Saturday, December 8, 2012

It's Like Getting Free Money (With JOY!)

Recently I read a post at Oh Boy Fourth Grade about focusing on the JOY. As usual, I think my friend, Farley, is on to something.

Based on the name of my blog, people often think my name is JOY. My name is Kim, but I don't mind being confused with JOY. It's a part of who I am in many ways.

Like Farley, I am making an effort to find the JOY at school--even when that is not an easy task. Here's my strategy: Before I leave school each afternoon, I sit down, close my eyes, and try to think of one good thing that happened that day. There is usually at least one good thing, so I can almost always head for home on a positive note. My general outlook has been remarkably improved!

I am blessed to have lots of JOY in my life. LOTS. And after thinking about all of the things I've been given, I've decided to give some away!

Elf from Bilingual Scrapbook (on TpT) and digital paper from sonyadehartdesign.com
and "HelloAli" font from Jen Jones-Hello Literacy (on TpT)
I've never done a "formal" giveaway or used Rafflecopter before, so there are a few "firsts" in action. Mostly, I am excited to pass along some JOY to some BlogReaders this holiday season.

So here are your options....

Maybe you'd like a $25 dollar gift card to spend at Target.
You could use it to buy decorarons, or a (lovely) holiday sweater.
Or treasures in the dollar section or some presents!


Or maybe you'd like a $25 dollar gift card to spend at Starbucks.
You could treat yourself to something tasty while you shop or wrap presents.
You could even trade it in and buy gift cards for your coworkers!


Or maybe you'd like a $25 dollar gift card to spend at Amazon.
You could buy a book or two to read over vacation.
Or you could buy books or lots of other things for presents!


Or maybe you'd like a $25 dollar gift card to spend at ToysRUs.
Maybe you can get some toys for some little cherubs.
Or games or puzzles for your classroom!


There will be four lucky winners. And each of those four people will win a gift card. And each person can choose which gift card they would like--even if all four people choose the same card!

So, come on, join in! You could win some JOY of your own!









Hey! I got this sweet little candy cane from Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Designs! 



 a Rafflecopter giveaway

83 comments :

  1. Of course I'd like the Starbucks card even more if we could sit together and chat over our favorite lattes (with extra cream!) . . . and I could share the Sour Cream Sugar cut-out cookies that we're about to bake and frost.
    what a generously JOY-filled giveaway. It puts me in the spirit - Yay. Thanks!!

    Saturday smiles,

    Barbara

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  2. OH MY GOSH... a shout out and a give away... I can't believe my pure JOY when I saw this... this morning... thanks so much and I would LoVe any card... ANY I tell ya :) love your blog and will share this give away on pinterest and FB ( i already blogged today but will share it manana)

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  3. I would choose the Amazon card. I'm trying to save up to buy a IPEVO document camera.

    mondragondrea@gmail.com

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  4. I love this idea Kim, thank you for such a nice giveaway!!! I think I would love the one from Target (though it's hard to choose). I would find some fun stocking stuffers :) :) :)

    Thank you again sweet friend!

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  5. What a great idea and so generous. These are all awesome, I would choose Target, its my favorite place to shop!

    Thanks for making me feel some joy today!

    Elizabeth
    Hodges Herald

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  6. A very generous idea this time of year! It's so nice to have teachers out in the blog world that devote even more time to the profession by offering all us such great ideas, resources and prizes!!

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  7. I would choose the Amazon gift card as my wish list continues to grow. I have several books that I would love to have for my classroom, professional and picture books to use with lessons. :)

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  8. I would love ANY of them... Especially the Amazon one to get some new books for my classroom library! Thanks for hosting such a wonderful giveaway!


    Layla
    Fancy Free in Fourth

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  9. I would choose the Amazon gift card and would probably buy books for my classroom!

    Christina :)
    Check out my blog!
    Apples, Books, and Crayons
    applesbooksandcrayons@gmail.com

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  10. First of all, thank you for hosting just a generous giveaway. :) I could use a gift card from lots of places but I would choose a Target gift card so that I can get myself another pair of these amazing yoga capri pants I am currently obsessed with.

    Enjoy your weekend, Kim! :)

    Bren P.
    The Teacher Diaries
    The.Teacher.Diaries.K4@gmail.com

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  11. I would get a new necklace on Amazon (they have awesome jewelry deals!) or get a fun scarf or purse at Target. I love shopping their sale racks. :)
    Thanks for the fun giveaway!
    Katie
    I Want to be a Super Teacher

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  12. You are so sweet to give all of this away! I love your blog and you are definitely full of JOY! You always make me smile. I love I would love, love, love a Target gift card.

    Lindsay
    My Life as a Third Grade Teacher

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  13. I would love the Starbucks gift card so I could have a chai tea latte whenever I wanted this holiday season (but any of them would be wonderful!).

    Aimee
    aimee@vanmiddlesworth.org
    Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks

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  14. WOW! What a great giveaway since all of the choices are great!

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  15. I might have to fight someone for that Starbucks card :) Fabulous giveaway!

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  16. I would love any of them!! At Target, I would put it towards a new camera, at Starbucks I would enjoy peppermint hot chocolate. If I go the Amazon gift card, I would purchase math resources for my class, and at Toys R Us I would get Christmas gifts for my 2 and 3 year old nieces! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Kari.v.lockwood@gmail.com

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  17. What a fun giveaway friend! Hmmmmm....you know I love my coffee but I also love Target....so I would pick one of those...:)

    4th Grade Frolics

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  18. You know how to make the holidays HAPPY! I'd pick either Target or Amazon.

    taskcard123@yahoo.com

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  19. Ahhhhh, the JOY for choosing a prize.... Starbucks it would be. I could always spend at Target of Amazon, but the peppermint latte would be just for ME!!
    Peggy
    THANKS for the fun giveaway!
    mrspaulson@gmail.com

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  20. Thanks for doing this, Kim. This is a real treat! I'd go for the Amazon or the Target cards.
    Marion

    www.mentoringinthemiddle.blogspot.com
    mentoringthemidde@gmail.com

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  21. What an awesome post! I would choose the Amazon gift card for books....never have too many books on my Kindle!

    ~Michelle
    Making It As A Middle School Teacher

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  22. Love your blog! Excited about this giveaway too! Thanks for always sharing wonderful ideas!!

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  23. Any of the cards would be great! If I got the Starbucks gift card, it would go to my husband who is a Caramel Macchiato addict!

    Thanks for the chance!

    Name on rafflecopter: Mary Happymommy

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  24. Starbucks! I'd love a good afternoon pick me up!

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  25. I would choose Amazon. I can always find sooo many books I need from there!
    Christie
    christiecupit@yahoo.com

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  26. I would choose the Target gift card! :)

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  27. I would choose the Amazon one... I always need more laminating pouches. :)

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  28. I would choose the Amazon. Never can have too many books.

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  29. What a great giveaway! All of the choices are great! I would choose the Amazon gift card to purchase The CAFE book.

    lyons.cori@gmail.com

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  30. I would choose Amazon because I love to read. Though I spend a lot at Target too...
    Gina
    Third Grade Tidbits

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  31. Awesome giveaway Kim! Gosh, all the choices are great...I would choose Amazon or Target I think.
    ~Lorraine
    Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies

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  32. You are seriously amazing, Kim. I'm so honored that you're my bloggy friend!!!!!!!!!!!! If I win, I would probably pick the Amazon card so that I could buy books for my iPad. But I might like the Starbucks card so that I could treat people to coffee . . . I just don't know!!!! :)

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  33. Target!!! I would probably get stocking stuffers!
    Jennifer
    First Grade Blue SKies

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  34. I would want the Amazon git card. I'm working on building up my graphic novel collection in my classroom library. I cannot keep those books on the shelves! The kids just love them....Big Nate, Bone, Amulet, etc! :-)

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  35. I would love any of the cards... I like to shop at all of those stores!! I was moved when I read Farley's post about Joy and again now reading your idea. I am going to try it starting Monday. This has been my most challenging year yet and I hear myself complaining all the time. It is not helping. So this seems like a small thing that could make a big impact on my attitude and maybe even teaching. Thank you for the reminder. I am your newest follower.
    Heather
    Kickin' It With Class

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  36. What a great giveaway Kim. I hope you have a great Christmas :) If I were to win I would choose the Amazon gift card and I would put it towards some of the books I want to get :)

    Heidi
    My (Not So) Elementary Life
    mynotsoelementarylife@yahoo.com

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  37. What an amazing giveaway!! I would choose the Amazon gift card and definitely put it toward a Christmas gift for my husband.

    Heather (heathernnance@yahoo.com)

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  38. Wonderful giveaway! I love Starbucks hot chocolate but I would pick the Amazon card. Then I could buy new books without my husband complaining about more books.

    Jana
    Thinking Out Loud

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  39. Oooh this is a tough one! I would probably choose target or amazon- lots of goodies to choose from!!

    Allie
    The Gypsy Teacher

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  40. I'd love a gift card to Amazon or to Target!

    Krazy Town

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  41. What an awesome giveaway!! Thank you for the opportunity! My top choice would be amazon because I am addicted to that place:)
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

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  42. I would probably pick Target because I can always find too much to spend money on there.

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  43. I would say amazon because I am so addicted to books (both "real" and for the kindle) and the random stuff they have they I love like Crabtree and Evelyn hand cream!

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  44. What!?!?!? Your name's not JOY?!? Darnit- now I have to start over on that sweater I was knitting for you:)
    ha ha! Just Kidding, KIM!

    I actually have notes from parents addressed to MISS SQUIRRELS, asking that I excuse their child's absence-
    they also get upset when they can't find their child's class in the yearbook!!!
    Gotta love em
    and I would be loving that Starbucks card, no doubt about it!!!
    (Glad you are JOYful)

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  45. I cant decide between Target and Amazon!!! LOVE Amazon for new books!! BUT I can go into Target just because I am bored and spend over $100!!! Maybe I need to go with Target hahaha

    Caitlin
    Kindergarten Smiles

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  47. Kim/Joy,

    All the choices are so great! How is a person supposed to choose!! Thanks for a such a great giveaway! Also love your story of starting as a volunteer! It truly shows the dedication and love you have to the profession, your community, nd the school!

    I would love a Target or Amazon! I would buy professional books with Amazon!! I seem to never have enough!
    Danielle
    dnll.brown@gmail.com


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  48. I would love Starbucks! :-) A little treat for me after a long day.

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  49. I would love the Amazon gift card - though my husband and I had a little discussion because all of them would be great to receive. An Amazon card would help us check off a few more names on the Christmas list so I would be buying for others.
    Amanda
    hisandherhobbies.blogspot.com

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  50. I would have tough time picking between Starbucks and Target...but I think Starbucks (aka breakfast) would win!

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  51. I would choose the Amazon gift card and I would buy books for my classroom or for my Kindle.

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  52. I would choose the Amazon gift card to buy an Elmo for my classroom to help in making Math videos for the classes that I am starting to flip.

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  53. I would choose the Target card.

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  54. Hi Kim!
    This is such a generous giveaway! You are truly spreading joy! As for the gift cards--any would do :) If I had to choose--I'd love the Amazon one or the Toys R Us one (they have a new Peppa Pig line and I'd totally get something for the babies :)

    --jen

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  55. What an amazing giveaway! I would choose the Toys R Us one and use it to buy toys for kids in need!

    Thanks!
    Jennifer
    http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Finding-Joy-In-Sixth-Grade

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  56. I would love to win any of them, but the Target or Amazon would help me fulfill some R.A.K. Projects.
    Learning in Bliss

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  57. Decisions....decisions! I think I would go with the Amazon card....I love shopping from home! I would most likely order books, or perhaps something for my kitchen. I'm trying to slowly upgrade all my dishes, utensils, etc! Thanks for such an awesome giveaway!

    Vicky
    Keep Calm & Imagine

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  58. Thank you for making me remember to look for the joy in teaching. So often I look at too many things with a hint of negativity. I will do better! Thanks for the opportunity to win a gift card. :) If I won, I would choose the Amazon card since I am in love with books. I would probably buy some mentor texts or a professional book.
    Ursula

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  59. The Starbucks card would probably be my choice and I'd buy a caramel machiatto. :)

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  60. Starbucks or Target. Starbucks, plenty of White Chocolate Mochas to quench my need. Target, things for the new house! :) Thank you for the great chance, Kim!

    Sara
    Miss V's Busy Bees
    ventrellasara@gmail.com

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  61. I would love an Amazon card to buy books with!

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  62. You know me....Starbucks!

    Elizabeth

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  63. I would choose the Amazon gift card to buy books for my kids!

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  64. I would choose an Amazon gift card so I can whittle down the pile of books in my cart!

    Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten

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  65. What an amazing and generous giveaway! I think I would choose the Amazon gift card! :o)

    œKaryn
    A is for Apple B is for Blog
    Kideducator@comcast.net

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  66. I would choose an amazon gift card and buy the fabric blade and a dust cover for my (technically my mom's but it lives at my house)silhouette cameo etr2003 at gmail dot com

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  67. Definitely Amazon...to put a dent in my wish list for the classroom!

    tokyoshoes (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  68. I would love an amazon card to buy things for my students!

    Pam Williams

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  69. Thanks so much for doing a give away! That is awesome!!! I would love the Toys R'Us gift card!

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  70. What a great give away! You're bringing JOY to many of us simply by your blog posts...but now with going this extra mile, you'll really make someone's day. Target, please! :)

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  71. Wow, what an awesome give away...I would love the Starbucks for some R&R and sharing treats with my co-workers however I would choose Amazon because I'm always shopping for things for my classroom and my professional library. Thanks.

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  72. So hard to choose...I think I might get the Starbucks card and pass it on to my sweet hubby. He has been so great about picking up the slack as I re-entered the classroom.

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  73. WOW--what a super give away! If I win I'll pick the Target gift card and then pay it forward by giving it to a family that our school is sponsoring for the holidays. Great idea!

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  74. Amazing giveaway! I'd pick toys R Us for my new grandson:) thanks for doing this.

    Barbara
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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  75. I would love the Starbucks card. It's my guilty pleasure and I only indulge a few times a month. Keeps it special. :)

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  76. I'm moving into a new position after Christmas. I think I'd take just about any of those giftcards!

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  77. I would enjoy the Target card to buy a new shirt!!

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  78. I could really use the Target gift card.

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  79. I would definitely choose target. What a generous giveaway, happy holidays! =)

    Meg
    Third Grade in the First State

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  80. The amazon gift card so I could buy books. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  81. The amazon gift card so I could buy books. Thanks for the chance to win.

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Thanks for reading this post. Comments bring me JOY! Please share your thoughts and join the conversation...