Giveaway, New Product, and a Freebie!!!

 It is so hard to believe that New Year's Eve is tomorrow!! I spent my first week of vacation being sick. It all began Christmas Eve with the stomach flu and has turned into a head and chest cold. So my Christmas was not so merry. I am hoping that week 2 of vacation is a little kinder to me.

I am super excited to hold my first give away!! Wouldn't it be great to start the new year off with a brand new pencil sharpener?? Well, thanks to Troy from Classroom Friendly Supplies,  one lucky person will win one of his amazing sharpeners!!! If you haven't checked out his pencil sharpener yet then click the link below...

The GIVEAWAY will end on Monday, January 7th. The winner will be notified by email. 

Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have tried to do a little school work while I have been sick. I just posted a fun New Year's writing/art project. Check it out! 

Of course I couldn't forget to include a freebie for the New Year as well. 

Click on picture for freebie! 

I hope you enjoy!!

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

Breaking the Rules!!!

I am breaking the rules and posting twice in one day. Just wanted to share a Christmas freebie. Enjoy! Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday!! Click on picture below to get your free copy.

Amazing Pencil Sharpener!!!

Does this picture make you say..."Where have you been all of my life?" I know it has been posted on many blogs because that's where I heard about it. When I read the reviews about it I just knew I had to have one to see if it could really be... 

THE ONE SHARPENER I WAS LOOKING FOR MY ENTIRE TEACHING CAREER. A PENCIL SHARPENER THAT ACTUALLY SHARPENED PENCILS INSTEAD OF EATING THEM DOWN TO NOTHING AND LEAVING ME TOTALLY FRUSTRATED!!!

I was super excited when it finally arrived. I had already told all my colleagues about it so they were just as eager to see the results as me. 

CHECK THIS OUT!!

Here is the result from my previous sharpener. It is not very sharp and it sharpens on one side only, which leaves kids and teachers frustrated because they have to keep sharpening. When the pencil is finally sharpened it is about 2 inches long.

Now meet...The Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener. I purchased this in the beginning of the school year for only $24.99. Did I also mention there is free shipping!!

It is a lot smaller than my old pencil sharpener and real easy to use. The kids love it!!

 Here is the dull pencil before it is put into this Miraculous Marvel!!!

Now, here is the same pencil...sharpened!!! Can you believe it??? This doesn't just happen once in a while. It happens on every single pencil. I love it because I am not going through a hundred pencils a day like before. There is also a lot less kids having to sharpen pencils. 

Here is a comparison of the two pencils. The one on the right...Classroom Friendly Supplies Sharpener.  What you can't tell from the one on the left is that the backside of the lead has the wood on it... that uneven sharpen that you get most of the time from sharpeners that do not do their job.

I am so satisfied that I am going to get another one for my classroom. Troy just added the pencil sharpener in black, which happens to be my favorite color and will go well with my Rockstar themed classroom!! 

Ready to Blog Again and Check Out Wild About First Grade

I can't believe I have neglected my blog for so long!! I feel so out of the loop. My sister first bought me this blog template back in April for my birthday because I was such a blog stalker! She thought I would like to start one of my own and she was right. After I got everything set up I really didn't post much until summer started. So with school out I devoted much more time to my blog...I was hooked!! It was so addicting. Each day I would check to see if I got new followers. I was so excited to see the number of my followers grow. Now fast forward to the beginning of school...I have completely fallen off the face of the earth. A few posts here and there, but nothing consistent. Everyday life had caught up with me. I seriously am so jealous of all the fabulous bloggers out there who post consistently and share their amazing ideas.

But now I am back!! I promise to blog more and share some of the great things that have been happening in my classroom. So let's get started!!!!


My sister, Marissa, is having a $50 giveaway to Kohl's. The giveaway ends Sunday, December 2nd.

If you haven't headed over to 

 then get a move on it, so you can winsome spending money for the holidays.

I have so much more to share about what I have been doing in my classroom and what is coming up, but I started a new diet watching what I eat. If I don't go to  

 bed now  I  am going to attack the bag of chocolates that are sitting on my kitchen counter. How come every time I try to watch what I eat I only think about everything that I am depriving my body from?And let's be honest...eating healthy is boring. Crap tastes so good!!!

Fun Photos

I am loving this cooler weather!!! With the cooler weather we all know what that means...time to go boot shopping!!! I am desperately in need of some new brown and black boots. The problem is I want wedge boots, tall boots, boots that my jeans tuck into, etc... I need a boot allowance!!!!

This week at school flew by. I am loving my smaller class size. I am really getting to know my students better and I am able to meet with  everyone more often during the week for reading conferences. The kids even commented on how much they like the smaller class size.

On Friday, my grade level partner surprised me with the cutest little gift... As I have said before I love shoes especially high heels!! All of my tape dispensers look like this:

And this is what Jessica surprised me with Friday morning!!!!

Is this not the cutest thing ever???? A strappy high-heel dispenser!! Of course, I screamed with delight! Isn't is hilarious that a tape dispenser can make someone squeal with delight!

Here are a few pictures of some Halloween projects my kids created:

Thank you Pinterest!!! 

Well, I am off to get a workout in!!

COMMON CORE TRAINING AND A FREEBIE!!

Today was the first day of Common Core training for my school. Usually, I look forward to going to trainings, but  I always seem to be disappointed because they babble  share their valuable information for 8 hours when it could have been covered in about 2 hours. So, I was a little skeptical  when our principal told us the entire school would be going to the training. Yes, you may be thinking...Wow!! The entire school will be out, but it really was only 8 of us.  There is a total of 4 trainings. To my surprise, it actually was a pretty decent training. The two presenters were quite funny together. I can't say that I am jumping out of my seat for the next couple of sessions, but I a little more curious and not so irritated that I have to plan for a sub.

I thought I would share a little freebie with everyone! Click on the picture for your free Halloween word list. 

34, 33,.....23 Kids!! I Have Survived...Time to Get After It!!

Can I just say I can not believe today was October 1st!!!!!  I have not posted since early August. I do feel guilty that I have neglected my blog and the blogging world. Last time I checked, everyone was buying school supplies and super excited for a brand new year to begin. Now, we are gearing up for Halloween. And yes, it is even Christmas in some of the stores!!

Anyway, the reason why I have been absent...Where do I start?


The year started with 34 second graders...Yes, I did say 34. I must say I did freak out just a bit. But I had to stay somewhat calm because my new teaching partner was coming from transitional kindergarden where she only had 17. Lucky girl...ha ha...not anymore!!

So I did what any veteran teacher would do...I  put my big girl panties on and decided to be strong. 34 kids... piece of cake. It would only be 6 more kids then last year.What's one more table group?

Are you kidding??? Even though I had been doing this for 17 years I was actually a little nervous. The reality was... where are the extra 6 desks going to fit? How am I ever going to meet one on one with 34 students? Do they realize this is crazy?  Are they willing to support or contribute to my Mr. Grey Goose fund? ( Oh, yes, something is going to have to calm me down after a day teaching "thirty-four" 7 and 8 year olds) Do they not realize once you go over 30 everything becomes organized chaos??
But poor Jessica (new teaching partner), I am glad I am not in your shoes. Second year teaching, new grade level, and it's double your class size from last year.

Yes, I do put on a happy face and be brave for Jessica. When in all reality I just want to tell her... Run!!! Get as far away from here as you can!!! I must say she was a good sport. Maybe it's a good thing when you really don't know what your getting yourself into!!!!

So it is the first day of school and guess what??? There are only 33 kids that show up! Yes, it is one less kids, but OMG...33 second graders is a lot!! It goes pretty well. The first week is not too bad...it is the "Honeymoon" period. Oh, I forgot to mention.. we have the superintendent's grandson, the president of the school board's twin girls, the secretary's daughter, and 2 teacher's kids all in second grade. All are in my class except for 1 twin. They were split. One in my class and one in Jessica's. I know...nothing like a little pressure to make sure you do an awesome job!!!

Fast forward...week 2!!! The honeymoon is over!! I am exhausted!! I have bruises all over my thighs from running into the corners of the desks! I have to repeat directions over and over because they just do not feel it is important to listen to directions. Actually, they just are used to having the directions repeated a million times because who listens the first time in a class size of 33/34. How am I ever going to survive the next nine months???

Well, lucky for Jessica and I things were about to change!  Since before school started, they had debated on whether or not to hire and additional second grade teacher. The reason they chose not to was budget...or should I say lack of budget!!! A little background on my school. It  is very small. We are a 2 school district with a total population of 570 give or take a few. We do not get a lot of funding
and I am amazed are doors are still open. Every year we have to be pretty creative on how we are going to survive on less and less. I am so amazed at what our District people do to keep us going.They truly are fabulous people who want the best for the staff and students.

Anyway, to make a long story short...a parent survey went out to see what the parents thought about hiring a new teacher. Let me remind you this is only beginning of week 3.

Survey results:

They all thought it was great! That we were handling it. They would love smaller class sizes, but they didn't want their kids to be moved. It would be great to have someone just come in and pull groups out all day.

My response: Are you kidding? Have you even stepped foot into my classroom? You want someone to pull kids out all day long...talk about total disruption!!!

So we had a school board meeting and one parent showed up. Board voted to hire a new teacher. Yippee!! Two days later, I am sitting with Jessica and our principal  interviewing 13 candidates. Eight straight hours of listening to the same 22 questions being asked. BORING, EXHAUSTING Super fun!!!Not to mention the shock on my face at what people wear to interviews!! Is it really ok to interview in flip flops and sunglasses on your head?? It is an interview not a trip to the beach!!!

Possible candidate is asked to come back next day to teach a half hour lesson in both classes. In the mean time...after the long day of interviews...we now have a parent meeting with all of the second grade families to update them on what is happening. I am super pumped!!

Our superintendent, who is also our school principal, leads the meaning while Jessica and I place ourselves somewhere on the outskirts of the crowd. He is giving them all the updated information. Of course, at the right moment I get up and give my input on the situation...33 down to 23...It is a no brainer. We are going to be able to better meet the needs of the kids. We are a team!! It was so much better than how I am explaining it right now. However, I did get the sympathy oohs and aahhs!!!
but let's be honest this post is super long as it is so I have to spare all the great details.

Next day (Wednesday)...candidate teaches lesson and Jessica goes home sick because she has 102 degree fever; we offer candidate job; she comes back Thursday and subs for Jessica who is still home sick; Jessica and I divide our 2 classes into 3 classes (that's a whole other blog post); Jessica is back and class lists our posted Friday after we have left the campus; we all meet new teacher on Sunday to set up classroom; and Monday all 3 second grade classes begin!!! WE DID IT!!Now I am now sick and try to fight it, but go home right after school on Wednesday and stay home Thursday.

FAST FORWARD!!!

I am now beginning week 3 of teaching 23 kids!! I love it!! It is AMAZING!! I can not believe what I am able to get down!! I feel great!!  So many things to share!! Hopefully, I haven't bored you to death and you will check back in tomorrow!! Off to bed!! I am going to Common Core training tomorrow!

TPT Back to School Sale!!

Cute graphic courtesy of Amy Lemons!

Just wanted  to let you know that my entire TPT store is 20% off Aug. 12-13 (TPT is offering an additional 10% off but you MUST use the coupon code: Bts12). Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!!

I'm Still Alive...Barely, A New Unit, and a Freebie!!

I feel like I have been missing in action from the blogging world this past week or so. I have been trying to get my classroom set up for the new year, and that has been quite a challenge. Do you ever feel like everything that can go wrong...does? Yes, Mr. Murphy's Law has been my best friend for the past 2 weeks! I can not say that I am loving this new best friend, but I guess life could be so much worse. Did I actually say that? Now, I am going to have to be honest... I would have rather been best buds with Mr. Grey Goose and Mr. Kettle One , but I did not choose sides. Well, maybe a few times I did!! Anyway, yesterday was probably the first day where I actually felt I accomplished something. So I did what any logical and sane person would do...I stayed home today. I needed a break from the place where I am going to spend the next 180 days of my life.  I must say I do feel a little bit less stressed.


Even though I have neglected my blog, I have been trying to keep up on what everyone is doing. I am loving all of the classroom photos and amazing ideas people are sharing. I hope to post classroom photos soon.

I have uploaded a new unit to TPT. It has been ready for a while, but I was involved in the above mess...LOL!!

And of course I had to share a freebie with you! My great friend and new teaching partner, Jessica is doing a safari theme in her classroom. Her is a picture of her behavior chart and the printable to make your own!! Enjoy!!

If you click on the picture...your freebies will appear!!

A Visit to See The Real Wild Things!!

If you are wondering about the title of my blog than keep reading. It all started earlier this summer when my mom decided that she wanted to have a "fun" get away with her two daughters. Now I must give you some background on my mother. She is an amazing woman, a retired teacher (you have hit the jack pot if your child was lucky enough to be in her room), animal lover, and adventurer seeker!! So back to the get away. My sister and I really can't make a decision, but we know it's important to our mom and of course it's important to us too. So we give her a few places and let her decide. Well, that's exactly what she did, but she decides not to tell us where we are going...SURPRISE!!!

This freaks my sister out a bit, but we go along with the "fun" get away. The only details we know are what to pack, it's about 2-3 hours south of our hometown, and we will be staying 2 nights. I must say I was a little curious. My mom loves to whale watch in Monterey, and this would fit the 2-3 hour away clue, but...she is adamant that we are not whale watching. My sister and I are laughing the whole time as we drive to our destination. Yes,  mom is in the backseat giving the directions and throwing out clues every once in a while trying to get a rise out of us. A-ha!! I have figured out where we are going. I give my sister the look and tell her what to google. Sure enough... we guessed it!!!

It is a wild life sanctuary for animals! We stayed on the ranch in their  bed and breakfast bungalows. 

 This is my sister walking into our bungalow!! Below is an inside view of the bungalow. Each bungalow is decorated like an animal. We were Monkey Manor so it was all about monkeys in the inside.

Around 4 o'clock they bring some wild life to you to check out from your deck! In the morning, the elephants bring you breakfast and you get to feed them!! 

Here comes Malika!!

 This is me feeding Malika!!

We also went on a four hour vip tour of the ranch. We saw many animals, washed the elephants, and had a few up close and personal moments with some too!!

Here is me giving Butch a "bath" hose off!

This is me with a capuchin monkey.

It was an amazing experience!! We also went on  a little sailing ride on the Monterey Bay, but that is a whole other story!! Thanks mom for the great get away!!!

On the school front...I have been working in my classroom the past 2 days. Today I was there for way too many hours. You would think I would be ready to go, but not even close. Hopefully I will have some pictures to post early next week. 

I have also uploaded another fun unit to TPT:

I'm off to bed now! If you are back at school I hope the first couple of days have gone well! I have less than 2 weeks!! 

Tell me more, tell me more!! A Linky Party

Amy Lemons at Step into 2nd Grade is having a linky party. Since I am new to blogging I decided it would be fun to join and share a little bit about myself!

1. I wake up every morning and have a Diet Coke with my breakfast...if I must be completely honest, on some mornings I have 2. I do not drink coffee so I guess you can say this is my coffee!!

2. My husband and I met on a blind date. Actually, a parent in my class set us up. We were going to meet at a school function, but it got rained out, so he called me up and took me to dinner. 13 years later we are still together!

3. I love shoes!! Let me clarify...I love high heels! I think it is because I am only 5' 3 inches tall. I bought a pair of flats earlier this year. I have to admit they were quite comfy!! Here's the story though: I  was shopping at Costco and my cart was pretty full. Guess what? I could not see because I had the flats on. So as soon as I got home...the flats came off and the heels were back on!!!! Here are a few of my latest purchases!!

4. I met Gail Boushey and Joan Moser (The Sisters: Daily 5 and Cafe) this summer at their Seattle conference. I did have my picture taken with them. Infact, on one of the days Joan asked where I got my shirt, but cause she loved it!!! LOL...I felt like a celebrity!!

 This is not the shirt she loved...LOL!!

5. I am addicted to sweets. Let's be more clear, I LOVE chocolate.  I might even be a sweet treat closet eater!! No, I don't sneak off into the closet to eat sweets, but sometimes I do nibble without him knowing.  I love to bake!!! It relieves stress, but then I think it stresses me out even more because it makes you fat!! It's weird how my body works. It is like clock work that soon after I am done with a meal my body screams, "Where's the chocolate?"

These are my peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies!

Homemade Butterfingers!

6. I am the worst with photos. I guess I should say I am the worst at taking photos of me and my husband. This photo is from like 6 years ago!!!

Thanks for stopping by!! It has been fun learning about everyone!!!

 

WOOHOO!!! My Rockstar Unit Is On TPT!!!

I feel like I have just won the Boston Marathon!! I  finally got my Rockstar unit uploaded to Teachers Pay Teachers. Remember...I am a newbie!! It is a short Back to School art project with a few short writing prompts in the "Rockstar" theme. I think my rockstar kids are pretty cute! Here is a picture of the rockstar kids and of course a freebie!!

Click on below picture for your freebie!!

I would love some feedback! Now I have to learn how to display things better!! That is another day! I am exhausted...LOL!! Happy Monday to everyone!!! I am off to relax!!!

My Very First TPT Item!!!!

So I finally did it!  I uploaded my first item to TPT!! I am hoping I followed all the rules carefully and correctly. If you would like to check my first product out I would love the feedback!!

Just click on the picture and you will have 5 different "Safari" themed communication covers!!

New Bloggers Blog Hop

I am breaking the rules of two posts in one day, but I just had to post the "Newbie Bloggers Blog Hop". I only have been blogging since April and am so amazed at how helpful everyone is. So join in "NEWBIES"!!!

Janis at Grade Three is the Place for Me!  is having a newbie blogger blog hop.  Since I just started my blog in April...I had to join in.  I hope that you will check out some of the other newbie bloggers!  For any other newbies, link up and tell everyone:

1. What state your are in.

2. Your current teaching position.

3. Your teaching experience.

4. When you started blogging.

5. Share a blogging tip/ blogging resource

1. I am in El Dorado Hills, California.

2. I currently teach 2nd grade.

3. I will begin my 18th year of teaching. I have taught 2 years of 6th, 3 years of 4th, and 12 years in 2nd.

4. I started blog stalking last summer and begin my blog in April.

5. If you don't know something just ask. Fellow bloggers are extremely helpful. Remember to bookmark a blog you like or one that is helpful!!

Teaching Maddeness 500 Follower Giveaway

Head on over to Amanda's blog Teaching Maddeness for her big giveaway!!! She also has a fabulous post on writer's workshop!! Congratulations Amanda!!

CTP Giveaway

Who doesn't love a giveaway??? If you answered yes then you better had over to Fabulous in First because Michelle is teaming up with CTP for  her giveaway!!!

Super Second Grade Giveway and Getting Closer to 100 Followers

Casey from Second Grade Math Maniac is having a super giveaway!!

                                                     

If you have not visited her blog...get over there now! You do not want to miss out on all of the amazing things she has to offer!

I am super excited to see that I am approaching 100 followers. I have an idea for a give away...it involves one of my other passions... so hopefully it can happen soon!!

I am off to do some projects for the classroom!! Happy Monday to everyone!!

I Would Like to Thank...Plus a Share

I woke up yesterday to find out that I received an award from Teresa at Fun Games 4 Learning!  Thank you so much Teresa. If you haven't checked her blog out...it is a must visit!!

This award highlights blogs that have under 200 followers. Here are the rules for it:

1. Copy and paste this award on your blog.

2. Thank the giver and link back to them.

3. Reveal 5 other bloggers and let them know by commenting on their blog.

I am happily awarding the Liebster Blog Award to:

Across the Hall in 2nd

2nd Mon-"Stars"

Simpson's Superstars

Wild About First Grade!

Teach Inspire Prepare

Now for a share!!

I think my husband might be jealous of my computer...or should I say all of the time that I have been spending with my computer and not him.   LOL!! All week I have been glued to it. Now that I have the newest PowerPoint I am trying to create all kinds of cute things for my classroom and school. It's taking me twice as long because I have not used PowerPoint to create documents like I am doing. I must say it does get easier and the documents look so much better!! The other day I posted my communication binder cover. After more time experimenting with PowerPoint, I have a created a better version...at least I think so. It will go with my rock star theme.  I would love feedback. If you saw my previous post you can see the first one I created.

I just looked up at the clock and am shocked to see that  it is already one in the afternoon. Time for me to get off of my computer and start  enjoying the nice 100+ degree weather. I looked at the calendar today and realized in one month I will be back at school...aaahhh, time flies!! 

Thanks again to all of the wonderful and amazing bloggers. I am so grateful for all of the  helpful hints from everyone. 

Happy Friday to all!

THANK YOU!!!

I want to thank Marissa from Wild About First Grade for giving me the Versatile Blogger Award!! Marissa is actually my younger sister who helped me start this blog!! I am super excited and always texting or calling her that I got a new member!! She has been a big help...and not just because she is my little sis!!

Here are the rules....

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Include a link to their site.
3. Include the award image in your post.
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself
5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award.
6. When nominating, include a link to their site.
7. Let other bloggers know they've been nominated. 

Here are 7 random facts about me:

1. My mom, sister and I are all teachers. My mom retired 2 years ago.

2. My husband and I met on a blind date. Actually, 14 years ago a parent in my class introduced us. The father of one of my students and my husband were business clients. Of course, the husband and wife came to our wedding!!

3.When I read a really good book, I will stay up all night just so I can finish it.

4. My very first teaching job was with the same principal who suspended me in 7th grade for spitting water on someone during the last week of school.(He was a vice-principal back then.) He was a great principal, but retired now.

5. I love to bake!! It makes me happy. I seem to do it more when I am stressed.

6. I love to shop. The Loft is one of my favorite stores. I shopped there so much that at Christmas they sent me a beautiful bracelet as a thank you for being a great customer...my husband says it's called spending too much money!!

7. I used to work at the Limited Clothing Store on Sundays for extra money when I was single and teaching....I actually was top sales girl a couple of times!!

Here are some fabulous blogs I have nominated:

Surfin Through Second

Ginger Snaps

Second Grade Math Maniac

Second Grade Sweets

Delighted in Second

Across the Hall in 2nd

Diving into Learning

Primarily-Speaking

123 Teach with Me

Adventuresn2grade

Sassy in Second

Ms Preppy

Learnings-a-hoot

The Teacher's Chatterbox

Hopelessly Devoted to Teaching