My classroom.... like it or not

Here it is! My distant teaching friends and relatives, I am posting what my classroom looks like. I understand why you want to see, but know you are going to be disappointed. I love seeing yours, because yours are all so darling (and you are all so much more creative).

Mine is...... well, last year, McKenzie did most of it, and it was marvelous.

This year, I did most of it and............well, you can tell. But, at least if I post it, I will get you to quit nagging me.

To you non-teachers, I apologize in advance! I know this is probably a very boring post for you.

This is probably my favorite! McKenzie made it for me last year, as a present for my first year back to public education. The letters are about 18 inches tall. I get compliments for it all the time. She is amazingly talented. It looks even better in real life! It stands at the entrance to my room (we don't have classroom doors).

This is just outside my entrance to my room.

It is a great way to show of the wonderful things my students do.

This is the entrance to my room. SEE NO DOOR!!!

For all the HOUGHTON-MIFFLIN fans, here are those famous reading strategies!!!

Truly, they do help my students, and they do use these.

Here is my reading center. When my students get their reading goal, they get to sign their autograph on the dry erase board above our reading chair. I read to the students here, with the two lamps in my room on. The students love it!

This is my "work center" It has all the supplies my student's might need.....tape, staples, scissors, paper, pencil sharpeners, rulers.....if they need it, it's there.

This is where my Mountain Math will someday be, we just haven't started it yet.......

This is how I take roll and do my lunch count. It makes it fast and easy

(Especially when the lunch lady calls me and I have forgotten to put it into Powerschool).

Here is my Science bulletin board.

I change it with every unit in science.

Well, there it is...... I hope it is all you dreamed.... I am sorry if it disappoints you.

My Baby is More Than One Hand Old!!!

I know it is crazy, but my baby just turned six on Saturday! Now, it requires two hands to let you know how old she is!!! Although it is only one year older, for some silly reason, it makes here seem so much older than five! Not only did she just turn six, but she started first grade on Thursday! She is officially a full-time student! She isn't really a baby anymore.

In just three short years, I will be the mother of a high school graduate. It is funny, I thought that was what "older" people did. I don't really feel that old. I feel I have earned my stripes, but I don't feel old. UGHHHHH!! I drives me nuts when people do this!! So my children are growing up get over it right!

Her birthday was fun! For breakfast, we had, waffles, lunch was Speghetti-O's, muffins, and corn on the cob, dinner was Sloppy Matilee's (Jo's). Most of which was cooked by McKenzie.

For dessert (compliments of McKenzie), we had Carrie, Roy, Tate, Stephanie, Tate, Adrianna, and Zae over for chocolate cake and ice cream.

She got a jewelry box with jewelry, and a Petshop from the Hathaway's (with the price of gas, it was nice to have any one be able to come). Grandma sent her money today (she plans on buying more jewelry and Petshops). Her siblings also gave her various cards, notes and pictures.

Although, I still can't believe she is getting so big, it is fun to see her grow up and learn so much. We love you Matilee, and look forward to another wonderful year with you in our home! You are the sunshine in our day! What a silly, wonderful, beautiful girl!

Finally!! Yes I know I haven't posted for nearly a month! I have been busy! I can't post about all that has been missed, but here is part of it!

My dad and company came from Oregon, the week of the 24th of July, we had a blast! Grandma and Grandpa took the children shopping, made shaving cream critters (and then decorated the counter), took them to lunch in the park, went to the fireworks party at Aunt Carrie and Uncle Roy's. They had so much fun, and my dad even found the time to fix my oven (that has been broken for 3 years), and help Bryan build the shed!
Bryan and my dad working together!
He never stops going. Whoever said a man's work was form dusk till dawn, forgot to tell my dad. He is an inspiration to me in many ways. A simple man with many hardships. He has made many choices he is not proud of, but doesn't let pride get in his way of trying to make it right.

Thanks dad, I love you. You are a wonderful dad to me. Susan (my dad's new wife) thank you for being so patient.


I am not sure how much shaving cream he has actually ever used on his face,

but I know he has used gallons on children and grandchildren!!

All the Children LOVE Grandpa!!!

Our few days weren't enough, but I am afraid, we would always ask for just one more day. I sure wish they lived closer. I got a lot closer to my brother, my (step)mom, and my dad. I guess I didn't post, because I knew I would tear up not knowing when the last time I see them will be. I already miss them like it has been too long!