Picture Post!

I have been crazy obsessed with blog stalking lately!  With my 3-day weekend (thank you, snow day), I had tons of time to stalk, stalk, stalk!  I love stalking craft blogs but I especially love stalking teacher blogs!  What are some of your favorite blogs to stalk?  :)

Craft update!  I got an easel for Christmas (picture in previous post) and it was shipped to my house in a large box.  The box had tons of packaging materials that I saved because I figured they would be good for something.  

 

I rummaged through my closet and craft boxes and found some fabric that I had used a while back to cover a bulletin board for my office.  I used this material to cover two of the corrugated (?) cardboard pieces and made a picture "frame" and a note holder to match my bulletin board.  I love how it all looks together and it was FREE!  I covered the clothespins on the note holder with some scrapbook paper and mod podge so they weren't so ugly.  I know I'm not a pro-crafter like some of you but I have fun with it anyway. What do you think? 

 Now, onto school stuff!  A while ago, I gave one of my bulletin boards a quick face lift.  I need ideas for how to fill this board.  I only have 3 bulletin boards in my room and I use one as an interactive board for reading activities and one for learning targets.  Any ideas for this board....it's behind my desk so it's not easily accessible!

Lately, my students talk about monster this, monster that.  So I decided to make them some monster bookmarks - they love them!

After school tutoring started a few weeks ago.  I work on literacy skills with a K/1 group of about 16 kiddos.  It's fun, but a little large for "tutoring"....more like a small class!  Either way, I'm trying to think of fun activities for these kids who struggle.  We're focusing on sight words and initial sounds in words.  Any ideas out there for me?  Here is a picture of their name tags they wear.  I initially wrote the names in vis-a-vis thinking I could re-use these tags next year....silly me!  Within 5 minutes of my first meeting, the kids had black and blue marker all over their lips and hands, LOL!  I re-wrote them this past weekend with my trusted sharpies. :)

Finally, the reason why I love my job and continue to say it has got to be one of the most rewarding careers.  I had to talk to another teacher one day and asked my kiddos to wait patiently.  I came back into the room to find this along with 3 smiling faces:

 (Yes, the one on the bottom right called me "Mrs. Manzone", haha.....she said she was rushed.

Number Talks...

Even though I'm a reading teacher, I still enjoy teaching/learning/talking about other subjects.  This year, my district is totally into math everything!  The trendy thing right now is "number talks".  Basically motivating the kiddos to talk about their math.....discuss problems and solutions, justify their answers, etc.  I love this and when I was reading one of my favorite blogs, The First Grade Parade, her post reminded me of number talks!  I'm definitely sharing this with my kids when we have an extra minute! 

There are 4 dates this year that all share the same numbers…

1/1/11….1/11/11…11/1/11…11/11/11

Well, did you know that if you take the last two digits of your birth year & add them to the age you’re turning this year, you’ll get 111?!?!  Is that numerical magic or what?!  Try it for yourself and see!!! 

My addictions.....

These are a few of my favorite things.....!  Obviously I'd be wrong not to mention my wonderful hubby or adorable doggies ....so, here are a few pictures of the man and fur-babies I can't live without.
There are also some material things that I am currently obsessed with.  I'm not saying I'm super materialistic but these items really help me to get through my days - especially at school!  So here are 10 things that I couldn't live without (at this time....haha)!

  

1. Coffee.  Starbucks is the best but I often get Tim Hortons in an attempt to save some $.  I only buy these things 1-3 times each week.  On those other days, I use creamer at home or work.  Yum!

 

 2. Google.  I. Google. Everything.  Literally!  I have a natural curiosity that I can't ignore.  If I'm curious, I will google.  On my phone, on my desktop, on my laptop - anywhere I can google!  I <3 Google.  And yes, Google is a noun and verb in my life.

 3. Chapstick.  I can't live without this stuff, especially in the winter.  I have one in my purse, one on my nightstand, one at my vanity, one in my desk drawer.....the list goes on!  For some reason, I'm always worried I'll lose one and I just can't handle that.  Nivea is my favorite but I occasionally use Burt's Bees as well.

 4. Target.  I have a total Target addiction.  If I don't go there at least once each week, I don't feel fulfilled!  I can't go to Target without checking the dollar spot.  I love how Target has everything!  There is a Target less than 5 minutes from my house AND it has a Starbucks in the store.  Heaven.

5. My Sedu flat iron.  I could probably live without this but I wouldn't choose to!  I love that I can wake up with total bed head after showing in the evening and then smooth out all the messies!  My new curling iron is fun too but I can definitely live without it since I wear my hair straight most days.

6. Clorox Wipes. At home, I just use a spray bottle (usually Clorox GreenWorks natural, all purpose cleaner).  At school, I love these Clorox wipes!  I prefer lemon scented, so fresh!  The kids love to use these as well and they're so handy!

7. Candles.  I love burning candles!  Sitting in a candlelit room is so relaxing and Bath & Body Works has some amazing scents!  I love the Slatkin & Co. candles at Bath & Body Works.  I usually try to get the 2 for $20 deal and stock up on some good scents.  Right now, I have quite a few in my cabinet so I'm trying to avoid Bath & Body for a while. :)

8. Anti-Stress Lotion.  I love any Johnson's product for the affordability and quality.  I have sensitive skin and Johnson's is great for that!  My favorite lotion lately is their 'Melt Away Stress' body lotion.  I buy a trial size in the travel aisle of Target for $1 and just use it as hand lotion.  The scent isn't overwhelming at all but it really is relaxing!

9. Containers.  I'm not sure why, but I love to put everything into containers.  At home, I don't have as many containers but I do have a lot of drawer organizers.  My husband makes fun of me for putting organizers in our "junk" drawers.  At school, it's another story.  EVERYTHING has it's place and most of the time, that place is a container!  I've found some great deals on Sterilite drawer cards and file boxes at Big Lots.  Target has a lot of book boxes and other school-related containers.  Having everything "contained" just makes me feel better.  I know, I'm weird.

10. School Supplies.  I've always loved buying school supplies.  Aren't new pens so exciting?!  I got a few gift cards to a teacher store near by and I can't wait to go use them!  I get overly excited about stuff for my classroom or crafting stuff for home.  I'm a nerd.  For Christmas, my amazing hubby bought me an easel!  I can't really use it in my small reading room this year but *hopefully* I can use it in my own classroom next year.....with my first graders(?!)......fingers crossed. :)

Worst Blogger Ever!

Yep, that's me!  I have been really busy with working both jobs and trying to start after school tutoring.  I know I shouldn't make excuses...they're boring to read about.

SO.....I kind of forgot that I was going to review movies on this site, haha!  Since I haven't uploaded any pictures from my camera lately, here are a few movies we watched recently!

 A while ago, the hubby and I went to see a movie.  It was sold out so we decided to see 'The Other Guys'.  Even though this wasn't the movie we had planned to see, I'm so glad we did!  It was really entertaining and who doesn't love Will Ferrell?  Ferrell played somewhat of a nerdy character in this and Mark Wahlberg was constantly annoyed with him.  The movie had a good balance of action and comedy.  IMDB gives this a rating of 6.7/10.  I suggest adding this to your Netflix queue!

'Book of Eli'.  I honestly don't know who added this to our Netflix queue.  It isn't something I would ever choose and the hubby denies adding it?!  Either way, I figured a Denzel Washington flick couldn't be too bad!  One good sign is that I stayed awake through the entire film, haha!  The movie had great special effects and pretty good acting (except for the guy who played Carnegie...not a fan of him at all!).  However, the plot was very boring and unfulfilling (is that a word?!).  The whole idea of a post-apocalyptic society kind of creeps me out.  IMDB gives this movie a 6.9 out of 10.  You decide if you're curious enough to rent it.....I wouldn't recommend it though! 

Last, but not least, 'She's Out of My League'.  During the first few minutes of this movie, I told my hubby, "This looks like it isn't going to be so great."  In the end, though, I ended up enjoying this movie!  'She's Out of My League' is a romantic comedy with one great actor (Jay Baruchel) and a bunch of semi-decent actors (no offense to all of those famous actors reading my blog!).  Jay Baruchel does a great job playing the nerdy main character, Kirk.  The whole movie is easily explained by the title.  Kirk (Baruchel) meets a girl who he thinks is out of his league.  Their dating experience provides a lot of laughs and (of course), there is a happy ending.  This was a feel good movie that I could easily convince my hubby to "at least try it out".  Of course he obliged since the supporting role is a good looking female! 

I hope to post school-related stuff soon!  I am doing a new mini-unit on genres after finding out that my 3rd grade reading students have showed me they need some reviewing!

p.s. Reading other teacher blogs this last week, I was sad to see so many schools got a snow day (or two) and I didn't get one!  Boo!  Maybe I'll get lucky someday soon.  Although I'm not so sure I want anymore snow.....

Welcome to 2011!

I know I've been super lazy about posting lately....sorry!  I have no good excuse!  I also have no pictures for this post.  :(

I'm on a laptop and all of my pictures are on my desktop or my camera.  Am I the only person that still uses a desktop?!  It's a good computer and not that old so I feel guilty getting rid of it!  And for some reason I feel like my documents, photots, etc. are more secure on a desktop than a laptop.  I know, I'm weird!

So a new year has started.  2010 was a great year.  As I sit here and try to remember everything that happened, I realize how horrible of a memory I really have!  Here are a few highlights:

• Nick and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary in May <3 (time flies!)
• We spent our 5th (!) year in our home together
• Chip and Dixie turned 5 in May!  (I told Nick it was time for kindergarten, he said they should be home schooled....)
• I started grad school and obtained another certification.
• Nick and I were able to make our annual trips to Florida, South Carolina and Michigan.
• I got a JOB!  Even though my job is part-time, my foot is IN the door!  That's the most important thing and I'm hoping for a FT position for the 11/12 school year! 
• We celebrated our 9th Christmas together - whoa!  
• I turned 25 - a quarter of a century.  (No worries though, Nick will always be older!)
• My mom and her boyfriend (feels weird to call him that!) moved into a new house that they love very much and have already made it into a home!
• My LITTLE sister started her junior year of college!
• I was in the maid of honor for one of my best friends.
• Another one of my best friends got engaged AND built a house with her hubby to be.
• Another one of my best friends (I'm lucky to have so many) found out she is EXPECTING!

It's hard to think of anything else right now but I'm a little distracted watching HGTV's tour of the 2011 Dream Home!

Hope 2011 is the best year yet.....I have a good feeling about it :)

Inside Recess....

Am I allowed to not title my blog entries?  I hate coming up with creative names.  Either way, I definitely foresee inside recess for this week.  Check out our first big snow:

For some reason the birds act like I haven't fed them for weeks!  Maybe they're storing up some food and preparing to hibernate.  That's what I want to do!

The hubby and I braved the cold and snow today and went to the store to get a few Christmas gifts and other necessities.  I bought some ingredients for a new mint chocolate cookie recipe I found online....excited!  In other cooking adventures....I made a new creamy cheesy potato dish that was really yummy and really easy.  Sorry I couldn't get a good pic:

I wanted to get the teachers I work with something small for the holidays.  I didn't have a ton of money to spend so I was thinking about making something.  That's when I came across one of my  new favorite blogs: Sisters Stuff!  This blog is SO fun!  There are so many easy ideas for crafts and gifts.  I stole their idea of post-it note holders.  What teacher doesn't need post-its close by?!  Here is their entry: http://sistersstuff.blogspot.com/2009/12/post-it-note-holders.html.  I made 10 of these and spent less than $2 on each one.......probably close to $1.50.  Here are some pics of what I made.  I also decided to make coordinating pens.

Last weekend Nick and I got to go see the zoo lights.  It was freezing but hot chocolate helped us stay warm.  Here's a pic:

 

5 more days of school until winter break!  I love my job but I'm super excited to have a break.  I feel like I have a ton left to do for Christmas.  Not only am I not done shopping, but I haven't even started wrapping anything!  I'm hoping I can finish shopping this week (depending on the snow....) and then wrap the first week of break!  At school I got a new tabletop whiteboard easel I had been eying for a while. Our PTO gave each teacher $100 to use on something for the classroom.  Since I'm PT, I got $50.  I was still really excited to get some free money to use for my room!  I also used a coupon on this easel so I only ended up spending $10 out of pocket!  The whiteboard is magnetic (great for our magnetic letters) and the back has storage pockets.  After buying it, I found out that the $1 pocket chart from the Target dollar spot also fits on perfectly!  

A few months ago (time is FLYING), I got my  new Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention kit. They included a flyer for a free color alphabet/consonant cluster poster.  I sent in for it and just got it recently.  The kids love this compared to my old black and white copied version!

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah for those who celebrate :)

I have some pictures to post (finally)!

So I've been working at my other job.  It's alright.  Nothing exciting like school but it will be nice to have some extra money!  Anyway, I worked there M/T/W.  Today is my first afternoon off.  The rest of the week I worked 8a-6p with a 30 min lunch (lunch doesn't include travel time).  I really was looking forward to having this afternoon off.....not to bum around but to get stuff at home done!  I had a long to-do list!  Today at school, they asked me to sub.  Now, tell me if I'm a bad person for not taking the job because I feel so guilty!  Here are the circumstances: 1.) The teacher wanted to leave for the afternoon because she wasn't feeling well. (She never seems to feel well.)  2.) The class is a notoriously rowdy group and I would not get a break the entire afternoon (no specials/planning time).  3.) I hadn't had lunch nor did I have anything to eat - I would have to skip lunch.  4.) The secretary called down to ask me to sub at 12:27.  I would have to "report" at 12:30p.  Seriously?  I guess I'm just typing this out so I don't feel as guilty for not helping out one of our teachers......

Ok, onto fun stuff!  I got two of my four new students this week.  I'm waiting on the other 2 to turn in forms required for intervention.  One of my new kids didn't get to come to class today.  Reason: he is suspended.  (Reminder: he's in 3rd grade.)  Oh dear.  I'm going to have my hands full with that group!

I promised some photos from the OSU/Michigan game so here you are.  Let's not forget Ohio State won again (37-7)!  GO BUCKS! We went tailgating first.  We left home around 8:30a (we took coffee)!  It was freezing but really fun.

Last week I started decorating for Christmas.  Last night we finally got around to getting our tree up and decorated!  Here are some pictures of my holiday decor.  I know it's not anything great but it's not something I love to spend a lot of $ on....a lot of this is stuff I have been given as gifts or hand-me-downs!

This little banner is a gift from my mother-in-law.  I had a few lighthouses in my family room so she thought I wanted to start collecting EVERYTHING lighthouse.  Ha!