Ollie at the Beach January 2012

New Year's Eve

We spent New Year's Eve at my cousin's house. We had too much fun.

Thanks Chris we love you all!

 

happy new year

 Happy New Year readers! Scott and I went out on a date this past weekend (thanks to our friend Amy)! While we were sipping some drinks at our first stop Urban Solace, I decided to make a "2012 Bucket List" instead of a "Resolution". I guess they are essentially the same, but the Bucket List somehow gets me a little more motivated to accomplish the things on it. Maybe because it is somewhat of a checklist, and the Type A personality in me loves that. Anyway, here is my -work in progress- 2012 Bucket List:

In case the crumpled bar napkin is hard to read, here is the typed list below:

2012 Bucket List (in no particular order)
1. Text less- this photo brings back memories!
2. Talk with friends more
3. Run
4. Listen to more music
5. Put myself in other people's shoes before making quick judgments
6. Go more places
    -hike Cowles Mtn.
7. Try new cocktails - I have never had a "go to" cocktail that I order. Have any good ones you can share?
8. Save $ to take a trip to San Francisco this summer
9. Get 2 massages (at least)

Did you make any resolutions? Please share! I love hearing about other people's hopes and dreams to make our lives just a little bit better.


Here is a cute New Year activity to do with kids (my students will be working on this tomorrow).

Christmas Time is NOT Over at Our House

Pinterest

Usually, by December 30th Christmas decorations in my house are already being taken down, but this year I need Christmas to linger a little longer. It always goes by too quickly and when the decorations do come down my house goes from cozy and warm to bare and cold. When do you start "deChristmasing" your home?
My dad gave us a new decoration to add to our little home. I love it so much I might keep it up all year- minus the ribbons and ornaments. I think it would look great with these little lights from Restoration Hardware. What do you think?

Starry String Lights

More Fall Favorites

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

The weather was cooler today so I couldn't help it!

Let the Grading Begin!

A few years ago I decided to try an online grade book organizer (I won't say the name of it.), but it was NOT teacher friendly at all. So after hearing about TeacherEase (Hello, the name says it all!), I decided to try again. I am so sick of recording grades in tiny little columned sections and then creating bi-weekly progress reports for parents! TeacherEase does it all for you (well not the actual grading)! Once you have submitted grades, you can create and print reports by class, subject, or individual student. AWESOME!

The first three teachers at your site get a one year FREE subscription! If you refer others, TeacherEase will reward you with a few more months free.

I highly suggest trying out this software. If you know of any other online grading systems that you have used and love, PLEASE let me know!

Meet Mrs. Holcomb

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Check out these sweet ideas

Look at these adorable ideas! My friend posted them on her Pinterest board and I just had to re-pin. What do you think? The crib converted into a desk is soooo cute! I just don't have the space, but maybe a cool addition to my classroom? Not ruling it out just yet.

                                                     (photos via Pinterest)

The "Before" Photo Shoot of Room 103

My new room!

I have started working on my classroom! Yippee and yikes! I am excited, overwhelmed, and full of ideas (Thanks to my new best friend Pinterest. Seriously, I can't get enough!) all at the same time.
Here are some "before" pictures. I will post "after" shots next week even though I never feel finished!

Shiny Clean Floors (I have an awesome BSS!)

A whole wall of windows!

I had the kidney table (that beast of a table in the picture) removed. I am more comfortable moving around the room and sitting on the floor when I conduct small groups.

More to come!

Dear Lovely Readers

Image via here

Hello! Something has mysteriously gone missing on my blog. My "Google Friend Connect" gadget has vanished! If anyone knows how to fix the problem, please let me know.
I really like to know who's reading my blog--it's so encouraging and helps me connect with all of you creatives out there, so please choose the "Follow by Email" gadget (until I fix the problem!). Thank you!