A long time coming

So, it's been a long time since I posted anything. I want to say thank you to my loyal readers (if indeed you're are actually out there), for your tremendous patience. It's literally almost been a year since I posted anything. That's not to say I haven't had any content. In that year, I stayed home for the summer, took my kids to the beach for the first time (by myself), made my own recycled diaper cover, taught my family that eating out can mean eating outside, potty trained the Elf, really learned how to thrift, learned how to budget, and dropped a ton of baby weight.
I can happily say that I am wearing clothes I haven't worn for 5 years. It's been a tremendously busy year because I took on the role of breadwinner for a while and then embraced stay at home mommy-hood. Things are looking a little brighter, though, as the holidays approach.
My husband has been working as a temp since about March or April. They finally gave him an offer letter last Wednesday. So, it's been a trying but enlightening financially.
As for the Elf and Monkey, they are in a new preschool as of September. They are really  enjoying their classes. It's great that they are in separate classes and have their own friends. We are even spending more time with their cousin. They really have grown a lot. The Elf is, as mentioned before, potty trained now. That was my summer project. Then when she started preschool, she really started talking. She can also ride her tricycle  now. The monkey, on the other hand, has learned to read and write letters and short words, as well as, to cut and glue. We just need to fine tune his skills now. I can't wait for him to really start reading.
As the year comes to a close, I must really give credit where it's due. We are practicing Christians (non-denominational, to be exact) and have learned a ton this year about finances, our marriage, and parenting. But more precisely, I want to say that God has taught me a lot about taking care of my family, wisdom with money, frugality, and gratitude. It is because God wants to bless us that we have what we need and because we love him we serve him. He truly has taken care of us this year. I have even asked Him to bring my heart to a place of forgiveness and reconciliation with my own father. I am truly blessed to even have the hope of doing that.

Advanced kickstart day 1

10 things you should know about blogging:
1. Write about what you know: yes, it should be interesting, but you also want to sound intelligent.
2. It's really not as hard as you think: If you can write a word document and click save, you can do this.
3. Make it multi-media: Pictures, videos, slideshows, etc. make it more interesting.
4. Ask for help: it's probably going to be a learning experience, so get tips from  people who already know.
5. Cite your sources: Make sure you avoid plagiarizing other people's work.
6. Keep working on it: There is always room for improvement, so keep tweaking it.
7. Advertise: Word of mouth often gets your audience started, so tell people what you're writing about and give them the link.
8. Network: find similar blogs, read, post, and link. Communication is the key here.
9. Have fun: sharing what you know should be an enjoyable experience.
10. Patience: It takes time for you to establish your audience, so keep posting and waiting for your audience to grow.

Kickstarting my blog with help from Edublogs

But what does this have to do with saving money and living eco-friendly? Nothing really, except that it is related to the fact that I have a blog, and I want it to be the best that I can possibly make it. So, please humor me and read this post. Share a comment, even. I would love to hear from you!!

I am always looking for ways to improve the reading experience for my audience. Since I consider this blog as practice for a classroom website I plan on creating for my future classroom, I am using tips from the Free Tech for Teachers post about being a better blogger. From the tech website, I followed a link to the Edublogs' Teacher Challenge. Since I have already started a blog, I decided I would like to do the more advanced challenges offered, so for the extension activity (of day 1), the teacher challenge would like me to write a post on my blog to tell you more about me such as:

• Why did you join the Teacher Challenge’s 30 Days to Kick Starting your Blogging?

I am joining the Teacher Challenge a little late, but I still would like to improve my blog. I consider myself a little tech savvy, however, something like html terrifies me just a little. Also, keeping this blog seems to give me an outlet so that I do not pounce on B-chan when he walks through the door. Equally, it keeps Monkey Z and I from driving each other batty. Sure, the cleaning may not get done as much, but I don't clean while the little one is napping anyway... Back to the point. I would like to improve my blogging so that when I have my own classroom (if that ever happens), I am able to use technology to help my students explore, understand, and thrive in their education.

• Why do you want to learn more about blogging?

I enjoy learning in general, which is probably why I became a teacher. More specifically, I believe that using this medium in an educational setting allows for creativity with challenge. It's so important for educators to teach the next generation to embrace technology, but to do it with restraint. As many people are learning through Twitter and Facebook, not everything is meant to be broadcast for everyone to read. My aim is to learn how to do it, so that I can help guide my students.
Also, I would like to increase traffic to my site. I'd like to think that what I have to say is important to someone.

• What aspects of blogging have you struggled with?

I have struggled with tweaking the look of the blog. I want it to be easy to read and pleasing to the eye. I know that I have come across websites that are disorganized or underdeveloped. They make me feel impatient because I can't find what I need or there is too much going on.
Now that I have a theme, I am afraid that my title and URL don't match my theme. I chose them long before I started blogging seriously. Keeping my content as interesting as possible is difficult because I feel like I am repeating what other people have said or it's just not that important. I have done some things to improve the traffic flow that I didn't think I could do.


I would love to know how you have improved your blog. Please share your tips and comments about what has worked and what has been difficult for you.