Craft-a-poluzza

I shall affectionately call this weekend my own craft-a-poluzza.

Friday afternoon was spent at Applebee's with a few coworkers, followed by a relaxing evening at home.  I did some laundry, graded the one assignment I had to, labelled some new books for my students, and washed my make-up brushes (living the dream, I know!).

Saturday started with breakfast with a family member, then shopping for baby showers until the early afternoon.

My friend Mrs. K has a birthday next month and I wanted to make her a new Disney wreath for her front door.  I used different sized grape vine wreaths to recreate Mickey's iconic outline:

I also wove in leaves to give it a fall theme.  I didn't attach the leaves on purpose so she can take them out and hang up Christmas lights or hearts for upcoming holidays.

I took it over and surprised her with it. 
  
I also finished a baby shower scrapbook, a baby onesie, and the next project in {Rule 11}.  However, since the gift hasn't been delivered yet, I'm keeping that one under wraps for now.

I also enjoyed a nap, friend time, went to a house warming party, and painted my nails in preparation for next week.

I didn't do a lot of school work this weekend but that's okay because work-life balance is important.

Field Trips & February

I didn't do so great with my whole finish a book a month goal...

To be fair, a lot of events {occurred in January}, so I can't be too upset.

I'm currently dealing with a sinus infection.  They've lessened with frequency post {surgery}, but are still quite unbearable.  I get another new student today (that makes 37 in case anyone was keeping track) and we have an outdoor field trip...with a wind advisory.  Clogged nasal passages meant I woke up at four having trouble breathing (despite medication and a humidifier), so it's been an incredibly productive day before seven am.  I scheduled our tax appointment, took out the trash, tweeted my senators about blocking DeVos's nomination for Secretary of Education, graded, and read two chapters of my novel (ya know, the one I was supposed to finish in January).

We also got our Donor's Choose project funded! We've got another one collecting funds on another one entitled {I am Not the Enemy}.  This one requests books on the Holocaust, Jewish and Muslim faith, non-violent resistance, and Native American Indians. Subtle, right?  I'm not ashamed of providing my students with information about the world. They shouldn't be scared of their neighbors. They shouldn't be ashamed of their backgrounds.

I've been asked if I fear a censorship letter from the government.  Quite frankly, it'd be an honor to receive such a letter.  To be viewed as a threat for spreading truth.  I'd be right up there with the scientists, the media, and the National Parks Service.  #goals

Looking ahead to February...

We've already celebrated a 30th birthday party, hosted a Super Bowl gathering, and enjoyed a Netflix marathon. I also attended a friend's bridal shower and went #blackout for a stand against DeVos.

Also up on the docket for this month:

1) We have three field trips.  Today's is the Springs Preserve, we're going to the middle school for a tour, and my class won a bonus trip to the Smith Center at the end of the month for a play.

2) We're celebrating our four year anniversary with buying a mattress and getting our taxes done. Hooray for romance and adulting.

3) Our bathroom cabinet remodel will be almost done. I'm staining our new built ins myself to save on cost (and because I want them to perfectly match the other cabinets).

4) Finalizing the details of a baby shower.  Unfortunately, the bridal shower I was planning is no longer happening because the couple split.  I don't know the details but I wish them both the best.  I don't have the receipts for the items purchased, but luckily another friend is hosting a baby girl baby shower in the upcoming months and is willing to buy some of the items off of me at cost.

5) Hosting a bridal shower for a co-worker (and his soon to be wife) on Friday.  I've got help for this one and hopefully enough supplies. I'll find out Thursday night when I set up!

6) Finishing The Hammer of Thor, creating the TpT products, and starting the next novel for Battle of the Books.

In the mean time, feel free to visit {my store} and enjoy some discounts with the flash sale!

Sneaking into September

 (Image from love this pic)

I blinked and it's September.

Not the beginning of September mind you, the middle.  With the school year starting late (August 29th), this time of year feels more frantic than normal.  Granted, wedding planning and adjusting to a new role at work doesn't help.
 
Reading... Teaching with Love and Logic by Fay and Funk.

I've read the parenting version because that's what our school counselor had on hand (it was a {summer read}).  This gem is frequently back ordered...and for good reason.  It's just a lot of practical, common sense advice for avoiding power struggles with students (a trap I fall into often).  I've had a few rough years and have to be reflective on that.  Perhaps part of my teaching style was a catalyst for their behaviors, so it's time to try something new.

This year I'm giving them more choices (but I'm okay with all the choices that are given), having less hall way conversations, and trying to ensure a more calm classroom environment.  It's going fairly well.

Playing... catch up on blogging!  There's lots to share in terms of wedding updates and the first two weeks of school.  My phone is currently uploading pictures to dropbox and I'm planning out posts.

Watching... Once Upon a Time because season 5 is now on Netflix!  Granted, this is how we watch Netflix...

...so sometimes I have to watch episodes a few times to get the whole picture.  Crookshanks is laying on me while Waffles has claimed her portion of the bed. 

Trying... to be motivated to tidy the house or plan out meals for the week.  However, B's not home (he's off golfing), so I feel like I should relax too.

Cooking... not a whole lot these days. But that's nothing new.  We'll set up our meals when he's home and make decisions together.

Eating... well, trying to eat healthy.  The first two weeks of the school year are fueled by caffeine and chocolate out of sheer necessity (it's LONG hours), but now it's time to get back into a routine.  As a helpful tip to fellow teachers, always keep an extra frozen meal in the freezer or can of soup in your desk just in case.  One of my colleagues had a super hectic morning (she's got twin teenagers who just got their drivers licenses) and forgot her lunch.  I didn't want her to starve or worse, eat school lunch, so I was able to help her out.

Drinking... water, water, water. The more liquid I consume, the more sinus drainage I have.  Considering I'm still in recovery from my sinus surgery, this is a good

Calling... my momma but she's out living life (possibly at yoga).




Texting... friends. One had a super rough week, but we love her and sent her flowers to brighten her day:

Pinning... nothing? I haven't had a chance to do my nails in weeks, much less get on Pinterest.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed (as I am at the start of the school year), seeing pinterest perfect, color coded classrooms doesn't help!

Tweeting... again, nothing? I think I uploaded a picture to instagram a few days ago?

Going... to finalize our wedding flowers later today! Small baby steps in the right direction.

Loving... this school year. I have the most kids I've ever started with (thirty five, ya'll. Thirty freaking five) but honestly, 34 of them are stellar.  The one who is being difficult has been for years, but I've made positive parent contact and keep purposefully seeking out opportunities to praise the kiddo for on task and appropriate choices.  He's just a tad spoiled, doesn't seem to have expectations at home, and gets very angry with me when I ask him to do things in class (and not just draw).  We'll get there.  In the mean time, I've got thirty four other munchkins who are thrilled about fifth grade and having some great discussions so far!

Hating... how my nose still isn't better. I know surgery and healing is a process, but still. I'm on a decongestant to help with the drainage.

Discovering... that my sinuses and nose now work as they should! I did a nasal spray (as I do, multiple times a day) and it drained down my throat.  That has never happened before.  My nose plumbing is working correctly (even if it's still healing).  Hooray for science and medical advancements!

Thinking... about a bubble bath, a pedicure (at home of course, we're saving for a wedding), or a nap.  Or quite frankly, all of the above.

Feeling... like walking the pup, but it's simply too hot outside.

Hoping (for)... healing and peace.  A coworker had major surgery yesterday, a friend is dealing with medical issues, and others are fighting depression.  It's hard. I sometimes struggle to find the words to say, so I simply reaffirm that they're not alone and it's okay if they don't want to be social.  Depression is draining, healing is hard, and sometimes it's okay to not be okay.  I just hope they know I love them and am rooting for them.

Listening (to)... Crooksie trying to make her way into the pantry.  Our two cats are on a new diet and one is not enjoying it.  I found a hole in the food bag and realized that she'd snuck into the pantry and was supplementing her diet with extras.  No more of that!  So she's now giving quite the sassy attitude because the pantry is closed and that's where their food is kept.  The struggle is real.

Celebrating... the weekend!  Our wedding invites are mailed, our cake tasting is set up, we've received our first RSVP for the wedding, and there's lots of exciting things happening.  We're thrilled about our wedding, but also thrilled for the big events in our friends' lives.  This month brings a five year old's birthday party and another couple's baby shower.  Another friend is putting the finishing touches on her new (first) home and others are almost done unpacking from their move. 

Smelling... hahahaha nothing.  Thanks nose.

Thanking... the gals that came over last night for a make your own bath products party! (Bathologie, all natural and organic stuff!)

Considering... how to proceed with my nail situation.  Gel polish? Jamberry wraps?  Decisions decisions.

Starting... to plan a baby shower in my head... (not for me, no one jump to conclusions!)

Finishing... this blog post!

What are YOU up to currently?

What will it bee?

With the holiday weekend approaching, I thought I'd take a minute to pause and reflect on an even more exciting event.  I'm going to be an aunt again.

B's brother and wife are expecting their third child.  Since they already have a daughter and a son, they're being surprised by the gender at birth.  

They're still having a baby shower and it's bee themed with neutral yellow, black, and gray colors.  The gist is "what will it bee?" which is fun.

I've got a minimal role in the baby shower but here's what I've tackled:

Game One:

They're having guests vote on baby names (which I've kept secret because the shower is later today).

I snagged this {freebie}, used {free fonts} and inserted text boxes in Word to create this game.  The parents to be had a version they liked but asked if I could "make it better", which to me means cute fonts and borders.  

They're excited, which is what really matters.

The Wreath

I've already blogged about {the process} but this wreath is off to my (future) mother in law's house today!  I don't know how their front door is, so I included two hanging options:

The first is self explanatory, but doesn't always fit between doors and door frames.  So I also have a command hook, which is used on the inside of the door and hung upside down (as shown with our own front door).

Tada! There's your hack of the day. 


Game Two: Jeopardy

The mama to be (bee) emailed me her questions for jeopardy.  With the help of glue sticks, poster board, decorative envelopes (thanks Joann's) and note cards (thanks Target), I transformed this:

Into:

All while binge watching Shark Week.  Of course, it wouldn't be a project at my house unless there was pet helpers laying on the poster board as I'm trying to glue!

I also made grandma to bee, mother to bee, and big sister to bee sashes for the party.  Big brother, great grandma, and dad all got buttons to wear as well.

As part of their gift, I also snagged this adorable {onesie from Target}:

It comes with a hat but I also picked up coordinating bibs.  

I will love this munchkin regardless of gender, but I'm really hoping for a second little niece to spoil! 

It's gonna be May

(Picture from {fellow blogger})


First and foremost: 


1) Survive.


There are a lot of escalating behaviors. There are a lot of parent-teacher-principal meetings. There are a lot of frustrating days..

2) I know it's more than half way through the month.  I can still make goals.

3) Finish this grad class.  He (the instructor) wasn't joking when he said the course work would take 45 hours (outside of work) to complete in the month time frame.  Once I'm done, I'll officially be at masters +34, which meets my personal educational goal.  (More on why that doesn't matter to my district at a later date!)

4) Do my nails.  They've been bare for a week. It's a small thing I can do for myself to boost my mood.
   

Reading... a huge stack of opinion essays on which would make a better pet: cats or dogs.  Since I am the proud fur mama to both, I'm torn.

This is the best set of essays my students have written this year, which is exciting.  It's been wonderful to see their growth as writers (and learners).  There's a lot of humor in these essays and my favorite line so far is "claws before paws".  

However, once all of the chaos of the end of the year subsides, I'll be diving into this:

Can't wait!   Some of my students have already finished The Hidden Oracle because it was released weeks ago but I told them no spoilers.  Several have expressed empathy because I have to wait until school is done to start the book.

I lack self control with books. I will escape into the pages and emerge hours later, having blissfully ignored the world spinning around me.  However, with everything on my end of the year to do list, this is not an option.  Since I lack self control, I have to wait. 

Playing... how long can I put off writing my report card comments. It's a game no one wins.

Watching... Gilmore Girls, again, in preparation for the Netflix relaunch of four epic episodes later this year.


Trying... to be positive.  This continues to be a struggle at the present time.

Being a grown up really stinks sometimes.

Cooking... nothing.  I was not aware of the true size of a 24" pizza from Angelina's so when I picked one up for me and B...it will feed us for a week.  The box did not fit in our fridge.  The box did not fit in the front seat of my car but instead went in the trunk.  So we will be eating left overs all week.

Eating...previously mentioned monster-sized pizza.

Drinking..water.  Lots and lots of water.

Calling... my mom, soon (ish).

Texting...B's mom about what she needs from the store.

Pinning... end of the year ideas.

Going... to finish grading. I have 2 final tests to give (and grade) on Monday and then year 7 will officially be in the books!

Loving...all the support surrounding my dear friend Ashley. She's a bit of a medical mystery and despite the weeks of hospitalization with no definite answers, she's got a smile on her face. She's one of the strongest people I know.  

She's also a die-hard Carolina Panthers fan...so I redecorated for her:

 

Waffles and I went to visit her yesterday.  We brought her family dinner and then I did her nails because everyone needs some girly time.  Waffles absolutely loves going to the rehab center because so many people want to stop and pet her.  

She's not a therapy dog but will happily sit and let anyone rub her belly.  She is also very gentle and was on her best behavior (it was our second visit).  Waffles also did amazing with the little kids that were there, which is good news for our future (IN A FEW YEARS) kids.


Hating... that she has no answers and isn't getting better.  At school I'm not a fan of the fact that about eight students are ruining the end of the year for everyone

Discovering... fifth grade may not be the grade for me.  That's rough to process, but there's a new crisis each day and it's getting hard to handle. 

But I'm trying to cope and focus on the positives through journaling:

Thinking... about opportunities.  I'm sorting through a lot of "maybe" scenarios for the future, so I stocked up on some office supplies to help me sort through my thoughts:

To be fair, I don't ever really need a reason to buy new office supplies!

Feeling... like my nose may fall off.  Thank goodness my face CT and follow up with the ENT is scheduled for the first week of summer break.

Hoping (for)...minimal to no report card edits!  We submit our grades and report card comments to administration.  My principal double checks that the comments are appropriate and specific for each child.  Then gives them back with editing remarks.  I'm hoping for a short stack!  Last semester I just had a few misplaced commas, nothing urgent.

Listening (to)...B watch a video for class.

Celebrating... that this school year is almost over! That means a new planner for next year:

Smelling... nothing. Thank you allergies.

Thanking... everything holy that the school year for being almost over!

Considering... a nap. 

Starting... to prep for next week's baby shower at work.  In the past two weeks, I've hosted a Amber's bridal shower:

And baby showers (two at once):

 
I do the shopping and decorating.  Another amazing staff member makes the cakes.  Team work is truly winning at our school!
 Finishing... the grading today, even if all the curse words are involved!