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Sharing Our Blessings 2023: A Thank You Giveaway

November 16, 2023 6 min read

There’s no denying: we’re in the thick of fall, y’all! ๐Ÿ‚ As the autumn leaves paint the world in warm hues and the scent of pumpkin pie fills the air, now is the perfect time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. This year, I feel particularly grateful. I’ve linked up with several teacherprenuers in sharing our blessings with all of you, my fellow educators and blog readers. Join me on this journey of gratitude as we explore why 2023 has been a year filled with much joy and anticipation!

EDITED TO ADD: If you’re reading this on or after November 21, 2023, you can click here for this year’s updated Sharing Our Blessing 2024 blog post!

A Modest Matrimony: A Blessing of Love

This year, my heart swelled with happiness as Matt and I celebrated the most merry microwedding of the summer. It was an intimate affair, filled with the love and support of our closest friends and immediate family. As a special education and middle school teacher, I know the value of meaningful connections. Our wedding symbolized just that. It was a day of joy, laughter, and the start of a new chapter in our lives.

Newlywed Mr. and Mrs. with our dogs of honor! July 2023

The Magic of Disney: A Dream Honeymoon

As an experienced educator, I’ve always appreciated the importance of learning beyond the classroom. Our August cruise aboard the Disney Dream was an educational adventure in its own right. Disney, known for its commitment to storytelling and imagination, provided us with a magical journey through Northern Europe alongside our favorite friendly characters.

Formal Night aboard the Disney Dream’s Northern European sailing, August 2023.

My husband and I embarked on our honeymoon adventure, stopping at enchanting destinations like Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo, Norway; and Brugges, Belgium. Each port of call was a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history, culture, and traditions of these beautiful countries. In fact, it was Matt’s Scandinavian ancestry that prompted us to pick this itinerary in the first place!

Expanding Our Little Family: A Blessing in Disguise

How’s the song go? Summer lovin’ had me a blast… summer lovin’ happened so fast! But the blessings didn’t stop there. I’m thrilled to share the news that our little family will be growing by two feet in the spring of 2024! The anticipation of welcoming a new life into our home is an indescribable joy.

What can I say? We were busy this summer! God is so, so good and faithful, y’all.

As a teacher, I’ve witnessed the growth and potential in my students year after year, and now I’m excited to experience all those feels again on a more personal level. This blessing is a testament to our faithful God and the beautiful journey of life. We are humbled and honored!

Giving Back: A Teacher’s Heart

One thing to know about me is that first and foremost I am a Christian before all other things. I really try my best every day to love God and love His people. It’s not always easy, but I have found it to always be worth it. I was reading my Bible from the beginning and came across this Old Testament promise:

Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

Genesis 12: 2-3

Man, do I feel this Bible verse to my core! The Lord removed me from fruitless regions years ago and provided me with a Godly husband, protector, and best friend in 2023 to live out the rest of our days together blessing others. With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, I’m reminded of the importance of giving back.

As an experienced teacher and curriculum designer, I believe in the power of education to change lives. In the spirit of the season, I’m offering a time-sensitive teaching resource as a token of my appreciation for your support! I love interactive notebooks, and I’m hoping once you try them out you will, too. These foldable activities (7 to be exact) are specifically for decimal operations, and appropriate for grades 5+. Valued at $5, this upper elementary resource is designed to help you in your classroom, whether you’re a fellow teacher or a homeschooling parent. Enjoy!

EDITED TO ADD: If you’re reading this on or after November 21, 2023, sorry – you’ve missed the above-mentioned flash freebie! BUT DON’T GO JUST YET: I do have several other always free teaching resources for you! Sign up for my mailing list to receive the password.

PIN NOW, READ LATER! Save the image above to Pinterest for easy future reference.

The $25 TpT Gift Card Giveaway: Sharing Our Blessings

Tis the season to be giving! To make this season even more special, I’m hosting a giveaway for a $25 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. Consider it a small token of my gratitude for the incredible community of educators who have rallied and supported me on this blogging journey. Entering is simple; visit the Rafflecopter to complete your entry form. Want bonus entries? Do one of the following:

  1. Leave a Comment: Share what you’re thankful for this year in the comments section below.
  2. Subscribe: If you haven’t already, sign up for my email list to stay updated on future resources and giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A random winner will be selected Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The gift card will be sent by email to the lucky recipient to use on Teachers Pay Teachers. Best of luck!

EDITED TO ADD: The gift card giveaway is now over! A heartfelt congratulations to educator Callie P. on winning!

#SharingOurBlessings2023 Blog Hop: A Community of Givers

As educators, we know the importance of collaboration and sharing. That’s why I’m excited to be a part of the “Sharing Our Blessings” blog hop. This wonderful event includes a total of 24 teaching products created by 16 dedicated educators, all of whom can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers. The combined value of these resources is a true blessing at over $80, and they cover a wide range of subjects and grade levels. Be sure to check them all out!

Additionally, the blog hop includes multiple giveaways of $25 Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards totaling $400! These generous gifts will undoubtedly help fellow educators enhance their classroom instruction and make a positive impact on countless students.

Inlinkz Blog Hop: Explore and Connect

To access these amazing resources and giveaways, please follow the Inlinkz blog hop below. You’ll find a list of participating bloggers and links to their pages. Once there, you can discover their contributions to the “Sharing Our Blessings” event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore a treasure trove of teaching materials and connect with educators who share the same passion for teaching and giving back. I’m falling deeper and deeper in love with it all this fall! Use the #SharingOurBlessings2023 hashtag on social media to connect with us.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thanksgiving: A Season of Gratitude and Generosity

This Thanksgiving, I’m reminded how important it is we share our good fortunes with others. Teaching has always been about giving. Through this blog post, the TpT gift card giveaway, and the “Sharing Our Blessings” blog hop, I hope to give back to the incredible community of educators who have supported me over the years. My deepest thanks, sincerest wishes, and heartfelt blessings to you and yours for a happy Thanksgiving! Together, we can make the world a better place, one classroom at a time.

DON’T BE SHY; SAY HI! Let us know what you are most thankful for in the comments below.
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Crystal Mencia

Life, Love, & Lesson Plans with the Teaching Principal

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  • Pauline November 17, 2023 at 8:00 am

    I’m thankful for my health and my family!

    • Crystal Mencia November 17, 2023 at 2:23 pm

      All great things to be thankful for. Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy holiday!

  • Natasha Williams November 17, 2023 at 8:21 am

    Congratulations! Wishing you the best!

    • Crystal Mencia November 17, 2023 at 2:23 pm

      Thank you so much, Natasha!

  • Julie Donahue November 17, 2023 at 10:28 am

    Thankful to be a mom of 3 (adult!!) children, MIL to one, and wife of Santa Claus.

    • Crystal Mencia November 17, 2023 at 2:24 pm

      Family is everything. I love it! Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy holiday

  • Cindy Burrell November 17, 2023 at 10:49 am

    I’m thankful for family and friends, the beauty of our seasons, sunshine, great music, and great books to enjoy.

    • Crystal Mencia November 17, 2023 at 2:25 pm

      Ahh, yes, the simple things in life! It’s amazing how much we can take for granted in a busy world. Thank you for the great reminders!

  • Michele Y Strayer November 17, 2023 at 12:07 pm

    I am thankful for my family and my great grand daughter that was born on my birthday. Now there are two April Fool people in my family. What joy grandchildren bring to a family.

    • Crystal Mencia November 17, 2023 at 2:26 pm

      How very sweet and special! And hey, nothing wrong with us April babies. We have all fun! Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy holiday. Thank you for sharing!

  • Esther Conrriquez November 17, 2023 at 1:56 pm

    I am so thankful for my family and that we are able to still remain close.

    • Crystal Mencia November 17, 2023 at 2:28 pm

      That is very sweet, Esther. A close-knit family is rare so that must be very special. Thanks for sharing and have a happy, healthy holiday!

  • KAREN November 17, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    Hello! I am thankful that you are transparent about your faith. As a fellow Christ follower, it is awesome to see others share about their faith. God bless and have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    • Crystal Mencia November 17, 2023 at 2:29 pm

      Blessings to you and yours, Karen. I’m sure you feel the same: anything and everything that I am, I owe to Him! Thank you for sharing.

  • Angela Greaves November 17, 2023 at 7:49 pm

    Congratulations! Thank you for your generosity. It is also a breath of fresh air to find another teacher firm in her faith in Christ!

    • Crystal Mencia November 18, 2023 at 9:05 am

      Thank you โค๏ธ Blessings from one sister in Christ to another! Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday with loved ones.

  • Hannah Reeth November 17, 2023 at 9:00 pm

    Thankful for supportive friends!

    • Crystal Mencia November 18, 2023 at 9:05 am

      Friends are the family we get to choose for ourselves. Thanks for sharing!

  • Robin Green November 17, 2023 at 9:47 pm

    I am thankful for my husband and children.

    • Crystal Mencia November 18, 2023 at 9:06 am

      Amen! There’s nothing better. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy holiday!

  • Sidra Aronowitz November 17, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    I am thankful for my family.

    • Crystal Mencia November 18, 2023 at 9:06 am

      Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday with loved ones! Thank you for sharing.

  • Lisa November 18, 2023 at 1:30 am

    I am thankful that my grandma celebrated her 100th birthday last month and she is still going strong! Such an incredible blessing.

    • Crystal Mencia November 18, 2023 at 9:07 am

      Oh my goodness, what a blessing indeed! ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฝ Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy holiday with loved ones.

  • Felicia November 18, 2023 at 2:12 am

    I am, as always, thankful for my incredibly supportive family! Starting a 3rd career in my late-50’s wouldn’t have been possible without them. But, topping that, is my overflowing thankful joy to have been given the opportunity to work my dream job @ my dream school. It has been a demanding yet rewarding rollercoaster, but we are successfully standing up a new SPED team, and are surrounded by amazing students, families, and community. I feel truly blessed!

    • Crystal Mencia November 18, 2023 at 9:09 am

      What an incredible story and amazing journey! Thank you so much for sharing, Felicia. It’s never too late to dream another dream. Love to see it! Have a happy, healthy holiday.

      • Felicia November 21, 2023 at 12:29 am

        Thank you <3 Best wishes to you & your growing family for a blessed holiday season!

  • Erin Hull November 18, 2023 at 9:00 am

    I am thankful for my friends and support system.

  • Karla November 18, 2023 at 9:34 am

    I’m thankful for my friends and family.

  • M Hoddenbach November 18, 2023 at 10:21 am

    Congratulations!! My the Lord bless you always. Thank you for all the work you do to help us on this journey of teaching.

  • M Hoddenbach November 18, 2023 at 10:21 am

    Congratulations!! My the Lord bless you always. Thank you for all the work you do to help us on this journey of teaching.

  • Nikki November 18, 2023 at 11:33 am

    Congrats on your many blessings!! I’m so thankful for my husband that works really hard for our family which lets me be able to stay home with the kids and homeschool my youngest.

  • Rachel S November 18, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    Congratulations on your growing family! Family is the biggest blessing โค๏ธ

  • Elisabeth Negley November 18, 2023 at 4:40 pm

    Congratulations on your wedding and little one. I am thankful for my family this holiday season.

  • Jeanna Baggott November 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    I am thankful for my husband, who is the best traveling partner!

  • Amanda November 19, 2023 at 12:42 am

    I am so grateful for God’s mercy. What a joy to read your post, so excited for you during this season of your life!!

  • Karina Ligon November 19, 2023 at 11:05 am

    What beautiful blessings and most of all what a beautiful witness to Gods immense love for you and yours. Youโ€™ll be in my prayers as you embark on the new journey of motherhood and fatherhood. Blessings upon blessings for you all always!

  • Emily November 19, 2023 at 7:51 pm

    I am thankful for my friends, family, and health. Happy Thanksgiving!

  • Amy E November 19, 2023 at 10:16 pm

    I am thankful for the Blessed Hope I have in Jesus my Saviour. We have had several family and friends pass this summer, but because they knew Jesus as their Saviour, too, I will see them again.

  • Susan November 19, 2023 at 10:50 pm

    I am thankful for my family and my incredible 5th-grade team!

  • Nicole Dowling November 20, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    I am thankful for my fur babies!

  • Hello, I'm Crystal! I have been a New Jersey educator for over a decade. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work in an array of settings, in multiple classrooms, in many subject areas, and with a variety of students. While I hold an administrator's certificate, I find myself called to serve hands-on in the classroom and designing curriculum. On a more personal note, I am passionate about my faith, family, and fitness! Welcome to my little piece of the internet. Read More

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