Follow Friday

There are a few blogs that I have saved on my bookmarks bar that I would frequent whenever I have the spare time, but I just recently learned that I can actually follow them using blogger! I know, embarrassing. I guess I'm still new to the blogging world.

Here are some of the ones that I frequent on a regular basis:

 Sweet Southern Prep

[1]

I'm not even sure how I stumbled upon this lifestyle blog, but I check it nearly every day! She has a matching Instagram account, where she posts pictures of her stylish outfits and precious kiddos. This blogger shares her workout secrets, busy life tips, deals & steals from my favorites--like Tory Burch and J. Crew, and even yummy cocktail recipes! A few of my favorite posts of hers include the following:

(Photo source)

--This write-up on the TB Friends & Family Sale, which prompted me to buy two pairs that weekend. Oops! [Fashion Friday]

--This post led me to download the app, Endomondo, which I use to see how far I've walked, and estimate the calories I burn [How I Do It: Healthy Eating & Fitness]

--Here, SSP shares sale information! If you're a bargain hunter with great taste, this is your place! [Tuesday Trends]

Step Into Second Grade with Mrs. Lemons

[2]

--I loved this idea for sorting sentences using punctuation. [Place Value, Sentences, and Mudge!] I like where she talks about how her kids just *get it*. That is one of the best feelings ever.

--Here, she inspired me to go label crazy! You may remember the crazy intense storage wall I have in my classroom. With the plethora of supplies 2nd grade requires, this makes everything easier. I can now send my students back there to grab the markers or scissors. [Getting Ready for Next Year]

--I thought I'd share the link to her TeachersPayTeachers store. These stations are so cute and once I explain them, I can leave the students working independently to pull-out small groups. [Amy Lemons]

 

The Eternal Search

 (3)

I found this blog, because it belongs to one of my favorite people! Brittany was a freshman at TCU when I was a junior. We became close through a shared love of Gossip Girl, cake batter, and Pinterest. Even though she was two years younger, she was a sweet support for me when I needed it. She is the kind of friend who will give you the right thing to do, even when you don't want to hear it.

Here is the link to a particularly honest post that resonates well with me. We all need grace, and she reminds us why (That Time I Needed Grace) 

More to come next time,

Ms. L



Currently

As I was browsing some recents pins in an attempt to find some fun activities for multiplication, I stumbled upon this post that I pinned a while back.

 

 Ladybug's Teacher Files is a blog that I constantly turn to for organization tips. I aspire to one day be that organized. (Thankfully, there is a TeachersPayTeachers:"LadyBug's Teacher Files" website to help.) 

 

Anyway, it inspired to me reflect on my own current state and share it with you!

I am currently:

Listening: to the clock ticking in my classroom. I savor silence.

Loving: the warmth that is coming from the Black Tea sitting on my desk.

Thinking: about the pile of Science & Math papers that are waiting to be graded on the couch in my classroom.

Wanting: the weather to warm up, so I can let my toes wiggle around in some new sandals. These Jack Rogers are called "Lauren", so that means I deserve them, right?

 

(source)

Needing: more time in the day! Why does the day FLY by so quickly? I feel like I blink and it's 4 pm.

Love yourself: I'll be treating myself to a blissful 60 minutes of yoga this afternoon, wearing this cute top I scored on sale at Lululemon this weekend.

 

 

(source)

 

 

Namaste,

 

 

Ms. L 

My FAVORITE Tops

 

 

Button-downs are my thing. Whether it's the J. Crew Haberdashery Shirt, a classic Ralph Lauren oxford, or any cute chambray top (1, 2, 3) , they are the easiest top to throw on and still look put-together! They look great buttoned up all the way with necklaces, with a v-neck OR round neck sweater on top, or open over something cute. Today, I'm rocking an all-black outfit with an open chambray over the dress--I like it, because it's different than a sweater, but still provides light warmth and finishes the outfit.

 

Look at all the possibilities coming to you from LOFT!

 

 

(source)

 

I originally saw these posts on Instagram and found them to be so helpful. Somehow, tops always look cuter on the mannequin. Now, I can make my shirts perfect!

 

(source)

(source)

 

 

 

How do you like to wear your button-downs?

 

xoxo,

 

 

Ms. L

A Day in the Life

I've seen a couple articles recently that are meant to highlight the unknown amount of hours that a teacher works on a daily basis. I thought I'd share what a typical school day looks like for me.

 

 

 

5:00/5:15--I aim to be out of bed somewhere in this 15 minute range. I also usually find 1 or 2 pressing e-mails in my inbox.

6:00--I make tea and grab breakfast, catch some of the morning news, check weather, double-check bags, leave the house by 6:30 at the latest

7:00-7:50--I make copies, prep examples of today's work, plan future weeks, fill out paperwork, grade, enter grades, answer tons of e-mails

8:00--School starts. The kiddos do morning work for 15 minutes, while I take attendance, answer questions, etc.

8:15--Morning Meeting: I take lunch count, go over the students' jobs for the day, talk about what's coming up today, and there is always some mini-lesson--germs, conflict resolution, quick behavior reminder.

8:30/10:15--This long block of time is devoted to English/Language Arts; Writer's Workshop, Reading, and Phonics. We have a whole group lesson, then the students turn to independent work during the 60 minute center block, while I pull out small groups for reading. Writer's workshop is a block of time where the students work independently, and I conference one-on-one with my writers!

10:20/12:30--Students have recess, lunch, and PE, Music, or Art (depending on the day), with short breaks of 15 minutes in the classroom  between them. This is a great time for independent silent reading or continuing Writer's Workshop, while I do interventions.

12:30-2:00--Math

2:00-3:00-- Science, pack-up

3:00-3:45--Tutoring or Staff Meeting

3:45/5:00--Grading, making copies or laminating, answering e-mails, calling home to parents  of students, fixing up the room, preparing morning work for the next day, making sure all my books are turned to the correct page for lessons tomorrow; sometimes we have professional development from 4-6 off-campus.

5:00-5:45--Rush Hour Traffic. Beyonce CDs and Audiobooks are my best friend.

6:00--yoga: my "me-time": I probably only make it 3-4 times a week...

7:00--Dinner

8:00--Shower, read a book, watch Grey's Anatomy, grade papers if I feel up to it

10:00--Bedtime

 

 

 

 

I'm by NO means a martyr, and I'm not writing this post to be self-righteous. Many people work way more for way less reward than I recieve. I feel very thankful to be doing what I love, and I could NEVER trade it in for a higher-paying/fewer hour job. Just...think twice before you tell a teacher he/she just works 8-3 and gets summers off.

 

 

Happy Friday,

 

 

Ms. L



My Version of a Flipagram

I was recently visiting a blog that belongs to a dear friend of mine from school (here), and noticed that she did a sort of "year-in-review". She pointed out the few most important things that happened each month in 2013. Now, I know that 2014 started 2 weeks ago, but with school being my life, I operate more along a semester basis than year--I get two chances for fresh starts!

2013:

January:

My birthday month! My birthday always falls during syllabus week, meaning I brought in 22 with a bang! My friends and I celebrated with a yummy dinner at Sushi Axiom in Fort Worth followed by lots of nights out catching up before the real work started.

February:

This month brought the beginning of my student teaching. I began six weeks in a fourth grade classroom, with a teacher who is near and dear to my heart. I had observed her classroom for a semester-long Practicum before, and I fell in love with her teaching style. Her students loved her, and they were excellent writers! I learned so much in those first 6 weeks of student teaching and gained confidence in my ability to be in charge of 25 10-year olds! February also brought the birth of my cousin's first baby, Olivia!

March:

March brought Spring Break. My dear friend Katie, affectionally known as "Brawn", and I spent a lovely 9 hours in the car together on our way to my hometown of New Orleans, LA. We met up with some friends to enjoy dinner and night out.

The next morning, we met my grandparents for beignets and walked around the French Quarter. It was so much fun to show this California girl the place I call home. We drove the rest of our way to Destin, Florida. While it wasn't your typical SPRING BREAK experience, we had a lot of laughs and memories with 17 other girls from our sorority.

April:

 In April, I finished my second 6-week term of student teaching. This time, I was in Kindergarten. I had the opportunity to learn under the mom of one of my closest friends. She taught me so much about patience and encouragement. Not only did I learn from her as a teacher, but as a friend and role model. April is also the month when I landed my first REAL JOB.

May:

May 11, 2013 was the day I graduated from TCU. I don't even remember walking across the stage, but I just remember feeling elated that all my hard work had finally paid off! The most memorable and exciting chapter of my life so far was closed, and I was moving on to a new one! Too bad it was accompanied by one too many good-byes as my closest friends jetted off across the country.

June/July:

I spent my summer moving from Fort Worth to a small apartment with my Dad in Dallas. My parents were in transition from Alabama BACK to Dallas (We've moved quite a few times in the past 10 years). My days consisted of working my part-time retail job and checking lots of novels off my to-read list. I also prepped my classroom, but you can read that post here.When my sister and mom finally got here, the four of us moved to a house in Frisco. Packing and moving is miserable.

August:

On August 13th, I became a grown-up. By that, I mean I began my job. We had two weeks of training, where we learned the in and outs of rules, schedules, and reviewed best practices. Luckily, I had my team to keep me sane. We talked about food a lot. On August 22, I met 20 little sweethearts that became mine. I stood in the doorway shaking hands and giving hugs. That hour was a blur, but ignited my excitement for the next Monday. When my 20 students arrived on Monday morning, I was as ready as I could have been! The first day was probably one of the smoothest days I've had all year--I think they were trying to impress me ; )

September:

September brought a lot of frustrating days as I was figuring out management, how to plan, how to organize, etc. This month consisted of school, school, school & more school. 

October:

In October, I was fortunate enough to spend a short-lived weekend with my college friends at my first TCU homecoming as an alum. It was bittersweet.

(Also, check out this precious picture of my cousin Olivia that I recieved!)

November:

The month of thanks! I spent Thanksgiving with my family & friend Katie. My younger sister turned 17. She is a driving machine in her cute little car, and I can't believe she is already looking at colleges. 

December:

The last month of 2013 flew by before I could even notice it was here. With two ice days off school and a long Winter break, this month was a breeze. I spent time in New Orleans with family, mostly holding my sweet baby cousins, Ian, Isabella, and Olivia. We watched movies, shopped, and ate Tamales. It was perfect. I watched 2013 turn into 2014 with a new friend Lauren from school, and with that, another new year began!

 

Birthday Wishes

My birthday is just ONE week away!

Next to a good book, a huge bag of newly shopped goodies is my favorite thing to carry around. Considering I've "invested" in a few key pieces over the past few months (working 2 jobs has its perks), I really should not be going crazy. 

Here are a few things on my wish list: 

I became addicted to Fresh products a few months ago, when I bought their lip treatment in Petal (seen here). It's like slapping on Chapstick, but is a beautiful color! I could easily spend my paycheck at the Fresh store, but right now, I'll settle for the lip gloss and Seaberry body cream--it smells heavenly!

I bought these Frye 'Melissa Button' boots back in October in black, and I wear them at least twice a week! I am on my feet all day, and these stood up to the test. Clearly, I need them in this beautiful cognac color.

I am not a runner, by any means, unless I'm chasing children--does that count? However, our Principal has instituted "Work-Out Wednesday", so our staff gets to wear cute & polished workout wear to get through hump day! These tops from Lululemon have sleeves to make them work-appropriate, but I can wear them on those few days of the year when I think running sounds like a good idea. I'll take one in each color.

Spoken from the Heart, by Laura Bush, has been on my to-read list for a while now, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I recently visited the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, which re-sparked my interest in this one! 

Mom & Dad, I hope you're reading this! 

Ms. L

Lessons Learned

I'm halfway through my first year of teaching, and here are a few lessons that I have learned. 

--Don't put sharpies in the hands of a 7-year old. They will accidentally (maybe on purpose) ruin your favorite J.Crew skirt. 

--Sticky notes are everything: If I don't write it down, it doesn't happen. I cannot count the random things on my to-do list that float into my head while I'm in the shower, driving to work, or trying to fall asleep.

--Being a part of a team is hard work, even if your team is as wonderful as mine. Getting 5 people to agree on what's best for children is not an easy feat...but you get a lot of support and laughs along the way. I would not get through a single day without my 4 girls.

--Cutting in line or forgetting your lunch are both a very big deal when you're 7.

--Know your lessons. It's great to be able to wing it, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't, but I always feel better when I know the objectives and the procedure for lessons. 

--There is no greater feeling than hearing a kiddo say "I get it!" or "I'm getting the hang of it!". 

--Actions need consequences. No matter who, what, when, or where.

--Wii JustDance videos are a save-the-day for indoor recess, class parties, or for when you look out in the middle of a math lesson and your class' eyes are glazed over! Here's my favorite:

--And lastly, sometimes, a hug or a "thank you" is all it takes to turn the world's hardest day around. 

Ms. L

Resolutions

I know, it's a little late for resolutions, BUT...

I resolve to:

1. Blog more--that's why I'm here!

2. Lesson the amount of time I spend on social media. I've already deleted FB and Twitter off my phone--we'll see how long this lasts.

3. Read more than I watch TV. Netflix is a vacuum of my time & emotions. I need to get a life. 

4. Tell people "THANK YOU"! I always enjoy being appreciated for the favors and hard work that I do--others should get that as well. 

5. Spend more money on experiences than on material belongings. (Ignore my birthday wish list, I guess) Trip to Santa Monica for Spring Break: Check!

6. Exercise--haha! Who am I kidding? But really, I mean I need to find a yoga studio that is as good as Karmany Fort Worth. 

7. Believe in myself & have confidence as a teacher, as a recent college grad, and as a twenty-something. 

Ms. L

32 Books Later...

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to read. In true nerd fashion, I've gotten in the habit of setting a goal for how many books to read in a year. My goal for 2013 was 25 books, and I totaled out at 32! 

Here are my 3 top favorites/recommendations:

(1)

Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn, was captivating. It goes outside of my typical interests--I don't usually go for the mystery type novel. However, I could not put this book down. The point of view, voice, and plot twists made this book unforgettable. I was shocked at the ending!

(2)

I tend to be indecisive when choosing my next book, so I often ask friends for recommendations. A close friend suggested When Crickets Cry, by Charles Martin, and I now know he is my go-to guy for book advice. This "Novel of the Heart" is just that! Though I've never experienced anything like the situation in this book, the writing put me right in the middle of every event, feeling every emotion--yes, I cried in a Starbucks while reading it. Embarrassing. The characters felt like family, and I would read it again in a heartbeat.

(3)

In October, a friend of mine started a book club, and The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak was our first novel of choice! I found this book to be unique for a few reasons, but the most pressing was that the narrator is Death. He describes in detail what it is like for him to take someone and to have someone escape him--obviously not something I had considered before. It tells the story of a young girl's experience in Nazi Germany, with haunting descriptions. 

A few others that stuck with me were:

-The Moviegoer : Walker Percy
-Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Other Concerns : Mindy Kaling (hilarious)
-The Beautiful and the Damned : F. Scott Fitzgerald
-The Alchemist : Paulo Coehlo
-The Handmaid's Tale : Margaret Atwood

I aim to read 35 books in 2014--any suggestions?