I have been MIA!

Things have been in transition for over a month now. We are so busy here that I haven't had time to post! My 12 yr old son has always been interested in anything transportation. Trains, planes, cars ect..... Trains and planes being his passion. For as long as we have been going to local air shows he has been interested in the kids that work the air shows in their bdu's. So we checked out our local Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadron back in October once Nathan turned 12. He fell in looooooooooooooooooooooooove with it!!!! And wanted to join right away. You may no be familiar with CAP. 

Off of our Squadron's Website! CAP's cadet program trains young men and women in teamwork, moral leadership, aerospace education, technical skills to support emergency services, and military history and customs. Through national encampments, a college and flight training scholarship program, and the International Air Cadet Exchange, CAP cadets broaden their horizons, learn to assume responsibility, feel self-confidence and set goals for their lives. Spend your spare time with like-minded guys and girls, ages 12 to 21, doing volunteer work that really helps your community. At Civil Air Patrol's weekly meetings, you'll learn teamwork and leadership skills that will serve you from now on. As you progress through CAP's multi-level cadet training, you'll learn the principles of aviation and aerospace flight. You'll learn about rocketry and physics through hands-on experiments. You can even get a taste of military life, and learn about military history, customs, drills and inspection. You could end up in one of the top squads in the nation if you advance to the most elite competition for CAP cadets, National Cadet Competition.

We decided to join as a family. They are many opportunities for adults too!! Here are some of the awesome things we have done so far!

This is Operation Good Cheer! The Michigan Wing CAP cadets and seniors helped to load bags of gifts on to trucks and plane so all the kids in the foster care system would have a great Christmas. We loaded thousands and thousands of give for about 4600 kids in foster care. It was an awesome experience!!! 

   

Then for Veterans day we participated in a ceremony in Birmingham  MI! (My son in white) He didn't have his uniform yet but he wanted to be there!!

On December 15th we participated in Wreaths Across America. We were able to honor over 5000 veterans at the Great Lakes National Cemetery  We are honoring all veterans and active military by placing wreaths on the headstones of veterans. The fresh evergreens are a symbol used for centuries to recognize honor, and a living tribute renewed annually. 

This past weekend my son was able to participate in his first Orientation  Flight. OMG!! He was in heaven. He was able to help fly the plane, learn about the instrument panel ect....

I have also been on the hunt for a new job! I love my job I just need to be working full-time! This has been a very frustrating hunt! I have had many interviews and been down to another candidate and I and well I lost out! I know when the time is right there will be a position for me! But it is still so frustrating!

Need Help!

Sorry I haven't posted in FOReverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! Things have been busy around here! I have a few things I would like to post on TPT and need 3 people to take a look over them for me for mistakes and to make sure they play the right way!

They are preK/K alphabet recognition games.

Thank you so much!!

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

Great Video to start each day!!!

My co-worker passed this on to me today. It's a catchy little tune by Will.i.am for Sesame Street!! It's called "What I am"  It's fun, positive and upbeat. I just thought I would share! Enjoy!!!

How do you start the beginning of the day in your classroom???

I've Been Boo'd!!!!

Tammy over at Dots of Fun! Clip Art has Boo'd me!!!  So I am sharing the love!!!! Cynthia over at 2nd Grade Pad is having the great Linky Party above! Head on over and check it out!!!

Well now I have to highlight 3 blogs....................WOW this is going to be hard!!!

Blog that has less followers......

One that has more.............

One that has the same amount..............

Featured on Fun in 1st Grade! & Last Chance!

Dana has graciously featured me in her New Teacher Blog Tuesday! Thank You Dana!

Also.....................

Don't forget to enter my Bic Box of Goodies giveaway!!! Today is the last day!!!!
This box of goodies is AWESOME!!!!

Yeah!!! It's Here!! October Currently!

WOW!!! I can't believe that it's the beginning of October already!! Fall is my favvvvvvvvvoooorite time of the year! I am of course hooking up with Farley from Oh 'Boy Fourth Grade! 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway I have going for a box full of BIC Goodies!! I promise you will LOVE what you get from them! I am LOVIN the pens and pencils that I  have left from the review I did. 

Click above to take you to the post & giveaway!!!!

Primary Possibilities 500 Follower Giveaway!!! & Friday Letters!!

Primary Possibilities is having a wonderful giveaway!! It is an honor to be a part of this giveaway!

 Head on over and check it out!!

It's been awhile since I hooked up with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday letters!

Dear Resume, (again) Please, Please find your way to the top of the pile so I can get a new job. 

Dear Hubby, I dislike you for being a pain in the ass about me turning 40!! You are a man it is different for you! Thank you for the beautiful flowers though!

Dear Boss, Thank you for having faith in me to analyze math and reading data and create my schedule!

Dear Claire (Live, Laugh, Love, Teach), I miss you terribly. I currently have a HUGE room to myself but I am excited for you as you begin your journey as a 5th grade teacher! Good Luck!

Dear Mom, Thank you for watching Nathan at the drop of a hat when I ask!

Dear Nathan (My Tweenager), You are about to turn 12 (Sunday). Can we please turn back the clock and slow down a bit? I love you!! 

Dear Fall TV Shows, I am excited to have new shows to watch!! The Voice, Glee, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. 

Haven't posted in awhile!

I am sorry I haven't posted anything substantial in a while. But I didn't want to be a Debbie Downer or Negative Nelly. I have applied for many jobs over the last few weeks from many I don't hear anything until you get the general rejection letter through email. The one I am most mad hurt about is a interview I had with my own district. I have been with my district for almost 2 years doing sm. group intervention, summer school and before/after school tutoring. I have gone above and beyond in everything I do. I was told after my interview that I didn't have enough classroom experience. 

Anyways............. yes it makes me angry to think that was I do is NOT valuable enough experience for them to give me a job in a classroom. I am to the point that I know that I will go no where in the district that I am in and have to find greener pastures. Until then I will continue to look for a job and continue to do my job well. 

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Last weekend my son went on a boy scout camping trip. They spent 4 hours canoeing on Sat. I met them for lunch and to take some pictures! They had a blast! 

Nate is in the front of the canoe with the hat on!

Listening contently to his scoutmaster. I wish he would listen to me like that!

Nate with his canoe buddy Josh! They had a blast together!

Packaways Review

I don't have an organizational gene in my body. It is not on my top list of priorities. In my eyes I have better things to do than have everything organized at home. Now my classroom is a different story. Everything has its place. I received  my Packaways last week. When I opened the box I had gotten the green and pink ones. LOVE the colors! 

I typically use plastic storage totes to store my teaching stuff when not using it, they can be a pain to store when they are empty. Packaways are a brand new storage tote made of corrugated plastic that fold away flat when not in use. 

They fold flat when not in use!! Makes for very easy storage!

The flap you see fold down and locks into place to make a strong bottom!

I LOVE, LOVE that you can write on them with a dry erase marker! So you know what you packed in the box. 

Packaways are made from corrugated plastic and are resistant against water and humidity. These storage boxes are also proudly made in the USA. Whether you're looking to help your child organize their room, organize your own space, or need some durable options for moving - Packaways has got you covered!

- I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

It's here.......The September Currently is finally here!

I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for the September Currently!!

Social Sunday, New Products & more!!

ok............I have been busy doing things I shouldn't be! I have been creating new products for my store. I don't really have a classroom to get ready for, since we are still in the process of moving everything into my new room. Being a Title 1 Teacher we don't start with kids until the 2nd week of school. This year the 1st, 4 weeks of school I will be working on MEAP & NWEA Prep for 3rd & 4th grade students. Then I will transition into working with K-4 for the rest of the year.

Here are 2 of my newest games! Dolch Sight Word Bingo! They are avalible in my TPT & TN Stores!

TPT   or   TN

TPT   or    TN

My partner in crime Claire over at Live, Laugh, Love, Teach has moved onto a full-time teaching position.  I am very happy for her but very sad that she had to leave me. We worked great along side one another and it  was like she just came in and knew what to do!! I am going to miss her!!!!

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I'm linking up for Sunday Social ! Click the picture below to link up tooo!

1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?I have to pick just one? We spent a lot of time camping this summer. But my favorite had to be our camping trip to Gaylord, MI! We were able to go wine tasting in Traverse City at some AMAZING wineries!!

2. What was your favorite outfit look of the summer/clothing item?

Just a basic t-shirt and shorts! I lived in them all summer long with flip flops or sandals!

3. What is one thing you wish you had gotten to do this summer?

Visit Mackinaw Island. We went up to the bridge but we didn't have enough time to go to the island! There is always next summer!!

4. What was your favorite song of the summer?

Home by Phil Phillips
Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson
One More Night by Maroon 5
Payphone by Maroon 5
What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction


5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer?

Deadliest Catch
Diners, Drive-in & Dives


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Tonya is having a HUGE giveaway!! Head on over and check it out!!!

The Best Pencil Sharpener EVER!!!!!

Have you ever seen this pencil sharpener?

It is aaaamazzzzing!!

I have always had a love/hate relationship with pencil sharpeners.  Troy from Classroom Friendly Supplies graciously sent me The Quietest Classroom Pencil Sharpener to review. Troy is a primary school teacher so he knows a thing or two about the trials and tribulations of pencil sharpening. Many teachers like me struggle with finding a great pencil sharpener that works every time, easy to use and kid friendly!

In Title 1 we have a treat tub and always inside it are pencils from the dollar stores. The kids love them but they typically do NOT sharpen well in the run of the mill pencil sharpner. Well the green beauty above did a WONDERFUL job at sharpening each and every holiday, felt, and glitter pencil that I tried. It even did a great job on the colored pencils that I tried too.

It's quiet! It's quick! And Sharp!

Look at how sharp the points are!!! 

My son LOVES this pencil sharpner! He was sad when I took it into my classroom yesterday! 

You should head right over and check out Classroom Friendly Supplies and get your own today!

2 new products & a poll

Can you vote for the poll to the right at the top of my page?? I am creating bingo games for my stores and I wanted to know what I should use for sight word bingo. Fry Words or Dolch or both!

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Please, Help a girl out on deciding what to use. I would also love if you would re-post so people will come take the poll too!! Thanks!!

I have 2 new products I have uploaded to my TPT & TN store!

Uppercase Alphabet Bingo

&

Lowercase Alphabet Bingo

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OMG!!!! The Back To School Expo is AWESOME!!!! 

And you can enter to Win a FREE ticket!! 

Teachers Notebook

There are presentations by:

Annie Moffatt from The Moffatt Girls

Cara Whitehead from Teaching...My Calling

Melanie Ralbusky from Schoolgirl Style

Eric & Brian from Wise Guys

Yvonne Crawford from MixMinder

The Vendor Hall is Ammmmmaaaazzzzing!!! 

And there is a goodie bag of over 56 items totaling over $180!!!!