Fifth Annual Pay it Forward Giveaway

Happy happy and merry merry to each and every one of you!
I started this giveaway five years ago. 

I love it!

To wake up each day, and have what you need to feel safe, taken care of, productive and happy is such an incredible blessing. I don't know if it's getting older that makes me feel this even more strongly - but every year that I do this Pay it Forward Giveaway I find myself feeling so overwhelmingly sad for anybody who struggles in such a way that it makes it hard for them to wake up each day and do what it takes to get through it.  Then, I sit here - in my cozy bed, on my computer and I'm just astonished at those who get by with much less and feel blessed anyway.  Our world and the people in it are just a wonder!

Each year, for the last five years, I've asked that you name a charity that is near and dear to your heart, in the comments below.  If you feel comfortable doing so, I'd like for you to share the reason for choosing this charity.  I think, in sharing your story, you can touch the hearts of so many.  We all walk this earth with a story in our hearts - having to endure the many storms that sometimes breeze by, others come at us like a tornado and still others almost rip us apart like a hurricane.  You just never know who your story will reach and whose life you may change - just by sharing it.  I like for you to do this in the comments with the hope that others may feel moved to share theirs and may also consider paying it forward themselves by choosing a charity to give to. 

This year, I'd like to give 100 dollars in your name or the name of someone special to you, to a charity of your choice.

We've given to several wonderful charities over the years.

Year One:

Kisses From Katie

Year Two:

Stephen Siller

Year Three:

Wounded Warrior Project

Year Four:

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Thank you so much for entering this giveaway!

 I just can't think of a better giveaway - especially this time of year.

Hugs!!!!!!

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Update:

I am so happy to tell you that a parent at my school contacted me and asked to match my donation.  That means $200 dollars has been donated to Black Dogs & Company Rescue!

That's what paying it forward is all about...

xoxoxox

Writing Note Freebie, Pay it Forward & Some Randomness

Hey Guys!

We had today off.  We went to Frankenmuth...

We go every year.  This place is the happiest on earth.  My husband, AKA Clark Griswold...

...was in heaven.  If it weren't so cold outside I'd take a picture of our house.  It closely resembles the one above.  Let's just say, I wasn't able to blow dry my hair yesterday morning because I kept blowing the fuse.  All those lights suck up a lot of energy!

Yesterday was a half day of school for us.  Contrary to what so many people think - it wasn't a half day for the teachers.  It was our records day.  If you can believe it, my cards are actually almost done - now that's a miracle!  It must have been the cozy fire that put me in the mood to get things done...

This "fire" lasted 10 minutes on YouTube - it was our "timer" for our daily 10 minute snack time.

At the end of each writing unit I send a letter home with the "pile 'o writing" explaining what we worked on.  A bunch of you asked for a copy of it on Instagram.  I'm not sure how helpful it will be since it is specific to what I taught this trimester - but if you can use it, it's yours.

Click the pic to grab yours!

If you haven't entered my Pay it Forward giveaway, which I'm pretty sure you haven't since only 2 people have {insert really sad face here} if you could take a moment to do that, that would be great. When you enter, you have an opportunity to give a shout out to a charity that is near and dear to your heart.  You also have a chance to win 50 dollars for that charity - it's all in the name of paying it forward.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consider entering.  It's super easy too - you get one entry by sharing the name of our charity in a comment and another entry if you give someone a hug! Seriously....it doesn't get much easier than that!  Enter {here}.

Alrighty - time to make the mashed potatoes.  HA! I'm totally kidding.  My husband does that.  Time to go see if I can lick the bowl...

Fourth Annual Pay It Forward Giveaway

Happy Sunday!

So, I started this giveaway four years ago.  Making this post for the past four years just makes me smile.  I wish I could give more but every little bit counts. This time of year can be such a blessed & happy time for people but it can also be a struggle.  There are so many wonderful organizations out there to give to and I enjoy learning about new ones during this giveaway. 

Here are the organizations we've given to in the past.  Maybe you'll find a new one to give to yourself! 

Three Years Ago:

Two Years Ago:

Last Year:

So here's the skinny - you enter the giveaway.  One of the entries requires you to leave a comment telling what organization you would like a donation to be given.  If you feel like sharing why this charity is special to you I would love to hear your story and it's a beautiful way to honor somebody special to you.  I know others out there find themselves thinking of others, especially at this time of year, so this might help them find a new charity to give to.  This giveaway is all about paying it forward.

Once I choose a "winner" I'll give 50 dollars in your name to your charity of choice.  

If you are a blogger and you'd like to start a similar giveaway I would be tickled pink to see that happen.  After all, that's the whole idea behind "pay it forward".  That's always been my vision for this - it would be really cool to see this spread!

Enter below!

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