January 1, 2015 Almost

 I was just thinking about Farley's Currently linky because I need to run the copies of "Currently in the Classroom" for my kids to do as homework on Monday. I saw that Farley posted the latest linky, so here goes...

I have watched a lot of "cheesy" Hallmark movies during vacation. I don't know which one is playing because the storylines are so similar, just the actors and actresses seem to change. Lol. 

Hubby came home just in time to help me haul bags of clothing and old toys and stuffed animals to the donation center. Just in time for the tax write-off. Getting rid of the old makes more room for the rediscovered things hiding in the closet and dresser. 

The Christmas tree and lights will need to come down soon. I hate the thought of it because that can only mean vacation is almost over.

I have a pile of papers to grade. It would be wonderful if an elf or fairy showed up to grade them for me while I finish this post.

I have a lingering cough. Probably picked up from one of my eight or nine students that had bronchitis and other ailments before break. I don't sleep well with a cough, so I need it to go away.

I am slowly trying to remake my classroom into a literacy lounge. Think Barnes and Noble. I wouldn't mind a hot chocolate bar to go along with the stand up desks. I have a variety of seating choices, but need the stand up desks to meet the needs of some of my kiddos. I hope I can get funding for them from Donors Choose or Adopt-a-Classroom. 

What is Currently going on in your life? Link up!

One Word Resolution

In reading some blog posts, I noticed several were linky parties about resolutions. I decided to link with Primary Powers for their One Word Resolution. I never seem to be able to keep resolutions. I make them on January 1st each year. In a good year, they might last a month. Most of my resolutions are lucky to be in place after a week. Setting a one word resolution is different. I think by choosing just one word may work as a focus for me.

I considered many before I chose what I thought was the perfect one for me.
So what is my word?

The new year has me thinking quite a bit about being appreciative. As my own children get older, and have lives of their own where hubby and I are less of a significant influence, it makes me appreciate every moment we have together. 

Hubby is the love of my life. He has supported me through so many difficult times and walked beside me in new adventures. He has always been my biggest cheerleader. Although I may not always say it or show it, I really do appreciate him!

After thirty-one and a half years, I can still say I love teaching. I have been fortunate to be able to have my "job" change just enough to keep me challenged, interested, and revitalized when I needed it. Along the way, teaching became a part of me that cannot be easily separated. I do appreciate having a career I love.

So for 2015, I will appreciate everything that life has to offer. 

A Fun Book to Share and a Giveaway

I love books. I purchase almost one book for every book my students purchase from the book club. I have a variety of books in my classroom collection, but am always looking for new ones. I recently received a copy of a book written by Ali Maier. The book, Mom Made Us Write This in the Summer, is a graphic novel. It tells the story of twins, Max and Maggie, during the summer before they enter fifth grade. Like many siblings, the two love to drive each other crazy. After an argument in the beginning of summer their mother decides they will share a writing journal. Her hope is that as they write and read entries, they will gain greater insight and understanding of their twin. Each of the siblings will take turns writing in the journal. They will respond to the other's entry after they read it. Told through their drawings and "handwritten" journal entries, they realize that although they have different interests, they really do love and support each other.
                                                      

I received the book in the mail, but made the mistake of opening it in front of my students. Two of my students argued about who could read it first. I had to wait for them to finish, so I could read it. It is a fun, quick read. It could be a great way to encourage your own students to write. The author also has a Shared Journal and Family Quiz book. I think I will use this book next year as a lead into my shared journals in my writing center.

The author, Ali Maier is lives in Cleveland, Ohio where she loves to write, read, and spend time with her family. She has a degree in Elementary Education from John Carroll University.

I was given an opportunity to give a copy of the book to one of my readers. If you would like a chance to win the book, click on the Rafflecopter. Don't want to wait to win it? You can purchase it by clicking here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It is Currently Time

I cannot believe it! Today is December 1st. I have so much to get done before the last day of school for the holidays. I am joining Farley for her monthly Currently Linky. I cannot believe I am in the top twenty to get it posted.

The news was running late with football running late. I am exhausted after a long weekend. I tried to fit in too much. I loved spending time with my girls on Thursday, and to steal a few minutes with my husband. Cannot wait for his schedule to change soon. 

I really need to go to bed. This will feel like a very long week. I need to leave for school earlier in the morning, so I will not hit the snooze button. 

I find myself wanting to decorate for Christmas. I put lights on my shrubs today when the temps were in the sixties. Now I want to put the tree up, but need to rearrange some things. I work in a school where we are allowed to put up Christmas trees, although my tree usually is in our school colors. I wait to put up that tree until after we read the chapter where Father Christmas arrives in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. We are starting the novel tomorrow. It is one of my favorites.

I need to get my grades entered. Progress reports go home one day next week. I don't like them to go home so close to break, as it makes it hard to get all the late work done before vacation begins.

I am going to give three people one item from my store. Go to my store. Find an item you would like, and leave me a comment with your email. I will have my kids pick three random numbers Tuesday. In the meanwhile, happy shopping at the TpT and TN sales. I have lots of things on my wish list and a gift certificate to spend!