Twice as Nice - 2 Awards

I am feeling special!

I have received the Lovely Blog Award from Mrs. Mc @ Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Aimee @ Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks and from Leslie @ The Groovy Teacher. Don't forget to check out their wonderful blogs!

So now I get to pass it on to others. Once you receive the award, you must follow 3 rules:

1. Follow the person that gave you the award
2. Link back to the person that gave you the award
3. Pass the award on to 15 new bloggers

Before I could finish up the Lovely Blog Award, Heidi from My (Not so) Elementary Life gave me the Versatile Blogger Award.  The rules for this award are....

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.

7 Random Facts About Little Old Me

• I play Bunco once a month.  Love the time with friends.
• I now ride a Harley with my husband.  Scared too death, but love the time alone with my arms around my husband.
• I hate to exercise, but love to dance.  Zumba is my preferred choice for exercise.
• I am scared of water.  I can swim, but there is just something about it.  You would NEVER catch me in a boat without a life jacket on.
• I have gotten Tim McGraw's and Kenny Chesney's autograph. I  had my picture taken with Kenny in the parking lot in Raleigh, NC and met Sugarland backstage.  I am a country girl at heart.
• I have been known to take most dares.  The best one ever was the dare to meet my husband.
• I was voted "Best All Round" in high school

SOOOOO, I'm passing the Versatile Blogger Award on to these amazing blogs...

Summer GiveAways!

Rachel over at The Tattooed Teacher is celebrating a Bloggy Birthday with a GiveAway!  Click on the pic below to join in the fun!

Michelle over at No Monkey Business is also having another GiveAway.  She has reached 300 in a matter of no time.

Stephanie @ Falling into First is also having a GiveAway for reaching 100 followers.  She has joined up with several other wonderful bloggers for this special event.  Click on the pic below to join.

Kaite @ Dirty Hands and Lesson Plans is also having a Giveaway.  Don't you just love the name of her blog?

You must also check out the GiveAway from Kelly over at Beg, Borrow, Steal.  She has reached 1000 followers!

Also, don't forget to check out Mrs. Lirette's GiveAway.  She is giving away 3 programmable Literacy Maps & Posters for Workstation Packets.

"To Do - Ta Done" & More

Click on the link above to join this fun Crafty Linky party!  

I LOVE My Cricut Machine!  I mostly use it for lettering, but not this time!

I took the plunge and decided to have a classroom theme in design and not name only.  I have always called my kiddos - Wilson's Wonder Kids (kinda a take on super heros), but my classroom decor never took on that appearance.  I Love Owls and have seen so many cute things out there that I decided to make my classroom theme owls.  It has become an obsession.  

It has taken me 2 days off and on, but above are the letters for my New Word Wall.  I still need a title, but I ran out of black scrapbook paper.  :(  

Aren't they adorable!

I purchased this book for my summer reading and as a gift for my son's teacher who has truly been a gift!  NOW, all my grade level is reading the book.  Ann writes about how to find joy in the every day of life - not just those big bucket list kind of experiences.  This is an especially good read for teachers who are bogged down in all the details of our everyday lives.  I WANT to learn to look for God's blessings even in the busy, crazy, messy, and sad times of my life.  I want to open my eyes to  gratitude even in the little things.  Here are my first 10:

1.  The gentle breeze on a hot day

2.  Music bringing back memories

3.  Allergies waiting til after church to attack

4.  the Laughter of my children

5.  Rain to water the flowers, so I don't have to

6.  Zucchini and squash from the garden

7.  Arms that fit perfectly around the waist of the one I love so I feel safe on 

his new Harley

8.  Second row parking at Walmart on a Saturday Afternoon

9.  Husband who attends early Saturday morning church meeting for fathers instead of sleeping in

10.  A change in attitude and zest for life of my father

I am also reading Guided Math and have joined in the book study hosted by Primarily Inspired.  Go check it out.  We are only on Chapter 2, so it's not too late to join.  I am hoping to transform my math time to better meet the needs of all my students. 

 Below is my husband's new TOY.  He has ALWAYS wanted a motorcycle!  Recently, his brother got a new one and his sister already had one.  He got the fever BAD.   I was entertaining the idea thinking he would stop looking after awhile and realize it was a bad idea.  I really thought our 3 kids would back me up on it.  I was worried for his safety most of all!

Well, all 3 kids said he works hard, deserved one, was always doing stuff for me and them.

WOW! How could I say no?  He hardly ever asks for anything and he is a wonderful husband....

He cleans bathrooms & toilets.

He cleans up after the kiddos when they upchucked.

On days off, he comes to my classroom to help!!

He goes shopping with me for clothes, groceries, or whatever.

He takes care of my EVERY need without complaining.

He spoils me rotten.

He is wonderful with our children.

And did I mention how handsome he is?

He has soo many more good qualities - but I don't feel I should brag anymore.

He got his wish a few days before Father's Day. 

 I have to say it is beautiful and I do love riding on the back with my arms around him.   

I pray God watches over him as he rides.

My Harley Helmet with pink rhinestones.

Sad News & Currently

Tears in a faculty meeting? 

 Ever happen to you?

Today was my first.

After school, I learned my principal of 9 years is being transferred to the middle school.

She has been a wonderful person to work for who genuinely cares about her staff and students professionally and personally.

She knows the names and circumstances of my husband, children,

and parents.  Not because she can, but because she cares.

She has turned our school into a family and I consider her a friend.

Her door is always open and her phone was always on if she was needed.

I will miss her presence and influence in our school

and in my classroom.

She believes in me and has pushed me to always be my best.

I will try to look on the bright side.

She will now be the eyes I do not have @ the middle school

where my son will attend next year.

Now, on to a lighter note.  I am linking up with Farley's Monthly Currently Linky Party.