June Currently 2015

 

One of my favorite months.. June.  It is difficult for me to say goodbye to my beautiful children every year at the end of this month, but I sure have a lot of fun enjoying the last few weeks of school -
We do a fun 10 day countdown as a school (as a little family) and pop a balloon each day.  Some of the activities can include an ice cream party, sidewalk chalk and bubbles, and even a fun camping day!
We don't use a specific product on TPT, but I did find a few GREAT freebies that you may be interested in for your end of the year!

 I love these countdown ideas from Always First!

Balloon pop fun with Briana Beverly!

From my dear friend, Deb Thomas, I love her 10 day countdown!

I am excited to be linking up with Oh' Boy 4th Grade - Miss Farley! Love her.. she's so awesome, isn't she? And to do these awesome linkys every month.. whoohoo to you, Farley! I missed last month's (insert sad face here!) but I am definitely not missing this one :) 

School ends at the end of this month - and I would actually love more time with my kiddies! All of my non-teacher friends, think that I get a major break over the summer.. but little do they know that I work double hard to save a little money, just to spend it on bills, bills, bills and other such things! I have lots of personal goals that I hope to meet before/during summer.  :)

Please go help Wimberley :)

March Currently

So excited to link up with Farley's March Currently :] How did I miss the beginning of March yesterday and forget about Currently?! And on a Sunday to top it off.. I need to get on top of it ;)

Definitely going to be a busy month, but I am excited.  My spirits are lifted as the warmer weather approaches after this very long, harsh winter.  I also need to get more motivated about being healthy.. did you see how many weddings I have?! I am in 2 of them - very exciting! But I want to look my best.. especially when the warmer weather comes.

Spring Break is in about a month... I can't wait to clean a little, organize, and have some time for myself.  :)

Currently January 2015

2015... what a great number. I am a big fan of the #5 so I am hoping this will be a fantastic year for me... it's also the year I turn 30.  I should start making a bucket list of things I want to do before I am 30.. it'll help me stay motivated and live life a little more, you know what I mean? 

 

I am excited to link up with Farley from Oh' Boy 4th Grade with her first Currently of the year.

Our winter break was from 12/24-1/4.. such a nice vacation, but of course in the snap of a finger, it is almost coming to an end.  I think I would prefer to have our winter break before Christmas Eve and then go back earlier.  There's always so much to do before Christmas, and then it goes by so quickly.  

I am definitely wanting to lose weight before I go to Florida for a couple days in February.  Over the past year I have done great to maintain my current weight (I usually gain a few pounds every year...and not take it off lol) but it's time to LOSE :) And never find again! I have not been on a real vacation in years and I am so excited that Mike and I are going to Florida for 3 nights - short and sweet, but well worth it!  We are very lucky that Mike has great friends in Fl. to let us stay in their house.

I need to take Lily out more for walks - she loves the outdoors and it'll help me be not so lazy if I take her out more and get some exercise :) she is my love!

Yes - I will make healthier choices

Maybe - I will buy myself something once in a while or treat myself here and there

I wish I could have more time to do all the work I need to do and not work so hard every day - I will get there :) 2015 seems like a great year to start!

Link up with the sweet Farley! xo

Happy New Year!

 

November Currently 2014

November! One of my favorite months :] Best friend's birthday, my anniversary, my birthday, and Thanksgiving.  All wonderful milestones and memories that I love to share each November.  One of my favorite parts is thinking about Christmas and doing all I can to think of the most heart-felt and needed gifts for my family and friends.

Here is a few pictures from my fun Halloween 2014 :] The dollar store next to my house is sadly going out of business, but that means for great deals for my kids! The Halloween mugs shown below were 25 cents each... I couldn't pass them up.  Each child got that, some hot chocolate, and a goodie bag from a teacher who loves them so much :]

My kiddos painted and designed the Halloween clips below (another dollar store item that I got for really cheap!) They painted first, and then drew faces and designs in marker after :] I loved these because they had a magnet on the back so they could go up on their refridgerators.

Me and my Kindergarten team as minions.. I love us!

 Halloween didn't stop at school! I came home to Batman and my sweet pumpkin.

I am so excited to link up with my girl Farley and her November Currently! I missed last month because life just gets in the way, but I am BACK for some Currently love.  

Listening: to my microwave! I need a new one..but I'll probably wait until this one is about to blow. And there's something about tea.. I don't love the taste if it's not sweetened, but a little honey and sugar goes a long way.. and tea makes me happy :] and feel healthier!

Loving: I do love fall, and November makes me feel happy because it's one of the only months that I truly do things for ME and think about myself.

Thinking: A lot is coming up! Assessments, report cards, conferences.. I just need to make time for all of it and stay on track!

Wanting: This is a silly one, but I love my puppy more than anything, and I wish there were more places I could take her besides the park and Petsmart.. I mean, she will sit in a restaurant with me and be good! ;)

Needing: Doesn't need an explanation.. I just need a day for myself ! :)

 Reading: I am not currently reading any books, but I do subscribe to Women's Health.. this is my "me time" to become more informed about my health and making better choices.  Such a life struggle, but we all just have to keep going.

I hope you all have a wonderful November.  My birthday is on the 10th and that will start the biggest Giveaway I have ever had... with the help of amazing bloggers, there is going to be 3 grand prize winners with over $200 in prizes...COMING SOON

Currently June 2014

Oh, and we are in June... my last month of school, and my first year doing Kindergarten Graduation :] This is my 5th year teaching, and one of my favorites.  Going from teaching fourth grade to Kindergarten was such an easy transition.  No matter what, if they are 5 or 15, kids are kids.  And they are so fantastic... that's how I know that I'm doing what I should be - teaching and changing lives!

My sweet and wonderful mentor/co-worker/friend Mrs.Durning/Leander's Fairytale has an amazing opportunity with her husband for next year, and I can't tell you how much I am going to miss her - she's such a wonderful person!! Click the link to visit her TPT store - she's incredible. As I reflect on my year, it certainly wouldn't have been the same without her.

Here is a picture of me, Tara, and our other wonderful teachers at our Emerald Ball this year :] Great memories and fantastic people!

 I didn't link up for May's Currently (shame on me!) But here is my June Currently from the wonderful Farley :] And psst.. I feel pretty special since I got to let Farley know that it was June 1st.. love her and this will always be my favorite link up!

My link up is pretty self explanatory ;) just excited to spend some time enjoying life and not working the longest days ever like I have been the past 5 years of my life... we all need some me time!

I just wanted to share our spring bulletin board (even though it's almost summer!) These freebies can be found here and here! :] I love the bunting letters because you can spell out whatever you want and make it your own... creativity is one of the reasons why I love teaching!

 Every month we have a new character trait.. last month was courage :] Here are some really cute books that teach children about courage! "Brave, Brave, Mouse" and "Small Florence" were my favorites!

 Check out these adorable frogs from Deanna Jump's Frog Unit... LOVE... Just sad that I STILL forgot to glue on the tongues ;) Oops! The kids loved them regardless, and loved writing about what they learned!

Our art teacher is doing a wonderful project with the kids and teachers where we draw a picture of what defines us... I drew a Lily (for my Lily) and two other flowers I represent as Mike and I.  I love birds too so I had to draw them.. but when I think of teaching, I think of growing as an educator and my sweet kids blossoming into life-long learners.  After all the squares are done, it is going to be made into a quilt for our school :]

 

I updated my Teacher Guide Unit because it's one of my earlier products that I made and I wanted to make it that much better... and I added tons of pages! This is perfect for a new (or newer) teacher for printables to be added to a teacher binder or labels to help you stay organized.

 I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.. if you are on summer vacation - ENJOY xo and for those of you still going strong.. enjoy your time left with your kiddos! 

April Currently 2014

Happy April Fools Day! :]
I hope everyone is having a great 2014.. My year was off to a rocky start, but I am starting to take more time for myself and get healthy.. that's what my Currently from Farley seems to be based on.. bettering myself as Spring continues and the warm weather comes!

Listening: Saved by the Bell... who loved this show in the 90's?! Well my boyfriend and I don't have cable so we definitely collect a lot of old school DVDs to help us get through the evenings... lately, we have been on a Game of Thrones kick too!

Loving: I love my Kindergarteners... hands down, they are the joy of my day and make me so happy to be their teacher.

Thinking: I am starting a new program - a cleanse and eating clean.  I will let you know how it goes! I am excited and nervous all at the same time!

Wanting: More..time.  I want more time to myself, to even paint my nails, watch a TV show, read a book... but I unfortunately also need more time to make TPT products for YOU and my wonderful children.  I am trying hard.. I hope you can stop by my store and become a follower :] It means so much to me!

Needing: To take care myself (hence the cleanse/eating better).. the warm weather is coming too, I want to look good and be healthier!

Hours and the last day: Well, silly me didn't even include the last day of school... it's June 25th! And the kids come to school 7:50-3:00 every day :]

I just have to share this ADORABLE FARM FREEBIE from Reagan Tunstall.. she's such an amazing person and has wonderful primary products on TPT. My Kinders are learning about different animals in different habitats and this was a great product for them.

Hope you have a wonderful April!! XO

March Currently

I feel like I missed February's Currently because it seems like forever since I have gotten in touch with sweet Farley :] So excited to link up with her for the month of March.  Did you see her new blog design? Adorable...and The 3AM Teacher designed it, just like my beautiful blog.  She's awesome :]

 

Listening: Well, commercials are not on anymore, now it's the Big Bang Theory.  I make do with what I can with basic cable ;) I am usually just working up a storm anyways!

Loving: I am so happy to have the experience teaching Kindergarten. My class is so sweet and are making such growth.  I am so proud and love each of them!

Thinking: How was the TPT sale for you?? I definitely bought some great clipart and fonts so I am ready to CREATE.  Very excited and I hope that I can make some wonderful products for all of you to use!

Wanting: This is one is self explanatory... I can't get anything done in a day! ;)

Needing: I had a long chat with a great friend of mine, and I realized that I really do need to make a lifestyle change. So, it starts now.  I have never been successful to achieve my healthy goals, but I have a great feeling that if I use all the strength and willpower I have, I can do this.  

The answer to my question is 3 1/2 years...a little bit of a toughie, but I wanted to be creative!

  --------------------------------------------------------------

 I leave you with my sweet student Avery's Target book she made.  Who doesn't love Target? Well, this is what my wonderful little Kinder did at home... it was around 10 pages long!

We also did Christine Statzel's "Me on the Map" unit! Loved, loved, loved. So glad I purchased it... here is my lovely Cooper's amazing coloring and completion of some of the pages!

Have a wonderful night ladies and gents!!

Currently for January

The start to a new year... 2014. Wow.. I remember when I was like "Oh my goodness, it's going to be the year 2000?" haha.. I was so young then. I have learned so much over the years and I am happy with what I know as an educator and creator of teaching products. Thank you for so many friendships and all of you supporting me and giving me the beautiful creations to help shape the minds of my students... Happy 2014! Starting it off right with a Currently from wonderful Farley XO

 

Happy New Year to you all! I am hoping to have a GIVEAWAY sometime in the near future so I hope you check back soon ;)

Currently for December and Cyber Sale

Hi friends :] So happy to be linking up with Farley for her amazing Currently linky... I cannot BELIEVE I missed last month's because November is my favorite month [fall, birthday, anniversary, Thanksgiving, getting ready for the holiday season...] but I must've been a little too busy!!

I do get to spend the holiday season with my little sheltie-pom Lily :] she will get many presents too!

Well, here we are in December already... I can tell by the weather and the excitement for the holidays to come... All my Christmas shopping is just about done and my presents are already wrapped [can you say ocd and excited?.. and broke?!] 

 

There are 2 different LED lights on our tree, and I fixed it to make them more even AFTER this picture was taken...grr.. but it's still beautiful and OURS :]

I guess my Currently responses speak for themselves.. I [puffy heart[ going to my parents the morning of Christmas.  It is like nothing has changed since I was younger :] I love the holidays and I only wish I had more to give, year after year.  Someday I will...

Last year was the first year I have done an Adopt a Family.  It was such a success that I decided to do it again and I choose a different family who really needs help this Christmas.. my favorite part is that they have NO idea that I have been shopping and getting donations for them :) A single mom with 4 sweet babies.. if you would like to help and learn more please click HERE to check out my post!

Sooo excited for the TPT Sale :] EVERYTHING in my store will be 20% off, along with the promo code: cyber will round out everything to 28% off!!  Below are a few products that may interest you!

Happy Holidays!! Love you all, keep in touch!!

September Currently

I am linking up with my girl Farley for her Currently for September :] I am of course late for the party since it's the month of SEPTEMBER.. I know many of you are back to school, but my summer time is July-August.. and I go back a little bit later this year anyways - September 9th.  Meetings start tomorrow and the Back to School bash for my school is Friday, but I am spending most of my time trying to make my classroom look perfect for my Kinders.  It's my first time teaching Kindergarten full time... I have worked in a Kinder classroom, and I have taught Reading K-6 for a few years, but this is it's own world :] I am very excited... and I have had SO many amazing K-2 teachers helping me along the way.  I feel SO blessed and I wish I had the money (and the time) to thank them and shower them with gifts! ;]

I cannot wait to post pictures of my classroom! It's smaller than most of yours, but I am hopefully going to make it cozy and inviting for my kiddies.. I have a wonderful feeling about this year.  I invite you to share any ideas of art projects and creative K ideas though! :] I am sure I will need it!

I want to thank all of the Kindergarten and first grade teachers that have helped me out SO MUCH with resources.. honestly, some of the best people.  That goes along with second through sixth grade teachers as well (and my clipart loves!) for their friendships and advice.  I feel great about this new journey in my life because of all of you!! Blogging and TPT are two of the best things I have ever started because I have met the BEST people!

My 3 loves that I need to do for myself (even though there are a lot) are work out AT LEAST 2 x a week.. I know that's not a lot, but I am a workaholic so it will be a challenge for me.  Spend time with my boyfriend Michael as well and not do work for 14 hours a day is a necessity.. this whole summer was work,work,work.  I don't want life to pass me by without enjoying a little bit of it! And I want to watch at least 30 minutes of TV a night (without doing work) I don't remember the last time I've done that.  Sigh.  I am so glad Farley had that little segment because we all need to remember to love ourselves!!

August Currently

Wow... August already? [makes a face] I love Farley's Currently every month, but I just cannot wrap my head around that it's August already... where did summer go? Oh well, I will be excited to meet my kiddos! I know many of you are already back to school [which is foreign to me because of the New York way.] I end school right at the end of June, and then start back up at the beginning of September.  And those of you that go to school year round, I hear great things too! 

 

I definitely am loving that I am teaching Kinder next year.. a new environment, enthusiasm and appreciation for learning, no state tests (yahoo!) and creating a million lessons and printables 24-7 like I did to meet the needs of my older kiddos.  

I need a new car... mine is slowly going out the door and I cannot continuously put money into it when it's junk anyways.  Here's to my search and a new car payment!

Back to School Must Haves

1. Teacher planner/binder

There are so many amazing products on TPT/TN right now that can help you with your organization and keeping your files together.  This is KEY to helping you stay sane during the year, and some of them are just so cute!!

I have created a Teacher Guide Unit which has many, many printables to put in a binder to keep for child information, schedules, grades, and so much more! 

 

2. Book Bins

I am so excited to purchase matching ones this year.. I like to stay organized but have never been able to have nice matching book bins.  I will be looking at Target and Really Good Stuff for these :] Who doesn't love Target? My boyfriend knows how dangerous I am when we hit up the Dollar Spot!

 I found this thread that actually compares Really Good Stuff with Target Book Bins... Check it out!

3. Crayola Crayons

I can't handle the "cheap" crayons... I always love a good sale and bargain, but no other crayon company can replace crayola ;] My favorite!

Guess what...

I have reached 1,000+ followers on Facebook!! I am ecstatic! I can't thank you all enough... once I get a free minute this weekend, I will be posting a very special "Back to School" Giveaway :]