Superhero Themed Classroom Reveal

Hello all! I know it's been a while, but mommy-hood has taken over a lot of my time. Wouldn't trade it for the world, though. (By the way, my little one is almost 5 months old and doing great!)

Anyway...back to my teaching topic.

Last year I switched schools and switched grades. As most of you probably know, that kind of major switch equals major stress and workload, which is why I was pretty quiet on here regarding teaching ideas. I was definitely in survival mode. Now, starting my 2nd year in my school and grade, I'm in sharing mode.

I always learn from my students when I pick my theme. I quickly learned that my 1st graders LOVE superheroes! This definitely appealed to me because I had directed a superhero themed VBS not long ago, and my church was nice enough to give me the used and leftover decorations....that I had made and acquired for them.

So say hello to my SUPER classroom!

My classroom door

As you walk through the door...

The city scenery was made from drywall boards you can find at hardware stores for about $11 to $16. They come with the silver siding. Using a box cutter, I carved them out to look like skyscrapers and then used paint and paper to add details. The comic book-like sound effect bubbles I ordered form Oriental Trading. Also, the superhero clipart characters can be downloaded free from mycutegraphics.com. I simply printed and laminated them to display all over my classroom.

A look to the right.

A better look at the scenery.

A look at my reading center....with a personalized magnetic reading level chart.

In my reading center, the students' fluency and comprehension level rises as they continue through the grade. I created this chart on the back of a filing cabinet using black bulletin board paper (free to most school teachers), chalk, and border that I had on hand. (I also sprayed it with hair spray so it would set.) The students will color their very own superhero image during the first week of school, which I will take and laminate and make into a magnet. As the students rise to the next reading level, they get to move their magnet to the next skyscraper, aiming for the sky! It's a GREAT incentive for the students, and a great track of data.

This is my whole group space. Some teachers have a separate carpet area, but I prefer to have mine in front of the board so I can write on it, refer to it, and use the projector on it. The charts you see on the bottom wall are from our writing curriculum, and I used painter's tape (and/or masking tape) to place them/ frame them.

The desk area.

My desk area. (Yes, I have two. One for my office supplies and one for spreading out and creating.)

              My word wall and news spot. 

I wrote the letters with chalk, and I can continue to use chalk as I add the words. My students and I really do use the word wall frequently.

I plan on posting my weekly newsletter (that I created myself) on the red bulletin board every week. If you'd like to download my FREE newsletter template from my TpT store, download it here.

Table to the left is where students will place their take-home folders (in a recycled dish drainer...ha!), lunch boxes, and backpacks (beneath the table). It's also where my class rules are posted. 

Table to the right is my writing center table, and above is my special area rotation schedule. 

I have to say....I'm quite proud of my homemade calendar. I used red masking tape to make the outline on my dry erase board, and now I can change it easily and write on it & decorate it however I wish. Cheap and easy! (Btw...the date boxes and 3 inches apart in case you were wondering.)

This behavior chart I downloaded for free from TpT. I added Velcro strips to the side along with numbers that I made so students can move their number up and down.

On the left, I will display my learning standards targets. On the right, I used these magnetic, dry erase circles that I got from Office Depot to use for my centers. I love it 'cuz I can use it for reading and math!

 These are my schedule cards I created myself. They are also available at my TpT store here.



I hope you enjoyed my classroom tour! I'm ready for a great year!

A Star Was Born.....1 Week Ago!

Just Born

Meet Evangeline Grace everyone! This little "star" finally made her appearance exactly 1 WEEK ago on April 1st, 2015.

I can't believe my amazing daughter is already a week old today. Where did the time go? Seriously!

Honestly, I don't know how much more my heart can take. I feel like it could burst at any moment; it's so full of love for my little girl...I didn't know it was possible to love like this. My love for my husband has also grown IMMENSELY; he is such a good daddy, and watching him dote on his daughter just makes my heart swell even more. My heart is also fragile right now, because as much as I am loving every bit of this experience, I hate how time is going by too quickly, and I hate the fear of anything bad happening to her that often tries to clutch my heart. (That's where prayers and praises come in folks; I turn to my Heavenly Father when those fears try to steal my joy)

You know, I did a lot of research before giving birth. Most of the information was spot on! From pre-labor, to labor, to the hospital experience, to postpartum....I found most of what people said to be true. However, with all the "negative" things I was warned about, like the pain, the lack of sleep, the worry of feeding, the RAGING hormones (oh my gosh btw...I cried so many tears of frustration and of joy that I don't even recognize myself...I mean, I cried over a bowel movement....a bowel movement!....because it meant that she was digesting well).
Anyway, one thing I feel that I wasn't warned about was this overwhelming love that has taken over me. The moment the nurses put Evangeline in my arms, the tears just flowed! I was enraptured at ths beautiful creation that God had loaned to me.
So far, being a mom has been the best experience of my life, and I want to cherish every single moment. For example,  I don't even know how it's possible to miss someone when she is right in the crib next to me, but I do. It's the same for her daddy, too....we're pretty pathetic. lol.

Ok, well my "new mom" babbling is over. Let me introduce you to the new survey now that little one is out:

One Week Old.....sleepy baby

Growing Girl:How big is she?
She was born 7 lbs. 12 oz, and 20 inches long. I'm proud to say that she has gained a whole ounce since birth. Yay!

Baby Steps and Milestones: What are some major changes? Well, her facial features are more distinct since birth, and I've noticed that she loves to be cuddled on my chest.

New Challenges: What are some struggles? 
At first, breast feeding was a huge struggle! It was more of my fault than hers; it was hard to figure out what exactly worked for us. However, she was so patient with me, and although I had to supplement with formula a little bit, we had it down pretty well by the third day. We're still learning, but it's going much better than at first.

Exciting Changes:What's been new and fun lately?
Watching her when she's awake. Her cry is cute (although sometimes heart breaking), but the little baby coos she makes when she's awake is sooo adorable. It's fun to see her when she's wide awake, beautiful blue eyes open, and sucking on her hands (which seems to be her favorite pastime). 

The New Parents: How's Mommy and Daddy?
We're completely smitten. As Matt described it, "I feel like I've melted into one big puddle." We're also a bit sleep deprived....lol, ok, more than a bit.....but we wouldn't trade it for the world. I still can't believe that I get to keep her!

Steps in Faith: What has God been teaching me through her?
Patience and grace. 
She is already such an example to me. I can't tell you how bad of a mother I felt when I was struggling with feeding, yet she was so patient with me and gracious as I tried to figure it out. Often times I cried harder than she did when she was hungry and struggling, but the bonding time after we were successful was so worth it. My little girl is so sweet!

Nursery Nook

Hey Everybody! Guess what! I'm beginning Week 38...that means just 2 more weeks until my due date. I know, I know...this means that Evangeline can come any time; her schedule, not mine. Well, that doesn't mean I can't PRAY and HOPE for my own schedule. And I so I am. If I could have it MY way, Evangeline will come early in the week next week; this gives me enough time to 1) finish my last work week before my maternity leave, and 2) give me a baby a week sooner so that I can enjoy her a week longer (since it's Spring Break for this teacher). Plus, my mom (who's also a teacher) can have that week to help out her daughter (and soon to be grand-daughter) without having to worry about work herself.

I'm so excited! I'm nervous...a little...and I'm anxious to see what she looks like. I hope she is healthy! I pray there are no complications with her or the birth.

I can tell you that she IS in position to come. I've experienced a few things that basically mean she can come any day now (although I won't go into the details).

I won't say that I'd love to be pregnant a lot longer, but I will say that my body has done a pretty good job of keeping up with my busy schedule and letting me get things done. I don't know if that is the "burst of energy" rumor that moms are "supposed" to get right before the baby comes, or if it's just me being determined to be as ready as possible. You're welcome to make your own prediction. I'm just glad that I'm getting closer and closer to feeling ready....although I still need a few more days to finalize it. (So work with me little girl!)

Anyway, I realized that I haven't yet posted pictures of Evangeline's entire Nursery...or Nook, actually. My husband and I have a wonderful 1-bedroom apartment, so we're sharing our room with Little One. It's actually nice, though. There is still enough room for us both...although we are feeling as though she is slowly taking over our house. I'm pretty certain that she has more clothes than I do!

Well, for those interested, here's a tour of her beloved nook. I'll be honest; I LOVE IT. I wish I hadn't waited until night time to take all the pictures, cuz the lighting is not as nice, but these will do. Enjoy!

The overall view when you first walk in.

Her changing table/ dresser (craigslist find!)

Adorable hair clip hanger...made by her Aunt Dotsy

Top right shelf

Bottom right shelf...wipes and cream

Decorations. Btw, her "Wish Book" includes all these different wishes that were written by the ladies who came to her baby shower. Each page has a different themed wish. I love it!

The glider I currently have on loan.

Her books. =) 

Her adorable crib. (Garage sale find!) Sanded down and painted by her daddy. 
(Oh, and I know that I'll probably take the bumpers off...and she won't have her stuffed animals and blanket in the crib when she's sleeping for safety reasons, but I wanted to keep it there to look at for now.)

Her mobile and her framed poem...made by her Nana.

I just love this! My mom made the board, and the moon and stars are made with glow-in-the-dark paint, each decorated by the ladies who came to her shower. It's a great little night light above her crib.

Diaper holder that matches her crib set

Some of the display above her dresser

Some more of the display. The sign on the left is from the song she is named after...made by her Aunt Nikki. 

The inside of her crib...for now.

Her initials...recycled and renovated from frames from when I was a baby.

9th Month, Here You Are! (36 weeks baby update)

just a glimpse of her baby nook

Hello everyone! I feel like it's been forever since I've updated this, and honestly, even though I technically don't have time to be on here now, I'm doing it anyway. I don't know if anyone really enjoys reading my baby update posts, but I love writing them; it's so nice being able to talk about this experience.

So....speaking of busy, that's how I've felt for the last couple of weeks, and it's only about to get worse. I mean, ladies and gentlemen, we are in the final countdown stage, and things won't slow down once Evangeline Grace makes her appearance. Among work prep, doctor's visits, and birth and baby classes, I often feel a little overwhelmed. I know it's all worth it though, and I can't wait to see the prep work turn into baby-is-here work. (I hope I won't regret that last sentence later. lol.)

So, without giving away too much information, here's the update:

How far along am I?  36 weeks (9 months baby!!!)

How big is the baby? Should be between 5 and 6 pounds now. Wow!

How am I feeling? Hmm. Well, my nausea has decided to come visit me again...yay. But at least it's not all day....usually just early in the morning. I also have been really battling fatigue these past few days...along with more frequent hunger and hot flashes. 

What am I craving?  I might as well just delete this question. I do get hungry, but I don't get cravings.

How is sleep going? So. Not. Fun.

How big am I? Definitely rocking the bowling ball baby bump! Some still don't think I look "that" big, but my belly measures in at the exact week I'm supposed to be every time. Plus I've totally got the pregnant waddle down. 

Symptoms I hate: Right now, what's #1 on my list is having to pee all the dang time! 

Symptoms I love: Feeling her move, feeling my belly grow, and feeling my own excitement grow.

How's the hubs? We're both very excited and a little freaked out that I have less than 4 weeks until my due date! Ahhh! We're about to be responsible for another human, and our lives will literally NEVER be the same again!

Baby Update! 31 weeks and counting!

Her mobile above her crib, hand made by my mommy.

Here's a quick update on the baby and me.


How far along am I?  31 weeks (almost 8 months)

How big is the baby? About the size of a pineapple (about 3 pounds)

How am I feeling? I have a praise - the nausea is gone! Yay!!!! ...I do feel a lot bigger now, and I feel a lot more pressure, but my mornings are WAY easier now.

What am I craving?  Nothing in particular, but milk is still extra appreciated. And I'm always thirsty, so I go through a lot of water bottles.

How is sleep going? Ugh. The fatigue at the end of a long day is really the only thing that keeps me knocked out....definitely not the comfort of my mattress anymore. (I hate sleeping on my back.)

How big am I? I think I gained half a pound since I last lost weight. The doctor said everything is ok with that; my calories are just mostly going to 'baby,' which is FINE with me! However, my belly is definitely bigger! It's starting to get to that basketball shape, and people are finally noticing, which I love. (I like knowing I look pregnant...not just fat.)

Symptoms I hate: Well, there's the whole "sleep isn't fun anymore" thing. But right now, it's the waiting. I need her to wait until spring break (at the end of March), but at the same time, I can hardly wait for that time to get here.  

Symptoms I love: Feeling more energetic in the morning. I used to sleep in all the time, but not anymore, and so I get a lot more done in the day.  

How's the hubs? He put together her crib a week ago - paint job and all. It's beautiful! He also rearranged our bedroom so we have a nice baby nook, and he hung her mobile (which you see in the picture). He's already such a good daddy, and he's an even more amazing husband right now. I'm so blessed to have a great partner in parenting and in life!!!!

The World She'll Be Born Into

Things are becoming so exciting as we get closer and closer to the date of welcoming Evangeline into our world. This weekend's goal is to finally transform our master bedroom into a bedroom/ nursery. We are using our extra long weekend to rearrange everything. It's a tedious process, as some of you probably already know, but I can't wait! I know it will be worth it!

As exciting as this process is, it has also opened my eyes to a truth that's not so exciting. That's what I'm sharing today....it's not as giddy as most of my posts have been...but it is on my heart, and I feel it's important.

First of all, I have to explain that there are a few "moments" I have always DREAMED of having in my life. Big moments...and they're pretty commonly big for people in general. These moments include things like driving by myself, moving out of my parents' place, graduating, seeing my dad for the first time in my wedding dress, walking down the aisle at my wedding, finding out I'm pregnant,....and watching my husband put together a crib for our first baby. That last dream mentioned is real and has been real since I was a very little girl still playing with dolls. Yesterday, I got to witness that dream, and it really honestly and truly felt like a magical moment! I walked outside to find my husband sanding down the used crib we bought in preparation of first priming it, then painting it (to match the current furniture), and then putting it back together.

To me, it was like a moment in a scene from a movie. There may have well been music playing in the background, for it felt like that to me! Such a pure, beautiful moment! Call me corny, but it was. I have waited (at least what seems like a long time) for this moment! Even after we found out we were pregnant and after we bought the crib, I was careful to get it ready. I wanted to be as sure as possible that we would have a baby to put in the crib before we even put it up. So we waited. Now finally, FINALLY, we could do that.

After I stood there, smiling and cherishing that moment, I took a picture and posted in on social media. I don't post a whole lot of pictures, but I figured it was ok for this one. I didn't think it was offensive or dramatic or stupid...I figured family and friends would actually appreciate seeing this moment with me. Much to my surprise, I received some comments that hurt my feelings...a lot. Basically, people thought it was a funny sight. How in the world could my husband be competent enough to "put together a crib?" was the general response I had. That hurt, because this big moment of mine wasn't cherished by all; it was actually scoffed at and mocked by others.

Anyway, fast forward to church this morning. The message was centered around the sanctity of life....especially in regards to unborn babies. I listened to the horrible statistics of how many babies were killed before even having a chance to be born. I've heard the numbers before, and I have always thought to myself, "Why are so many people so quick to kill someone who hasn't even had the chance to prove to the world that they can be amazing?!"

I thought of our Evangeline. Of course, she has been loved and cherished since the day she was conceived ...by us, at least. Her fate is very different from so many others in her position right now. However, she's going to be born into a very sinful and hateful world.

I thought about how shocked and hurt I was yesterday. I realized that there are a lot of people who won't even give her a chance to prove how amazing she is just because she's our daughter, and they think we're mean or judgmental or too religious or too conservative or incompetent or whatever! People misjudge, and she will be misjudged as well. There will be people who hate her for being an American, for not being Muslim, for being white, for being a girl....for all sorts of reasons! She will be judged wrongly in her lifetime, and for the first time this weekend, I've realized that I can't protect her from that fact.

This is the world she is being born into. A very dark, misjudging world.

I can't protect her from that fact, but I can guide her and teach her and prepare her for dealing with this world. My prayer this week for my little one is also a prayer for myself. I need to be forgiving so I can teach her to forgive. I need to be accepting of the fact that some people really don't like me or even respect me or think of me as competent, and I must do that so she'll learn to be accepting. Finally, I need to not dread over the evil of this world she's being born into, but instead make her world with us more loving and God honoring.

That's what's in my heart today. What about you?

Baby Update: Third Trimester is finally beginning!

I know that it seems like a while since I've posted on here. It has definitely been on my mind, but honestly, there haven't been too many changes since last post to talk about. However, today marks the day I officially begin my 3rd trimester! I'm 28 weeks today.

Well.....there have been a few "changes" since last post.

I've taken the nasty glucose test, and my appointments are now 2 weeks apart instead of 4. I have received lots of adorable clothes for my little girl, which I am SO grateful for and excited about. (There is one dress she has that I like to leave hanging on my closet door; it's just so precious, and it always makes me feel happy. Even Matthew awws at it when he sees it.)

We have registered at Target for baby items. You can find us at Joy or Matt Williams if you are interested.

So far we have Evangeline's crib, dresser/changing table, stroller/car seat, her bedding, some nursery decorations, clothes, and few odds and ends. Not everything is set up yet, but when it is, you'll be guaranteed pictures. (Believe me. I'm aching to get started.)

But the thing I'm most excited to share about is the new devotional I just got in the mail today (see picture above). It's a devotional for expectant mothers, and I wish I had thought to buy one a long time ago. I'm most excited about it because one concern that has been on my heart lately is the resounding question I keep asking myself: "Am I going to be a good mother?" I'm not just talking about a mom who loves and supports and cares for her child. I'm talking about being a godly mother who guides her child in the ways of the Lord. A mother who disciplines and holds high (though not impossible) expectations for her. A mother who is consistent. A mother who is in the Word OFTEN and whose prayer life is a good example for her daughter. A mother who is not perfect but points to the One who IS perfect; who urges her daughter to KNOW Jesus....not just about Jesus, not just about how "church going" is important, but KNOWS Him and loves Him and follows Him. That is my definition of a good mother, and it's the description I hope to achieve. It's also a scary thought because I know that I will fail some days and that Evangeline will still make mistakes and disobey, for she's human, and humans are naturally sinful. I've been worrying over the fact that I could do everything right, and yet she could still choose to make poor decisions in life; she could choose to decide not to follow Jesus. That potential choice of hers scares me the most.

However, my God is so good, and He has been working on my heart lately. I DO have a tough job ahead of me. How Matt and I raise her and guide her is extremely important, and we are going to have to work very hard to keep ourselves in check with God's Word and God's family. But God.....God is the ultimate parent of this baby. She is HIS before she is ours. The Holy Spirit is who will guide her decisions in life, and even though my role as her parent is very crucial to her life decision to follow Jesus, it is God who is in control. Above all else, I am to pray for her. As I have begun finally letting go of my fears and just letting God take my cares, I find such peace in praying for my little girl. She is safe in His arms.

I'm very excited about my morning devotions being guided by this book so I can better prepare my heart to be a godly mother. This has been what is in my heart lately.



...And for those of you who are still reading this long post, here's more "update" info. lol. Thanks for reading!

How far along am I?  28 weeks (7 months)

How big is the baby? About the size of a head of romaine lettuce. She's between 1-2 pounds.

How am I feeling? Pretty good actually. I still have yet to go a whole week without "morning" sickness, but it has been much better. I'm definitely tired more in the evenings, and too much walking causes stomach pains, but overall, I'm pretty good.  

What am I craving?  Eh, no specific cravings still, BUT I can stomach more raw fruits and veggies now, so I'm trying to incorporate more into my diet to give Evangeline the nutrition she needs.  

How is sleep going? Ugh. How I loooonnnggg to sleep on my stomach again!

How big am I? Belly is bigger! People are starting to notice now. I haven't gained any weight at all....but for the first time since being pregnant, I haven't lost any either. Honestly, I really like the fact that weight gain hasn't been bad. I bought my first maternity pants the other day, and it was strange because I had to buy a size down in order for the legs to fit right....but yet the whole point is buying paints so the waist can expand. lol. Very ironic, for sure!  

Symptoms I hate: The most? Hmm....lately it's been not being able to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Symptoms I love: Still feeling her move.

How's the hubs? Still very excited. Still enthralled by his daughter. Loves it when he can feel her kick. I think he's been kind of in the same boat as me in regards to pondering the extreme importance in being a good, godly parent, but we'll be traveling this journey together, keeping each other accountable, figuring things out together, and praying together about our daughter, too.