Oh, here I am!

It's been more than 2 months since my last post!  I think I knew that my posts would dwindle once my Masters courses started, but I truly had no idea how insanely busy I would be!!  The past two months have been NUTS!  On top of a full time job, two kids playing basketball, one in dance, a dog, a house, and all the other stuff; I've added a class to my life.  I was amazed to find that I had to do a full day observation at another school for the course, and that I would spend 10 hours a week on it.  It's been a struggle, but I'm doing it!  The real test will be this week....conferences, family, AND the course work!  If I can make it through this week I can make it until graduation!

After two months you would think I have tons of fun things to say, and lots of news to share, but I don't.  We've enjoyed lots of basketball games, a busy classroom preparing for the Kansas State Reading Assessments in 3 weeks, and class work.  Tonight I realized I had 5 whole hours of free time.  I finished my course work and couldn't work on my student progress reports for our upcoming P/T conferences because they were at school.  I had the whole evening to relax and enjoy.....but I couldn't!  I've become so accustomed to being busy; I've felt on edge all evening with all of this free time.  I just don't know what to do with myself.  I feel like I should be doing something useful, something that will help me out later in the week, but for the life of me I can't think of what that might be.  I'm completely frustrated with my inability to relax!

It makes me acutely aware of how much I need to take more time for myself.  I am constantly saying how much I need to get back to yoga and running, but I don't make the time.  How is it we know what we need, but we won't do it.  I will make time for almost anyone in my life, do whatever is best for the people I love, but I won't do it for myself.....why is that?

I think it's high time I found a few hours to go after what I miss! I miss being pain free on the weekdays.  I get this horrible pain in my left shoulder/neck every Monday by the middle of the day, and it lasts until Friday night.  It can be unbearable at times and difficult to move, or it can be mild and just a nuisance....but it's always there! It's gone all weekend, and then it's back again on Monday and sticks around until Friday.  I miss running!  I'm craving it and I literally dream about it at night, but I do nothing about it in my waking hours.  I miss meditating.  My crazy, busy, mixed up mind needs it desperately, but again, I do nothing about it.  I miss hand holding.  I can't remember the last time somebody reached out to hold my hand.  I miss happiness and contentment in my job.  It's been almost 3 years since I've had it and I just can't seem to get it back no matter how hard I try.  I miss having a social life.  It's been about 6 years since I've had any real social life.  I don't know how that happened, but I rarely (like seriously....almost never) do something that doesn't involve work or my children. 

I know all of this is a product of stress and fatigue.  I know once school is out and I get a little more free time I will feel better.  I know I have thousands of things to be thankful for and a pretty terrific life.  Tonight however, I missing a few things that just might make life a little sweeter.  Tonight I'm wondering if perhaps, I need to make time for happiness and quit working so darn hard!

A productive weekend!!

I wish I were blogging about all the school stuff I've accomplished this weekend, but sadly that is not the case.  I do have my lesson plans for this week already done and some fun Thanksgiving things for the two days after that, but I haven't touched the 64 writing projects sitting on my table waiting to be graded.  We used some books from our school library to research a state from the Southeast region.  The students then practiced using the table of contents, headlines, captions, and scanning pages to complete an outline,

used the books table of contents to locate the almanac and  filled out a fact page,

and finally, used their outline to write a 4-5 sentence paragraph about the history, environment, industry, and sites to see of their state.

They did an amazing job, and they were so impressed with their ability to write more than 16 sentences that they were beaming!!!

But, the real worked occurred at my house this weekend!!  I used the laundry soap recipe I found on Pinterest to make another batch of laundry soap.  You can read the original post here.  I love this stuff and it's costs about $4 to make 5 months worth of laundry soap.....BARGAIN!!!

I cleaned my washing machine following these easy instructions.  Ummmm, my washer was beyond nasty in the fabric softener dispenser and a few other areas. It is so squeaky clean right now that I can't wait to wash something in it!

I painted the little ugly, stained wall between my washer and dryer a bright, sunny yellow color and created a cute little sign to brighten it all up.  The sign says "Wash, Dry, repeat, repeat, repeat...."  I'm planning to make a fabric curtain to hide the paint and things that are stored down there and adding a few other touches to make that dark, basement laundry room a happier place to be.


I made the yummiest chicken with cornbread dumplings in the crockpot on Saturday.  You can find the recipe here.

I snagged this photo from the website....mine wasn't nearly this pretty in my old chipped bowls.

Since it was almost 80 degrees outside yesterday I cleared the leaves off the deck, and the porch, threw out the pumpkins that were starting to rot, and put all the chair cushions and flower pots in the shed.  Today it is 35 degrees with the windchill and the deck is bare.....waiting for winter.....and then the fun of putting it all out again next spring!

Finally I made these too cute Christmas trees for my dresser.  Since my bedroom has a beachy sorta feel I think these look darling against my giant piece of drift wood and my shutters.  I got the inspiration from Shauna Mailloux: Make Life Beautiful.  I took her advice and made my tree forms from cereal boxes we had in the recycling bin.

This is Shauna's lovely picture, my camera would not cooperate!  I can assure you mine are super cute, but her's are magnificent!!

I'm feeling so good about all the things I accomplished this weekend that I'm already making a list for next weekend.....that is if I can manage to use my time wisely this week and get those writing projects graded!!

Getting out of a rut....

It's not easy changing your ways, getting out of a rut, reorganizing your habits....nope not easy at all!  I feel like it's time to make some changes in the way I use my time.  I know it's not going to be easy, and I anticipate a few slip ups (okay, probably several slip ups), but I'm willing to give it my best effort and see what can happen from a few simple changes!

I spend far too much time on the Internet reading blogs, checking out Facebook posts, scanning my email, and searching Pinterest endlessly for things I will file away and forget about or never get to.  I've decided there's just got to be a better way to spend my time.  I make a billion excuses as to why I don't have time to read, meditate, exercise, craft, and relax.  I know, it's blatantly obvious to everyone that I could give up a little time on the computer and make room for all of these other things.  Why did it take me so long to see it....I'm guessing because change is hard and I was avoiding the work.

I'm hoping to make one small change every 3 weeks.  The first one will be sorta huge, but the others will be small and not too difficult.  I'm hoping by making these changes I will feel more relaxed, happier about my choices, and more content.  My first change is a doozy.....I want to completely revamp my morning routine!  I am a creature of habit and have a great fear of change, so this one is going to be rough!  I really enjoy a cup of coffee, the silence of the house, and some time reading all my favorite blogs, pinning unnecessary things on Pinterest, and checking in on all my FB peeps.  But, is this really necessary.....is this really the best way to spend my quiet precious hour alone in the morning?  I just know I'm not doing what's best for me with that hour.....I'm wasting it by reading about what the rest of the world is doing.

Starting Tuesday (let's face it....nobody starts on Monday), I plan to use my hour for exercise, yoga, and/or meditation.  I'm working on a plan that will include 6 days of the week, and still allow my coffee and online time on Sundays.  I'm really eager to see what a difference it has made in three weeks!  I know Thanksgiving falls within my first three weeks, but I'm just going to be realistic about it.  We are traveling for the holiday and I know I'm not going to workout every morning of our vacation....I will see how those three days go and just be happy with any change I make during that time.

I'm also working on a school change that I will add when I reach my three week mark.....can't tell you what it is yet because I'm not 100% certain myself, but I know it's got to do with time management!

Is it just Hurricane Sandy....or is change really coming?

So I don't live anywhere near the east coast or in the range of Hurricane Sandy, but I've been having a strange feeling that I don't think is being cause by the barometric pressure.  Have you ever had the feeling that change is coming?  The kind of feeling that no matter what you do, change is inevitable....but you're okay with it! 

For the past week I just feel like something is going to happen.  It doesn't feel like something bad.....just change.....in a good way.  I have  no idea what it might be, but I think I'm ready for whatever it is.  Why am I typing such a random blog post that no one else will care about???  I just feel like I need some proof that I knew it was going to happen, and that I should trust that instinct when it comes again.  Could I be right.....is change really coming?

Help!!! I need some advice!

So I talked to my academic adviser today and I'm completely freaking out!  The plan is to start my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with the Reading Endorsement in January.  I have to take two classes per semester because I am taking out a student loan to complete the program.

My adviser said she understands my need for financial aide, but would not recommend that many hours to a person in my situation....single mother, 2 very busy kids, a full time job, and a part time job.  I just can't do this without taking out a loan, and K-State requires I take at least 5 hours to qualify for financial aid.  That means two courses.

I gotta be honest....I'm starting to wonder if I should be doing this.  My kids are so busy, and I don't want to miss any of this precious time with them.  They are growing up way too fast and in just 2.5 short years my son will be off to college.  My baby girl is starting middle school next school year and then our schedules will be really crazy.

Should I be getting my Master's Degree now?  Is it the right time?  Am I setting myself up for failure by taking two classes on top of everything else I have going on?  Can I afford not to have a Master's degree....it's the only way to increase your income in education.  What about during sale week (if that happens....a disaster has happened with that...can't even think about it right now)....can I work 14 hour days and complete the course work for two classes and  keep up with grading and lesson planning, and all the needs of my kiddos?

I just don't want to fail.  I don't want to start and not be able to finish.  I don't want to get half way in and realize I'm drowning and just can't do it. I'm so confused, and I could REALLY use some advice.  Anyone have some experience with this?  Any parents out there who obtained their Masters degree while working a job and half?  HELP!!!

How we do Halloween!

A little walk down memory lane at my house.  Here are a few of the Halloween costumes we've had over the years.  Most of my favs are pics that I need to scan and don't have access to at the moment, but there are some great ones here.  Just looking at all of them reminds me of just how lucky I am to have such an amazing life!!!

This year is probably our last year of trick-or-treating....while I won't miss the actual trick-or-treating, I will miss the days of planning and preparing these super duper fun costumes!  My kids are just growing up
WAY too fast!!

Fall is on my mind....not school....fall!

Yesterday we had an Early Release day....that means the students leave at 1:20 p.m. and we get to stay and work in our rooms!  I am legendary for talking up a storm on these days and getting absolutely nothing done, but this Friday was different.....I closed my door, kept my mouth shut, and worked like crazy.  I finished my reading groups and put them onto a board so we can be in full swing with Daily 5 next week, I finished my lesson plans for next week, got most of my copies done, and even put together some things for my teacher aide to do that will help me a ton!  I'm feeling so good knowing that this entire weekend is just for me...no school, no work, just fun and relaxation....well, except for the endless list of errands I have to run today....but then the rest of the weekend is mine :)

I am making a list of supplies I will need to create some new fall decor for my house.  I'm just bursting with excitement about getting this house all cozy and smelling yummy for fall.  Here are a few of my favorite things from Pinterest, and a few of the things I'm planning to put together this weekend!!!

Happy Fall!  Hope you are taking a little time for yourself this weekend....you deserve it!!!

It's only Wednesday???

Man oh man is this week taking  forever!  I am so in need of a weekend I can't even tell you.  Due to my consignment sale last week I haven't slept past 5:30 a.m. since September 16th....I'm so tired I can't even think straight.  I woke up this morning all happy and smiling because it was Thursday only to realize a second later that it's only Wednesday. 

I had planned to get all caught up in my classroom this week (since I had to be at my other job from 4:30-9:00 every night last week, had a sub Friday and worked at my other job all weekend), but wouldn't you know my sweet girlie was sick :(  I ended up getting a half day sub on Monday and spent the afternoon with her.  That didn't actually turn out so bad.....I spent 4 HOURS grading....honestly!  I am thankful to be all caught up on my grades, but other things in my room are not so pretty.

I have not entered a single grade this year in our online system.  It was down until this week and I've been too busy this week to get to it.  We are a full week behind on a leaf writing project I started.....why do lesson always take far longer than I plan for???  My house is disgusting!  The dog needs a bath.  I really want to put my fall decor out and clean up the flower beds in my yard before the first freeze. My son has a test coming up that I promised him I'd help study for.  I need to find time to go to the vet to refill the dogs heartworm medicine.  My son desperately needs some new shirts,and my help studying for an upcoming Sociology test. I have no lesson plans for next week, and I have at least 3 students that I need to follow up on with special education.....any ideas how I can add a few more hours to each day so I can get this all done?????

On  a happy note, I received an email today from Aimee at Primarily Speaking.....I won 3 things from her  TPT store.  I chose the Fall and Winter Themed Literacy Centers

and the Possessive Noun Sort.

I've got a few who are REALLY struggling with 4th grade curriculum and these center activities are going to be a HUGE help to me.  Can't wait to get them all ready to go and use them!

I am making a promise to take pictures of our finished leaf projects today and to post about them tomorrow.  I'm also making a promise to myself to enjoy this weekend and not freak out about all the stuff I need to do.  I'm only one person with a ton of responsibilities and I know in my heart I'm doing the very best I can.

Happy Hump Day All :)

I survived sale weekend!!

That's right, I made it!  The consignment sale is over and I'm still around to tell about it.  It was so amazing!!!  We are so lucky to know the very best people.....our volunteers, consignors, and vendors are just plain AWESOME!!!  They work so hard and help Sarah and I make our sale great!  I can't believe we have been doing this thing for 10 years, and I can't believe how huge it has grown :)

I gotta tell you though, I was so dog tired on Friday night I wasn't sure I was going to make it.  Then Saturday rolled around and by noon I stuffy and had a sore throat.....yikes!  Thankfully I was feeling better Sunday and today I'm thinking it's just my yuck'o allergies.  We hold the sale at the National Guard Armory, and since they store military equipment and truck in there it's not exactly a clean environment and all that dust just made my little ol' allergies go CRAZY!!

I can't believe off to school again today.  I'm thinking I probably should've at least taken a half day for myself.  I really could use another few hours of sleep!  Plus, my girlie is sick with a head cold.  She will probably go to school today, but she has the kinda cold where she could make it through school, but one more day of rest might be better.  I'm just glad that we have no place to be after school today, and at 5:00 I can come home, make dinner take a little walk with Charlie, and relax.

I know it's only Monday, but since I worked like a mad woman all weekend I am really ready for this coming weekend!  Sis and I are going to put out the fall decorations.  The temperatures are just right for it, and I might even do a little baking.  It's amazing how the normal work weeks seems so busy and short, but then you work five 12 hour days and realize.....dang, I've got all kinds of free time in the evening. 

I promise to have a post this week about the fun stuff going on in our classroom.  We are wrapping up a fun leaf writing project and this is our last training week on Daily 5.....next week we are in full swing....I'm a little nervous! 

Going off the grid....for a week anyway.

Tomorrow night starts our semi-annual consignment sale which means 14 hour work days and one tired momma.  We set up for the sale from 5-9 and I have to try to squeeze in an eye exam at 4pm because wouldn't you know, my prescription has expired and I only have until the end of the month to use the rest of the money in my flex account....why wasn't I more aware of this when I had all summer to get it done???

 (All the pics are from previous sales)

Wednesday and Thursday nights our consignors start dropping off their things....two more 5-9 work shifts.

On Friday I took a personal day so I could spend all 12 hours out at the sale.  Friday night is a big night!  Our amazing volunteers and consignors get to shop before we open up the sale to the public.

Saturday is a LOOOONG one.  It's another 12 hour day, but after working that many long days in a row I'm usually dog tired.  People start lining up to get into the sale about an hour before it starts....picture Black Friday....seriously, it's nuts!

Sunday we will head back out for 4 hours to sort through all the leftover stuff, hold our donation party (my favorite part of the whole sale), help the consignors get back the stuff that didn't sell that they don't want to donate, and wrap it all up by tearing down the racks and loading the last few items onto the donation trucks!

Sunday night I'll try to enjoy dinner with my kiddos and get as much grading done as possible.  I'm so thankful I worked all weekend to get 2 weeks worth of lesson plans, copies, and laminating done.  If I use my plan time wisely this week I should be able to stay on top of most of the grading, emailing, parent communication, etc. 

Since I will be working two jobs this week and trying to be some kind of mother to my children I've decided to let go of Facebook, email, and blogging.  See you all in week!