Currently... August.... WHAT HAPPENED TO JUNE & JULY????

It's that all to familiar time of the month again.  You know...the one where you gasp because you have no idea where the last month went.  Unfortunately I have to take TWO gasps...because I have no idea where the last two months have went. I'm linking up to Farley's Currently now before this month breezes by without me participating.  See you there.

Wisdom for New Teachers

Today I am linking up with Deb Thomas from Fabulously First to offer my words of wisdom to all the new teachers out there.  I hope you come and link up too! Click here or on the picture below and you will be taken to the Wisdom for New Teacher's Linky Party. 

Stop the Timers! I'm not Ready...

The last couple of days I have noticed more and more people adding the counters for how many days until school starts.  Yikes! I don't know about you but I'm not quite ready for the countdown yet.

It only seems like a few days ago that I hugged my little first graders new little second graders goodbye.   I'm convinced that time changes during the summer and flies by without any regard to the time that we as teachers need to regroup.

Here are just a few of the highlights of my summer so far:

• No Vacation.    (wait...that is not a highlight!!!)

• A conference that I attended was pretty much worthless (except for Ron Clark... who gave me whiplash from trying to keep up with him on stage! But my neck pain was definitely worth it!)

• Almost every weekend an evening at our lake with my teaching partner in crime for some of the best steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, potatoes, in this part of the country.  We are truly blessed to have a beautiful place but even more blessed to have such as wonderful family to share it with. 

• An MRI on my husband's back that has totally rocked my world NOT in a good way.  Trusting God has it under control... 

• Mopping.  Mopping.   Mopping.  I have never mopped so much in my entire life.  After several visits to the vet... we are still having issues and I am not a very happy mommy!

Well...that is just a glance... I don't want to bore you too much.  I hope you are enjoying your summer... AND stop counting those days!   lol

I'm all About Organization ~ I Love these Cubes!!!!!

Would you just look at those awesome storage containers!   If you know me at all, you know I am all about being organized!  I was so excited when I received these cubes from Shoplet to try out and let them know what I thought about them.

At first glance I thought all four of them were the same. I quickly discover that even though they were all made of durable, translucent plastic each cube had different features.  Some had drawers, dividers and one was just a cube with lots of space!  Clips were included which were used to join the cubes together.  Although no directions were given, it was quite easy to put together.  Each container has an indentation that makes it easier to slide the clips onto for joining cubes together. It's up to you how you want them arranged!   All of them can be clipped together to make one storage unit or they could be left as an individual cube.  If you find you need more cubes, they can be added easily. 

This is the Deflect-o Two Drawer Cube Organizer (DEF350101) .  It has two clear drawers that slide out easily.  Since the drawers are clear, it is easy to locate the items you are looking for without opening the drawers.   

Next is the  Deflect-o Desk Cube (DEF350301).  It is quite similar to the Two Drawer Cube Organizer. This cube however has four drawers instead of two.  They are large enough to store items like rubber bands, paperclips, erasers, etc. 

I love the Deflect-o Desk Cube with X Dividers (DEF350201).   It is also made of translucent plastic with X dividers.  These dividers can be removed easily if you decide that you don't want to use them.  However I found that it makes a great holder for my pens, markers, scissors, and highlighters. 

The last cube is the Deflect-o Desk Cube (DEF350401) .  Once again, the cube is translucent just like the other three.    This one does not have any drawers or dividers.  It is a completely open cube.  This is the one I found most challenging to fill.  I personally would have preferred the option of adding dividers.   So far, no matter what I have tried to store in this cube has not worked for me.  I'm still trying to figure out the perfect use for it.

Don't you just love it!   If you are looking for  office supplies  or  promotional products you definitely want to check them out! 

Disclosure:  Shoplet provided me with these complimentary Desk Cubes.  All opinion expressed are my own.  

Angels By My Side by Betty Malz

I have so many books to read...and so little time this summer to read them.  I finally finished this book today.

The author, Betty Malz, starts the book with this quote, “This book is dedicated to bringing hope to the helpless and offering help to the fearful.”  I knew from that quote that this book was going to have my full attention.  I was definitely not disappointed!

I have always been fascinated with the topic of angels, but I had never taken the time to research them.  I was excited to see that Betty Malz did that research for me in this book!  

She wrote about different occasion in the Bible where angels appeared. You will be amazed about how many times that God has sent His angels.   Protecting angels, rescuing angels and messenger angels all played any important part of the scriptures.  Until I read this book, I hadn't given much thought to the different roles and purposes that angels have. 

Throughout the book, the author writes about the real life experiences of many different people who have been visited by angels.  I must admit there were a few that I had a hard time believing.  However, when I considered the power of God, I realized that I have no reason to doubt the power of the Almighty.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning more about angels.

Disclosure:   Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Currently Breaking My Sabbatical

Several years ago I had to quit Facebook for awhile.  I think I was addicted to it.  Well... I don't know if it was an addiction, but it took up way to much of my time.  I deactivated my account. Wow!  I had so much time on my hands, but I missed knowing what was happening with my family and friends...so after about 6 long months, I joined the world of Facebook again.  However, I found that I rarely spend time on it...and I'm totally okay with that.

That is kinda where I am with my blog.  I have learned so much from so many bloggers but it has been totally overwhelming. After a couple of years of saving great ideas, I have a mess on my computer.  I need some organization and that is where I am right now.  There has to be a way to have it all organized...but I haven't figure it out yet.  So, until I can figure out what I am going to do...I've kinda taken a blog sabbatical as far as downloading anymore stuff.  lol.     

I know I'm late for the party, but I need to take a break from cleaning my house (and my computer), so I decided to visit Farley for her monthly currently.  

  

Listening.  I swear there are about 10 dogs out there howling.  Different octaves too!  They always make me smile when I hear dogs howl.

Loving.    I'm keeping my fingers cross that my dryer holds out through the summer.  I don't think she has too many spins left.  :-(

Thinking.  Tomorrow little Samson will no longer be able to become a daddy.  I've never had to do this to a little boy puppy before.  Somehow...it  just different with our girl puppies.

Wanting.  A new mattress is probably more of a need than a want!  I'm pretty sure springs sticking through are not a good thing.

Needing.  I usually always have a book with me no matter when I am at. You never know when you might have time to read.  :-)

Essentials.  I can't imagine going anywhere without my hubby and we definitely need some bucks to go anywhere!  Books...well they are a must for me no matter where I go!


That's it!  I'm exhausted from all this typing.  Don't forget to link up!

A Sad Day In Oklahoma

Today was the 1st day of my summer break.  I had planned on packing up my room and completing all the necessary end of the year stuff.  That came to an abrupt stop when I received a text from my sister that my brother's house was right in the path of the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.  I prayed immediately for protection for him and his family.   Within a few minutes I received another text.  His house was hit.  Nothing more. He was finally able to send another text to let us know that he and his family were safe.  His house received property damage, but a 1/2 block away every house was leveled.   

I've spent the afternoon glued to the TV.  The tears just continue to flow for those  that have lost loved ones, their homes, businesses, pets, and for those that have no idea where their loved ones are.    

It is such a sad day in Oklahoma!

School is Winding Down!!!! & Steelmaster Table Stand Review

Three more days of school and it's over!!!  I'll just say it's been an interesting year.  I'm already getting excited about next year.  I will be having a student teacher in my classoom!  I met her yesterday and I suddenly realized how old I am.  She is just a baby!   More about this exciting adventure later...

But for now I have a product that I want to share with you.   

Shoplet.com generously sent me a Steelmaster Tablet Stand in exchange for my honest review. Here is a picture of what it looks like. 

It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I just purchased a Kindle Fire HD (thanks to my awesome teacher buddy) & I was just beginning to realize how inconvenient it was when I was  following a recipe in the kitchen or watching a movie.  I had to either hold it or prop it up so I could see.  I could never seem to get it at the angle I needed.  Now, with the Steelmaster Table Stand, I can easily place my Kindle (in its case or without its case) on the stand and I know it’s not going to move!    

The Steelmaster Tablet Stand came assembled and ready to use.  It is light-weight, but sturdy!  I was pleased to see a non-skid padding on the bottom of it that will not allow the furniture to be scratched. 

If you would like more information, please click here.

Have a great day!

Blackwoodow Spiders & Last Day for $25 Gift Card

Mickey Cron you are the winner of the $25 gift card!!  Have fun with it! Thank you Oriental Trading for providing it!!!

Today is the last day to sign up to win a $25 Gift Card from Oriental Trading. I made it really easy for you! Follow me & leave your email address. That's it! Click here or on the picture below to take you to that post.

I had to smile when I saw this on one of my student's papers this week.  Look out for those blackwoodow spiders!!  

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

$25 Gift Card Oriental Trading Giveaway

Mother's Day will be here before you know it.   I've been browsing over at Oriental Trading for a few ideas.  They have several choices, but I can't decide what I'm going to go with yet.   What would you choose?

I'm so excited that Oriental Trading gave me a $25 Gift Card to give to one of my followers!  I'll make it easy for you (and me because I can't remember how to do the rafflecopter).  Just let me know in the comment section what you think you would spend your $25 on if you are the lucky winner!!!  Don't forget to leave your email.  I will draw a number next Saturday, April 13th  (before 11 PM Central Time).  

 Teapot Frame          

Watering Can Card       

Handprint Flower       

Flowerpot       

Windsock       

Note Holder       

(This review is based strictly on my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. I was provided the sample free of charge by the company or PR agency and I provided my honest opinion. No other type of compensation was received for this review.)

Stranded on Island is Not My Idea of Fun - Giveaway Reminder

The topic this week is what 3 things would you have to have with you if you were stranded on a deserted island.  This was really tough... because in order to survive for more than a couple of hours, I would have to have more than just three things!   

First, I can't imagine being stranded anywhere without my husband!  Stranded on an island would be like a dream come true for him, but I would definitely be an unhappy camper!  Is it wrong to be so attached to someone that it hurts to be without them?  Yes... my husband would definitely have to be there.

  

I would have to have shoes on to wear.  It drives me absolutely crazy to go barefoot.  Which reminds me, I really need some new shoes.  

 I would definitely need something to read.  If I could only have one book though, it would definitely have to be my Bible.  

If you haven't signed up for a chance to win a $25 Oriental Trading Gift Card click on the picture below. 

April Currently

Once again, another month has slipped by. April...it's getting  close to the end of the school year.  Yikes!

Listening... You would think that we starve our dogs the way they eat.  It probably has more to do with the new puppy.  I think our 2 older dogs know that if they don't eat it quickly, the puppy will be more than happy to help them finish theirs off. 

Loving... I'm not sure how it's possible...but I love my hubby so much...sometimes it hurts.

Thinking... I definitely need to wash my car.  The last snow we had left dirt everywhere on our car!

Wanting... I definitely need some magic happening at my house...I hate cleaning.  My mom taught me that I think.  lol

Needing... Finding shoes for me is truly awful.  Nothing seems to fit me.  Perhaps I'm too picky.  I don't like my toes to touch the end of the shoe (EVER), I don't like tightness ANYWHERE on my foot, I don't like my heels to come out of my shoes.  Trust me... for my foot it's almost impossible to find anything (unless it's a flip-flop!)

Advice... I have to apply some discipline so I don't let time get away from me when I'm stalking blogs.

Don't forget to write your Currently and link up over at Farley's Blog!  

Happy Easter

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.

Mathew 28:6

Cooking & Drawing - Having Fun with Books!

Recently I received a couple of  books that I wanted to share with you.  They have quickly been added to my classroom library.

Fun Party Food: Little Chef Recipes
Author: Mercedes Segarra
Illustrations: Rosa M. Curto
ISBN#: 978-1-4644-0467-2

     This little cookbook begins with some very basic safety tips and other information that every chef needs to know before they begin to start cooking in the kitchen. The illustrator uses cartoon characters of children and adults that will appeal to the young chef.  

     The recipes require an adult working with their little chef in the kitchen. Recipes throughout the book have a list of ingredients with illustrations for each. The easy-to-make recipe follows with step-by-step written instructions as well as illustrations.

     Children will enjoy being a part of creating their own cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets or other appealing treat!

     Some of the recipes can be easily created in the classroom.  I will be adding this book to my library to be used to develop our writing skills.  




The next book has created a few issues with my first grade girls.  They all love it!  We have already had to clean out our desks in an attempt to locate this quickly disappearing book.  

Draw the Magic Green Fairy
Author: Rosa Maria Curto
ISBN#: 978-1-4644-0479-5

     This book is jam-packed with colorfully illustrated drawings that will appeal to aspiring artists that have an interest in the magical world of fairies. Children will enjoy flipping through this book time and time again to search for items that they would like to draw, perfect and to make their own.

     The illustrations are filled with colors that will appeal to the young artist. There are easy step-by-step illustrations that will help the artist develop their drawing ability. It will keep the young artists entertained for hours as the magical world of fairies become alive on their paper. 

     It won’t take the artist long to learn how to sketch fairies and items that a fairy might need... such as ice cream for fairy parties, jars to store their honey and of course many fairy friends!      I promise your girls will loved it! 


Enslow Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of these books to review.

My Poor Abandoned Blog - Five for Friday

          I decided it was time to quit procrastinating and get to blogging! It's  not like I have a life that keeps me terribly busy...I just have not any desire to do anything in the blogging world.  Does that ever happen to anyone else?

          Anyways, I decided to link up Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday. I'll try not to bore you too much!

I am trying to recover from surgery that I had a last week.  These 3 little ones have been my constant company during that time.   There is never a dull moment when the puppy is awake!!  I'm not sure if you can see it in the picture or not, but  Samson (4 months old) is sitting on top of Shadow. This of course creates issues with Dingo (Grandpa) and then he starts his annoying barking. After a few minutes the cuteness kinda wears off and I have to get my handy little squirt bottle out. Works miracles let me tell ya!  I don't even have to use it most of the time.  hahaha

I'm still in shock from getting this in the mail a few days ago. You would think they would be courteous enough to wait a week or so before attempting to put you in shock!  I'm convinced they have made a BIG mistake.

My stack of school stuff has not went down one little bit since I brought it home a couple of weeks ago!  Time is, however, running out!  Grade Cards are due Monday!  They are right on top...surely I can accomplish that in the next few days!  

I am so blessed by my friends and family.  They have provided meals for my husband I ever since my surgery.  It started with BBQ from my bestest teacher buddy and it still continues.  My refrigerator runneth over.  I would show you pictures of all the food...but it would take too long.  Trust me... we never wanted for a meal.    

Last, but certainly not the least important thing that happened to me this week was being contacted by Oriental Trading.  In the near future I will be reviewing some of their Mother's Day products.  They even mentioned providing $$ for a giveaway on my blog!  That brought a bit of sunshine into my week.   Check our some of their Easter freebies have by clicking the picture.

Okay, that took longer than I expected and it totally wore me out.  I'm going to take a short nap before attempting to get out of this recliner.  

See you at the Linky Party!

February Currently

I've found that the older I get, the quicker time flies by!  I wasn't quite ready for

the month of February to be here, so I'm just going to have to adjust.  I'm going to start the month my completing my 

February Currently that Farley host every month.  

I think we are going to have to put in a doggy door.  Bless Samson's little heart...he tries.  He runs to the back door.  Unfortunately, if we don't see him run to the back door, we have no idea that he needs out.   Other than putting in TWO doggy doors, any suggestion out there???

I'm not even going to talk about my pet peeve because it will get me all worked up.   Besides...I'm on my way to learn some Easter music.  

Have a wonderful weekend...  Click below to head on over to link up.  

What's Your Favorite Nut

It's that time of the week again when Ms. Jessica over at A Turn to Learn hosts her weekly linky party of things our students say.  Please come and share!  

We were making a graph about our favorite type of nut.  As I was listing their favorites, one student told me his favorite was a banana nut.  I'm thinking to myself that he probably was confused about what I was asking him.  After a bit of discussion, he almost had me convinced that there was such a thing as a banana nut.  I finally realized (with the guidance of some of my other students) that his favorite nut was a cashew!  Of course, a cashew... don't we all think of a banana when we see a cashew!!!  

Today I was handing out a paper to my students and I said "here is your hundreds fart."  I realized immediately what I said...and was hoping they weren't  listening (which had been the case all day!) ...but nope...I think everyone of them heard it... They laughed like it was the funniest thing ever... which of course made me laugh.  One of my students then said "I love it when you laugh!"  Hmmm...maybe I need to laugh with them more??

Okay, it's your turn.... Come and link up and share by clicking the picture below.