Happy New Year and a linky

Downtime- PINTEREST!!
Fitness- I recently downloaded a couch to 10k app and dusted off my running shoes. I'm ready! For real, I have to get ready! I have a 5K memorial to run in March. I.Think.I.Can....I really don't have an excuse. In our gym at school, we were awarded a grant that supplied lots of workout stuff for the kids AND teachers. We have 8 treadmills, 4 ellipticals, 3 bow flexes, 4 exercise bikes. Like I said, I have no excuse...besides laziness..Someone needs to begin a Fitness Linky Party!

My husband asked me today if I have a New Year's resolution. I usually don't because so I surprised him when I said yes. I said, "I am going to buy me stuff this year. You know,  put me first." He said, "Mine is to save money." WELL, I guess both resolutions crossed each other off.....

Tammy at Forever in first is having a Saturday Sayings link up. Hop over there and sign up for a Saturday to share a quote on her blog. 

It will soon be 12:00 here. I need to go snuggle up next to my hubby. Happy New Year friends!!

Linky Party and a Freebie

I am a couple of days late on this Linky Party.  I guess it's better to be late than never. :)
Technology-My mimio board. How did we ever live with out smart boards??
Organization- Dropbox-It's an easy way for our 1st grade team to share ideas. We simply upload links to dropbox and click share.
Prof Growth-Honestly, I learn more from stalking reading teacher blogs than I learn at our annual professional developments!

Freebie time...I hope you can use these!

12 in 12 Linky Party

I know I have already posted today but I had to join in on the fun!!
A Teeny Tiny Teacher  is hosting this party. Here's my 12 in 12!
12. Favorite Movie: Breaking Dawn Part 2...Love me some Jacob!
11. Favorite TV Series:  Duck Dynasty! Si is full of wisdom. I love to hear the family talk!

10. Favorite Restaurant- Newk's. I could eat there every day!!

9. Favorite New Thing You Tried- BLOGGING! Still don't think I've got it all figured out!!

8. Favorite Gift You Received- Amazing Grace body wash by Philosophy. I smell so good!!!!

7. Favorite Thing You Pinned- This stuff is SO good!!  I couldn't stop eating it!!! You can get the recipe here.

6. Favorite Blog Post- My "I Think I Can" post. I had been trying to make things to put on TPT and use is my classroom. I had been using Microsoft word and didn't like it. I  posted that I needed help. I felt very ignorant at the time. I had the nicest comments on that post. Someone actually helped me out.  Now I spend a lot of time on this MacBook making things to share...Of course I still may not be doing it correctly but I try...

5. Favorite Accomplishment- I have 80 followers. It absolutely amazes me!!

4. Favorite Picture- Our fall family picture. 

3. Favorite Memory- My 5 year old asked me "When Jesus comes back to take the people to Heaven who believes in him, how will we get there? Does Jesus gots a car?" Too cute!!!

2. Goal for 2013- I hope to get really good at this blogging thing...

1. One Little Word- ThAnKfUl!! It would be nice to have a nicer car, bigger house, better clothes, fuller wallet, smaller figure, etc.....As I walk thru this life, I have come to realize that I have been blessed. Some body some where out there would love to be in my shoes. Someone would love to have a house to come home to every day, a healthy family at home, a steady income, a welcoming church family, food. Each and every one of us are very fortunate!!

You can link up here to tell your 12 in 12!

Winter Freebie!

I posted a Winter Freebie on TPT. It's got all kinds of different activities in it. If you are interested, click here to check it out. I hope you enjoy!! ..I was working on the freebie with two little boys playing/whining/fighting around me. So if you see any mistakes, please let me know. :)

Oh.My.Word. I have a new favorite thing!!! Sweet Jessica has created a Teachers-PIN-Teachers on Pinterest. LOVE IT!!! If you have not linked up with her, click on her name and it will take you to her blog. You will love it too!!

I noticed today that I have 80 followers. Wow!!! I appreciate each of you!!

Hope you are enjoying this WoNdErFuL Christmas Break!!!

Christy

TPT App!

I hope your family had a Merry Christmas!! My house is tore up!! My kids have legos spread all over this place! Even though I have to be careful where I walk, I am still thankful!!... Here in the south, we don't get much snow. We saw a few snow flakes today. It was a perfect ending to Christmas!!

I have AWESOME news!! Teacher Pay Teacher has an app!! My friend at fun and fearless in first posted this! Yay!!!

I am working on a new winter freebie. Hope to post it soon!!  Here is a link if you want to check out my Christmas freebies! My Teacher Pay Teacher Store link.

All I want for Christmas Linky Party..

Oh my goodness! Two more days until Christmas break. The kids are tired. I am tired. The parents are tired. We need a break!! There are approximately 1200 students in our K-5 elementary school. We had 120 out today with the flu!!! I think it's time we take a break to let the germ die!

My friend over at Learning With Mrs. Leeby is hosting a Christmas linky party. Hop on over and join the fun!!

What would be the perfect gift from. . . 

1. Students

2. Kiddies

3. Husband/boyfriend

4. Parents/Family

5. BFF

6. Santa

?????????

1. Students-Christmas ornaments. My tree at home is filled with ornaments that my former students have given me. Each year I love looking at them!

2. Kiddies- Pandora charm.

3. Husband-shoes..shoes..shoes..

4. Parents-Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfume-That stuff smells SO good!!!!

5. BFF-Girl Time!!

6. Santa-$$$$$$

Tomorrow is our class Christmas party. My kids get a little rowdy when parents are there. Wish me luck!!

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

From Farley's blog:

 Please join me in a day of silence for teacher bloggers on
Sunday, December 16, 2012,
by only posting the picture below on your blog
and titling your post as "Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary" .

I can't quit thinking about this tragedy. This hits home to all of us.  It could have happened to you. It could have happened to me. It could have been our school babies who were harmed.. I am so proud of those teachers who gave their lives to protect those babies. What heroes!!!!....As I think about this senseless act, I can't help but remember how the devil picked on children and babies in the Bible. The devil is a punk. I've read the end of The Book and it says he will go down!!...Praying for those families who can't  give their kids a kiss good night. 

Laura Story-"Blessings"

Praying for those babies families...

Matthew 5:4 

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

One last look at Thanksgiving!

The kiddos enjoyed learning about Thanksgiving. Although they liked the Indian unit, they really enjoyed learning about pilgrims. I think the kids felt bad for the pilgrims because it seemed like every book we read talked about them dying.  Since we talked about the first Thanksgiving was all about giving thanks, the children wrote about the things they were thankful for.

Thanks Ms. Jumps for the cute craft idea!

Also, on Friday, Veterans came to visit the first grade classes and brought flags to hand out.

Thank you Veterans for your sacrifice!!

On a personal note, our youth group spend two days of their Thanksgiving break feeding the homeless. I am so proud that they are learning to go out and serve at an early age.

That's my son in the middle...The one that needs a haircut!

Well, it's back to the real world tomorrow. Ready or not, here we come!

Liebster Award ...x 3... :)

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving!! Today my outlaws in-laws had their Thanksgiving lunch. I am one stuffed ole girl!
I've been nominated for my 2nd award. Yay! I have been nominated for the Liebster Award!!! This award helps bloggers find new blogs that have less than 200 followers. I am thrilled and honored. Thank you Mrs. Thigpen's Kindergarten, Thirsty Firsties, and 2 Super Teachers. 

The rules:

- You must post 11 random things about yourself.

- Answer the questions that the nominator set for you.

- Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.

- Choose 11 blogs you love (with less than 200 followers) and link them in your post.

- No tag back (but please leave me a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster post so I can learn more about you)!

 11 Things about Me:

1. I am a Christian!

2. I am ADDICTED to Diet Coke!!

3. My son recently pulled a door handle off of my car. UGH!

4. I like to put mayo in my mashed potatoes. (Don't knock it until you try it.)

5. Yesterday my kids knocked over our Christmas tree...Can you say MAD!!

6. I went to school with Eli Whiteside who played for the Giants. He will be a Yankee next year!

7. I STILL go to my parent's house on Christmas morning because Santa still brings my gifts there...Sounds like I have issues...

8. All of the dirty clothes have to be washed before I go to sleep.

9. My class room is the same room that I student taught in.

10. My husband has a suit for every day of the month....He's a little OCD!

11. I LOVE stalking reading everyone's blogs. I have gotten SO many ideas from you guys!!

 Mrs. Thigpen's Questions:

 1. How long have you been teaching? 10 years

2. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas-Happy Birthday Jesus!

3. Do you have any siblings? 2 brothers-I'm the middle. UGH!

4. If you weren't teaching, what would you do instead? QCV Hostess

5. Do you have a favorite sport to watch or play? Nah! Not a sporty person.

6. What do you do in your spare time? Pinterest & Blog Hopping

7. Where is the farthest place you have traveled? Florida

8. What is your favorite movie? The Notebook

9. How long have you been blogging? 9 months

10. What made you begin blogging? It looked like fun! :)

11. Favorite food? Mexican-Yummy!!!

Thirsty Firsties:

1. What's your favorite thing about blogging?-Getting new followers!
2. What's your favorite blog? Deanna Jumps-She's so creating!
3. How long have you been teaching? 10 years
4. What is your favorite vacation spot? Beach!!
5. What is your favorite thing to cook? Anything with chicken
6. What is your favorite store? Target
7. What was been your best TPT purchase? Deanna Jumps "Common Core"
8. Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke
9. What's your favorite Christmas movie? It's A Wonderful Life
10. What's your favorite TV show? Duck Dynasty-They are so silly!
11. What's been the hardest thing about blogging? Hoping no one thinks my post are boring.

 2 Super Teachers:

 1. How long have you been teaching? 10 years
2. How long have you been blogging? 9 months
3. What do you love to teach the most? Writing
4. What book are you reading right now for enjoyment...not school related? I'm studying Genesis. I had no idea that Abraham and Sarah had the same dad! 
5. What is your favorite food? Mexican-Yummy!!
6. Do you have any pets? No :( We had 2 precious rag doll cats but my husband was allergic to all of the hair so we gave them away. I miss those beautiful babies!!!!
7. What are your hobbies? Pinterest stuff
8. Do you have your own children? 3 precious little boys!
9. What grades have you taught? Pre-k Sped, 4th Inclusion, K/1 Looping
10. Where was your last vacation? Memphis
11. Have you always been a teacher? I worked retail while I was in college. Glad I'm through with that!!

Here are our 11 questions for the blogs I am nominating:

1. Have you bought ALL of your Christmas gifts?

2. Do you have a Teacher Pay Teacher Store?

3. Who is your favorite actor/actress?

4. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

5. What's your favorite adult or kid book?

6. What's your favorite color?

7. What color Christmas lights do you prefer: Multi Color or Clear?

8. Sneakers or flip flops?

9. Are you afraid of heights?

10. Did you go shopping on Black Friday?

11. What food do you hate?

Here are the blogs I am nominating:

1. Computer Craziness

2. The New Teacher Noggin 

3. Teaching in Turtlepond 

4. Owl Righty Then 

5. Homemade First Grade 

6. The (mis)adventures of First Grade 

7. Polka Dot Firsties

8. Teacher in Training

9. Mis Red Head & Her Rambling First Graders

10. Mrs. Russell's Class

11.  How Cute is This!

Don't forget to comment here and leave me a link when you've answered!

 

Enjoy the weekend!

Save a tree

A couple of days ago, I was looking for something in my classroom. As I pulled out a bunch of junk stuff, I noticed a stack of transparency paper. I hated to throw it away because I was sure I could think of a way to use it. Later that day, a light bulb came on in my head. I stapled a piece of the transparency paper to a worksheet. Now my students can write on the worksheet and I can wipe it off after the work is checked. Hopefully this will help lower the amount of run offs when doing centers.

What A Great Day!

Yesterday was so busy. We had our annual Veteran's Day program at school. Our kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade classes participated in the program.
Here is a pic of the kids, parents, and veterans pack into our cafeteria. Can you say claustrophobic?

The high school ROTC presented "Folding the Flag". They told what each fold represents. Each year I look over at the older veterans as they watch the presentation. Those men have their hands over their hearts and tears stream down their faces. Tears me up! It gets me every time.

Yesterday afternoon, the kindergarteners had "Transportation Day". Each child decorated a box into a car. All the students sat around the school and watched the kindergarteners have a car parade.

After the kids finished their parade, different types of transportation had a parade around the school.

 

We had a great week. Only one more week until Thanksgiving Break! WooHoo!!!!

Here's a cute joke I heard:
What does John the Baptist and Winnie the Pooh have in common?........................................................
Their middle name :)

My First Freebie!

I uploaded my first math freebie to Teacher Pay Teacher. If you are interested, you can grab it here. Hope you enjoy!

This weekend, my family made our fall pics. Our new photographer is 15 years old. Although she's young, I think she's really good!! My boys didn't shed one tear during the entire shoot. Amazing...

Already November.. For Real?

It's so hard to believe that November is here. Do you realize that we only have two more weeks before Thanksgiving break?!?!

I've been trying to figure out how to do power points on my husband's new MacBook. It has taken a while because I'm old school and have been trying to work this thing like a home PC. Last night, I finally realized that all I have to do is drag stuff. duh! Anyway, my first freebie should be finished this week!

As you know, this is a very important week for our country. Vote!!  Here are a few words of encouragement...
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1
"Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience." Romans 13:5
Either way this election goes, I will pray for this great nation and our leader!

Have a great week!!!

TPT..I think I can...I think I can...

If you are in the path of the hurricane, I am keeping you in my prayers. Be safe!!

I love Teacher Pay Teacher! A couple of months ago, I decided I wanted to make a few things to put on there.  I used Microsoft Works to create a noun game. Oh.My.Goodness. That was such a bad idea! It was SO hard!!  Recently, a blogger posted that she uses power point when she makes her TPT items. OK that sounds better! So I sit down tonight and begin playing around on my husband's MacBook. It's official, technology is apparently NOT my thing! Failure is not an option, so I WILL figure it out...Any suggestions???

We all will probably have a very interesting week! On the bright side, at least Halloween isn't on Monday!!!

Bat song...

I found this song on a friend's blog. The tune is stuck in my head...

My firsties will love this!

Thought my mimio was a goner....First Year Linky Party

Let me start off saying that my mimio is a very special part of my life. I mean really, how did we ever make it without a smart board! Last Wednesday, the projector started flickering. Each day it has gotten worse...and WoRsE...and WORSE!! Today that thing was blinking something furious! So I call the tech guy. Mr. man said he had never seen a projector flicker like mine and thought the bulb might be going out...Sorry, but I can't live without it! I told a couple of co-workers what was going on. A friend blew the projector out and it MaGiCaLlY works correctly again!!...I am going to take that girl some chocolate tomorrow...

I am linking up with Michelle at The 3AM Teacher in her First Year Bliss Linky party! She is celebrating her one year bloggy birthday and is hosting this fun linky party! 

One of my fav moments of this first year of blogging is when Michelle from Apples and ABC's and Greg from Smedley's Smorgasboard commented on my blog. LOVE them!!

Each new follower and comment make me smile! In this blogging world, I have enjoyed getting to know all of you. Your ideas and things you share make me be a better teacher!!

I've Been "Boo-ed"!

I've finally been Boo-ed!! Here's a shout out to Angi for booing me!!

If you've been booed, copy and paste the above pic and these "rules" into your post. 

1.  Give a shout out to the blogger who booed you and link back to their site!


2. Share 3-5 October activities, books, products (yours or someone else),or freebie(s) that you love!


3.  Share the Boo love with 5 bloggers- make sure you check this link to make sure you don't boo someone again: http://toristeachertips.blogspot.com/2012/10/ive-been-booed-fun-october-linky.htmlAnd don't forget to tell them that they have been BOOED! 

4.  Link up {here} so that others can find you and read about your October ideas!  And while you are there... check out the other great blogs!

Here are my 3 fav halloween activities!

1. Spider Adjectives  

2. Halloween ABC Order

3. Halloween Spelling Grades 1-4

 The 5 teachers I am boo-ing are.......

1. "PAWS" Kindergarten

2. Lil Country Kindergarten

3. 1st Grade ROCKS!!!

4. 2 Crazy Texas Teachers

5. 2nd Grade Rocks!

I am so EXCITED that I have reached 50 followers!! Thank you so much for following!!

Today is my husband , Brent's,  34th birthday! I'm so glad that God chose me to let him spend his birthdays with!! I hope everyone has a GREAT week!!

Today's work...Gotta love pinterest!

I found the CuTeSt Frankenstein on Pinterest. Life in First Grade had pinned him. You can see it here.  Here's our version of him.

The kids had so much fun making this! As they made these guys, the kiddos made up stories of him. Their stories were very cute!
We have been studying nocturnal animals this week. After discussing skunks, we talked about bats.  Here is another pinterest steal. You can view it here. This is our version of these too.

At the end of the day, our hallway is looking a little like Halloween!

Looks like one bat is flying away!

Busy..Busy....

I have not been blog hopping in a while.  As I look around, I have noticed that several of you have changed your blog styles, had your babies, or even gotten married.  As I hop around, it feels as if I'm catching up with old friends. :) I hope each of you are having a GREAT year!

Teacher Blogging Basics...

As you can see, I am new at blogging. It's slowly but surely coming together! I am so happy that a friend from  The Teacher Wife has made a new blog showing newbies like me how to design and add goodies to our blogs.  You may notice the arrow at the bottom right side of the screen. It's from her blog! She's so talented! I can't wait to see what she blogs next!!

Must Have Monday!

Here's my list of items I can not live without in my class.

1. Diet Coke-It's my crack!!

2. Mimio and Hover Cam-If my projector or hover cam ever break, I will have to get a second job to replace them. I've already warned my husband!
3. Mr. Harry's Kindergarten on You Tube. He brings so much life to my Calendar Math!
4. Teacher Pay Teachers-How did we ever live without it?!?!
5.Teacher Blogs-I've learned SO much from everyone's blogs!!!

 

Link up with Blog Hopper and share what you can't live without!!