July Currently

Hey There!
I figured I should dust off this old blog before I head out to Vegas tomorrow! If you glance at my blog it would appear as if I have fallen off the planet- but I promise I've been working on some fun things to share..pinky promise!

With the rough school year I had, I was reminded by how valuable TPT, teacher bloggers, and Pinterest have been to my classroom and I!! Seriously, there's no way I could have survived with out it!

Listening: Seriously, I'm not sure my heart can handle the stress of Shark Week right now. Eek!!! I'm glad this marathon did not exist when I was growing up. I was already terrified of swimming with blue gills up at our lake house and I can't even talk about the time my dad pulled out an Alligator Snapping Turtle from the water. NOPE. DONE. I was SO done! These days you can find me on the beach and a safe distance away from the water. 

Loving: Summer!!!! Do you need me to say more? I've been reading, organizing, planning, creating, chatting, shopping, visiting, attending weddings, traveling, sleeping, and just re-energizing!!! I need it! 

Thinking: I am so nervous for Vegas right now.  I know that I'll have a great time.  I know that I'll learn a lot. I hope that I make some new friends.  I'm just so gosh darn nervous right now! First Day Jitters...that's all.  

Wanting/Needing:  This is pretty much what happens every time I have to tackle what feels like a big project.  I'll shop, do laundry, iron...all of the prep work...but actually pack!? That usually waits until the last minute.  I still have friends who tease me about packing the hour before leaving for my semester in England.  I love to plan and organize...and apparently, wait for the last second! I think it has to do with how much I second guess myself.  I can 'hmm and haw' (Spelling!?!?) all day long, until it's decision making time.  

My flight leaves tomorrow in the AM...so you can bet that I'll most likely finish packing around 1 AM too. :) 

All Star: This was a hard one! I always think of myself as a kind person, but I saw SO many people listing that.  Well, then I started thinking about what words I usually hear people use to describe me.  I've heard from multiple people that I often bring up the other side of things.  Whether I agree with the opposing side or not, I guess I like to discuss different points of view.  This has come from friends, boyfriends, family, and my poor co-workers.

I'm not sure if that's always a compliment! Haha! 

Okay, I think I've postponed enough, I really do need to start prepping and packing!

Don't forget to check out all of the other amazing teacher's at Farley's Currently! 

I hope to see you in Vegas! 

It's February!?!?

It's February!? How did that happen???  I know I've been a bad, bad, bad blogger.  Truly horrible, but for whatever reason this year I've felt like I have NO TIME for anything!  It doesn't help that my class this year is seriously tapping me out.  I know most of you out there can relate.  So, in saying that...blogging has helped me keep my sanity in the past and I'll be adding it back into my regular routine. 

Now...Currently hosted by Queen of Positivity, Farley! I love this lady...really puffy heart love her.  The energy she brings into the world through her classroom, blog, and Instagram is amazing! She inspires me to be a better teacher each and every day.

Listening: I'm obsessed with this Ellie Goulding song! It's been on repeat for a week now and I'm still not tired of it.  I'm not sure if I'll make it to the theaters to see 50 Shades of Grey...that may be something to watch from the comfort of home.  

Also, Chicago had a large snowfall last night (surprise....not) and I'm hearing the buzz of all the blowers clearing sidewalks for the Superbowl parties today.

Loving: I have some amazing teamies that I just adore! I've been having the best time planning and decorating for parties and showers at school with a teacher bud.  She's amazing and it's fun to gab to someone about your excitement over paper straws and tissue paper poms.  She gets me folks!!!!

Thinking: The January calendar and decorations are around the room and I forgot to pull out the February stuff....whoops! 

Wanting: My friend gave birth to the sweetest little nugget three weeks ago and of course I became sick at the exact same time! UGH! I've been surviving on daily baby pictures, but I can't wait to get my hands on that little sweetie and snuggle him! 

Needing: Peace. I'm not sure if that needs any more of an explanation....

Pageant Title: Miss Interpret -  Or at least that's what my students keep doing to my directions! Apparently instructions from the teacher are mere suggestions or loose 'guide lines' according to my class. Grrrr.  See why I need some peace of mind?!? 

I'm off to check out lots of Currently posts to help get me back into a blogging mood! 

I almost forgot...have you heard there is a sale going on??? Tons of teachers, including myself, have put there stores on sale today for Superbowl Sunday! Make sure you check them out! 

My Literacy Center packs are on sale for the next two days, including this newbie! My kids love the space theme while we are learning about the solar system in Science.  

Go Seahawks!!!! 

Currently it's December!!

Well, Hello There! Long time no see!!! I always love how Farley's party brings me out of my blogging hibernation.  So, here we go!!! 

Most of these will probably be pretty self explanatory...but...since I love to ramble....

Listening: You know those sappy, cheesy, love-dovie Christmas movies that make your stomach hurt because they're so syrupy sweet? Yea...I love those.  I cannot tell a lie. I just eat them up like an elf eating spaghetti and syrup. 

Loving and Thinking are going hand-in-hand this month for me. I love how relaxed I was this past weekend and able to enjoy family and friends and I am looking forward to counting down the next 15 hectic school days until Winter Break! 

Wanting: My Sissy!!! She is coming in from Texas for a month next week and I cannot wait for a whole lot of sister time!!! 

Needing: As I type this I have a luncheon to prepare for, lamination to cut, plans to make, things to wrap, and a bag full of grading...pretty much everything except what I'm doing right now is on my To Do List.  

Giving: Did you see Farley's post about how she teaches students the importance of giving?? I loved it! I've done random acts of kindness in February with Valentine's Day, but I just may incorporate it along with this season as well.  

In the spirit of giving, I'll be sharing any one of my products from my TPT store with the first three people to comment on this post. :) Be sure to leave me your e-mail, so that I can send you the file of your choosing.  You may want to peek at my newest set of Winter Wonderland centers.  This pack includes 8 games that are engaging for students and simple enough to be managed independently.

Happy Holidays!!!

Currently it's Novemberrrrrrrrrr!

Hello All! I'm taking a break from the madness of completing Quarter 1 report cards and lesson planning to link up with the adorable Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade.  

October was a hard month on some of my friends, so I'm happy to move onto a new month where hopefully we will see some positive and uplifting changes! 

Listening: The silence is beautiful and quite necessary at this point.  It's been hard to stay focused and on task with these report cards this week.  Good thing I'm not distracted by Pinterest, Bloglovin, and Etsy....whoopsies ;) 

Loving: I absolutely love the chilly fall weather in Chicagoland area.  There is so much fun to be had outside and I love snuggling in my big comfy scarves.  What I don't love..wet, gray fall days. 

Thinking: That brings me right into October 31st where I thought the snow flurries were a very unnecessary preview of winter.   I don't know if it had something to do with all of the Elsa and Oleg costumes, either way, I was NOT a fan.

Wanting: These dang report cards done.  This is my second year using a Standards Based Report Card, and it is difficult! I see the benefits as well as some issues using one.  I just am taking my time as I carefully evaluate each piece and each child. *Insert exasperated sigh here*

Needing: Speaking of those precious children, we are in need of some more consistency in our daily schedule.  I'm not sure about them, but there poor teacher just might lose her marbles by Winter Break if something doesn't get figured out.  I'm feeling like my classroom is a revolving door of aides and specialists.  While I know all of these people are absolutely wonderful and greatly appreciate everything they are doing to help my students...sometimes I would just like to shut the door and for everyone else to pretend that we weren't there.  I hope you don't think I'm too awful of a person for admitting that...

Reading: I've been reading all sorts of fun things lately...here is what's currently on my bedside table

Children's Lit: 

Map Trap by Andrew Clements 

I LOVE and can't wait to use this for a map skills unit.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt 

ADORABLE, I just presented this book at school to 100 students who were rolling on the floor! It's quite cute and great for a lesson on point of view or voice.

Professional: 

Nonfiction Mentor Texts: Teaching Informational Writing Through Children's Literature, K-8 by Lynne R. Dorfman & Rose Cappelli 

Proving to be a great resource as I plan for my upcoming writing unit. 

Personal:

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

SPOOKY and perfect for this season. 

Don't forget to check out all of the awesome teachers linking up with Farley this month! 

Happy Fall Y'all! 

Currently It's October

Okay, I've been really out of the loop with being on-line...but I've been doing important stuff. I promise.  Not to worry, I decided to come out of the wood-work along with a ton of other bloggers for Farley's Currently party.  

That lady makes me laugh I tell ya.  She just cracks me up! 

Okay, without further ado....

Listening: Modern Family- I can never decide who is my favorite character.  I love them all SO much!

Loving: I've been taking advantage of having a Keurig machine in our lounge these past few mornings.  It's been a fantastic convenience (not to mention it makes standing outside on a chilly morning for bus duty much more tolerable)

Thinking:  I can't be the ONLY one.  This week has been one of those, really? REALLY? REALLY!? kind of weeks.

Wanting: The other week I headed out to the apple orchard and loaded up on some delicious Honey Crisp and Gala apples.  I may or may not have overdone it on my purchasing...but I couldn't help it! They're delicious, I just hope I eat them all before they go bad!

Needing: I really need to replenish my supply of tanks, tees, sweatshirts, and yoga pants.... does anyone have any favorite brands are stores?

Trick or Treat: TREAT! I've just uploaded my new Halloween Literacy Centers and have them on sale for 20% off the $4.00 until October 4th. The file includes four different center activities...that's less than a dollar for a center people!

Have a spooktacular month!!!

Currently: September

First off I cannot believe it's already September...and secondly I can't believe that I'm linking up to Currently so early! Usually I figure out the beautiful Farley has posted after being alerted by bloglovin that 50 million other people have joined the link up! 

Okay MAYBE that last part was an exaggeration..but for reals. I'm always late. 

Listening: Can you ever get tired of Friends? The answer is no. 

Loving: My team has underwent some changes this year and lost two former members.  One of our sweet teammies became our school Reading Specialist- yay for her! The dynamic of the team seems lighter and happier this year with the loss of our other teammate. I'm excited for the new possibilities! 

Thinking: Come on, try and pretend you weren't thinking the same thing!

Wanting: I happened to find THE perfect leopard print scarf on Nordstrom.com and now I can't stop obsessing over it.

Needing: Alright Ms. Erin...get off Pinterest and start planning...you ain't on summer break anymore! 

3 Trips: These are places I've never been, but would LOVE to visit...Ireland and Scotland...I love the history and gorgeous landscapes!!!

Yosemite National Park...while I'm not really an outdoorsy backwoods kind of girl, I love animals and think this is just someplace every American should visit.

Thanks for checking out my Currently, I'm off to go and visit others!!!

Currently...It's my Birthday!

Hello There! I'm taking a break from the celebrating to tell you that it's currently my birthday! Of course I need to link up with the sweet sweet Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade! My teaching bud and friend from my kiddie days Emily, at The First Grade Frenzy was the first to make it onto the link party...so I have to give her a little shout out! Woot woot to my darling Padfoot! 

My birthday is always a bittersweet time since people start thinking about going back to school and making preparations. Nooooooooo...can't summer last forever?? Who will sleep in my bed until 10am and watch daytime TV if I'm not home?? 

Anyways, here we go!!!!!

Listening: Seriously, I love my reality TV...and the thicker the accent, the better! 

Loving: I've been spoiled today! Birthday flowers, prezzies, lunches, cake, milkshakes, shopping, and lots of hugs and kisses. I'm a lucky girl!

Thinking: There's cake in the fridge.....do I want lemon or chocolate??

Wanting: Tomorrow I'm heading to the beach and hoping to get some more color on these legs! I love the beach! Minus the sand, birds, and fish. :) 

Needing: Is there a rich prince out there who would like to sponsor my classroom this year? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

1st Day for me is the 25th, we have two days of in services and then the littles ones come. I'm getting excited! 

I'm off to continue celebrating me and summer! 

XOXO

Currently I'm Feeling Patriotic!

Hey Y'all! I cannot believe that it's already July! That means summer vacation is almost half-way over and it JUST started. No fair!

I've been enjoying my days off and have been feeling rejuvinated!

Some of you may know that I finally decided to join this decade and get an Instagram- woah! I'd love for you to follow my organizin' glitter obsessin' self @Shortandsassyteacher

 

Yesterday I also had the awesome chance of meeting some amazing Chicago area bloggers. They were all SO sweet and SO supportive.  What an amazing bunch of people!!!!

So without further ado.....

 

 

Listening: There is a CRAZY awful storm right now hitting Chicago.  I'm curled up in my blankets as I type this right now. EEEEKKK!

 

Loving: My summer morning routines...or lack there of! Sleeping in, morning walks, and juicing. That makes for a great routine to me...let's not forget my morning round of blog stalking and Pinning. :)

 

Thinking: I've been thinking about next school year, as I know all of you have been too. It's hard to not separate from my classroom, especially when I have so much on my To Do List.  Next year is going to bring a lot of positive changes for me.  So...let's do this!

 

Wanting: For summer to go on forever and never end.  I don't think many people would argue me on that.

 

Needing: A trip to see one of my besties! She's just gotten her first full-time teaching position!!! Ah! I can't wait to go and visit her and decorate her classroom! She knows I obsess over details like that and steps back and lets me do my thang...LOVE HER! By the way, did I mention she's going to be teaching Junior High Health?? Bless her soul.

 

4th Plans: The past few years my Dad and Brother's band has been asked to play in my hometown parade on the Village's float.  Last year they dressed up as Duck Dynasty boys and played country. This year they're doing a Blues Brother theme! Orange Whip!?

 

I can't wait to see what everyone else is Currently up to over at Farley's!

XOXO

Five for Friday 5/6/14

It's been an exhausting week and I still have a few more days until summer.  This is truly beginning to feel like the never ending school year! We've been keeping busy and having lots of fun activities to keep us learning and to stay motivated.  

Have you ever heard of Boosterthon? A few weeks ago our PTA brought them out to our school for a huge fundraiser.  Boosterthon really does an excellent job pumping the kids up to raise money for your school.  With a focus on leadership, good character, and fitness the final event of the Boosterthon Fundraiser was the Fun Run.  The kids asked family and friends to pledge $1 for every lap they ran at the Fun Run, the culminating event.  The kids were SO excited and most did over 35 laps!

This girls was ready to RUN at the Fun Run!  

We've been studying energy in my third grade class...we certainly are full of energy, but sometimes have difficulty understanding our science textbook.  During this lesson, students used wind-up cars to demonstrate potential and kinetic energy.  I have to laugh because I can't see any cars in this photo, they were zooming so fast around my room! 

We were able to squeeze in another science experiment.  Since we've been learning about energy, we tried making circuits of energy with Energy Balls.  One of my fantastic teammates loaned these to me...they were awesome! If students made a successful circuit the ball would flash red and make a sound.  These boys are having a blast making a human circuit of energy! 

This week my grade level has planned fun themed days to help countdown to summer.  Look out for a post on this soon. :) However, on Tuesday of this week we had some special literacy activities.  I got to read aloud Mustache Baby, a very sweet and silly story, to a small group of kids. 

Afterwards my mustache babies made our own mustache disguises...um, hello cheap and easy last minute project! 

We also played Pin the Mustache on the Baby, which was a hit! 

I couldn't wait to create Hope King's Dive into Summer writing pieces with my kiddies! Once they saw what it was going to look like they were chomping at the bit for extra writing time- SCORE! Here's my horrific sample...yes, that is my drawing of a car....and yes, I have a boring white straw for my snorkel. I bought fun packs of neon straws, but decided to save those for my students.  *Sigh* the sacrifices I make for these kids. ;) 

We've got only a few days left, I can't wait!

Erin

June Currently

Summer is almost here, I can taste it!   In fact, this weekend I did taste it... hot dogs, ice-cream, and an accidental taste of sunscreen- ick! 

Listening: Law & Order Special Victims Unit marathon...dum-dum.  Sometimes I hate myself for getting so hooked! 

Loving: Our quarter ended Friday and I've finished my report cards! Yahoo! I'm feeling accomplished, for now.

Thinking: That's right friends, I'm feeling like the little engine that could.  I'm just chuggin along until the end of the school year.  Although our quarter ended and my report cards are due, we still have 8 days. Yes, 8 days of school...8 Ridiculously long FUN filled days of school left!!!  Really, we will have quite a bit of fun. My team is having a countdown to summer with a different theme and set of activities every day. I'll be sure to share that with you later!

Wanting: My Blackhawks Boys to win tonight! We're at Game 7, it's do or die! 

Needing: I've just got to purge my cabinets, drawers, and closet at school! Things have been feeling a little cramped lately.  I have a fear of becoming a  'Teacher Keeper' aka 'Classroom Hoarder'.  Eek!

Summer Bucket List: My list is a mile long like everyone else, but the three main things I hope to do this summer are read for enjoyment, create things for my TPT store, home, and classroom, and connect with friends and family.

The feeling one has at the  beginning of the summer is truly the best feeling! The unknown possibilities and adventures await! 

XOXO 

Be sure to check out the adorable Farley and the rest of the Currently link party!

Currently it's MAY- YAY!

I'm SO glad to be linking up with Farley and her fun monthly link party! I missed her last month and things just did not feel right! Let the fun begin!!!

Listening: Nothing...and I like it that way. :)

Loving: It's sandal season YAY! I think I'm due for a pretty pedi and maybe a new Essie color. What do ya think? Am I worth it?

Thinking: We have about one month left until the end of the school year and A LOT to get done.  I really love this time of year when I can see how much my little ones have grown.  It's so exciting!!!

Wanting: That being said...I'd lie if I didn't admit that I'm looking forward to summer vacation! Between trips with friends, relaxing outside, planning/shopping for next year, and making a trip down to Houston, I can't wait! My sister is going to be getting her Masters in Opera Performance at Rice University. Yee-Haw! 

Needing: The spring clothes and sandals are making an appearance, as well as my ghostly white legs. Time to start sunning...responsibly of course ;)

Surprise: Leave me a little love down below and I'll choose someone at random to receive a little box of my favorite classroom things!  Who doesn't love getting packages filled with favorite things??

Don't forget to check out Farley's blog and all of the other fun posts!

XOXO

March Currently and a Freebie

Hey There! Isn't Farley's new blog design GORGEOUS!?!? I'm in LURVE! Sigh.  It's horrible that I haven't even had my first blogiversary and want to update the look of my site?? I guess you always want what you don't have.

Anyway, without further ado.....

Listening: Tom Hanks' That Thing You Do, I'm visiting my sister tonight and we're cuddled on the couch viewing one of our favorite movies from when we were younger! Ahhh, Guy Paterson...SOOOOOO dreamy!

Loving: On Friday we had an Institute Day which included some much appreciated plan time. Yay! I was finally able to tackle some big projects and organize a much needed mess in my file binders!

Thinking: In less than a week our state testing will be over and I won't have to think of it any longer. Buh-bye ISAT, it's been swell! 

Wanting: Frozen on DVD...okay, I admit it.  I am a Disney nerd and can't get enough of this movie! Currently I'm trying to convince my sister to dress up as Elsa and Ana for Halloween. Ha!

Needing: To kick my soda habit. Usually I'm not too bad...but lately I've been a soda junkie.  Lent just might be the perfect time for me to cleanse my system of it!

??????? Skinny Crayola Markers, Flair Pens, and One-Touch Stapler...can you guess what these are?

Above I mentioned a freebie, I'm sharing with you a little prezzie I'm giving my kids to lift their spirits during testing week.  Lucky Pennies! Just print and add your own shiny penny to yours for your kiddies. 

Just follow the image to my TPT store and download. :) 

Now I'm off to check out all of the other million Currently's already uploaded! 

Currently...I'm Feeling the Love!

Wow! January has flown by! With all of the crazy shortened weeks we've had due to the weather, I can't believe the first month of the year is already over! I'm so excited (as always) to link up with Farley for her Currently party.  I look forward to this each month, checking out new blogs, and catching up with some of my faves.  I adore Farley, I view her as a big sister/teaching mentor that I've never even met.  Is it creepy or cool when you feel like you know so much about someone you've encountered through blogging??? I'm going to hope (fingers crossed) it's not terribly creepy...please, pretty, please!

Listening: I've got the hum of my space heater and the torso of my black lab to keep me warm on these chilly winter nights here in Chicago!  Funny how you don't seem to mind all of the snow when you're cooped up inside with your  jammies on! 

Loving: Maybe I should be ashamed to admit this...but I'm loving all of the shortened weeks we had in January! Folks, I had not ONE full 5 day week! Crazy! Between MLK Day, a teacher half-day inservice, and FOUR snow days January just seemed to fly by! 

Thinking: I really need to purge some items I've been hanging onto..clothing that's never worn, odd bits and bots that I swore I would find a reason to use and still haven't, I just need it all to go and function in a cleaner space.  Maybe my spring cleaning will bring on some spring weather...you never know!

Wanting: A new hairstyle.  4 years ago I sported a super adorable angled bob hairdo, which I LOVED.  However, as time went on my hairdresser and I got a little over zealous with the angle, it had become extreme.  I'm talking like...hey Kate, where's Jon and the 8 extreme.  Since then I've been growing it out and keeping it around shoulder length....but I'm starting to get the haircut itch again. The one that won't be satisfied until I see a lot of dead ends cut loose on the floor.

Needing: I really, really need to change my bulletin board.  It's old.  I haven't updated it since sometime in November.  Shhh! The kids still haven't asked why I've been slacking on that detail!  Let me just tell you about the bulletin board outside my room. It's HORRIBLE! Horrible I tell you.   The 'board', if you can even call it that, is above my third grader's hooks and stretches all the way up to the ceiling in the hallway. Ick.  Plus, it's not even a regular board, there are two strips that you can kinda sorta put staples into and the rest is dry wall..or something..I have no idea.  So, in order for me to hang things up, it requires me to get a ladder from the custodial closet, by trusty one-touch stapler from Staples, clothes appropriate for ladder climbing, Hulk-like strength, and the grace of God.

2 Truths and a Fib: 

1. I've worked with kids from grades Pre-K-5th. TRUE. Since graduating in 09 I've had experience teaching/assisting students at each of those grade levels.  My favorites are always the little ones!

2. I'm obsessed with ketchup and fries. FALSE. Ketchup=gross! I can't stomach the smell, I really do get sick to my stomach when I sit next to someone who slathers ketchup on everything. I prefer to dip my fries into pure honey, I like a little sweet & a little salty.

3. I'm related to a professional opera performer.  TRUE. My younger sister ( I can't call her little, because she's about 7 inches taller than me) is graduating this year with her degree in opera performance and has already performed professionally! I'm so excited for her and can't wait to see where her voice will take her next! I'm hoping her voice will take her (and me) to Italy perhaps. 

Thank you for reading and for the love-filled comments! I'm off to check out some other Currently posts!

I'm Currently Late for January!

Well...this is just plain embarrassing.  I took a break from blogging and all things school related, but I just don't feel right starting the month without Farley's Currently.  That's right, that's how much of a hold that amazing super teacher has over me!  So, although I'm embarrassingly late to the party, I'm linking up anyways.  I'll proudly be the caboose the to Currently Express. Lord knows I've got the dupa for it!

Listening: It's my second snow day at home and there is a PLL marathon on...WINNING!!

Loving: Sleeping in on a snow day :) I did wake up at my regular work time, showered, dressed, and then promptly went back to bed.  You know, just practicing getting back into the routine.

Thinking: I SHOULD be productive..and I have...a little bit. However, Bravo TV and Pinterest really are the ones to blame here.  Upon finding out about my second snow day, I celebrated with making some Snow Ice-Cream! I found the recipe HERE.  Two of my other teaching friends joined in the fun and made Snow Ice-Cream at their homes too! My dear friend Emily posted about her's HERE. 

My friend Leannie Bananie sent me her ice-cream on the left, she added chocolate chips! Ooo la la! 

Wanting: I really do wish we were starting back on a Monday. I'm weird like that..I just cannot get into my groove on a Wednesday. *Insert pouty face here*

Needing: Disaster has struck folks...my Uggs are in need of repair! It's terrible! A small hole has formed on the stitching by the toe...eeeek! I supposed they're eight winters old, but still!

Memory or Tradition: Baking cookies with my family, specifically kolacky.  They're a family favorite. In middle school I attended my Gram's 2 Day Kolacky boot camp to learn the recipe and techniques.  I wish I was kidding, but my gramps and dad were SUPER intense about it. 

Stay warm, stay sane, and happy new year!!!!

Currently December

Hard to believe it's already December and time for another Currently! I've been enjoying my extended weekend off and am ready to settle down for another nap.  I know....what a life of luxury I lead. ;)

Listening: Rock of Ages is playing the background- LOVE IT! As much as I love the movie, the live show is even more spectacular.

Loving: Cozy pajamas and my fuzzy Ugg slippers help make it the most wonderful time of the year! Give me a cup of hot chocolate and one of those terrible Lifetime Christmas movies or ABC Family and I'm one happy camper.

Thinking: One more day off...just one more, would be amazing! I'm thankful for time I had, but am slightly dreading the next 3 chaotic weeks to Winter Break.

Wanting: Holiday preparations to be done and over with.  I don't know how those of you who are moms do it. ...I'm just going to leave it at that and bow my head in respect. 

Needing: A holiday movie...maybe I'll have to turn on Lifetime soon. My yearly must watch movies are White Christmas, Elf, The Family Stone, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  What are your favorites?

Favorite Tradition: Christmas Eve dinner with my family is a big deal.  My dad is a bit of a foodie and starts planning his menu a month in advance...it's always amazing and I always eat WAY too much. Afterwards we all walk waddle into church for the 11pm service where the service ends with the congregation singing Silent Night by candlelight at midnight.  It's beautiful and always reminds me of the magic of Christmas.  

I can't wait to check out all of the other Currentlys over at Farley's! 

Happy Holidays!

Currently...It's Still October!

 

Currently...It's still October...right!? So technically...technically I can still participate in Farley's link party! Y'all I have been absent from this bloggy world for so long and I have MISSED it!  The school year has been a whirlwind thus far, combine that with weddings, bridal showers, family parties, mini-trips, baby showers, and well trying to have a life I haven't been able to keep up. 

 

This year we were forewarned that the perfect storm was coming with so many changes including administration, curriculum, CCSS, ELL, resource, grading...I've been doggy-paddling to keep my head above water.  So everytime I did have a chance to blog I wasn't feeling short and sassy...more like the short and exhausted teacher...or the short and stressed teacher...and sometimes the short and grouchy teacher.  Not to worry, I'm back into my groove and have my sassy pants on!

 

ANYWAYS...getting to the fun stuff:

 

Listening: Old episodes of The Big Bang Theory...love it! (knock knock) Penny (knock knock) Penny (knock knock) Penny.

Loving: Anything and Everything pumpkin flavored! Yum! A friend and I have already made one trip to Plush Horse Ice Cream Parlor for their homemade pumpkin ice-cream...absolutely amazing!

Thinking: How I wish I had more time for blogging...now that I'm into my groove at school, I'm hoping this will happen!

Wanting: During the school year I live in flats, I'm loving my new Tory Burch black leather flats...but really, really want the tan ones now too!

Needing: This three-day weekend! Gotta love when you can enjoy your entire Sunday and spend Monday in pjs!

Trick or Treat?  Treat! I love to treat myself with a new Essie nail polish once and a while...in the fall I'm obsessed with Chinchilli and Ladylike. :)

Currently it's HOT...I Mean, September!

 

School is back in session folks and I'm eager to get the ball rolling! Sooooo....what better way to do that then by linking up with the beautiful Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade!

 

Although most of this is pretty self explanatory...it's typical to talk on this little bloggy thing, so here I go.

 

Listening: The new Civil Wars...omg...love, love, LOVE!

 

Loving: The ease back into school mode! The kids started with a 3 day week, next we'll have 4...and then...the dreaded 5 day week! Waaahhhh! (Just kidding!)

 

Thinking: This is pretty much the usual thoughts that are running through my mind and probably through most of yours!

 

Wanting: To visit some old friends from my days at Monmouth College! This weekend I was able to chat with my Cooperating Teacher/Friend from my student teaching days for a couple of hours.  It was SO nice to catch up and made me realized how desperately I miss her and so many others! A reunion needs to be in my future soon!

 

Needing: Mosquito spray and relief from the heat! I've been trying to soak up as much air conditioning I can this weekend to prep for the week! Phew! It's been hot and humid, which is always a recipe for some pretty awesome hair.  I've been getting eaten to death by mosquitos lately...but it's probably my own fault. I'm such a baby when it comes to putting on mosquito spray- really who can stand that smell!?  Although someone was telling me about 'girly smelling' mosquito spray?? This is news to me...

 

And finally...something that I'd love to do for myself: Drink more water and worry less.  So many of us just go, go, go and forget how important it is to take care of ourselves as well as others. This month I'm going to try and remember to take care of my body...eat breakfast, drink water and stay hydrated, sleep, and most importantly stop worrying about everything that has to get done!

 

Okay, now it's your turn! What are you CURRENTLY thinking? I'm headed to Farley's to check it out!

 

 

 

Currently...It's My Birthday!

Okay, so it's not technically my birthday anymore...but close enough!  I love having a summer birthday as a teacher, I don't have to share it with work!  As a kid I didn't have to go to school on my birthday, which I thought was amazing! However, I was mortified once when a friend bought me school supplies for my seventh birthday...what the heck!? Funnily enough, this seems to be the common theme for my gifts now, which is okay by me!

 

Here are some of my birthday treats!

I'm loving these lollies that were found at Hobby Lobby! Can't wait to add that to my classroom décor! Choward's violet scented mints and chewing gum are such a treat! I adored my 5th grade teacher and she once shared these with me...I've been obsessed ever since. 

AND: Do you notice what is underneath? Can you recognize the cover? That's right...an Erin Condren Planner. Love it!

 

Now...on to Currently!

 

Listening: New Girl Season 1...I'd be embarrassed to count out how many times I've watched the entire season...but I haven't gotten tired of it yet! Plus, how can you resist Nick's Turtle Face!?!

 

 

Loving: This amazing weather in Chicagoland! I seriously cannot believe how gorgeous it's been! I think our usual hot and humid August weather will come just in time for school. Wahh!  I'm loving the Back to School sales a little too much...my piles of stuff keep growing...and growing...and growing! Eek!

Thinking: I need to pack for my St. Louis trip.  A few of my college besties and I decided to take an impromptu road trip down there together...and I can't wait! Watching Legally Blonde the Musical, frolicking in the grown-up size playground at the City Museum, and shopping and Women's Closet Exchange (Resale Royalty...anybody else love that show??) are on the list.  If you know of any other things I've ought to try out let me know!

Wanting: A shopping spree courtesy of Target.  I give those folks enough of my money...curse you Target for always having everything I never knew I needed and more!

Needing: Aside from needing to pack...gosh am I procrastinating...I NEED a haircut and color.  This accidental ombre look is just not doing it for me.

Back to School Must Haves:
1. Flair Pens are my absolute favorite writing utensil! I love all of the fun colors, but the black always seem to write the nicest. 
2. A fabulous teacher bag is a must, last year I invested in a Michael Kors tote as a back-to-school/birthday gift to myself.  Swoon.
3. Planner...so pumped about my new pretty one!

Can I show off one more prezzy to you?? Sure I can! (It's my blog...right!?)

My creative sister made me this awesome piece of crayon art! Isn't it awesome? I love the cute little umbrella over the couple, so presh!

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out all of the other Currently post at Farley's, it's a great way to find new blogs!