WOW! It has been since spring break that I posted?! I don't even know where to begin with all the change and updates that have happened since March. Ok so here's a quick run down.

1. The littles are finally here!! They've been officially home for five weeks and life has completely flipped upside down. But, aren't they just the most precious things ever?!



2. I just completed my first week of senior year! Wow, I have been a student for 18 years! I'm in my senior block so I will finally be out in the classroom for a full month this semester, one week in October and three weeks in November. I'm so excited and so nervous at the same time. It has finally all hit me that I'm going to be a real teacher in January and graduated in May. Now that is crazy! At ISU, they require you to have the same section for each class in your senior block. This way clinicals don't interfere with other classes and we're with the same classmates for the whole semester. I'm loving having a core group of friends as it's eased the nerves and we can all get through senior year together.



4.  My blog content won't be changing to much, although I did take a nanny position for the fall since working is not an option during student teaching. I still will be doing daily activities with my little one so I'll be posting some of her art periodically. Look for actual lesson plans as well as reflections from myself (hopefully they won't be major freak outs) when I'm in the classroom, as well as tips and tricks I'll be learning along the way!

Hey y'all! This week has been the littles spring break, can I get a woot-woot!? Even though classes for me are still in, my week has been pretty relaxing without having work. I actually think I forgot what it's like to go to school and not work... 

A little bit about me: I am totally type A, control freak, don't like depending on others when my grade is on the line. This poses quite the problem when you're in a semester full of group work/co-teaching clinicals.

I was getting coffee the other day with one of my dear friends who also is finishing up her teaching degree. We were catching up on the craziness of our semester and I was complaining  about the partners I've kept getting stuck with for these group lesson plans [One partner didn't turn in our lesson plan when I texted/reminded her like 25 times... seriously, her one job?!] My dear friend agreed on the agony of it all but then, gave me some good hard truth [one thing I love about her and our friendship].

She was in the middle of a week long teaching process at a school where they focus on team teaching. Her cooperating teacher [CT] and the CT's co-teacher are two very different personalities. The CT is laid back and more care free, while the co-teacher is bit more stern and things need to be her way only. They had the classes in the library picking out one autobiography each. The CT had told her students they could also pick out one other book for pleasure, the co-teacher, had strictly said no. As students were getting two different responses, the co-teacher came storming up to the CT and said, "I specifically said we are only checking out the one book, and thats what we're going to do." My friend said that the CT just said ok and that was that. But more so the lesson was in between the lines.

As educators, we will be working with other teachers, whether that be co-teaching or team teaching a specific grade. It will be like one large group project, whether we like it or not. We can either be miserable and angry when others aren't doing things the way we'd like, or we can suck it up and make the most out of working with different types of people.

My sweet friend gave me a dose of reality. I may hate group projects now in college, but it is just the beginning. I need to be more focused on the product we're producing then the way it's getting done. I need to be more like Jesus and have compassion on people who maybe don't view grades the same way I do, or work in the same manner as I. I need to be a bit more kind and a bit more flexible.

I was inspired by Lizard & Ladybug's post, Pot 'O Gold Game but wanted to obviously tweak it to fit more of the needs in aftercare. Let me just tell you, the kids have LOVED this game, even after St. Patricks day. I'm going to need to create a similar game for the upcoming weeks.

First, I loved how she used colored clothes pins and the pot of gold was too perfect! I decided to draw my pot of gold, just because I have smaller numbers and sometimes I like the look of hand made things. I also just colored with crayons on our clothes pins. Which, in the future, I'm going to laminate my playing cards as well as paint the pins.



I knew I wanted to incorporate dice rolling but also make it more educational and throw in some math. I work primarily with pre-k and kindergarten students so we stuck with basic addition and subtraction. The procedures of the game are also very similar to Lizard & Ladybug's game.



To start, roll both dice and then either add or subtract them up.
Then, look on the chart to see what color corresponds with the sum or difference you rolled. If you haven't used that colored pin, pin the answer! If you have, your turn is over and its the next players turn.
The goal is to get all six of your rainbow pins on the pot of gold before the other player.



I found myself playing this game one on one with my littles. When it was just two players, I gave us all an extra six pins so we could make numbers up to 12. In the future, I'd love to allow this regardless of the number of students playing. But, with the resources we have, this will do.

Since its the beginning of spring break, I'm planning on creating a new set of this game - non St. Patricks day over our week off. Keep your eyes open for it! :)

Oh! And please go over to Lizard and Ladybug, give her some love and check out her amazing blog!

This week we kicked off our crafts centered around spring and St. Patricks Day! I also tried some fun, new art techniques found on other blogs and Pinterest that ended up turning out great! 

As many of us teacher folks are aware, this past week was Dr. Seuss' birthday! Horray! At my work, the littles don't celebrate Dr. Seuss until Earth Day... why, I have no idea. So, regardless, I wanted to celebrate our favorite author by reading our favorite books and of course, doing crafts! I found all of these inspirations on my Pinterest board.

Ok, I've been horrible at blogging the past few weeks so today I'm doing a quick recap of life.

Well y'all... WE'VE BEEN OFFICIALLY MATCHED!!

Hello Friends!
Horray for another episode of High Five For Friday! This week as been the first full week of school/work since Christmas break, how crazy is that!? I'm more than ready for the weather to get nice again, the snow to melt and warmth to come back to the midwest.

I love love and I love February because it gives you a whole month devoted to all things love. We have had crazy winter weather this month resulting in a few snow days which has delayed some of our after care activities, obviously.

Up first: Heart People
This is my all time favorite valentine craft, an oldie but a goodie. I stretched this out over the course of the week as some littles wanted to do it on one day, others on other days. But this one, I had to grab a picture of - what a hoot!

Bug guy? What animal is this?!  The question I'm asking myself...

I think the world has stopped, or I'm dreaming... I have been fully gluten free for two months! Now, to some this may be a psh whatever that's easy but for me, the queen of pasta and breads, it is like winning a national championship.

To start, my mom (who's a certified nutritional therapist and GAPS practitioner) has been telling me for a long time that I should really consider taking gluten out of my diet. Back in high school I had the worst skin, but not cystic acne just acne consistently and I never thought it was because of what I was eating. Then I went to college my freshman year and was eating like CRAP, I mean McDonald runs with my roommates at 11 pm to get a dollar menu McChicken - oh my Lord I can't believe I did that and I'm sharing this - it also didn't help that our dining center was not exactly high quality food either. I remember calling my mom in tears because my skin was getting worse and she'd always ask, "well, what have you been eating?"

I would also get the worst stomach aches after eating a gluten heavy meal. You can even ask Jonny how many times we'd be driving home from the restaurant and I'd be doubled in pain in the passenger seat. Yes, it was not pretty. But I was always in denial that it was the gluten because I LOVE my pasta!

So fast forward to three years later. In early December I had went out for a work Christmas party and we ate at a local, hometown pizza joint. I was telling myself to go gluten free since they had a GF pizza crust but caved after reading the menu. A pasta dish later and some wine from the local art galleries, I woke up the next morning feeling like a 90 year old arthritic woman. Not even kidding, my joints were so stiff and my hands couldn't grasp a thing to save my life. That was when I finally faced the truth. I needed to stop eating the gluten because I was on the fast track to celiac disease. I started that day taking gluten out of my diet.

Two weeks later our family was Christmas tree hunting for the third time we went for our traditional Starbucks drink and treat stop: Eggnog Chai Tea and a Cranberry Bliss Bar. My mom who had already been GF for some time, and I decided "screw it we're getting a Cranberry Bliss Bar because you know what it's Christmas and we only get this once a year" (I'm pretty sure those were our exact words). Now this is when you should stop and scream NO FAITH DON'T DO IT! But, this is also the turning point where I ate the gluten, woke up the next morning stiff like a 90 year old and realized, no I am for sure allergic to gluten and will not be eating this.

So. It's been two months with out gluten and I'm loving it! My acne is pretty much gone except for the occasional stressed because I'm a college senior pimple. And if any men are reading, I'd advise skipping down to the next paragraph... I used to get the worst stomach problems during that time of the month, but ever since I've not been eating gluten, I've had little to none cramping/issues. IT IS WONDERFUL! And best of all, I'm not even craving gluten, it doesn't even sound good to me anymore.

I wanted to share this with you all to encourage anyone who has thought about going GF. If I, the queen of pasta can do it, you can do it. Yes you have to plan ahead so you don't get stuck starving on campus and buy a beagle but it's honestly been the most worth while health investment I've ever made. I know I was probably boarder line celiac and now, my belly is healing and I've never felt better. Also, so many restaurants are now offering GF menus and options that it's not impossible to eat out once in a while. When Jonny was here we limited our eating out but I never had a problem when we did go out (we just couldn't go quick through the drive through somewhere, which was kind of a pain ;)

So, go gluten free. You can do it! If you'd like tips or recipes send me an e-mail or put them in the comments bellow. I'd love to help you out and get your health and mine back to tip top shape!

I am so excited to share with you all my very first interest inventory! This semester I have the opportunity to tutor a sweet kindergartener and as we are beginning to write our first lesson plans, interest inventories are one component that we must include. Our text, Teaching Reading Pre-K - Grade 3 by Laurie Elish-Piper, which I may add is an amazing resource, has a handful of inventories that we may use but I thought it would be more meaningful and fun to create my own!

I have been counting down the days for Bloggers Online Bible Study to start and am in love! To be honest, I was a little nervous about saying yes to doing a Bible study with semi strangers, but thanks to Jonny for giving me that little extra push to go out of my comfort zone and try something new.

We are going through the book A Modern Girl's Guide To Bible Study and let me tell you, Jen has hit the nail on the head. Not only am I dying of laughter with each chapter but she completely speaks to my soul and rocks it deeply.

I love being able to journal throughout each day and read not only her words but the Bible. Journaling is one of my favorite ways to express myself and to be able to process what I'm studying is an amazing aspect of this study.

Something that really resonated with me was this quote: "God's Word is ignited by processing it with Him deliberately" (34) and how true is that?! Throughout this week I truly noticed a difference when I sat with the Lord and studied his Word, not just reading a quick Psalm and Proverbs for the day. I feel more filled and ready to take on whatever is thrown at me, which isn't that how we should always feel?

I am so excited for week two and for studying God's word with fellow sisters in Christ!

Last semester and year I felt as if I had over committed myself to work, school, relationships and extra curricular type things. And at the end of it all I was completely exhausted and my body was worn out. This whole idea to live simple took root around finals week in December when I was in the process of moving downstairs into a much smaller room and had to really prioritize and purge what I owned. Now that I've been living here for over a month I've fallen in love with the simplicity of my space, which has transferred over into other aspects of life.

Here are my top five ways that I've found myself to simplify my life for 2014 and am continuing to work on daily.

1. // Be Present 
After deciding I could graduate a semester early and newly being admitted into the Honors Program I started feeling like I had missed out on so much of college from transferring schools a few times, and now I'd be leaving in two and a half more semesters. I felt like I was finally settled and connected. Then it clicked, I need to be present in every day I'm on campus or studying or out in the classroom. Staying present has helped me stay in the moment of college life and not regret anything, clique I know, but it honestly is true.

2. // Learn To Say No 
To be honest, this is difficult for me. I am a person pleaser and HATE having to say no to someone because I feel like I'm going to disappoint them or they're going to find me flakey. But, I've started to really work on saying no, for example being asked to babysit on a weekend that I know I have an exam the following week or a huge assignment/project has really helped me stay balanced and refreshed. Not only that but my body has thanked me for not going 100 miles an hour.

3. // Clear the Desk 
I do this daily at work and home. I find it to be one of the easiest ways to start anything with a fresh mind and attitude.

4. // Spend Time Alone
I love this one and would add journaling/devotional time into it as well.

5. // Yoga & Exercise 
Every time I pull out my mat or am finished with a session, I always feel more energized, calm and refreshed. There is something about yoga and focusing on your breathing and the movement of your body that puts life's craziness on the back burner. I find myself less stressed when I'm done and overall in a much happier mood.

The unfolding of Your words gives light; 
It gives understanding to the simple. 
-Psalm 119:130 


*If you would like a fuller list of ways to simple living, check out where I was inspired by here:
 http://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/

During my first semester at ISU I had one of my all time favorite professors, Dr. Horn. He was beyond passionate for his job and teaching us how to be passionate about our jobs. He didn't cherry coat the reality of teaching, nor did he say it would be roses and rainbows, but he did encourage us. He encouraged us to be passionate anyways, regardless of the system. To love every student who walks through your classroom door, regardless of the cleanliness they may have. Most importantly, Dr. Horn encouraged us to always work inspired and find inspiration in the smallest of places.

Yet again, another snow day here in central Illinois. I'm not complaining about that, just about the fact that my university decides to never close, therefore I still have class. sigh. So, since I'm just waiting for the roads to deice I decided to hop on and show you guys what we did last week in After Care!

I was inspired by Carly over at The College Prepster to do this fun little post of 20 facts about me that you may not know. So grab a cup of tea and get to know me a little better.

1.. I can not stand chipped nails or naked nails. My finger nails have to be polished at all times.

2.. I love lists. I have them for everything and everywhere.

3.. I love school, hence why I want to be a teacher.

4.. Eyebrows are a huge pet peeve of mine, I can't stand bushy, overgrown brows. And I have to keep mine perfectly groomed.

5.. I'm madly in love with my high school sweetheart.

6.. Pink is my absolute favorite color.

7.. I love and miss Seattle and it's grey, rainy cloudy days.

8.. I'm horrible at saving my money, but it is a new years goal for me.

9.. I've always loved the idea of growing up, until I found out I'm graduating in a year, not a year and a a half and have been having a quarter life crisis (kinda).

10.. I drink a chai tea latte daily.

11.. I color code everything in my planner. It's the type A, beaver in me.

12.. My room has to be clean and my desk organized before I can sit down for homework.

13.. I'm very introverted and love spending time alone.

14.. I journal, a lot. I love these journals and I can usually get through them in two years with journaling regularly, they are an amazing investment!

15.. I went a little piercing crazy my freshman year of college and had a grand total of 9! But thanks to my sensitive skin, I've taken two out. So, 7 total in my ears, and no they're classy not trashy :)

16.. I played softball for 12 years but stopped after my freshman year of college due to an injury.

17.. I love sports; football, basketball, baseball and softball.

18.. My dad calls me his little green daughter, aka his little earth saver. I love using reusable bags, recycling, glass containers instead of plastic, you name it!

19.. I love washing dishes and folding laundry, it is so soothing to me.

20.. I'm obsessed with stripes. I have more striped shirts in my closet then any other print, pattern, color. It is a weakness.

So, do we have anything in common? Leave them in the comments bellow and I'd love to check out 20 little facts about you!

Can I get a praise God it's the weekend?! Holy moly, this has been a LONG week, but I have a four day weekend thanks to no class today and MLK day Monday! Like usual I'm linking up with Lauren again for another installment of High Five For Friday. So, let's get started!

1. One of my Christmas gifts from Jonny this year included a Starbucks gift card and this adorable
travel tumblr. It is pearl white and glamorous! Plus, it keeps my chai tea hot for hours at a time! Seriously, my mom has the same mug but in blue and let me tell you, I can make my drink at 7am before work and it will still be hot at 10 when I get to class. Yes. That is straight truth. Y'all need one in your life if you drink and travel regularly!

How in the world is it already the first weekend of January, well posting weekly activities... This month's theme is winter and snow. Even though I'm sick of this weather, I can't wait to do the rest of the January crafts with my littles! 

We survived the cold-pocalyps and the first week back at school for the littles!

1. The beginning of the week was what we call cold-pocalyps, like it with the wind chill it was -45 degrees! Is this real life?! We also got snow, lots of snow. So all in all I was snowed in and even if I wasn't, I would for sure as heck not go outside. This did allow me to get lots of little things done, like read, organize my desk, laundry, and most importantly laying snuggled in bed all day.

2. If you recall from my last post, I was slightly  complaining about having a long ways left until graduation... well, I looked at my schedule and decided to drop my science endorsement because honestly, I don't want that/what was I thinking?! So with that, I'M GRADUATING NEXT SPRING! IN ONE YEAR! I WILL BE DONE! *insert happy dance here*

Look at this cute cap I found on Pinterest!

3. Work started back up on Wednesday and I didn't realize how much I missed my littles! After Christmas break, it has been great to get back into the swing of life and gear up for the coming semester. I can't wait to post this weeks ADORABLE crafts we've been doing. 

Happy hump day friends! We had an institute day/snow day Monday and snow day yesterday so we finally were back to school today! Which makes for a nice short week to bring us back into school mode. The littles were VERY excited to be in after care (like screeching) - I can't wait to share with y'all what we'll be working on this week, now that it's a new semester I'm able to work all afternoons! Yippee!

Here

Pinterest

Here

I need THIS in my life