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America the Beautiful

America, how I love you so! All of the news lately, the bickering on social media, the lack of tolerance for one another has really been on my mind the past few weeks. As Americans set aside this day to celebrate and enjoy the liberties and freedoms granted to us, I think we should pause and count our blessings.

Freedom. One single word with such a profound impact. Freedom to choose to pray, to speak, to assemble, or to seek happiness. Freedom has not come to us without a price. The price many have had to pay for us to have said freedoms is beyond my comprehension. Those who fought toe to toe on the front lines did so with a passion and desire to allow America to be America.

Love. In the media we are shown the hate, the hurt, and the tales of hard times. What many news outlets fail to portray is love. Love for others, love for our country, and love for a brighter tomorrow. I believe America was founded on love just as much as it was for liberty.

Family. This can be a narrow or broad as you want to make it. Immediate family, extended family, community, city, state, and country. I am so thankful we live in a country where we are free to extend our hearts to those everywhere.

Today I will choose to be thankful for the freedoms I enjoy, for the love I am able to give and receive, and for my family members (both near and far). But most importantly, I am thankful to wake up and enjoy this beautiful country I call home.

What does July 4th mean to you?

Five for Friday

I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for the fabulous Five for Friday! Whew, it’s been a week! It has been a good week, but it has definitely been a busy one!

We just returned home from our little beach vacay! The weather was perfect and the company was even better. It was nice to get away and relax a bit. At one point I did think I was going to lose my mind…there was no WiFi! What? I know! I had to drive down the street just to be able to answer a few pressing emails; however, it was nice not to be glued to a device the entire time.

Upon returning from our trip, we stopped by the house we are renovating. I was so happy to see my dad had surprised us with reclaimed wood for our sunroom. Prior to leaving for our trip, we had discussed options. Part of the wall would be sheetrock, but we really wanted something different on the bottom. Well, he found some over 100 years old, and it was up (not finished, of course) when we returned. It is going to look so pretty when we finish this room. I think it might just wind up being my favorite room of the house.

This is just a pic of a pretty rainbow from our back yard. It has been raining at home off and on for the past several weeks. This pic does not do the rainbow justice.

I had a new logo designed by RebeccaB Designs. I love it! She was so easy to work with, and I highly recommend her! She also designed these business cards to incorporate the new logo. I love them, too! The UPS man just delivered them last night.

There is a conference coming up in a few weeks that Michele Luck and her hubby Steve will attend. While they are there, they will hand out goody bags to administrators and teachers trying to spread the word about TpT. I put together this little mini-book to go in the goody bags. I am impressed with myself because I am usually late getting promotional items together and mailed.

I hope you have a wonderful, safe weekend!

Happy Teaching!

Currently ~ July Edition

Can it really already be July? Please, tell me it isn’t so!

Currently

Listening: HGTV…I just cannot seem to get enough of it. I love Fixer Upper. They are just the cutest couple. We are renovating an old house now…gutted it…yep…we’re crazy. And every time I see a new episode, I think to myself, “How cool is that!”

Loving: Everything about summer…I just love summer! Late mornings, pajamas all day (shh, don’t tell), no make-up, no schedule, snuggling with little one who is growing way too fast for this mama…the reasons are endless.

Thinking: I really wish I could stay the whole time in Vegas…I am in the last semester of my doctoral work, and I have class on Saturday. Since I live in Georgia, the flights back home were horrible in trying to back late on Friday…so, I am leaving out early Friday morning. I am so sad about this because I will miss an entire day! The professor is not understanding about it, so it just has to be this way. But I will enjoy Tuesday through Thursday will some pretty awesome people! I am really excited about that part!

Wanting: A cute new outfit to wear that is fun! I want something to wear to Vegas that is fun and cute. I don’t want something like I already have. It appears to me I better get to shopping before I have to pack.

Needing: To find some hidden money…(see above comment on listening)…We have not sold our current home because we are living in it while we renovate the other one. It was be super awesome to find some hidden money to speed up the reno project AND be able to buy all NEW decor to go in it.

AllStar: Being real. Period. I am not a fake person, and I am as real as one gets. I believe in honesty and loyalty.

Thank you Farley from Oh Boy Fourth Grade for this monthly linky! I always love participating and reading everyone’s “current” lives.

Rock Your First Year Teaching!

How fun is this linky! I am linking up with Teaching with Crayons and Curls and My Mommy Reads for this rockin’ linky party! Now, if you are a first year teacher, head on over and grab some cool tips to help you rock your first year teaching. If you are a veteran, what are your waiting for…your input is needed. Link up!

Three things you should do during your first year teaching:

1. Form relationships: This is vital to your sanity! Look around yourself and get to know your colleagues. They are all from different walks of life, and everyone has something to offer. Sometimes, they turn out to be some of the best friends you will ever meet. Don’t be afraid to reach out- form those relationships early.

2. Plan ahead and plan a ton: As a first year teacher, it is easy to get overwhelmed quickly. By planning ahead, you are putting yourself if the driver’s seat for success. My philosophy has always been to plan a ton- more than you think you will get to in that lesson because sometimes, you need it. It is better to have too much to keep those little minds thinking than not enough.

3. Ask for advice: Do not be scared to ask for help. Period.

Two things you shouldn’t do your first year teaching:

1. Listen to negativity: It is going to crawl into your world, but swat it away quickly! Do not let the negativity of others bring you down. It will be in the halls, in the lounge, and even when you are at the grocery store. Think positively and keep doing your thing!

2. Give up: No way, no how! Never give up. Really, your first three years of teaching will be difficult, like climbing that mountain you can never complete, but you need to stay the course. You have minds to grow and lives to impact.

One piece of advice as you embark on your first year teaching:

1. Believe in yourself…you’re a rock star!You’ve go this! You chose to go to school to become a teacher. There was something inside you that made you want to embark on this journey in the first place. Let your teaching light shine for all to see!

Happy Teaching!

We are entering the second week of May. For many schools, the school year is winding down. For others, you may just simply need a fun activity to get you and your students through to the end of the year. I have a couple of resources that have been my go-to when the students needed a break. They are all engaging and fun, and they are sure to be a hit with your students.

Welcome to Middle School: End of the Year Activity is a wonderful culminating activity middle school students have enjoyed for numerous years. I created this activity about ten years ago at the end of the school year. It was an instant success. You are able to tailor it to fit the needs of your grade level and classroom needs.

Here is what others have said about this resource:

“I loved this activity. I was able to use it at the end of last year and then this year I displayed the work on a bulletin board in the hallway. It is nice for the new students and for the old students to come see their work!” ~Gabrielle

“I love this assignment! This is going to be wonderful our last two weeks of school! This is very well thought out and provides unique options for differentiated learning and ability. Thank you so much for the time and effort put into this.” ~Jamie

“This is such a fun project! I am glad that I stumbled upon it as I was looking for a project like this. I was not disappointed as it far exceeded my expectations. Thank you for creating this!” ~Sandy

“This comprehensive activity was awesome. I will continue to use this year after year as a culminating activity. Thank you!” ~Nina

If you do not teach middle school, this is a wonderful resource to use. My Yearbook: End-of-the-Year Activity is great to use will all ages. It provides the students will templates to create their own yearbook, or memory book, of the year. Students love doing this, and the finished products are always fun to see.

Here are some comments from others who have tried this resource in their classrooms:

“My students LOVED making their memory books – I could tell because they took their time to make it look awesome!” ~Jen

“My students are working on this now. . and LOVING it! They said it was has been nice thinking of the whole year and all of the things we have learned and done together. A perfect project!” ~Jennifer

“My 7th graders loved this activity!” ~Nicole

“Fun end of the year activity, thanks!” ~Stephanie

If you teach PreK, I have a resource for you, too! My Pre-K Memories is a fun way to end the Pre-K year. I made this for my daughter a couple of years ago because I wanted a keepsake of her Pre-K days. It turned out so cute.

What others have to say about it:

“This was a great gift for my kids at the end of the year! I love it!” ~Sarina

“Made a great end of year activity.” ~Tracy

“Great book,will tell my friends to buy.” ~Anonymous

No matter what grade level you teach, I hope you will find one of these resources perfect to incorporate into your classroom to end the year on a fun, engaging, and positive note.

Sunday Scoop 2/8/15

It is Sunday so that means it is time for another link-up with Teaching Trio and the Sunday Scoop.

Have to Do:

There are so many lonely socks in our drawers, on the dresser, in the laundry room…etc. The time has come to gather all of those lonely socks and see if I can find a match for them. This week will entail a ton of reading for grad courses. I just have to push through it. I also have to get the car washed. It is out of control and needs to be cleaned.

Hope to Do:

I have been working on getting my promotional items ready for two upcoming conferences. I hope to send them out by midweek….fingers crossed! Also, I want to look for a new rug to go in my sunroom. I want something bright and cheerful.

Happy to Do:

The sun is finally shining…two days in a row now. I want to get outside with my family and enjoy it. It is still not quite warm here yet, but the sunshine has definitely brightened my spirits.

I went to a paint party on Saturday morning. It was a lot of fun, however, I learned that my creativity lies in other areas besides art/paint. 🙂 This is my finished product. (I am sorry about the shadow in the pic.) The hubby hung it on the wall walking up our garage steps.

I hope each and everyone of you have a marvelous week!

February Currently

I cannot believe February is already here! I always love the first of each month, so I can link up with Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the monthly Currently!

Listening: It is Super Bowl Sunday, so of course the television is on ESPN. The hubby cannot miss one thing about football. I have also been googling Marshawn Lynch interviews and videos. He is quite entertaining in my opinion!

Loving: The weather is beautiful outside today…think I might go for a run in a little while.

Thinking: I have a very busy week ahead. We have meetings, PTO, students dressing up like their favorite book characters, homework, and the other usual weekly events. I need to get everything organized today for the week.

Wanting: I think it is because the weather is so nice, but I want to go shopping with the gals for some new spring clothes. I think we might should even make it a weekend adventure.

Needing: I woke up this morning with a terrible headache… took some medicine and went back to sleep. When I wok up again, the head was still throbbing. I think some more medicine and outside therapy will help it.

Pageant Title: “Queen of Yoga Pants”…no, you won’t see me sporting around town in them; however, they are my go-to every second I am at home.

Hehe…true story!

Since it is February, I want to share with you some resources to make your planning easier.

This February Writing Bundle is a great addition to the month. It contains 20 journal prompts, plus three essay writing prompts. The essay prompts come complete with the writing topic, organizing page, drafting pages, and scoring rubric. You can choose the mode of writing you are working on in class and use that prompt. The students love the topics, and it is all nicely organized for you to incorporate into your plans.

Black History Month Mini-Unit is the perfect resource to use with your students. This supplemental resource included eight biographical readings, discussion questions with a quote for thought for each reading, and a page for each reading to use in an Interactive Notebook. The influential figures included are Mary McLeod Bethune, Booker T. Washington, Sojourner Truth, Jackie Robinson, Ruby Bridges, Jesse Owens, Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass.

Capitalization Task Cards is a FREEBIE located in my TpT store. Go grab your copy today!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Happy Teaching!

Sunday Funday

It’s Sunday, so it is time to link up with Teaching Trio’s Sunday Scoop.

This past week seemed to fly by, but I did manage to get a lot accomplished. This week I have to clear the mountain of laundry that has piled up…in just a couple of days! We were busy all day yesterday away from the house so that means no cleaning was done. I have been frantically tidying up this morning. I do not like to start the week with a mess. I also have to finish some reading assignments…that way I can get to the things I hope to do. The first thing I hope to do some this week is read something for pleasure. With grad school, most of the reading I do is school-leadership related. Maybe this week I can slide something different in there. As the Instructional Coordinator at school, my office sometimes serves as the dumping ground for new materials, unwanted materials, and everything in between. I hope to reorganize my office at work this week to streamline some it and get it looking cute again. This afternoon the hubby and I are going to see American Sniper. We have both been wanting to see it, so it should be a good afternoon.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Sunday Scoop!

I am linking up with the Teaching Trio for this week’s Sunday Scoop!

With our new family goal of eating in, I have to plan our meals in advance. I have decided to do this one week at a time so I do not become too overwhelmed. I am in grad school, so of course, there is a pesky little paper hanging out there for me to write. This semester, I am trying to put myself at an advantage and work ahead of schedule. We will see how it goes. 🙂 Also, it is time to schedule some parent conferences. This should not be too difficult, it is just finding the time during the time to make those phone calls.

I had surgery at the beginning of December, so exercise has been off limits for me. I am hoping this week to slowly ease back into some exercise. I love to run, but I was advised to talk baby steps…so baby steps it is. The other thing I hope to accomplish this week is cleaning out my closet. I have done a quick sweep of clothing that doesn’t fit, but now it is time to do a thoroughly exam of what wear, what I don’t wear, what I want to keep, and what I need to get rid of for good.

Tomorrow we are out of school. I hope to spend this time snuggling with my little girl and doing fun things with her.

How is everyone’s week shaping up to be?

Friday Hooray! Five for Friday

Today, I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to bring you the Five for Friday link-up.

We went to a birthday party on Sunday afternoon. While most of the other children were playing, mine decided she wanted to ride a horse. So she did just that. On our way home, she discusses the need for us to have our own horses and how she wants to start taking riding lessons. It was so cute!

We are using this month to see how much money we can save. We are tracking all of our expenses to see where everything goes and where we can reduce spending. Our daughter has been in on some of the conversations with us about the budget because we want her to know the importance of being financially secure. This is a picture of a my latest budget project…her our daughter. (I am not finished with it yet, but I will post a picture when it is completed.) These are her money jars…saving, spending, giving…one for each. She has a plethora of piggy banks in her room, but I want her to divide the money and use for specific purposes. I will keep you updated on this little project.

I worked with a group of second graders this week on creating a lapbook about Martin Luther King, Jr. We had such a great time! In fact, I am working on two more lapbooks just for them to do per request. To get a better look at the resource click here.

This has been my reading material this week at night…not exactly Nicholas Sparks, but they had to be read by Saturday. So, I got through it. The positive of having class this Saturday is I get to see these two beautiful ladies. Working on this EdD degree has been tough, but we have all formed a tight bond and support one another every little step. I am so thankful for these ladies (and our lunch group guys) for the laughs and friendship.

I was so excited this week when I got to dance with my little tappers again. I look forward to teaching tap each week. This was the first time since my surgery in December that I was able to dance with them. They told me to be very careful…they are so sweet!

Happy Friday Everyone! Don’t forget to check out what everyone else has been up to!

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