The liebster! 

I was nominated by Melissa over at See Bean Teach for this award and I couldn't be more excited  I saw this last night and almost stayed up to type up my post but I don't think the Man would've liked sharing his bed with a wife and laptop.  So thank you Melissa!

This award is for bloggers who are new to the game and trying to grow their readership!  I have to answer the 11 questions from Melissa, and then nominate 11 blogs of my choice that have less than 200 followers!

1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging? 
I started my blog back in 2009. At the time I was seeing a lot of mommy blogs that I loved and I liked the idea of having something to track the growth and changes in our family. After more exploration I discovered the world of teacher blogs and started trying to incorporate that. 

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why? 
Variety. It could be a day or two between posts, or a month. I try to cover a variety of topics but it's something I hope to hit on more.  

3. Is there something you learned late in your blog journey you wished you knew before? 
People read it when you put it out there. I really limited myself and still do in some ways. It would bother me that no one was really reading but I don't want to intentionally share the blog with my family. I like joining fun linked in events and I'm starting to feel better about commenting on others. 

4. What is your favorite past time other than blogging? 
Reading, I still read a lot but it's more for research, planning, or books my students are assigned or I hope to use. I'm slowly getting back on the reading wagon but I miss it! 

5. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your blog? 
NOT ENOUGH!

6. What category of blog posts do you enjoy the most? 
Um, teacher-mother-wife blogs. I like feeling like I can connect a bit with the writer. I also like "real" blogs, I've stopped reading a few over the years that weren't very realistic or obviously dishonest. I also love a good organization, budgeting blog, that's right up my alley!

7. Where does your blog inspiration come from? 
I have always loved Chris over at Just a Girl, we have a lot in common and I would love to meet her one day! Erin over at Blue Eyed Bride is also a nice blog to read, she has two boys as well, and seems to be such a sweetheart. 

8. Which post that you've written are you most proud of?
I like putting my 30 before 30 list out there, but being that I have a lot left to do it helps stay accountable. I WILL do everything on that list. 
   
9. Is there any post you have been planning to do, but have postponing it for a while now? 
I would like to focus more on my new teaching position. When I was looking for info on it there weren't a whole lot of blogs in the area. Even if only one person benefits it would be worth it. I just have to do it. 

10. What is your favorite aspect of blogging? 
I like being "connected" to people from all over. While we don't know each other and will probably never met, its comforting to know that someone else is going through something similar  I also love learning from others, about teaching, kids, family, money, decor, all of it. 

11. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you be most likely to try yourself?  I really like two of Melissa's goals-

2. Increase my financial awareness: what I make and what I spend

3. Improve my friendships: write/text/call a different person weekly

Both are ones I think are important and I'd liked to focus more on both. 

My Liebster Nominees:

Nicole the Southbay Newlyweds Plus One

Melissa The Dalton Gang

Mrs. Crouse Crouse goes to Third Grade
Darnee A Tale of 2 Classrooms

Currently October

I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for the October Currently. Yep, I'm also 3 days late, oh well!

Listening- I love this movie! Hugh Grant is one of my favorite Rom Com guys! And Sandra Bullock is so lovely. Ryker is sitting next to me with his favorite trucks and cars making all their engine sounds, such a boy!
Loving- Today I rocked (in my own opinion) my vest, boots, and scarf for an amazingly fabulous fall outfit without overheating!
Thinking- To help my seventh grade class with the over abundance of vocabulary being thrown at them this year we've started with Greek roots, one a day. Next year I'd like to have a staff discussion on the amount of vocabulary we hold our students accountable for, 15 words a week (at the very least) per class makes an unrealistic expectation for our students taking four core classes and who already struggle with their work load and reading.
Wanting- Tomorrow morning is my ten mile run, only two more weekends of long runs before my third half- marathon! I can make my goal, I really can!
Needing- I attended a conference on literacy coaching Friday afternoon and realized how much I'm not supporting the staff in the building. I'm more student focused right now, which is VERY necessary but I feel like I'm not doing the entire job that I agreed to. While my time seems to be disappearing quickly and used for all types of reasons, I wish I was supporting the staffs needs more.
Treats- always treats!

Five on Friday!

One..... Enjoying the present.
Our calendar is filling up at a super quick pace as of late and September flew by!

Two..... get 'er done!
To stay on top of my life, I've been making lists to help keep track of things. I love the Target "One Spot" to find cheap seasonal note pads.

Three.... hello fall outfits!

This outfit is right up my alley, along with this other one . I love a vest day!!

 Four.... date night with my littlest man.
Tucker and the Man went camping last Saturday night and Ryker asked me out for yogurt. He might not have said that, but he didn't turn it down.

Five.... I'm looking for this to happen to my front porch!
That includes painting the front door and of course changing our staircase.

I don't need all the apples, and the wreath is a little too big. This would be considered a volunteer position of course and you'd have to visit regularly to insure I haven't killed those beautiful mums!

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!