CURRENTLY... In a Bloggy Funk :(

Hi Friends,

WARNING: this is a "Debby Downer" kind of post. I'm sorry :( But I can't let a month go by without linking up to Farley, so here goes...


So if you've been following this blog for a while, you know that we've had some trying times in my house in the past month or so. The hubs got an infection in his leg that just wouldn't go away. Infections are nasty beasts, I'm learning. To make a long story short, everything that could've gone wrong, pretty much has gone wrong. He's had surgery twice (the latest one being this past Thursday) and has been the hospital three times for a total of 16 days... so far. He's there right now. The doctors are "taking it day by day" (UGH! For real?!?!), so I don't know when he will get out. I'm really hoping it's tomorrow, because my son will be having surgery on Monday to remove a cyst/cleft on his ear that he was born with (for the third time!), and I really don't want to sit in the waiting room by myself. Oh, and did I mention we have an open house for our house tomorrow? So I've been in clean up mode for the last 2 days. Why didn't I cancel it, you say? I don't know. Maybe I feel guilty that our realtor has been advertising it. Oh, I also didn't mention that the hubs' last day of work at his old school was on Friday, so I went in there to pack up all his personal stuff... like I really know what's his and what stays?

One thing I am so thankful for is our family and friends. My mom left work early to come and watch my kids on Thursday so I could go to the hospital. She packed them up and drove 45 minutes to take my son to hockey practice. Our friends have been watching them for me during the day, bringing us food, cutting the grass (because, don't forget, I'm still dealing with my dislocated shoulder, and I still can't do any heavy lifting), feeding and letting the dog out... I have people I would have never expected offering to take my kids or help out in other ways. I am surely feeling blessed during this time of craziness.

I must say, if you ever know someone who's having a tough time, offer to make them food. It sounds silly and cliche, but I can't tell you how much of a relief it is that my fridge is packed with tasty, healthy food, and all I have to do is heat and serve.

Farley's blogging advice really struck me today. I've been in a blogging funk. Probably because of all of this crazy nonsense I'm dealing with. She says "if you don't feel it, don't do it." Sorry, friends, but I haven't been feeling it lately. I do post pics on Instagram though, if you're really curious as to what I've been doing lately. Like getting stuck on a broken-down zoo train. That was fun... My advice is to be yourself. No one likes a faker. Or as Farley puts it, a Robo-Blogger. Hahaha!!

By the way, does anyone want to go to Cabo San Lucas? The hubs and I were supposed to go July 6th-July 13th, and we didn't think he should go with an 8" hole in his leg. No, I'm not exaggerating. I wish I were. We were supposed to be staying in one of the Top 5 resorts in Cabo through our time share. They won't do a refund or allow an exchange because this is a rescheduled trip from last year. Any takers? Seriously.

We will most likely be dealing with this all summer. He will need a skin graft, and I hear those are painful.

I'm not trying to make people feel sorry for me... this is just what's been CURRENTLY going on over here.

Well, as it says above, I need a nap. I don't sleep well when he's not here. My babies are CURRENTLY napping, so I should probably go do that too.

14

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ME!

One year ago, on a whim, I started a blog. I had ZERO idea what I was doing. Honestly, I didn't read many teacher blogs, so I really had no clue. But I was inspired to do it by the technology integrator at our school, who showed us Google Reader (sniff sniff... I don't want to talk about it...), and that opened up a new window to my small town Wisconsin world.

I have learned SO much since then. I can't even begin to explain and describe how much this experience has taught me and changed me, for the better of course, and I can only hope that I have returned the favor to those of you who follow this blog. Whether it's been for a week, a month, or even a whole year; I don't know if I can give back as much as you've all given me, but I will sure try!
OK, enough of the sappy nonsense. LET'S CELEBRATE!!

I wanted to do something where everyone can win! You guys, I am super excited about this! This is so brand, spankin' new that it's not even posted to TPT yet! I hope I'll be able to get to it by the end of the weekend... YAY IT'S POSTED NOW! Click on the images below to take you to my TPT shop!

Introducing...

You've seen these two guys before...



But these two are hot off the presses!


 I figured since I already had half the year done, I should probably do the other half! :)

Do you want a free copy? Well, do ya?! Alright then! Click HERE! But don't delay, because this freebie is available TODAY ONLY (Friday, June 21st)! So getcher buns over there and download this bad boy before it disappears!  Sorry, freebie fun is over :( Click HERE to see this in my TPT shop.

Thanks for coming along on this wild and crazy adventure with me! I can't wait to see what the next year holds for this li'l ol' blog :)



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Book Talk Thursday + NEWS!

I'm linking up with my friend, Andrea for her weekly book sharing.
Have you ever gone to a Scholastic Book Fair and just bought a book (or twelve...) that you didn't read or even open? You just bought it? Well I did that with this book:
If you're looking for another book to add to your inferring unit, this is it! Oh my, this book did not disappoint! As you can probably infer from the title, Gilbert Goldfish wants a pet. He had everything a fish could ever want, but he did not have a pet. He tried out a few pets (dog, mouse, fly), but none of them worked out. Then he sees a shadow. It resembles a cat. Here's a great place to infer... what does the shadow look like? Would a cat be a good pet for a fish? Why not? But in the end the new pet's identity is revealed.

Wait for it...

Wait for it...

Keep waiting......

OK, that's enough of that. It's a catfish! Gilbert is so happy to now have a "pet," who he decides to name Fluffy. Ha!

So guess what?! Tomorrow is my One Year Blogiversary!
Oh my word... I cannot believe I've been doing this for one whole year! You need to be sure to come back here tomorrow because I will have a ginormous freebie for everyone who stops back! But it will only be available TOMORROW. Don't forget!

6

300(ish) Follower Giveaway: DAY 3

Here we are, friends. The last day of the giveaway extravaganza. I must admit; I am a little sad it's almost over. But the good news is that DAY 3 is jam-packed with more awesomeness!

To go to DAY 1, click HERE... it ends tonight at midnight!
To go to DAY 2, click HERE... you have 2 more days on this one!

BRING ON THE DAY 3 GOODNESS!
I was really fixated on the number 3 for this giveaway... some might call me a little neurotic (that one's for you, Gina ;) but I'm comfortable with my craziness. We're having a 3-day par-tay, with 3 prizes on each day! Hip Hip Hippo Hooray!!!

Again, the Day 3 winner can choose any THREE items from my TPT Store. I love "winner's choice" giveaways, don't you?


Next is a little goodie box sent to your home! I am totally stealing borrowing the "Mystery Box" idea from Second Grade Sparkle and all her sparkly friends. In the box you'll find THREE items that I LOVE for my classroom. I think you'll love them too :)
I found this envelope at Target... GORGEOUS, no?
Lastly, I asked THREE more bloggy friends/TPT creators that are amazing and have some of the BEST products out there. I begged asked politely if they would help me out, and they all said YES!!! I am so lucky (and so are you) that these ladies are so generous :)
Megan is donating TWO items of the winner's choice from her TPT store. WAHOO!!!
Andrea is donating one item of the winner's choice from her TPT shop. PS She's having a MEGA giveaway going on right now, so stop over there when you're done here.


FABULOUS, right?!?!? To enter, please follow the Rafflecopter below. Your honesty is appreciated when entering the giveaway :) This giveaway will be open for... you guessed it... THREE DAYS!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Well, that's all folks! It's been quite a celebration, but I think I'm going to need to take a long nap today to recuperate from all this partying. HA! Thank you all again... you really know how to make a girl feel loved!

26

300(ish) Follower Giveaway: DAY 2

Welcome back! It's DAY 2 of the FABULOUS 300(ish) Follower Giveaway! I'm just having too much fun with this; I hope you are too :)

Click HERE for DAY 1... Two days left!

Onto the DAY 2 Goodness:
I was really fixated on the number 3 for this giveaway... some might say I went a little overboard with the three theme :) We're having a  3 day shindig, with 3 prizes on each day! Hip Hip Hippo Hooray!!!
The first prize is THREE items of your choice from my TPT Store! I love "winner's choice" giveaways, don't you?!


Next is a little goodie box sent to your home! I am totally stealing borrowing the "Mystery Box" idea from Teacher to the Core and all her amazing friends. In the box you'll find THREE items that I LOVE for my classroom! I think you'll love them too :)
Isn't this envelope from Target ADORBS?!

Lastly, I asked THREE bloggy friends/TPT creators that are amazing and have some of the BEST products out there. I begged asked politely if they would help me out, and without a missing a step, they said YES!!!
Amanda and Stacia are donating an item of the winner's choice from their TPT store!

Lisa is donating an item of the winner's choice from her TPT store!

And Jean is donating an item of the winner's choice from her TPT store!

AMAZING, right?!?!? To enter, please follow the Rafflecopter below. Your honesty is appreciated when entering the giveaway :)

This giveaway will be open for... you guessed it... THREE DAYS! I told you the number THREE was swirling around in my head when I was working on this giveaway :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Make sure you stop back tomorrow, Sunday, for Day 3 of the giveaway! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU ALL!!! :D


32

300(ish) Follower Giveaway: DAY 1

WOW!!! I just cannot believe it! 300+ (awesome) followers for this little ol' blog! We busted through the 300 milestone like a freight train :) I am over-the-moon overjoyed and honored that 300ish people find me remotely interesting. Let's celebrate, shall we?
I was really fixated on the number 3 for this giveaway, so we're going to have a 3 day celebration, with 3 prizes on each day! Hip Hip Hippo Hooray!!!

First up... THREE prizes of your choice from my TPT Store! I love "winner's choice" giveaways, don't you?!

Next is a little goodie box sent to your home! I am totally stealing borrowing the "Mystery Box" idea from Growing Firsties and all her fab friends. In the box you'll find THREE items that I LOVE for my classroom! I think you'll love them too :)
Isn't this envelope from Target BEAUTIMOUS?! 

Lastly, I asked THREE bloggy friends/TPT creators that are amazing and have some of the BEST products out there. I begged asked politely if they would help me out, and without a beat, they said YES!!!
Sara is donating TWO items of the winner's choice from her TPT store!

Em is donating an item of the winner's choice from her TPT store!

Tori is donating one of her best sellers: Narrative Writing Complete CCSS Unit! I SO want this!!!

To enter, please follow the Rafflecopter below. Your honesty is appreciated when entering the giveaway :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway will be open for... you guessed it... THREE DAYS! I told you the number THREE was swirling around in my head when I was working on this giveaway :)

Make sure you stop back tomorrow and Sunday for Days 2 and 3 of the giveaway! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all 300+ of you for coming along with me on this journey. I hope that my ideas, tricks, and tips have helped you in your classroom.

26

Father's Day Freebie

Even though we are out for summer, I still like to send home a little something for Dad for Father's Day. I wanted to do something that I knew most dads would like, which is no easy task! But I think this year I got a winner!

It's the World's Greatest Pop!

Each student needs a popcorn tub and 4 kernels of popcorn. I suggest you copy the tub on white construction paper or card stock and the kernels on yellow construction paper or card stock. There are 8 kernels on a page, so each students only needs half of the page.
Students will color and cut out the popcorn tub. Then they will write 4 things they love or appreciate about their dad (or another special male they would like to give the gift to). Next they cut out the kernels and glue them to the top of the popcorn tub.
I ask my students to write a note to their dad on the back of the flap of the popcorn tub. The key is to write the note UPSIDE DOWN, so that when you fold the flap up, the note will be facing the right way.

When they are done, you can staple a bag of microwave popcorn between the tub and the flap. And VOILA! I LOVE the way they turn out every year!!

 Click HERE to snag your own free copy :)



6

CLASSROOM QUICK TIPS: Numero 4!

Hi teacher friends! Today was my last day of school. I must say... I am so relieved. Not because of the bunnies. I love them and will miss them dearly. I just have a lot of family issues going on right now. I mentioned last week that my husband was in the hospital all week due to an infection in his leg. Well it did not get better, and so he had surgery on Tuesday and is still in the hospital. I am just so relieved that I don't have to juggle work obligations, family obligations, and getting back and forth to the hospital (which is 35 miles one-way from our house) anymore. I will say, I am so amazed and blessed by all of our family, friends, and coworkers that have helped us during this time. People are so gracious and helpful :)

Anyway, you're here because you probably want to find out what my Quick Tip for the week is!
Font: Jessica Stanford
Background: I Teach? What's Your Super Power?
Frame: Tonya's Treats for Teachers
I must say, Jean and I are having so much fun hosting this linky, and we L.O.V.E. reading everyone else's tips and tricks to make life in the classroom easier!

THE RULES
Link up with a quick tip that makes life in your classroom easier. There are no weekly themes or topics. The only real "rule" is that you may not link up with a paid product or unit. Our goal is to share the small nuggets of greatness that are happening every day in our classrooms! If you missed the backstory about how this party got started, click here! Jean and I would also appreciate it if you linked back to our blogs and included our button in your post :)

MY CLASSROOM QUICK TIP
Oh friends... I have been saving the best for last... the last week of school that is! When I buy labels or name tags, I usually laminate them so I can use them from year to year. Then I write the students' names on the lamination with a Sharpie so it doesn't wipe off. But what happens at the end of the year, when you want the PERMANENT marker to come off so you can use it next year?

I'm sure most of you have heard of the dry erase marker trick. Just color over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker, give it some elbow grease, and voila! Well, yes, this does work. But I have an EVEN BETTER trick!

Introducing....
Sally Hansen nail polish remover!!! YES, it MUST be Sally Hansen. I have no idea why (maybe it has something to do with the acetone..?), but generic brands DO NOT work! Just put a little bit of it on a tissue or cotton ball and wipe it off!

These are my birthday cupcakes. Before....
After!!!
And if you really want to see how fast and amazing this is, here's a video:

I did do a little extra at the end to wipe up some of the liquid left over, but isn't this incredible?! Just make sure you're using this in a well-ventilated space :)

Jean and I would love for you to link up and share a quick tip that helps you stay sane in your classroom! I'm off to go put my feet up! Happy Last Day of School!!!!!
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