Happy Almost New Year!!!

I know I did a New Year's post a few days ago, but my friend Jessica came up with a different type of post, so I just had to do it!  It's really cute and really fun.  Now my goal is to get this done in the next 30 minutes.  I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but most of the time when I blog it takes anywhere from an hour to two hours.  Seriously Apple or Google should invent something that allows you to "think" a link or picture and it just pop in there.  You do realize in probably ten years that will exist.  Pure craziness!

Alright, so here it goes.  I'm kind of skipping one step, but I think Jess will forgive me.  She has a sheet for five resolutions, but I figured I'd use her headers and just come up with a resolution for each of the headers.  Oh, and if you want to read more, you can click on the 2014 Goals button to go to her blog and read what some of your other favorite bloggers have written.  Just scroll to the bottom of her blog.

 This is a tough one, but I think I want to spend more time working on coming up with differentiated, hands-on lessons.  I have already been doing that this year, but I just want to focus a little more on not only writing the lessons, but making sure that they are really interesting and engaging, especially in science and social studies.

Don't we all want to lose a little weight?  Well, most of us?  That's definitely my goal.  I want to try to not eat quite as much junk food and use that gym membership a little more.  Although can I tell you guys a secret?  I don't think I'll use the membership in January.  The gym is a little crazy then (at least that's what I hear).

I'm not really sure.  I know it sounds crazy, but I really like being at home.  Sure sometimes I think about going places, but traveling other than around my own state and maybe to the beach is just not my thing.  Hmmm… if I have to answer, I guess I would pick Nashville or Florida.

That's a good one because I'm a little picky, but I'll try anything once, even twice.  I've tried a lot of foods.  I mean I eat sushi regularly and I'm really not into trying anything you see on reality t.v.  I guess at some point I should try tofu, guacamole (again), and maybe a new type of fish.  Right now, I only like catfish and salmon, but that's because I'm never adventurous enough to try another fish.  Oh, and don't suggest tilapia.  I won't touch it!

Goodness!  I feel like I learn something new every day!  If I could learn anything new, it would be to take incredible pictures like Katie Knight or Cara Carroll.  I'm pretty certain that requires a good camera, so I need to probably get that before I learn.  I just love looking at blogs that have incredible pictures.

Mmmhhmmm… I'd say Coke, but I don't actually want to give it up.  I should give it up, but a cold Coca Cola is how I deal with good news, bad news, fun news, vacations, school, creating… lol… you get the point.  I think I may try to give up volunteering for anything and everything.  I'm not giving up volunteering.  I'm just going to try to not overdo it quite so much.

Blogging is definitely on the list.  Boy, I let it slide the last few months.  I also want to spend more time cooking and cleaning.  Yes, I know… who wants to do that?  The thing is though I spend A LOT of time creating and working.  Sometimes I need to slow down and remember that there is a world outside of my craft room.  It's called "the rest of my house".  

So, when I started TPT, I did it because I wanted to be able to do more for my kids at school.  I'd really like to get a couple of iPads for my classroom and get Backpack Buddies at my school.  Backpack Buddies is a project where backpacks are filled with food that kids can open and they take them home on the weekends.  They are for kids that may be homeless or not have adults that make sure they have what they need.  It only takes seeing a kid have nothing one time for this to matter to you.  So, that's what I want to accomplish.

Alright, thanks for reading.  Happy New Years in six minutes!  Hope you guys have a great night and be safe!

Resolutions and New Bundle

Posting two days in a row… I know… you are trying to pick yourself up off the floor.  I guess that's the good thing about long breaks.  You can only watch so many Hallmark Christmas movies before you need something to break up your day.

Anyway, I have started thinking about resolutions.  At the top of my list is lose weight.  Isn't that at the top of most teachers' lists?  Plus, I am already paying for the gym which I have visited 0 times since June.  That's like giving away free money.  Who does that on a monthly basis?  I love giving, but I'm not sure giving to a gym is the best way to do that.

Next on my list is I want to be more intentional with my time.  Yes, I know that is more than a little resolution, but if I will be more intentional with my time that would cover every other goal I have.  For example, if I'm more intentional, I won't get sick (hopefully).  If I'm more intentional, I will see my family more.  If I'm more intentional, I will cook dinner, not get home as late, and not rush through my Bible studies.  I have learned the art of doing a five day study in one afternoon and I'm definitely great at cooking dinner by picking up ChickfilA or pizza on my way home.  So, intentional it is… hopefully I'll eat a few less pizzas and see a few extra movies.

Finally… oh wait, there isn't a finally.  Yep.  I am only coming up with two goals, I mean resolutions.  Plus, I tried to pick two that are possible.  I'm definitely not saying I will work out every day because friends, we know how that will end… I will go to the gym the first two days and be done.  Even four days a week would be complicated once you hit vacations.

Alright, so feel free to share your resolutions below.  I always like to see what others come up with.  I'm sure I will also do a post on my FB page too.

Now, the last thing I have to share is I bundled ALL of my seasonal printable packets.  The packet includes all of the sets you see below.  If you get each set as an individual set you will spend $45.  As a bundle, the set is $30.  However, it is on sale through tomorrow (12/28/13), so you can get it for $24.  You can click on any of the pictures below to go grab the bundle.  If you aren't quite sure what you are getting into, each of the individual packets has several freebies.  They are listed with links in the main bundle, so feel free to go download several of those to get a feel for what is in the bundle.

Also, a few people have asked what will happen with the bundle if I create more printables.  Those printable sets will be added to this set as they are created.  So, once you buy this packet, you will have access to future printable sets.

I hope everyone has a great Saturday!  Don't forget to take a Saturday afternoon nap, especially if it is a cold, rainy day.

New Year's Freebies

I never know how to start after I haven't blogged for several weeks.  It's kind of funny because I always have good blogging intentions and then it just doesn't work out the way it looks in my head.  Then, I think, "If I am sick, trying to plan parties and fun school stuff, and have this constant feeling that I can't keep up, then I bet my blog followers are in the same boat."  So, that's what I'm telling myself.

Now that I'm through Christmas and a whole lot of crud, I have an old freebie I thought I'd share.  I made it last year, but just completely revamped it.  Last year, the backgrounds were black, but then I heard from a few sweet home school parents that explained that they can't afford to burn through ink that fast.  So, here's my new and improved New Year's packet.

Hope you will check it out and if you can, leave me a little feedback.  Oh, and my store is on sale through Sunday, so if there is something you've been wanting to get, then be sure to check it out when you download the freebie.

Alright, have a great Friday!  I am off to eat a little bit of Chex Mix and work on a few projects.

December Currently

OMG!!!  OMG!!! OMG!!!!  I can barely catch my breath I'm so excited!!!  You see, today is December 1 and what is December 1?  Farley's Currently!  Well, this month she decided to take a break from designing and give her followers a shot.  So, a few weeks ago, I designed a Currently, sent it to her, and figured, "Hey!  If I didn't get it, no biggie, but why not try."  Every time I see them I think, "I wish I could design one!"  Well, OMG!!!  OMG!!!  OMG!!!!  Her mom picked the winner and she picked me!  Seriously people!  Me!!!!  Oh, and how did I find out?  My Blogging BFF Jessica Tobin at First Grade Nest sent me a text and asked if I was taking a nap yet.  I said, "Not yet, laying in bed, what's up?"  She said, "Have you done the Currently yet?"  Guys!  Sunday afternoon naps are pretty important in my life.  I know, sad, but I was raised on these Sunday naps.  The Currently didn't even pop in my brain.  After a few more messages it clicked why she was asking.  If not for her, I wouldn't have had a clue until late this afternoon if not tonight!  So on top of being overly excited, I'm SOOOO thankful for my girl looking out for me!!!!  She's the best!!!!

Anyway,  definitely check out Farley's Currently list because I swear it's like an online blogger meet up and all the cool people definitely check it out (Well, if I'm cool).  Oh yeah, and here's my Currently.

LISTENING
Yes, the fan is whirring… typically it's an old episode of some show on Netflix, but today quiet just seemed a little better.

LOVING
See above… I swear my heart is beating a little faster… I am still just amazed!

THINKING
I was sick ALL week last week… like when I say all week, I mean from the time I walked through the door November 22 until yesterday.  I didn't leave the house until Thanksgiving Day, so I'd really like a week off to play and create since I slept all week last week.  Although have to say, I'm so very thankful I had a week off to sleep and didn't have to worry about subs or any of that stuff.

WANTING
A nap… a long nap, but today will be short… I have some plans with friends tonight while the hubby stays home.  They are late afternoon, so that means a short nap.  Short is better than none though, right?

NEEDING
I have the world's longest checklist… I need to finish my Winter Printables Packet (So close to being done), lesson plans, grades, centers, get ready for the TPT sale, freebies… oh, wait… freebies… I do have that done!!!!  Below is one of my more recent freebies.  I thought in case some of you missed the hop, I'd post my freebie here.  Hope you can use it.  Oh, and if you like sales (I love them!) be sure to check out my TPT store tomorrow and Tuesday.  Everything is 20% off and then TPT is giving another 10% if you use their code CYBER.

FAVORITE TRADITION
I am a tradition girl.  Like I can't imagine not having traditions at Christmas time.  When we were little, my sister and I would get upset if anyone even sat in a different seat whenever we celebrated a holiday. Out of all the holidays, my favorite was Christmas Eve and it is still at the top of my list although now we call it Christmas Eve before Christmas Eve (That's what happens when you get married).  The reason it's my favorite tradition is every Christmas Eve (as long as I can remember) we have Dinglewood scrambled dogs, cherry Cokes, and BBQ potato chips for dinner.  Then, all of us sit in the living room and open our gifts together.  As a little girl, when this was finished I got two gifts from my parents before the night was over - a HUGE box of Crayola crayons (you know the one with the pencil sharpener) and new pajamas.  So, even now Christmas is magical to me except for now I like to make it magical for others, just like my grandparents and parents made it magical for us.

Alright guys!  Thanks for listening to me ramble!  Time to get in that short nap!  If I haven't told you lately, I love y'all for following, emailing, and making me laugh!  Hope you have a great Sunday!