The First Week=One Tired Teacher

Happy Saturday, Friends!

I've been super duper busy and TIRED this week.  I kept saying that I need to blog, but I just couldn't.  I did stay up until 11:00 on Wednesday night.  I HAD to watch the new episode of Duck Dynasty.  As soon as it went off, I was out.  I was asleep by 9:30 last night.  

Here's me and the munchkin' after the first day of school.  Can someone say EXHAUSTED!  I was trying my hardest to keep him awake.  He's not used to getting up so early. :-(

The first three days of school have drained me.  Even my feet are swollen! I have an ADORABLE class.  I do have some talkers, but overall this may be my favorite group.  We will see. ;-)  My only struggles right now are the number of students that I have.  Last year, I had 13 students. Yes, friends, 13.  Wednesday I started with 19 and Thursday I wound up with 20.  I know some of you fabulous teachers have more than that every year.  It was a shock to my little brain.  I love having a full class though.  Last year, I felt like I needed more kids. I really love them all ready.  I even had an adorable friend draw me a picture at home to bring me on the first day of school.  PRECIOUS!

These first three days have consisted of learning the classroom rules (Whole Brain Teaching) and getting to know each other.  Next week, we will begin learning.  I have some friends who have asked me everyday for homework.  They were disappointed to hear that they won't have homework until Monday.  I'm sure they won't be too excited when they actually get homework. 

Hope from Second Grade Shenanigans gave all of her Facebook fans her 2013 morning song. My students LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.  I wish that I had done this with all of my students years ago. So motivating.  My friends ask me if we can sing our song all day long.  They can't wait for me to play it in the mornings.  The fabulous Hope also sang the song herself to help you with the beat.  {She's amazing.  Isn't she?} All I have to do, is play it and we all sing along.  Click the picture below to check out her post.  

Other news...

I have a confession.  I've become addicted to online shopping.  It's SO MUCH EASIER than trying to find a babysitter or attempting to shop with Brayden.  My new obsession is The Mint Julep Boutique. I can't do a lot of shopping...the budget won't allow that, but I like that I can get a new outfit when I need one.  This was waiting for me on Wednesday.  Such a nice back to school gift. 

I'm planning to be lazy/productive today, mostly lazy.  I've got to send my fabulous teammates some reading plans.  Tomorrow, will be lesson planning day.  I need a day to rest and be lazy. I hope that everyone had a great week.

Lots of love,

What a Week and Giveaway Winners

Happy Saturday, friends!

I am so glad that Saturday is here.  Let me explain my week.  Brayden started daycare on Monday.  I cried and cried and cried.  Tuesday I went to work in my classroom and forgot to take pictures to link up with Blog Hoppin'. Wednesday was my first official day back.  I was so tired from meetings and working in my classroom that I forgot to take pictures again.  Thursday was the same story.  Meetings and still forgot to take pictures.  The end of the week was near.  

Friday.  I was so glad Friday were here.  I was so, so tired.  The first weeks of school always drain me.  So, I pulled into the parking space to take Brayden into daycare.  He had been sneezing all morning, so I had wipes in the front seat so that I could wipe his nose.  I unbuckled the bottom part of his car seat and he once again sneezed.  I barely closed his door (like I've done so many times to avoid locking it) to get the wipe from the front seat when I realized that I had already locked the doors since we were getting out of the car.  Friends, I LOCKED my child in the car.  I thank God that it was a cool morning, but I was FREAKING out. I  was crying uncontrollably.  I can't even describe the fear that I had.  The fire station was called, and some very nice firemen broke into my car (it seemed like it took forever).  I've always been paranoid that I would lock my child in the car.  I'm always so careful.  The keys were not in the ignition, they were beside me in the seat.  It was just an awful accident.  

So, forgive my lack of blogging this week.  I really hate that I missed out on the rest of Teacher Week.  But, it's okay.  Meet the Teacher is Monday {EEEK} and I have so much to do.  So, I will be posting pictures of my classroom soon.  

And, now for the giveaway winners.  Thank you to everyone who entered.  If you are a winner, be on the lookout for an email or emails depending on what you won soon.

Last, I am so excited about the BIG Back to School Sale on TpT.  My cart is FULL, FULL, FULL. Shhhh...don't tell my husband. ;-) My store will be on sale as well.  Don't forget to use the Promo Code BTS13 for additional savings.  Yay for sales. 

Thanks to Krista for the adorable button!

I hope that everyone has a great weekend. I'm hoping that next week will be a better week for me!

Lots of love,

Teacher Week 13: All About Me!

Hello, Friends!

This week, I am SO excited to be linking up with Blog Hoppin' for their Teacher Week. Today...it's all about me.



1.  I married my high school sweetheart.  We met in the middle of my junior year of high school. We've been together ever since.  None of those off again on again relationships. We started dating in 2003 and got married in 2009.  I love this man with all of my heart and couldn't imagine being with anyone else. 

2: I LOVE football.  I get so excited when football season arrives.  I honestly know more about football than a lot of guys.  It doesn't matter what team is on as long as their is a football game on the TV.  I am very partial to the Clemson tigers.  I graduated from Clemson in 2008, but I've been a Clemson fan since I was itty bitty.  Love, love, love me some Clemson Tigers!

3.  I became a mom on January 12, 2012.  If you've been reading my blog, you've seen pictures of my little man.  He is my whole world.  I am so glad that God decided to let me be Brayden's momma.  

4.  This will be my 5th year teaching.  I taught 5th grade my first year, and asked very nicely to go to another grade level.  5th grade was not for me.  I applaud you older teachers.  It takes a special person to be able to handle those attitudes. I love my little 2nd graders.  I know in my heart that I am a "primary" teacher. 

5.  I LOVE history.  The one thing that I did enjoy about teaching 5th grade was the history. Whether it be wars, our state, our nation, or famous people, I love learning about history.  A couple of years ago, my husband and I went to Tennessee and visited the Titanic museum. Such a great experience!

6.  I am the oldest of 3.  I have one brother and one sister.  I also have one stepsister.  I am also the SHORTEST in my family.  I stand at a whopping 5'0.  Pictured below is my brother, sister, and me. (I'm on the right.)

7: I love country music.  I'm a country gal through and through.  I LOVE going to concerts when I can.  I don't get to often though.  My husband is not a country music fan.  I need to find a find to go to these concerts with.  I have gotten the chance to meet Easton Corbin and Chuck Wicks. Love it when I get to meet singers before they become "big". 

I met Chuck Wicks after a Brad Paisley concert. 

I met Eason Corbin at the Blindhorse.  It was dark, so not the best picture. 

8.  I love all things Disney.  I even wear Minnie Mouse ears in my classroom during guided reading groups.  When the "ears on on", I'm busy.  My 2nd graders love it, and it's a great reminder that I cannot be interrupted unless it's an emergency.

9.  I am extremely shy.  It takes a while for me to open up to anyone.  Once I do, you'll get to know me pretty quickly.  I am a pretty laid back.  I am a worrier.  I love to laugh.  Most people love me when they get to know me. :-)

10: I am a VERY picky eater.  I won't eat any type of Cheddar cheese.  The only cheese I will eat is on pizza.  I don't like hot dog wienies, but I'll eat a pickled sausage.  If I don't like the way something looks, I won't eat it.  I've gotten a lot better over the years, but I'm still a picky eater.  

Check back each day to learn more about me.  Don't forget to link up and "hop around" and check out other lovely bloggers!

Lots of love,

500 Follower Giveaway

Hello, Friends!

I cannot believe that I have over 500 followers on Bloglovin'.  I'm amazed every day and humbled by all of you.  You truly are my friends.  I rounded up a lot of bloggers to help me celebrate 500 followers.  

Fonts: KG Fonts

Clip Art: The Library Fox, Creative Clips

I've broken up all of the giveaways into 4 groups.  The first rafflecopter will be for specific prizes from some of my blogger friends.  The second rafflecopter will be some of my bloggy friends who are donating a winner's choice.  The third rafflecopter will be for 3 sets of clip art from 3 of my favorite clip art artists. The last rafflecopter will be a chance to win 5 items from my store. 

Good luck and THANK YOU.  Y'all are awesome. 

Remember that you do not have to click every entry.  I know there is a lot.  However, the more you click the better your chances of winning.

First up, here are the amazing bloggers and their amazing packets that one lucky winner will receive.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Second, here are the fantastic bloggers who donated a winner's choice to 1 person.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Third, here are 3 of my favorite artists who have donated one of their packets.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you still hanging in there?  Finally, enter below to win your choice of 5 packets from my store.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck friends,

Five for Friday

It's Friday, friends!

This is my last Friday of the summer.  I officially go back to work next week.  I believe this has been the fastest summer ever.  I can't wait to meet my new set of students though.  I love that we get a fresh start every year.  

Since it's Friday, it's time to link up with Doodle Bugs for her Five for Friday linky.

Number 1: Why, oh why, am I a procrastinator? I've always been like this.  Brayden starts daycare on Monday. {Tear}. In order to start he has to have his birth certificate and immunization record.  So guess who was running all around town today all before 3 so she could make it to her hair appointment? Yep, that would be me.  The procrastinator.  I'd share a picture of my new haircut, but I also got my eyebrows waxed.  It's almost 9:00 and I'm still all red. Not a pretty picture.

Number 2:  I met Lana from 4 The Love of Teaching at the Carolina blogger meetup.  She was telling me all about this website called Very Jane.  So, I went and looked it up.  Let's say I have made 3 purchases this week.  Such cute stuff and it's so addictive.  I've had to control my spending so the husband doesn't notice too many "Very Jane" charges.  I got my first package from them in the mail yesterday.  So cute! 

Excuse the messy bed.  It's a high low skirt.  

Number 3: Since it's been my last week of summer vacation, I've been spending time with my munchkin, my mom, my dad, and my sister.  I hate that when school starts I only get to see my parents once a week.  I know that Brayden is going to miss spending time with his cousin. It also rained all week, so I brought out the paint again.  This time, he decided to taste it. You can tell by the picture that paint doesn't taste very well. 

Number 4: I didn't go it to work on my classroom this week.  But, I did a little a lot of laminating while Brayden was napping.  I even did some laminating while I was waiting on supper to cook. Multitasking at its best.

Number 5: I hit 500 followers on my little o'l blog this week.  I'm having a huge giveaway tomorrow.  Stop back tomorrow to check it out!

I hope that everyone has had a GREAT week!

Lots of love,

Duck Dynasty Fact and Opinion Packet Winners

Hello, Friends!

I was surprised to see that so many of you liked Duck Dynasty, too.  I'm super jealous of those of you who live close and those of you who have met them. Maybe one day I will.  For now, I'm just waiting for the season premiere next week.  So excited!!

I used the random number generator thingy.  The numbers chosen were 13 and 7.  Check your email ladies, you have mail.

Congratulations to Kelli and Cara! 

If anyone is interested, you can still purchase this for $2.00 from my TpT Store.  

I hope everyone has a fantastic day.  I'm planning on being lazy again.  :) I don't get many more days of summer laziness.

Lots of love,

My Munchkin, Blogger Meet Up, Duck Dynasty..Random Monday :-)

Hello, friends!

First, I'm feeling a little sad today.  This is my last week of summer vacation.  I'm really going to miss spending all day with my little munchkin'. I really do love my job and I can't wait to meet my new set of students.  I just can't believe that summer is over. I'll be fine once I get into the rhythm of going back to work. For now, I'm spending every minute with him.  He starts daycare on Monday.  Worried mom right here!

Second, I had a BLAST at the Carolina blogger meet-up.  I only got to meet these sweet gals for lunch, but it was so much fun.  It was great to finally put a face to a blog.  I only took a couple of pictures.  Ginger from Ginger Snaps was the photographer. As soon as she gives me some pictures, I'll share all the fun we had.  

Amanda from Teaching Maddeness was our FANTASTIC hostess. She gave us little goodie bags with a "G-Vegas" theme. We call Greenville, SC "G-Vegas".  I have know idea why.  We just do.  She is so creative.  I'd truly love to watch her teach.  

Last, Melonheadz created a clip art set of the crew from Duck Dynasty.  I've already blogged and told you my LOVE for this show.  I'd love to meet them.  They are such down to earth people. Anyway, when I saw what she created I had to buy it.  So, I created a fact and opinion packet that I cannot wait to use with my kiddos.  Click the picture below to check it out.

I'd love to give away this packet to two of my friends.  Leave me a comment below and I'll randomly choose 2 winners in the morning.  

The winners were Kelli and Cara.  Thanks for leaving me some comments, friends! It's great to see so many Duck Dynasty fans.

Lots of love,

Five for Friday is BACK

Happy Friday, Friends!

First, I am so glad that Doodle Bugs and her Five for Friday linky is back.  And...her new button for the linky is ADORABLE!

It's been a busy week for me.  

Number 1: We were given the "okay" to enter our classrooms on Monday to begin decorating and getting things ready.  I worked in my classroom Monday-Wednesday.  I had to take Thursday off.  First, my legs were killing me!  I was having trouble walking.  Yep, I've been lazy all summer and getting on and off desks to hang stuff up gave me quite a workout.  I needed a few days to recover.  I'm almost finished with the decorating part.  I've got a few more things to hang up and then I can get started on the organizing part.

Number 2: I live in the country and love it.  I've seen all sorts of critters in the pasture in my back yard.  NEVER have I seen deer in my front yard.  I went to start cooking supper and saw 3 HUGE deer in my front yard.  By the time I got my phone out to take a picture, they were hiding behind the bushes except for one who was staring me down.  

Number 3: I have a wall near my library that I just couldn't figure out what should go there.  While I was attempting to sleep, I remembered that the super sweet Amanda from Teaching Maddenness had posted author posters.  These will look perfect in that spot and I can't wait to share my favorite authors with my new kiddos.  So, they are printed.  All I've got to do is laminate and hang them up.  Click here to see her super cute author posters. 

Number 4: A few weeks ago, my sister's husband had to leave for training to go to Afghanistan. So, my muchkin' has had a blast playing with his cousin more often than usual. They were born 11 days apart.  Crazy! I'm going to miss spending so much time with my mom and sister when I go back to work. 

Number 5: The Carolina Blogger meet-up starts tonight.  I couldn't leave my Brayden for the night, so I will be joining these fabulous bloggers for lunch tomorrow.  I can't wait.  

I hope that everyone has a terrific Friday!

Lots of love,