Last weekend my good friends hosted a sprinkle for me and another one of our friends who is due exactly a month after me! We had originally planned for the weekend of the ice storm, but Texas had other things in mind. After a year of COVID, it seems plans are such a hit or miss thing, which I am definitely ready to move past. Thankfully everyone was able to attend the following weekend (plus some) and it turned out great! It is such a strange time to host any type of celebration, so I am so grateful we got to do something small and special for our two littles entering the world.

I thought I would share some things to consider if you are trying to host or celebrate a milestone during these unusual times! I would love to know anything you have been able to celebrate this past year!

Keep It Small

Keeping things smaller and more intimidate is not a bad thing at all! It can be a nice change and still allows you to celebrate in a safer way!

Consider Outside

If you are able to have an event outside, I would definitely recommend it! I am so thankful my parents have a large back patio where we could stay the entire time! It made me personally feel a lot safer and more relaxed.

Be Understanding

Things probably won’t be completely “normal” for a while. Everyone has different comfort levels with things, so don’t take anything personally and be understanding of individual choices. Each person is navigating things in their own way that feels right for them!

Be Considerate Of Others

If you know you are attending an event, be considerate of what you are doing leading up, especially if anyone is higher risk!

Be Flexible

If there is one thing this year has taught us, it is to be flexible! Things can quickly change depending on specific situations and it is just part of our current reality.

I am so thankful to have seen my friends this year, even if it is a lot less than normal. With that being said, I am beyond ready for many girls weekends ahead and new memories together!

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

I can not believe I am approaching three years of online teaching! I honestly don’t know where the time goes. You can read more about my story with making that transition and decision here: Classroom Teacher to Online. You can also check out more posts under the teaching tab or videos on my YouTube that cover different online teaching topics!

Today I wanted to share some things I have learned teaching and traveling. I love that online teaching provides flexibility with last minute plans or the option to work in different locations if needed. It works so well with the season I am currently in, which I am thankful for!

I am always available to answer any questions you may have. There are so many great companies and platforms now, it really is amazing!

1.Have An Internet Plan

When you travel there can be a lot of unknowns, especially when it comes to internet. Having a plan in place for internet issues will help eliminate any extra stress. I can personally teach from my IPAD, so in many cases I have used the hotspot on my phone and taught from there. You could also invest in a personal hotspot or anything along those lines.

2.Note Any Time Changes

If you are traveling somewhere with a different time zone, make sure you know class times for that area prior to going. My bookings page is always in my current time zone (central), so if I travel it does not change based off my location. Know your schedule ahead of time and be prepared!

3.Let Your Students Know

If you are in a new place, let your students know what is happening. Depending on the platform, parents may get upset if there are any external distractions or an unprofessional background. If you are upfront and honest they are more understanding!

4.Keep It Simple

I feel like it is so easy to overcomplicate things. When you are traveling, I feel like keeping things simple is the best when it comes to lessons, classes, background, props, etc. You can still give 100% and deliver a great lesson with out all of the extras!

5.Only Bring Essentials

Only pack essentials for your classes. You truly do not need alot! Here are my top 5 essentials…

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

If you are from Texas, you know it has been quite the week! Although our family is on the upside, I know there are still so many people struggling. Please keep thinking about those who are without power, water, or dealing with home damage. We truly have never experienced anything like this.

Although I never want to experience this again, it definitely gave us some perspective….which seems to be this years theme. I thought I would share some thoughts from the week and what I was personally reminded of. If you are from Texas, I would love to know any of your take-aways. Thinking any praying for everyone!

1.We are SO blessed to have basic needs met every day without even thinking twice about them. Not having water, a warm home, or meal will make you realize real quick how blessed you are.

2.We experience so much abundance in our day to day that we completely take for granted like electricity, cooking food, taking a shower, doing laundry, running the dishwasher, etc. If you are able to do these things day in and day out you are so blessed!

3.We have become so accustomed to a certain way of life, until it is taken away we truly don’t realize how fortuante we are.

4.There is always going to be someone worse off. Reach out and help in any way possible.

5.Being the one in need was humbling but reminded us how amazing people are. I have been blown away how people will go out of their way to take care of others.

6.As much as we try, we are not in control.

7. Make the best out of your situation in any way you can, especially when children are involved. Who knew family slumber parties, flashlight baths, and truck heating sessions could be so much fun for a three year old.

As always sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac