Five for Friday - August 21, 2015

It has been way too long since I have linked up with Doodle Bugs for a Five for Friday.  I am so excited to be back!

This week was filled with baby time and well more baby time.  I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around being on maternity leave.  It has become confusing seeing everyone get ready for the school year while I know that I am going to be at home with little man for awhile.
Here are 5 highlights from my week:

Little man is starting to smile and recognize so much.  It is so incredible to watch his development happen before my eyes.

I picked up some new goodies from my favorite online boutique, Paizlee.  Be sure to follow along the next few weeks; I have a fabulous giveaway with them coming up.

I have been on the hunt for these Mr. Sketch markers.  I have a crazy love for smelly markers and these are a must for my classroom.  I keep seeing that people have found them at Target, but no such luck here.

Another search has been for these mini InkJoy pens.  I don't know what the deal is with these pens, but they are inexpensive and write perfectly.  These minis would be perfect to throw in my purse/diaper bag.  Has anyone found them?

I spend a lot of time hanging out on the couch nursing.  I have been searching for a great show to get hooked on and I think I found it.  Have you watched Suits?  It is addicting and very well written.  Donna is the best!  I am always looking for a great show to binge watch, any suggestions?

How was your week?

Five For Friday Fun!

This whole not working during summer break thing is great, except I have no idea where my days disappear to.  I actually stopped by work this week.  It was so nice to say hi to everyone and miss the place a bit.  Aside from a quick stop by work, it was a fun and busy week.  Check it out...

1. So my garden has EXPLODED with amazing food.  I am loving all of it except I have no idea what to do with all of the zucchini I have.  I need to find a good GF zucchini bread recipe.

2. My Junie B. Fan Pack arrived!  I can't get over the fact that they sent a book.  Now, I have to wait for the monthly newsletters, which I am so excited for!!!

3. I made book beads!!!  I have been wanting to try this for so long!  It was so fun picking through old books and magazines.  I think the Lakeshore Beads are my favorite.  That catalogue had tons of colors that popped out in the beads.

Check out my post here.

4. The Oregon lavender fields are in full bloom.  This is the greatest time of year to go, explore, and cut your own lavender.  I am in love with this White Spike lavender.

5. My Blogiversary has been going on this week!  The amount or love and support you all have shown is incredible.  

If you haven't stopped over and entered the giveaways be sure to do so soon.  The celebration will come to an end this weekend.

Be sure to head over to DoodleBugs Teaching to check out more Five For Friday Fun!

Happy Friday!!!!

Five For Friday - Summer Lovin'

Happy Friday from Oregon!  Oh how I wish that I was in Vegas with all of you fabulous teachers, but health is number one this summer!  Today's Five for Friday is all about summer lovin'.

1. I have been spending as much time as I can outside.  This guy loves it and I can't complain, except for the sun burn...EEKK!

2. This book is too good!  I haven't been able to put it down and I can't wait to finish it today.  See my awesome bookmark I made?!  You can read all about my custom bookmarks here.

If you are looking for a quick great read pick it up!
UPDATE - This is hands down one the the BEST books I have read in a long time.  I didn't want it to end.  The plot was superior and entertaining.  This slow reader blew through it in less than 24 hours.

3. I can't wait to dive into these reads!  Can you tell that I enjoy young adult fiction?

What have been some of your favorites this summer?

4. As always summer or not, I am loving my new Scentos goodies!  These pencils are awesomely smelly!  Plus, they write great.

5. Drumroll please..................

It lanches this Sunday!  I am beyond excited and grateful for all of your love and support over the last year!  There are over a dozen incredible teachers helping me celebrate this blogiversary.  Be sure to swing over Sunday and check it out!

What are you lovin' this summer?

Five for Friday - Teacher Appreciation

Wow!  It has been an amazing week!  I love this time of year, well sort of.  I am amazed by the growth in my kiddos, but freaking out about how much needs to be done in such a short period of time.  I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to give you a glimpse of my week.  Be sure to stop back here this weekend for a fun announcement!

1. GoNoOdle!
Can I just say, "Thank you!  GoNoOdle team, you have saved my teaching life!"  These brain breaks have transformed my students; we all know how important focusing is this time of year.

I can't get over how much they ALL enjoy dancing!  I love when my boys get into it!

2. Interactive Anchor Charts

I love the interaction and reflection that goes into these anchor charts.  We are able to refer back to them, make adjustments, and learn from each other.  I seriously need an endless supply of sticky notes!

3. Math Centers

I love looking up from my small groups and seeing my kiddos working together.  Here are two of my girls working on my newest math pack.  I am so proud of them.

4. Book Club
The fabulous Courtney, from Ramona Recommends is hosting the second installment of her book club. I am so excited to read this month's book!  Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite authors.  Be sure to swing over to her blog to check out the details.

5. It's giveaway time!!

I am so grateful for all of your love and support on Instagram!  To say, "Thank You!" I am hosting a giveaway FILLED with my favorite things.  Be sure to stop back by my blog and Instagram this weekend for all of the details.

Happy Friday and Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!!!

Five for Friday - Little Things

It's the little things in life that keep me going.  Here are my 5 little things, brought to you by Doodle Bugs, that are keeping me smiling...

1.  My moose pouch from my mother-in-law.

2. Scentos gel pens and notepad.

I can't find Scentos at any local stores recently and it it making me so sad.

3. The poster my students made for the volunteer breakfast next week.

It is amazing how Melonheadz make everything better.

4. My SLANT box.

The amazing Sarah Beth sent me the greatest package!

5. My classroom moose...

Can you tell I love moose?

What is a little thing that makes you smile?

Five for Friday - Facts About Me

It's FRIDAY!!!  Plus it is Valentine's Day...happy LOVE Day to all!
I am linking up with Doodle Bugs for today's Five for Friday.

Here are 5 facts about me...

1. I grew up in Michigan.

Yes, I did!  I miss it everyday, but I feel like I found the best of the midwest (great people and great views) in Oregon.

2. My dog is named after a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

Raph to be exact.

3. I LOVE the boutique Paizlee!

Katie and Emily are the greatest!  Their products are fabulous and their customer service is even better!  If I could, I would buy everything from them!

4. I got engaged in Italy.

Moments before...

My wonderful husband and I traveled all over Rome and part of Venice before he popped the question.

5. I live for my students!

Like so many of you, my students mean everything to me.  I work hard for them; I always have and always will!!!

Tell me a fact about you.