Life Lately

It's been a while...

50 fourth graders happened.

Anywhoodle, my day's have been jam packed with teaching. I've gotten home each night and proceeded to take a 30-60 minute nap. There is no tired like beginning of the school year teacher tired. Seriously. The beauty of teaching means you get a refresh button every August. These sweet kiddo's are pretty awesome so far. There are a few turkey's, but nothing we can't handle. The first few weeks are always an adjustment as we get back into the swing of things. It just takes a while to get to the good stuff and get past the pre-testing fun.

I feel like Kyle and I are getting back into a semblance of a routine. Get home, eat dinner, work out, lounge on the couch until bedtime. It works for us.

There's not much new to report except...

WE ARE GOING TO ITALY ON MONDAY!

Kyle's company is sending him to a GE Compressor Test (no idea what this is!) for one day and have graciously allowed me to tag along for free. They are also letting us stay for 9 days. Crazy! I'm so excited about this I could burst. Post to come detailing our planned itinerary. We will be splitting time between Florence and Rome. 

Random Confessions and Updates:

1. Our upstairs AC broke. We camped out on a mattress in the living room for a few nights. It was kinda fun actually. My mom saved the day and drove up to be here for the installation of the new unit since Kyle and I couldn't miss any work. She ironed about eleven million things for us, did all of our laundry, folded said laundry, and made us the BEST dinner. I confess, I still need my mommy.

2. I have managed to wear a dress to work all but 2 days since school started. I haven't even begun to touch the amount of dresses I own. I also confess that I somehow manage NOT to zip them all the way. Several days I have come home only to discover that my dress is not zipped. Embarrassing. 

3. My hair has ended up in a ponytail by 1pm nearly every day since school started. 

4. Kyle spent the entire weekend power-washing the back deck. Literally hours and hours and hours. I was bored to say the least. We did have a super fun night Friday night with Kyle's High School friend, Carl, and his girlfriend, Delaney. We hit up Coal Vines and attempted to see Lost Wax (My fav band!), but it didn't work out. Sunday night we had dinner with Zach and Jessica and their sweet baby girl, Emma. I love catching up with friends!

5. I was sick all last week. A lot of my teacher friends had the same thing and got an official diagnosis and meds from the doctor. I never go to the doctor. I'm not sure if I'm just tough or lazy?

6. I stopped at Zona Rosa to FINALLY use a gift card and was able to buy two pairs of super cute wedges for $20 a piece! 

7. I have baby fever. Kyle says no.

That's where I'll leave you. See, random!

Vacation Part 1: Marco Island, FL

I've had the pleasure of vacationing on Marco Island since I was in Elementary School. My parents love the beach and passed that love on to Kelsey and I. A little more than 15 years later and it still holds a place in my heart. I've only missed ONE Marco year since we started going. ONE! And it was tough, let me tell ya...


We made the transition from staying at the Marriott about 6 years ago I believe. My parents bought two weeks of time-share next door at Eagles Nest. We needed the space, and especially the kitchen. Eating out every meal of vacation gets old. Eagles Nest has been amazing!

Kyle and I caught an evening plane out of KC on Friday, July 17th. We didn't actually get to Marco until about 3am thanks to delayed flights and an issue on our plane. Someone threw up (like a TON) all over the back of our plane so we had to sit and wait for the cleaning crew to deal with it. We arrived in Ft. Myers about 1:15am, and had to wait for my sister's delayed plane from Dallas until almost 2am. It's definitely a different perspective to the airport at 2am.

I decided to link to the Facebook Album instead of putting them in one at a time.
Vacation Photos

On the plane ready for 2 weeks of beach time!

Airport at 2am

Dinner at The Snook Inn

Dinner at the Gieger's Beautiful House!

Touring awesome houses at The Plantation!

Vacation Photos

And I'll leave you with the #christmascardpicture

Up next...Part 2: Charleston

Fifth First Day of School {As a Teacher}

And just like that it's over, or is it just beginning...

The first day of school is characterized by gobs of new school supplies, kids in new outfits, favorite read alouds, and get to know you activities. This year felt different. Last week I was a nervous wreck. I had a slight bad attitude and was pretty negative towards a new group of kids. It's not that I knew much about them, they just weren't "my" kids. My third year of teaching I hit the teacher lottery and had what I still refer to as the DREAM TEAM. Man, that class was simply amazing. They had the biggest hearts, they had the best attitudes, they had the work ethic, the drive, and most importantly the outstanding character. They were the best class I will ever have. I doubt I'll be lucky enough to experience that magic again. I never once took them for granted. I love each of those kids with all my heart.

Last year was the first year at EPiC and I had the pleasure of working with five students from my previous school. Those girls have my heart and it was so special getting to work with them another year. I think part of my hesitation for this year was that lack of sparkle from having a piece of the dream team with me. I'm telling you...they are THAT special to me. I was also able to grow close with a lot of that class of 50. In ways I know It was time to let them go, but it feels like I am losing a piece of my heart with them. They are just so engrained in who I am.

I knew this year would be different when I woke up this morning and realized that I slept last night. Thank you JESUS! It seemed like a sign that today was going to be great. I never sleep the night before school starts! I woke up feeling refreshed and like a typical day. I think I needed that. I was able to go to school not excited, but content and ready. Different, but just in a state of peace about this school year.

Yes, we have some tough kiddo's. Yes, it will push me further as an educator. Yes, there will be days of frustration. But today...today, was a little piece of the magic. These kids are cute I tell you! They make me smile and I know it's going to be another great year. I was on my A-Game today. The kind of day that leaves you exhilarated and loving life. I had the energy back, the uncanny ability to know what the kids needed to hear today was in me. I feel like God was with us today and knew we would need to start off with a WOW day.

These kids are going to be a challenge, but I want to remember this sweet feeling right now. When those tough days come, I hope I can remember the energy in our classroom today and channel it into giving these kids my all.

Some pictures to leave you with:

Student Teacher + Co-Teacher = Support System

The new kiddo's

The original Sparkle Girl/ my mini-me

4th Annual Teacher's Lake Weekend

Welp, I just got back from an AMAZING weekend! Moving to KC on a whim to accept my first teaching job has led me to some truly special friendships. I was so nervous when I moved here and knew maybe 4 people. Starting at Kellybrook with Courtney, Christa, and Kelly in 2011 was pure luck! These girls are wonderful people that challenge me, encourage me, and are there for me no matter what. I loved getting to work with them each day. In the past few years, some of us took new jobs and are at different schools now. This is the perfect way to stay in touch!

We decided the August before our second year teaching together that it would be fun to kick off the new school year at the Lake. AWESOME idea! This year we lost a few members due to AHEM  (growing tiny humans), and while we missed them, we still had fun!

August 2012

Me, Christa, Courtney, Carly, Kelly

August 2013

Christa, Courtney, Me, Kelly

August 2014

We grew by a few wonderful ladies this year:

Steff, Megan, Tiffany, Me, Courtney, Amy, Christina, Kelly

 Heading out for a fun night :)

August 2015

Same crew, minus a few (baby growing friends)

Kelly, Tiffany, Courtney, Megan, Amy, Me

We headed out from my house on Friday and stopped at WalMart in Sedalia to grab some groceries. Kelly lovingly referred to this particular WalMart as the one that inspired the "People of WalMart" website. Just picture some very interesting outfits and haircuts. #nojudging

We got to the house and unloaded the eleventy million groceries into the fridge. The amount of food we brought with us was ridiculous. SO. Much. junk. Food. We ate at Rizzo's and it definitely didn't disappoint! Kell and I split the potato cups. We all got salads and I had buffalo chicken pizza for dinner. It was the perfect meal. We left the restaurant at 10:30 and decided to go back to the house to hang out. 

Saturday morning I was up soooo early. I wish I could sleep in! I went for a run and enjoyed the humidity. It was raining most of the morning which was kind of a bummer. The girls slept in until about 10:30 and then we made breakfast and sat around chatting. The sun FINALLY cleared by 2pm.

We headed down to the dock with food and had lunch while swimming and tanning. My dad came by with Mark about that time so we decided to head out for a boat ride. We had so much fun! We coved out and met some cool people. one of which had a water propelled jet pack. The crazy one in the group decided to try it out!

A full cooler of drinks disappeared quickly between the 6 of us. Luckily, I prepped the chicken spedini that morning so we didn't have to worry about cooking once we got back. Gina made amazing fettucini(sp?). I think we were all extremely dehydrated and going out wasn't seeming like it was going to happen. We settled for smores over the stovetop and called it a night.

Today we tubed, boated, layed out on the dock, ate a ton, and lounged in the water. We cleaned up and headed out about 3pm. We stopped at the Dairy Bar on the way home and had the most amazing cheese balls mmmmm

It was such a fun weekend! I can't wait to do it again next year. I'm sure our group will change as life events happen. I expect some engagements, marriages, babies, and job changes will happen in the next year!

I'm glad to be home with my boys!

Back to School

Today was our first day back for Teacher Inservice. I was pretty undecided to be back. I am excited to see my co-workers, but MAN this Summer was over too fast. I'm very nervous to get this new crew of kiddo's. Jeni and I seem to be very different teachers from the Third Grade team. They are DYNAMITE educators, but just different than we are. I am nervous the students won't like us. I'm nervous that they will expect the year to be the same as what they left. Just nervous!

Today was pretty unproductive. We spent most of the morning visiting and setting our vision and framework for the school year. It felt like I'd start one mini-project and immediately get sidetracked! I walked from task to task without really finishing anything! ...like the bulletin board that is half way done, or the labels that are on half the cubbies...Adult ADD?

One of the many things I love about my school is that our Principal really values our time. She let us have most of the week to work in our classrooms! SO AWESOME! We did have a celebration in the afternoon because our MAP Scores were AAAAAMAZING. We ROCKED it this year! What an awesome validation for our hard work! For our Back to School Celebration we did one of those painting classes led by our fabulous Art teacher. It was a blast! As usual, I failed to pay attention and missed some important step so my painting came out quite a bit different than everyone elses'. Oh well.. artistic I am not. We are going to make a gallery wall with them, so I'll add a picture when we get it completed.

I have many hopes for this school year. I hope to relax and enjoy teaching again. We placed a lot of stress on ourselves last year. I just want to have FUN and get my confidence back. Hopefully this year is less work? 15 hour days just aren't doable.

I saw posts about traditions for the school year. I don't really have any, but I'd like to come up with some fun ones for this year. Ideas:

1. Breakfast the First Day with Kyle. Donuts maybe???

2. First Day of School Selfie :)

3. Mani/Pedi!

4. New outfits are always fun. I have two new dresses that I can choose from.

Day 2 tomorrow. Here's to being more productive with a To-Do List!!!

Katie

Goals (July Summery + August Goals)

Welp...July has come and GONE. It's so sad when my favorite month of the year is over.  I saw a funny quote that August is the Sunday of Summer. So true. August...I don't know how I feel about you. I guess that means I am going to have to make this month AWESOME. 

Teaching Goals:

1. Finish Presentation for Google Summit Conference

This was pretty cool! We rocked our three presentations and I left pretty inspired. I also have some new ideas for what the future in Education could be.

2. Clean out cabinets:

They are looking good! No thanks to me though...I called in reinforcements AKA parent helpers for this one!

3. Pull materials for book clubs

I didn't set foot in my classroom the rest of July, so this is being pushed to this week.

4. Write Math Units for Multiplication/Division and Geometry 

On the list for this week!

5. Plan and Refresh PBL Units for Beginning of School Year

See above :)

 Personal Goals:

1. Wipe down all baseboards

Nope...

2. Clean/Wipe Down Blinds

YES! Didn't pull them out slat by slat in the living room, but they did get cleaned!

3. Clean out guest bedroom closet

Instead, Kyle and I cleaned out our master bedroom closet and have three trash bags full of clothes to donate!

4.Eat lunch with Courtney and Chase!

I did get to visit with them a few times!

5. Meal Plan for the two weeks we are home.

Continuing to August!

6. Find a new mascara and use Sephora Gift Cards

Thanks to my summer beach magazines, I am going to try a new Maybelline (sp?) mascara.

7. Start Christmas Shopping

           Thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I was able to grab a few gifts!

Teaching Goals:

1. Survive The Back to School Craziness

Do I have things I need to get done? Of course! This time of year is so crazy that I don't want to set unrealistic expectations on myself and get stressed out. I think I'll stick with my July list and see what I can tackle.

Personal Goals:

1. Meal Plan

Coming off a two week vacation we NEED to get back into a routine! Meal Planning is a MUST! This week we are having stir fry, Chicken on the grill, and pasta! 

2. Clean out guest bedroom closet

This is just going to drive me crazy until we get it done. There is so much junk in that thing it might topple out at a moments notice!

3. Work out 5 Nights a Week

School gets pretty time consuming and I let certain things go to the back burner for a while. Working Out is my stress reliever and it just has to be a part of my day. 

As you can see, I'm not as crazy with my goals this month. August tends to be crazy on its own. We'll see how it goes and maybe I can accomplish some tasks I didn't add here.