Throwback Thursday...doin' some reflectin'...

Happy Thursday friends!
I could really get used to this stayin' home for snow(ice) days stuff.
This has been the best three day birthday celebration in my history!

Since we are nearin' the end of January, I wanted to go back to my
original January 2014 goals post and reflect on my goals
that I made at the beginnin' of the month.
Read my responses that are highlighted in pink to see
if I did what I said I was goin' to do.
__________________________________________________

I am linkin' up with one of my absolute most favorite bloggers, 

A(my nickname for her), from The Babbling Box.  

A is real, she is honest, she types from her heart and
 isn't afraid to let out what is on her mind.  

I love that about her and I enjoy readin' her blog immensely.  

She is startin' a new linky that suggests you write down your goals
for the month.
I can totally do this.  

One month is much more attainable than one year...for me personally.  

1. Do not let my laundry mountain get too high.  

I end up waitin' until the mountain gets really high before doin' laundry and 

then it absolutely overwhelms me.  

My goal is to do a little, a few times a week, instead of all at once.

I will unpack my suitcase when I return and put away my clothes.
(So far...pretty good.  Not great, but definitely better.
Now only if I could kick my Jane.com problem
I wouldn't have to worry about more laundry.)

2.  Stop drinkin' Diet Coke.

I can't help it.  I really can't.  It's an awful habit.

I have been three days Diet Coke free. 

I'm hopin' I can keep it up.
(This has by far been my biggest challenge.  I am 32 days Diet Coke free.
There are times that I have almost cracked, but I'm determined to keep it up.
I have switched to Green Tea and I haven't bitten anyone's head off...yet.)

3. Read a book once a week in January.

Before I started bloggin', I read two to three books a week.

I am after all the leader of the Nerd Herd.  I love to read.

It is my escape.  It's my happy place.

Readin' blogs is still readin' though...so I haven't actually given up cold turkey.

That's a plus.
(I have read three books this month.  
Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant all by 
Veronica Roth.  Since I'm still on a snow(ice)
day...in Florida, I still have an opportunity 
to read a fourth book before the month is over.
Still hangin' out in my jammies has been a great motivator.)

4. Get my Bloglovin' feed down at least once a week.

I'm pretty good about keepin' up with blogs.  

Then again...I'm new to this and I don't have children.

I imagine this has a lot to do with it. 

I admire each and every one of you that goes to school each day, 

raises a family, does all of the extra work that teachin' requires, 

and still manage the time to be an online celebrity.  

You amaze me and you really are a celebrity to me.

I want to keep up with at least once a week gettin' my feed down to zero.
(I have been super busy on the weekends this month, BUT I have 
made time to get my feed down.  Success!)

5. Stop bein' so bossy. 

Again, I can't help it.  I blame it on bein' an only child,

 but I know plenty of other only children that are not bossy like me. 

I like to make excuses.  I know I need to stop.

I'm goin' to at least try.
(Major fail on my part.  I'm still bossy.
I knew this was goin' to be difficult when I typed this.
Will it be awful if I use it as a February goal also?)

6.  Gettin' back to the kitchen. 

I know I tease that I am allergic to the kitchen. 

 I'm not.  

I do know how to cook,

I just hate don't like to cook.  

The grocery store stresses me out. 

There are too many choices.  I go in there and instantly become brain dead.

I have no sense of adventure and always walk out with the same things.

Since Miss Nelson and I are goin' to be juicin'...I must go to the grocery store.

We can't juice forever though, so we have vowed to start cookin' together,
 one day a week,

to get ourselves prepared. 

 Both of us are spoiled by really amazin' men that would rope the moon for us if we asked. 

 They are responsible for feedin' us.  

This is about to stop and we are goin' to surprise them.

(I hope neither of them are readin' this because they would probably be laughin' their heads off)
(Miss Nelson and I did two rounds of juicin' together...
which wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
 I have been eatin' a lot healthier and have even participated in the grocery shoppin'. 
I'm gettin' really good at pinnin' healthy pins on my "eat well" board.
Who knew there were so many different recipes out there for cauliflower?
 I am down 11 pounds...my jeans thank me.)

7.  Quit lettin' every little thing about education bother me.

I am passionate about what I do.

I love teachin'.

There are some things that really get under my skin though and I let it overtake me.

I need to breathe and let things go.

I waste too much time and energy too often on this.

Movin' on...
(I did VERY well with this until about a week ago...
Never fear...I'm back on track now.)

8. Join Amazon Prime.

I just need to do it already. I don't know what I'm waitin' for.
(I got two $50 gift cards to Amazon for my birthday.  I'm thinkin' this was
just what I needed to make this happen.)

9. Watch Downton Abbey.

The only way to stream it now is on Prime, so I'm goin' to accomplish two things at once.
(I technically have two days until January is over.  Don't give up on me yet.)

10. Win big at the slot machines.

I'm goin' to Biloxi this month for a yearly birthday trip with some friends.

Last year I hit the first five minutes I was there and lost it back.

This year...I'm goin' to hit and get up and walk away.

You just wait.
(Um...this did NOT happen...I lost...a lot.)

11. Smile more.

Sometimes I forget to smile. 

It's not that I'm unhappy, I just get lost in my train of thoughts.

I really am a happy person. 

I can do this!
(I have been tryin' this..."tryin'" bein' the key word.
I just need someone to walk around with me all day tellin' me jokes
so I can laugh...which produces smiles.)

Just got the call that we are back on for school tomorrow.
One day...I can do this!

The sweetest birthday message and a SNOW DAY in Florida.

Today is Tried it Tuesday! 

It's also my first official 39th birthday.

I have had so many special gifts, cards, and surprises today.

My heart is full and I feel spoiled and extra loved.

I got called to the Front Office...with no explanation other than...

"Come up here...now!"

When I came back to my room...there was no light.

I heard lots of screamin'. 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

 My babies were throwin' confetti & streamers...

and balloons were everywhere.

They tricked me again!

One of my sweet girls bumped me off my computer

to log in to her Gmail for a special Powerpoint

that some of my girls got together and made for me.

Here are some of the pictures from the Powerpoint:

They added a guitar because we are the Rockstars.

My principal's son, Russ Spivey, is fightin' a very rare form of leukemia.  

This month marks one year of his fight against this awful cancer.

My students are very passionate about the SpiveySTRONG message.

This brought tears to my eyes.  

They incorporated Math!

I couldn't be more proud!

 

 They know me so well!

Haha!

Aren't they the sweetest ever?!

A sweet gift from my best friend.  A January Alex & Ani bracelet for 

patience/creativity/perseverance.

Jerm had flowers delivered to school from my favorite florist.

The BEST birthday present of all...

our school will be closed tomorrow for a SNOW day.

Snow in Florida...tonight

That just sounds odd doesn't it?

I have never seen snow...that I remember.

I am sure it is beautiful and I'm glad it will only last one day.

I'm ready for the 70's to come back and no I'm not talkin' about the 

wonderful years of my birth...with scary lookin' clothin'.

I'm linkin' up with my special buddy, Holly, from Fourth Grade Flipper 

for Tried It Tuesday.

Tried it Awesomeness #1: Knee to Knee Partners

I said, "Quick, knee to knee" and they scooted together and compared their answers 

for a Science study guide.

They had to explain why they came up with their answers.

I had three groups of knee to knee partners goin' on

around the room.  

Simple and successful!

Tried it Awesomeness #2: Hands-on Science

I put the stuff on the table for them to make circuits.

I did not give them any directions and they were able to make the light turn on.

Many chose to work together in order to get their circuit to turn on.

They built series circuits and parallel circuits.

They even made multiple series circuits.

This is just another example of me lettin' go...

It was so neat to listen to them as they discovered how to 

make the circuits work...without me!

Happy Tuesday my friends!

ZenniOptical...Tried It Tuesday...

It's Tuesday, time to link up with my super sweet friend Holly at Fourth Grade Flipper 

for Tried it Tuesday.  

I was really excited about this Tried It, but I had to wait a whole week

in order for my Tried It to be delivered.  

It was well worth the wait!

I happened upon a website called ZenniOptical after

reading about it on someone's Instragram.

(I am not affiliated with this company...at all)

 

 Yes, I'm an Instagram stalker.

No, I do not feel bad about this.

I learn many valuable things on there...like the 

best online shoppin' places...like Jane and Groopdealz.

I am still waitin' for Joanne to join...she promised!

I got on ZenniOptical.

I watched the How To videos.

I pulled out my prescription from the doctor that I got in the summer.

Measured my PD (Pupillary Distance).

Uploaded a picture of myself to see what each pair of glasses

would potentially look like on me....laughed A LOT!

Ordered.

Waited about two weeks after stalkin' the mailbox

every.single.afternoon.

Opened the package and was delighted.
They each came with a lil' plastic case and cleanin' cloth.

I ordered THREE pairs of glasses for under $50!

This included tax, shippin', lenses, frames, etc.

THREE pairs!

The lowest frame is $6.95 and they have 10% off right now 

for Valentine's Day.

Here they are.

Not a great picture, but they are cute little frames.

 I would take a selfie with them on, but I'm sick.

My eyes are pitiful and don't want the attention today.

I will definitely order from here again.

In fact, one of my teammates ordered a pair for one of her students

that had misplaced her glasses.

Sweet...right?

Favorite Teacher Scavenger Hunt and Giveaway

I am happy to be joinin' Erin from Miss Lifesaver and 

Susan from Middle School OCD

for their "300" Celebration Scavenger Hunt and Giveaway.

So happy for them!

Most of you readin' this have been influenced by a special

teacher at some point in your life.  

A teacher that went above and beyond.

A teacher that shared their love of learnin' with you.

Someone who probably made you want to be a teacher yourself.

My favorite teacher was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Gillette.

I remember Mrs. Gillette callin' all of the students to the carpet to read every day.

She would sit in her chair and read with such expression and love. 

When she read aloud to us, it was my very favorite part of the day.

I wanted to read just like her.

Along with my parents, Mrs. Gillette helped foster a love of readin' in me 

that has stuck with me ever since.

I LOVE TO READ!

The sayin' "It's a small world" is so very true.

I moved 600 miles away from my hometown about 8 years ago.

When I was talkin' to a colleague about where I had moved from, she 

said..."You wouldn't by chance happen to know a Mrs. Gillette would you?

She's my next door neighbor."

I jumped up and down screamin' and yellin'...

"YES, SHE WAS MY FIRST GRADE TEACHER.

SHE WAS MY FAVORITE TEACHER!"

 My colleague was so excited and went home and asked Mrs. Gillette 

if she remembered me....and guess what?

She did....TWENTY FIVE YEARS later.

I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but definitely super cool!  

We have the opportunity to be the Mrs. Gillettes of the world.

We have the opportunity to inspire every child that walks through our door.

Thank you Mrs. Gillette for inspirin' me and teachin' me.

To celebrate the favorite teacher giveaway,

I am includin' my 

Valentine's Decimals Multiplication Task Cards 

in the Scavenger Hunt.

Task cards in action: 

Head on over to Miss Lifesaver's blog or Middle School OCD's blog 

and enter the Scavenger Hunt Rafflecopter.

Everyone is a winner!

My favorite teacher is: Gillette

Be sure to also enter the Grand Prize Rafflecopter
at Miss Lifesaver or Middle School OCD.
The person that wins the Grand Prize will receive my 

S.T.E.M. Edition Behavior Beads

along with many other fabulous prizes from 

some other very special bloggers.

Best of Luck!
I hope you win!

Graphics and Fonts by:
 Confetti Graphics, The Learning Site, I'm Lovin Lit, and Sheila Melton

Jeff Kinney & Dav Pilkey Webcast

About a month ago, my bestie sent me a link for a webcast on Scholastic featurin'

Jeff Kinney & Dav Pilkey.
My kids LOVE these authors! 

We signed up and today was the day to watch the webcast.

My students ate lunch in the classroom as we watched the 

Story Mash-Up.

There is a contest for students Grade 2 through Grade 8.
The contest begins today and runs until February 14th.
The Rules:
1: Watch the webcast
2: Download existing Story Panels and finish the story.
3: Submit your entry by February 14th.

I am havin' my students do this at home where they can really take some extra time
to be as creative as they want.

Just wanted to share this neat opportunity!

Shoparoo...Tried it Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!

I missed last week's Tried it Tuesday, no way was I missin' today!
My week goes wonky if I don't link up.
I'm weird like that.

I'm linkin' up with my sweet friend, Holly, from Fourth Grade Flipper.

We all grocery shop...you guys more than me, but still...

I came across an app that will help your school raise money.

(No, I'm not jokin')

It's easy...scan your grocery receipts on your smart phone and

watch the points add up...for money.

I like money!
I mentioned this app before here, but I felt like it was worth bringin' up again.

Have you seen Shoparoo?

Click on the link to read more about this.

(I'm not affiliated with them, but I do like the program)

I sent the link to the staff at my school and to the parents in my class.

Even my 5th graders scan receipts.

(Not that I started a competition with them or anything...)
We have even turned this into a math lesson.

Receipts can be scanned from your local grocery stores, Target, 

Walmart, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, etc.

In the month of December they added stores like Dillard's, J.C. Penney's,

Marshall's, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.

Sometimes they even add surveys to earn extra points.

Here are some pictures to show you what the app looks like inside.

This is how many points my school has earned since November.

This is how many points I have raised total.  

Again...not that I'm competitive....

Here are my recent shoppin' trips.

I may or may not make Jerm give up his receipts to me...

For every person you invite, you can earn an extra 100 points for your school.

Serioulsy...as much as I'm on my phone,
there is no reason NOT to do this.
Most of all, it helps the kiddies.
That makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

I'm no expert, but if you need help....holla!

Be sure to check out the other awesome Tried Its at Holly's blog.
She even has a ton archived.

I can't wait for next week's Tried It...it just has to get here in the mail.
It's a surprise!

My friend Mandy at Caffeine and Lesson Plans is havin' a giveaway.
Be sure to check that out also!

Happy Tuesday my friends!

Caffeine and Lesson Plans is celebratin' 500 followers...

Guess what!? 

My friend Mandy at Caffeine and Lesson Plans has reached 500 followers on Bloglovin'.

This is EXCITIN' stuff!

To celebrate, she is havin' a giveaway.

I'm so happy she chose me to participate with her and so many other fabulous bloggers!

Check out what this giveaway has to offer...yay!

So what do you need to do to enter?

That's easy...head over to Mandy's blog and enter her Rafflecopter

and check out what everyone has to offer as a donation.

The giveaway will be open for the next seven days!

What are you waitin' for?

Go...go...go!

Involve them...Spark Student Motivation Saturday

Well, hello my bloggy friends.  

It's Saturday...

time to link up with super sweet friend Joanne from

Head Over Heels for Teaching.  

After you leave here, make sure you jump on over to her blog or 

Holly's blog at Fourth Grade Flipper to enter their awesome giveaways

they have goin' on.

Every day they are featurnin' three different awesome bloggers.

You don't want to miss this.

I have blogged about this idea of sparkin' student motivation before,

but I felt like it needed to be brought up again.

You can read about my first post here.

I like to involve my students in as much as possible.

Why?

It's important for them to be a part of their learnin'.

If I always tell them what I expect without tellin' them why...

I won't get the results I am lookin' for and it defeats the purpose.

They want to work hard.  

They want to work smart.

They want to be motivated.

They want to do well for me.

They want to do well for themselves.

My sweet friend AMC at Looking from Third to Fourth made

adorable Winter themed number cards for her calendar.

They are a Fan Freebie on her Facebook page.

I am usin' them for Finished and Unfinished Work.

I involved my students by havin' them help me put up their own numbers.

I had them hang them up.

This motivates them to know they still have work to do or 

to have the satisfaction of knowin' they have completed what I have asked them to do.

It's really quite simple. 

It works.

Also, I juiced this week for 4 1/2 days.

My friend Miss Nelson and I did it together.  

I lost NINE pounds.

I feel healthy.

 A healthy teacher makes a happy teacher.

A happy teacher makes for happy students.

Happy students work harder.

Involve them.

They wanted to shake my juice.

They wanted to rinse out the jar when it was empty.

They wanted to put my coconut water in the fridge.

They encouraged.

They sparked motivation...

in ME!

Happy Saturday!

I woke up to a tornado warnin' and to take cover.

It has passed.

I'm goin' for a pedicure and to yell loud for the Saints to win!

WHO DAT!

Monday Made It...ring holder

Finally...it's baaaaaaaack...Monday Made It with Tara from 4th Grade Frolics.

I'm happy, happy, happy!

Thank you, Tara!

I have to warn you though...this is not school related...sorry!

So...I heart Pinterest.

Who doesn't?

I want to make EVERYTHING I see on there.

About a year ago, I made a pinspired earring holder that I saw on Pinterest 

and at a friend's house.

I needed some major organization for my my bling.

I love it so much and it was easy to make with some screen and 

a picture frame that I found on clearance at T.J. Maxx.

This definitely keeps my earrings organized...

if I actually put them away like I'm supposed to.

I already had a jewelry tree for my necklaces 

that Jerm ordered off of Costco for me a few years ago.

There is a cute little space for rings, but there is a problem...

I have too MANY rings for this space and there is just too much goin' on here

with the necklaces and bracelets. 

I've had to add more little trays to store stuff. 

Messy!

So, I went out and bought one of these.

This works okay, but if I want to see the rings on the back, 

I have to take it down from where 

it is hangin' and flip it around.

Then...sometimes rings fall out of the pouches.

Not fun.

I needed somewhere else to store my rings and to be able to see them immediately 

without them fallin' all over the place.

I was standin' in Walmart waitin' for my Nitty to pick out yarn, and 

it jumped out at me....this wooden rack thing with little sticks standin' up straight.

If you sew...you know what it is.

For me...I had no clue, but I thought it looked cool and might work for me.

Enter the Thread Rack...the place where you stick spools of thread.

Those of you that know me...know this will never happen.

Instead, I'm goin' to store my finger jewels here.

The bigger the ring...the better.

I like bling rings.

(Jerm contributed to my "made it" by paintin' it black for me)

I made it a ring holder by addin' my rings.

Woo hoo...I'm back in business!

There are 60 spots and they aren't all full...you know what that means...

I need to go shoppin'!

This makes me even happier, happier, happier.

I seriously thought I was pure GENIUS for thinkin' of this...

UNTIL

I went to Pinterest and found that someone had already made one before me.

GASP!

Out of all of my Pinterest browsin'...how had I never stumbled on it before?

Sad face.

Maybe next time I'll invent somethin' phenomenal that nobody else has thought of before.

You could always follow me on Pinterest...

just in case that genuis moment happens...

I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss it.

I also made somethin' to use with my rockstars to continue our practice of multiplyin' decimals.

Valentine's Decimals-Multiplication Task Cards

Check out how I use these in my classroom here.

Have you checked out my super sweet friends' giveaway?

Be sure to hop on over to 

Head Over Heels for Teaching and Fourth Grade Flipper

to enter the Rafflecopter...every day until January 12th!

Happy Monday friends. 

Be sure to check out the other Monday Made It's on Tara's blog too!