I'm thankful for...

A mom that sees my inner beauty.

Something is on my heart. I had a total God moment today. I was having a difficult time with a situation and my mom popped in with this text message at the right moment that I was needing comfort. It was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. EXACTLY! I am thankful that she is proud of me and trusts in me.

I'm lucky to have her in my life!

And yes, the conversation before was about Starbucks.

A Fire Drill Never Forgotten

Pumpkin Day has been hyped all week in my room. Literally... it has been motivation for a lot of things and today it was finally here. I made such a big deal about it so I invited our friends that are not normally with us for math to join us just for today. We split into 3 groups (yes, I'm lucky and have great help) to rotate stations. I had 5 stations: sink or float, measure it (height, weight, ribs, circumference), describe it (adjectives), design it (draw a pumpkin & make it look like your favorite character from a book), and LAST but not least.... COUNT IT (dig in and count the seeds aka MESSY as all get out). Well, stations 1-4 ran like a piece of cake. I saved time at the end for the kids to dig into the pumpkin and feel all that gooey stuff. Literally right in the middle of children diving into the pumpkin, I hear a noise that is one you don't want to hear at that moment in that situation. THE FIRE BELL. I'm thinking to myself, REALLY? Of course this would happen. I remember looking up and every child's eyes were on me as their hands were shoved inside the pumpkins. It's almost like they were thinking "What do we do? We are covered in pumpkin." I said, "Line Up!" The kids quickly lined up and we took care of our friends needs. Talk about nerve racking... Not to mention, I had friends with me that I didn't normally have so I was worried about my numbers on the way out. So we get outside and the person in charge of me asks "Ms. Wexler, what are your numbers?" I don't answer because I am thinking to myself... "Okay, really, is everyone here?" Thank goodness for my great math skills, I realized I had everyone I was supposed to have. After I replied that I did, I looked down at not only my hands, but ALL of the hands of my students... they were COVERED in pumpkin slime. I know you aren't supposed to talk/laugh in a fire drill, but it was HILARIOUS after the fact. One kid held up his hands with pumpkin goo just DRIPPING from his hands. It was simply comical!!! As crazy as the moment was... looking back it is definitely a fire drill I 100% will never forget :)

My Mimosa Family

Today was one of those days that I'm reminded to be super thankful for my job and the people I work with. I was in a situation today where I needed coverage for my kids. Do you know what an entire group of first grade teachers did for my grade level in need?? They offered to split our classes up so that we could attend where we needed to be. Without any hesitation, every single one of them accepted our situation with open arms. I am so thankful for each of them and appreciate how easy they made a potentially difficult situation turn out to be a piece of cake. God has truly blessed me with a family away from home. I can't imagine my life without these people in it. Collectively, these people have helped shaped the person/teacher I am today. Yes, it's a stressful and strenuous job at times (and of course amazing and rewarding)... but if I have to go through it... I'm glad I'm doing it with them! They're my family :)

Love this....

Two Days in a Row, yup! Believe it :)

What should I be doing now? Probably unpacking, unloading the dryer, or cleaning my ridiculously messy room. However, I can think of other things that sound better. Updating my day on this here blog. AKA procrastinating :)

I'd like to make you a pros and cons list to my day. Please notice which one outweighs the other.

Cons:
-Got to school to see a parent waiting for me at my door... shows up at 7 for a conference when it was supposed to be at 7:30... no prep time for me. Good thing I'm a prepared little thing.

-6 conferences in a row didn't show... was there a party I didn't know about?

-Told that one of my sweeties has been withdrawn :(

Pros:
-Wrote a 10 page paper

-Made every parent smile at least once

-Whipped out my 7 years of Spanish and had fluent (okay, close to fluent maybe?) convos

-Told I've been a blessing in their child's life

-Worked out for first time in over a week due to being out of town and sick

-Saw a friend that has been out for about a week

-Planned a girls night this week: Cinebistro and Footloose!

-Talked to my grandmommy on the phone... she's 79 today! Happy Birthday Grandmommy! Love you! (pic above from my bday millions of years ago)

-Shopped at Trader Joe's... a party in itself. Saw 101 things pumpkin!

-Bought a pumpkin for my class this week

-Grades are done

-Told I was extremely organized... I hear that a lot and I laugh because I know it's that good ole OCD kickin' in :)

-Been stressed about some dilemmas at school... someone I look up to eased my nerves and assured me all is well


Overall, it was a great day! Night kiddos.

Just checking in...

Just got in from a beautiful weekend in Pinehurst, North Carolina. I was a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's weddings. The weekend was perfect! Absolutely perfect.

I promise to blog about school and other things soon. It's a super busy week! But what else is new? :)

Thank You~

The plan was to blog about my weekend and other stuff going on, but I just don't have the time tonight... so busy~ BUT, I want to say THANK YOU to Morgan for putting up "I Can" charts! I found her teaching blog months ago and absolutely loved her room and ideas. I emailed her and requested her to put them up... and she did! THANKS AGAIN!!

http://firstgradefresh.blogspot.com/

9/11/01: I Remember Where I Was

My heart is heavy right now. I left school on Friday with one thing in mind... stay focused. I had to stay focused because I knew I had two projects to complete for my endorsement class and I had to grade papers that have started to pile up a speck. Yes, I'm admitting it. I also had to stay focused because I have a social life I had to keep. Breakfast date with best friends (one from LA) and a bridal shower this morning. Fitting it all in was seeming more and more hard to do.

Well, I have to say friends... it's amazing how your feelings on something can change in an instant. A situation that happened to a friend this weekend and the remembrance of 9/11 has really soothed my worry of the little things in life. I remember sitting in SAT Prep and watching the tvs. Can't believe it has been 10 years. I am remembering why it is important to be thankful for each day you have here on Earth. I am thankful for every blessing in my life! I love all of you SOOOO much and thank you for being a part of my journey!

I leave you with a snapshot of my facebook wall :) A co-worker/friend from high school posted this tonight. It made me teary eyed knowing how much my mom impacted her. Love you Lauren!

Bring on the week!!! Excited to celebrate with Jenny and Luke this week... they're getting married! And somehow I have to gain enough courage and guts to speak at their rehearsal dinner and read scripture at their wedding of 200 people. Hmmm... pray for me :) I'm quite nervous, but super stoked!!! Eeeeek.

Night y'all!

Julie, my German friend.

One of my very great friends, Julie, moved to Germany last year to pursue her career... and her relationship with her boyfriend :) The last time I saw her was Christmas. I saw her tonight for dinner with a bunch of girls at The Big Ketch. It was amazing to see her! I learned a lot about Germany tonight... did you know grocery stores don't bag your groceries? And if you want a cart you have to put money in a machine? However, if you return it, you get your money back :)

Tomorrow is Friday then the weekend. Fun filled weekend. Grading papers. Writing ESOL endorsement papers. Revamping my centers. Visiting with my best friend Carly that is in town from LA. Watching the Dawgs on tv. Babysitting. Working out (step... duh). Bridal shower for Lyndsey. Picking up my bridesmaids dress from Bridals by Lori... alterations are in my near future I know it (positive and negative thoughts: awesome it's more than likely too big, not awesome I have to spend extra money).

Hope y'all have a good weekend!

Relying on Others.

I'm struggling. And it's not fun. There are so many aspects of my life (and no, not just work) where I feel like I am constantly relying on others to get my job done. If I had it my way, I would do it all by myself. I was always the group project member that did all the work. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to take care of the slack of everyone else so I wouldn't get a bad grade. I pray for patience for myself. I need to assume good will for others :)

It's Labor Day!

Haven't blogged in about a week.. so I thought I'd check in. I went to Charleston this weekend for a friend that is getting married in a few weekends. I have two weddings for good friends in the next couple of weeks so life is pretty busy along with work. I enjoy all of it so much, but yes, it can get hectic at times. Thank goodness I have God and fabulous friends, family, and students to be there alongside me as I do it :)

Bible study at our place tomorrow. So glad to have these girls back in my life.

Have a great week friends! Oh, and Happy Labor Day! Go ahead and pack up those white clothes :)

A High School Girl

This link was shared with us tonight from our principal. I got so emotional when I was watching this. Not to mention, I was full of goose bumps. Brought back memories of my team carrying me off the floor when I tore my ACL in high school! I'm so blessed with wonderful people around me!

http://www.godvine.com/Injury-Turns-into-Inspiration-for-One-High-School-Girl-323.html

Um, HI USHER!

I have work to do, but I have to blog about this... I totally came face to face with Usher today. Bed, Bath, and Beyond. By North Point. Around noon. It is currently 3:00 and I still can't stop thinking about it. Pretty sure that was the first unexpected star besides Joey McIntyre I've ever seen. Normally, I can expect it... like at a show or what not. But to be out shopping randomly on a Sunday? Pretty cool I tell ya.

Now.... back to the books, back to the data, back to the response paper, back to the Kid Talk notebook, back to reality...

Busy Bees

Happy Thursday peeps... well, school is officially back in full force. Kids are assessed (or are currently in the process of). Lesson plans are due. Student interns have arrived. To-do checklists have been created. Routines have been set. Math stations and literacy centers are in the process of being made. Lamination is ready to be cut out. Norms have been taught and practiced. Honesty has been given in order to start the year off right. Collaboration is in the works.

Teachers are busy bees. There is ALWAYS something to do. I heard a CUTTTTEEEE phrase today and I must share it with you...

KEEP CALM AND TEACH ON!

Tomorrow is a new day.

Today was one of those days where I felt as though nothing I said came across right. No matter how I rephrased something, I felt like I was speaking jibberish. I am usually a Monday person. Really. I love Mondays. I like fresh starts and how fresh can you get...a Monday is pretty fresh. Hoping my fresh start is Tuesday... tomorrow is a new day.

Sleep tight friends! I love you dearly!

Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

Pictures: The victim and the enemy.

WOWWWWWZERRS... I can't believe the first week of school is in the past. It was a great first week! I am totally pumped to see them tomorrow and dive into the stuff I have planned.

There is lots I could share from this weekend, but to be honest... I am exhausted. I do want to share a story that happened to me today though...

Today was grocery store day. My agenda every other Sunday is as follows: Trader Joes then Kroger to grab what Trader Joes didn't have. I decided at Kroger than instead of buying chicken this week, I wanted to buy shrimp. I had a weird craving for it so I immediately headed for the shrimp section. When I went to grab the bag, some body part of the shrimp literally STABBED me from inside the bag. After I got over the shock that I had indeed been stabbed, I looked at my finger to notice that I was a victim. A serious victim. I won't go into details. Then, I walked quickly up to the pharmacy to see if they could help me out. Luckily, I knew one of the pharmacists because we grew up together. Without going too in depth, let's just say it was something you would never guess could have happened. A man that heard my story said "Please do this for me, you need to go get your finger checked out. It will probably get infected." Um, seriously? Is this truly something to worry about? Anyone know?

Day 4: Laughter truly is the best medicine!

My tummy hurts! I try to do something nice for someone, but I hurt myself in the end. My sweet, sweet, sweet student intern is leaving tomorrow. I baked brownies for her... well, she gets to eat some of the brownies... I ate a couple spoonfuls of batter. Really Michelle? Since when was that even somewhat of a good idea? I suppose running 4 miles after it wasn't the best idea either. I lay here in pain, but I had such a fab day, I must share...

I got 2 assessments done for all of my students. Might I add I've had perfect attendance all 4 days this week? I could get used to this. I don't like it when a child is out. A) I miss them. B) It means make up work, which is more work for me.

The girl I mentor on our team has turned into a great friend. We have a lot in common and our personalities are different, but similar enough that we get along FABULOUSLY! We were teaching each other different techniques and strategies (yes, she is my mentor in return) after school today... something happened (can't really say bahaha) and literally we giggled to the point of tears. My picture tonight is dedicated to Tracie!

I'm HUGE on children understanding their good/bad choices they make. I've been having quick 1 on 1 meetings at the end of each day with them discussing their point totals. Seeing the joy in their faces when they know they've accomplished something is SOOO precious!

Principal told us today some sad news about school numbers, which results in the loss of a teacher. She asked us if anyone wanted to go to a different school... I immediately got this sick/ "I don't want to volunteer" feeling in my stomach. I love that place too much to leave. My heart hurts for whoever has to put the effort of the move though!

I leave you tonight at 9:30... the earliest I've gone to bed all week. And might I add, I got home today at 5:30ish. A whole hour/hour and a half earlier than each day this week. GO ME!

Night, love y'all

Day 3... a froyo kinda day

Good day, but in our opinion (Lindsey and I)... it was a froyo kinda day!

That's all I got. Night y'all

Day 2: An Even Bigger Success

Successes today...

--Behavior Plan/Rules
--Classroom Community
--Writing the WHO and the WHAT aka the FOCUS

Something I would like to work on? I need someone each day to say "GO HOME!". I was at school till 6 last night and 7 tonight. What? It might seem as though I'm chatting/wasting time, but I assure you... it's constant work. Hopefully, I can get to the point next week where I can leave at a decent time. Wish me luck!

Day 1: A Success

Today was the first day of school. Overall, it was a fabulous day. Things I'm currently pondering from the day...

-Read The First Day Jitters... their shocked expressions at the ending was priceless!
-Got a GREAT assessment of how my students write... can't wait to watch them grow!
-Learned who was shy and who likes to be known
-Quickly realized I have such a supportive teacher that I work with not only outside, but also inside the classroom as well
-Discovered my classroom is not as accessible as I thought for everyone's needs (brainstorming tonight)
-Realized that my students have never seen a Bright Link... I let them "play" on it. They had a blast!
-Thankful I was so cautious with dismissal and spent a good amount of time figuring all of it out... the words "Ms. Wexler" and "orange sheets" were never put together over the intercom
-I am a pretty big fan of my students already. They rock!

Just got home from step class... I had to get out this built up energy! Can't wait for a fab year! Day 2... bring it.

SYTYCD CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel so fortunate to have been in the very same room that Melanie had her first audition for So You Think You Can Dance in!!!!!!! I am thrilled and can't think of a better person that deserves this. AHHHHHHH, yay!

Emotional.

I'm filled with so many emotions...

Hopeful for a speedy recovery for little Caden
Happy for Ariane
Sad she's leaving me
Excited for Open House
Scared about my flight home
Antsy for school to begin
Nervous for Melanie in SYTYCD
Frustrated that the doctor doesn't know what's wrong w/me
Worried I'm not going to be ready to fly out
Honored that a handful of people recognized my efforts today

I think I need to sleep. I forget what a good night feels like... maybe tonight

Pray for the Stanley Clan!

My heart is SUPER heavy for this family. Adam and Becca grew up with me. Their little one is sick. I pray the Lord watches over little Caden and the whole fam. Love them SO much!

http://thestanleyclan.blogspot.com/

Get excited... I'M BACK!!!!

This blogger girl is about to come back on the scene... the blog scene that is. I have been hiding for wayyyy tooooo long. And I apologize. I didn't realize how many people actually read my blog until I get comments from them saying they want more! Well, peeps! It's coming... I swear.

This time next week (hopefully I'll already be asleep).... will be the night before the 1st day of school. What an exciting time in the life of a teacher, but most importantly... in the life of a student. Thoughts that run through those little minds... What's my teacher going to be like? Will he/she be nice? What am I going to wear? What will we be learning this year? What fun will we have? I wonder who is in my class that I know? I can't help them with the clothing part, but I CAN help them succeed and enjoy school. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO super stoked about this year.... wanna know why? I'll tell you why...

-4th year vet... yeah, can't believe it!

-New ideas... LOVE learning over the summer then bringing it to life! This year I have new reading strategies I plan on using (the "Beanie Baby" approach)

-Working with a fabulous teacher for science, social studies, and writing! This specific lady is probably the happiest/most positive person I've ever met. Her energy and love for life is addicting... don't be surprised if I am happy 24/7... she is AMAZING!

-I have 14 boys at the moment out of 21... at first... not gonna lie... I was a bit worried, but then I realized... HEY! These little ones were placed in your room for a reason. You were meant to be in their lives this year and help them grow. I could not be happier to meet these students!

-I'm going to be a WRITER! My dear friend Lola (yes, she hugged me last time I saw her, we're bffs) is helping us out become better writing teachers. I already have my artifacts board ready to go. Can't wait to see writing explode on the page! Bring it on.

-I'm headed to being ESOL endorsed! Every Wednesday night, I will be learning new ways to help the ESOL population (and everyone else) as a teacher. I look forward to the opportunity to learn more. Not to mention... if I pass the GACE, I could potentially be ESOL certified!

-I'm a mentor to our new 2nd grade teacher! I was honored that I was asked again to be a mentor. Not to mention... this girl rocks. We've already decided we heart each other tons! She called our friendship/mentor/mentee status: "A match made in heaven". Excited to help her out and show her the ropes of our school!

-I have visitors to watch ME run my classroom the first few weeks. A friend is coming to watch me day 1 and 2 then heading back to her masters work. Another is a girl I don't know yet, but I saw in an email I get to meet her tomorrow. She is with me for a few weeks. Pretty exciting. I would have LOVED in my student teaching life to have seen what the weeks before and during the first week looked like. It's like a dream of a prospective teacher.

-My volunteer Mrs. Kubis is coming back AGAIN!!!!!! This will be her 3rd year with me. I am tearing up writing this because it makes my heart smile that she devotes her Tuesdays and Thursdays to help my children in Reading and Writing. LOVE her soooo much!

-I get to learn how to use a standards based report card. I'll get back to you on this one... not sure my thoughts yet :)

-I know this might not mean anything to you non teachers, but I did it! I finally did it. I have been closely hoarding my kidney table for the past (going on) 4 years. I used it a lot my first year, but didn't much the rest due to having bigger groups that I meet with at two rectangular combined tables. This year I GAVE IT AWAY!!! I got the jackpot of landing a circular table in the place it. Pros: It's smaller and doesn't take up as much space. It is a good center area for the kids. I can take quick data at it. Cons: I haven't thought of any yet. SUPER stoked!

-BRIGHT LINK!!! I am one of the lucky ones that gets to experience the amazing technology in my classroom. A Bright Link is similar to a Smart Board, but apparently better. I've played around with it a lot and cannot wait to conduct lessons on it. However, one of the programs is not responding to my laptop correctly... our technology worker in our school is on it though to help me find a way to use it! Can't wait to blog about the Bright Link!! Shout out to my fabulous principal on that one... Thank you for working really hard to get this technology in our school! I appreciate your dedication to this and I know it will truly make a difference in teaching the kids... my excitement to start the year has definitely pumped up because of it!

Well, friends. It's almost midnight and I am awake. Hearing that blasted alarm at 5:30 is not going to be a delightful sound to my ears. I must hit the hay! Night night, much love! I've missed you ;-)

Caleb's Birthday :)

Sweet Baby Caleb (my cousin's baby) turned 1! Check out the video. Precious :) CLEARLY, I am going to be that obnoxious mother that always has updated photos of my kids to show off. And I'm okay with it :)

Anna's Wedding in Charleston

It was a weekend of....

A gorgeous wedding, beaches, seafood restaurants, seeing old friends, making new friends, horrible tan lines, fun Charleston hot spots, and more. Anna was such a beautiful bride and I am so glad that I could be there with her to celebrate this happy time in her life!

NKOTBSB Concert

For those that aren't aware... NKOTBSB=New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys. The concert was a-mazing. I went with an awesome group for a combined birthday shindig with some of the bestest friends a girl could ask for. We had the best time! Felt like we were little teenyboppers again :) Oh and the picture of us all... well, that actually isn't everyone... 2 people were missing... 14 girls. We had a blast!

I have the BESTESTESTEST family/friends in the world!!!

I couldn't go to sleep until I thanked everyone for the amazingness that was my 26th birthday. Thanks family and friends for making me feel oober special! My day started off with a nice relaxing time at the pool. Then, mama came by and picked me up for lunch (boys were working). We went to Eclipse Di Luna then got a mani/pedi. I didn't want a big cake... so mama took me to Gigi's Cupcakes so I could make a wish. Lindsey went shopping with me then before I knew it.. it was time to get ready for dinner with 15 friends... no kidding... I was impressed I had that many too :). Roomies bought me an ice cream cake to share with everyone. Overall, FABULOUS day!!!

Tomorrow is the big party though.... New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys concert with 14 friends for Lindsey/Michelle Birthday Extravaganza! Pictures will definitely come so stay tuned folks :)

Happy Birthday to ME!

In celebration of my 26th birthday tomorrow (June 21st), I thought I'd find a cute picture of me from a birthday when I was younger. I came across all the big parties I had... like at Chuck E. Cheese, McDonalds, White Water/American Adventures, etc.... nothing tops this picture though... asleep (or probably in a sassy mood) while my mom is trying to take my picture with my cake. I find it a bit comical :)