read. every. day.

First Book is one of my favorite things. I absolutely love the mission and vision of the organization.  I also love coordinating distributions for our school.  I am starting to dabble in helping plan other distributions as well and it is exciting to really facilitate that excitement and see the impact on so many others.  

We have had so many different types of celebrations over the last 3 years.  Like this one and this one.  

So for this one in honor of First Book Charlotte and Read Across America Day (Dr. Suess' Birthday) we celebrated with "Reading with Rufus." I had no idea what to expect from the our floundering NBA team and their mascot, but even if the team is terrible the mascot is impressive. 

We even got to take some VIP pictures after the program.  Rufus and his sidekick (sir purr/chubby checker) taught our kids the importance of reading and read every day.  It was high energy and exciting and pretty hilarious.  Apparently, Rufus is a magician (if only he could do his party rock dance and make the Bobcats great).  

 Insider info: he brings multiple costumes, one for each show out of necessity.  

 Michelle is coordinating this same program (I stole it from them) in April and I can't wait!  Newell Elementary...watch out. 

After the program my class celebrated RAA day by having a campout.  We brought in pillows, stuffed animals, blankets and I set up a "fire" and a tent and we laid around and read all of our new first book books.  

I had my kids make little personal library boxes to take home and keep all of their FB books in.  

this it too sweet and makes me never want to leave this class.

 we even ate smores and roasted our mini marshmallows over the fire. 

 sometimes I forget about how much 1st graders love make believe...

i spy a flying angry bird. 

all in all a successful First Book Distribution!

California Girls....

How would you feel if you were greeted by the cutest pigtails and pop star singing 7 year old everyday? 

One of my little peeps has an obsession with Katy Perry.  See below for full disclosure and cuteness. 

this overnight oatmeal is changing my life. one overnight at a time. 

rolled oats, flax seed, blueberries, almonds, and a drizzle of honey=heavenly bliss on 74

I may buy these in every color they make. My sweet mom recognized the signs of a terrible week and sent them over.  How adorable is that? They are the most comfortable flats I have ever had. 

purple, teal, and black...watch out. 

beware: first grade wonder 

ps: i would kill for those eyelashes. the only person I know with longer ones are.......

my brother (why him?)

 also note. the key change in the bridge is unbelievable talent. 

panic mode and multicultural presidents

this is what happens when you wake up 1.5 hours late and both you and your roommate are SO late to school

and this is how crazed and distracted I felt today bc of 19 needy little friends. 

on a more positive note. 

we celebrated President's Day and my kids learned SO many new facts.  

They loved making these adorable multi cultural Abe Lincolns and George Washingtons!

I will save you from having to read each hat, most say "I would hide angry birds, ice cream, and money under my hat."

holidays in first grade are fabulous and make up for crazy days.

now onto grad school...only 7 more classes until I can add MSA to my name

my twenty somethings

"They were raised to believe they could do anything, and now they’re demanding more from work than previous generations ever did. Will they change the world or have to lower their sights?"

This article is really very interesting. 

I am young and not ready to settle. 

Are 20 somethings taking to long to "grow up?"

"But perhaps it’s not as much that twentysomethings are taking longer to grow up as it is that they’re defining adulthood in new ways, with different goals. Instead of a steady job, they want a meaningful one that serves a larger purpose or fulfills a personal passion. And instead of settling down with a spouse and mortgage, they want more years of freedom to chase career dreams and explore different paths before they have to make tradeoffs."

These are really interesting thoughts because they are similar to the current book on my kindle called the The Millennials. 

I would recommend it.

 (although I have yet to finish it)

on this rainy day I wish...

I was here. 

 had a reason to dress up every weekend

 that men wore this attire in the good ole US of A

 that some of my lovely friends lived closer

 that i could have a hug from my two favorite men. 

 

or that we could relive this wedding spectacular 

 i could eat gelato pops every day

 or drink this peacefully overlooking the mountains

 have an excuse to pretend I was in a band 

 go to baseball games every day

 to be outdoorsy and adventurous 

 travel to new cities with friends

 to never be this cold again

 to go see another Black Eyed Peas concert in my lifetime:)

  bonnaroo could happen again 

 i could go back and try karaoker one more time in chin-er

but most importantly on this rainy day 

I wish I could find that motivation that I know I must have

love.

 Happy Valentine's Day from the most loving class I have ever taught. 

One kid called me "sweetie" all day today. 

They made me feel so loved today. I am lucky to be their teacher. 

mastermind

This is how my simple mind likes to work.  I see a vision and a picture. 

I try to describe in words, but it doesn't make sense. 

But then....

this MASTERMIND takes over

and takes over my humble non attempts at excel and creates 

this brilliant presentation

and makes me look like I am fabulous

when in reality he is the one who is brilliant and fabulous and he is letting me take all the credit. 

hence the blog tribute. 

Thank you Eric!