Made It Manic Monday

First up - look what my neighbors (who are moving to Kentucky) put on the curb last night:

As soon as I saw it my mind started racing and I begged my husband to run and grab it for me.

He insisted on waiting until the neighbor was out in his yard so he could go talk to him before he took it (some weird thing about not going through someone's trash without their permission). So I took up a spot by the window, watching through the blinds as the pile was whittled away by every passer by!

Luckily no one took my sign ~ how strange that no one else wanted this diamond in the rough!

After a few hours, in the middle of eating dinner (with guests over!) I suddenly saw the neighbor outside. Husband was gently reminded of his promise to go over (guests not withstanding, and no he couldn't finish his plate first because neighbor might go back inside! Run Forest, run!)

Turns out, neighbor had brought the sign home for his wife because she wanted to redecorate it. It had been in their garage untouched for 6 months so they decided not to take it to Kentucky with them. My husband  has now declared the 6 month rule - anything in his garage for more than 6 months is going to the curb too.

Little does he know that with Made It Mondays I have a built in motivator for getting this baby done! I can't wait to show you how it turns out - my plan is to have it done by the end of the month, so watch for it soon!

Just to show you what being motivated can do (and to justify linking this up with Made it Monday over at 4th Grade Frolics):

Isn't it adorable?! I got the bucket template from imagestuff's blog here. They posted it yesterday and I immediately knew I had to make one for my class! A quick trip to Hobby Lobby for the bucket (on sale 66% off!) and ribbon (on sale 50% off) and I have a lovely classroom management tool for a song! I'd show you pictures, but really it was just cutting and tying ribbon ~ I don't think pics are truly necessary in this case :) By the way, if you haven't read the book, it is a must have! My kiddos always love it and it really helps them to become more aware of how their actions affect others.

 Next up, I found about about a great little book that needs some help to be published!

The amazing thing about this book is that the author created each page as a fabric quilt collage. I love the message of staying true to yourself and being happy with who you are! The author needs to raise about $9400 in the next 9 days in order to publish this book. If you donate at least $25 you will received a signed copy of the book once it's published!

Boy, this is getting to be a long post, isn't it? Aa reward for patiently reading (and to go along with the bucket filling idea!), here's a freebie for Manic Monday:

Just click the picture to grab it in my TPT store!

I linked this up at Classroom Freebies - click the button to see lots more freebies too!

I am off to enjoy my birthday - well as much as possible since husband has to work until 8pm tonight! Have a great Monday!