The Smith Family

Menu Planning: Week of July 8, 2024

2024-07-07T11:35:00.000-05:00

Sure hard to believe it is already July. We have HelloFresh coming this upcoming Thursday again. I am looking forward to the recipes this week from them: Honey Thyme Pork Filet and Cheesy Smashed Burgers. Get a FREE box from HelloFresh using my referral code. I suspect a few other meals this week will include spaghetti and potentially a recipe from SkinnyTaste, stuffed peppers. I sure appreciate both HomeChef and HelloFresh though when it comes to menu planning.

Journal: Week of June 24, 2024

2024-06-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

It has been a pretty calm week around here. Temperatures have been a bit warm, but it is to be expected as we get closer to July in Texas. The temperatures have been hitting 100 degrees with heat indexes ranging between 105-110 resulting in heat warnings.

I created a Donorschoose project on Monday. The request focuses on basic supplies such as pencils, new sets of color pencils and markers, paper, graph paper, and cardstock. A few years ago, I requested folders using Donorschoose and we created growth folders to allow students to track their growth and progress. Together, students tracked their growth throughout the school year which helped them acknowledge and see they were learning. Students tracked and set goals for themselves. Allowing students to see their success which many times were small, helped them push through when the work became challenging.

Pen and pencil holders have been popular this week! I have received orders from California and Kansas this week for them. Time to work on making new ones for my Etsy Shop! As of this morning, I have reached 175 sales since starting my shop almost two years ago.

This year, I signed Ashlyn up for Kids Bowl Free since Main Event was one of the locations. So far, we have gone twice this summer and we have had a good time. I had a lucky first game on Wednesday with three strikes in a row to begin the game. Normally my first game is better than my second game. Ashlyn primarily did not use the bumpers on these games. She set them up to use, but they were broken and not working correctly. About halfway through, she took them off entirely. However, she's getting better at getting her ball to go straight and actually has a bit of a spin to her ball based on how she is releasing it.

Menu Planning: Week of June 24, 2024

2024-06-24T14:06:00.002-05:00

This week, we have a few meals arriving from HelloFresh! Try a FREE box from me!

This upcoming Thursday, we have the following meals arriving on our doorstep. These have been helpful as Jakob recently has decided he should learn how to cook new things. The step by step instructions have been beneficial for him too.

Hot Honey Peach Pork Chops with Rice & Lemony Roasted Veggies
Sheet Pan Dijon Onion Crunch Chicken with Green Beans & Garlic Bread

I'm not entirely sure what other plans we have this week yet. We are officially hitting 100 this week it appears. So I know I will attempt to limit the oven if possible. What are you cooking this hot summer week?

Journal: Week of June 17, 2024

2024-06-23T07:57:00.001-05:00

While away, I had a few more items purchased on my Etsy shop. When we returned, the items shipped to Maine, New Jersey, and North Carolina. :) Items sold this past week included lanyard pen holders, classroom window curtains, and a dog bandana.

Ashlyn and her friend, Andy, went swimming on Tuesday afternoon for about an hour. Our HOA in the neighborhood was sponsoring, Pops at the Pool, so we had a popsicle along with enjoying the pool for a bit.

Tuesday evening, Ashlyn completed her BSA Astronomy merit badge. They were able to complete everything but one requirement while camping at the Rocky Mountain National Park. Her last thing to complete was to draw a sketch of the Big Dipper's orientation in the early evening sky. Then a few hours later, sketch it again including the North Star in both sketches and the position. I could sure tell the difference between the views from our campsite, Glacier Basin, in comparison from our house with all the light pollution. It was much harder to see, but it was there. Saturday evening, Ashlyn submitted her last requirements for her BSA Camping merit badge.

Summer Camp 2024: Rocky Mountain National Park

2024-06-19T20:26:00.001-05:00

What an incredible week at Rocky Mountain National Park last week with Ashlyn's BSA Troop 219 from Denton, TX. This was the troop's summer camp this year. We started our journey on Saturday, June 8th and arrived at Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico. Prior to arriving at the state park, we took a detour and visited the Capulin Volcano National Monument. This was Ashlyn's first time to visit the volcano.

We had a windy evening while at Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico. The girls tented in one big tent, which collapsed on them. The stories were funny between the seven of them since one slept through the tent collapsing and another was content and chill through the whole thing. They were laughing and telling stories the next morning. They ended up packing it up and just slept in a few vehicles instead of dealing with the hassle. Prior to bedtime, we had one of the most beautiful sunsets.

After arriving to Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday June 9th, we stayed at Glacier Basin Campground which had incredible views from our hikes. Our focus for our hikes were within the Bear Lake Corridor Trails. We would either walk over or take a vehicle to the park & ride to catch a bus. This bus would then take us to three specific trailheads: Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake Trailhead.

On Monday, June 10th, we hiked up to Emerald Lake. It was about a four mile hike overall with a variety of terrain changes including snow! This hike was the most challenging out of all the hikes we completed and I am thankful we completed it first. However, the end result was worth it and we had lunch prior to hiking back down.

The following day, Tuesday, June 11th, we hiked about two miles and saw the Alberta Falls. Originally, we had a tubing excursion planned but were unable to complete due to the water speed. Six of the seven scouts went to a water park and had an enjoyable day while the rest of us stayed at the campsite area.

Wednesday, June 12th, we all traveled to Colorado Adventure Center and scouts and adults completed a ropes and zip line course. It was pretty impressive to watch them maneuver through the obstacles.

On Thursday, June 13th, four of us hiked another four miles. We purposely started near the Bear Lake Trailhead which resulted in only a bit of incline and the remaining was primarily downhill. In about three hours, we casually hiked four miles. Our goal was not so fast paced as our previous two hikes had been from Monday and Tuesday! Here is the picture of Bierstadt Lake from the hike. Near the end of the hike, the four of us hiking could see our campsite from the hill.

Also on Thursday, June 13th, scouts and some adults completed rock climbing! I suspect many were tired from the previous day's ropes and zip line course. Those attending rock climbing stated the hike to get where they had to go was pretty brutal. However, from all the pictures it appears they had a great time and experience. Ashlyn mentioned rappelling was a bit challenging and required the most trust from the other person.

As scout led, they did a fantastic job planning out the meals for an entire week. The girls decided to work on a variety of merit badges including astronomy, climbing, camping, cooking, citizenship in the nation, and first aid. A few of the girls also worked on trail to first class. Ashlyn completed climbing, cooking, and the astronomy merit badge. She is almost completed with her camping merit badge too!

Between the scouts and adults, we hiked the trails at RMNP, went to a water park (due to the tubing plans getting cancelled), completed a ropes/zip line course, rock climbing and rappelling, shopped, and a few a scouts visited a Colorado University! It was such an amazing experience and thankful I had the opportunity to attend.

Menu Planning: Week of June 17, 2024

2024-06-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

This week, we have a few meals arriving from HelloFresh!

We have two dinners arriving tomorrow: Honey-Butter BBQ Pork Chops and Sweet Chili-Lime Glazed Pork Chops.

We are also making spaghetti this evening and had BBQ Sausage and rice planned earlier this week. What's on your menu this week?

Reach 4 the STARS Bulletin Board

2024-05-30T14:42:00.001-05:00

My coworker inspired me to create this bulletin board this past school year. I just completed my 15th year teaching. In the past fifteen years, I have taught 7th math, 7th honors math, 8th math, and Algebra. This past school year I taught 8th math and Algebra.

Students received a star when they earned a 100% on a CFA (Common Formative Assessment) or a QC (Quick Check). These were quizzes both of us gave together to all students. These quizzes focused on primarily essential standards. We compared our scores together to see how students did on the specific standards. A response plan was created based on how students performed. Response plans varied from each quiz, but primarily it focused on specific practice on which questions they missed since most questions were either different standards or the type of question to help students along the way. Students who scored extremely low worked with us at our horseshoe/kidney tables to reteach the concept to attempt to catch them along the way. Students also received a star when they scored an 85% or higher on a unit test.

As I started adding stars to the bulletin board, it really inspired students. Each class period had their own color card stock. Since mixed card stock assortments are packaged with five different colors, I decided to group my Algebra class to one color. Last year, I used blue for Algebra. Therefore, blue looks deceiving because they appear to have the most. In reality, it was two class periods with 35 students.

I have started using my Cricut Explore Air 2 device to begin cutting new stars for next year. I have adjusted the size to allow one card stock sheet (8.5x11) to have six stars cut from it. Each star for the upcoming year will be approximately 3.5 inches wide. In my bulletin board from last year, they ranged between four to five inches wide. The size was great for the wall, but disliked the wasted paper when cutting them.

STARS 6 Cricut File

Journal: Week of May 20, 2024

2024-05-29T18:41:00.001-05:00

Ashlyn earned her Star rank with BSA Scouts on Monday, May 20, 2024. She is getting one step closer to Eagle! Jakob earned his Eagle rank about the week before he turned 17. Her current goal is to beat him by earning Eagle before the time he earned his rank. However, only time will tell though. She still has a bunch of Eagle required merit badges to complete. Back in January, she switched troops to an all-girl backpacking troop and has been extremely happy with the challenges along with the other girls in the troop.

We finished off the last day of the 2023-2024 school this past Friday. It was a busy school year as always. Ashlyn finished off her 7th grade school year. I finished my 15th year teaching. In the past fifteen years, I have taught 7th grade math, 7th honors math, 8th grade math, and Algebra on my campus.

Part of our check-out for the end of the school year was to put our big tables in the hallway. My room is changing next year. I will be downstairs and I will have windows! I am excited about having windows again. It has been quite some time since I have had windows, so I am looking forward to it. Prior to leaving last Friday, I was able to pack everything up and store most of it in my classroom along with the math closet. After our school finishes with all the cleaning, I will work towards moving everything to my new classroom when we return for the next school year.

My Side Stitch Creations EtsyShop is slowly picking back up which is fantastic. Last week, new pen holders and a keyfob shipped out to North Carolina and Illinois.

Jakob started back to lifeguarding again this summer. He appreciates the hourly pay rate and really likes the management team where he is currently lifeguarding. He completed his first year at college and did well overall for his first year away at college. Thankfully, due to his scholarship, he was able to live on campus. This past spring break, we found him a fully furnished student housing apartment where he will live for his next school year. I know he will appreciate having a private room and private bathroom. He will have a shared living room and kitchen area with one other student.

Menu Planning: Week of May 27, 2024

2024-05-25T12:00:00.005-05:00

This upcoming week, we have meals and recipes arriving from Home Chef and HelloFresh. My coupons will expire on Home Chef with this upcoming week and then HelloFresh sent me a coupon to return! I have learned to switch back and forth as needed between the different meal prep companies since they will offer you discounts to return! One advantage to Home Chef is customizing the recipe servings. I prefer being able to change some recipes down to two rather than the default four-person setting. We vary from having the meal-prep service every week to on average every-other week. What are your favorite menu planning websites or meal prep companies?

Home Chef Steak with Bacon-Blue Cheese Butter with Oven-Roasted Asiago fries.

Home Chef Sheet Pan Mozzarella Chicken Cutlet with Garlic Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

HelloFresh Creamy Garlic Chicken Spaghetti with Nutmeg, Parmesan & Chives

HelloFresh Chicken in a Lemony Sauce with Pistachio Rice & Roasted Carrots

CVS Shopping: 5/4/2024

2024-05-04T15:13:00.001-05:00

I went to CVS this morning since I had ECB expiring after checking out the matched coupons from Southern Savers. I recently signed back up for their extra care plus which is $5 per month. You automatically receive a $10 ECB for the same month. I had last months expiring today and then the upcoming $10 ECB for this month needing to be spent. The extra care plus also saves you 20% on all of their CVS generic items and you receive free regular shipping on prescriptions. I appreciate having some prescriptions delivered since it is one less thing to worry about and errand to run on the weekend. I completed everything in one transaction for convenience this morning. Today, I purchased from CVS:

Pantene x2
Always Infinity Pads x2
Coppertone x2
ALL

My total was $44.66. However, I received $18.16 ECB back for the next trip which I will use soon. :)

Journal: Week of April 29, 2024

2024-05-04T14:56:00.002-05:00

This past week went well. My Algebra and 8th grade math students took their end of the year STAAR test. Hopefully, they did well. We will not know the results until much later in the school year most likely. Last year we did not know their results until the beginning of our current school year. We have three more weeks of the 2023-2024 school year.

We completed our annual swim test for BSA on Wednesday. In order to pass the BSA swim test, you must jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating. I recently purchased a Samsung Watch 6 and was impressed the watch knew which stroke I was doing while completing my test.

Ashlyn went on an orchestra field trip with her school this past Thursday. They did well and scored superior rating in all the categories. After their performance, they went to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.

Friday evening, Ashlyn helped Jakob move the rest of his things from his dorm to the house. He bribed her by buying her Whataburger for dinner and then ice cream afterwards! He has a few more finals remaining next week, but otherwise has completed his first year at the University of North Texas!

Journal: Week of May 29, 2023

2023-06-03T07:35:00.000-05:00

We moved a bunch of furniture around this past Monday. By moving the queen bed out of our front bedroom it opened it up for me to use it for a craft and exercise room. Last year in September, I started sewing more which included making classroom window curtains for everyone in our eighth grade hallway. After pondering on the idea, I created Side Stitch Creations.

The past few months I have even been classified as a STAR seller which is fantastic news. In order to receive the badge, sellers must have speedy replies to questions, good reviews, on-time shipping, along with a minimum number and dollar amount of orders.

STAR Seller Badge - June 2023

Ashlyn has been enjoying her afternoons at her friend's house for VBS. She had a good week which included swimming yesterday afternoon.

Jakob has had off from work majority of this week due to his graduation. He starts back to lifeguarding at the of this week. I suspect he will have a busy summer.

Coupon Shopping at CVS Today

2023-06-01T15:47:00.003-05:00

I did okay for not really coupon shopping in a long time. My stash is not really built up to maximize savings. Overall, I spent $50.75 after all coupons.

I saved $6 using iBotta. Use my Referral Link to get an extra $5.00!

Transaction 1:
Head & Shoulders x2
Pantene x2
Always Pads x2
Coppertone x2
Total: $51.91

Transaction 2:
Cottonelle x2
Cards x2
Total: $2.14

Transaction 3:
All
Total: $2.70

Out of curiosity, I found the same items using Target's app and the total came out to be $75.06 with a few Target discounts currently available.

Check out Southern Savers for weekly ads with coupon matches.

Happy 4th of July!

2022-07-05T09:20:00.010-05:00

Looking for some Red, White & Blue recipes to celebrate the 4th?
Check out this collection I compiled just for you!

WW Meeting 10/3/2020

2020-10-03T08:33:00.003-05:00

Today's notes from WW meeting:

Take lunch outside
Walking
Stretch.

How to get a Good Night's Sleep

Don't eat too late. It causes disruption to your digestion which can cause restless night.
If you wake up at night, do not touch your phone. Blue light tricks your brain to think it is daytime.
Digital clocks can be turned around if needed.
Keep an eye on caffeine intake if it causes sleep problems.
Enjoy morning sunshine.

Total Weight Loss: 6 lbs

WW Meeting 9/26/2020

2020-09-26T12:27:00.002-05:00

Today's notes from WW meeting:

Set goals not wishes
Last week's meeting - boosting our confidence; setting goals (blue dots)
Drink more water, try using straws?

Make a plan for unexpected food!

What could I have done differently? -- donuts, candy jars, etc.
Enjoy your favorite things
Come up with a strategy to enjoy your favorites. Make a date with it.
Say the goal out loud and detail it for yourself.

Total Weight Lost: 4.8 lbs

Journal: Week of March 23, 2020

2020-03-28T10:26:00.002-05:00

Found this quote this morning while looking for something to post on Jakob's Facebook page for mowing business. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's learning to Dance in the Rain. The kids have had a variety of activities to keep them busy and engaged. This past Tuesday night, Jeff and the kids slept in the backyard. Later this week, Ashlyn practice her golf using her club from grandparents. Jeff picked up chalk from Target about a week ago and we've used it quite a bit from creating artwork to school work. One of Ashlyn's school assignments this past week was to track her shadow throughout the day. She understood her shadow would move, but she found it fascinating when we had to draw her really long shadow due to the angle of the sun at the end of the day. Both kids have kept up with their school work. Jakob has enjoyed his Zoom calls with his different class periods.

The past two Fridays, we had produce delivered through FarmBox Delivery. I appreciate the choice to be able to adjust what we receive and the choice to skip deliveries, if needed. I haven't made a smoothie in quite some time. Ashlyn had been asking for me to make another one. We made one yesterday afternoon with kale, banana, strawberries, blackberries, and an orange. It tasted great!

Camp Gladiator started broadcasting their workouts using Facebook and now on Zoom. Exercising has helped with my routine and stress levels. This past week, Ashlyn and Jakob joined me in the workouts. Jakob completed his first Camp Gladiator workout yesterday and reported today he was sore! I figured the workouts are great for him, especially since swim has been canceled with school buildings closed.

3/23/2020

Ashlyn worked out with me on Thursday, 3/26/2020.

Kids worked out with me on Friday, 3/27/2020.

Tacoma has enjoyed our company while being home. Jeff has been walking him in the mornings for about an hour and often another walk in the evenings. In a few days, we will have had Tacoma for a year! He is such a great dog and love him dearly.

Sunday Reflection: March 22, 2020 - Sabbath Spirit

2020-03-23T08:18:00.003-05:00

The below video is from our church service, Grace Chapel UMC, on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

Mark 2:23-27 (NRSV)

One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath.

2:23-28 In this controversy, Jesus and his disciples are accused of braking the Sabbath. Picking grain by hand in another person's field was lawful. The charge was that by rubbing the chaff from the kernels, the disciples were working on the Sabbath, which was forbidden.

2:25-26 Jesus countered with reference to an incident in the life of King David. When David and his followers ate the sacred loaves - the twelve loaves in the Tabernacle that only priests were allowed to eat - they broke the law. But deeper principles were at work.

2:27-28 Since Jesus is the Lord of humanity and since the Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, he is Lord...over the Sabbath. As with Jesus' authority to forgive sins, this was a claim to divine authority.

Reflection: As a society, we have been go, go, go! I feel as if God is trying to remind us what the Sabbath should look like. We are not supposed to feel exhausted, overworked, depression, anxiety, or empty. As Pastor Courtney stated, "We were created to live with a rhythm. Our Saturdays have returned back to us since everything has been canceled." I checked out the book, God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God and plan to begin reading it this week. I know God is with us through all of this and I know He loves us. Our church sang the following song at the end of service yesterday. If you are struggling, it is worth listening to.

Good Grace by Joel Houston

Don't let your heart be troubled hold your head up high

Don't fear no evil fix your eyes on this one truth

God is madly in love with you

Take courage hold on be strong remember where our help comes from

Menu Plan Monday: Week of March 23, 2020

2020-03-22T13:35:00.000-05:00

We received our FarmBox Delivery this past Friday, March 20th. My goal is to determine recipes to ensure we are not wasting the food.

Dinner Plans this Week:

Kid Friendly Turkey Chili
Crock Pot - Baked Potato Soup
Turmeric Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Roast served with Carrots, Potatoes, and Green Beans

I am also planning to make some smoothies this week using the kale, oranges, and blackberries with our bananas we have on hand. I have not made any smoothies in a long time, so I am looking forward to it this upcoming week.

Sunday Reflection: December 30, 2018

2018-12-30T19:35:00.000-06:00

Come and See - 12/30/18

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and see,” he said.

John 1:35-39a NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.35-39.NLT

God invites us on a journey. He wants a relationship with you. This can be challenging since it's not simple. We cannot see Jesus like his disciples could. Jesus responds in this scripture, “What are you looking and searching for?” He continued on by telling the disciples to “Come and see.”

Reflection: Walking with God is an ongoing experience. My goals for 2019 is to read and explore more into my Bible. In order to do this, I will have to set some time aside at least weekly.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your plans and purposes never cease to amaze me. To think that my Savior was present during the creation of the universe, yet He came to earth to be with me! We are so blessed that You revealed Yourself to us through Jesus. Thank You for abiding with us in the messiness of human life. In Jesus' name, amen.

Weight Watchers: Getting Back on Track

2018-12-30T14:13:00.000-06:00

I rejoined #WW about 2.5 years ago. I reached my goal and #lifetime around Feb 2017. I was able to manage my weight and eating up to about May 2018. With our move, our cruise, and life in between, my weight and eating habits haven’t been the best. So, I’m back to tracking and measuring to get back on track. #gettingbackontrack #bettertogether #wellnesswins

Click the following — Weight Watchers Label to read more about my journey.

www.lisasmith.blogspot.com/search/label/WeightWatchers

AHG PenPal: October-December 2018

2018-12-30T08:22:00.001-06:00

This morning, I am getting caught up on blogging about Ashlyn's AHG PenPal. The girls started writing each other in January 2018. Check out their remaining letters below to each other. I am missing Ashlyn's November letter she sent to Caroline. I ran out of time to scan it because we were running behind on getting it into the mail.

October 2018 Letter from Ashlyn:
Dear Caroline,
I am good. There was a Halloween event in our neighborhood. It was a Halloween event. And we were getting lots of candy. I was a mermaid for Halloween. What were you for Halloween? We got to ride on a horse carriage. My face was painted.
Your PenPal,
Ashlyn Smith

October 2018 Letter from Caroline:
Dear Ashlyn,
How are you? I am good. Guess what?! I got to be a flower girl! And we got to dance! My cousin Martin, Who is two, did a dance like side to side. And I got to keep my basket! Did you get to be a flower girl once? So my dad is an engineer and I got to do the engineering badge. Did you get to engineering?
Your PenPal,
Caroline

November 2018 Letter from Caroline:
Dear Ashlyn,
How are you? I am good. Our next meeting, we are going to pack shoe boxes for poor kids in other countries. Guess What! I am working on the Archery badge with my daddy! I am going to Grandma's and Nana's houses for Thanksgiving! Do you know how many Aunts and Uncles I have? I have 20! And I have 27 Cousins! How many Aunts and Uncles and Cousins to you have?
Your PenPal,
Caroline

December 2018 Letter from Caroline:
Dear Ashlyn,
How are you? I am good. I am doing to my Grandma's and Nana's for Christmas. After we open our presents we have a wrapping paper party! We play in the wrapping paper, we make snow angels out of wrapping paper we have wrapping paper fights, and bury each other. It is fun. At AHG we made cards and ornaments for the people at the nursing home. We will give them to the people when we go there.
Your PenPal,
Caroline
PS. Thank you for being my PenPal.
Merry Christmas and a happy New year!

Click the following -- AHG PenPal: December 2018 letter to read Ashlyn's letter to Caroline.

Click the following -- PenPal to read about all the PenPal letters Ashlyn has written and received.

AHG PenPal: December 2018

2018-12-29T20:12:00.000-06:00

Ashlyn wrote to her PenPal about visiting the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on December 15th for Wreaths Across America.

December 29, 2018
Dear Caroline,
I am good. I had to wake up early on December 15. I had to go to Wreaths Across America. Did you go to Wreaths Across America? We had to get the lunches for my troop. First we got to learn the rules. Second, we got to wait because the families got to go first. Next we got to look for someone. I got to pick two. Finally we were going to the bus but we did not eat on the bus. Last I was going to the bus. We left and when we got to our car we went home.
Your PenPal,
Ashlyn Smith
PS. There were jets in the sky.

AHG PenPal: September 2018

2018-10-13T21:54:00.002-05:00

Ashlyn and her PenPal, Caroline, are still going strong this year writing back and forth to each other. We were behind for September, but Ashlyn finished her letter at the end of the month in order to get it in the mail. Her letter focused on her grandparents coming to visit on Grandparent's Day at school on Friday, September 14, 2018.

Final Draft - September 2018

Rough Draft - September 2018

Here is Caroline's letter to Ashlyn for September 2018.

Ashlyn - Perfect Attendance for the 1st Grading Period

2018-10-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

Ashlyn received a perfect attendance certificate for the 1st grading period this past Thursday, October 11th.