About Me

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I'm a mid twenties girl. Who has the cutest two boys ever. I'm married to the best hubby ever (aka the Man). I'm also a teacher of sixth grade with a masters degree in Education. I'd rather be busy than bored. I love things bright and beautiful and my family means the world to me.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Job changes!

I'm on the Move!

I might have mentioned it before, maybe, but the school I've been teaching at for the last six years was about a 25 minute drive away. Definitely not horrible, but also not convenient if I ever forgot anything or just wanted to work at school for a little bit. I also knew that there wouldn't be a lot of movement within the district. There are only two buildings and if I were to head back into a classroom I think it would come with mixed criticism from some of my colleagues. While I loved some of the staff, our building wasn't very supportive. I know that everyone had the same goal of teaching students but we just struggled with our overall culture. My administrators always had my back and supported me, I loved our students and parents so the decision to move was always wavering.

Except when it came to the school district close to our home. While it isn't our local district, it's so close. Seven minutes close! There are a lot benefits to the district, not only for me but for the boys too. They offer more sports and their academics are driven.

I'm excited for a new challenge, but I'm worried about meeting the level of rigor that the school strives for. I'm teaching an English 9 class for 25 lowest achieving students, a accelerated English 10 class, then a couple electives.

 I know I can pick up the classes, the curriculum piece at least I know will come. I'm worried about my adjustment to teaching high school classes full time. I popped into a few classes last year and led some lessons, but this is different. I'm also going to be working on some college credits because I'm teaching on a variance. When I applied I was under the idea that I was licensed to teach English at the high school level, I was told that by our state licensing last year, however it turns out I'm only licensed to teach Reading. So I'm waiting to hear from two universities that I've attended. Hopefully plenty of my previous credits will count and I don't have to start over.

Either way this is a huge benefit for our family and I'm excited for the future! Onto bigger and better!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

What's Up Wednesday!

I saw this a few times at Mix and Match Mama with Shay and Pinterest Told Me to with Scheaffer, today I decided to play along. 
1. What we're eating this week...
Ryker and I headed to the zoo so we had to make a pit stop on the way home for a yummy treat! So refreshing!

2. What I'm reminiscing About...
This week I signed a contract for a new teaching position in a different district. I plan on dedicating a separate post to the topic but I'm very excited yet it was tough to pack up and move after six years.

3. What I'm loving...
Summer! I'm a teacher, I'm straight up loving summer!
4. What we've been up to...

This weekend!! Clearing out some space and hopefully getting rid of a lot. 

5. What I'm dreading...
Nothing really, I'm hoping for some relaxation and continued good fortune. 
6. What I'm working on...
I meet with my new team mate tomorrow and she's going to go over my new classes and schedule, then I'm sure I'll be hitting the books!

7. What I'm excited about...
The Man has an interview early next week and some things in the works. I'm excited for him and some changes in his future. 

8. What I'm watching/reading...
I'm still working on this book, nonfiction always seems to take me longer. What I've read so far is so different from what was published early on. I was so young when it happened that I didn't follow the story for long and now I'm learning all that followed. 

9. What I'm listening to...
Rachel Platten's song is my favorite right now. I wrote down a couple lyrics in my planner and use it on my long runs.

10. What I'm wearing...
I love the C9 shorts from Target. They're great for chasing and playing around with the boys and amazingly comfortable for running, yet cheap!

11. What I'm doing this weekend...
Hosting a yard sale and making sure the Man relaxes on Sunday!

12. What I'm looking forward to next month...
Tucker is in his first year of baseball, there are a lot of games coming up next month. I'm so excited to see him growing into his own and making friends. 

13. What else is new...
Shoe shopping! Some nice, tan sandals would be great but it's time for a new pair of running shoes! While I hate spending the money, I love knowing that wore out another pair!
14.  What are we doing this July 4th?
A parade, catching up with family, and ending with local fireworks.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Summer reading!

I love our public library! I made a list throughout the year of books suggested by others or that I saw so that I could stock up. I have a line up for requested books and the first five were ready for pick up last week. 

First, The Glass Castle, this was a pretty quick read. I started it Wednesday evening and finished it throughout a long car ride Thursday. Jeannette Walls is a correspondent for MSNBC and the book is all about her crazy upbringing. Some of the stories are so crazy and hard to believe. Her family moved around a lot and saying they didn't have a lot is an understatement. It's hard to believe that she was able to achieve all that she has, but family is family and she shows an interesting take on why kids behave the way they do and continue to thrive.

Second, Columbine, Dave Cullen was a journalist that was one of the first to report on the high school tragedy. After years of research from all the compiled interviews, evidence, work with law enforcement, and more Cullen has shred more light on the situation and all the false reporting that occurred. This book pooped up on my suggested reading list and I intrigued. When I picked it up the Man was interested right away and it's become a book we read together. It's interesting to look at from my view point as a mom and teacher, while he reads it as a father and law enforcement point of view. There are so many procedures in schools today that came from this tragedy. While it's very tragic, the research and truth puts a different light on what really transpired.

Third, Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell was suggested by an English teacher I work with. We were considering it briefly for a new novel in the tenth grade. While it didn't make that cut, I was interested in it. From what I've seen it's a teen love story and a modern day Romeo and Juliet but less death.

Fourth, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs as been a book I've picked up a couple of times to read but never started. A student stopped me towards the end of the school year to ask if I've read it and was pretty crestfallen when I said no. Therefore, it must be good!

Meanwhile, Mr. Lemoncello's Library, by Chris Grabenstein was pointed out by the elementary reading interventionist. Tucker and I are going to read it together for fun.

Any recommendations?

Monday, June 1, 2015

Currently June!

I'm linking up with Farley again! Be sure to check her out and all the other links at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

Listening: I love the wedding scenes at the beginning of the movie, they're so pretty! I also have someone curled right up next to me who was just saying, "I not ty-red mama." That same person is out cold, snoring, and I'm pretty sure drooling on our shared blanket. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Loving: Four days left of school! Teachers keep saying how things are gearing down but I really feel the opposite. I love how my new position this year as evolved and my schedule shows that it was definitely a step in the right direction for our building.

Thinking: Today when I got to school I started my list of what has to be done by Friday, I added throughout the day but I'm pretty sure nothing was marked off. I also want to make sure that I wrap up my two classes well. The students have come so far this year and I hope they realize that.

Wanting: The last two summers I was in school. This year I want to make sure the boys enjoy our time together. We created our family summer bucket list and we love crossing things off!

Needing: I've heard so many good books are out and I'm starting a list for the library. We love, LOVE our public library. Any recommendations?

Summer lovin': The Man has a new job that ensures we'll see him A LOT more this summer! LOVE THAT! We're going to spend some days relaxing and enjoying each other. Of course summer is also a great time to go through things and purge a little.

Be sure to link up and donate for the cause!