Five for Friday!

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 It's that time again! TGIF! 

It has been an extra long week for our school- which is funny considering it was only 4 days! We are in a "transition period" as our old principal/director has left and they are looking for a new one. Meanwhile, it's all changes and crazy over here! We have resource people helping out covering duties that aren't their typical ones, teachers spending lunches helping out where they can, and everyone really not knowing what is going on..... but

In the classroom we are still ticking away! We have been working on blends this week. It sounded super easy and I thought "my kids are totally going to rock this".... boy was I wrong. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

Every Friday for writing, I give my kids the option to sit around the room to write. THEY EAT THIS UP!!!!

 

Speaking of writing... I stumbled across this book in a box of donated books and was very sad. But then I quickly thought of all the awesome things I could do with this as a mentor text with my kids! Has anyone read this book? 

Last, while on the topic.... it's been almost 6 months now since this wonderful man in my life passed away. He's been on my mind a lot lately. 

And just to make you laugh.....

Five for Friday (on Saturday!)

Link up!

Very excited over here for another 3 day weekend! I have TONS of grad work and cleaning to do, so I will happily take the extra day off. Of course before I start that I have to do my five for friday! 

Our theme for the last few weeks has been about penguins, which is one of my favorite units. I borrowed a 2nd grade Scholastic News to use with my higher babies this week. We worked on asking deeper level questions while reading. They did great! They never cease to amaze me! 

Thankfully, we also transitioned to the informational writing unit in Write Steps. The timing couldn't be better! The kiddos are loving writing all they know about penguins each day, and I love teaching informational writing- it's a win-win!

While hubs and I have been married and living together for a few years now, our bedroom still looks like we just moved in. It was the last room to get some pizazz! Slowly, we are trying to make it pretty. The "hello" sign from Hobby Lobby was our inspiration piece, and we are working from there. We went to the thrift store this weekend and found a few more cheap finds to add to the room.... now if we could just settle down so we could add a coat of paint!

This little one is really ready for mom to be done with grad school. What a coincidence, I'm ready too! Even though it's extra work, I am really excited about my courses this semester. I have an amazing professor who is teaching Reading, Writing, and the Inquiry Process and so far it's amazing! I don't mind the readings or the assignments at all! (he isn't too interested though)

Finally bought this baby! I tried a sample in a birch box and fell in love! It's the best highlighter for contouring EVER! Such a gorgeous shade! 

Five for Friday! First of 2015

First post of 2015 here! Happily linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching 

The first week back from break kicked off with a bang! My precious firsties came back refreshed and ready to rock and roll! Our theme for the month of January is Arctic/ Antarctic Animals. We had lots of great penguin activities and they are loving it! Our Scholastic Spin perfectly paired ( LOVE when that happens!) After reading the text, they students wrote four sentences and drew pictures to go with it of information they gained through reading. They had to highlight and show me the information from the text as well. 

 Thursday morning we woke up to a happy phone call at 6:04am saying it was a "Cold" Day. The temperature was -4 with a feels like temp of -25. Thankfully hubs was off too, and the four of us enjoyed our nice FREEZING cold day off. I got loads of things prepped, printed, and ready for the next few weeks. Good news is we had a snow day today too!!! 4 day weekends ROCK! 

  As with the majority of the world, January means healthy diets and new starts. After loads of unhealthy food over holiday break, I am loving my fresh meals, extra H2O and exercise time. Sadly, exercise in winter in Michigan isn't quite the same....but I'm working out anyways! 

 Thanks to an unexpected 4 day weekend, I have centers printed, laminated, and ready for the next few weeks! And, I still have the weekend to relax! Though honestly, I still probably won't!

 Began to rematch this series over break and quickly binged my way through all 4 seasons on Netflix.... just the other day they added Season 5! So thrilled!  

Back to School- Who?

Two posts in a row all about me. This one is just going to be mainly photos. 

I have been married for just over 3 years to Ryan, my wonderful husband. He is a teacher too, which kinda rocks most days! He is funny, sweet, and so dang hott!

Aside from my husband, our little family has 2 large personality fur babies. Even though they are both less than 6lbs they take up so much room in my heart! Quinn, my floppy eared bundle of love will be 4 this Christmas. He is sensitive, emotional, but such a lover. Liam, will be 2 in October. He could pick up a radio signal from miles away with his ears. He's curious, hyper, and such a happy boy. 

My family is my rock! My family is very small, and sadly a few weeks ago just got one member smaller. It's always just been my parents, two little sisters, and grandparents... just the 7 of us. My grandpa, my hero passed away on July 26th. He is the strongest man I know, and such a wonderful human being. The world is a little bit sadder now. My two little sisters are my best friends. They are beautiful inside and out and I don't know what I would do without them. 

In my free time I love to go on adventures. The hubs and I love to travel and be outdoors. Daily walks with the boys, kayaking and hiking, and working out. I also recently got into photography. I have done a few weddings and portrait sessions and love it! 

Remember to stop by Blog Hoppin' and share about you! 

Meet the Teacher

Hi everyone! I'm Heather....horrible blogger over here. As a new school year is approaching, my goal is to be much MUCH much better. I am 25 years young. I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan and love being home! I spent the last 3 years teaching 4th grade in Orlando, Florida. This year I will be teaching 1st grade down the road. I am so pumped to finally be in primary. 

Besides teaching, I am a full time masters students. I will be graduating next year with my Reading Endorsement and specialist degree. My free time is spent with my two little baby boys, Quinn and Liam and my loving husband. We met almost 8 years ago and fell in love quickly. We have been married for 3 years now! 

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

My boys. My sisters. Working out and kicking butt. Hiking. Beaches. Photography. Starbucks Refreshers. Trying new restaurants with the hubby. Family time. Fall. Shopping. Dessert (of any kind). 

 IF YOU WEREN'T A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

If I wasn't a teacher. I would either be a full time photographer or a dietitian. I love taking photos and I think health and nutrition is fascinating.  

THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU.

Motivated. Social. Nurturing   

 

FINISH THE SENTENCE, "________,  SAID NO TEACHER EVER!!"

"I'd love to do car duty again today"...said no teacher EVER!!
 

Q: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE {DEAD OR ALIVE} TO THE PARTY. WHO ARE YOU INVITING?

Ed Westwick...for those of who don't know who he is.... you're missing out. Chuck Bass is one awesome guy. And by awesome I mean, hott and intense.

Q: IF SOMEONE WROTE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?

 Indecisive Motivation  

 Q:YOU GET TO PICK ONE SUPERPOWER. WHAT IS IT?

 I have to go with teleportation, that way I could see the world and be back after dinner. 

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SAYING?

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle." -Christian D. Larson 
 

Q: IF YOU HAD TO SING ONE SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

Probably something by Sugarland or Luke Bryan.

 Q: ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?

I'm a Morning person through and through. I will smile and chat your ear off first thing in the morning, but by 9pm I am ready for bed. 
 

For those of you who happen to be from Michigan as well....check out this meet up!

http://brankebunchblog.blogspot.com/

Stitch Fix- Teacher Fashion

A few weeks ago I heard about this "new" thing called Stitch Fix. Stitch Fix is an awesome personal shopping service, where your very own personal shopper hand picks items for you and mails them to you.
This was something I had to try. Why? Well 1st because I don't really ever try anything new. Most of my clothes come from the exact same store, most are the same style and the same color. I needed to get out of my comfort zone. 2nd I am at such an awkward age. I am only 25 and don't want to get older. I still shop in the junior section because I simply can't step into the Misses yet. However, as a teacher I also have to look professional. I am still not quite sure how to look both young and professional at the same time. Hence- personal shopper! If you want to know more about how to get your own stitch fix, I included info at the bottom!

I was SUPER excited when I received the email that my box was on it's way! Today, I came home to my first fix. The box was waiting on my step, and inside it was like a pretty wrapped present!

There were 5 items in my box, along with a letter from my personal shopper and cute idea cards to help me use my items. (And of course a price sheet!)

The first item was a pair of stud earrings. They were huge studs- which I love! However they weren't amazing. They didn't scream- BUY me. Status- Sent back

The second item was a gorgeous turquoise color block sundress. The dress was beautiful and super light. Sadly, it was a little too big for me. Status- Sent back 

The third item was a white 3/4 sleeve blouse. It was super light, flowy, and feminine. Great fit, and so me. The problem is it was too me. I have many just like it in my closet. Status- Sent back 

The fourth item was a cute gray crochet detail top. I am still deciding on this one. I love the color and feel, but not sure about the short sleeves, as it is something I would wear for fall or winter. Status- not sure

The last item was a bright red and blue chevron top. The fit was perfect! Colors are bold and out of my comfort zone and I LOVED it! Status- Kept

I love it and will definitely be getting another box next month. My stylist learned a little more about my preference and size this time and I know next month will be that much better!!!! 

If you want to check it out for yourself GO!

How does it work?

1. 1. Sign Up and Complete Your Style Profile

   After signing up you can start immediately on your Style Profile. We need to know your size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle to get your Fix right. The Style Profile will take about 10 minutes to complete.

2. 2. Schedule a Stitch Fix

   Pick a shipment date, and we’ll send you a box of 5 clothing and accessory items we’ve hand-picked just for you. You can even opt to schedule a monthly delivery if you'd like.
   You pay a $20 styling fee when your stylist selects the items in your Stitch Fix. This $20 fee will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment.

3. 3. Try On All Of Your Items

   Try on everything we send you—you never know what you’ll like until you see it on. Pair each piece with items already in your closet to try different outfit options. Each item includes style cards with ideas and inspiration on how to wear it.

4. 4. Decide

   Take 3 days to decide what you’ll keep. Return the items you don't want in our pre-paid mailing bag at any USPS mailbox.

5. 5. Check Out

   Login to your account and pay for those items you kept. If you buy all 5 items you save 25% off the entire shipment price. Leave feedback for next time!