High Five for Friday: Grateful, Thankful, Blessed

Amanda and I particpate in the link party, High Five for Friday, from Lauren Elizabeth's blog. Head on over to Lauren Elizabeth for more "High Five for Friday." We're taking part in this fun reflection each week and hopefully you will too!

This week seemed like a long one! Actually, the weeks seem to be flying by, but the days seem to be super long. I'm so happy the weekend is here! A few reflections on my week:

1. First Day of Spring! I'm SO happy that we are officially in the season of Spring! I'm really looking forward to green grass, flowers sprouting and opening, and warm weather - the kind where you can walk outside with a t-shirt and not become chilly or cold. Spring, I am SO HAPPY to finally have you arrive.

2. Seeing My Entire Family on Thursday. Unfortunately, we received news earlier in the week that a relative of ours passed away. On the bright side of this, I was able to see my extended family and immediate family Thursday evening. My immediate family, all 10 of us, went out for dinner afterwards and it was exactly what I needed to make my week complete. It's hard to find the words for how I feel when I'm surrounded by my family. They're my most favorite times and they absolutely warm my heart and feed my soul.

3. Hearing from Wedding Vendors. It's crazy how you become so connected to the vendors you work with during the wedding planning process, and then the wedding is over and that's it! I heard from one of our vendors this week through email and it was such a sweet surprise.

4. Sunshine, warm weather, and melting snow! The sun has been staying out so much later than usual (thanks daylight savings time!), we've had some warm days this week and the snow is finally disappearing. I love being able to open the windows to allow the fresh air to come in. The best part about it staying light out until 7pm? Having the extra sunlight pour into my cozy home.

5. I ended my week with a visit to the school musical Friday night. Many of my current students were in the school musical this year and my partner teacher choreographs the whole thing... so it's clearly a favorite weekend of the year for everyone! The excitement is contagious on nights like this one. The musical was adorable! I loved watching my students and former students on stage. I can't wait to see everyone on Monday to tell them how proud I am!

High Five for Friday!!

Dawn and I participate in the link party, High Five for Friday, from Lauren Elizabeth's blog. Head on over to Lauren Elizabeth for more "High Five for Friday." We're taking part in this fun reflection each week and hopefully you will too!

This week was quite eventful.  I have to say that as always, my family comes through when I need them most, and I am forever grateful for them.  I hope you had a great week, too!  Here's my "High Five for Friday."



1. Successful Wisdom Teeth Removal I can't tell you enough about how good I feel.  I had 4 wisdom teeth extracted on Thursday morning, and I have no swelling, no bruising and barely any pain.  In fact, this whole event gives me a new respect for my third graders when they complain about loose teeth.  Getting these teeth pulled brings back memories of having those strange spaces in your gums when your teeth fell out.  It just feels weird!

2.  Sister came to visit. My sister came to visit and arrived tonight!  It's so nice to be together again and catch up.  My niece is growing by leaps and bounds, and she says the cutest things.  I last saw her in January, and I have to say, she isn't a baby anymore!

3. Two days off from work. Since I had my wisdom teeth removed, I took off Thursday and Friday. I've been soaking up this quiet time and resting a lot.  One of the nicest things was that when I checked my work email yesterday morning, my principal sent me a note to say she was thinking of me.  That was so unexpected, since I know how busy she is with everything else.  It's nice to work in a place where people care.  :)

4. Success with the 4 Hour Body Slow Carb Diet. Even though I couldn't stick with the slow carb diet this weekend, I was able to stick with it for three full days.  I loved doing it, and I'm looking forward to getting back into it on Monday.  It's nice to be in a fitness and healthy eating routine.  I'll continue to keep you updated on how everything is going!

5. New Idea for an Origami Owl Party. Since I've been laying on the couch a lot, I've been searching Pinterest for new party options for my customers.  The latest addition:  a Take Out Party!  I just ordered a new bag from my friend Jen who sells Thirty-One products. Inside this bag will be Take Out Menus, Order Forms, Pens, Sample Lockets, and more!  This gives hostesses more flexibility when planning their party.  You can take the Take Out Party bag for up to two weeks.  During this time, you can take the kit out with you wherever you go (work, to see friends, family, etc.).  You collect orders and then return the kit to me.  You earn free jewelry and you don't even need to have a party at home!  If you're interested in having a Take Out Party, let me know!

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery!

Well, after about 30 years, I've finally said "goodbye" to my wisdom teeth.  They were super annoying for a while, and I couldn't wait to get rid of them.  I'd often bite my cheeks, which would leave painful holes in my cheeks, which could take about a week or more to heal.  Talk about annoying.

Luckily enough, my four wisdom teeth were fully erupted, and I had an uneventful procedure.  I was put out under General Anesthesia, and don't remember a single thing.  Although, just as the dentist was giving me the IV, he asked me if I've ever had anesthesia before.  I responded, "well, of course, I've had real surgery before." I then realized that I offended him, and the last thing I remember saying is, "I think that was the wrong thing to say to you right before you're going to operate on my mouth!"  Then I passed out.  

I figured I'd pass along my wisdom to you, since I'm just going through this.  Here's a few things you want to consider before having your procedure.

1.  Pick up ice packs. The dentist gave me a little one, but a larger one works better.  Wrap it in a towel and it's so soothing.  I love to fall asleep with it on.

2. Buy soft foods. I picked up chocolate pudding and vanilla ice cream before the surgery.  I've also been having protein shakes because eating can be tough.  You also need protein to heal.  My mom made me meat loaf last night with mashed potatoes.  That first good meal tastes SO good!

3. Schedule your procedure on a Thursday. Having Thursday and Friday off of work will give you 4 days to heal.  It was the best idea ever.

4. Allow someone to take care of you. I came to my parent's house for the weekend, and having someone check on you when you aren't feeling 100% is nice.  You shouldn't have to be up worrying about anything other than when you're going to nap again.

5. Take the medicine the dentist prescribes for you. My dentist prescribed pain medicine along with an antibiotic.  Make sure you follow his instructions so you stay pain free and healthy.  I only needed the pain meds last night, I'm fine with just extra-strength Tylenol today. 

6. Have your iPad and iPhone handy. I'll admit that I'm catching up on Candy Crush, and I just downloaded Divergent.

7. Rinse your mouth out with salt water after you eat. This keeps your gums clean.

8. NO HOT FOOD! The dentist wants to keep the area cool.  Hot or acidic foods are a no-no until you heal.

Before you know it, you'll be feeling like new!  It does feel weird to have 4 less teeth in my mouth, but I know this was the best decision I could have ever made!!!  

Dawn and I are taking part in another link party tonight... THE Pin It Party Pinterest Linkup. We found this link party through the Creative Geekery blog and are excited to take part in this each Thursday.

Mason Jar Gifts!

My sister introduced me to Mason Jar Gifts a few months ago, around the holiday season. She texted me photos of the super cute pampering kits she made for her friends and colleagues. My love for Mason Jars has always been pretty deep and this idea made me fall even more in love. 

Here's a post that I'm inspired by and it reminded me of my sister...

Tidbits & Twine posted about this super cute teacher appreciation gift in June: A Mason Jar Manicure Kit and Lantern! Swoon! The lantern part of this is gorgeous! Click over to Tidbits & Twine to read a step-by-step process on how to make these yourself. 

Super easy and oh, so fun! 

Thank you, Tidbits & Twine for the inspiration! :-)

Amanda and I are taking part in another link party tonight... THE Pin It Party Pinterest Linkup. We found this link party through the Creative Geekery blog and are excited to take part in this each Thursday.

A Curriculum Review: Crockett's Classroom

 

This year, I thankfully stumbled on something on Pinterest that saved my life.  I found Debbie Crockett's third grade common core units on Teachers pay Teachers.  Debbie is also the writer of Crockett's Classroom Forever in Third Grade.  Debbie is a retired third grade teacher who continues to give back to the teaching profession through her work on TPT and her blog.

I've never met Debbie, and I haven't ever really explored much about her, but when I tell you she has changed my curriculum from okay to incredible, I'm not exaggerating.  Each unit correlates to the Common Core State Standards using the guidelines from the book, Common Core Curriculum Maps, which was adopted as a resource for my district. I was completely engaged with the curriculum, excited to teach topics like "Inspired by the Sea," or "Stories Worth Telling Again and Again." But let's face it, being a busy teacher, I didn't have the time to completely write a cohesive curriculum for my students.



   

On the day I magically stumbled upon Debbie Crockett's units, my prayers were answered! The units she created align completely with my curriculum. My students are engaged and working harder than ever, and I'm excited to teach! Right now, students are learning about immigration while working on their comprehension skills and strategies. In the last unit, they completed awesome research projects on civil rights leaders. When I announce the activities in my class, my students actually cheer!

If you are a third grade teacher, please check out Debbie Crockett's store on TPT: Crockett's Classroom

Also, her units can be purchased as a bundle or individually. She has written 6 units, which make up 14 subunits. You will not be disappointed!

Turn Your Instagrams into Magnets: Bring your photos to life!

Another post tonight from the girl who's obsessed with photos!

Turning photos into magnets can be an easy and fun DIY project. However, I know that many of you hate DIY projects and don't have the time to sit down at the computer, crop photos, and transfer them to magnets. In this case, take advantage of Sticky 9. 

Sticky 9 turns your Instagram photos into magnets in just a few clicks and they offer two packages:

[The Jigsaw:] 1 photo, 9 magnets - jigsaw puzzle fun! 

[The Classic:] Choose 9 of your favorite Instagram photos!

Each sheet of 9 magnets costs $14.99 with free shipping worldwide. 

 Sticky9 is currently running an awesome SALE until March 31st ... Buy 3 sheets for 2! (27 magnets for $30!) 

*These magnets would be adorable for favors at a birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower... or any fun gathering! 

*I also love the jigsaw opportunity for kids, what a fun activity for the refrigerator, or any other magnetic surface. 

*There are also so many great quotes that people love to post on Instagram- what a fun way to have these as reminders on your refrigerator. Check out this fun display from the blog, Live.Laugh.Rowe, for inspiration to make your refrigerator pretty, too...

Sticky9 also sells Instagram photo cases and iPad cases, shown here from The Pretty Blog.

Be sure to check out Sticky9 and don't miss out on their awesome sale! :-)

"You need to know how much you inspire us."

I made sure to take a mental snapshot around 9:30 this morning. I experienced "one of those magical moments" in the classroom that I'll never forget.

As I dismissed my students to move onto their next class, one of my 12 year old boys walked up to me. Amidst the craziness in the room, he began speaking: "I know we've been talking a lot about inspiration in Advisory lately, and I've been trying to let specific people in my life know how much they've inspired me. I just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me so much this year. Last year, I had an awful experience in my ELA class and you've completely changed that this year. Thank you for being such a great teacher and for teaching us so much. You need to know how much you inspire us."

He turned red from pouring his heart out and I turned red from blushing! It was so heartfelt, so sweet and it was such a sincere vow of appreciation. It simply swept me off my feet. This small moment made my week year and those words will forever be ingrained in my memory. 

Change

Lately, when I wake up in the morning, I'm noticing the sun is starting to rise a little earlier.  I'm also noticing the snow starting to melt, and the bare trees are left behind, just begging the sun to shine a bit more.  I'm hoping that we have finally said goodbye to the snow, and hello to the sun.  One can only hope.  As we anticipate the change from winter to spring, it brings so much to mind besides the seasons changing. 

This time of year brings the anticipation for change.  We're heading into the last leg of the school year, students and teachers (and parents!) think about the year coming to a close, and the anticipation of a new school year, with new requirements.  We're already starting to think about creating the new classes to be passed on.  To be quite honest, it's one of my least favorite parts of being a teacher.  At this time, we're really bonding as a class.  I know my students better than the back of my hand, and they know me just the same.  We're like a giant family, and we depend on one another.  I'm not quite ready to be thinking about passing my kiddos along.

I also can't help but think back to life over the past few years.  The dust in my life has finally settled, and I'm actually able to take in every moment for what it is, and absolutely savor it and enjoy it.  I don't think you realize how sucked into a stressful situation you can get, until it's all over, and the last "boxes" are taped shut.  Looking back, I can't help but to be so thankful for taking the "New You" exit for this life, rather than sticking with the "Old You" exit.  Change, has been by far, the best thing that could have happened to me.  I am able to enjoy each and every day, moment and feeling because I'm present in it.  I love spending time with people who are special to me, and who make life that much better.  I appreciate so much more.  Birds singing.  A simple hug.  A good meal.  An incredible workout.  A quick phone call.  The simple things in life are incredible.

I have to admit, I love myself much, much more now, than I ever have before.  Change was good for me. That makes me stop, and ask you...looking back, can you say that change was a positive thing in your life, even though when you were going through it, you thought it would never end?  Life always has curveballs that get thrown our way, but we have no choice but to embrace change and accept it...because who knows, what's right around the corner may be better than where you feet are currently planted!

The 4 Hour Body: Slow Carb

The latest addition to my fitness and health adventure is the 4 Hour Body Slow Carb Diet by Tim Feriss. This is not a carb-free diet, per se, it's is a healthier way of eating.  Basically, you eat a high-protein diet for 6 days out of the week.  On one day per week, you "binge," eating whatever you'd like.  I ended up going with this way of eating, because for the longest time, I'd be hungry all day long at work.  

I don't know about you, but as soon as I'd walk into my house after a long day at work, I'd be feeling two things:

1. Exhaustion: All I would want to do is lie down to take a nap.  This would suck up half my night, because a "twenty minute nap" would turn into at least an hour and a half.

2. Extreme Hunger: I'd be so hungry that I'd be munching on whatever I could find to hold me over while dinner heated up.  Then when it came time to eat, I wouldn't be hungry anymore.

Who wants to live like this?  Not me.  It wasn't healthy, and so I needed to make a change.  My boyfriend and I discussed different ways of eating that had worked for him in the past.  For me, my only huge weight-loss was in high school.  My only plan for that "diet" was to skip eating altogether.  This wasn't a healthy choice, and I know now, that at 30 years old, I'd never be able to drop weight like that again.

Today was my first day on this diet.  The best thing about this diet is that when it was meal time, I wasn't ever starving.  You can eat as much as you'd like, and the recipes I chose are delicious.  I used this website to plan my meals for the week: Slow Carb Recipes.  You can also find tons of recipes on Pinterest, too!  This way of eating is also designed to encourage weight loss.  

My Meal Plan for This Week

Breakfast: 2 eggs with spinach and salsa

Breakfast/Snack: 3 Egg Muffins

Lunch: Bacon, Avocado and Chicken Salad

Snack: Lara Bar

Dinner: Taco Rollups

(All recipes can be found in the link above)

Another perk for me is that you can choose to eat the same meals repeatedly throughout the week.  Cooking on Sunday for the week is the perfect solution.  I don't have time to think up new meals for every night of the week.  Instead, you cook a big batch in the beginning of the week, and then you're set until the weekend!

I'll let you know how I am doing with this.  This way of eating goes along with my promise for "No Carbs" for Lent.  I will tell you, that I haven't been following that entirely, but at least I'm getting back into something that is encouraging a healthier way of eating!

Print your Instagram photos using ORIGRAMI! Check it out NOW!

While searching for fun DIY crafts, I came across Origrami. Origrami is an Instagram photo printing company. They're a husband and wife team based in Sydney, Australia and the company was born to combine their two passions: Origami (craft) and Instagram = Origrami. I love it! :-)

FREE Shipping Worldwide! 

Multiple designs and themes! Including a photo map of where your photo was taken! (Awesome!!)

Thick premium matte cards - similar in thickness and quality to postcards! 

Cute photo folder/box for storage! 

How does this work?

-Choose from 4 print packages ranging from $19.95-$29.95 (24-36 prints included).

-Once you click the Buy Now button, you'll be instructed to login to your Instagram account.

-Once logged in, you will be able to select the photos that you want to print.

-Once you finish selecting the photos, you'll be taken to the "THEME" selection. Choose a theme:

PHOTOMAP. Front: Your Instagram photo. Back: Map of where the photo was taken (if geo-tagged). Or a selection of 12 colorful camera backgrounds. Plus your username (max 15 letters), date taken, number of likes, location tag and the first caption (max 140 letters and no emoticons).

SPECTRUM. Front: Your Instagram photo. Back: 36 colored backgrounds. Plus your username, date taken, number of likes, location tag and the first caption (max 140 letters and no emoticons).

POSTCARD. Front: Your Instagram photo. Back: Airmail-style border. Plus your username, date taken and location tag.

BLANK. Front: Your Instagram photo. Back: nothing.

SPECTRUM FOR SQUARE Front: Your Instagram photo. Back: 36 colored backgrounds. Plus the date taken, location tag and the first caption (max 120 letters and no emoticons).

-Add to cart and follow the quick checkout process!


Oh My Little Dears blog posted a great review about Origrami. Read about it here and check out her photos of the product below:

I fell in love with Origrami and can't wait to try it. The backs of the cards are my favorite! I love the maps, date taken, caption, number of likes... all information to help preserve your small moments. Have you tried Origrami? Let me know if you decide to try it! :-)

Autism: Resources for Educators

Over the weekend I was doing some research for school to help out some of my special needs students.  Unless you're working in a school, you probably don't know what things are like today in the general education classroom.  There really isn't anything called "inclusion" anymore.  The inclusion classroom was where the high functioning special education students were mixed with general education students.  Today, we're all mixed together, so every class is an inclusion class!

It is incredibly important to understand what it's like to be a child living with Autism so we can meet the needs of these students better.  I saw this video over the weekend, and it was quite eye opening. I suggest you take a moment to watch it.  For me, it was tough to get through.  I couldn't imagine living life like this, but I watched, because I know that the few kids I teach with this disorder can't hit the pause button.

As I was searching Pinterest, I came across the website, Snagglebox.  This website is extremely helpful, and offers a lot of answers to the questions that I had.  

The blogger, Bec, describes her website in the following: "Snagglebox is primarily a place that supports anyone looking to understand more about autism - autistic people, their parents and families, teachers, health professionals. I aim for honest, practical but encouraging help and useful information explained simply. I also write about other things here too, like being a parent and Minecraft and homeschooling and life."

One thing that was incredibly helpful are Bec's two posts, "99 Questions About Autism," and "99 More Questions About Autism."  In addition, Bec has also created an incredible resource, the Autism Preparation Resource for Teachers, which explains to teachers what they can expect and how they can plan for their Autistic student.  The resource is $5.00, but any teacher who has taught an autistic student will agree that it's well worth the investment.  

Bec also discusses topics like why Minecraft is so addicting.  To tell you the truth, my students discuss this game constantly, and I had no idea what it was until reading her articles on it.  This game sucks kids in, and they can become addicted to it!  It was definitely interesting to learn about.  

The last thing that teachers should check out on Snagglebox is the Fidget Toys Download.  Bec has compiled 45 different suggestions for fidget toys for students.  I went out today and bought a package of bungee cords from Wal-Mart.  Students will have them attached to their desks so they can fidget their feet.  Hopefully it will help some of my students who need the constant movement during the day!

Dawn and I are taking part in the "Be.YOU.tiful Lifestyle Link Party" this week. 

Click over to Fry Sauce and Grits to read more!

All Things Green: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Tomorrow!

My post tonight is completely inspired by The Glitter Guide, a fabulous fashion, beauty, and lifestyle blog. They have so many great posts and I love reading their blog. I'm most fascinated by their "Five Things to Try This Weekend" series. 

The "five things to try" for this weekend was centered around St. Patrick's Day. 

Being that St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow, why not try some of these...

If you happen to try any of them, let Glitter Guide know! Share using the hashtag #GG5things and tag @glitterguide on Twitter and Instagram. And don't forget to share with us, too! 

[ONE]

This weekend is all about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. That means dressing in head-to-toe green! Get as creative as your heart desires.

[TWO]

Update your couch with bright, bold pillows for spring!

[THREE]

Add a little green food coloring to all of your baking and cooking endeavors this weekend.

[FOUR]

Brighten a friend’s day by picking up a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her!

[FIVE]

Invite friends over to celebrate your Irish heritage (or celebrate pretending to be Irish!) with some cute koozies and cold ones.

Amanda and I are taking part in the "Be.YOU.tiful Lifestyle Link Party" this week. Click over to Fry Sauce and Grits to read more!

Find us on Bloglovin'!

Follow our blog with Bloglovin

Bloglovin' is a "blog following website" and it's awesome for these reasons:

1. It allows us to follow all of our favorite blogs in one place!

2. It rounds up all of our favorite blogs and logs their fresh posts in sequential order like a Facebook feed. It's much easier to keep up with all these favorites by visiting one website instead of bookmarking each one.

3. You can heart the posts you like. :-)

4. If you really like a blog, it gives you suggestions for following similar ones.

5. The design of the website is clean and simple.

6. They have an iPhone app, too! 

3 Books Every Classroom (and human) Must Own

The top three books every individual should know...every student should read... and every classroom and home must own. (According to me!) 

1. Wonder by R. J. Palacio

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.  

"Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. 
Join the conversation: #thewonderofwonder

2. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Times bestseller, this stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is told from the point-of-view of Ivan himself.  

Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes. 

The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making. In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events.

3. Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

“If there is one book teens and parents (and everyone else) should read this year, Out of My Mind should be it” (Denver Post). Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow. In this breakthrough story—reminiscent of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly—from multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winner Sharon Draper, readers will come to know a brilliant mind and a brave spirit who will change forever how they look at anyone with a disability.

This is the second year  in a row that I started my school year off reading Wonder to my students. It's life changing. There are no words. Just read it. I read The One and Only Ivan because of the amazing reviews and immediately fell in love. Deeply in love. I will be starting this as my next read aloud this week! Out of My Mind is a book that I recommend over and over and over and over and over again to my students. Even my most struggling, resistant readers love it. They run up to me after they finish reading, and while holding it tightly in their arms, they stare at me and say: Oh. my. god.

If you're a teacher and you haven't read these books... read them now.

If you're a parent and you haven't read these books... read them now.

If you're a student and you haven't read these books... read them now.

If you're a human and you haven't read these books... read them now.

You're welcome!