had on one set and craft acrylic paint for the other set)
3. Printed photos printed on paper using a color laser printer. Real Photos or photo paper is too thick for this paper mache project.  
(I placed all my images in a Word Doc and then sent to my local Postal and Print Place, for 4 pages it was less than $3)

Directions:
1. Paint your Paper Mache Letters let dry.
2. Cut out your photos and arrange around the letters.  
3. Place Mod Podge on the back of the photo and lay flat on the letter, pushing out any air bubbles, once you have completely placed all your photos, let dry.  They should be dry by the time you finish your next letter.  
4. Lastly brush on Mod Podge over the photos with a sponge paint brush.  Let dry and do a 2nd coat.

 

Over the years as a mom, I have received a variety of Mother's Day gifts and given a variety of gifts to the mom's in my life.  I must say for myself I really appreciate homemade gifts and gifts with meaning.  Of course, it's always nice to be pampered, I've received and given gift certificates for a massage or manicure and pedicure.  I have given gift cards so they can purchase something they want or to their favorite restaurant.  I love receiving and giving flowers.  If you are looking for a great deal on roses, go to Costco.com you can place an order for 50 roses for ONLY $39.99.  This is not a sponsored post, just sharing a great deal. Place your order soon, though it is only while supplies last.  You can pre-schedule your delivery date.

Although a nice new purse and pampering are appreciated, I must say my most treasured Mother's Day gifts are ones made with photos, personalized gifts or hand-painted items my children have made.  Last year we made a special video for our grandmas to go with their gift.  I gave my mother-in-law a blanket with all the grandkids names on it.  Here is where I ordered mine https://bit.ly/2qDfDRo.

I love this photo holder gift I had my sister-in-law make for my mom for one Mother's Day that says "Grandkids Make Life  More Grand".  These are keepsakes that in my opinion are way better than any manicure or massage.  You can find similar items on Etsy and also local craft fairs.  An upcoming local Strawberry Festival is a great place to pick up some homemade jam, specialty food products or wood crafts like the one pictured below.  For more info on the Strawberry Festival, you can check that out here 2018 BerryFest Strawberry Festival.

I am so grateful for the school teachers and church teachers who have made different Mother's Day crafts with my kids because again, those handmade gifts are my favorite of all time.  Here are two of my favorites this planter with painted butterfly using my son's footprint which is a great idea for a grandma and this canvas with a picture of my son blowing hearts.

Many times local retailers will host DIY Craft events, we went to one last year and made a similar planter at our local Orchard Supply Hardware.  I've seen similar events at Michael's so keep your eye out for those as well.  Many times they are completely free, other times there is a small fee for the craft supplies.  

One Mother's Day my sister and mom made a shadow box for me with my son's christening outfit and pictures of all four boys in that same baby dedication outfit.  I love it!

One year for my Mother's Day gift, my husband and boys planted a garden for me in our backyard.  I had been talking about planting a garden for a while and just never made it happen, then they surprised me with a garden.  That is a great tip, listen to what they have been talking about it can be something they need or something they need to be done for them.

One year for Mother's Day I hosted a Mother's Day brunch at our home and invited my mom and mother-in-law and all our family, my sisters-in-law's who are mom's too. It was a fun get together and the moms did not have to cook or clean. A great tip is to plan something like a brunch or dinner on another date than Mother's Day.  That way everyone can still celebrate with their families on that specific day but know you all are getting together either the week before or the week after.

One year all of us women went out to lunch and a movie, that was another memorable mother's day that stands out to me.  My husband took care of the boys and I went out with all the ladies, it was great to have time together and just enjoy the day relaxing and laughing with a movie and lunch together.  We watched Mom's Day Out, it was a great movie with lot's of laughter.

These are just a few ideas that I hope will help you this Mother's Day in your gift giving or feel free to send this link to your husband. I know after making these photo letters for my kid's grandma's I am making a set for myself.  I know I can't expect my husband to hop on Pinterest for a DIY Mother's Day project, although he is always very thoughtful and great at celebrating Mother's Day.  That is another tip for you moms, if there is a craft project you've seen that you love, make one for yourself there is nothing wrong with that.  I know you'll look back in a few years and be grateful you made it.  Especially when they are little, make all the handprint and footprint crafts because they grow so fast.  Capture lot's of video asking your littles questions about their mom and capture their sweet voices and those words they don't pronounce correctly, you'll be so happy you did later.  

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Kids Bowl Free All Summer

Summer is just around the corner!  I know you will be looking for things to do this summer and ways to keep the kids busy without breaking the bank.  

This is one of the BEST Summer deals around! Sign up at KidsBowlFree.com and your kids can bowl 2 FREE games of bowling every day, all summer long!  It actually starts in the middle of April at our bowling locations. If you homeschool, this is great because you can start bowling now! You don't have to wait until most schools are out in June.

Register TODAY and then you will get e-mail reminders with your coupons to bowl.  This way you don't have to remember later this summer to sign up.
Here is the link to Register: https://bit.ly/2qdYiPH

The other great thing is when you register they will offer you a family pass deal, depending on the package you choose, 1 adult to 4 adults can bowl along with the kids for a very reasonable price.  Check your bowling times, at one of the locations near us you can bowl till 8 PM.  Adding the family pass would be a great thing to add if you want to have a spouse meet you after work and have family bowling night.

We sign up every year for this and we love it.  This comes in handy when it's too hot to be outside, or if we have a surprise rainy day and need somewhere indoors to go.  

Here is my list of Free and Cheap Things To Do that I posted last year
https://bit.ly/2GG5PRr.  The movie links have not been updated yet with the 2018 movie schedule, but I will post that as well once I see it released.

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www.BlogAboutItAll.com.

Earth Day Celebration | Placer County 2018

This is one of my family's favorite earth day celebrations to attend there is always a great variety of vendors, free goodies, and family-friendly entertainment.  

This event, formerly "Celebrate the Earth Festival" under the management of the City of Roseville, will this year celebrate Mother Earth, with a focus on the Arts, Libraries, Community Organizations, Culture and the Environment. 

This is a FREE family event! 100 local artists will also be joining with the various libraries of Placer County to create "My Favorite Book" sculptures that will be on display at the festival and afterward at various Libraries in Placer County.

Date and Time | Saturday, April 21, 2018 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM PDT

Location | Royer Park, 190 Park Drive, Roseville, CA 95678

Devoting a special day to helping the earth is a way to demonstrate how much we care about the future of our planet. No matter what you like to do best, there's a way to get involved in Earth Day. You could plant a tree, make a meal with locally-grown vegetables, educate a family member, clean up trash in your neighborhood, set up a bird feeder or save power — the possibilities are endless. Remember, you don't have to wait for Earth Day to show your love for the planet we call home. 

For more information visit http://www.placerarts.org/earthday/.

A few years back, our family was photographed at the Earth Day Festival and our photo was used on their social media and a local magazine, we thought that was pretty neat. 

Here are some pictures from previous years of our family at the Celebrate the Earth Festival.  I hope you are able to go out and enjoy all the free family fun!  Saturday, April 21, 2018.

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Sacramento County Fair | Press Release

Sacramento County Fair Seeks Barnyard Excellence for 2018 Livestock Competitions and Auction

Sacramento, CA—The Sacramento County Fair is on the lookout for the next generation of farmers to exhibit their livestock this Memorial Day Weekend! FFA and 4H members of all classes are invited to enter their livestock in a competitive and fun-filled weekend of competition at Cal Expo. With over 5,000 entrants expected for 2018, it’s never been a better time to get involved!

With 4 days of competition ranging from 4-H novices exhibiting for the first time to FFA Advanced competing for best in show, there’s something for every level and animal exhibitor at the Fair! And don’t miss out on the junior livestock auction on Sunday, May 27^th! Over 600 local youth involved in 4-H and FFA will raise and sell livestock and eggs at the at the Cal Expo Livestock Pavilion. In 2017, over $500,000 was generated at the sale thanks to the generosity of our auction buyers.

To sign up to exhibit or find out more visit:

http://www.sacfair.com/competitions-contests.html.  Paper entries must be postmarked or hand-delivered before close of business by Friday, April 13 and online entries must be submitted by close of business Friday, April 20. Don’t miss out!

As an added bonus, Midway of Fun is proud to once again offer a special unlimited ride wristband good for all 5 days of the fair for junior livestock exhibitors for one low price—only $29.50! That’s any ride in the entire midway—any day of the Fair during midway hours! Restrictions apply. Limit one wristband per junior entrant. Visit the Sacramento County Fair website for more details.

For more information on the Fair and a daily schedule visit www.sacfair.com and #ShareTheFair 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SacramentoCountyFair/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/saccountyfair

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacfair

About Sacramento County Fair

Over 100,000 guests will enjoy the Sacramento County Fair May 24-28, 2018 at Cal Expo.  Nearly 10,000 school children will enjoy educational school tours.  5,000 local Sacramento residents will compete for awards in the livestock and competitive exhibit programs.  Adult admission is only $6.00 and admission for kids 12-and-under is free every day of the Fair. This year, the Sacramento County Fair will be the biggest and best in it’s over 80-year history. This year’s fair theme is “Let’s Eat, Have Fun & Celebrate the Red, White & Blue.”

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Mother's Day Breakfast | Sacramento, CA Event

I attended this event last year and it was so much fun, I won a purse but more importantly, I had a great time connecting with women in our local area that is why I wanted to let my local Sacramento readers know about this fun event. 

So save the date and reserve your seats for a Spectacular Mother's Day Breakfast and Great Purse Event! Invite your family, co-workers, and friends to join you as we celebrate Mother's this May! 

Every breakfast ticket includes 3 raffle tickets to win purses from Kate Spade, Dooney and  Bourke, Coach and so many more! Individual Tickets are only $25 and a table for 7 is only $150. You can purchase additional raffle tickets for $5 to increase your chances of winning.

You can reserve your spots now by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2GdvQq1

I am getting 2 tables this year and inviting some people I've connected with through blogging and I am so excited.  So many times, we get busy and don't make time to have a meal together, talk and laugh.  We like each other's posts on social media but don't really connect.  I'm grateful for social media, I've connected with many through social media but I love when we can get together in person and catch up, encourage one another, share what's working for us in life, marriage, motherhood, and business.  

I hope you'll get a group of ladies together and join us at this Mother's Day Breakfast Great Purse Event!  You don't have to be a mother or attend with your mother, it really is a Women's event for all women and who doesn't want to win a new purse.  So call up your friends, get your women's group together or fellow soccer moms and join us!

Host Location: Family Community Church | 6331 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660

If you need more information or have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at theblogaboutitall@gmail.com I hope to see you there, please come over and say hi.

Here is just a sample of the purses you may win!

Sacramento Bible Study | Spiritual Parenting

My husband and I will be leading a Bible Study at our local church and I want to invite you on this journey with us.  You do not have to be a member of our church to attend.  I would love to have parents from our local community join us.

We are by no means parenting experts, with four young boys we are in the thick of parenting.  We will be reading and discussing this great book together.  Our hope is to learn together and encourage each other as parents.  We will be sharing some of our parenting wins and fails.  This is ONLY an 8-week bible study, Thursday nights 6:30 PM to 8 PM.  We are starting Thursday, April 19th and we would love if you would join us. It will be held in our community room at Family Books & Gifts located at 6349 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660.

The book we will be using is Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today's Families by Michelle Anthony.  It is an excellent read, I highly recommend it.  This is a free community bible study, you only need to purchase the book to follow along.  You can purchase the book in class or on-line. 

If you have any questions about the bible study you can e-mail me at theblogaboutitall@gmail.com.  Please pre-register so we can plan properly.  
Here is the link to register: https://bit.ly/2GoTa5e

Spiritual Parenting is about learning to create a home environment that is conducive to shaping the hearts and minds of children. This innovative approach to parenting provides you with an opportunity to cultivate a vibrant faith in your child. Dr. Michelle Anthony encourages parents to rely on God for guidance in their role as parents, offering numerous examples and biblical support.

From Publishers Weekly

Parenting books can be preachy--this one is different. The Ph.D. mom-author’s conversational style is rarely preachy and more narrative than didactic as she describes her “Aha!” moments when she moved from attempting to control her children’s behavior to putting them into environments where they can know God and be changed by Him. This is not a “how to” parenting manual, but a guide for developing as a spiritually minded parent who asks, “Who did God create my child to be?” Attractive to many readers is the author’s mix of competence and vulnerability. Her writing is vivid and revealing.  The book speaks to the journey that all parents must learn to accept: to hear God’s voice and change along with their children.

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Dr. Michelle Anthony is the vice president of Curriculum and Family Ministry Architect at David C Cook. She is the author of Dreaming of More for the Next Generation, The Spiritually Formed Family, and The Big God Story. Dr. Anthony has over 25 years of church ministry and leadership experience in children's and family ministries. In her free time, Michelle enjoys being with her husband and two grown children, reading a good book, the beach, and a strong cup of coffee.

Thank you for reading I hope you will join us in growing as parents to be the best we can be in HIM.  We will learn how to create a home environment that God can use to work in your children's lives! It's a biblical, innovative, fresh approach to parenting!  Please share with your friends and family!