Teacher Talk: Outfits

Today (a day late, sorry!) I'm linking up with Bloom and Southern Simplicity on our 2nd Teacher Talk link up.

Today's topic might be one of my favorite things ever....CLOTHES!  I don't even know when my love for fashion started, but I can remember in high school being very picky about outfits and trying new things.  My poor husband....

I used to work in a law firm and financial institutions before becoming a teacher (learn about that here if you haven't read it yet), so I've always been very used to dressing up for work.  At my school, we are required to wear work casual everyday except for Fridays when we can wear jeans.

Dressing up is fun for me.  I've always enjoyed it.  It just makes me feel better to pull myself together in the morning and be fresh for the day.  I've made it my mission since becoming a teacher to always look nice for the kids.  The heels had to go, but I've transitioned nicely to flats if I do say so myself. ;)

Say what you will, but they way a person dresses speaks.  I try to be mindful of that for school.  It's a psychology, if you will.  I fully believe that what I wear makes a difference- to me and to those kids.  If I've had an "off" day and maybe my hair isn't in place like usual, they will comment right away.  Kids notice just like adults do and a lot of times, they're more vocal...ha!

Here are my rules for my teaching outfits: have at least one statement piece, wear bright colors, try to wear comfortable shoes (but they all become uncomfortable after being on your feet for 10 hours!), dress in clothing that's comfortable, always dress modestly, have interchangable/versatile pieces, and spend just a little time on deciding what to wear.

My hubs was a great sport as we played "teacher fashion show"- taking pictures of me in some of my clothes I wear to work.  He was CRACKING me up. As you'll be able to tell, I LOVE bright colors.  They make me happy.

Dress-The Loft; Shoes-Dillards (on clearance last Winter); Jewelery-Dillards (on clearance last Winter)

Top & Pants-The Loft; Necklace-Etsy; Shoes-Target; Earrings-Wal-Mart

Piko Top-Shop The Rage; Pants-either The Loft or New York & Co (can't remember! I have a pair from both places); Necklace-Steinmart; Shoes-Target

Piko Top-Shop the Rage; Pants-Steinmart; Shoes-Target; Jewelery-Roccoco

Top-The Loft; Pencil Skirt-New York & Co; Shoes-Target; Jewelry-The Limited

Top-Traget; Maxi-Dillards; Earrings were from my mom; Bracelet-Francesca's

Top & Pants-The Loft; Shoes-Target

I didn't realize how much of my wardrobe came from The Loft until I took these pictures.  I'm lucky enough to live close to two different outfits and a regular store, so I get some really good deals.  I used to shop at The Limited for almost everything, but the quality just wasn't there.  I also buy a lot from Target, various boutiques, Dillards (when they have a sale), and I hit up Steinmart/TJ Maxx/Ross every once in awhile.  I don't discriminate. ;)

Thanks for taking the time to read my silly outfit post! :)  I hope you have a great finish to your week!

Teacher Talk, Vol. 1 - Introducing ME!

I signed up for Teacher Talk thinking this would be a fun way to reach out and connect with my fellow teachers in blogland!  I'm trying to be better about blogging.  I kind of let it go since I started teaching two years ago and thought this might hold me accountable...PLUS I'll get to meet some really great people who share a calling with me.



A Little About Me
I think it's important to first off say that I am a Christ follower and Jesus comes #1 in my life.  He is in all that I do and is constantly guiding me and extending his never ending grace when I fall short.  He is THE reason why I teach.  Let me explain.

I come from a long line of teachers.  My mom and dad are both teachers as well.  I guess you could say it's in my blood.  I always wanted to be a teacher from the time I was 4 years old.  My mom would bring home old teacher textbooks and me and my friends would play school.  I was ALWAYS the teacher, or so they like to recall. ;)  When I graduated high school, I began college as an Elementary Education major.  After my first year, my love of math drove me to change to a Business major.  My parents told me all about the politics of being a teacher and the money is not good at all.  I need to add that I was living way outside of the Lord's Will for my life at this time and I never once prayerfully considered any decision I made.  Nor did I give Him a second thought.  So, on that whim, I changed my major to Business Administration with a minor in Industrial Psychology.  I graduated and the economy collapsed.  I couldn't find a job in my career field anywhere locally.  Now this is another story for another post in how God weaved EVERYTHING together, but I'll keep it focused on teaching for this one.

I found myself working at a law firm in a job where I had never even applied.  I was there for a year and a half and finally a position opened up in a company I had dreamed of working for.  It was my "dream job".  During this time, I started getting back to Christ.  I met my now husband, we found a church home, and God was slowly pruning me and shaping me into the woman He desired me to be.  I started to feel the tug in my heart to teach.  But it was impossible (I thought).  I was a single girl, living on my own, broke as a joke, and going back to college was out of the question.  I was almost done with my MBA too.  Was I just going to let all of that money go down the drain?  Eventually, yes.

So, I took this "dream job" and it was a NIGHTMARE.  I had the worst possible experience and I cried everyday.  I worked horrible hours, for the first time experienced harassment, and was just genuinely miserable.  One day, as I was walking back to my cubicle from the Starbucks on this corporation's campus, I had this overwhelming feeling that I had to teach.  I hadn't thought about teaching in months.  I stored it in the back of my head, knowing it would be impossible with all that this job required of me for me to ever go back to school.

Lo and behold, the law firm where I first worked was in need of an assistant for the senior partner and they were willing to take me back.  I put in my notice and I was out of there faster than a fart in a fan factory.  I never looked back.  I truly believe that God allowed me to work there and He opened that door for me to prove to me that it wasn't what I really wanted.  He had something better in store.

Once I got back to the law firm, I was able to have more free time and I started doing my research.  I found out that in Florida, if you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, then you can apply for a Temporary Certificate to teach.  Well, it's much more complicated than that with lots of testing and classes, but I had the information I needed.  I registered for the first test I needed, passed, then submitted my life to the state of Florida to obtain my temporary certificate.  This was in April of 2011.  I got cleared and received my temporary certificate in late May.  I applied for every job under the sun in my county and all surrounding counties.  I received about 70 rejection emails.  No one would even interview me because I did not have a degree in education.  I had given up hope and I remember driving home one night and having a full out conversation with God.  I was in the car alone and literally talking out loud.  I kept saying over and over, "God, why did you tell me to do this when you're not going to let me?  I give up!  I'm never going to get a job.  Why God, why?  This isn't fair."  I felt His voice deep inside my heart telling me "patience".  Through all my other struggles, I have definitely heard "patience" over and over again!  He is always at work.

I had written it off.  It was now August and school was about to start.  My mom called me one evening right as I was getting off work and told me there was going to be a position open the next day and I needed to apply.  I told her no, I was done and tired of the rejection emails.  And I really thought I was done...until I couldn't shake the feeling and that voice again kept telling me to do it.  So I did it.  I received a call, got an interview, rocked the interview, and was offered the job the Friday before preschool started.  STRESS!  I was thrown to the wolves and it was sink or swim.  I loved every second of it.  I have never not wanted to go to work since becoming a teacher.  I'm still at the same school and have formed incredible bonds with my students, parents, co-workers, and principal.  I love them all so much.  This has been the 2nd biggest blessing in my life other than marrying my husband.  I love, love, love what I do.  It truly is my passion.  I also have obtained my permanent certificate.  I met all of my requirements, testing, and courses and I could not have done it without God's hand leading me every step of the way.  He truly, truly, truly causes all things to work together for good. (Romans 8:28)

Where I Live
I live in the good ole Sunshine State - Florida!  And that means the dreaded FCAT!  But only one more year!!  Then we move on to the PARCC or whatever else the state decides.

What I Teach
I teach 4th grade.  What that means for me being a Florida teacher is I teach Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Science.  Writing, Math, and Reading are the big tested areas in 4th grade here.  I also coach our school's Sunshine Math Team where we compete with all the other schools in the county.  I still get to use my love of math. :)  And let me just tell you - My degree in Business and Industrial Psych comes in handy every single day.

Why I Teach
I teach because God told me to.  Plain and simple.  I am living out His Will for my life and I have 100% peace in my heart.  I am exactly where He wants me.  I teach because I love every single thing about it; even the stuff that gets on my nerves.  I love it all.  I teach to be the light in the darkness for some of these kids.  I teach to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  I teach to extend the same love and grace that my Father has given me.  I teach to instill confidence and reassurance in the hearts and minds of children.  I teach to encourage kids.  I teach to be their biggest fan.  I teach because I love those kids.  I teach because there's nothing else that I rather do.

Back to School

This was our first week back to school (without the kids).  It was a slow week in a weird way.  My to-do list was a mile long, which made me think that my week should go by fast. But it just drug by.  I guess there's just so much anticipation!  There was SO much to do and if I'm being honest, I feel a little overwhelmed.  I'm not really sure why.  Lesson plans are complete, every copy that needed to be made for the 1st week has been done, all students have a desk and books.  I have all my ducks in a row. It might have something to do with 26 students on a roster and more possibly being added on Monday.  Six were added just hours before orientation, so I was scrambling to get desks, name tags, supplies, etc.  But it all came together in time. 

The beginning of the year is such a strange time for me.  I wonder if I'll be able to love these kids like I loved the kids the year before.  I just got them where I wanted them and now I have to start all over, ha!  Is this normal?  Because it happens to me every year.  And every year I end up loving my students and getting so attached.  I just care about them as people and they're so much more to me than a test score.    I'm remembering this year though to lower my expectations to save myself frustration and tears.  I definitely have my work cut out for me, but I'm so blessed to be able to do what I love.  I have an awesome grade level and great co-workers all around.  It really is a privilege to work with such wonderful people!

A big part of getting everything ready is getting your room prepared for those little bodies that will soon fill it up.  I don't think anyone, but teachers, truly understand what it means to "get my room ready".  You have to think about EVERYTHING.  I mean, this is where we'll spend the majority of our time for the next 9 months.  So much will happen in here - awakenings, reality checks, vast amounts of learning, loving, relationships developed, some fights (but hopefully not many), and incredible memories made.  There's so much energy and care that goes into every single thing I do to prepare my room.  It's pretty much how I wanted it, but I honestly didn't plan on that many desks being in there. ;)  Rule number one of being a teacher: FLEXIBILITY.  I'm praying for wisdom, perseverance, to see these kids through God's eyes, and simply to be a light in their worlds.

They were supposed to paint our rooms over the summer.  Before we left, we had to take everything down and put it in the center of our room.  Well, lo and behold the painting didn't happen.  They'll now do it one day during the school year.  Joy!  So, there was much work to be done and still yet to do.  Here's how my room turned out.

 The "before"...a complete disaster!

 Got my office and files all nice and organized!

 Orientation Day...desks are all set-up...everything's done!  This is the view from the door.

 Another view from my desk.  I'm soooooo thankful for a big classroom.

 View from the outside door.

 Their first stop every morning.  Our calendar area.

 I love all of my storage space!  And you better believe it is all used!  We'll do many, many science projects utilizing this counter space back here.  I can't wait!

 Reading Board all ready to go!  There are some bean bags right below it that will be a favorite of some students, I'm sure!

 Writing Board finished.  It won't be bare for long!

 Math Board!  It looks so empty.  I am so excited for another year of Number of the Day!

 Computer area and Science/Social Studies Boards.

 My awesome built in shelves....TONS of books and my science experiment loot.  I put the chairs over here this year for easy access to the class library...we'll see how it goes.

 View from the back of my room looking at the board.

 My classroom door and office door.  Citizenship chart is all ready to go!  I really love my punctuation people on the door.  They are one of my most favorite creations. ;)

 My area - my teacher table and OODLES of supplies behind me!

Word Wall and Cubbies are so clean and neat...let's see how long that lasts!  Ha!

I had a parent tell me at orientation that he could tell that I loved to teach.  I said, "Oh yeah?  How can you tell?"  He replied, "Your classroom.  You can just tell you put a lot of thought into the layout and items you have for the kids."  Thank you so much, sir, for noticing.  Not everyone does.  What an awesome compliment.  It totally made my day!

I am so ready for this year - for the challenges, struggles, and victories.  It's going to be great as long as I keep my eyes on Him and pray everyday over my room.  I am so exhausted and school hasn't even officially started.  I'm off to enjoy a relaxing weekend...and I may or may not eat brownies for supper tonight.  

Summer is Coming to an End!

I cannot believe it - tomorrow I'll surrender my freedom and set my alarm for 4:30 am.  Where did the time go?!  Summer has officially come to an end.

I was thinking back on this summer and it was a really weird one.  I feel like I didn't really do anything, but I was somehow always busy.  Except for those 3 weeks where it rained every single day.  I did a lot of sleeping then.  It was honestly refreshing.  I totally needed that.

We had a lot of company come to town, I spent a lot of time with friends or by myself at the beach, I spent a lot of time by myself (with the exception of my two crazy hounds), I spent a lot of time with God, I grew another year older, I worked out and tried (am trying) to get back in shape, I had awesome evenings of walks and meals with my hubs, and unfortunately I dealt with death a lot.  That pretty much sums it up.

Since I last posted, I celebrated a birthday.  We had a big family cookout, which was nice to have everyone together.  I felt very blessed to have this year BEHIND me - it was a tough one, but one I look back on with a huge smile.  I grew so much spiritually and personally.  I really needed the valleys I had to walk through because God showed His grace and perfect plan through it all.  He really causes all things to work together for good.

I feel like a summer recap might be best shown through some random pictures....so here we go!

My and the Hubs on my birthday :)

After one of our 2 mile walks with our crazy dogter #2

Doing one of my favorite things - SWIMMING

Did a little crafting - made a new wreath with help from my awesome SIL, Amber.

Celebrating an addition to the family - Congratulations Jon and Lauren!

Celebrated my Tinky girl turning another year older.  Love her SO much!

Got to see this view as often as I wanted.  Blessed to live where I do!

I also got to cook a lot, which is always great.  I made some new recipes and hopefully I'll be sharing more of those with y'all soon.  I'm so into smoothies for breakfast right now and have made a list of my favorite concoctions that I've come up with.  They're fast, easy, and super healthy.

My Bible reading has been coming along nicely.  I'm almost done with the 90 day challenge, although I likely won't finish in 90 days.  Mine will be more like 100.  But hey, I've read the whole Old Testament through, which I had never done before.  Reading the Bible in chronological order has been amazing.  It's like I get it.  But I have SO MUCH to learn.  It's awesome to see God's plan for His creation.  When it all ties together, it makes incredible sense.  I've seen things in a whole new light.  This has definitely changed me drastically.

While we're on the topic of The Lord, my sweet Aunt Margaret went to be with Him on July 28th.  It was so hard to watch her suffer and we just prayed that God would call her home.  He did and now we mourn here for our loss.  She was an incredibly kind, humble woman.  I hate to see my mom hurt so bad, along with my grandpa, uncle, and cousin.  Our family has had so much loss in the last year.  

The was the last photo taken with my Aunt Margaret before she went downhill.  This was her birthday celebration back in March,

My beautiful mom.  The strongest woman I know.  I look at her with a whole different admiration for all she's gone through.  Losing her best friend wasn't easy, but God gave her a lot of grace and strength. I hope I can be more like her.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. -Matthew 5:4

All in all, it's been a good summer.  I'm blessed to live in a place where I can just hop in my car and drive to the beach.  It's so peaceful and soothing to be next to the water.  I've thoroughly enjoyed my quiet time.  BUT, I'm looking forward to this school year and all it has to bring.  I'm just praying over my class I'm about to receive and asking for wisdom to embark on these sweet, young lives.  I hope I can always be a light to these kids!  It is truly a blessing to be walking in God's Will for my life and doing what I was called to do.

I'm off to finish up supper - ribs, fried cabbage and roasted broccoli- YUM TO MY TUM!  I'll be bringing back Meal Plan Monday (it's been forever!) to hopefully give y'all some ideas and hold myself accountable.  

I hope you have an incredibly blessed week!

FCAT, dogs, and craziness

I'm seriously terrible at keeping up with this now.  I sure do hate that.  It was one thing I always enjoyed doing, but I hardly ever have time anymore.  I need to update about what's been going on around these parts.

Well...FCAT is DONE!  Thank you, Lord.  That is always such a stressful time for us teachers who teach FCAT grade levels.  So much pressure is put on us.  I tend to take a more laid back approach because I know I've taught and prepared my students well and as the saying goes...you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.  I have to say though that my WHOLE class did such an awesome job.  They each tried their hardest and that's all I ever ask for.  I stayed busy making treats for my kids.  They really enjoyed these.

Day 1 Treat

Day 2 Treat

Day 3 Treat

AND Day 4 Treat.  I saved the best for last :)

 Now I can get back to a somewhat normal schedule in my room.  We're working on a poetry unit right now in Language Arts and the kids are having a blast.  I love to see their creativity coming out!  Some of them who struggled with writing are flourishing at poetry.  We're also doing some really cool science experiments.  Last week, we blew up water balloons with vinegar and baking soda.  This blew their minds. :)

I am truly blessed with a job I LOVE.  I wake up everyday looking forward to work.  And I'm almost done with all of my coursework to obtain my permanent certificate.  That's been keeping me busy as well.  I'm taking my last Reading Competency course and I took my last test over spring break (which I passed-yipee!).  God has really seen me through everything and has given me the endurance to keep going when I've gotten so tired.

Speaking of jobs, Jared just started his new job TODAY!  I am in awe of God's faithfulness in our lives.  He is doing so much work with us right now and we are truly thankful.  Through the valleys and the mountains, this life is a beautiful gift we have been given.  We are so thankful for His grace in our lives.

It's not all been rainbows and butterflies lately though.  We've been dealing with some really hard family situations.  My 91 year old grandpa was in a really bad accident a few weeks ago and he's darn lucky to be alive.  His guardian angel was working overtime.  My aunt and uncle both have terminal cancer and my mom and dad are really struggling.  It all breaks my heart, but I know the Sovereign One will provide and comfort.  Cancer is horrible.

Every weekend we've had something going on.  It pretty much doesn't slow down until June for us.  I'm in dire need of a beach day!  Of course we enjoy every event we go to, but deep down we're such homebodies.  I'm in bed asleep every night by 9 if I have my way, lol.

With all the busy-ness and change going on in our lives, we've also inherited a new addition to the family.  Sometimes I feel like I'm in a cartoon.  Or more accurately, I feel like Dr. Dolittle.  Last week, it was a dog, week before it was a baby bird, week before that, it was a baby squirrel.  I can't make this stuff up.  But without further ado, everyone, meet Paisley.  She's our new little fox hound. 

Long story short, she came to be ours just like Rosie.  She needs a lot of love and attention, but she's so sweet and loving.  She's much more calm than Rosie (praise the Lord) and having her around has really helped Rosie mellow out.  Maybe that's been the answer all along!  They became fast friends and now they do everything together.  Seriously, everything.

 

Rotten hounds.  They both lucked out and fell into the right hands at this house.  But that's it!  Two is enough!  Hopefully I won't have too many crazy stories to go along with these two.  I feel like I was just getting out of that with Rosie and now I'm starting all over again.


On one last note, I just have to add in how thankful I am for Jared.  Not trying to be mushy, but he seriously puts up with a lot from me and is always there no matter what.  He's my best friend.  He's the funniest person I've ever known, which is an awesome quality about him that many don't get to see.  He can have me laughing non-stop.  I'm so grateful for his commitment and faithfulness to our marriage and his drive to provide for us.  We made a decision at the beginning of the year to designate date nights together and it has made such a difference - no cell phones, no interruptions, just us.  I love it and I love him.  I have so much fun with him.

I hope you all have a blessed week and take the time to be thankful for the little things in life.  They're really not so little.

Back to School

School is officially back in full swing.  I moved classrooms this year and I'm loving my new room.  It is so much bigger than last year's and I feel more included.  Since I didn't take any before and after pictures last year (I was in survival mode), I wanted to make sure I did that this year.  So, this will be a post FULL of pictures.

Before Pictures

(Many of these were taken after I had cleaned out most of the stuff.)

And After Pictures...

view from the front door

 view from the back of the room facing the board 

 view from the kids' cubbies

view of the back of the room

 view of my little area (I also have an office)

 view from the back door

computer/A.R. area

reading board/reading area

math board

student center

orientation letter and treat

I'm really happy with how it all turned out.  It was A LOT of work.  I don't think people realize just how hard teachers work.  But it's SO worth it.  I was going with a polka dot theme, but you see how well that worked out, right?  So, I just decided to use bright colors because they make me happy.  Since I teach older kids, I can get away without doing a set theme.  Plus, I didn't have the money to replace everything for polka dots.  I think I'll survive. :)

 

 Me on the 1st Day of School

I'm so excited to get the school year going.  We had a very successful first week of school.  I'm lovin' my new class!  Unfortunately, we're out today due to Hurricane Isaac.  Hopefully we'll be back by the end of this week.  Time's a-tickin' and we have lots of learning to do.  I'm praying for all of you other teachers, administrators, and students that you'll have a wonderful year! XO