A Different World

The transition from 6th grade to 8th grade is eye-opening! I had many thoughts on what this year would look like, but I had no idea what I was walking into! Overall I LOVE 8th grade, but I'll tell you, it's challenging! My students are faced with so much emotionally that learning is maybe 4th on their priority list...if that even...

I thought I'd share my classroom for the year! It certainly does make me happy to walk in every morning and see the straight chairs, and the calculators, where they're supposed to be! The chaos always begins promptly at 9:00 and reminds me that it's go time!

A little Before action:



And the After action!

This area keeps me organized!! I LOVE it! I wish the folders would stand up straighter though...

Turn in and Pick Up! Don't you love the independence!

The two centers above are my favorite areas in the room :) They make me feel good! 

This is the Life

I am about 3 weeks into Summer Vacation and I'm feeling GREAT!! I have gotten to enjoy some time at the pool, crafting, Pottery Barn window shopping, and babysitting like a maniac. Good news: I finally figured out how to make fabric rosettes 

to add to my wreaths that I'm making! 

Here is one of the many burlap wreaths I have lying around my room (waiting for the craft show coming up!) I just love how simple and textured it is! Love it!

 

 I told Michael that if I could hang one in every room I seriously would, but I don't 

think he's gonna go for that at all.

After I figured out how to make these rosettes, I went and bought a lot of fun fabric prints that are still mildly simple. Hopefully the Crafters will like them too!!

Here's to another Summer day of babysitting, Pottery Barn window shopping, and wreath making!

First of Many..

In 14 days (weekdays), I will have completed my first year of educating young minds! A whole entire school year has passed and it's been quite the journey. The year started with sharpened No.2 pencils, new sticky notes, bulletin board designs, and a whole lot of markers. I was running on nerves and adrenaline trying to keep up with my students and make sure that I wasn't ruining their education. Now, I can look back and identify a LOT of things I'll do differently next year and I'll rest in the assurance that I've done the best I could!

My Classroom when I first saw it! Seems like FOREVER ago!



Here is my classroom on October 2nd!

My students surprised me by not touching a single of the hanging delights!



Here we are: days before school is out for the summer.

So sad and plain! I'm already thinking for next year!

I can't express how much I have loved and enjoyed my first year! I have learned so much from my students about how to show grace and compassion. For some of my students, this is where they feel, and are, the safest. I will miss my first group of kids and I can't wait for next year! Here's to a Summer of wedding planning :)

Hot-Humid-Hussle

This is the time of year where things really start heating up! Life gets busier and the temperatures gets hotter. This was AFTER work yesterday at 5:30! Can you believe how hot it was?! I didn't have my seat belt on either, but that's okay because I hadn't started driving yet. Now I'll be able to go to lunch earlier to "beat the heat" and the crowds!

July will be the "Month of Water Consumption!" Stay cool...socially and physically!

Discount Date Nights!

Michael and I are really into LivingSocial and Groupon right now. If you're not familiar with these websites, you need to check them out. You have options of huge deals on goods and services in your area by simply purchasing through these websites. I love it - so far, we have purchased the following:

$25 to Quesa-D-Ya's which is on Greenville and we got a TON of food. Chips and Queso, Guacamole, Quesadillas, and a 2 Liter Diet Coke for only $12.00. I recommend this to anyone in Dallas! It's so delicious and you can keep the leftovers for lunch the next day!

$50 for FIVE dance classes! I can't wait for us to use this! We have been going to quite a few weddings lately, and it'll be nice to show off some new moves. Mix things up a bit!

$6 movie tickets to Studio Movie Grill. We need to use these soon! Plus you get a free soda when you go! I'm telling you - I love these little "extras"!

$35 for an Art Class - BYOB too (I think this will be a FUN and different date night!)

And the list goes on. Looking at all these prices makes me realize how much we've been spending - but at least it's not full price :) ...right??

This is us at Quesa-d-yas last Friday Night!

Quesa-D-Ya's

2820 Greenville Avenue

Dallas, TX 75206

I also purchased a $50 Haircut for only $12! I'll admit I'm slightly nervous about this, but it's hair and it'll grow back! Stay tuned...

A Birthday to Remember!

Celebrating One Year of Kyler Kimmel!

 

Kyler and Michael

Such a big boy!!

The Proudest Mother - Lauren Kimmel

 

His favorite gifts...toy cars!

Saturday Morning Breakfast

Migas are my favorite breakfast item. I used to think it was breakfast tacos, then I met these. I used the recipe that The Pioneer Woman has on her blog and they turned out beautifully - and delicious! I made some short cuts by using pico de gallo instead of doing all the chopping of the peppers, onions, cilantro, jalapeno...etc. I also used corn tortilla chips instead of using corn tortillas. Check out her sight and try them! Fantastic!!