Posts with the label For Fun
Showing posts with label For Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label For Fun. Show all posts

June 30, 2018

Welcome your new students with this fun treat idea!



Hi everyone!

I wanted to jump on here and share a little something I've done in previous years to get kids excited for the upcoming school year. At my old school we hosted our Open House the Friday before the first day of school and it was a chance for students to come visit the classroom, meet their new teacher, and become familiar with their desk so there's less anxiety on the first day of school.

Along with a little classroom scavenger hunt that helps us teachers collect and organize school materials, I place a little treat on each desk as a thank you for 'Popping In'. Every year it's such a hit with the kids and the parents appreciate that extra fun detail before the first day of school. After the first year I did this I was always known as the teacher who gave out candy, haha!

This takes very little prep and you can even order *100 Blow Pops on Amazon for only $17 dollars! Once you receive your pops, just print these designs on cardstock weighted paper and tape to your lollipops! Easy peasy! You can even hold onto these pops and use them for birthdays or other celebrations in your room.

*affiliate link
I've given my previous pop labels a little bit of update featuring new fonts and some clip art. I really hope you enjoy this update and now you can get this resource for only $1 as they're a part of my $1 Deals over at my TpT shop!

I'd love to know, what fun little treats do you provide for your kiddos at the beginning of the year? How do you make them feel welcome?

Welcome your new students with this fun treat idea!

June 30, 2018

June 28, 2018

What Marriage Has Taught Me | 4 Year Anniversary


What a ride it's been these last four years!

I can't believe we are celebrating our four year wedding anniversary already! For sure has this been my longest relationship and sharing my life with my husband for a total of five years has brought on it's fair share of joys, excitement, sadness, and challenges. But, what remains constant through it all is our love and dedication for one another.

So, in celebration of doing life with this guy I thought it would be fun to share the 10 lessons I've learned in gif form because why not...

10. Our love changes and that's okay

The butterflies and anxiousness when he calls no longer happen for me, but our love is deeper. I may not have that sense of hot passion for him the same way I did when we first started dating, but being partners and being there for one another through those mountains and valleys is what bonds us.

I think it's so important for all of us married couples to be honest about what we're representing about our relationships, especially on social media - marriage isn't hard, it's the hard circumstances that make marriage challenging. It's okay to not have it all together all the time, but know that your love grows deeper and more connected through those challenging moments.

And just recognizing that over time a marriage changes and that's okay too.

9. Money will always stress us out

It doesn't matter if we are in abundance or having to stick to a firm budget, being open and communicating about financial business is so important to us as husband and wife. However, no matter how good our communication is, money will always be a source of anxiety and stress. But, we've just learned to be mindful of our spending, budget our finances together, and rely on each other to assure ourselves we're doing good.

via GIPHY

8. My way isn't always the best way

I know, "whaaat?"

...and husbands everywhere...

via GIPHY

Especially since having a child I've been humbled on more than one occasion by my husband and his approach to doing certain things. It may not be the way I would do it, but I've learned over the years to respect that in this partnership there can sometimes be more than one way to approach or solve something....and there's plenty of times his way was better. 

There. I said it.


7. Embrace the babysitter

It took me a little while longer than I expected to get this part down (and honestly I'm still working on it). Having Greyson with us all the time is great, I love him, but there are times where it's nice to go to a movie that isn't animated or grab drinks somewhere downtown with just my husband and not feel like we're on an episode of the Amazing Race. Everyone says how important adult time is when you're new parents and it's so true!

Find yourself a trustworthy babysitter and use them as much as possible!

via GIPHY

 6. A sense of responsibility should never end

I have learned over the years that being married gives me a sense of responsibility for myself; to strive to be better not just for me, but for my family as a whole. Marriage hasn't changed how we experience life in terms of the day-to-day things, but I feel that being a wife gives me a new sense of identity and one that I want to be proud of. I'm not perfect nor do I handle everything perfectly, but always working to be the best version of my self over time is a respect I'm happy to give.

5. Fights and mastering the art of forgiveness

Disagreements, especially over children, are almost destined to happen. My husband and I have had our fair share of spats but we always recover because our time together has taught us a lot. Communication, yes, is certainly key, but also knowing what the other person needs during a fight is just as important. Sometimes I want to be left alone and others I want to kiss, make-up, and forgive. Knowing what I need in the moment and telling my husband (and vice versa, of course) makes such the difference because it takes the guessing out of the equation.

via GIPHY

Then, once the fight is over and some kind of resolution has been found...forgive and keep it moving.

4.  Have support groups

Support groups are so, so important and especially as a newlywed or new parent. There's so much that lies ahead of us and sometimes when we're in the thick of it it's hard to see around the curve to the other side. And this is where I found that having close friends, veteran parents or spouses, and moms groups are helpful in having a place to connect that isn't your spouse.

Don't get me wrong, I love my husband dearly, but there are times where it helps to connect and vent with someone that isn't the person you live with 100% of the time. There's something safe about talking it out with people who have been in similar situations and are alive to tell the tale.

3. Play the points game

One thing about #adulting and marriage (and see stress of finances above) is that you begin to care about things like APR and credit scores. Because of this we also picked up on how to play the points game.

What is that, you ask?

It's finding the perfect credit card that'll give you the best rewards, or points, for the dollars you spend anyways. We personally use our joint credit card as a debit card (i.e. for almost all of our purchases) and with that comes hundreds of points that we can save and use for travel. You can do this with multiple cards, but obviously you need to be extremely organized and keep your finances in check otherwise you'll be in over your head. But, when done right you can save thousands of dollars on the things you enjoy most.

via GIPHY

2. Tag team with the kid

I love being a mom, but there's definitely times where I need help or a break. I love that my husband and I know when those moments are and tag team being with Greyson. I seriously think it's the best thing for us as a family!

1. Discussing faith and God's role in our marriage

This has been a big one, especially within the last couple of years. My husband and I were raised on two different planes when it comes to faith and somehow as adults we both had drifted. But, shortly before I met my husband I had gone through a major faith journey and found myself right again with God whereas my husband at one point considered himself agnostic. Over time and having an open mind, we began going to church service together and it's been a pretty remarkable experience to see how God has been working and influencing our steps.

via GIPHY

Although my husband has begun to invite God more into his life and figuring his place with it all, I have noticed a difference in both of us and how we relate to each other and life's circumstances. Learning about God and his Word together has connected us in a much different way and our faith has deepened in the process. I'm excited to see where this all goes in the years to come, but I can say for sure that having open discussions on faith has rooted us in more than one way.

Cheers to us and to many years to come!


What Marriage Has Taught Me | 4 Year Anniversary

June 28, 2018

January 4, 2015

Slim Down Saturdays {2015 edition}

One of my favorite linkups from last year was Gina’s Slim Down Saturdays from Teaching With a Touch of Pixie Dust. This time last year I was beginning my journey through Weight Watchers and training for a half-marathon all in preparations for my wedding that summer. See my original posts here. 2015 is a bit different seeing as though I have no major life event to prepare for, however, overall health and fitness is my goal. 

So here’s my first checkin for Slim Down Saturdays!

Ultimate goal: Although I don’t have a specific weight loss goal in terms of pounds, I do have a goal of getting down to a size 10 in jeans. With my athletic and curvy body type I know I’ll never get below a double digit so a reasonable goal for me is a size 10 and I’ll be proud of that.

Gain/loss this week: I have none to speak of this week because I’m just starting ;)

Total since starting: N/A

Positives from the week: One of the biggest struggles I have in regards to sticking with a diet or fitness plan is the food/drink choices when we eat out or socialize with friends. It’s the true test! So, one of my positives from this week (and if you count my entire holiday break) I’ve been good about making healthy food choices. For example, this morning we went to Cajun Kitchen Cafe and instead of going with the full on breakfast platter I opted for my veggie egg-white omelet with a side of fruit. Look at me ;)

Something to do better: A goal I have for myself going into this next week is cutting back on sugars. From coffee to sweet treats I’d like to cut back and intake more water. The holidays have been fun with all the cookies but it’s time to get back into the groove of healthy eating and treating myself every once in a while.

Goal for next week: Gym. Gym. Gym...that’s the goal as I head back to work. I tell myself 3x a week to give me some wiggle room because I know after a long day the last thing I want to do is go run or lift weights. I just need to get back into my routine.

One word, song, or quote: This quote came from my husband this morning when we woke up and gave me a hug. He always calls me beautiful and that’s one of the best qualities about him. But, when he acknowledged the work I’ve been putting into the gym lately by muttering those simple words...it made my day and has given me the motivation I needed to keep up the good work :)

Be sure to link up too and share your 2015 health goals!! I love reading about everyones progress and it’s become a fun little community to share our ups and downs. Thanks Gina for hosting this wonderful linkup again! See you next week!


Slim Down Saturdays {2015 edition}

January 4, 2015