Thursday, December 18, 2008

What I Did Right

It has been one of those days. One of those weeks. One of those months. I have spent more time fixing what I messed up and doing what I forgot than doing what should have been done to begin with.

I have sent Baseball Boy to bed in tears two nights in a row. Because I have failed to teach him how to clean a room and to keep his mouth shut and not talk back.

My house is a COMPLETE disaster because I am an organizational nightmare (but a professional organizer's dream, they could make a mint off of me!).

I was 30 minutes late to work today because I got half way there and realized we had left Dancer's Christmas party gift at home. We had to turn around and go back.

I have spent a ridiculous amount of money at the grocery store in the last two weeks, but we have NOTHING to eat!

I have enough coupons to fill a book or three because I have great plans to save major money, but I KEEP FORGETTING TO USE THEM!

I am publicly participating in Fit Friday but I haven't exercised in over a week and let's not EVEN get into what I have been putting into my body!

I fall into bed every night (or morning) at a ridiculous hour knowing I haven't accomplished 3/4 of what I needed to!

But today---I did one thing right. Of course, I forgot to take a picture of that one thing for proof, but let's not dwell on the negative.

You see, I am a teacher. And as a teacher, I have been the recipient of a lot of teacher gifts. And while I appreciate the love and thought behind every one, after awhile, you just stop getting excited about the World's Greatest Teacher ornament or the bracelet covered in apples. And so, my mission every year is to find affordable teacher gifts that they can actually use. I have done movie baskets, gift cards for bookstores and a cup of coffee, etc. but this year, I topped myself!

I purchased some really cute reusable bags from Pier One that looked similar to this only the patterns were great:

Then, I cooked and froze approximately 7 million (okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but that is totally what it felt like) meatballs. I put a box of whole wheat spaghetti, a can of sauce, the meatballs, a loaf of french bread and some homemade brownie mix in the bag and added a tag with some cute little poem fit for the occasion!


A Christmas blessing from our house to yours,
A pre-cooked meal to help with the chores.
Just a small little thing to tell you Thank you,
For teaching our children the things that you do!

Today, I brought those meals in a bag to tutorial and the teachers LOVED them! It is perfect for this time of year when things are crazy and you need something quick and easy!

So, I have done a lot wrong lately, but this, I did right! Thought I would share the idea...a little late, I know, but in case you need a gift idea at the last minute. It is one thing that won't go wrong!

5 comments:

Aimee said...

That really is an awesome gift. Think you can mail me one of those dinners in a bag? ;) Sounds fab!

T with Honey said...

I think this has to be one of the best teacher gift ideas I have ever heard of. I think I'll steal it for the end of year gift for Princess's teachers.

Growin' With It said...

so yeah, you've made the lame snowglobe we sent in w/ AJ this week look really pitiful next to your creative idea. i'm bugging you next year on teacher gift ideas. this was fabulous! i know those sweet people are so tired of the same what nots and trinkets. so something they can really use is very thoughtful!

hey, and when you figure out how to get your son to clean his room w/o the rolling of the eyes, sighing that sucks the air out of the room and attitude that stinks like the garbage can...well let me know! i'm in it with ya *mama*...and i do sorta think God somehow gives us more time and energy in our day just to survive! hang in there!

Heather said...

WOW! Brilliant idea. I'm picking your brain next year for teachers gifts!

CJ, The Purple Diva said...

HOW AWESOME! LOVED THE IDEA! You rock momma!