Beach Sand: Liebster Award

What a wonderful Turkey Day! Lots of cooking and family around my house always makes me happy! In the middle of all the food and family fun, I received the kindest comment from The Realistic Teacher. She said she has nominated me for the Liebster Award. The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers – and that is ME! It’s to show that new bloggers are appreciated and help spread the word about our little pieces of cyberspace.
I think this is a neat way to get to know each other and connect with more teacher bloggers!

Here are the rules:

1. You must post 11 random things about yourself.

2. Answer the questions that the nominator set for you.

3. Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.

4. Choose 11 other blogs with fewer than 200 followers to nominate and link them in your post.

5. You cannot “tag back” the other blog, but leave a comment on this post with the URL of your Liebster post so I can learn more about you & see who you nominate.

So for 11 random things about ME:

#1: I LOVE teaching...it is my passion and has been since the 2nd grade. My wonderful Aunt Norma (who is 92) was a teacher. She used to send me old TEs and grade books and plan books. I had a whole classroom set up in the garage. When I came home from school I would reenact the school day...my daughter does the same thing!

#2: I am married to a teacher. We met at school about 18 years ago. We've been married for 14 years. For MOST of the last 18 years we have taught in the same school. I know...a lot of time together, but you'd be surprised. We really don't see each other that much. The best part is we have been able to spend school time with our kids! It's so nice to be able to see them during the day and sneak a hug and kiss. This year my hubby and I are in adjoining rooms...now this is the closet we have ever taught...I'll keep you posted!

#3: I love dogs! I currently have 9! Crazy I know but we just love each and every one. They all have a "story" and all are rescue babies!

#4: I am a Disney freak! I visited the Magic Kingdom for the first time in 1971 when it opened. We lived in Cocoa Beach so it was a quick trip. From the first time we took our children there we were hooked. I live about 3 hours south of the Happiest Place on Earth and I'm like a kid when the time comes to make a trip. (Our 9 dogs all have a Disney name)

#5: Starbucks is my drink of choice! I belong to a "Starbucks Club" at school and we each take a turn buying coffee on Fridays.

#6: Like my new friend, Realistic Teacher, I have a huge children's book collection. One of my prized possessions is my Author's Chair (blogged about it a while back). I have met lots of authors at conferences or local book signings. I bring along the seat to my director's chair for their signature. The kids love it too.

#7: I'm a serious procrastinator.

#8: I think starting this blog and TpT as been one of the best things I've ever done. It's given me a renewed motivation in the classroom. I think it's neat how teachers from all over are connecting and collaborating.

#9: The beach is one of my favorite places to be. I can not, for one second, imagine living in a place that was not near the ocean. My dream is to have a beach house one day...I want to wake up, look outside, and see the ocean.

#10: My kids are my life! I feel so blessed and fortunate to have a son (12) and daughter (10) who are funny, super smart, kind people!

#11: I didn't think I was going to be able to write 11 random things about me! I surprise myself sometimes!

Now to answer questions from Realistic Teacher:

1. What is your favorite genre? Realistic fiction for sure but I'm starting to read more about history and I really like it!

2. Do you parallel park or find another spot?OMG...find another spot!!

3. Do you have any tattoos? How many? Of what?YES! I love mine. I have 3. My first was a small palm tree above my ankle. (We got married in Key West and it was my wedding present!) I also have a sea turtle, and on my other ankle I have a fairy sitting on a hibiscus. (It reminds me of my daughter.)Yes I want another!

4. What is your favorite book? Charlotte's Web, hands down!

5. When did you last laugh? Today...my family always cracks me up!

6. Where have you traveled and what was your favorite place? Growing up my dad worked for Eastern Airlines so we traveled a lot...all over the U.S. and I've been to Europe.

7. Do you like to dance? Well I like it but I'm not good at it.

8. What is your favorite type of music? Rock, Pop

9. Have you ever, or would you ever, go skydiving or bungee jumping? NO WAY!! My hubby went sky diving for his 40th and I was a nervous wreck watching him!

10. Do you garden? I like it but don't do it much. I want my husband to build me one of those raised vegetable gardens next summer. I really want to grow my own veggies.

11. If you could eat lunch with a favorite person who would it be? Easy...Walt Disney!

Whew...that was fun!

Now my 11questions for the bloggers I'm nominating:

1. What is your favorite subject to teach?

2. What movie could you watch over and over?

3. Would you rather live in a place with a cold or warm climate?

4. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

5. Do you cook most nights or eat out?

6. What professional book have you read lately or do you have any that you couldn't live without?

7. What do you do for you that is fun?

8. Are you a dog or cat person?

9. Are you a middle child, oldest, or baby of the family? Or are you an only child?