Happy New Year 2015!

I am a huge MASH fan.  I remember watching it with my grandma when I was younger, and she would let me stay up late when I went spent the night to watch it.  I sometimes get so busy that I forget all the things I am blessed with and want to make sure to take time and enjoy all of life's blessings this year.  I am realizing my winter break is going by fast and I will need to start thinking about school soon.  I have signed up for biggest loser for my little town of Chickasha and want to lose some weight this year.  I also want to work on getting my school and home organized.  We lost many people close to us this past year and I want to make sure to live life to the fullest!

Happy New Years!!!!

Engaged

        On March 9, 2007, I had my first date with Ronnie.  We went to Temazcal and then played pool.  He still teases me about almost choking on a chip on our first date.  I really love that my ring has seven diamonds because we are going to get married after knowing each other for seven years.  On Christmas morning all our family was with us and he handed me a big box wrapped in red paper.  Inside the big box was a scrunchie and another wrapped box.  Inside that box was another wrapped gift and bells.  Inside that gift was another gift with a heart shaped pillow.  Inside that gift was another gift and a ring pop.  I opened up the last present and inside was my engagement ring.  He got down on his knees and asked me to marry him and I said, "Yes!"  We are planning on getting married on June 7.

Master in Reading Curriculum

       
      My last couple of posts before I stopped was about choosing to go back to school to get my masters degree.  I decided to go with the University of Phoenix to get my masters in reading curriculum.  I started in April of 2012 and with a lot of encouragement from friends and family completed the program, on November 30, 2013.

2014 New Beginnings

I can't believe I have not blogged since June when I put my Bloglovin button on the blog.  I saw Edith Lovejoy Pierce's quote on Erica Bohrer blog and a friend sent me the one below, both fit my mission for writing more on my blog.  I decided to start the habit on the first day of the year and spend the next 364 days writing.  God has given me the ultimate gift of being able to fill it up with wonderful memories and opportunities I would not other wise have without his boundless love.  God has blessed me this year and I can't wait to see what the future holds.  

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

      I decided I had better switch over to bloglovin before July 1st when google reader retires.  I can't believe I've neglected my blog like this, but my master's class is taking up all my free time.  I can't wait until my two master classes are done and then my practicum in the fall and I will have my master's degree in reading, and hopefully get back to blogging. 

2013 ~ A New Year

     I just love the feeling of wonderful possiblities the first of the year has to offer.  An organized house and classroom, losing weight,  blogging almost every day, creating new things for the classroom, chore lists, menu planning, and I could go on and on but then of course life happens and we get back into the same routine, once school starts back into full swing.  I started my blog about a year ago and was doing ok but I started my master's program, and as they say the rest is history.  This holiday season, I took time to pray and thank God for being able to spend time with my boyfriend, children, and the rest of my family.  Sometimes I don't think I take enough time to thank God for all the wonderful things he has given me, and I want to start doing that more often.  So I've narrowed down my resolutions to two that I believe I will be able to keep for the rest of the year.  One for my relationship with God to grow and the second to try to start posting more to my blog.  I couldn't think of a better way start over with this blog then a picture of all of us together.
     Ronnie's kiddos was able to come over for a meal together and took some pictures for a great start to the new year.  Now the dishes are done and the kitchen is all cleaned up and we are watching the Orange Bowl, just relaxing.  A wonderful start to a new year.  I hope everyone out there has a wonderful year!

Prayers

As a teacher and a parent I could not even imagine how the victims of this tragedy are feeling, so all I can do is pray for God to be with them in their time of need.  I borrowed this graphic from Fun in Room 4B and I believe it says it best.  I know one thing is for sure I will be hugging my children a little tighter tonight.  Before my students left today even though I did not talk about the tragedy with my students but I did make sure that I gave them a high five and let them know they mean the world to me before they left. 

Simplicity

   Ms. Myers you've given me a headache already this morning.  I've seen you all over this school in a matter of the past thirty minutes.  Sometimes I feel like I am going ninety to nothing in the matter of minutes, and there are not enough hours in the day.  I thought you know I have been running myself ragged I need to learn to slow down, because who knows what I am going to miss along the way.  I had duty yesterday morning because our school district decided that everyone needed to add forty minutes to their day ( o how I could have gone on a tangent right then).  Every Thursday I watch children after they have eatten breakfast and there are these two darling little boys that I have come to love and we had a great conversation yesterday that brightened my whole world.  One of them was more excited that I took the time to talk and laugh with him because you could see it all over his face.  Sometimes I need to stop and remember that simple jesture of taking the time to talk to students for just five minutes means the world to them. 

First Day of School

My kiddos had great first days of school.  My daughter is now an 8th grader and she was so excited to see all her friends in her classes.  She is starting vo-ag this year (FFA) so she is in an introduction class at the high school and next year she wants to show pigs.  My son is a 3rd grader this year.  He is so excited that his best buddy is in his class and after school there are three other teacher's kids his age to play with.  I looped up with my class this year so I am teaching third grade to the same students from last year.   We all had great first days to a wonderful year.

Postcard Exchange

If you are from any of these states please go to Ms. McHaffie's Blog or click on link below to join her first come first serve Post Card Exchange.

Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming 

 

 

 

The following is from Mrs. McHaffie's Blog that explains about the Postcard exchange.

 

With the help of Cheryl from Primary Graffiti {LOVE HER} I am hosting a Postcard Exchange! I'm always slow to jump on the train and never get the chance to participate! So with the help of a blogging buddy {more like blogging idol...Mrs Cheryl} and the encouragement from another super teaching buddy {thanks Jana}, I am going to attempt this! Bare with me! :p

Please read carefully to ensure you want to participate in the exchange. If you have any reservations about it at all, please pass on signing up to participate.

 

Here are some materials/supplies you will need for the exchange: 49 postcards {you're state #50}, 49 stamps, and labels! You will receive 49 postcards in exchange. The best way to ensure that you will be "on top" of this exchange is to purchase/create your postcards once you have confirmed your name/state was selected for this exchange. This exchange DOES cost money. Expect to pay roughly $30 for postcards, postage, and labels.

I will prepare the labels with each participants' name and address. You just need to print them out and allow the kids to stick them on the cards! Easy peesy!!

The whole purpose of this exchange is to get the kiddos involved. That's what our jobs are all about anyways! :) Have them help you come up with a message together as a class. I great idea is to list a few state, city, and class facts on your cards that you're sending out!

All cards must be mailed out by November 2nd. I know the beginning of the year can be hectic and our districts/states do not begin school at the same time, however, I choose a date that allows for most {if not all} participants to get the cards out after the end of the first quarter. You will have no further commitments and will receive a card from each state in exchange!!! What a great way to learn! :)

There are so many different lessons that can be taught with this simple postcard exchange! Mapping skills, geographical skills {use GoogleEarth!}, some history, letter writing, community helpers, etc...

I plan to write the postcard initially as a class, then I will have my kinders fill in certain parts of the postcard on each. For example, they might write the word "Dear," "From," "We," etc... like a 'fill-in-the-blank" type form. Does that make sense? I'm a visual learner so I know I would have to see it.

 

 

 

 

We're only half way there people!!!!

We are still in need of the final 20 states (that's too many)!!

Check to see if your states available:

Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

If you see your state listed above then click HERE and sign up to join the Postcard Exchange!!! Such a fun way to get kiddos involved and learning about different states and how people live around our country! :)

I am helping Mrs. McHaffie SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

8 and 14 but Mom's still 29 and holding....

I can already tell that this year is going to be full of surprises.  His birthday fell on the game of the Thunder season and the weekend before as seen we celebrated his birthday with some Thunder cupcakes.  K-man lost his first tooth on July 14th and it was quite an event.  He came running hysterically to me because his mouth was bleeding.  The tooth was just barely hanging there.  I had to calm him down so I could look at his mouth and I just barely touched it and it came right out.  He had sleep denistry done today where he got one pulled and two excavated.  He can't wait for the tooth fairy to come. 

Sister and I made it through her first teenage year.  I thank God periodically for this.  She is such a precious gift and there are so many influences out there in this world that I want to protect her from but I know that I just have to pray and show her all the positives that when she is faced with tough decisions she will make the right decisions.  She went to her first camp~Fellowship of Christian Atheletes Camp and had a blast.  I think I missed her way more than she missed me.  I know K-man missed her bunches.  We finally have time this weekend to take her friends and her to the lake for her birthday.

I keep telling my kiddos that this is the last year for birthdays but they just laugh cause they know I'm joking.  I just keep telling them ok they can turn another year older but I'm still going to be celebrating my twenty-ninth birthday.  Of course Sister just smiles and says whatever and K-man says no mom you'll be celebrating and he puts in my real age because he knows his numbers.  I love both my kiddos they mean the world to me!!!

1/2 Way Over!!!

I can't believe my summer is half way over.  I got my old classroom backed up and everything I could move to my new classroom.  I went over one day and got some boxes gone through.  I keep hoping an unpacking fairy might come and take care of the rest but I keep going back to see if my other stuff has been moved and no such luck.  However my son got to go to camp that he loved so I was very happy.  My daughter and I helped with the new church I am starting to attends Vacation Bible School and we enjoyed it a lot.  I got through with an Orientation class and two master classes and now on my third so my summer is moving right along ( I just wish not so fast). 
As I'm blog stalking I came across Heather's Hart blog with a song that I have fallen in love with and F.R.O.G. which means Fully Rely On God.  You should definitely stop on her blog to get her F.R.O.G. freebie.

Busy -- just doesn't describe this.

     My dog is a great listener at the end of a long Friday.  I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  The final five days of school.  May be the most difficult interesting of the year.  I finished my first course at the University of Phoenix.  I loved all the work that I did in that one short class.  I know I sound like a geek.  I've decided to Loop with my class and teach my students third grade.  I'm both excited and nervous.  In Oklahoma, this is the students' first big test (at least until Common Core).  I've also got five days to get my room packed to move to a different school.  Now since I'm looping, I'm not sure if I'm going to keep my "beach theme" or not because I want them to experience something new.  So new room, new theme....now what to do? I guess I can think about that while I'm packing. 

I'm a Phoenix!!

I have received a postive response to the questions I asked about graduate school, so I called them and started the process a couple weeks ago and I just got my letter yesterday, and it's official, I'm a Phoenix grad student.  I'm going to start my graduate classes this Tuesday.  I'm nervous, scared and excited all at once.  Speaking of all those emotions at once, storms are flaring up again today, so I need to keep my mind off the weather, nothing says spring like tornado watches in the great state of Oklahoma.  I decided to work on a matching game for subtraction and addition with and without regrouping.  I hope you like it.  I'm a beginner and when I downloaded this to google docs my border disappeared except for one corner.  Does anyone know why this happened?  I would appreciate your help.

                                                       Addition and Subtraction Problems

Hope everyone has a restful night.  I'm going to get some rest before the next set of storms come in.

Happy Easter!

I just love Easter!  I get to celebrate what God and Jesus have done for me!  I have two wonderful children, an awesome boyfriend whom I love dearly, a caring family, and wonderful friends.  I am doing a job I've dreamed of doing since I was little...To sum it all up God is Awesome!!!!  I got to visit a fantastic church today and look forward to going back and checking it out some more.  I'm looking forward to a great lunch with family to celebrate Easter and my birthday (tomorrow).
 Life is Good!!!!!


  

Go Check out TBA's Birthday Giveaway!

Teaching Blog Addict is turning one on April 8th!

 

When Tamara posed the question on her blog asking who else was as addicted to teacher blogs as she, I don't think she was expecting the response that she got! A year later, and TBA has over 6,000 members, 60 fabulous authors, and over 2 million page views!

To celebrate their 1st birthday, several authors offered to donate their amazing products and gifts!
Your chance to win 24 teacher-made products and 2 Amazon gift cards!

Here's a peek at what's included!

 

Click {here} to check out their amazing giveaway

Second Grade Sugar and Spice Giveaway

Miss DeCarbo has a wonderful website called Second Grade Sugar & Spice.  Please go over to her blog and check out her awesome giveaway and enter to win either a $25 dollar gift card for Target or Amazon. 

Blogging World I Need Your Help

     I have always said that I have wanted to get my masters in education, but life happens and I have enjoyed watching my own kiddos grow.  That is my son with me and my daughter(too cool to be with mom). 
     I know this is kind of an unusual post but I need some advice.  I am looking at an online university, because that will allow me the chance to do my homework after I've had family time at home.  Also all of the graduate schools around me are about 50 miles away and being a single mom with two kiddos that is just not an option right now.   Has anyone taken an online course?  Did you like it?  Do you think it's a good idea?  Any advice or comments would be helpful.  Thanks in advance.

Kinder - 2nd Linky Party

Jeannie over at Kindergarten Lifestyle came up with an amazing idea for a Kinder-2nd Linky Party.  As I am looking at all the blogs on her linky party I am finding some amazing new blogs to follow.  Thank you so much Jeannie for coming up with this!

An Award (happy dance)!!!!!!

Thanks you so much Brittany at Little Miss Teacher for giving me this wonderful award.   

I love looking for comments in my inbox,too.  It always makes me smile even after a stressful day.  I think it is a wonderful experience getting to hear from each other.  The encouragement in the blogging world is wonderful and I can't wait to see what everyone has to share every day. 

   I am moving schools next year(a new building was built for Pre-K through 1st) and they are moving second with third and fourth.  The principal I have know will go to that building and I will have my fifth principal.  The building I am moving to doesn't have the best reputation for sharing ideas, and that seems crazy to me because right now all of us second grade teachers share everything.  Let's just hope it's all hearsay.

   Brittany thanks again for giving me my first award.  I am super excited!!!  I am still on the lookout for new websites to give the award to because I have time this week since it's Spring Break!!!