Sunday, July 29, 2012

Summer Vacation

Summer has officially come to an end for me. Friday was my first day back at school. The kids don't show up until Wednesday, but I am working every day until then.
I just realized this morning while posting my classroom pictures that I never bothered to blog about my summer vacation that was so full of fun.
It officially started at the lake on Memorial Day. Unfortunately, I didn't really take many pictures except for Craig on the boat and us eating at our favorite restaurant in Sewanee; The Crust.

 

My next trip that happened to be a few days after our lake trip was to Minnesota. Mom and I headed north to celebrate my cousin Chris' high school graduation. We opted to stay at a hotel really close to the Mall of America and Ikea. No accident, I swear! It was a great trip filled with family, food, and shopping. The best part was that the hotel offered free transportation to and from the mall and Ikea whenever we wanted. Really convenient. Thanks for a great trip, Mom.

Mom eating Chicago-style pizza at the Chicago airport.
The Mall of America! Love this place.


The next part of the story was in Panama City/Destin, FL. This happened to be right after our trip to Minnesota. Craig and I headed to Huntsville to meet my parents to take "the golden egg" south to the beach. It was a great trip that consisted of eating, sunning, and shopping. Our last leg of the trip was in Destin where we stayed at a wonderful condo with beautiful water views.

 


 


Inside Harry T's in Destin at Harborwalk.
 


View from our room at the Emerald Grade, Destin.
 


Overall, I had a wonderful summer. I can't wait until we get to go back to Florida next year.

The Big Classroom Reveal

When I first walked into my new classroom, I was completely overwhelmed with what I saw. Not only am I in a portable for the first time, but the place was a dumping ground for furniture and "stuff." I dropped off all my boxes and walked out immediately. Weeks later I went back to start the organizing process. I found that the custodians had pushed everything in the entire classroom to one side. Once again, I was overwhelmed! My first job was painting the front wall. Craig was gracious enough to help out. He painted the front door and the front wall while I "Goo-Off'd the coat hooks. The finished product is awesome! He then helped me with the desk placement. I admit that I almost gave up when he finally figured it out. Thanks, Craig! You saved me. Finally, the classroom was coming together. I was able to get an extra storage cabinet and I also got rid of a bunch of extra furniture that I didn't need.
My parents also helped me immensely. Mom sewed me some really cute curtains and helped me decorate. Dad helped put together some shelves that I purchased and he even stuck the foam number stickers on the hooks for me. Thanks again to both of them. I am now way less overwhelmed. The classroom looks fabulous. What do you think?

Ugly Wall Before Painting
Still no paint


As you are about to see. We made a world of difference by painting just the front wall.
                                                                                         
Look at the cute grass skirt at the bottom of the white board! Thanks Mom. I bought the black shelf at Target for $20.00. What a bargain. 

Check out the cute pallet shelves that Craig made.

My book shelves still need some work, but I love it so far.

Small Group area with cute "poofs."


Info Central....look at the cute grass skirt!
I had this super cute curtain and it really worked around my desk.



Foam numbers on my hooks really worked! Thanks, Dad!
My rules. Not as cute as I wanted.



All of my math manipulatives on my new shelves from Target. So much more organized.