Dollar Tree!!

Today was our first day back. No kids yet, just inservice! On my way home today, I stopped by Dollar Tree. I know I'm not the only teacher who loves to shop for back to school goodies there. Every time I leave school lately, there is always a list in my pocket of things to buy. Today however, I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, you just never know what you may find though! I must say, it was a good day to stop by. Look at what I found:)

These will be great for my Daily 5 rotations.  I found 4 different sets.  Each set has 30 cards to cut apart.  They are antonyms, synonyms, homophones and compound words.  I'm so excited to use them!

These are the homophone cards, already cut apart.  

Of course I had to have a way to store them.  These small pencil bags are perfect.  I will label each bag so I can find which sets need to be put in our centers.  

I just had to share my finds with y'all, I got a little excited!!  Enjoy the rest of your week!

Vista Print Giveaway

This is my first time to link up to another blog... I hope I am doing this right.  Anyways, here it goes. While browsing pinterest, I came upon Angie's blog, Rulin' the Roost.  I was originally looking for the fabulous Word Work Tic-Tac-Toe sheet she had posted about.  After I downloaded that freebie, I saw her giveaway for the $80 to Vista Print.  Needless to say, I totally hope I win:)  We shall see tomorrow...wish me luck!  Now, to make it fair, hop on over and try out your luck!

Spring is in the Air!

It's that time of year. You know, the time when you don't want to do anything at work because you have spring fever. Just when you think you can't focus any longer, it's time for SPRING BREAK!! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my job. But really who wouldn't love an entire week off in this beautiful weather?!?

Instead of having some party all week long kind of break, I spent some time at my parent's house on the lake and made a wreath!

My spring wreath...it turned out HUGE!

Beautiful Toledo Bend
So glad the water is back!!

A view from the barge

And another....love it here

 

Cuurrrrennnntttllllyyy

I've seen this on a few blogs, so I thought I'd try it out!  If you'd like to do one for yourself, you can borrow a blank copy from HERE, like I did:)

Desk Storage

For my new classroom, I needed some small storage for the top of my desk.  You know, pens, pencils, tacks...that kind of stuff.  I didn't exactly know what I wanted, but I was in a crafty mood.  So off to Hobby Lobby I went.  I stumbled upon this small, plain, little wooden box.  

My classroom is decorated in bright colors and polka dots.  I love how happy it looks.  I thought about decoupaging it, but decided the best thing would be to just paint the base.  First, I sanded the edges of the drawers, I knew from experience if I didn't, after a couple coats of paint they wouldn't fit anymore. The colors I chose were Folk Art's- Calypso Blue and Neon Green.  I was pretty sure the fresh wood was going to soak up most of the paint, so I started with a coat of Mod Podge.  After that dried, I added a coat of paint.  I chose to paint the drawers all one color-green and everything else blue.  

I am trying to be very organized this year, so of course I had to label the drawers.  This time I did decoupage the letters.  Using my Cricut, I cut out the words for each drawer, in hot pink glitter paper:)  

After letting everything dry and putting the handles back on, I slipped the drawers in and done!  Very simple, easy, cute and functional.

    

2nd Grade!!!

This week was very exciting for me.  Thursday was my first day with kiddos in my OWN classroom!!  After a semi-freak out Wednesday night (which is not like me AT ALL) I had to be at school bright and early the next day.  I would say that my first day as a teacher was a success, no one was lost and I even ended the day with a smile:)  I am very blessed to be at the wonderful school that I am.  

Over the Christmas break my parents and I worked very hard on my new classroom.  The goal was to make it cheery and welcoming for the students, and I think that I achieved that!

New Year

So the New Year has begun.  We rang it in while sleeping in our big comfy bed...I did actually wake up at 12 due to allll of the fireworks that were going off around us:)  A large pot of taco soup was the best way to end 2011.  It is yummy and super simple.  First, brown your meat, then add all of the other ingredients and cook it until its warm.  I like it best served over fritos, and topped with sour cream and cheese.  

• ground meat- I use turkey
• 2 cans pinto beans
• 2 cans hominy
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• 1 can rotel
• package ranch seasoning
• package taco seasoning
• 2 cups water