Polar Bear Plunge for Cancer!

So who's tired of the cold weather?? It's definitely been a colder than usual winter for us in the South. Every time I want to complain about the dry skin, chills, and heavy jackets, I stop myself and think about my friend, Sarah Jen, who lives in Alaska! Last week, she posted a picture on Facebook of the thermometer reading a temperature of -50 degrees!!!!!

Let me say that again- NEGATIVE 50 DEGREES. I'm colder now by just typing that sentence.

Sarah Jen is participating in a Polar Bear Plunge in a few days to raise money for cancer. She will be jumping in something that looks like this...



Here's her story:

"In just a few days I'm going to be in Seward, Alaska (about 400 miles south of where I live in Denali) and I'm going to be dressed like a beauty queen (our team name is the Denali Divas) and I'm going to jump into Resurrection Bay (a bay off of the Pacific Ocean).

All of this may seem insane, so, why do I want to do something crazy like this??? I like to do some kind of big fundraiser every year and find a way to contribute to a cause and make a difference.

I've lost a grandmother and a step-grandmother to cancer. At the beginning of last year, my 14 year old cousin was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Soon after, I learned a little boy in my community had cancer and then two coworkers were diagnosed with breast cancer. Next thing I knew 2 more coworkers from last summer were diagnosed. It seemed like cancer was on the rampage!

I felt bad because I don't like to just sit and watch someone fight this disease, but at the same time I can't take their place getting chemo and radiation and all of the other mess that goes with being treated for cancer. I feel like by participating in this jump and raising money for the American Cancer Society, I am doing something helpful and maybe one day no one else will have to get these treatments because cancer will have a cure.

And then of course there probably is a small part of me doing this because I am just crazy!

I've currently raised about $3300 dollars and I'd like to get to my goal of $3500 by Saturday. If you would consider making a donation to help me get there I would appreciate it."

Click HERE to go to Sarah Jen's donation page! To add some shameless cute baby persuasion- here's Sarah Jen with her adorable nephew!

You have 4 days to contribute before she takes the plunge! And remember- "A Lot of Little, Makes a Lot of Lots!" Stay tuned for follow-up pictures of the event!

"A Lot of Little, Makes a Lot of Lots"

The devastating earthquake and images from Haiti has affected people in different ways. I spent the first week glued to the TV, feeling so much hurt for the people and children. I want to give every penny I have, adopt a child, start an orphanage...ANYTHING to help.

But that is not a reality for me. Many of the reporters have left but the need and recovery effort goes on. I listened to much of the Hope for Haiti Now fundraiser on TV last week. It was a wonderful way to bring the world together for a common cause to help people in need. The performances were reverent and heartfelt, inspiring the millions of people watching to do what they could to help.

We all know the tough economic situation here at home and we're not all able to give a million dollars to the cause. Some of us can only give a little. But as Stevie Wonder said to a donor on Friday's broadcast:

"A lot of little, makes a lot of lots."

It is that simple.

We could all give up a lunch or dinner out or doing without some luxury in exchange for a donation to the many charity efforts in Haiti. If you're looking for somewhere to start, I highly recommend purchasing the Hope for Haiti Now album on iTunes for $7.99. You can't beat 20 great songs by popular artists for $7.99! Jennifer Hudson's version of Let It Be gives me chills.

In keeping with Stevie Wonder's "A lot of little makes a lot of lots" philosophy, just look at what this 7 year old kid did!

I hope you'll consider doing anything you can...a little or a lot.

Speedy Delivery

"Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow."

~Thornton Wilder


I've bragged about my sister "the teacher" on multiple occasions. She's incredibly passionate and truly loves her job. I love hearing her stories about her adventures as a kindergarten teacher. The latest was when she decided to play some soothing music called "Sounds of the Sea" during nap time. Upon waking the kids up, the following happened:

Student: "Ms. Anderson, my pants feel funny!"
Mrs. A: "That's because your pants are all wet.
Student: " I was dreaming that I was swimming!"
Mrs. A: "You had an accident while you were sleeping."
Student: "Awww man, I hate it when that happens."

Needless to say, my sister isn't using the soothing sea music anymore!

Since this is the season for giving, and she's the best sister and kindergarten teacher in the world, I'm passing along her Donors Choose request. We all know that funds are being cut left and right in this economy, even for resources at schools.

Let's help fulfill her request and we can all contribute to "helping young things grow!" Just click on this link and donate what you can. How can you say no to these sweet little faces???



Speedy Delivery Request (Written by Mrs. A)

I teach kindergarten at a high poverty, urban school in South Carolina. Our school is operating on an extended day (7:15- 4:45) schedule in order to meet the needs of our community.
One of the benefits of having an extended day for kindergarten students is that we have more time for exploration and project based learning. The fulfillment of this grant would help transform our room into a working post office in which students write letters, read addresses, and sort mail.

This project will allow students to use skills such as writing, reading, sorting, and measuring in authentic ways. Students will be able to role play using the resources provided through your generous donations. The students will retain information at a greater rate as a result of having the meaningful hands-on experience of role playing.

Your generous donation will open the door to a world of new experiences for my students. You will help students as they explore the world around them and the limitless possibilities of their imagination. Who knows, you could help a student discover a passion for a future career in which they will take the early skills gained from your donation to ensure you always have a speedy delivery!