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Category: #teddyelf

#teddyelf/2017/Christ/Christmas/Teddy/tradition

Our Twist on Elf on the Shelf

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Jolie / 0 Comment

Every year, people ask me why we have an Elf on the Shelf if we are trying to focus on Christ in Christmas rather than Santa. Well, first of all, it was gifted ...

#teddyelf/2016/Christ/Christmas/Printables

An A-Maze-Ing Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Jolie / 0 Comment

This time of year is hectic, busy, and magical. The twinkle, the lights, the nostalgia. I love when the Friday after Thanksgiving comes and time to celebrate Je...

#teddyelf/books/Christ/Christmas/Elf on the Shelf/Teddy/wrapping

Christmastime is Here Again

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

+ So, Teddy Elf is doing minimal work this year. Maybe he has a lot going on. Maybe he moved recently and is still out of sorts. Maybe it’s just a lot of ...

#teddyelf/classroom treats/preschool/Printables/Teddy

Snow Much Fun! Class Treats and Printable

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

When you forget about a class party, you’ve gotta think on your feet. Good thing I’m all about that. I needed something cute and quick, and thatR...

#teddyelf/2014/Christmas/Christmas Eve/jammers/Teddy

Bye, Teddy!

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

(Use your very best, “Bye, Buddy!” Mr. Narwhal voice to get the best results with that title.) Teddy came to wish us well today before heading ̶...

#teddyelf/2014/gifts/giving/Happy House/teacher/Teddy

Classroom Treats: Reindeer Food

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 3 Comments

When I was teaching, I made reindeer food for my students each year. Then I forgot about it–until last night. Baby Gray’s class party day crept up o...

#teddyelf/2014/Elf on the Shelf/Teddy

Teddy Tuesday

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 1 Comment

Teddy Elf is back, and he’s been bringing fun and cheer to share! He’s brought gift lists to shop for children who don’t have gifts, treats to...

#teddyelf/Baby Gray/boy mama/Santa/Teddy

Melts My Heart Like Snow in Summmmmeeeeerrrrrrrr!

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

After all the internal debate, which ended up being a weblog debate, we ended up visiting “new” Santa again this year. He’ll just be our Santa...

#teddyelf/2014/Aggies/Angel Tree/Black Friday/Christmas/Christmasday/computer/concert/Elf on the Shelf/family/football/giving/Justin Timberlake/MacBook/Sights & Sounds/tailgate/Teddy/Thanksgiving

Thursday Thirteen

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 1 Comment

Yeah, I made that up. It’s not a thing. When my computer has been crashed, and I have a lot of catching up to do, it seems the best route to take, though....

Hi, I’m Jolie…

jolie-gray
Wife to Josh, mama to Hays (7), hopeful adoptive mama, and Jesus lover. I founded Purpose Box in July of 2014. I'm all about open sunroofs and coffee dates. Welcome to my space; have a click around. I hope you feel loved, encouraged, and empowered.

Texas forever.

Purpose Box

purpose-box

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As I woke to the calendar flipped to March this mo As I woke to the calendar flipped to March this morning, it really made me think about this past year. 

I wrote and prayed with a bit of a different perspective. I thanked God for the lessons in empathy and love. I thanked Him for the slowdown and family time, just as our years with the boy begin their downhill slide. I thanked Him for safety and health that we so often take for granted. 

How can you reframe your focus as we step back into March? How can a year that has seemed to be full of differences and inconveniences turn into blessings in your life?
Little Sunday afternoon baseball—good for the so Little Sunday afternoon baseball—good for the soul.
This morning, mid-workout, I walked out and said, This morning, mid-workout, I walked out and said, “Do you know we’ll be married 15 years this year?” 

Y’all. The fives and tens get me. How am I old enough to have been married that long? 

Sometimes I think back to the 16 year-old girl who knew she would marry this guy. She had no idea what she was signing up for—she couldn’t have dreamt how great he would be as a husband, a father, a leader, a friend, a confidant. 

So, while we’re a few months off, I’m still here. In awe of my calculation. Wondering how it could have flown by and been a lifetime all at once—but, you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun!
Turns out, I like it a lot better when we travel t Turns out, I like it a lot better when we travel to the snow and not vice versa. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 

Couple of thoughts: 
• offer heaps of grace and patience in the return to regularly scheduled programming
• choose to believe people are doing the best they can with what they have
• offer what you’re able
• check in on those around you

This week’s experience was different for every single person I have spoken to, even those very close in proximity.

Teacher friends, jumping to you for a second here, remember that each of your kiddos will have experienced this week differently, too, when they get back to you Monday (or whenever they are able). Some will have spent the time cuddled up, playing games, enjoying the snow with hot cocoa. Others will have been freezing, alone, and scared. Meet them where they are. Academic needs may not be the forefront upon return, and that’s okay. A hug and a smile goes a long way.
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