Thoughts for Thursday

Hello Thursday!  It's time to join Annie and others for this week's Thoughts for Thursday. 

Here are a few of my favorite things from the last couple of weeks that haven't made it to my blog...

[1]
G and I went with friends to the local spray ground. We had a blast!

I can't get enough of those baby legs!

[2]

Last week had a couple rain free days and we took full advantage of them. On one of those afternoons G and I packed a lunch and headed to a local lake. We laid out a blanket and got a good does of vitamin D.

[3]

I have a 30 by 30 list...and I'm making some headway. I'll be 30 in April and I really want to accomplish most, if not all, of the things on my list. One of those things was to learn to crochet. I took a class at a local arts and crafts store and now I know the basics. I'm currently working on my first scarf.

[4]

July is filled with wonderful celebrations...included are several birthdays of those we love!

My friend turned 30...

 And her son turned 2!

[5]

A few weeks ago we went to visit my mom. While there we went to one of my favorite little boutiques. I found an outfit by Mud-Pie for G that I had been eyeing but could not justify paying $50+. To my delight, they were having a huge sale. I got this for 75% off!!! I can't wait to put her in it this fall.

Mid-Summer Reality Check

::via::

 

It's true. I spend many days of my "summer vacation" planning for the upcoming school year. While some of this does include adding to my Teaching board on Pinterest, it also includes many other school related activities. For instance, I work on various classroom projects, organization, school open house materials, etc. This year I decided to tackle a project that I've been contemplating for the last couple of school years...a personalized planner. I've purchased several different types of planners over the years and none of them have had exactly what I want. This year, I decided to invest a little time into making one of my own. I was inspired by several types of planners on TeachersPayTeachers but didn't really want to put out additional money for them, especially since I would have to pay for the paper and ink. I thought surely I could come up with my own, design a layout that works specifically for my needs, and then have the ability to revise it as needed.

 

Thanks to free clip art from MyCuteGraphics, I was able to get a design I liked, and aside from what I have invested in time, paper and ink, I have a wonderful, inexpensive planner that I am super pleased with.

 

 

 

My planner includes a place for lesson plans, monthly calendars, parent contacts, and grading. I've already begun putting together some lesson plans.

 

 

 

 

It's crazy to think that the summer is half way over. I really thought I would have accomplished more by this point. We have countless home projects that need to be tended to. Maybe July will be more productive in that area. Despite not having accomplished many things on my "to-do" list, I am glad to say that I've made many memories with my daughter. She is growing up so fast and the school year will begin again very soon, and truth be told, a teacher's work is never really done...

 

::via::

 



Thoughts for Thursday

For the remainder of the summer I'll be joining Natalie and others for Thoughts for Thursday. This particular Thursday (ok this whole week) has held a lot of ups and downs. It's nice to sit and reflect on some of the "ups".

[one]

This week held a lot of fun. One of my most favorite moments was the day that included these two sweet little babes. G and I drove over the mountain to visit my dear friend and her precious little boy. I love the girl time we get to spend together. Our time has only been sweetened by these two redheads. As they get older their interactions become that much more entertaining. Today they enjoyed some water table time. 



Puppy kisses

 

 

 

 Could these two be any cuter?!

[two]

On Tuesday I sent my hubby down the river...okay, he went on a river trip with some buddies for work. Being the perfect wife that I am (you may laugh now), I could not send him off without some goodies. That's just not my style...and lets face it, his work buddies have grown quite accustomed to sweets being sent their way. I pulled out my homemade Choc It To Me Brownie recipe. I have not made this in forever! Truth be told, these rich, fabulously delish confections probably add 10lbs with each batch, but they are so worth it. I made another batch this week to take to a friend and her adorable family. You will only be doing yourself a disservice by not making these ASAP.

 Click on the link for the recipe. Enjoy!

Choc It To Me Brownies

[three]

On Sunday I had a major mommy fail. After church I took G out for a Mommy and Me lunch. She was great. We then headed to Walmart to grab a few things.  Upon leaving and putting her in the car, she asked for Bella, her best buddy, the moose. Bella was no where to be found. I searched the parking lot, the vehicle,  every bag, etc. No Bella. I called the restaurant. No Bella. I cried, she cried.

We came home where she continued to look and call for Bella. This mommy's heart was broken. I posted my fail on Facebook and a while later my friend called. She had seen Bella at Walmart!  Bella was on a display case near the sporting goods. I was elated! My friend called the store and had one of the workers go see if she was still there. Bella was safely retrieved and placed in customer service.  We had to forgo normal bedtime and made the 30 minute drive to town to pick up my baby's best friend. Thanks be to God for His goodness. Mommy and baby went to bed happy. ("Back Up Bella" arrived in the mail yesterday...just in case.)

[four] 

Speaking of our little gem, she took her first steps...completely independent of any assistance...this week! She took 3 steps earlier this week and then took 5 more today! It may not be much but it's progress!

 

 

 

 

Ta-da!

[five]

In an attempt to clear some clutter, I went through some things and have decided to put forth a little footwork to participate in a large local consignment sale this August. I've been to this sale several times, both in the fall and spring, and I always make out really well. I'll not only be shopping this year, but I'll also be cosigning. If you are local or close, I hope you'll also take advantage of this great sale that benefits many in our community through financial giving and item donations. Take a moment to find out all about KidzKraze!