Happy New Year!

I hope you rang in the new year in whatever style best suited you! I know I could not have wanted to spend my night any other way. I was with my husband and daughter...a nice, quiet night for us. There are years when we are more active, but this year, we chose to spend it at home. It was a great change of pace. 

Listening: It has been raining in south Georgia for several days now. In fact, many are facing flooding. I pray the waters do not get any higher for those living on or near the river. 

Loving: This break has been wonderful! I normally fill every break I have full of things to do. This time we choose a couple of things we really wanted to do, but then spent time just being together. It has been absolutely the best yet! 

Thinking: Although I know it is time, Monday morning is going to be so hard. Just getting back into a routine and the alarm clock. I am sure a lot of us are in the same situation. :) 

Wanting: We started renovating a house last spring. We sold our home of ten years at the beginning of December, and the other house is not finished. It is time to really kick it in high gear to get the reno project completed. 

Needing: I have to plan our summer vacation. I also need to plan our trip to Disney/TpT conference this summer. 

One Little Word: My OLW for 2016 is 'live'. I chose this word because I want to live each day without any regrets...to the fullest. I don't want to look back and realize I missed something that I cannot get back. That is what I am focusing on this year. 

To read more Currently Posts head on over to Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

It's November

Wow! Can it really already be November? 

I am linking up with Farley's Currently for the November edition. 

It's November 1st, and the Hallmark Channel is already playing Christmas movies. I am a sucker for a good holiday movie, but it seems so early. Nevertheless, I watched...umm...three of them today, I think. I have been super lazy. 

It has also been raining here today, and I am so thankful because our little town needed the rain. Due to the rain and the movie-watching Sunday, I have loved snuggling with AC, my daughter. She seemed to be okay with the Christmas movies as she had fun telling me all that was going to be on her wish list this year. 

Since I have been lazy, I thought a lot about what my weekly to-do list is going to look like this week. Yikes! I better get busy. 

Tomorrow is my birthday, and my parents are cooking supper tonight. Mama always has the most delicious cake waiting, so I am so ready to go over there and taste it. 

The laundry pile has not been tended to this weekend, so it needs some attention. Maybe tonight. Maybe. 

My favorite Thanksgiving food is definitely pecan pie. I will share our family's recipe with you later in the month on a special blog post. You will not want to miss it!

I know I did a short blog post about this meet-up last week, but I wanted to include it again today. If you are in the south Georgia/north Florida area (or within driving distance) we would love to have you join us for a meet-up in Valdosta, Georgia. It is going to be a blast! 

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. 

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!

Happy New Year! and Currently

Happy, Happy 2015, Everyone! It seems like 2014 was a blur, but I am excited to see what all the new year has in store. 

Listening: Oh, yeah, we are a football house. The games have been playing and the family has been cheering and booing. I always find it humorous when my hubby finds it necessary to yell at the tv screen. I am sure no one knows what I'm talking about, right? (wink)

Loving: I love all of the time I have been able to spend with my daughter over the break. We wish my hubby could join us on our lazy days, but since he is not a teacher, off to work he goes. But we enjoy him when he is off. 

Thinking: I am a sucker for new books. I am really into reading finance books right now- nerdy, I know. I just received a new release (Live Well Spending Less by Ruth Soukup) the other day. I am dying to read it, but I will not let myself pick it up until I finish some of my projects around the house (see "needing"). 

Wanting: I know, I know...But I have enjoyed this time off so much that I would really like some more. 

Needing: I need to finish cleaning out the closets that I started earlier in the week. I think I can, I think I can...

Yes: Yes, to more family time in 2015. Sometimes I let life, job, life, job get in the way of the time I want to spend with my little family. I will resolve to make more time for the family. We are going to do some fun family things this year that I have planned that require little to no money, and I will share them with you along the way. 

Maybe: I am working on my Education Doctorate in Leadership. I have two semesters left and then my dissertation. I have been diligently working on my Lit Review all along, so I am hoping that after summer semester, I can wrap up my dissertation and graduate in December. This is a big maybe because there are a lot of things that have to happen along the way, but I am going to remain optimistic. 

I wish...I wish I could find a little more time to write the book I have been longing to write. I love to write, and it has always been a dream of mine to publish a novel. Maybe after I finish my dissertation, I will have some freedom to write the novel. Here's to wishing! 

I hope each and everyone of you have a fabulous 2015! 

July Currently

I am joining Farley's Currently Party! I am so happy to be back! I have been MIA lately...too many papers to write and too many articles to read. But I am happy to be back to share with you what I have been doing. 

Listening: My daughter is watching Pirate Fairy for the thousandth time. She loves it just about as much as she loves the Frozen movie and soundtrack. I am confident that I know every single word to all of those songs. :) 

Loving: I am loving spending time with my daughter. She turned six in June (post about party coming soon), and that just makes me happy and sad at the same time. I am happy because she is starting to become her own personality, but I am sad because I no longer have a "baby." 

Thinking: That pile of dissertations and research articles in my office just keeps growing. I need to get in there and get busy. This is my last time going back to school, and my husband is so thrilled that after I earn this degree, there are no more educational degrees to earn for me. He has been super supportive and has been very tolerant of my "love for learning" over the years; however, I know he will be so happy when it is all completed. 

Wanting: I want a pedicure. I started back running (slow and steady), and I just want one. 

Needing: My closet is out of control. I need to get in there and organize it asap! No other explanations needed. 

Fourth of July Plans: My sister and her husband always host the 4th of July party. It will be a fun time with family and friends...along with a lot of swimming, sliding (big inflatable slide intended for the kids, but the adults take over), and food. I hope everyone has a fun, safe holiday!

Welcome, February!

It is February, so that means is it time to team up with Farley for the monthly Currently! I just L.O.V.E. these!

As I was working on this, I had just gotten home from sitting in doctoral classes for two days. I was glad to be home, and I was glad to sit in front of the crackling fire and watch television with my little family! And the hubby had supper cooked, too! 

While I was gone, I guess my little one decided to wear many wardrobes...the mountain of laundry is going to erupt at any moment! I want a little bit of sunshine. It has just been too cold for too long here in Georgia. It is not normally like this, so I don't know how to act. I like sunshine! In addition to the laundry that has to be washed, dried, folded, and put up, I also need to work on some RTI folders that I have been pushing to the side this week. I might as well just go ahead and tackle them (getting ready for the Super Bowl). 

Two Truths and a Fib: Can anyone guess which is my fib? 

1. I am addicted to Diet Coke. There, I said it. 

2. I am a southern gal, but I despise collard greens. I don't like the smell of them, nor do I like the taste. 

3. I am the first-born child. I have a sister who is five years younger than I am, and she is also a teacher. 

Since it is February, I uploaded a new mini-unit that is a supplement for Black History Month. If you are interested, you can give it a look. 

Black History Month Mini-Unit

Ringing in a New Year!

Wow! It is 2014 already! I simply cannot believe how quickly 2013 began and ended. There are many things that I would like to accomplish in 2014, but I am going to have to wait until a later post to outline those for you...I have to choose the ones that I know I can hold myself accountable for and accomplish. 

Since it is January 1st, it is time for Farley's Currently. 

Listening: Football, football, football...that is all you hear in our house right now (all day and probably night, too). I am disappointed the UGA Bulldogs lost today, but I am still proud to be a fan! 

Loving: I have truly enjoyed every second of this break. I love my little family and love spending time with them. 

Thinking: We are going to see Walking with Dinosaurs tomorrow. It is going to rain, so it will at least give us an fun outing. 

Wanting: I want my house cleaned. Period. 

Needing: Absolutely nothing! I am blessed beyond measure and cannot think of anything I need. 

Memory and/or Tradition: When I was a little girl, I remember baking cookies at Christmas. This is something I have carried over to my little family. My daughter and I love to bake (and eat) cookies. Then she gets to leave them out for Santa. 

I hope everyone has a joyful January!

December Currently

It's December! Wow! It is hard to believe, but it is here. When we came home from church today, we ate lunch and then turned on the television. What did we find? Christmas movies playing all day long. I am a sucker for some Christmas movies. There is actually one coming on tonight that looks like a tear-jerker. I do not know why I let myself watch them because tomorrow morning I will have swollen eyes and look a mess. But, you can bet I will watch them anyway! 

I have L-O-V-E-D- all of the extra time I got to spend with my little girl this week. She is growing up so fast- too fast for my liking. We made ornaments to go on the tree, we read books, we went to see the new movie Frozen (so cute!), and we bakes goodies. We had lots of fun!

This week ends my first semester of my doctoral program. It has been a lot of reading, reading, and more reading. Research, research, and more research. But it is winding down, and I have a final this week I really need to study for. The problem is, I don't know where to begin. We have covered so much material that I honestly don't know what to study. 

One holiday tradition that I look forward to each year is riding to look at all of the Christmas lights around town. I love them! I have vivid memories of doing this every year as a child, and we have continued that with our little family. Avery Claire is getting to the age where she loves them, too! 

Thank you for Farley for hosting these fun monthly Currently linky parties! 

Monday and Tuesday are going to be big, big days over on Teachers Pay Teachers! I am throwing a 20% off sale in my entire store, plus if you use the promo code "CYBER", you will receive up to 28% off your purchase. That is a deal! 

An Educator's Life hosted a Cyber Monday Preview and Freebie Linky this weekend. Head over there to take a look at some fabulous resources to add to your cart for the TpT sale! 

It's November, Everyone!

It's November! I just love this time of year. For one, it is my birthday month (today actually). Secondly, I love November because it reminds me to remember all of the things in my life I am thankful for. It is also the month the holiday season begins...family gatherings for Turkey Day followed by decking the halls for the Christmas season. Of all of the months of the year, November is on the top of my list. 

I am teaming up with Oh Boy 4th Grade's Currently Linky today. All of my other "currently" listening, loving, thinking, wanting, and needing are all pretty simple. I love the idea of the last "a yummy pin" because I always see so many things I want to try on Pinterest. I am addicted to Pinterest like I am to Teachers Pay Teachers! Oh Boy! 

A yummy pin...Samao Cheesecake! Yes ma'm! I love those cookies the Girl Scouts sell each year. I pinned this the other day, and the ingredients are already on my grocery list to purchase. 

September Currently

Hello, September! I cannot believe it is already September! We have been back in school for almost one month now, and the time seems to be flying by quickly. Once again, I have linked up with Farley's Currently Linky!

My little family went to the beach this weekend. We had a fabulous time, and the weather was perfect. I think it rained at our house the entire time we were gone, so I was glad that we took the opportunity to have one last little getaway before the cooler weather comes. Since we had today off from school, I told my daughter that she had to go through her toys and pick the ones she wanted to give away to other boys and girls. She is having a hard time parting with any of them, even the ones that have been at the bottom of her toy box and have not seen the light of day in forever. 

I really need to finish some projects I have already started. I am really good about starting projects around the house and not 100% finishing them. I have to finish them now so I can move onto something else. I also have a few TpT projects that I have been working on, and I think they are going to be great!

There are several things I need to do: 1) I need to run at least four times per week. I have not been doing this, and I need to because I always feel better. 2) I definitely need to drink more water. and 3) I need to begin shopping for Christmas. I know, it is only September. But I need to get busy picking up a present here and there so I won't feel so overwhelmed when December comes. I would like to enjoy the holiday season this year without having to worry about shopping, wrapping, etc. 

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

August Currently

August? Huh? It can't be! Well, Farley's Currently Post today made me realize just how much of a reality it is. One question...where in the world did summertime go so quickly? 

Listening: I officially started work last Monday. I changed positions this year, and I will be the Instructional Coordinator at the school. This week has been fun, because although the teachers do not begin until Monday, many have been in and out all week working hard to get their classrooms in order. I have enjoyed listening to the laughter fill the hall as they greet each other and talk about their vacations. 

Loving: I am loving my new CHI flatiron. Mine that I have had for six years finally quit working, so what did I do? Of course, I ordered a new one! And love it!

Thinking: Oh, that! I am thinking about my to-do list for my house that is not complete. Oops! I do still have the weekends, right!

Wanting: I want a new car. I don't need one, but I have my eye on one. 

Needing: Oh, yes! I need one more trip to put my toes in the sand. I hope to go over Labor Day weekend. 

B2s Must Haves: (1) New iPad case, (2) Sharpies, I love them!, and (3) Write with Me Journal 

The Write with Me Journal is my favorite! It provides a journal per week for students to take  home and write with their parents/guardians. I love using it, and the feedback has been awesome! 

Click Here to See "Write with Me"

I hope you have a great beginning!

July Currently

Once again, I am joining Farley's Oh' Boy 4th Grade's Currently Linky. I love reading everyone's Currently! It is a new addiction! :)

Listening: I am listening to my wonderful husband mowing the lawn. The outside of the house is his baby. In fact, one day I even asked him if I could help him out by mowing, and he quickly looked at me, smiled, and said, "No." I appreciate him for keeping our lawn looking great!

Loving: I am loving that today is overcast and the clouds have smothered the scorching hot temperatures we have been feeling lately. 

Thinking: I really need to get the room ready for my new office. I have been using the sunroom for my creating, blogging, and planning, but I have over-grown the space. My husband said it was time to upgrade to a bigger space, so now I just need to get the other room ready. Oh boy! That is going to be a lot of work, but I promise to post pics of the progress. 

Wanting: Each summer, I promise myself that I am going to find new recipes to cook. I like good, quick, healthy recipes. So, if you know of any, please help me out. 

Needing: I need to get motivated! I have a to-do list a mile long, and I have managed to accomplish Z.E.R.O. Tomorrow is a new day, right!

Tips, Tricks, or Hints: This tip if for creating new products. I also think of my students and their engagement level when creating new products. If your students will be successful doing it and love it at the same time, then go with it!

Welcome June

June has arrived, and it is already H.O.T. in south Georgia! I have been out of school for a week now. It feels good to be able to sleep in, but that has not really happened yet because my body is still using its school-year alarm clock to wake me up every morning. I must figure out a way to fix this...soon! 

Oh' Boy 4th Grade Blog is hosting the monthly Currently Linky party. If you have not joined in this linky party, you need to head over there and see what it is all about. It is so much fun, and you get to meet a lot of new bloggers!

Welcome June! 

Listening: I am listening to complete silence. I am the only one awake in our house (didn't I just tell you my internal alarm is not on summer mode yet). The house is so quiet...no television turned on, footsteps running on the hardwood floors, someone going in and out of the house...stillness- I love it! It gives me time to collect my thoughts before the day really starts. 

Loving: Today is my daughter's fifth birthday. My how time has flown! She is such a blessing and we love watching her learn and grow every day. We are having a family birthday party for her this year. We started out with a party for her friends (she began planning it a year ago). I was all onboard with it, except the list of invites continued to grow. She wanted to invite her school friends (all 22 of them), her dance friends (all 9 of them), her twirling friends (all 6 of them), her church friends (all 6 of them), and even some of my middle school students that she sees in the mornings and afternoons coming in and out of my classroom. I decided I needed to take control...fast! She did not want to leave anyone out, so we made a compromise. We told her that we could not have a party that big this year and asked her if she would like to go on a trip instead. She quickly shouted "to the beach" and that was it. I booked us a place for last weekend, and we enjoyed every minute of it. I will save her BIG party for when she is a little older. That many five year old children running around in one place scares me! :)

Thinking: Week One of summer is gone for me. I have not completed anything on my summer to-do list. And if feels good, but I need to begin working on it next week if I am going to get anything checked off of it. 

Wanting: I would like the summer to slow down and go by at snail pace. It seems like every summer, time flies by too quickly. I want to enjoy every minute of it so I can re-charge my brain and focus for next school year. 

Needing: Omgoodness! My car is a disaster area. I am changing classrooms at school, so I packed up my classroom. There were some things that I didn't want to leave at school without them being locked in a cabinet, so where did I put them...in my car! I have to clean it out asap. It also needs a good washing. Maybe I will leave this post up on the computer and my husband can read it...hint, hint!

3 Vacy Essentials: 

1. Sunscreen- It is a must! Coat yourself down and reapply!

2. A good book- There is nothing like reading a good book on vacation. I read educational materials all school year, so I look forward to reading a good book on vacation. I still read ed books through the summer, but I make sure they are not read all summer. 

3. My camera- I take it with me everywhere I go! My daughter has started giving me that "put that camera down" look lately. Well, she will just have to endure because I love capturing moments! And she will appreciate it one day. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! 

May Currently

I love the beginning of each month because of Farley's Currently Link Up. It is always fun to read everyone else's thoughts and ideas. If you are a blogger and have not yet linked with Farley, I encourage you to give it a try!

Listening: This morning I am listening to the hum of my computer. I feel asleep too early last night to get my post published, so I am doing it this morning. I am not sure about all of you, but I have been so tired lately. I think it is because my mind has all of these thoughts running through it and I have so much to accomplish before we get out of school for the summer.

Loving: I am loving that we only have 17 more school days left. Although I have a lot to get finished, it is nice to know I will have a little break. 

Thinking: I seriously need to get my classroom ready to move. I am changing classrooms and changing grades next year. I am so excited! (There will be a post about this soon, but I am very much looking forward to the change!)

Wanting: I know this is not healthy, but I really want a chocolate-covered doughnut right about now. And I think I might just see what I can do about that on my way to school. 

Needing: Okay, who out there other than me, does not like to go to the grocery store? Any hands? I have always done the grocery shopping for our family. Just here recently, my husband has been going to get small things for me because I just do not like it, and I cannot stick to a grocery list for anything! But, I need to go because our cupboards are looking a little scarce! It is on my to-do list for this afternoon...I think I can, I think I can.

Summer Bucket List: I have so many things that I want to do this summer. We will take a trip to the mountains and a trip to the beach (probably several trips because we live so close). I tried to think of things that I really want to accomplish, so here it goes:

1. Stick to a morning exercise routine: I have found that if I do not exercise in the morning when I wake up, it will not happen. I plan to get up each day this summer and do some form of exercise. My clothes are getting a bit snug (probably because of the chocolate-covered doughnuts) and exercise always makes me feel better. 

2. Log volunteer hours with my daughter: I have always been one who loves to volunteer. My daughter will be turning five in a couple of weeks, and she has started to ask questions about helping others. Just last night she came to me and said she wanted to help those that don't have clothes get some. It melted my heart. I think this summer we will spend some time at our local Help Agency volunteering together. We also have several other organizations in our community where we can volunteer. I think it will be something wonderful to do together.

It's Officially April!

April 1st...well, let's say as an educator that April 1st is always a fun, joke-filled day with pranks and students trying to get the last laugh. Although I am very excited to be on spring break this week, I am a little sad that I won't get to joke around with the students today. However, my daughter did pull a joke on me this morning, and she is only four!

It's officially April. It is hard to believe how quickly this school year is winding down. I have less than two months left with my kiddos. It seems as if we just got started!

It would not feel like the first of the month unless I joined Farley's Currently Link-Up. So here goes!

I hope everyone has a marvelous Monday. And for those who are teaching today, I hope you and your students have a great one!

March Currently

I cannot tell you how much I look forward to Farley's Currently Post every month. I love thinking about my own answers and reading everyone else's responses. If you have not participated yet, hop on over to her blog and check it out. It is lots of fun, and you learn a lot about other bloggers.

Listening: I am currently listening to Disney Junior playing in the living room. I can also here the fire crackling in the fireplace. It is going to be a cold weekend.

Loving: I am loving that today is Saturday and I can finally relax after a long week of teaching and meetings. I love my kiddos, but I love my weekend time, too!

Thinking: I am currently (and have been for the past couple of weeks) thinking about our upcoming standardized tests that we will administer in a month. I know that my students have been taught every standard and have shown mastery in the classroom, but I always worry about test anxiety and tricky questions. I want my students to be able to show the state everything that they do know.

Wanting: I want warmer weather! The cold air makes for miserable duty posts at break. I am a warm-weather-kind-of-gal!

Needing: I need spring break to get here quickly! I am hoping that when we are off for spring break, the weather is warmer so I can enjoy a few days at the beach with my family.

Like, Love, Hate: I like apples! I love accessories! I hate arachnids! (For this response, you have to use the first letter in your first name to come up with your list of three things.)