Life is too short to hold a grudge, to leave words unsaid, to let moments pass you by.  Too often we exist instead of living.  We let people we love go without telling them how we feel. We are afraid to let others know what we are thinking. We don't speak our minds. We build walls around ourselves instead of building bridges.  We remember the hurts and the pain more than the laughter and the joy.

Is this the way that you want to continue? Do you want to let life pass you by while you are doing what is expected, following the rules, and being politically correct?  Or would you rather march to the beat of your own drum, let go of past hurts, forgive yourself for past mistakes, and take charge of your future?

Turning 50 was easy. Turning 51 was devastating, but it made me start thinking about what I want for this "second" season of my life. 50 is the year of Jubilee, a year of changes. And, I made some major changes: moved, built a home, quit my job, started a small business, and parted my hair on the right.   Major.  I decided not to age gracefully, but to go out kicking and screaming. In other words, to live life to the fullest. To stop being afraid that I'm not acting my age.  To let others know how much I care. To take chances and go for it!

Whatever season of life you find yourself in, live it passionately.  Don't let words go unspoken. Take a walk in the rain. Don't let moments pass you by. Forgive. Free yourself of expectations. Be full of surprises! Smile. No, scratch that. Laugh. Get up early and watch the stars fade as the sun comes up. Go someplace you have never been. Don't be afraid of saying "NO".

And, in this precious season we are entering, remember the greatest gift. The gift of a Child that keeps on giving today and tomorrow.  Embrace the joy! Let the lights remind you of the Bethlehem Star. Breath.

Merry Christmas!!!
Kim
P. S. I'm taking next week off to enjoy Christmas with family and friends, but I'll be back to "ring in the New Year"!

Coming later today........... A snowy addition to my store, Chocolate 4 Teachers...


If you like what you see, share with a friend and follow my store!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

Read more »

Chocolate 4 Teachers

When you start blogging, you usually have tons of ideas (or at least a soap box to get on), but as time goes by your ideas begin to seem pretty stale.  You look at what is trending or read what teachers are saying, but you still have to find something that teachers want to read. Something that will benefit, even if it just hits home and gives them something to identify with.  Teachers don't necessarily care about current, trending topics unless they can relate to them.

It is usually the negative type post that have the biggest following. That tells me that teachers are fed up. They want to read about real life, things that are actually happening, and what can be done.  They want to know how to fix a broken system. Unfortunately, there is no quick or easy fix. The system didn't get broken overnight, so it won't be fixed overnight either.  Reading about problems and solutions can be therapeutic.  You know that you are not alone, that other teachers have been in your shoes. You make a connection.

When you read something positive, you are encouraged. You know that things are better somewhere else and they can be better where you are, also.  Teachers who have no hope in their current situation, desperately want hope. They want answers that make sense. Solutions that work.  Reading about others that have triumphed shines a light in their dark tunnel.

I can tell when I have hit a nerve and when I strike out.  It isn't always easy finding a topic that everyone can relate to (or will even like), but blogging gives you an opportunity to make connections with others that share your ups and downs. With people that share a common interest and goal.

Keep counting down those days to Christmas break!


The winner from last week's share is Mary Love Strange. Congratulations Mary! And thanks to everyone who shared my post.


Just in time for Christmas!!

Four Fun Flip Books

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

Read more »

Chocolate 4 Teachers

Do teachers support each other or are they in competition?  Some districts foster an environment of support and encouragement, while others seem to thrive on fear.  Let's face it, teachers need all of the support they can get. Teaching is a tough job on a good day. If you throw in jealous, competitive colleagues it can be downright miserable.  Principals that have favorites and play teachers against one another are severely damaging to a school's environment. In fact, they are toxic. A school environment that does not treat each teacher as a valuable resource creates an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility.  This type of environment drains teachers of energy and confidence.  When one teacher or a team of teachers is shown special privileges, others start to feel resentment. Over time, the cohesiveness of a team disappears. Without teamwork, teachers become islands, and the system begins falling apart.

What about the teacher that steals everyone's ideas and claims them as her own?  Or the one who "kisses up" to administrators? These type of non-team players erode down trust and contribute to a hostile work environment. Especially when their behavior is left unchecked.

Teachers need to support and encourage each other.  We can't be all things for everyone all the time, but we can offer a listening ear, a kind smile,  or a word of encouragement. Petty disagreements or jealousy are juvenile and detrimental to the work place. Who cares who has the best bulletin board or door design?  Who will remember in 10 years which teacher received the most applause at an assembly?  No one.  The main thing to remember is that teachers all have the same goal (or they should) and they should all help each other reach it. Teaching should be a team effort.


Let's Have a Party!!!
My store, Chocolate 4 Teachers,  is looking for more followers so ........... I'm having a sharing party.
Share the Facebook post, where you found my blog, to get your name placed in a drawing for a free product from my store, Chocolate 4 Teachers.  The more times you share, the more times your name is entered into the drawing, so share with all of your friends.  The winner will take their pick of one of my Christmas products. Winner will be announced next week.
Join in the fun and invite your friends to do the same. And, while you are sharing, drop by my store, become my newest follower, and  check out my Christmas products!

Click on Christmas to see them all!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

Read more »

Chocolate 4 Teachers

Stress is on the rise while morale is dropping like the early winter temps.  I am constantly scanning the internet for news stories and blogs, just to keep current outside of my little world.  I also talk to several teachers from different districts. The ones that are content in their district know someone in another district that is struggling. Why is there so much stress and why does morale continue to drop?

Years before I left Joplin R-8, I brought this up to administration. Morale was low. What could we do to boost it?  I sincerely wanted to be part of the solution, several of us wanted to be the problem solvers. We wanted to help, but every effort was turned away. Administration was in denial.  We didn't have a morale issue in Joplin. Everything. Was. Fine. You know what they say when a woman tells you she is fine?  The word fine is a nice cover-up, but it doesn't get to the root of the problem and fix anything. It acts like a bandaid.  Sometimes a bandaid is all you need, but in some cases, even the largest bandaid won't do the trick.

In some cases, administration thinks that offering a plastic mug or school t-shirt is all that is needed. Or, a pep talk and marching band at opening day. Or, maybe e-mails detailing a teacher's responsibilities and reminding them of their obligations.  Truth is, teachers just want to be respected and treated professionally. That alone will boost morale.

I can only speak for myself and the teachers that I know, but respect and professionalism were in short supply. We were controlled by fear and intimidation. I know that there are some reading this that are skeptical. The ones that aren't a teacher or don't personally know a teacher.  Controlled by fear and intimidation???  Yes. We weren't a bunch of renegades or mavericks. We were hard working, give-it-our-all teachers. We believed. We trusted. We were let down.

It isn't too late for things to turn around in Joplin or any other district that is struggling with low morale and high stress. Teachers are forgiving.  They will often face opposition because they love helping kids.  Listen, support, and respect.  It isn't much, but it is a place to start and it will make all the difference.

Like my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
Follow my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
Check out my Christmas resources!

Read all about St. Nicholas!

Check out Christmas Customs

Non-Fiction Passages about Reindeer

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

Read more »

Chocolate 4 Teachers

So, today is the Saturday before Thanksgiving and I'm running around like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.  Random thoughts are flitting through my mind like the leaves blowing across the front yard.
1. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are NOT the time to start a diet.
2. Teachers love donuts more than just about anyone.
3. Children under the age of six are cute unless you are the only adult in a room of 25 for over 3 hours.
4.  Playground duty is a test of fortitude.
5. Teachers' lives are full of countdowns: the countdown to Thanksgiving break, the countdown to Christmas break, the countdown to spring break, and the countdown to summer vacation.    
  Thaw out your turkeys, roll out the pie crusts,  plan an active and engaging lesson that will cover Monday and Tuesday (hopefully you are off on Wednesday), and make time for family and friends.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner.                                                                                                  

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Kim                                                                                                                                                                        

Like my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
Check out my product preview on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

Read more »

Chocolate 4 Teachers