Long Overdue

So I have had some internet troubles over the last two months.  My blogger wouldn't upload any of my pictures so this post is long over-due.  This post was written about 2 months ago...

What an emotional and exciting this past weekend was for a big sister! Mom and I moved Jen Pen into her dorm at Mississippi State University.  It was very stress free because she got to move in a day early due to cheer.  So, there was no waiting in line, with our hands full, for the elevator to the 3^rd floor.  We did some moving, shopping, and of course eating at our favorite spot-Mugshots.  They have pepperjack mozzarella bits that literally melt in your mouth. 

Jenny’s dorm is a five star hotel compared to my old hole in the wall. Hehe! I loved the way they decorated it in bright, fun colors!

When mom and I hugged her by we hopped in the car and cried together, but out of her sight so she wouldn’t see us. (Even though we will be heading down again soon for her Bid-Day, we were emotional.) I immediately pulled up pinterest to get my mind re-focused on something else and a quote popped up on my All page that really got me.  “Because I have a sister, I will always have a friend.”  This is so true.  I couldn’t imagine not having the relationship Jenny and I have. It has been so fun growing up as her big sister! I am so happy and excited for her new journey. 

 

 

the 5-star lobby- hehe

 

Before: we ended up moving furniture multiple times before it was where she wanted it!

 

My move-in gift to her- I totally cried when she opened it.

 

she's going to be B-U-S-Y

 

her Erin Condren planner I bought her! This planner will change your life!

 

This is how we left it when we moved her in, but now it looks completely diffrent.

She has added a lot more canvases and cute accessories!

 

Love you Jen-Pen!

Live, Laugh, and Love...

 

Philippians 4:6

Do not worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.

If you need an up-lifter pull out your bible and read the book of Philippians 4:6. I promise you will have a half glass full rest of the day!

OCD Organization Overload

Yes, I am going to say it- I am OCD (or how it should be CDO). I like things in order, in their place, and color coded. I am that person who stresses out with a messy house. Well, one of my daily blogs I read is A Bowl Full of Lemons and she is the queen of organization! I have joined her 14 week challenge and wanted to share:

Happy Grandparents Day!

Today is Grandparents day and we wanted to celebrate and say thank you to all of our wonderful grandparents.  We love these people with all our hearts and they have all been there for us in many ways.  They all have taught and shown us what true love and friendship in a marriage is.  We love you all and have a Happy Grandparents Day!

25

 Today is Seth's 25th birthday! I am so thankful for him and thse past 6+ years have been so much fun together! I cannot wait for strawberry cake tonight for his birthday! I thought and thought for the best birthday present but then realized all he really wants is hunting gear.  So, that's what he ended up with!

Craving Fall

So this morning I decided I am officially ready for fall to be here. This week my second grade Common Core unit is Fall with a focus on apples. All day I dream about cool nights and apple cider! So I'm ready- I've got my mum on the front porch, my football sign on the front door, and my fall table setup ready to assemble! I cannot believe how hot it is! I am ready for those cool temperatures where I can sit on the back deck and drink warm apple cider!

I started my fall reading list (with inspiration from second graders who having reading goals-Mrs. Brown has a reading goal too) One book on my list is a devotional and spiritual walk called "Made to Crave." I read the introduction tonight and this really stood out to me. "What happens when you delete "com" from compromise? You're left with "promise." We were made for more than compromise. We were made for God's promises in every area of our lives." I am focusing on craving God and what he wants for me, not what I want.

My First Classroom

My first year as an official teacher has begun! I feel like I have put in enough hours and realize that no one understands how much teachers have to do until they do it! I met my students last week and open house and we have already been through 2 days of school.  I can already tell I am going to fall in love with my class and not want to let them go at the end of the year.  They are all precious and so sweet!  A funny comment from a student was, "Are you Mrs. Brown as like in the color?"

We began the first day with the book First Day Jitters, and afterwards we talked about certain jitters we had about second grade and about their new teacher.  It was so funny because they were scared I was going to be really tall with brown hair because my name is Mrs. Brown!

I thought I would put some pictures of my classroom, since I have spent numerous hours working on it, I thought I would let everyone see! I didn't actually go with a "theme." I love bright colors and my two favorite right now are red and turquiose, so I decided to go with those and throw in some popcorn elements for Open House. Please note: I took these right before Open House,

some things are not completely how I would like them but it's a start!

My desk area

Mailboxes and storage

Large bulletin board

Classroom Library and Word Wall above

(the library took me foreverrrrrrrr!)

For Open House every table had a table sign so the students

and parents could read directions. Every student received a

"Second Grade First Day Kit" and a bag of popcorn!

Daily Calendar Area: not finished.

View from the front of the room

Side view from the back of the room

Another view from the front of the room