Check out these awesome giveaway & my snow day off!

Yesterday we had a snow day! We got about 6 inches of heavy wet snow. The main roads were great but the side roads were horrible. My son and I took some time to head to Kensington Metropark. We went to take some pictures and go for a walk. Here are just a few pictures that I took yesterday! Many of the song birds will eat seed right out of your hands! It's so cool!

Alyssha over at Teaching and Tapas has an awesome giveaway. K-3rd grade.  

K pack- 15 products

1st grade- 28 products

2nd grade- 29 products

3rd grade- 18 products

Checkout these awesome giveaways!!

Creative Education Concepts is having an awesome giveaway!! Head on over and check it out!

We took a mini-vacation from Wed through yesterday. We went to Cleveland for some family fun and relaxation. We had a blast! Just so sad that mid-winter break ends so quickly! Time to head back to work tomorrow! I will work on a post last today highlighting our trip, we went to the aquarium, science center and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We also went to see the Brandywine falls in Cuyahoga National Park! I can't wait to edit my pictures and post them. 

Valentine Freebie!

I threw together a quick little freebie for my Kinder Friends for Valentines Day and thought I would share it with all of you :-) You can grab it from my TPT store for free!

It's been a busy week. We have had 100's day and now Valentine's Day. Our playground has been a disaster from all the snow, rain and now snow melt that the kids have been stuck inside for 2 days. They are a little extra squirmy. 

Yeah!!! It's Currently Time!!

I love this time of month! I haven't participated in a few months but better late than never!

Listening to: Phillip Phillips -LOVE his new CD.  Man on the Moon is one of my favorite songs!

Loving the that our foyer and living room floor is finished! It turned out awesome!!! Now all we have left to do is our stairs and upstairs hallway. The stairs will take some time. We tore carpet off and the stairs underneath were not to pretty. So we are replacing the treads and risers. I have to stain the treads but finding the "right" color has been a pain. I think I have it now. It is a mixture of 2 different color stains. 

Thinking:  That I need to find a workout buddy. I want to work out but I hate doing it by myself. I know that I need to loose weight but it's discouraging when hubbs comes home "I lost 2 lbs this week" He can work out at work on his lunch. I have a gym membership but don't have the extra money to pay a trainer. 

Wanting:  I want to get more stuff finished and uploaded to my store. It's a motivation and time thing. We have been working on our floors and painting ect. So it hasn't left much time for anything else!

Needing: I need to update my resume. There are several teacher job fairs coming up here in Michigan that I want to attend. I love my job but I need something full time. 

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!!!