Currently September

I'm linking up again with Farley over at Oh Boy Fourth Grade and I'm actually on time! 

Listening- The Man is "watching" golf, behind closed eyelids, HA!
Loving- It's been a very busy summer for The Man with a lot of working hours, we've had TWO whole days together in a row, that really hasn't happened this summer. I love how dedicated he is and his continued drive to find a place in his desired career. I also love that we're together before we all get busy!
Thinking- I never feel ready for the first day of school, this year especially! I found out on Friday I was teaching another class and I didn't get to meet with that grade levels English teacher yet to see how I can support my students for the class. I'm a planner and this year is going to test that!
Wanting- This is the only day of the school year I dread, but yet love at the same time. I can't wait to see my kiddos but tomorrow is so different than any of my other first days back since I'm not a typical classroom teacher right now.
Needing- I have to print my two syllabi for tomorrow, this is a first for me! I also need more faith in myself in my new position. I've had a lot of teachers tell me how excited they are and share encouragement, I just have to let it sink in.
 Three trips- I was born in NC but after reading about the Outer Banks in Nicholas Sparks books I've set a lifetime goal of visiting there.
Give me sand and a fruity drink anytime!
I visited France and Spain in high school but there was so much left to be seen, and eaten ;)

I survived summer!

Where did the summer go?!?! At times I felt like this week on our calendar would never get here but other times it was approaching too quickly.

This Friday is THE DAY! It's the day I registered for in June. I take the licensure test for my Reading Certificate. Last Friday was the day I submitted my final two projects. So I'm ready....

No more homework to cram in once the Man gets home or during nap times. I have one week after this one before we head back for Teacher Workshop and I CAN'T WAIT!

I can't wait to read the 104 blog posts I'm behind on. Not an exaggeration!
Three books that I know I can get through.
More sidewalk coloring and longer walks that involve some park time.
I still would like to fit in a movie theater date with the boys.
A trip to the Farmer's Market
And relax.

It's going to be a good week! Come on Friday!!!

Five on Friday the 13th!

Well Hello blog world!

What would be a better day to get back in action than Friday the 13th. And an easy catch-up with some lovely ladies for Five on Friday

Five: Summer School

This is my second summer working on my Reading Certificate. One class in and I still am enthralled with everything we're learning. I have walked away from every class with something I can use in the classroom or in my new position. This class is specifically on working with teacher's and staff. This book has quickly become an amazing tool!

Four: Chicago, maybe

With my 30th this fall and our 5th anniversary this summer, the Man and I were hoping to get away sometime. Chicago is close enough not to spend a lot of time traveling, but close enough and fun enough to get away. So it's time to start looking at what we want to do, where we want to stay, and most importantly, where we want to eat! I'm so excited just to have one-on-one time with the Man, that's all I need!

Three: Life with three

To help out our close friends, I'm watching their daughter(Baby B) for a few days a week for the next few weeks. Today is our second day together and our first day venturing out of the house. Besides getting to hang out with this cutie, I'm also trying to get a feel for what it might be like with three babes. 

First lesson learned is that we will have to have a double stroller. While I had Baby B in her car seat/stroller combo, Ryker was allowed to walk around. He did fine walking from the parking garage to library but once we hit the kids section this mama got to play chase. While he didn't get too far away, it was tough to help Tucker find his book, keep Ryker close, and Baby B from losing it. It was a quick visit and I learned! Baby B has a different disposition than my boys had so it's been a bit of adjustment. We'll see how the next few weeks go. 

Two: No more gluten

After school let out on Thursday, we had Panera delivered on Friday for teachers. I did a little experiment and sort of stopped watching what I ate. I'm not saying I pigged out and ate junk, but I just didn't limit what I choose to eat to gluten free. I lasted until yesterday and decided I didn't like the changes I was seeing. My skin was not so lovely, my energy level was bbbbaaaaddd (as in wanting a two hour nap everyday), running felt harder than ever. It may just be in my head, but I didn't like it and saw that skipping foods was well worth it. 

One: It's Summer! 

Currently May!

Listening- The man really likes the movie and I live the view. It's a bit of rough story but a good watch!

Loving- I'm running my second half marathon at the end of the month and I'm very worried that I haven't gotten in enough long distance runs. I have a goal time in mind but I'm also find with the idea that I may have to sign up for another race to make it.

Thinking- This year is starting to wrap up fast! And knowing that it could be my last year in this grade level for a while makes we want to go out strong.

Wanting- At the same time I'm starting to gear up for my new position as a reading Interventionist/ Coach in my current building. Out of the four blocks that fill our day, we know I'll have a classroom like setting for one of those and even that's up in the air curriculum wise. So many unknowns make we nervous and somewhat panicky.

Needing- We've had cold, rainy days lately, meaning we're constantly indoors. This weekend it finally cleared up and we could all be outside. I got two of my planters done and I'm starting to think I want two more. My boys and my students are ready for outside time, we just need the weather to cooperate.

Surprise- Be sure to check out Middle Grade Maven's blog and TPT store. I love her Author's Purpose unit!

Currently April

My first "Currently" hookup! I'm so excited I figured out how to do it, super easy, and then got it done! I first saw these on Following My Heart to First, the "Currently" share comes from Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade

I love, love Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I've actually seen a couple places that I want to check out when we visit this summer.

Getting myself back on a schedule and routine is so helpful. I don't do well without them so it's something I have to prioritize, along with asking for help!

They've downgraded our snowfall from 12 inches to 6-10, but we'll see. We're also supposed to get some freezing rain. While a day off may sound nice, any more days missed get added to our calendar.

I'm excited to be trying something new and hopefully finding some more fun teaching blogs! Thanks for stopping by!

Alive and kicking!

Time for a little catch-up eh?

• I think I mentioned I went back to school last summer for my reading certificate. It's every other Saturday for the most part, except for the last three Saturdays in a row- urgh! I absolutely love everything I'm learning, however-

The program is only a year, and that means we cram a lot in.  A LOT! But I love the opportunities that it looks to be bringing in the future.

• I'm currently addicted to puffins. MMMMM, so good! We just sold these as our fundraiser, since I was the advisor in charge I was rewarded three packages. They're not the healthiest, but my goodness are they delicious. 

At this point I just want to eat them up so they're gone.

• Ryker's second birthday is coming up, and this guy is our mascot. Ryker loves everything Elmo. He hasn't watched Sesame Street, or really anything, but he likes this guy.
  
• We've been pretty busy around here lately, and I got to the point Friday at school where I felt like things were closing in on me. My amazing husband reminded me I have to ask for help and not try to do it all at once. 

• This year I tried the Erin Condren lesson planner instead of the Life Planner. In all honesty, I won't order it again. our school requires Google calendars so all my lessons and assignments are on that. Due to the lack of space I wasn't writing down and keeping track of things like I used to. So I made some adjustments. I cut my lesson planning pages out 

then attached them behind the month they belong. The three columns make it easy to break up my teaching work, graduate work, and home needs. So much better. 

• Lastly, Easter is coming! I love the spring outfits, Easter egg hunts, and family time. I'm hoping to see one of the boys in this- 

 

Maybe with a light green or blue underneath? 

Happy Monday! 

Ryker 20 months

At this point I could wait until 24 months but I've got time and I don't want to forget anything!

This little guy is growing so fast!

Your favorites are mandarin oranges, pears, mashed potatoes, and fruit snacks! We actually have to limit you to two a day otherwise you would eat them non-stop.

You still nap once a day 1.5-2.5 hours. You're a great sleeper, but you're such a mover so no one can lie next to you for too long. You have no problem sleeping in the car, I wonder who you get that from...

You love, love, love reading! You're favorite on Sundays is climbing up in Grandpa Hummer's lap with books. You pick the same ones over and over again. Lately, you've also started "writing" and coloring, so cute!

You really don't care for veggies- AT ALL! We keep trying them but you really want no part in them at all.

You loved Halloween this year! Once you figured out that people were handing out candy you would knock on the door before your brother got the chance!

You love your brother and enjoy following him around. You try to climb into bed with him every night and I think he'd let you stay if we let you. You've also mastered climbing in our bed! Luckily you sleep 9-7 or 8 so we don't mind you popping in each morning.

  Ryker you keep us on our toes! You've emptied a wipe container or two, and love shredding tissues. You are very sneaky and quiet!

You also get so excited when we bring in Bane. You squeal in delight when he gives you kisses. You love to lay down just so he can get closer.

 You're about 24 lbs. holding pretty steady on that lately, but you've been growing much taller and getting leaner. You're in size 18m- 2T pending on the brand but still in size 4 diapers. I have a feeling potty training will come earlier than your brother, you're very interested in the potty!

You really don't say a whole lot words, mama, dad, ball, up, and almost grandpa. But you know SO many! I think by two you'll be non stop talking! We'll see soon!