tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20635904945205762142024-03-14T06:13:58.944-04:00The Sassy Flip Flopsilly. strange. sassy.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-3749936927661915872014-07-27T14:27:00.002-04:002014-07-27T14:27:36.733-04:00So you have a middle schooler!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If this is your first time stepping into the wonderful world
of being a middle school parent, let me be the first to welcome you! If you
believe the ‘word on the street’, then you’re probably terrified about what the
next 3 years hold. If you’re looking at this kid, wondering what happened to your
baby, don’t fear- they’re not that far away.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been teaching middle school for 10 years, and here’s
the truth: middle schoolers are the jam. They’re figuring out who they are, and
I get to be a part of that journey with them. Middle school years are the
weirdest of your life. You are literally stuck in the middle. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I tell people that I teach middle school, their
immediate reaction is either extreme gratitude that I provide this service to
our community or extreme disgust that they’re friends with someone who chooses
to spend time with these mutants. But the reality is, I LOVE middle school
students. They make me laugh, wonder, rejoice, and even sometimes cry. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your child is just starting middle school, or you’re
flabbergasted at the ridiculousness of your 13 year old, the journey doesn’t
have to be terrible. Here are some tips at making these 3 years a roller
coaster rather than a haunted house:</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Embrace the weird.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the weirdest your kid is
ever going to be. So when they come home and decide that they’ve decided to
become a penguin tamer, don’t panic! Power up that Google and help them figure
out the best way to become the best dang penguin tamer in the country! Middle
school students have amazing dreams- most of them are still innocent enough to
believe childlike dreams, but now they have an acute awareness of the adult
word- so the ideas that spring in their heads will blow your mind. Embrace
those things!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Embrace the change.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -24px;">I cannot tell you the number of
times I’ve had a parent tell me that their child “didn’t used to be this way”. When
they’re failing classes or getting in fights with friends, it’s hard to see
that this change is a good thing. But, if you really look for it, you’ll see
that all of these changes are working together to make them adults. Instead of
lamenting the changes, embrace them. If they’re no longer interested in one
thing, help them find their new passion. Talk to them to find out why it’s
changing- they may not even be aware of it, so be patient with them. These
changes are going to happen. Celebrate them!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Embrace the village.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The old proverb ‘it takes a village’
will never ring more true than these middle school years. Teachers and coaches
and friends and boyfriends and girlfriends and that weird kid’s parents will
all be a part of your child’s village. If you hide from them, they will destroy
you. You have to go on the offensive. Seek them out. Know their hearts. Respect
your differences and similarities. Invite them over for tacos. Take them to the
fair. Make them Christmas cookies. Talk to them. Ask them questions. Listen
intently. The more you know your child’s village, the more connected you’ll be
to your child.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Embrace your kid.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By 7</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> grade, most kids are pretty
embarrassed at the idea of hugging their parents in public. Do it anyway. If
they know that you’re not going away and you’re not going to stop hugging them,
then they rest easy, knowing that their number one fan is still their mom and
dad. They may seem tough and distant and completely independent, but your baby
isn’t all that far away. Hug them. A lot. It means so much to them, even though
they’ll probably never tell you that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And don't worry. They'll be ok.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So will you. </span></div>
McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-86750225830080268432014-06-17T17:46:00.002-04:002014-07-27T14:32:56.325-04:00My decision to stay in the classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My decision to stay in the classroom:</div>
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I keep running across blog posts and articles where teachers are sharing the stories of why they're leaving the classroom. I completely understand their position- this job is harder than I could have ever imagined.</div>
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But.</div>
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As a 10 year veteran, here is why I'm getting ready to head back to my 8th grade classroom in August:</div>
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If not me, then who?</div>
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If I'm not willing to suffer through 5 sets of standards in 10 years, then who will? Who will listen to my students share their hopes and dreams? Who will stand by them when they make big mistakes? Who will rejoice with them when they see their hard work pay off? Who will speak truth into their lives? Who will show them that books are awesome? Who will show them that learning matters?</div>
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If not me, then who?</div>
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I'm going back. Not because I believe in the standards. Not because I believe in the past, current, or future government program. Not because these new standards are going to make or break our education system.</div>
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I'm going back because I love students. I love them more than standards. I love them more than language arts. I love them more than my own free time. I love them more than my own money.</div>
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And everyone knows, it's not the standards. It's not the supplies. It's not the curriculum design. Everyone knows it's the teacher.</div>
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So, in a few weeks, I'm going back. Back to my classroom. I don't plan on having my life changed by standards or programs or supplies. I plan on investing in the lives of students, so that they will know how much they matter.</div>
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Because, if not me, then who?</div>
McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-32813691096914014182013-02-07T10:16:00.001-05:002013-02-07T10:16:20.176-05:00just the good ol' boysGrowing up in the South, I'm pretty sure that watching <i>The Dukes of Hazzard was </i>a law. Right behind drinking sweet tea and going to church. It's just something that you did. When I was little, I watched the Duke boys constantly. I vividly remember playing <i>Dukes of Hazzard </i>on my swingset with my brother. He and my cousin would take turns being Luke and Bo, but, like every well-bred southern girl, I was always Daisy.<br />
<br />
Long before there was Team Edward and Team Jacob, there were Luke and Bo. You had to make a decision. Blonde or brunette? Reliable or rebellious? Thoughtful or trouble? John Schneider or Tom Wopat? You had to pick sides.<br />
<br />
Fast-forward to Tuesday night. I was working at the tanning salon when in walks John Schneider. Be still my heart. I thought I was going to have a come apart, but I kept it together as much as possible. I chatted with him for a few minutes- finding out that he's in Atlanta playing a judge in a pilot for Oprah's network. He needed to get a tan before he started filming. When he finished tanning, I asked him to take a picture- which only confirmed and solidified my eternal love for Bo Duke. <br />
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<br />"That's just a little bit more than the law will allow." </div>
McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-63435109799297777812012-12-16T22:50:00.001-05:002012-12-16T22:50:25.491-05:00fear and heartbreakI doubt I can offer any words of wisdom or comfort in light of the mass murder of innocent children and adults in Connecticut this past Friday. I was at work on Friday when I started reading about what was happening. I would read a little bit, and then cry some more about the whole thing. Students would ask me why I was crying, and I didn't want to be the one who told them, so I just told them that there had been a shooting. I couldn't imagine being the one to tell 12 and 13 year olds that little kids had been murdered at school.<br />
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However, now they know. And they're coming back to me tomorrow.<br />
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My heart is heavy tonight as I think about seeing my students tomorrow. My heart is heavy thinking about the thought someone hurting them. My heart is heavy thinking about their fear of being at school. My heart is heavy thinking about parents who will bury their children this week. My heart is heavy because there are Christmas presents hidden in closets that will never be opened. My heart is heavy because there are children who lost their mothers. My heart is heavy because teachers died doing their job.<br />
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I cannot fathom what Friday was like at Sandy Hook Elementary. I cannot fathom the fear that the children and adults felt. I cannot fathom the pain as they watched their friends and students and teachers die.<br />
<br />
I love my job. I love my students. Even the ones who drive me absolutely crazy and make me want to punch a wall. I would protect them without hesitation. I just don't think I'll ever have to.<br />
<br />
But last Friday, teachers gave their lives for their students. Teachers lost their students they loved.<br />
<br />
My heart is heavy. McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-44921295146516455962012-11-29T16:12:00.000-05:002012-11-29T16:12:21.303-05:00everyone loves a shutoutSince I've been an adult, my dad hasn't really liked going to Alabama football games. He loves to watch them, but he hasn't liked going to them. Too crowded. Too hot. Too cold. No replay. Etc.<br />
<br />
Until this fall.<br />
<br />
We somehow convinced him to take us to the Mississippi State game. We went a tailgated. We froze.<br />
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It had been about 70 degrees the day before and I had NOT packed appropriately, so my parents and I stopped at the Target in Hoover on our way over, so I could buy a new outfit. (I think I looked ok considering...)<br />
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It ended up being a GREAT day- huge win over Mississippi State. <br />
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Fastforwardafewweeks.<br />Dad has decided he loves going to games, and we're going to the Iron Bowl if we have tickets or not. So, this past Saturday morning, we hopped in the car and headed over to Tuscaloosa.<br />
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<br />It was a GREAT day. Our seats ended up being AWESOME.<br />
<br />
There's not a whole lot to say about Auburn, but:<br />
<ul>
<li>They are terrible at football.</li>
<li>Where are all of those fans who were "all in" two years ago? Because, seriously? I saw about 3 people in Auburn gear the entire time.</li>
</ul>
Also. I LOVE beating Auburn. There's really nothing better. But. Beating them when they can score ZERO points??? GLORIOUS. Absolutely glorious.<br />
<br />
#rolltideMcClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-22609096604528653622012-05-21T15:48:00.002-04:002012-05-21T15:49:49.477-04:00every. freaking. day.A guy friend of mine was recently complaining about how high maintenance his beauty regime had become because he had to trim his chest hair. Now. While I do not have to trim my chest hair (because I like to look like Burt Reynolds obvs), I will NOT listen to a man complain about how much it takes him to look good. So, I asked a simple question: How many products- besides shampoo/conditioner- do you use on your hair every day?<br />
<br />
His answer: <span dir="ltr" id=":242">Um, does washing my head with body wash count?</span><br />
<br />
<span dir="ltr" id=":242">SERIOUSLY.</span><br />
<span dir="ltr" id=":242">Boys kill me.</span><br />
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<span dir="ltr" id=":242">But in all honesty, I love a good hair product, so I thought I'd share my (almost) daily hair routine and product list! I have a LOT of very fine blonde hair. It's fairly straight, but it'll be a little wavy if I just let it dry. Not cute wavy. More like "hey you slept on your wet hair and it dried that way"-wavy. </span><br />
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<span dir="ltr" id=":242">My current shampoo is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_956983778">Bed Head's Color </a></span><a href="http://www.tigihaircare.com/consumer/en-US/bedhead/bedhead-products.asp?product=CC_Dumb_Blonde_Shampoo&categoryID=1" target="_blank">Combat Dumb Blonde Shampoo</a>. I am not very loyal to shampoo. I tend to jump around, but I like Bed Head's products a LOT. I tend to try whatever is on sale at Ulta. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt1EmsYQjHOS5TXEtt9OEu0iN5R5RINTeunSyg-wXmB5apKWoEuglCs4uN4IUXuj253icjLPreNgu_LQtqfShupXyXOpXvI6cUQTzaNrjYX924mjhmQRZGuIwNCT-uTUBkCjb9T04d3U/s1600/tigi-bed-head-colour-combats-dumb-blonde-shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt1EmsYQjHOS5TXEtt9OEu0iN5R5RINTeunSyg-wXmB5apKWoEuglCs4uN4IUXuj253icjLPreNgu_LQtqfShupXyXOpXvI6cUQTzaNrjYX924mjhmQRZGuIwNCT-uTUBkCjb9T04d3U/s320/tigi-bed-head-colour-combats-dumb-blonde-shampoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When I bought this shampoo, I bought the conditioner too. UM. Hated it. It felt like GLUE. Some people like really thick conditioner, but I do NOT. I hated it so much that I ended up giving it away to a friend. My friend Rachel mentioned how good the Suave Professionals line was, so I thought I'd try that. (Especially since I had just given away a $16 bottle of conditioner.) I ended up buying <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suave-Professionals-Infusion-Smoothing-Conditioner/dp/B005SPETH2/ref=pd_bxgy_bt_text_b" target="_blank">Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSZ33R7zGeAKK3SKI6_NWZpiboL-zdZETjiwHxV7I2xj74JqHzn75pNjBTO3cLwuPRIwdvDjlvrzOPmkfu2J73mxmr-IJ5CslnTIiZEuNVbQZmB0khlEtHaaDcIed9JksfysJS_gGBa0/s1600/Suave-Professionals-Keratin-Infusion-Smoothing-Shampoo_600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSZ33R7zGeAKK3SKI6_NWZpiboL-zdZETjiwHxV7I2xj74JqHzn75pNjBTO3cLwuPRIwdvDjlvrzOPmkfu2J73mxmr-IJ5CslnTIiZEuNVbQZmB0khlEtHaaDcIed9JksfysJS_gGBa0/s320/Suave-Professionals-Keratin-Infusion-Smoothing-Shampoo_600x600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've liked it a lot. My hair def feels more healthy when I use it. Without feeling like glue. Which is good. Obvs. When I get out of the shower, I wrap my hair in a towel. I know you're not supposed to do this, but I always have. And I HATE wet hair touching my skin, so I have to do something. I use a comb before I start adding products. When I was young, I would literally dry my hair and go, but as I get older, I find that my hair just doesn't do right if I don't use products. Also. I am a TOTAL sucker when I get my hair cut. I am totally the person that buys the products that the stylist uses. Smooth move, hair stylist.<br />
The first thing I spray on my hair is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/John-Frieda-Blonder-Controlled-Lightening/dp/B004DK7DVC/ref=pd_sim_bt_1" target="_blank">John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3a_0vw-FciP1etGrUP2JFVrXoaxTrnJ3CI46egfOAGOJG4iUg-5jssnYgLEPzrPh1oGHbm_ENcqC8KuThxOSRWahKzwZyg3-Bs8o6s8MIUsbmlOFkrDRmAW3hYPxPefPss-s3jEQUHw/s1600/sheer+blonde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3a_0vw-FciP1etGrUP2JFVrXoaxTrnJ3CI46egfOAGOJG4iUg-5jssnYgLEPzrPh1oGHbm_ENcqC8KuThxOSRWahKzwZyg3-Bs8o6s8MIUsbmlOFkrDRmAW3hYPxPefPss-s3jEQUHw/s320/sheer+blonde.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a fairly new product. I just found it this past fall/winter. I have naturally blonde hair, and it always lightens to an almost white in the summer sun. But for the past few years, I've had to highlight it in the winter because it just looks so dingy. My mom would literally pull it through a cap for me about twice a year. But this past year, I found this stuff and I just spray it on every day and my hair color looks PHENOMENAL. It still looks natural and not dingy at ALL. Yay!<br />
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The next three products are to help my hair look smooth but still have some volume. I use <br />
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<a href="http://www.tigihaircare.com/consumer/en-US/bedhead/bedhead-products.asp?product=superstar_qfad&categoryID=7" target="_blank">SUPERSTAR™ Queen For a Day Thickening Spray</a>- just lift a few sections and spray.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyASvTzAXOZoor5xmJ8xhgR7iVlOfwfnrcG_TU8kzE4-Lz8YPfBrMx5LIQqH9kZwNv2cOp9AhHFgoCc8Vu6eW9tHBlLkBIW5xkbWAkl7cHoNwm7AA-4LEVfYbNN93EMylQAh07gNLvJE/s1600/superstar-queenfordayspray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyASvTzAXOZoor5xmJ8xhgR7iVlOfwfnrcG_TU8kzE4-Lz8YPfBrMx5LIQqH9kZwNv2cOp9AhHFgoCc8Vu6eW9tHBlLkBIW5xkbWAkl7cHoNwm7AA-4LEVfYbNN93EMylQAh07gNLvJE/s320/superstar-queenfordayspray.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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It sprays more like hairspray than foam, so I like it a lot. I learned how to best apply by watching this: </div>
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Isn't she the cutest thing? I've never used Aquage, but I've heard good things! Maybe one day! The last two products are a part of the S-Factor line. My hairstylist explained that the "S" stands for smooth, sleek, shiny, sexy, and all other good S-words. Which I think is really funny! The first is <a href="http://www.tigihaircare.com/consumer/en-US/sfactor/sfactor-products.asp?product=bodybooster&categoryID=19" target="_blank">BODY BOOSTER™Plumping Spray</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeNyRGDERnMzadXMg9VNfQiAjPhTvfuco7AHSWvhrGVpXfSqEu8KGhwcp00R28jsSy18BeOLHF3lXXQglFRz5WTtWrOXsXdF5yG3GSR7WJKqI1FRYU0aNcHde3coMdJfMhYhtSwI9-Bk/s1600/tigi-s-factor-body-booster-plumping-spray-200ml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeNyRGDERnMzadXMg9VNfQiAjPhTvfuco7AHSWvhrGVpXfSqEu8KGhwcp00R28jsSy18BeOLHF3lXXQglFRz5WTtWrOXsXdF5yG3GSR7WJKqI1FRYU0aNcHde3coMdJfMhYhtSwI9-Bk/s320/tigi-s-factor-body-booster-plumping-spray-200ml.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Real talk. The best thing about this product is that it smells DELICIOUS. I swear, that fact alone makes this product worth it. But it also makes my hair full without being poofy.</div>
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AND. Last but not least is <a href="http://www.tigihaircare.com/consumer/en-US/sfactor/sfactor-products.asp?product=smooth_lust&categoryID=18" target="_blank">SMOOTHING LUSTERIZER Defrizzer & Tamer</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxSfpWKf1wjDKcp1CxxHRCMDnWZ5pI2LvLD3DXBnu8toM7k6QFPHVC47FCqCYkLeCW7Pb1SRQiX4J68g1eMMsRhn4WN2fUmz8k4uziyP2prVHabsHp72HW05Z94vO3AyoGHlS-evMPvU/s1600/smoother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxSfpWKf1wjDKcp1CxxHRCMDnWZ5pI2LvLD3DXBnu8toM7k6QFPHVC47FCqCYkLeCW7Pb1SRQiX4J68g1eMMsRhn4WN2fUmz8k4uziyP2prVHabsHp72HW05Z94vO3AyoGHlS-evMPvU/s320/smoother.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is probably my favorite thing on earth. It does exactly what it says- tames and defrizzes. My hairdress applies it before and after drying, but I'm on a budget here, so we have to make wise decisions.<br />
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Then I dry!<br />
With a paddle brush.<br />
And a gigantic round brush.<br />
Sometimes I straighten.<br />
Let's be honest.<br />
Not much.<br />
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So there's my hair routine! What's yours?<br />
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<br />McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-6403160179770551312012-04-09T14:40:00.002-04:002012-04-09T14:40:45.832-04:00don't mess with me. or Texas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Spring Break, I flew out to Temple, Texas to visit my cousin Katharine. Her husband is in his residency- and they have two children. These are all my Instagram pics from the week-- if you don't follow me on Instagram, you should! My username is <b><i>camismith</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX9yGJMOWxT9TKBUNDS4D7BR9KZP6xSvotdn9-1br4ofDIMCy8W-bvibUKqUVwSfVHwWj5lAB2xKJf8gFS7R-34mVntkAL6ikHmPblOjTrngKCl-9cVNOMHLgKqTLwvu2CAQ1trX_AoE/s1600/ticket+to+Killeen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX9yGJMOWxT9TKBUNDS4D7BR9KZP6xSvotdn9-1br4ofDIMCy8W-bvibUKqUVwSfVHwWj5lAB2xKJf8gFS7R-34mVntkAL6ikHmPblOjTrngKCl-9cVNOMHLgKqTLwvu2CAQ1trX_AoE/s320/ticket+to+Killeen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because I somehow missed it in highschool, I finally caught up with the rest of the free world and read <i>The Catcher in the Rye. </i>I really liked it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RUoMngku6ZOjukup5ztUCl6TQC6K1uEJCAAmAvYGIsaA8EFzGfaJ2CkkIIDW5bthktqLSFOSZVD5zOt-Mo_ItiWcRg3VtYKQHTvNq4Mytvsi7HV01qweXW-pZQavzLfCKJYowAChGxE/s1600/Catcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RUoMngku6ZOjukup5ztUCl6TQC6K1uEJCAAmAvYGIsaA8EFzGfaJ2CkkIIDW5bthktqLSFOSZVD5zOt-Mo_ItiWcRg3VtYKQHTvNq4Mytvsi7HV01qweXW-pZQavzLfCKJYowAChGxE/s320/Catcher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Nate and I sharing tortilla chips at Chipotle. He's hilarious-- he's 18 months old. such a sweet boy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahbV-wVwqOk9fIbSLf40hMuoiShAJgqj9jz1LfrPWrxdVz_iF2XIsTuenhc0Nev-dz6DdMyGgkx-aG1Pa4E3ol2SIJB9nJeEW-_kVzI9E4b8ZKJBHZxEvs2Dzyc9SjR403qTL_iTJA_c/s1600/cami+and+nate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahbV-wVwqOk9fIbSLf40hMuoiShAJgqj9jz1LfrPWrxdVz_iF2XIsTuenhc0Nev-dz6DdMyGgkx-aG1Pa4E3ol2SIJB9nJeEW-_kVzI9E4b8ZKJBHZxEvs2Dzyc9SjR403qTL_iTJA_c/s320/cami+and+nate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At lunch at Rudy's one day. They had GREAT bar-b-q. I had the brisket. My favorite fact was that they didn't serve the meat on a plate, but a piece of paper. It was EXCELLENT. <br />
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Went to the Bell County museum in Belton. It was really cute. Will liked the water pump :)<br />
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One day we went to Austin to visit the Capitol. Had so much fun- love this kind of nerdy, history stuff! <br />
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The only complaint about my entire trip was that my flight out of Killeen was delayed for two and a half hours. Ugh. <br />
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But other than that, I had a BLAST!<br />
God Blessed Texas.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-53323205526743655012012-01-08T21:17:00.004-05:002012-01-08T21:17:38.171-05:00passion2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Sunday night at church, my friend Caroline and I were talking about going to <a href="http://268generation.com/passion2012/#%21/home/" target="_blank">Passion </a>this week. Because I am normally back in school this week, I hadn't even thought about going, but Caroline told me that our friend Rachael wasn't using her ticket for the first two sessions, So the plan was for me to check her in and use Rachael's wristband. While I was in line to get the wristband, my BFF Adam called and told me that he got an extra ticket when he checked in. </div>
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Long story short, I got to go to Passion all week. It was INCREDIBLE. I had pretty good seats the whole time because I sat with people who cared. There were 45,000+ people in the Georgia Dome. All of them desiring to bring glory to God. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpQGqgS3kf8Mo5zRak34I1_-HlCWP0OF3jqgyThMu6CpexajrnZCrt2R6RwAaZU63o4rXj-RSAOhOwF1eE0a8dag89FWgcWQnnP6oAlEGPEts9VYq1WJPUhlUSFjYbTaDODsE-Xxytqw/s1600/seats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpQGqgS3kf8Mo5zRak34I1_-HlCWP0OF3jqgyThMu6CpexajrnZCrt2R6RwAaZU63o4rXj-RSAOhOwF1eE0a8dag89FWgcWQnnP6oAlEGPEts9VYq1WJPUhlUSFjYbTaDODsE-Xxytqw/s400/seats.JPG" width="400" /> </a> </div>
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There were a ton of things I loved about the week. Most of all, I loved being immersed in Jesus. It's been a long time since I've been spent that kind of time immersed in God's word or focused on Him. It was SO needed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofpZGogWWFZAgRQEt7_Ym4LQ-9IBPeZI1sOw5bWMWlqD8XKdAUsOSNTeSX-PZA7NFuD4_i4JbGSv1qc_-fti95GSnZUHyrpbskuJFHC-pUEGJEXprs9UgWSri4NdRdAGunCZOyTNddf0/s1600/fam+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofpZGogWWFZAgRQEt7_Ym4LQ-9IBPeZI1sOw5bWMWlqD8XKdAUsOSNTeSX-PZA7NFuD4_i4JbGSv1qc_-fti95GSnZUHyrpbskuJFHC-pUEGJEXprs9UgWSri4NdRdAGunCZOyTNddf0/s400/fam+group.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Another favorite part was my family group. Because God orchestrated so much for me to be there, I kept trusting that He had ordained all of it, so I begrudgingly went to small group. I was anxious about being too old, too out of touch, too ugh. But. God planned that too. My group was great. I loved meeting with them and praying with them. I love that I genuinely want to pray for these people and keep in touch with them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH69eETi4wOsrP0237IzWvZPIxD7i1sfytlH3xkU5Q2L_-JumqoEybumhwUoeEEyo_ol9RYqkTPHWo4WJ5ZCwYEXvNKq5_yMpCZE-ySUyY3qUQAhGgimw-1V_84YzPABtaRzVwbiUTbsM/s1600/freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH69eETi4wOsrP0237IzWvZPIxD7i1sfytlH3xkU5Q2L_-JumqoEybumhwUoeEEyo_ol9RYqkTPHWo4WJ5ZCwYEXvNKq5_yMpCZE-ySUyY3qUQAhGgimw-1V_84YzPABtaRzVwbiUTbsM/s400/freedom.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br />
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On the last night, each person was given a candle and instructed to wait outside until midnight to light them. Then, while we illuminated our candles, the statue in the middle of the plaza was illuminated as well. The statue and our candles were to be a symbolic gesture to stand up against human trafficking in our city, the country and the world. There are 27 MILLION people currently enslaved in the world- and Passion raised money all week to help stop it. The goal was to raise a million dollars- but in God's way, He blasted through that number. They raised THREE MILLION DOLLARS in 4 days. Mind blowing.</div>
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<b>In our small group, we answered the question, "What is the one thing you want God to do in your life?"-- I had to think about it for a while, but my final answer is that I want to become to enthralled with the greatness of God that my sin looks foolish. </b></div>
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So, I'm praying that for myself. If you're interested, I'd be happy for you to pray that for me, too!</div>
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<br />McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-55245646174417017762011-12-29T17:10:00.004-05:002011-12-29T17:10:48.644-05:00puppy fun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-KR474nZIU/TvzhmEBnWMI/AAAAAAAAMeI/Ewoztgx5k8I/s1600/Dec29+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-KR474nZIU/TvzhmEBnWMI/AAAAAAAAMeI/Ewoztgx5k8I/s400/Dec29+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker's haircut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXw5TZf9-Rw/Tvzh_ERiY5I/AAAAAAAAMeQ/j-pY4cQxdpc/s1600/Dec29+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXw5TZf9-Rw/Tvzh_ERiY5I/AAAAAAAAMeQ/j-pY4cQxdpc/s400/Dec29+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing outside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsaVrucdRF8/TvzkmgO5yyI/AAAAAAAAMes/rZ0BGSGJNs4/s1600/Dec29+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsaVrucdRF8/TvzkmgO5yyI/AAAAAAAAMes/rZ0BGSGJNs4/s400/Dec29+056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with Millie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and her puppy, Punky.</td></tr>
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<br />McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-72665830271149409372011-12-28T00:08:00.001-05:002011-12-28T00:11:11.145-05:00Smith Family ChristmasOur Christmas card this year:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu2aNsziRcU/TvqWqOFqyfI/AAAAAAAAMcA/p20ZTkt3fKI/s1600/card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nu2aNsziRcU/TvqWqOFqyfI/AAAAAAAAMcA/p20ZTkt3fKI/s640/card.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got a new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3-Digital-18-55mm/dp/B004J3Y9U6" target="_blank">camera </a>from Santa, so I've been a picture taking fool. I don't really know what I'm doing. I've read a lot on <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/tutorials/photography-tutorial-a-quick-guide-to-understanding-your-digital-slr-camera.html" target="_blank">Kevin and Amanda's blog</a>, <a href="http://improvephotography.com/" target="_blank">Improve Photography</a>, and other various places on the internet. I have taken about 150 pictures, but here are a few! I'm still learning, so be nice!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IS8MGDWv7zo/TvqZNGkzCVI/AAAAAAAAMcM/pzw2d_shSRk/s1600/Dec+2011+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IS8MGDWv7zo/TvqZNGkzCVI/AAAAAAAAMcM/pzw2d_shSRk/s400/Dec+2011+027.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker! He got a haircut the next day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ao2gEzjEOs/TvqZx2NsH6I/AAAAAAAAMcU/x4ViehmEOJg/s1600/Dec+2011+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ao2gEzjEOs/TvqZx2NsH6I/AAAAAAAAMcU/x4ViehmEOJg/s400/Dec+2011+071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Aunt Cam has this awesome handmade beaded fruit- love them. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1JXWjiMrgk/TvqaPwexZxI/AAAAAAAAMcc/MV3lPOy2DvA/s1600/Dec+2011+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1JXWjiMrgk/TvqaPwexZxI/AAAAAAAAMcc/MV3lPOy2DvA/s400/Dec+2011+102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister's boyfriend surprised her with autographed Alabama pictures. She was PUMPED.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zISdWNQBbSY/TvqajTPplvI/AAAAAAAAMck/kwhSaXg-2s4/s1600/Dec+2011+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zISdWNQBbSY/TvqajTPplvI/AAAAAAAAMck/kwhSaXg-2s4/s400/Dec+2011+113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">weird coloring. but I kinda like it. Have no idea what I did to make this happen :)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-ZCUvT_UAA/TvqavTmzZmI/AAAAAAAAMcs/lmRJiMIxjUA/s1600/Dec+2011+116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-ZCUvT_UAA/TvqavTmzZmI/AAAAAAAAMcs/lmRJiMIxjUA/s400/Dec+2011+116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Parker </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8UsFtauSZA/TvqbCFMZa6I/AAAAAAAAMc8/Xha3dqaFfUM/s1600/Dec+2011+142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8UsFtauSZA/TvqbCFMZa6I/AAAAAAAAMc8/Xha3dqaFfUM/s400/Dec+2011+142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love taking pictures of flowers. These are in my parent's yard. In January. Good grief.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhfYKbTBLpM/Tvqbb4c4XFI/AAAAAAAAMdE/MXeR2iy1MmY/s1600/Dec+2011+223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhfYKbTBLpM/Tvqbb4c4XFI/AAAAAAAAMdE/MXeR2iy1MmY/s400/Dec+2011+223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's turn for an iPad Christmas!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3e6sU31NuQ/TvqbwHw8UkI/AAAAAAAAMdM/oKlyuphW4BM/s1600/Dec+2011+235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3e6sU31NuQ/TvqbwHw8UkI/AAAAAAAAMdM/oKlyuphW4BM/s400/Dec+2011+235.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister being SO EXCITED about the book I gave her. Love Peter Pan!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad's new coffee container!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZeFusfzI1Y/TvqcYp7K_rI/AAAAAAAAMdc/o7CqDm85Ubg/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZeFusfzI1Y/TvqcYp7K_rI/AAAAAAAAMdc/o7CqDm85Ubg/s400/IMG_2645.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honestly? Kinda impressed with myself for this one. Only post-production was cropping. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiQsCbGYmd8/TvqchYaCWEI/AAAAAAAAMdk/9KR2vO7PRKM/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiQsCbGYmd8/TvqchYaCWEI/AAAAAAAAMdk/9KR2vO7PRKM/s400/IMG_2650.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents' neighbors' house. Love their lights. (I was playing with my tripod at this point.)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0N5GiyiznQ4/Tvqc13Tl7LI/AAAAAAAAMds/ylqiSFi8-QI/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0N5GiyiznQ4/Tvqc13Tl7LI/AAAAAAAAMds/ylqiSFi8-QI/s400/IMG_2652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfSgJq5otnk/TvqdDqywrvI/AAAAAAAAMd0/9sOFeCFkkxA/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfSgJq5otnk/TvqdDqywrvI/AAAAAAAAMd0/9sOFeCFkkxA/s400/IMG_2653.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic kinda blows my mind bc it was pitch black dark outside. Once again, only post-production was a small crop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjrou_g2JKM/TvqdUuqYfHI/AAAAAAAAMd8/G44wd9uWgNk/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjrou_g2JKM/TvqdUuqYfHI/AAAAAAAAMd8/G44wd9uWgNk/s400/IMG_2662.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister in her new red jacket. </td></tr>
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<br />McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-57829916717319041072011-12-07T13:51:00.001-05:002011-12-07T15:42:31.344-05:00TylerOne of my pastors said something remarkable this past Sunday:<br />
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<i>Many of walk us walk around living life as practical atheists: believing that our money, position, and influence are all the work of our own hands.</i></blockquote>
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The sermon was focused on the story of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who was humbled by God so that he could see that God had given him all of his money position, and influence. By the end of Daniel 4, Nebby, as his friends called him, had come to the realization that everything in his power was actually given to him by God. Everything that he owned was given to him by God. Everyone that he influenced was given to him by God. <br />
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In my head, I know that God has given me everything I have, but I don't often think of that in terms of influence. At the end of the sermon, Stuart asked the question, "How could I leverage my position to make a difference?". As always, I immediately think of my students. There have been so many students that have come and gone through my classroom that I have not impacted in any spectacular way. However, I know there are students that have been changed because they had me as a teacher. That is an incredible joy for me, but also an incredible pressure- because I know that I can make a difference in someone's life.<br />
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My number one person this year is named Tyler.<br />
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Tyler isn't on my team. I don't have him for homeroom. I don't teach him language arts. We met by accident. My best friend teaches him, and I happened to be in her classroom one day, so he started talking to me.<br />
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I have become his refuge. If he gets in trouble in a class, he gets sent to my room.<br />
I have become his reward. If he has a great day, his prize is to come hang out with me.<br />
I have become his encourager. I seek him out all day long to ask him how things are going in each of his classes. And he comes to tell me about his days- good and bad. <br />
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Hearing Stuart on Sunday made me realize that God has given me influence on Tyler. Not my age or the fact that I don't teach him. But God alone has given me that influence. It makes me realize that I have 5 more months to be Tyler's influence, but the impact of that influence could go long beyond that.<br />
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The realization has made me so much more aware of the way I speak to my students, especially Tyler. To speak truth to them. To make sure that they know that you love them- whether you can directly say it or not. To make sure that their behavior doesn't change the fact that I have chosen to love them. To give grace every single day. To discipline when out of my desire for them to be better people, not so I can have control.<br />
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God uses me to influence people. I just have to be sure to influence them in the way that brings glory to God.<br />
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Do you have a "Tyler"?McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-5437259136104056782011-12-04T21:03:00.001-05:002011-12-04T21:10:37.947-05:00Iron Bowl!Through an INCREDIBLE turn of events, I got to to go to the Iron Bowl with some family friends! They're HUGE Auburn fans, but they were so kind to let me come along! We had wonderful seats, right near the Alabama student section and band. Of course, my friends hated it, but I was DYING of happiness!<br />
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At the halftime show, the two bands joined together to play in memory of those who died in the April tornado that cut through north Alabama. They played Amazing Grace- and it was precious.<br />
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SO MUCH FUN!!!!! 42-14!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything cuter than my puppy in his #3 jersey!? Roll Tide!</td></tr>
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<br />McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-39141098130591206022011-11-09T15:02:00.001-05:002011-11-09T15:02:49.422-05:00JoePa & mandated reportersUnless you're just not paying attention, you've heard about the scandal with former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. He is charged with numerous counts of sexual assault of children. If you haven't had a chance to read the <a href="http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/uploadedFiles/Press/Sandusky-Grand-Jury-Presentment.pdf" target="_blank">grand jury indictment</a>, you should. <b>BUT</b>. Please heed this warning: it is graphic. It will make you sick to your stomach. I had to skim over some parts, but it explains everything that he is charged. And the extensive lengths that the university went to in order to cover-up the scandal. <br />
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One of countless bits of collateral damage is Penn State head coach, Joe Paterno. He was informed of one of the criminal acts in 2002. A graduate student walked in on Sandusky raping a young boy. The graduate student reported the incident to Coach Paterno, and JoePa reported it the next day to his superiors. While JoePa fulfilled his legal responsibilty to report the incident, people are absolutely furious with his lack of reporting. Joe Paterno was not directly involved in the cover-up of the crimes, but he didn't do as much as should have. <br />
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As a teacher, I am a mandated reporter. This means that I am required by law to report any instances of suspected child abuse or neglect. The proper chain of command for me is to inform the guidance counselors or principal of my school. After that, I am not involved anymore. I'm not even allowed to inquire about the investigation. If I feel that my principal and guidance counselor are not following up thoroughly enough, I am able to go directly to the police. <br />
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My assumption is that Coach Paterno is under the same requirements as I am. I'm sure that he thought his superiors were going to do their job, but when they didn't, he should have done more. In his resignation statement today, he said "with the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more". I wish he had too. For his own heart and mind. But mostly so more children would have been saved from such pain. I think I have learned something from Paterno- that it's always my job to do more than what the law requires. That is a low hurdle that is set to give guidelines. Doing more is always best. <br />
<br />My friend Amy and I were talking about it, and she said something incredibly important- at the end of the day, it is STILL Jerry Sandusky that is the monster here. He is the one that hurt those boys. He is the one that used charity to disguise his evil. He is the one that manipulated his peers to believe the best of him when he was committing a heinous act against innocent children. I know that God promises that "in no way shall the guily go free" and when it comes to Sandusky, this gives me great peace.<br />
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Paterno did announce his <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/text-of-statement-released-by-penn-state-coach-joe-paterno-on-his-retirement-at-end-of-season/2011/11/09/gIQATRSR5M_story.html" target="_blank">resignation </a>today. He'll finish the season, and then he'll be done. He is a good man who has made an incredible impact on the game of college football and numerous student athletes. His legacy is great. It is sad that it will be tainted with the scandal of Jerry Sandusky.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-30101689180371515792011-11-03T22:10:00.001-04:002011-11-03T22:10:45.996-04:00obsession with instagram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had the Instagram app on my phone for a while, but I've just started using is more and more- this is some of my week!</div>
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With the Alabama/LSU game coming up this weekend, I've been dressed in "GameDay attire" all week. This is from Monday and Thursday. </div>
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My nephew and I made this "Hand print Christmas tree" for my sister-in-law's birthday. We had fun making it- and Jessica loved it!!<br />
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This is a picture of my sister, AnneTaylor, and her boyfriend, Taylor. I helped come up with his costume- he's MAYHEM! Love it. Also. My sister looks adorable as a pirate hooker :) <br />
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I tweeted this picture the other night because I'm rocking a shirt from my 10th grade year of highschool. When we played Harrison, we were playing at HHS so we wore white. These were our "white out" shirts for the crowd. It has holes in it and is paper-thin. But. I love this shirt. It's SO comfortable. I could NEVER wear it out in public, but I love it. <br />
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If you're not following me on twitter and instagram, then change your life and make it happen. User name is always camismith. Do work. <br />
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<br />McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-64102542264408149332011-11-02T22:07:00.002-04:002011-11-02T22:09:57.352-04:00courage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://annieblogs.com/2011/11/01/31-days-of-courage-31-posts/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs57pJooQR6LwaoE7fZ1sBrr5Tdng4pKL3VzrtR42MaskCDzWlKVhnF2R4nHdyX09Fw3qrdejnuFDJcvt7a-FjMuegH8qrlSsaFA4Un4YdEWFG-MSo0k2dHndvBOlzZeBYzIwie_vO0fI/s320/courage10-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670585856438166386" border="0" /></a><br />I know some of you read my friend Annie's blog. If you didn't happen to read this past month's <a href="http://annieblogs.com/2011/11/01/31-days-of-courage-31-posts/">series on courage</a>, you are missing out. It was amazing. Loved every minute.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-2834259120042715932011-10-20T12:30:00.001-04:002011-10-20T12:31:32.891-04:00awkward twinssome twins are awkward. some twins are weird.<br />lots of twins are normal.<br /><br />this one is not:<br /><br /><div>Awkward twin: "I'm not straight"</div> <div>Other student: "You're not straight?"</div> <div>Awkward twin: "Yeah, I can't write straight"</div> <div>Other student: "I don't think you know what that means"<br /><br />Oh. 7th grade.<br /></div>McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-21346403528766033062011-10-13T10:05:00.002-04:002011-10-13T10:52:48.313-04:00meet Parker!I went to visit my BFF-Rachel a few weekends ago in Fort Payne, Alabama-- and I bought a puppy!<br />His name is Parker JULIOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Smith.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wKsnmGouYcC23u6-dAbaeE78QTJMqVVUcm0iiW2MEPBXb6OgOJDHg4s_OegBC6M8UB8bE_3WD9CLVN-65KAEPJPNEXq-cWgoKAnUuG_hVsfQsc6kcts9Uu8reUXoqv8vn8S6r6RAxvw/s1600/iPhone+425.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wKsnmGouYcC23u6-dAbaeE78QTJMqVVUcm0iiW2MEPBXb6OgOJDHg4s_OegBC6M8UB8bE_3WD9CLVN-65KAEPJPNEXq-cWgoKAnUuG_hVsfQsc6kcts9Uu8reUXoqv8vn8S6r6RAxvw/s320/iPhone+425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662982188018569970" border="0" /></a><br />This is him on the way home from Alabama- he was freaking out a little, so he kept moving around- and ended up behind my head. FOR. THE. ENTIRE. WAY. HOME.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ceNQHyENUmAEnXTbbte3Tsxj7KsiLXhVTQqTAWYskEwT-K3-edW4pMR5Pj3MJvc-UJ4SIWiDeizRE_MG4h_R91JouPpZ1GylKM3JejKz70O14s3lVaCRRLh8xrEE49wJGW0anzT3_tU/s1600/iPhone+432.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ceNQHyENUmAEnXTbbte3Tsxj7KsiLXhVTQqTAWYskEwT-K3-edW4pMR5Pj3MJvc-UJ4SIWiDeizRE_MG4h_R91JouPpZ1GylKM3JejKz70O14s3lVaCRRLh8xrEE49wJGW0anzT3_tU/s320/iPhone+432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662982182596195394" border="0" /></a>This is my BFF Maranda holding Parker- he's still so little! He'll grow to be about 10-12 pounds, but right now, he's TINY.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic92hFXdIJT7EoGTPXY278XSl7Zu1K9ArRO0g_mbxtWzveyZcz1x7ovoMEs-wVp6_z1x6Nlln6nce5JrPlvqsFuayOU1kK_YEL4ggMlxe9zvsiSV2uUMslOcc_R0vIl3vPTUoI6F8atKo/s1600/iPhone+435.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic92hFXdIJT7EoGTPXY278XSl7Zu1K9ArRO0g_mbxtWzveyZcz1x7ovoMEs-wVp6_z1x6Nlln6nce5JrPlvqsFuayOU1kK_YEL4ggMlxe9zvsiSV2uUMslOcc_R0vIl3vPTUoI6F8atKo/s320/iPhone+435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662982178295765698" border="0" /></a>This is Parker and one of his toys. He was worn out :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb3YmYsstxSzB_14omvL3Alb23vOvjVhQoUFnPDGV2qH2wIEjFg_3Hd8aHcUjrUbaWh9M4q7QdiJzNMqrU2JFSXd-SxQUz7vcVgfbcB9UGDZRrCfl7nH1HhEeSCooWn_Qp-e2A7s1mfo/s1600/iPhone+439.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb3YmYsstxSzB_14omvL3Alb23vOvjVhQoUFnPDGV2qH2wIEjFg_3Hd8aHcUjrUbaWh9M4q7QdiJzNMqrU2JFSXd-SxQUz7vcVgfbcB9UGDZRrCfl7nH1HhEeSCooWn_Qp-e2A7s1mfo/s320/iPhone+439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662982169866793106" border="0" /></a>This is my favorite picture- I have turned into one of those "dog moms"- this picture is my screen saver on my phone. Love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8FDWiaFn1mjhcgbKM1S8smuXHiV61pqGLQvic3mNJNMe-gwDPdBEyZpazwvyVccIfF3vsVJ7h7hjkp3DZ0V4o-uIVbEHDR6S65cVWgXBVtaQ3-MEenfxfsRnjrRT3-ydbZufkNTLwcI/s1600/iPhone+431.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8FDWiaFn1mjhcgbKM1S8smuXHiV61pqGLQvic3mNJNMe-gwDPdBEyZpazwvyVccIfF3vsVJ7h7hjkp3DZ0V4o-uIVbEHDR6S65cVWgXBVtaQ3-MEenfxfsRnjrRT3-ydbZufkNTLwcI/s320/iPhone+431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662982167371419234" border="0" /></a>McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-2764469511486592252011-09-19T17:12:00.005-04:002011-09-19T17:37:08.859-04:00GiantYou may not know this about me, but one of my all-time favorite movies is "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049261/">Giant</a>." Often times when I mention this to people, they have no idea what movie I'm talking about. For some reason, it's not carried the same kind of timelessness that "Gone With the Wind" or other epic movies of the same era have carried.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJJnWGASgTntn5XSShnMfNEiAPSea2e490Ru48s5pXcgEIhemN14hfQzC6ts_w6PRZ6MtBop0-8O4o9yIqAvV6Ia4I0QHMf4RjFwvNMURIUrIQC0_O6DgB7pDdmgJHtG-pQH-IPDrCC0/s1600/giant.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJJnWGASgTntn5XSShnMfNEiAPSea2e490Ru48s5pXcgEIhemN14hfQzC6ts_w6PRZ6MtBop0-8O4o9yIqAvV6Ia4I0QHMf4RjFwvNMURIUrIQC0_O6DgB7pDdmgJHtG-pQH-IPDrCC0/s320/giant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654184170760663282" border="0" /></a><br />When I was a kid, my grandmother had the movie on VHS that she had recorded from TV at some point. It was split into two VHS tapes (that should take you guys back to a special place in your heart)- but I would watch it multiple times every time I went to Mississippi to visit my grandparents. It made me fall in love with the idea of creating a life with someone- even if that someone is nothing like you. Elizabeth Taylor plays Leslie Benedict who is a wealthy socialite from Virginia. Rock Hudson (who I am slightly in love with) plays Bick Benedict who meets Leslie while purchasing a horse from her father. They immediately fall in love, and they move to Bick's ranch in Texas. It's the story of their life. For better or worse. Mistakes and all. Love, loss, children, friends, fights. It's all there.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cjVV9jY7gce1xf1PHDOB8P_XVylrz3XC1748dYXcUS_hR-zkv4kLqQ69jPg4lx4IRylkZw3BtjshjgdZXSuohPl10bWvTrudzdA2BfUAgkc9OPDJel85Rt-nBqVSAMYFCouRUr-HfGA/s1600/Giant+cast.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cjVV9jY7gce1xf1PHDOB8P_XVylrz3XC1748dYXcUS_hR-zkv4kLqQ69jPg4lx4IRylkZw3BtjshjgdZXSuohPl10bWvTrudzdA2BfUAgkc9OPDJel85Rt-nBqVSAMYFCouRUr-HfGA/s320/Giant+cast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654184173455190546" border="0" /></a><br />It's also a famous movie because it would be James Dean's last. He was killed in a car accident during the last days of filming. I love his character's story, too.Jett Rink came from nothing. Got lucky in oil and made it huge. But. He had nothing to show for his life by the end. A tragic story, but an epic one told my James Dean that makes me cry every time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivfME-6EEKipkqt7uixnFENOnahl2Y6cGqHxl4AfA2nvm4puFu5KFNLjbb8pj8fWozo8xSHslkoNXVJf8DKlAkCD7_gn9_owL8y06XcqPK_q2a5JocXmwQ3EgoYZiZ3bLK8v2curWDBk/s1600/jamesdean.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivfME-6EEKipkqt7uixnFENOnahl2Y6cGqHxl4AfA2nvm4puFu5KFNLjbb8pj8fWozo8xSHslkoNXVJf8DKlAkCD7_gn9_owL8y06XcqPK_q2a5JocXmwQ3EgoYZiZ3bLK8v2curWDBk/s320/jamesdean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654184174396560946" border="0" /></a>It's a special movie to me. I think because it always makes me think of those summers in Quitman. The other day my family was talking around the dinner table, and I said some movie was one of my favorites. My grammy spoke up in her barely audible, whisper of a voice and said, "I'm pretty sure your favorite movie is <span style="font-style: italic;">Giant." </span>And, of course, she's right. It is.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-18926062700511799312011-09-14T15:43:00.002-04:002011-09-14T15:46:10.016-04:00oopsYou would think I would blog more in the summer when I'm not working, but, alas, I did not. I'm back in the swing of things in school- work up to my eyeballs. But happy doing my job. Today, I am praying for patience and wisdom in dealing with my students. I feel like I have had a VERY short fuse in dealing with them. This group is pretty smart, but they are VERY social. It can be detrimental to them- and my classroom- often.<br /><br />I want to start blogging again soon. Hopefully this will be now. And for real.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-47402963079541076522011-05-27T11:19:00.003-04:002011-05-27T11:31:56.402-04:00simple math: last day of school<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42h8uMQvUYyakho93I_XDFqKHa13P8cJXcBEw6rVSR-lrTIOPaRvVLTXn8RUC1w8NpkM50-uG4ww8J37QIe5HR6nspnsr7mlQVa0HH5sqc06NXK26oE7K_AzgAyQxOjb_BWIDlzh9vQA/s1600/cami.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42h8uMQvUYyakho93I_XDFqKHa13P8cJXcBEw6rVSR-lrTIOPaRvVLTXn8RUC1w8NpkM50-uG4ww8J37QIe5HR6nspnsr7mlQVa0HH5sqc06NXK26oE7K_AzgAyQxOjb_BWIDlzh9vQA/s320/cami.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611418829108693490" border="0" /></a>PLUS<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTjyVHB7G4H8seZGwrpbNvLUU0JxJmJpreGq9rBPGBzcyQ6wwXHLdm-6uSNGd5YQar8EnbP8a38PjJYvHL-kWg2OQy0FBouR1G8UZntgOmSkICLklPysM02RrdrGwTT0U2tf6xtaEa_o/s1600/bungee.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTjyVHB7G4H8seZGwrpbNvLUU0JxJmJpreGq9rBPGBzcyQ6wwXHLdm-6uSNGd5YQar8EnbP8a38PjJYvHL-kWg2OQy0FBouR1G8UZntgOmSkICLklPysM02RrdrGwTT0U2tf6xtaEa_o/s320/bungee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611416419598213378" border="0" /></a>EQUALS<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-4FIKM7hAIaVejeIHFTLjbQ0lldQCCQnce7xYKaeU-oUceXEo_SMRzplOMHXTd5QeYOa_OiHp7D89frdrUD9M-jjkHR_H6eOEX7ask2Uq3R7trSQIc7tcoe4AqB4zSgLu9Qva1-p5WY/s1600/boot.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-4FIKM7hAIaVejeIHFTLjbQ0lldQCCQnce7xYKaeU-oUceXEo_SMRzplOMHXTd5QeYOa_OiHp7D89frdrUD9M-jjkHR_H6eOEX7ask2Uq3R7trSQIc7tcoe4AqB4zSgLu9Qva1-p5WY/s320/boot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611416414983046898" border="0" /></a>Oh, that's right. Sprained my ankle on the last day of school playing on the bungee run inflatable. AM. SO. COOL.<br /></div>McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-45499119590000468082011-05-19T13:50:00.003-04:002011-05-19T14:18:08.478-04:00T-townI know that you have all heard about the tornado in Tuscaloosa and other parts of the southeast. My sister lives in Tuscaloosa, so this has felt incredibly close to home. Thankfully, my sister is ok, as well as her friends. Some of her friends had damage to their homes/stuff, but all of AnneTaylor's stuff is ok.<br /><br />This week's Sports Illustrated cover is all about "What the Tornado Took" from Tuscaloosa. It focuses on the athlete's response to the tornado. It's heart wrenching. You can read the full article by clicking on the picture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1186008/1/index.htm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWn6iWCNnB0qfybV4_jwq3g1hEEtpXNmOGgfj7WLmPUWMhtm4-E5IfeDzDH6oTbtvdBao9fc_kPqN3nboqF6Zsq5PxGHjYhpNz_vC8xAHot1eAe9_hHvmcOP0za9iKBmlpI23wKrfitts/s320/sports-illustrated-tuscaloosa-tornadojpg-016e9dadc9fc5b81.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608486458310801442" border="0" /></a><br />The NFL draft was the day after the tornado hit, and it was cool to see quite a few Alabama players get drafted! Even cooler was that those guys were still talking/tweeting about how they were going to help in Tuscaloosa.<br /><br />You need to read the article. It's really well written, and it will certainly make you feel connected to the real story in T-town.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-80269241297963255002011-05-17T09:44:00.003-04:002011-05-17T10:11:43.230-04:00bathing suits and modestyGrowing up, I thought the only reason to wear a one-piece bathing suit was to hide fat. I thought skinny people wore two-pieces and fat people wore one-pieces. Just the rules. However, when I was in highschool, my friend Natalie (who is thin) wore a one-piece all the time. I remember talking to her about it, and she said that wore one when she knew she would be around guys- because she thought that her body was none of their business. I remember being surprised about that because I had never given much thought to modesty in regards to bathing suits.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM4VWe8ynpmDh54die4YKb8gDFGKnPmt3Y1VSdowjind4qAA-FYWpotwMlXaoSXLVH40dQAvP69UJwcPZtqM523QmxXcAghgNl4A061AZ9AFiOtlWyiAkqNt_fCpLYwW8DC7oP_2E9TE/s1600/bathing+suit+montage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM4VWe8ynpmDh54die4YKb8gDFGKnPmt3Y1VSdowjind4qAA-FYWpotwMlXaoSXLVH40dQAvP69UJwcPZtqM523QmxXcAghgNl4A061AZ9AFiOtlWyiAkqNt_fCpLYwW8DC7oP_2E9TE/s320/bathing+suit+montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607687038098900114" border="0" /></a><br />By their very nature, bathing suits are not modest. They are skin tight and resemble underwear. Everything is on display. But talking to Natalie made me realize that there are some decisions you can make about someone else's ability to know everything about your body.<br /><br />I was reading Elizabeth Esther's <a href="http://www.elizabethesther.com/2011/05/to-bikini-or-not-to-bikini-that-is-the-question-yo.html">blog </a>this morning about her daughter's bathing suit choices, and it made me remember this revelation with Natalie in highschool. Her husband reminded her that it's not about the bikini- it's about the relationship. The relationship with her daughter for her to understand modesty and purity is what matters- not the bathing suit.<br /><br />I go to a camp with my church every summer, and they have a rule that you have to wear one-piece bathing suits. And, I'll be honest, there is a incredible sense of innocence for that entire week on the beach. People who come to camp for the first time always complain about the rule, but after you've gone a couple of years, you kinda come to like it. However, I do think there is such a thing as TOO modest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiRZIJMZRSIr-23fnqP_1NEUCXbd85Boj9O80WH5t7nzg-sDw4cq0SKgnE0XPz1LJH4Iw0XL29yfaQsQXrMrpx44zSNr2PkkBfrvN5TVIeVh_d2S-UQqDb3PRQawMpcZQ2Rsn_9yeXX0/s1600/swim+outfits.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiRZIJMZRSIr-23fnqP_1NEUCXbd85Boj9O80WH5t7nzg-sDw4cq0SKgnE0XPz1LJH4Iw0XL29yfaQsQXrMrpx44zSNr2PkkBfrvN5TVIeVh_d2S-UQqDb3PRQawMpcZQ2Rsn_9yeXX0/s320/swim+outfits.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607687035076860226" border="0" /></a>I have some friends that I babysit for- their daughters are 11 and 8. Naturally, when I babysit in the summer, we go to the pool. The first time we went, I was shocked to watch the little girls get their bathing suits on and put a pair of board shorts over their suits. I mean, they're little girls. There's a part of me that feels like making little girls wear shorts or those crazy swim-outfits is teaching a sense of shame of their bodies. I think there has to be a balance.<br /><br />Obvs, I'm not a parent, so I don't have to make these decisions, but it does make me think.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-23695385711152587182011-05-12T15:54:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:33:47.842-04:00twitterJust found DogHouseDiaries.com<br />Greatest timesuck of my week. I read through every. single. archive.<br />and totally loved every minute.<br />this was one of my favorites:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thedoghousediaries.com/?p=2741"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 442px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHBzb4owYR0yyCstcD-KjxLeBQ4nDUd94t_SAZixGN4FkQE2knxkszRLwUWSG40_vgPQoC6C4qcDi0nNgzUn98T7Ag-1s81sw2MZAtxAqyfiRTlYUYndDoHEN6fSwHYasbXES5wr7EJQ/s400/twitter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605920618474719714" border="0" /></a>but then I thought, I should tell people how much I love twitter.<br /><br />I LOVE TWITTER.<br /><br />It's BY FAR my favorite social network. I have been on it for a while now- and I seriously love it. I feel lost without it after a few hours. :)<br /><br />Are you on twitter? I should follow you!<br />You should follow me! <a href="http://www.twitter.com/camismith"><br />www.twitter.com/camismith</a>McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-58666095445557759042011-05-10T14:09:00.002-04:002011-05-10T15:37:23.110-04:00stories I only tell my friends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphengHDCQTjpWCmGsA9bHhL7qa6gAU72PC_3cqhA78P7kMTTTn3S5Fi4r7cK7D8bExGGsaGuh0v0jIvy9DNCG3_e5PvMp2EP-0fMaIOUaEWzA6JG2gKTCw3EThw0AwSZUQeLUJZWWyVzCs/s1600/9779_rob-lowe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphengHDCQTjpWCmGsA9bHhL7qa6gAU72PC_3cqhA78P7kMTTTn3S5Fi4r7cK7D8bExGGsaGuh0v0jIvy9DNCG3_e5PvMp2EP-0fMaIOUaEWzA6JG2gKTCw3EThw0AwSZUQeLUJZWWyVzCs/s320/9779_rob-lowe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605155215649815394" border="0" /></a>My love for all things Rob Lowe is no secret here. Loved him in The Outsiders, Brothers and Sisters, West Wing, and even when he was the bad guy in Austin Powers and Tommy Boy. LOVE HIM. So, when he was on Oprah the other day, of course I watched. He was there promoting his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Only-Tell-Friends-Autobiography/dp/080509329X">Stories I Only Tell My Friends</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4tahHALNsW4_sgHZ97k4V2G8XfNxA3mJHW9qN9W_jV3YvDs2X4ufDZaQAEnaXy4EhZr8_BV3UUnt09thOUXiDauPIdz3RAz1IfXYlMgKNMbymuqWsGmLd6kTCv4ZMpUzED7UlfOp4OM/s1600/book+cover.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4tahHALNsW4_sgHZ97k4V2G8XfNxA3mJHW9qN9W_jV3YvDs2X4ufDZaQAEnaXy4EhZr8_BV3UUnt09thOUXiDauPIdz3RAz1IfXYlMgKNMbymuqWsGmLd6kTCv4ZMpUzED7UlfOp4OM/s320/book+cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605155221425273986" border="0" /></a>Please understand that I am NOT usually a celebrity-tell-all kind of reader.<br />BUT.<br />Rob Lowe's book just isn't like that. It's SHOCKINGLY well written, and it is much more of a reflection of his life than an expose of his past romances and debauchery. It's a very quick read, chronicling his life through the end of the West Wing. It briefly mentions Brothers and Sisters and the shows he works on now, but not in great detail. As a huge enthusiast of The Outsiders, I loved that there were about 3 chapters devoted to that time in his life.<br />He leaves nothing us-discussed.<br /><br />I loved it- def rated-R, but mostly bc of profanity. Everything else is alluded to without being trashy. Well. Without being vulgar.<br />READ IT!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphengHDCQTjpWCmGsA9bHhL7qa6gAU72PC_3cqhA78P7kMTTTn3S5Fi4r7cK7D8bExGGsaGuh0v0jIvy9DNCG3_e5PvMp2EP-0fMaIOUaEWzA6JG2gKTCw3EThw0AwSZUQeLUJZWWyVzCs/s1600/9779_rob-lowe.jpg"><br /></a>McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063590494520576214.post-5675951003462062972011-03-15T10:16:00.001-04:002011-03-15T10:17:10.626-04:00the lotteryJust got this email.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrkjkBR2Jh7OANnQM111g8xHJ6OrxwRSamrlH2n9xlqmwJqhIiF1ui7Z3X0kgMprtUDLoS5Qjtca5dmI7a06bcW2VfyVbNkSa-yi0QIb_pu4U3KfZqscdXYJ3FOCDl5U-0OSpUKLDw1s/s1600/New+Picture.bmp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrkjkBR2Jh7OANnQM111g8xHJ6OrxwRSamrlH2n9xlqmwJqhIiF1ui7Z3X0kgMprtUDLoS5Qjtca5dmI7a06bcW2VfyVbNkSa-yi0QIb_pu4U3KfZqscdXYJ3FOCDl5U-0OSpUKLDw1s/s320/New+Picture.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584310387404811426" border="0" /></a><br />Now I'm sure I'll win. Just because I'm not sure I want to.McClure ELA 8http://www.blogger.com/profile/08900755087875240681noreply@blogger.com1