Summer is Here!

Happy Summer!

I have been so busy this summer and it is only July 7^th!

I have already visited my dad in northern California, cleaned half the house (like moving furniture cleaning), done some work on the house, cleaned two cabinets out in my classroom, and started putting ideas and information into my planner.

I can’t remember the last time I had so much energy? But it feels great! I have been eating well and exercising regularly which has given me a boost in energy.

Today I am going back-to-school shopping this morning. Need to get some essentials for the new school year.

I am also gearing up because I will have a 4^th/5^th combo class this year again. I like to get a little ready for that because it takes a little more work. One of the things I have been focusing on is literature to read for each grade that covers the social studies curriculum.

Fourth grade is easy – I already have class sets of Island of the Blue Dolphins and By the Great Horn Spoon to support California History.

But I wasn’t sure what to use for 5^th grade which teaches American History. And then I ran across Rush Limbaugh’s series of children’s books on American History. They are so cute, I had to decide which two I wanted to use (he has four books). I choose to start with Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims. It is a cute, engaging story of a history teacher who travels back in history to teach students about what happened in the past. I was pleasantly surprised how accurate and comprehensive they were.

Well, I still have some great stuff planned for the rest of summer. I am going to Florida to visit my 94-four-year-old grandma, help my husband finish remodeling our bathroom, and work on some TpT products.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

Back in the Saddle!

Hi everyone!

I have been on a break from posting on my blog, but I am glad to say, I am back!

My life has been very busy. Currently, I am remodeling my master bathroom. My husband is doing all the work. He has finished tiling the bathroom and the floor. We are waiting for the cabinets to arrive so he can finish tiling the tub area and the back splashes.

Here’s what it looks like so far.

I just got back from an overnight field trip with my students. We are lucky to have the Star of India in our bay. I take the students each year to stay the night and learn what it was like to be a sailor on a ship in 1874. The students learn sea chanties, tying up lines, climbing a mast, moving barrels, and tasks of night watch. They even sleep on the floor.

Here are some pictures of our fun.

Finally, I have been working hard the last four months on my health. I am proud to say I have lost 32 pounds and I am exercising 4 to 5 days a week. I bought myself a Fitbit and love it. I make sure I walk 10,000 steps a day!

I got the Fitbit Charge 2. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

TpT Sale this summer!

August 1^st is just around the corner!

I know many teachers who are heading back to school soon. What better way to start off your year right? Check out the TpT Sale.

I have already started looking for products to use this coming year from some great sellers.

My newest product is Literature Circles. I have been using them for years. I finally compiled all that I do using Literature Circles to share with others.

I have been working on products this summer, but more importantly I have been resting and relaxing – mixed with working around the house and shopping. A few more weeks of this and then I have to get ready for school.

Thanks for checking out my website!

Summer Thought

Happy Summer - to all my teacher friends!

I hope you are having an amazing time this summer. I got out of school and a week later, nine relatives came to visit us for two weeks. We had a full house and a blast! We went to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Midway, Seaport Village, the Del Mar Fair, and a Padres game. And that was the first week!

The next week we went to the beach several times, to a pool (where everyone got burned) and had several other family members over for parties.

Now everyone has left, and we are relaxing at the house. But in a few days, I am off to Florida for my grandfather’s funeral. He lived 95 years. I will miss him, but feel blessed I have so many great memories of him.

So you may have guessed – I didn’t make to the TpT conference in Orlando. I was really bummed because I had such a fantastic time the last two years. I am looking forward to next year!

Anyway, I have about another month of R and R before I have to put my teaching cap on. I plan on doing a few things around the house and hang out with a few friends.

Thanks for stopping by my website!

Currently December!

Here is my Currently December!

Thanks Farley from at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently. I really look forward to doing this blog each month, but the last few months I haven’t been able to do it. But now I am committed and ready for a good year!

Listening to Adele

I love her! She has such a great voice. I, of course, bought her album (which was cheap). Maybe the price of albums have dropped over the last few years, which will tell you, it has been awhile since I have bought one.

Loving the Holiday Season

As you know, I have been remodeling my house for a few years now. So this is the first season in a few years that I am decorating for Christmas. I also made Holiday cards with my students today. We are doing a Holiday card exchange with 29 other classrooms around the country. This is my 4^th year doing it. If you are ever interested, look up Projects by Jen. She does several projects each year with teachers.

Thinking About Twelve Work Days 

I can’t believe in 12 working days, I will be on winter break! My students and I have a lot to do in these last few days before break, but I am confident we will get it done. We are a bunch of movers and shakers!

Wanting to Stay Motivated

I was given a free treadmill from a friend a work. I have been using it about 3 days a week so far. I want to continue and hopefully increase to 4 days a week. Sometimes it is hard to stay motivated, especially when it is in the garage. You know, out of sight, out of mind.

Needing to Buy Table and Chairs

I spent 3 days over Thanksgiving break organizing and cleaning my craft room. Now it looks great! I just need to get a table and chairs in there so my friend and I can sew. We have a class starting in January.

Real or Fake

My tree is fake. I like to put so much on it that a real tree would not be able to hold everything. I didn’t decorate it as much this year because it is the first time my 2 year-old boxer has been around the tree. I didn’t put my favorite ornaments up just in case I come home one day and find the tree dragged to the front door.

Happy Holidays and thanks for stopping by!

Currently October!

ere is my Currently October! It has been awhile since I had a chance to blog.

Thanks Farley from at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently.

Listening to Homeland

I am working on the computer while watching (more or less listening to) Homeland. I finally got season 4 and now I am binging. My husband worked today and since I was home alone, I had the time.

Loving My New Class

I started with a new group of 5^th graders five weeks ago. I am fortunate to work in a nice, little school where the kids for the most part are good. But this year I have an exceptional group this year. They are bright, respectful, and hard working. I am really looking forward to have a great year!  

Thinking About Staying Motivated

The last few months I have been eating really healthy. I only eat fruits, vegetables, protein (meats), some oils and nuts. I don’t eat dairy, soy, sugar, and processed food. Although it is a very restricted, I find it easier to follow than trying to limit my food intake of unhealthy foods. I am mostly doing it to feel better – which I do. But the weight loss is nice too. I have lost 33 pounds. So now I need to stay motivated.

Wanting to Blog More

When I returned to school in August, I found myself really busy. I have just not had the time to blog, not even the monthly Currently. But all that is going to change - I am back again.

Needing More Time

I always need more time in everyday things. But what I really want more time for is being with my daughter. She is a senior in High School and she is applying for colleges right now. I am realizing I am on borrowed time and in a year she will be embarking on a new stage of her life.

Boo-tiful

The most boo-tiful thing to me right now is seeing my daughter grow up. She just had senior pictures and they turned out gorgeous – if I should say so myself! It is so great to see her flourish into a young woman. I just can’t believe I have an 18 year old daughter.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great school year!

Currently August

Here is my Currently August!

Thanks Farley from at Oh BoyFourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently.

Listening to the Movie Daylight

I am here working on the computer while my husband watches the movie Daylight on Netflix. I am watching with one eye as I work. I have to multitask because I get anxious just sitting and watching TV.

Loving Laptop Lap Desk

I bought this lap desk about a month ago and I love it! I can’t believe I didn’t buy one sooner. It was only $20 on Amazon. It is very light and absorbs the heat from the computer. I use to use a magazine under my computer to keep it from burning my lap.

Thinking About My New Desk

I bought a new desk from Ashley Furniture for my office. I am a little frustrated. Not only have they delivered it twice and both times the pieces were damaged, they also showed up an hour to two hours before my delivery window. I am hoping for “three times is a charm”. I am just really excited to finish my office and get started working in there.

Wanting to Start Work in My Classroom

I have a whole month before I have to report back to work, but I want to start getting the room organized. I also have a bunch of stuff for the classroom in my house that I want to drop off. I like to get my room set up before I have to officially start so I can spend the first few teacher days planning instead of putting my room together.

Needing to go to Walmart

I really need to go to Walmart. Apparently, there are school supplies on sale today. I still need to get colored pencils and glue for my kiddos.

B2S RAK

I want to create a Back to School packet for my team members. I think it would be fun to give them a coffee mug, with teacher necessities like a pen, pencil, highlighter, and stickies. Then put some chocolate and mints with it. I have three great team members that are great collaborators and good friends!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great school year!