Summer 2014 Bucket List

It. Has. Happened!

Yes, it is true!!

School's. Out. For. The. Summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is the 1972 Alice Cooper song playing in your head??

If it wasn't........

it is now.......

If you have no idea what song I am talking about, perhaps you should watch the video clip below......



You are welcome for getting that song stuck in your head the rest of the day....... :)

Although I am looking forward to two months of wearing workout pants, t-shirts, flip flops and waking up at 8am  9am......I have a list of things I want to get accomplished.

Welcome to my Summer of 2014 Bucket List

1.  Sewing---First things first---I want to learn to sew!! Don't worry---I am not going to get all sorts of crazy and start making clothes for myself and my family....but can a girl just learn to sew a curtain?  I figured I ALREADY  have a sewing machine...so the logical next step would be to ACTUALLY use it!

2. Memory Books-- I am really, really, really, really far behind on making family picture albums!  Hopefully this summer I can get caught up with my wedding (3 years ago), our honeymoon and life in general.  I plan on making the picture books, and then waiting until Shutterfly has a sale.  I love me a good deal!

3. Exploring---How many  people have done all the things their city has to offer?  Not me!  Wichita, Kansas has so many museums, cute little shops, and fun places to eat that I have yet to visit!  Food trucks have made a recent appearance in my home town....and let me tell you----they are all the rage!  So this summer...I want explore the city I live in!

4. Read--So.. First I need to finish some series I have started--Divergent, Maze Runner....and then I have a HUGE list of other books I want to read as I soak up the sun :)

5. Get Fit---Summer is a great time for me and the husband to get in all of our exercise, plus more as we usually walk between 5-10 miles per day.  This summer both of us want to try and lose weight....so extra time and extra walking will help us on this journey :)

6. DIY projects---a break isn't complete without getting some projects done around the house....right?  I want to frame some art, stain our deck, finish trim work in our spare bedroom and try my hand at some cute pintrest craft projects!!

7. Train Trip--- I have always wanted to take a train trip somewhere....anywhere really!!  I have been researching some trips on Amtrak's website...but haven't really had time to digest all of the information.  I am thinking a one or two day trip....just to try it out.

Whats on your bucket list this summer????  Link up below!!

Thanks to Graphics From the Pond for the cute summer clip art! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

Five For Friday

Happy Friday everyone!!  I am liking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to bring you my Five For Friday.

I pretty much love this linky....perhaps because it has the word FRIDAY in the title. :)  Or....maybe it could be that you can tell about five random things.....and I thrive in random thinking.....

Anyway......

My first random thought......we have 7 days left of school.  That's right....SEVEN!!  Then, when you add in classroom parties, talent shows, field day, training/meetings that I have to attend....I have....like.....two days left!

I. AM. So. Ready. For. Summer....I can practically taste it!  Don't get me wrong..... I am really going to miss my kids....but I am just ready to wear workout/stretch pants for two months.  :)

Secondly....as most of us know....this is teacher appreciation week.  Whoop Whoop!  Not only does PTO, PTA and building administration do a great job of showing their appreciation...but so do local businesses.  I know of several chain restaurants that offer deep discounts to teachers during this week.

Some of my teacher pals (and after school volleyball gals) hit up Chipotle on Tuesday (May 6th) because they were offering any school employee (with a valid badge) a buy one get one free burrito, taco or burrito bowl.

Hello deliciousness....and THANK YOU Chipotle!!

Thirdly....a few weeks ago a fabulous lady at Teacher Created Materials contacted me to see if I would review one of their new products.

Frankly....I was shocked (they chose me....what?!?!) but also incredibly honored!!

Teacher Created Materials is a GREAT company, which I order from frequently.  I mean.....they have very  highly respected authors creating very useful products and resources......

Anyway....she asked if I would review their new supplemental curriculum series of  Getting to the Roots.  I immediately accepted....but told the representative that I wouldn't be able to get to it until next school year.  Remember...seven days left of school.....seven....yep....seven!

However....my books arrived this week....and it looks like super stuff.  I can't wait to share it with you all!!

Fourthly......assessments at my building are, for the most part, done. WAAAHOOO!  We have seen immense of growth this year---which speaks to the amazing educators and administration our building has.  GO VCIS!!

Anyway one of my fellow teachers (and a really good friend) is celebrating growth with her sixth grade ELA classes today.  This precious little sixth grade sweetheart, brought me down a treat.

Its a green rice krispie treat.

She told me that she, with the help of all of her teachers, had worked really hard to get into the green on the AimsWeb assessment.  She was super excited that she had finally made it above the reading target (and in green) for the FIRST TIME in 3 years........

So, she made GREEN rice krispie treats.  For her first GREEN score ever!

With  pretty little shimmery sparkles.

Edible sparkles of course!

How cute is that??

Last but not least.....tonight is my BUNCO night.

I so look forward to BUNCO!  I get to hang out with some of my very favorite friends....and we laugh....and laugh....and laugh some more!  It is a great stress reliever.

One of my BUNCO gals turned forty yesterday.....so I made her this pinterest inspired gift.  :)

You can't see the base....but it is a flower pot.  

I thought it was pretty cute...... and hilarious :)


Have a great weekend everyone!!

Giveaway and Sale-----Happy Teacher's Appreciation Week!!!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of the amazing educators out there!  I pray that each and every one of you feel the love this week, because gosh darn it----YOU DESERVE IT!!!

To show my gratitude I joined up with TPT and put my entire store on sale!!  The TpT  Teachers Sale will run from May 6th (that is tomorrow!!) until May 7th!! Just so you know.......I have heard the bulk of sellers are participating in this sale....so it is a great time to stock up on some of your wishlist items!! 

Additionally, I am participating in a GREAT giveaway hosted by Teaching in Blue Jeans.

Amy, the sweetheart she is, wanted to put together a giveaway in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week....and a boy did she get a lot of participation.  Over 100 sellers have donated items!  That's how much teachers love other teachers!!!! 

I donated my best selling item---Persuasive Writing O.R.E.O---so enter for your chance to win!!!  The giveaway runs from Monday (today) until Sunday night.  Best of luck!!!