Double Linky and My Winner Reveal!

So last weekend I had a giveaway and then this week got CRAZY! New students and field trip paperwork and all sorts of crazy, plus a field trip yesterday! With all that being said, I've yet to name my winner for the giveaway I had! And so, my winner is...Crystal G! Congrats!

Now, onto the linky portion of this post.  I am linking up a bit late to both, but refer to the above paragraph for my excuses :P
I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday and with Oh Boy Fourth Grade for Currently...and here goes!

1. My mom loves star gazing and all that goodness, so the moon eclipse was a big deal! And since the hubs and I have the perfect location for observing, my parents drove out.  We had a nice fire and some s'mores too!

2. My class size has doubled so far this year.  I started with 14 students and have since made my way to 29! It's been a learning experience for all of us.  My kids have become very good helpers when we gain a new student.  They are good at helping them to learn the expectations and jump in to our Daily 5 rotations! But I think it has also been tiring for us...especially me!

3. Since we have had such an addition to our classroom, we have added in a bit of community building so that we are making sure everyone feels like they belong in our classroom.  This week we worked to complete puzzles in our table groups. It was great watching the kids work together. Even my few second language learners with minimal English skills joined in. This is the puzzle of the first group to finish!

4. We had our first field trip of the year yesterday...holy paperwork, Batman! The field trip went really well...we walked around for five hours! There were no complaints until the end. I think we were all tired of walking by the end and were so ready for the bus ride back to the school!

5. It's October! I love October it means that it is time for pumpkin spice, apple cider, and all other things fall! Plus it means it's time for Currently...

Listening: well, I was going to watch Pitch Perfect 2 while I got work and tpt stuff done. And then I put it in the player and it will play everything except the movie.  So I will be heading back into town tomorrow to get it exchanged! Instead, I got onto Netflix and am delving into How to Get Away with Murder!

I'm loving fall, but I could live without the crazy wind that is here with it. The weather went from higher than normal temps to lower than normal temps in less than a week.  I love the sweatshirt weather, but I could totally do without the wind!

I could totally go for a pumpkin spice latte right about now! It would be a great boost to my productivity since I have so much to do today.

I love that my husband takes time to ask questions about my day! It's very sweet!

Currently...where did August come from?

So it's August...how did that happen? I cannot believe how fast the summer has gone and I still have so much I want/need to do still!

Anyways, I'm linking up with Farley From Oh Boy Fourth Grade for her currently linky! I love completing these every month, except it always ends up being a reminder of how quickly my month has flown by.

Here's what I'm up to, currently...

My husband and I are on the very last season of How I Met Your Mother on Netflix and just found out who the mother is and of course netflix is freezing up now! Ahh!

We bought a house at the beginning of the year so we would have a place to live after we got married! I am so very blessed to have a husband who is a great handyman.  We've had a few issues within the past month...sump pump, lack of back or front door steps. But this man is absolutely wonderful and has taken on all of the issues we have come across!

I am so not ready for school to start back up.  I am switching grade levels this year and had to move everything out of my previous room, but cannot do anything in my new room until the 17th. My dining room and basement are a bit of a school storm at this point.  I feel like I have so much that needs to be prepared, but on that same token there is only so much that I can actually do at home. I am very jealous of those of you who are able to spend time in your classroom over the summer as you wish!

I really want this summer to slow down. I am needing a last little bit of summer fun...not sure what that will entail seeing as the hubs is super busy at the farm during this time of the year.  But I want one more little summer hoorah before we are both super busy! And I absolutely MUST go through the last of my upper elementary boxes so I make sure I have all the things I need before school starts!

I love the idea of Random Acts of Kindness. I try and do something like this throughout the school year because I think we as educators sometimes need a little pick me up. So this year, I am planning to put fun little notes and pick me ups out for my colleagues especially during the first week when we have tons of meetings and then the crazy grind of starting back with students!

So on all those little notes, I'm off to enjoy a little Sunday Summertime!

Currently July!

July...how did you get here so quickly? Since it is July 1, I am linking up with Farley for her wonderful Currently linky!  Here goes...

Listening: I have been binge watching Netflix on and off this summer. Right now, my go-to is How I Met Your Mother! I've seen some of the episodes, but missed a lot and watched out of order! So it has become my go to as I'm going through boxes and doing some TpT creating!

Loving: I love our house and the fact that I can add personal touches to it. I really want to do a gallery wall, but I am having a hard time choosing which wall I want to do! So for now, I will settle with decorating our mantle, which has quickly become one of my favorite things to decorate in my house!

Thinking: I have so many things on my to-do list for this summer.  Some days I'm really good about working on that list, and other days I would rather do anything but my to-do list items. So I'm trying to find a happy medium of getting things done and doing what I want to do!

Wanting: The first part is pretty self explanatory...I cannot be the only one feeling this way! The second part is something I wish I could do away with or create something to do it for me! I feel like I am constantly cleaning something in our house, but that could have something to do with the boxes in the basement and all the teacher boxes I just brought home at the end of the school year! Which leads me too...

Needing: To go through, reorganize and get rid of some of these boxes. Some of the boxes have house stuff in them (although most of those have now been gone through. And the rest of the boxes are all the teaching things, resources, books, and such that I own from having taught so many different grades over the past eight years!

AllStar: I am a good listener.  I can listen and just let people get out the things they've been needing to tell someone or I can give my advice and two sense. I let the person decide. I understand that sometimes, it's just nice to have someone to listen to the things that have been swirling around in your head!

So that's my Currently!  Here's to slowing down the summer and getting all the boxes gone through!

Currently June!

OMG! The last time I blogged was in January?!?!?! I know this makes me seem totally blog slackerish. But I promise there's good reason for my absence! Since the last time I blogged, we bought a house, I got married, we honeymooned, and now it's the crazy end of the year which includes at least a room change (that's a whole other story which I can't divulge very deeply at this point!).

But now I'm back! And I'm linking up with the wonderful Farley over at Oh Boy 4th Grade! for Currently!

Listening: I do my best work with a little background noise! I couldn't help myself when I saw that Identity Thief was on.  Makes me laugh everytime.

Loving: We bought a house in February and have done some work on it.  I love coming home to all the hard work that we have done.  We have more we want to do, but I'm loving all the changes!

Thinking: I have two days left and I have to finish report cards. So much procrastination!

Wanting: So self explanatory! This year has been full of ups and downs and absolutely amazing life moments...ready for a little relaxation and destressing!

Needing: So I'm definitely changing classrooms next year, so I've got to get things packed up. Did I mention I have two days left!?

Summer Lovin': Looking forward to more house renovations and some relaxation.  I am also ready to begin my journey with 21 day fix! I got everything in the mail and just need to get a routine started with it!

This summer is sure to be great. Can't wait to spend time with the hubs and enjoy a bunch of married firsts and fun this summer! 

Currently January!

So it's been a few months! Oops!  But I am resolving to be a better blogger this year (at least after March!).  I'm linking up with Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for her Currently Linky!

Listening: Nothing like a little Florida Georgia Line in the morning.  One of my favorite gifts I received was a bluetooth speaker that syncs with my phone.  Love it!

Loving: It's been so nice to be able to spend as much time with friends and family as we have over the past couple weeks! I could handle a little more time...how is it already Friday?!

Thinking: I get to go for my first wedding dress fitting today! I am super excited as my dress was not supposed to be in until the end of the month.  Happy last day of break to me!

Wanting: Another week off to put more time into the house we're buying.  So much wallpaper! It needs to come down and get painted.  It will eventually get done, but I'd love for it to be done sooner rather than later!

Needing: To finish one item before I start the next.  I just have so many things I want to get done.  So I start one and then begin the next so my idea is in the computer! Bad plan!

Yes...I did switch to a closer and friendlier gym over break! And then got a cold!  Heading in after my dress fitting today!

Maybe...I am really planning to be a better (more consistent) blogger this year.  It just might not be all that consistent until after the wedding in March.  There are lots of little things that still need to be figured out!

I Wish...that the previous owners of our house had put the wallpaper up properly so it wouldn't be so terrible to take down.  Slowly, we are getting it done.  It is just not the easiest process at this point!

Have a great Friday and make your last day of winter break a good one!

A Little Late to the Party!

So I am linking up with the fabulous Farley over at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the August Currently.  I am only a few days late to this party!  Anyways, here goes it...

So Orange is the New Black is my new obsession.  I have heard people talk about it and just never got the time to check it out.  So I started watching it a few weeks ago.  I am completely finished with season one and am currently making my way through the second season.  It is so incredibly addicting!

This past week has been a whirlwind of crazy busy-ness.  But I wouldn't change any of it!  It's been great!  But it's now bumming me out that the summer just got extra great and is now coming to an end for me!

I have a wedding to attend this weekend.  I am in real need of a pedicure and I would love a manicure to go with it!  I usually shellac my own fingernails, but I am kind of wanting to just sit and be pampered...too bad it gets a bit pricey!

My boyfriend and I have been trying to get together with some family all weekend and it just hasn't been working out.  So I am really, really pushing for it today!  I love getting together with family and just spending some time together.  Especially in the summer when I don't need to worry about lesson plans and such on a Sunday afternoon.

I put this together before I headed to the gym and it somehow didn't post.  So I can now check heading to the gym off my list for today!

The first day for me is still a little bit of a toss up.  But I'm hoping to get into my classroom before then to get some stuff done anyways!

Here's the last bit of info I have for you today...tomorrow starts the big Back to School Sale on TpT.  My entire store will be mark 20% off and you can get even more saving while checking out by using the code BTS14. Thanks to Krista from The Creative Chalkboard for the cute sale graphic!

My newest and current favorite product will also be included in this sale!

Two for Tuesday AND Currently!

Hey ya'll! It's time for another Two for Tuesday link up over at The Teaching Tribune.  AND Farley has her Currently linky going on.  So it's double the linky fun today!  I will start with Two for Tuesday...

Such a great way to find new resources and get them at a great price.  Here's what I have marked for 50% off today only!

This game will keep your students engaged while allowing them a fun way to practice reading their popcorn (sight) words.  I switch grades this past year and my kids were totally on board with learning their popcorn words.  Since I am staying in the same grade next year, I decided to create a few things to keep my kids practicing their popcorn words all year long without getting bored!

Next up...

This is a great way for your students to practice writing their numbers.  This item will also have your student "finding" a certain amount of images to match the numeral they're practicing.

And now, onto the Currently for July!  Cannot believe it's July already.  SLOW DOWN SUMMER! What happened to June??? Anyways, here's my Currently!

Listening: I love that CMT plays music videos in the morning.  It helps me get up and get moving!

Loving: The humidity is finally supposed to break.  Let me tell you, I can take the heat, it's the temperature that gets to me.  It messes with my lungs/asthma and makes life not so fun!

Thinking: I had this idea in my head of everything I would accomplish this summer.  I've gotten to some of it, but not as much as I thought I would've accomplished by now.  Time to step it up!

Wanting: Summer needs to slow down.  Not only because I have things I'd like to get accomplished, but also because I feel like it's just blasting past.  And I would like to stop and savor it a little more.

Needing: I must get to the post office today/call in an RSVP, like today!  And then I need to lock myself in the house for this day after the storm blah and get some organizing done.

4th Plans: We have several things we could end up doing...see my family, see his family, hang with friends...just need to sit down and decide what we're doing.

So there you have it.  Some awesome resources for half off and the story of my life at this current moment!  Be sure to head over and link up!

Currently...yay, June!

It is (near) the beginning of another month.  And y'all know what that means...time for Currently! I'm linking up for the Currently June with Farley over at Oh Boy 4th Grade!

So here it is!

Listening: my absolute favorite song (or one of) at the moment.  You should definitely check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DWtBngIGVE
Loving: The weather went from frigid to HOT and HUMID.  Today cooled off a little and the humidity broke.  It was a wonderful weather day!
Thinking: I am ready for the end of the year...almost.  I still have things to do.  But I feel like things are piling up and I'm just ready for the pile up to be done and over! But I am far from prepared...still have lots of prep to do!
Wanting: Macaroni and Cheese pizza...which probably makes you think, WHAT?!?!  But I'm here to tell you, there is this little pizza place by me that takes two of my favorite foods and combines them to make an amazing dish.  All credit goes to the boyfriend for introducing me to said pizza place :)
Needing: report cards to be finished...enough said!
Bucket List: I actually have quite the list going...
1. I need to get a more regular gym schedule going (says the girl planning to indulge in macaroni and cheese pizza for dinner!).  But I really keep a much better gym schedule during the summer. It's easier for me to get there, which shouldn't be an excuse during the school year, BUT...
2. I plan to add some (more purposeful) lifting to the gym mix this summer.  I've seen some great pictures that other bloggers have been posting such as Rachelle from What the Teacher Wants and For Blogness' Sake and Katie from Queen of the First Grade Jungle and I'm feeling very motivated!
3. I am keeping my same grade level and classroom next year (first time!) and I have some things that I would like to change and improve in the room...since I get to keep it!
4. Kindergarten has definitely kept me busy this year.  I feel like the summer is the perfect time to catch up with friends (who are also teachers and know what I mean!) and family.  Bring on the barbecues, weddings, and pure summer fun!
5. I can definitely say I will be attending at least one concert this summer. I just bought my tickets for Rascal Flatts! I need to see if there are any other concerts I'd like to talk the boyfriend into for the summer go see this summer!

So that's my Currently...off to post and check out a few other Currentlys.
Happy Tuesday!

Celebration Time! and Currently

I mentioned earlier in the week that I had FINALLY created a Facebook Page for my blog.  So I am having a little giveaway to help get some followers! Check it out, all you have to do to be entered into the rafflecopter is like my facebook page.  You can earn an extra entry by leaving a comment with a tip or something I should know when using this new part of facebook (new to me anyway!).
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the May Currently! Keep reading and then head over to see what others are up to.

Listening:  Grey's Anatomy...love me some Grey's!
Loving: That the weekend is near. Testing really makes the week drag on :/
Thinking: Now that it is May, the temperature needs to get out of the 40s or the April showers need to cease.
Wanting: New Facebook Followers...help a girl out!
Needing: To head to bed, but wanting to get this posted first. Guess who saved this instead of posting last night????
Surprise: The Moffatt Girls is a wonderful blog and Annie has some great products in her TpT shop that the kiddos (and myself) have really enjoyed this year!

Have a great Friday!

Late to the Party...

Well, I'm late to the party (which is nothing new!).  But I'm linking up with the wonderful Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade for the April Currently.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, you will definitely want to head over and check it out...but finish reading this first!

Here it is...

Lisening: I am loving Lady Antebellum. I just finished off their album on iTunes. Lots of country albums on sale for $7.99. I just couldn't help myself!

Loving: Yesterday was the beginning of my Spring Break, and it feels great!

Thinking: I would love some spring-like weather for my Spring Break stay-cation. No vacation planned, but I'd love if it would warm up a bit here.  Only a day or two forecasted to be near or slightly about 50.

Wanting: I have been wanting to go and get a pedicure for a month.  It's even been scheduled twice, but sickness came over both of us on different occasions and so we're still in the rescheduling stages.

Needing: I've got lasagna in the crockpot, but I still need to go get garlic bread and a salad.  Heading over the the boyfriend's family tonight to bring dinner! Should be fun...once I have everything I need!

Hours and Last Day: The hours above are my hours with students.  I usually get to work between 7:30 and 7:45. And it differs each day on when I leave! Depends on if I'm feeling like there's stuff I must get done or not! I try not to allow myself to stay past 4:30!

Currently March!

It's that time...beginning of a new month and time to link up with Farley for her Currently Linky!  Be sure to head over to check it out!

So here it is, my Currently for the month...

Listening: I have always been a fan of Rascal Flatts. And their newest song doesn't disappoint.

Loving: I was able to sleep in a bit this morning, and it was wonderful and much needed!  I've also been going through my TpT purchase from the last couple of days, and I'm absolutely loving my finds!

Thinking: This is pretty self explanatory. But my goodness, have I had enough of this winter?! It just needs to be over.  And they're now forecasting lower than average temperatures through May...what????

Wanting and Needing: More energy at the end of the day.  I'm thinking the way to do this is to straighten out my diet and workout routine...hence my needing to get back on the gym routine!

And my mystery answer: Mint Mocha or an Iced Tan Line. Think you know my question? Leave it in the comments!

Have a wonderful Saturday. The forecast is calling for 2-4 inches of snow today. So it looks like I'll be staying inside today...maybe using some of my new clipart!!!

Currently February and a Super Sale!

I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy, Fourth Grade! for her Currently linky! It's been a little while since I've linked up. Feels good to be getting back into the swing of blogging and linking up for some fun!   Here we go...

Listening: This is currently my favorite song.  The boyfriend and I just saw Dustin Lynch in concert (with Little Big Town and Keith Urban).  It was a wonderful concert!

Loving: The Olympics are coming so soon! I cannot wait! When I was younger, this was always a family event.  We would watch the opening together, then our favorite parts of the games, and eventually the closing.  So now as an adult, I still love watching the opening, games, and closing. Sometimes I even head over to the parentals and catch a bit with them!

Thinking: Super Bowl commercials are the best part of the game! Can't wait to see what's in store tonight!

Wanting: Spring needs to get here.  I am so over all of the snow we've gotten. And the abnormally low temperatures.  I am not that much of a winter person to begin with, but this winter has been AWFUL!!!

Needing: 100's Day and Valentine's Day are right around the corner (and only about a week apart from each other!). So I need to get some planning done.  I've got some ideas, but I need to get everything planned out for when and where. My teaching partner and I are thinking rotations for 100's Day. So we're needing to get the logistics worked out!

2 Truths and 1 Fib:
1. I truly do love dark chocolate! Dove dark chocolate or Milky Way Dark are my go to when I need a little dark chocolate fix!
2. This is my fib...I LOVE to cook.  It's the clean up that gets me!
3. My work days truly do begin with coffee.  Sometimes it's a stop to Biggby Coffee (love their coupons!). And sometimes it's the good ol' Keurig!  But either way, this girl needs an early morning coffee fix to get started!

AND now...the Super Sale! Because it's the big game (or big commercial event, in my case!), my TpT store will be on sale today.  Everything will be 20% off, so come get a little shopping done before the commercials get rolling (or the game!!!).

(Thanks to Surfin' Through Second for the sale button!)

November Currently!

So I've missed out on the last few Currentlies due to my inability to be a good blogger the past few months! But I'm back and feeling good about this month's Currently. It is really cute to! So I'm linking up with Oh Boy Fourth Grade... for the November Currently!

Listening to: I love Pandora! And my Blake Shelton station is one that I've personalized by adding more artists to and it is wonderful! Currently blasting Miranda Lambert, Only Prettier!

Loving: I had today off from work (as in I didn't have to go to work) and got so much stuff done and accomplished at home for the house and for school! Fantastically productive day!

Thinking: Even though I was hugely productive today, I could always use one more day to finish up...can't we always use just one more day?!

Wanting: Macaroni and Cheese Pizza! I know, I know...sounds a little iffy! But I promise it is wonderful.  There is a little pizza shop in town that makes it and does BOGO pizza on Tuesday nights. Easy enough to talk the boyfriend into pizza for dinner!

Needing: I had a massage scheduled for this week, but had to move it to next week.  The middle of my back is hurting SO much.  Really wishing I hadn't needed to postpone it.

Yummy Pin: Super easy and absolutely delicious...

Be warned, it's addicting. It is so hard to only eat a little and walk away! Here's the recipe link:
http://www.ziplist.com/recipes/1470208-Easy_Toffee_Pretzel_Bark?_szp=387806

Now head over and check out everyone else who has linked up for the November Currently!

Winners, Currently, and a Meet Up!

Could I possibly attempt to cram more into one blog post?  I'm sure I could, but I'm not sure y'all would like that!  So here it goes... I've got winners for my bloglovin followers giveaway! Congrats, I am emailing you after I post!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Next up, Currently July with the wonderful Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade! Love her currentlys! And please notice how I'm not complaining about it being July! July is bringing some great things for me...so I'm happy it's finally here!

Listening: I am really loving Florida Georgia Line right now! They are definitely in rotation on the iPhone, iPod, Pandora, IHeart...whatever I choose to stream my music through at the given time!
Loving: That I am so close to being on vacation. Not just sit at home vacation, but actually get out and do something vacation!
Thinking: My to do list before vacation is getting bigger and time left is shrinking quickly!
Wanting: I'll do the laundry if someone will just fold it up and then maybe pack my luggage???
Needing: To get off the computer and onto this to do list...
Tips, Tricks, or Hints: Participate...help others with their giveaways, offer freebies, comment on others' blogs. Get to know people and build bloggy relationships this way.  Makes it even more fun!

Last thing, I know, we're so close; but with me telling you to participate, I have to leave you with some pictures from the Michigan Blogger Meet Up that happened over the weekend at PF Changs! Thanks to Christina from Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge and Patty from 2nd In Line for setting things up and the cute goody bags! Here you go...

It was wonderful to meet these ladies! 

The food was wonderful! It was my first time at PF Changs!

Now, before I let you go, I have to tell you you should definitely check out these blogs. I definitely found a few new ones to follow!
Christina from http://bainbridgeclass.blogspot.com/
Patty from 2nd In Line
Amy from The Resource(ful) Room
Maria from Kinder Craze
Kelly from All That Glitters in First Grade
Marsha from A Differentiated Kindergarten
Julie from Make, Take, Teach
Ellen from Primary Classrooms Are Oceans of Fun
Kara from SpedVentures

June Currently!

I always start off by saying how shocked I am that it is a new month. But today, I will not do that! Today I will start off by saying how happy I am that it is June! Yay, June! I am linking up once again with the wonderful Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for her Currently Linky! Head over and check it out!

Radio via the TV! I am really loving Gloriana's Kissed You Good Night. Such a great song!

From now until the end of the year, it is three day weekends for this girl! That is definitely something to love!

So I'm thinking it would just make my life so much easier (and more fun for my three day weekends) if I would just plan out the next three weeks and be done with it! But that doesn't sound appealing to me right now. There are so many other things I could be doing right now that are definitely less productive ;)

I am wanting to feel less stressed right now. There's lots going on at work and out of work. It's really starting to pile on!

I need to go through the pile of stuff on my kitchen table and put my cricket away again! And the kitchen floor is screaming for a good cleaning...I'm trying to ignore it!

3 Vacay Essentials would definitely be my phone (camera, facebook, instagram...) cash (I always manage to find a cool little store that won't take credit/debit cards and rarely carry cash!) and sunscreen ( I burn way too easily to not bring sunscreen on vacation!).

So there you have it! Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

Currently...May!

It's May...what? Cannot handle how fast these months seem to be flying by.  I am linking up with Farley for her fabulous Currently Linky. Such a great way to start out a new month!

Listening...I am a bit obsessed with Luke Bryan right now. He's got a great singing voice and he's definitely fun to look at!
Loving...I am loving this warmer weather. It's about time that it showed up!
Thinking...pretty self explanatory!
Wanting (and needing)...My allergies are kicking in full force. It is all I can do to keep myself from rubbing my eyes every few seconds. Ugh!
Summer Bucket List...I've already got my trip to Arkansas planned! Cannot wait! I have so many boxes in my basement that contain so many things for different grade levels (all of which I've actually taught!) and they really need to be reorganized.

So I said earlier in the week that I would have something up this week for Severe Weather....even made the mention of Monday. Monday has come and gone and that clearly didn't work out! I'm hoping to get it finished up this weekend to have it ready for my cherubs next week! Stay tuned...

April Currently!

April is here! It seems like it was just New Years and now it's April? Where does the time go? Anyways, it's April, so it's time for another Currently! Farley always makes the cutest designs for the Currently.  You should definitely head over and link up!

Listening: This is one of my new favorite songs.  And it sounds like summer which makes it even more appealing right now!
Loving: I had some issues going on with my iPhone.  Their services reps via chat and phone were very helpful and patient.  I truly appreciate coming across great service, especially from such a large company!
Thinking: It has been snowing on and off all day. It's so windy and cold...I can't take it!
Wanting: I haven't had cheesecake in such a long time and it just sounds wonderful. And warmer weather kind of goes along with my thinkings from above!
Needing: Laundry...definitely not my favorite chore.  But I supposed someone must do it!
Advice: The only things in my store are things that I have or will have used in my classroom.  That way, you know they work and you're not making more work by making things you can't use!

Don't forget to head over and link up! Happy Tuesday!