Getting Fit Friday

I'm linking up with Christina at Bunting, Books, and Bright Ideas for  
With my change in jobs this year, I found myself going out to lunch FREQUENTLY! And when I did, I didn't make the healthiest choices. By the end of the school year, I was tipping the scales at my all-time highest weight. I wasn't feeling good about myself and knew a change was imminent. I recently heard the following and this has helped turn the light bulb on, so to speak, and keep it on as motivation for me.  It's not about willpower, it's about your behavior. I can choose to eat, to not eat, to workout, to log my food, to make healthy choices. It's not about having (or not having) willpower, it's about choosing good behavior habits. I always used to think I didn't have the willpower to lose weight, but when I look at it as behavior choices, it makes it easier for me. Maybe it can work for you too!
If you haven't checked out Tone & Tighten, go check it out NOW! I feel like Jared is my personal trainer without having to leave my home. There are workouts posted there for any kind of workout you may want or need. You can do a different workout every single day. I've been very inspired to workout 5 days a week because of T&T.
Getting my fruits and veggies in everyday has always been something I struggle with. So...I discovered green smoothies. YUM! I have one just about every single morning. When I start my day off with my green smoothie, I know I have had almost a full day's servings of fruits and veggies, and it's easier to get the remainder amount in for the rest of the day. You can find green smoothie recipes just about anywhere. One of my favs right now is coconut milk, spinach, banana, almond butter, and cacao powder. Try it, I think you'll like it.
I began these changes on May 13, 2014. In the past six weeks, I have dropped 10 pounds. I'm feeling stronger, and I'm beginning to see some changes in my body. This is a good start for me. I'm very motivated to keep it up. 

You HAVE to read "The Twits!"

Once again, I'm linking up with Amanda for another round of "Must-Read Monday." My all time favorite Roald Dahl book is of course, The Twits. The characters in this book are funny, disgusting, gross, sneaky, and a little bit dumb. But that's what makes this book so great. These strangely wild and curious characters that only Roald Dahl can come up with, are intriguing and you'll have a hard time putting the book down because you'll want to see what scheme they come up with next. I've read this book to first and second graders, but I think older grades will like it just as well. Try it out for your next read aloud.

Money, Money, Money - Must Read Monday

I love using books to help me teach units and subjects. Soooo, I'm linking up with Amanda once again. Here's my take on good texts to help teach an economics unit.

 A New Coat for Anna - This sweet story takes place right after WWII. Anna has outgrown her old coat. Because of the war, money, food, and other supplies (including clothes) are scarce, and Anna's mother doesn't have enough money for a new coat. Anna’s mother must make choices about what she will buy and decides to exchange the few valuable items she has left for the services of a farmer, a spinner, a weaver, and a tailor to make Anna a new coat.

Bunny Money - Max is at it again! He and Ruby want to buy grandma a special birthday gift, but Max sees a lot of other things that he wants to buy as well. Great book to help teach needs and wants. Also, the end papers of this book are fun to copy and have your students "earn." For our first graders we would have them earn money for a month, and then we had a Garage Sale. The students absolutely LOVED it, and you'll love it too to help with management :)

New Year's Resolutions

Yah, I'm late, I'm late...what else is new? I've never been one to make New Year's Resolutions, but I've heard it said, if you don't write it down, the chances of it happening are, well it ain't gonna happen. So, here goes...

I'm hooking up with Amy.

Technology

Resolution:  I will use the Ipad more in the classroom.

 When I have used the Ipad, the little darlin's get so excited and very much engaged in whatever we are doing. Any good tips at using 1 Ipad with 20 little darlin's?

Resolution:  I will take more pictures.

I decided at the beginning of the year, I was going to send the little darlin's home with an electronic portfolio instead of the old binder kind. I've been a little lax in the taking pictures department so far this year, I need to get my game on in that area.

Organization

Resolution:  I will organize my Guided Reading, including the table (my desk).

I have THE most organized house, but my classroom...well, let's just say, I need tons of help. I get all organized, and cleaned up, and then the paperwork comes and it's a never ending battle. This year, I've been much better than I've ever been, but not where I want to be. I've begun organizing my Guided Reading thanks to Rachelle @ What the Teacher Wants and Lindsey @ The Teacher Wife, they both have amazing guided reading packets available at TPT. So I will finish organizing my Guided Reading. I'm creating a binder, that has everything you need for Guided Reading (graphic organizers, lesson plans, organization, word work, etc.)

My desk :( it is sooo sad. Well, actually it's my guided reading table. I got rid of my desk a couple of years ago to make more room in the classroom. I think I need some more little storage bins, containers so that everything has it's place.

Resolution:  I will organize my personal life activities.

Just like I'm late to this link party, I am always late for knowing about fun activities to do in my personal life. I am NOTORIOUS for finding out about things to do the day after it happens. I plan on using Google Calendar (is that the best resource?) to help with this. I will also check at the beginning of the week and mark the events coming up.

Professional Growth

Resolution:  I will become a Common Core Guru.

Since making the switch to first grade, I have had to make many changes in my teaching. One of those changes has been implementing the Common Core. Though I'm much more familiar with the common core than I was in August, I feel there is still so much to learn. My team has had to get used to me being so core driven, and at times they've been hesitant to make the changes that are needed.

Downtime

Resolution:  I will leave school at school.

I tend to bring school home with me A LOT. I want to read more for fun, and try some of these DIY things I've posted on Pinterest. 

Resolution:  I will go on a date once a week with "Honey Bunny."

See Organization above.

Fitness

Resolution:  I will do strength training 2 times a week.

I have become addicted to strength training this year. I will continue to do it 2 days a week. I am also signing up for a Spinning and Zumba class, and that will be 3 times a week between the two of them. I CAN'T WAIT!! I love Spinning and Zumba!!

12 in '12 Linky Party

I'm linking up with Hadar and Kristin for another fun Linky Party. LOVE THIS ONE! I love finding out more about those I follow. Love you people!!

Here are my favorite 12.

12. Favorite movie you watched:

The animation in this movie is A-MA-ZING!

11. Favorite TV series:

I don't watch any series, but I love to watch

It's my dream to have Chef Robert cook me a meal.

10. Favorite restaurant:

9. Favorite new thing you tried:

Strength Training. Next to Pinterest, this is my new obsession!

8. Favorite gift you got:

My husband got me this handcrafted book. I keep a Gratitude Journal in it and I love the feel and the smell of it!

7. Favorite thing you pinned:

OK, truthfully this is a You Tube video, but I DID pin it too! The cutest video you have ever seen, I'm not kidding!

6. Favorite blog post:
April 11, 2012

5. Best accomplishment:

Helping my son with his Eagle Scout Award.

4. Favorite picture:

Love the beach!

3. Favorite memory:
Going with my mom, sister and daughter to St. George, UT to see "Aladdin" at Tuacahn.

2. Goal for 2013:
Become more techie.

1. One Little Word:

NUH-UH!!!

A Holiday Linky

I'm linking up with Marie at The Hands On Teacher for her Holiday Linky. If I have one weakness it is Christmas picture books. I. LOVE. THEM. Santa always brought my children a book every year. Now that my baby is 18, you can guess, well, we have a few. I also have another collection of them at school too. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas books to share with my class.

Love Patricia Polacco. This is a story about a boy and his father who find a second-hand tapestry which they want to use to cover up the damage to a wall in their church. There is a lot more to this tapestry, as an old Jewish woman recognizes it, and brings about a true Christmas miracle.

OK, the cutest book ever!! A hilarious series of letters to Santa follows Jimmy's experience one Christmas. He has some outrageous requests.

This is a great book to introduce writing a persuasive letter to Santa or whomever.

Sweet story. Set in the WWII era. A simple story of love and giving during the Christmas season. The art in this book is photocollage and really brings the story to life. The book even shows you how to make simple ornaments for the tree.

I'm sure most of you know about this book. Soooo cute! This book clues us in on just how does Santa get up and down that chimney. 

You've probably seen this all around Pinterest, but if not, this is the book to use for a fun writing activity about how your kiddos would get Santa out of the  chimney.

There are so many more books I could recommend, but I better stop for now.

Holiday Recipes Linky Party

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!

I'm linking up with First Grade and Fabulous for this fun linky.

I so enjoy Thanksgiving (probably because it's centered around food - LOL!) No, really, I love this time of year and all that goes with it. I love getting together with family and friends, and rekindling relationships. I truly have so much to be grateful for. I'm so thankful during this time of year, that I can ponder the many blessings I have been given.

So, without further adieu, here is my recipe for THE BEST CHEESY GARLIC BREAD EVER!  LIKE EVER! Thanks, Taylor:)

Cheesy Garlic Bread

1 C. Mayonnaise

1 C. Shredded Cheese

1 C. Diced Green Onions

3 Garlic Cloves, mashed

1 Loaf French Bread

 Mix first four ingredients together and spread over French Bread which has been cut in half (the long way.) Sprinkle with parsley and paprika. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake 8-10 minutes. Cut with bread knife.

Tell Me More! Linky Party/New Blogger Blog Hop

Step Into Second Grade with Mrs. Lemons is hosting this fun Linky. It is so fun learning about all of you. I began blogging in December 2011, so I'm still fairly new at this. But blogging and stalking has helped immensely in my teaching, and I thank you all for that!

So here's a little about me...

1.  My very first year I taught (my intern year), I taught my son who will now be a Senior this year -- YIKES!

2.  Last year I had the opportunity of teaching my nephew. It was so fun for me to see him in a completely different environment than a family gathering. He's a great kid, and super student!

3.  I play music in my classroom every day. I love to teach the students silly songs, fun songs, and popular songs. Whenever a concept can be taught through music or song, I take the opportunity to teach it that way.

4.  I love Broadway Musicals. My favorite is 

I've seen it three times, and would go again in a New York Minute! Just this summer I've seen Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Sound of Music, and My Fair Lady.

5.  I got to meet Stephenie Meyer (Twilight) when I went to a children's literature  symposium. You know I love you, if I'm sharing this picture -- it's absolutely hideous of me!

6.  Whenever we go on vacation as a family, we always hit a MLB game. I've been to Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Coors Field, Safeco Field, Dodger Stadium, Anaheim Stadium, Petco Park, and AT&T Park.

7.  Speaking of baseball, my husband proposed to me here...

8.  I love riding my bike. When I was younger and B.K. (Before Kids) my husband and I would log about 200 miles per week. We also rode a Century (100 miler) from Orange County to San Diego in one day. I've discovered "Spinning" this year, and I absolutely love it!!

9.  My favorite restaurant is 

 The menu reads like a short novel, and I'm still trying to discover my favorite cheesecake. I order a different one each time I go. (That new Oreo one coming out next week looks heavenly, can't wait to try it!)

10.  I never liked to read as a child. In fact, I had terrible comprehension. But now, I love to read, so there is hope for our students that are like I was.

I'm also linking up with Grade Three is the Place for Me. Like I stated above, I've been blogging since December 2011. I hope that doesn't make me an oldie blogger. I at least, consider myself still new at this blogging stuff.

I need to respond to the following:

  1.  what state you are in

    2.  your current teaching position

    3.  your teaching experience

    4.  when you started blogging

    5.  share a blogging tip / blogging resource

1.  I am in Utah. 

2.  I will be teaching First Grade for the first time this year.

3.  I have taught second grade for 10 years, and starting my 11th year in first grade. I'm so excited for the change.

4.  I started this blog on December 26, 2011.
5.  I blog because it gives me a chance to collaborate with some amazing teachers out there. Like I never would have known about Daily 5 if I hadn't started blogging. I'm so excited to begin D5 this year. Blogging has given me the opportunity for book studies, and making new friends. 

Must Have Picture Books Linky

I'm linking up with Lindsey from The Teacher Wife for picture books you must have in your classroom.  Here's my five:

I love The Dot because it helps students realize that everyone is an artist. Buy it here.

I love I Ain't Gonna Paint No More because the illustrations are wonderful, and you can use this book for rhyming word help. It's so darling! Buy it here.

Tops and Bottoms is a fun trickster tale. Once again, the illustrations are phenomenal! This story also makes a great readers' theater. Buy it here.

I love to use The Important Book to teach pattern writing. This is such a classic! Buy it here.

I know Kevin Henkes' books are very popular, but it seems that Julius is one of his books, that a lot of teachers don't know about. Of course Lilly is in this one, and sassy as ever. Read it to see how her feelings for her baby brother change throughout the book. Buy it here.

A Couple of Linkies

Kelley at Teacher Idea Factory is hosting this linky.

My three favorite resources are:

1)  My doc cam and projector

2)  My Ipod Speakers (I could NOT live without music in my classroom!)

3)  And ...

And Bonnie at Living My Wonderful Life is hosting this one.

1)  I have an obsession with colorful shoes.

2)  I have to have my toes painted (my daughter and I go every 4 weeks.)

3)  Gardens (if only this were mine!)

What are your favorite resources and obsessions?

All About Hoo?

I'm linking up with Jacque at Mommy and Me Creations for All About Hoo? I'd love to learn more about my bloggy friends, go link up too!

Here are this week's questions:

1) What are your favorite hobbies?

2) What is one of your best talents?
3) Are you right or left handed?

4) Are you a spontaneous person, or do you like having things more planned out?

My answers:

1)  My favorite hobbies are reading, gardening, cardmaking, crafts, and blogging.

2) One of my talents is dancing. I'm not too bad at singing too.

3)  I'm definitely right handed.

4)  I'm definitely a spontaneous type.