Closing up shop

After the last student left and tears were dried, we had the daunting task of packing up our rooms. We have to get every last thing off the floors so they can clean and wax. My room looks so strange and empty and huge! It gets small fast with 19+ kids!

Beginning of August

End of May

This was one of my favorite things this year

I can't claim it, but I'm so glad a good friend of mine shared it with me.

When my kids were really brave spellers, we'd add them to the wall. 

It completely took the "fear of being wrong" out of writing.

byootfll = beautiful

stoopnest = stupendous (!!)

ahhh, it makes me happy!

See more of my room here.

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you're doing something fun!

Last Day of School

Just a little peak at my kiddos' end of the year gift...

I gave them an award for a great year in kindergarten, an I Knew You Could book, a "just right" book (mostly science readers), an end of the year DVD with all our pictures from throughout the year, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and just a little candy (smarties for my smarties)!

This was such an undertaking, but it turned out so well. I highly recommend iMovie on Macs.

Ours was an hour long... lots of pictures!

I also made each student a book with a piece of the writing from each month. 

I put a picture of them holding their 1st day picture, too.

It is very strange not to be heading back to school anytime soon...

I miss my sweet kids!

School's Out!

...let's shout!!

I've adored my class this year, but I am sooooo worn out! There's a reason teachers have long summers because I would not be sane enough to begin a new class right away. Now that my to-dos at school are dwindling, I'm focusing on my summer bucket list!

1. Learn to be a fabulous wife again. I have been seriously neglected all things at home and my amazing, patient, good-looking husband has been so understanding. First and foremost, I will be cleaning, tackling the mountain of laundry I've ignored recently, and cooking!

2. Read! I have a few on the list and I'm up for suggestions, but first I need to know what all the hype over Shades is about.

3. Cooking! I know it was already on the list but I really want to try at least one new recipe each week with fresh, local ingredients.

4. A little DIY. No major projects on the books. A great teacher friend of mine and I are planning to do a little something each week to stay busy and I'll be sure to share.

5. Window treatments for the bathroom and master bedroom. I still haven't rehung anything since our renvoation. Oops. Did I mention I am behind on things around here?!

6. Lots of long walks

7. Hammock time (with a book in hand).

Okay, okay.... I won't rub it in anymore. I know it is fabulous to have a whole summer off (minus about  15 days of professional development) and I am very grateful. I promise I earned it though!

I'm off to celebrate Memorial Day and I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a big bucket of margaritas in my future!