6 Weeks Down 12 To Go!

Well I experienced this today! Feels so good to get over a hump and move on to the next step!

The countdown is how I track my progress.  I can look back at another completed week and give myself a pat on the back for getting through it!  Not that it's a negative struggle, but it sure is a LOT of work and a lot of exhaustion!

The past two weeks were probably one of the hardest yet.  There was just SO much going on, I felt like I needed an IV of coffee and a group of cheerleaders to cheer me on.  HAH, funny thing is…we did have a group of cheerleaders come by for spirit week!

Let me explain the current events of my life:  Well, EVERYONE I love most was out of the state at one point, and at least two "parties" gone at a time.  I never knew how lonely that would feel, even though the only person I see on a regular basis is Nick.  My parents left for a trip out of the country, my brother was in Florida for work, and as soon as he got back to Colorado, Nick left for a business trip to New Hampshire.  It made for an extra emotional week knowing my biggest supporters wouldn't be close.  It's weird that during a typical 2 week period, I may not see my brother or parents once…but knowing they're all out of town makes my heart heavy, and miss them more than normal!

So, while I was busy being emotional because my dear ones were too far, I was also juggling after school babysitting, house sitting for my parents, spirit week, the realization that I need to get cracking on my TWS (teacher work sample) and Capstone, and the realization that no matter how confidant I feel as a teacher to be, there is still SO MUCH to learn that I won't be able to learn until I get my own class.

Let's just say I've had the biggest pile of bricks on my shoulders, the largest frogs and butterflies having a party in my throat and stomach, and all the while I've been SO HAPPY and EXCITED for every day of school with our class.  I guess that's proof that I'm on the right path..that no matter the stress, I'm still glad to be doing what I'm doing! (or maybe I'm just giving myself a pep talk via my blog post, baha!)

After all of that these past few weeks, TODAY I finally felt some relief.  Both my brother and Nick are  back in town so that's a bit of weight lifted.  My parents get home in a couple days, which means I can worry less about them and won't have to house sit anymore.  AND TODAY I finally found some clarity for my TWS and Capstone and cannot wait to get going on them!  Just the clarity of my ideas is enough to calm my nerves.  Thank goodness I can breath a little better now!

Other teaching news:  I had my first of 6 observations, an "informal" observation.  I taught our normal morning routine, and was observed doing "Daily News" with the class.  Every morning we sit in whole group on the floor, one student comes to the easel and reports on their news.  Together we write it as a class and practice grammar, punctuation, phonics, etc.  This is a time for our students to build community by learning about one another, feel a sense of pride to report in front of their class, and to practice A TON of aspects of writing that they need to know and use on a daily basis.  Daily news is fun for me also.  My CT has so many fun names for long vowels, short vowels, word patterns, silent letters, etc… So it's fun to practice those with the kids.

I've begun teaching reading and writing groups on occasion.  I love small group because it's a good time for the kids to get to know my teaching styles and expectations without my CT around, and for me  to get a better glimpse of their progress and how each child learns a bit differently.  It's fun to see their personalities come out in these groups as.  My CT let me plan for our middle (meaning at grade level) writing group for this weeks lessons.  She guided me on their targets, but I was in charge of planning each days work and will be responsible for making sure they are meeting their targets.  I'm glad to take on more responsibility!

Let another week begin!

Back on track...

So... I feel like everytime I write a post about being healthy I eat 5 cookies before I even publish the post!! Ok- slightly exaggerating but with life being so busy and fall creeping out all I've wanted to do lately is... Eat. Junk. But... this week I decided to jump back on track and feel healthy! Now with jumping back on track it didn't just happen in the blink of an eye. It took planning and thought so below are a few of my tips if you are wanting to make healthy choices:

pic from Pinterest

1. Plan ahead!!- if you are ready to make healthy choices this is so important!! I like to take a few mins and write down or plan my meals for the week along with specific exercises I know I want to do! 

2. Meal prep!!- this is another MAJOR part of making healthy choices!! For me, if I don't prep my meals for the week I will not stick with it! For me- I'm not a great cook and I don't like spending my days or nights cooking which is why I choose simple prep meals and eat the same things throughout the week! If you like cooking all the power to ya but for me the simpler the better! 

3. Exercise- I'm trying to get back into a workout routine so for me exercise means trying to get 3x/week in and move up from there! Set goals that are realistic! 

4. It's ok to still enjoy treats!- I really try and stick to a clean diet but if I have a little treat here or there I don't let it derail me! I've learned being too strict with myself results in major... MAJOR binge eating! 

5. Eat healthy for health not a size. When I make healthy choices for an overall healthy lifestyle vs. a dress size I stick to it! Health is so important and something not to take for granite!

I hope these help- I know they definitely help me!! 

pic from Pinterest

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?  

I didn't but I'm glad I found out so I could share with all of you and hopefully join in the fight against childhood cancer.

Cancer sucks no matter what stage of life a person is in, but to me, it sucks even more for a child.  It raises the question, how on earth could someone so innocent, so "pure," and too young to comprehend what challenge their body is facing, be faced with such a battle.  It makes no sense and it's heart breaking.  For some, it may be a quick battle, and for others it may last years.

A few years ago I crossed paths with a sweet and spunky little girl named Haven.  Just as I was getting to know her at the preschool I was working at, she went in for a doctors appointment, and the outcome was not good:

Kicking cancer's a$$!!! Go Haven!

"Haven is a 4 year old little girl who has been diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma in the adrenal gland that has metastisized to her spinal cord and her chest.  She was diagnosed April 2012, 2 weeks after her 2nd birthday.  She has endured 27 rounds of chemo, MIBG therapy, an auto stem cell transplant, 20 rounds of standard radiation, 2 rounds of antibodies, TMA in her kidneys, 3 round of intensive high dose radiation, and now will be starting the fenretinide trial." 

-http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/havenanderson

Just reading what this girl has been through makes my heart SO heavy for Haven and her family.  But at the same time, I can't help but to think that this little lady is a warrior (and a hero to so many) who has been fighting like a champ for over 2 years now.  That part is amazing.  We should learn a lesson from such little lives.  She has taken on a challenge that most of us will never see in our life time, and while I'm sure there have been many moments Haven and her family have felt defeated, they all keep on fighting this nasty disease in hopes to give it the big middle finger!

Haven & her biggest fans!

Um, I'm pretty sure she's the cutest thing EVER!!!

Haven recently, look at this super hero!

I could ramble on about how much childhood cancer SUCKS (because it does), but in the end I have NO CLUE how much it really sucks, because I'm not dealing with it first hand.  I'd just like to help spread awareness and support to the families who are going through this daily battle for their child's life, health and well-being.  

To learn more about Haven and her battle, & to donate visit:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/havenanderson

or

https://www.facebook.com/ihearthavenbelle

To read more about childhood cancer, and donate visit:

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Also, if you haven't already, register yourself on Be The Match

You could be the match to someone in need of a life saving transplant!

Lately

Life lately has been going 100mph that I don't even know where time goes!! I have recently switched to a new job and loving it but I definitely don't have the free time like I used to! In all seasons of life though I always know that The Lord is right there with me and He strengthens me through all seasons of life!! Here are a few of favorite inspirations on Pinterest!!

When in doubt... mongram it.

I have this obsession with monogramming. I mean... legit obsession. My cousin sells Thirty-One items and she was laughing at me because I wanted every.single.piece monogrammed. But hey, it's better than a kick in the pants! :) I just think it's fun, personal and cute! I do have to laugh though because have any of you watched that new show on Bravo Jersey Belle? First of all, HILARIOUS! You have got to start watching this show, I am obsessed. But, it's funny because this girl from New Jersey moves to Alabama and cannot understand people's obsession with monogramming! I have favorited so many items on Etsy and if you haven't purchased these items for yourself I think you should. Christmas is right around the corner people, so I'm just sayin. Oh, and if you're wondering my intials are First: J Middle: S Last: T

I mean, just in case you wanna get me a monogrammed cup, shirt, jewelry holder, bag...etc. ;)

Here's what's on my personal wish list:

1. Monogram Cup

2. Jewelry Tray

3. Monogrammed Wreath

4. Weekend Bag

5. Keychain

6. Hat

Adorable, right?? I just feel like I need all of these. All of these I found on Etsy. Click on the links and it takes you straight to their shop! :) I am spreading my obsession of monogramming to all of you! You're welcome! ;) 

Be featured!

When Jessica and I talked about creating this blog, we decided we wanted to cover an array of topics-- all things "life," hence our name!  I noted all of the awesome entrepreneurs, network marketers and other business people we are associated with, and how cool it is that they've taken their passion and created a business or organization with it.  

One of my goals is to feature friends with these businesses, to support their work and to share their products and services with others.  If you or anyone you know would like to be featured in our blog, PLEASE contact us!! You may email us at ajlifestyleblog@gmail.com or if we're friends on Facebook, you're welcome to contact us there as well.

We know our blog is still very young and it won't touch as many readers as we'd like in the beginning. With your help we will create a larger blog community and be able to share your passions with (hopefully) hundreds!  We are more than willing to "re-feature" you as our following increases.

Thanks so much for joining Jessica and I in one of our many passions, connecting with people and sharing our life interests!

Alex's fall bucket list

I've decided to follow Jessica's lead and create a fall bucket list.  This fall will be unlike any other between teaching and all of the big assignments due for my licensure.  Getting things checked off of my bucket list will be a challenge, but it's a good goal to keep myself sane and happy!  Because this is a FALL list, I want the items to be mostly FALL oriented, and I'm including things I've already done but really want to do again in the next few months!

Join me in completing some of these ideas, but let me know once you do!! I'd love to hear peoples stories, or see pictures!

1. Celestial Seasonings Tour:  This is one of my favorite tours.  There is something intriguing about a factory, especially when it involves lovely aromas and flavors.  I LOVE their tea, and I love that this is FREE.

Located in Boulder, CO.

2.  Hike to the Maroon Bells while the leaves are changing.  Just look at this picture and you'll know why!!

3. Take part in another Canvas & Cocktails class, or Upstairs Circus.  It's just too much fun being creative! 

4. Get back into a workout routine.  It's gone out the window while I've been adjusting to the new schedule.  I typically do Les Mills Body Pump or Body Combat along with one of the 30 day Way of Gray home workouts!

5.  Go to a corn maze.  Getting lost in corn fields makes me feel like a kid again…not that I hung out in corn as a kid, but I sure did love hide and seek!

6.  Get to Miller Farms to do some hand picked produce shopping!  

7.  Volunteer for a food bank! This is the time of year that families are in extra need of support!

8. Investigate (and possibly start) what it would take to donate my time to a children's hospital and read or do crafts with little ones! 

9.  Take more time in the kitchen exploring new recipes!  Of course I will pass them along if they're a success!

10. Last, and most importantly… Successfully complete my TWS, Capstone, and Masters degree…followed by being hired as a long term sub for spring :-)

**I hope you enjoy some of these ideas too!  I'm SOOO looking forward to cool air, the colors changing, boots & scarves, and a new season!

4 weeks down 14 to go!

Wow, the past month has zipped by, especially the last two weeks.  Every day in the classroom I feel more and more sure about my decision to become a teacher.  I wake up in the morning excited to see our 22 smiling faces, and look forward to learning from our 2nd grade team.  I love that even though our daily routine doesn't change, each day brings something new and different!

I began leading morning work about two weeks ago.  Every morning when the kids come in, they have their routine "check in" procedures (making lunch choices, handing in HW folders, etc.), and then they sit down for morning work.  This is either a poem to read, questions to answer about the poem or DOL's (daily oral language, this is reading and writing practice).  From a teaching standpoint, this is easy.  I just monitor the students, to be sure they are on task and trying their best.  Then, we all go over the work as a class.  Easy, right?!  WELL, this is where being a teacher REALLY comes to play.  Finding these routine moments to insert extra learning.  I feel like I'm constantly on a game show, trying to come up with good questions to ask the students, and how to relate it to past lessons or connections to the real world.  This part takes some practice, you have to be on your toes and ready to expand the student's learning.  It's fun, sometimes challenging, and I feel like I'm part of an improv show!

Another great milestone was my first full day of teaching!  My CT was gone and so it was me and a substitute.  The sub works at our school, and for my CT on a regular basis so she's pretty familiar with the routine.  She was so kind in letting me take over, and just stepping in where it would be beneficial to have two teachers!  She was great to work with, and complimented my teaching, which meant A LOT!  Since then, I only take over here and there throughout the day.  The students are learning routine a bit still, therefor so am I.  The things that don't change much each day, are the things that I typically lead since I'm familiar with them. In about 2 weeks I will hopefully be doing 75%-100% of the teaching on a daily basis.

My class helped me celebrate my 27th birthday on September 4th!  It was the most exciting birthday song I've ever had!  I passed out cookies, the kids sang to me, and I got 27 "high-fives" from them.  They sure know how to make someone feel special!  In the mornings the kids with birthdays get to announce it on the intercom.  My CT sent 3 kids up to announce my bday.  They each said "Hi my name is ___" then they said "and today is Ms. Fat-nellys, I mean Fanelli's birthday!" hahaha, it was pretty amazing!

A gift from PTO, a candle and Panera gift card!

We went on our first field trip this past Friday.  I never thought a field trip would be more exhausting then a full week of teaching.  Holy cow, manning 3 boys with selective hearing was a lot.  They taught me more about patience and reasoning, and they made me appreciate our school routine that much more.  With that said, it was a FUN day at the Highlands Ranch Mansion.  We learned about our towns history, and got to participate in some cool activities like a hay ride, a petting zoo, and crafts!

Check out the size of this bunny at the petting zoo!

Adding their art to this map

As I've said on Facebook, the teaching is the part that gets me up and going in the morning.  I'm thrilled  that I'm so motivated for an 8 hour day on my feet, watching these munchkins expand their knowledge every day.  What doesn't thrill me as much, is our TWS and Capstone project that have added some stress to the weekly schedule.  TWS stands for teacher work sample, and it's basically a formal unit plan we have to create and teach.  We did a MTWS (mini teacher work sample, right grad friends?! I've forgotten already lol!!) in one of our classes, so the format is familiar.  The difference is the size of this particular project.  I'm doing my TWS focusing on habitats.  This should be interesting because its a science lesson, and we all know how much of a priority science and social studies take in the classroom these days (not!).  My CT said we will make it a point to fit it in when I'm scheduled to teach, though.  Wish me luck!

I've also finally settled on my Capstone project.  Our capstone is a big final project that incorporates pieces of everything we've learned while in our grad program.  We have the option of several different project types, and just before graduation, we present our project to our peers and professors.  I am doing a literature review of Backward Design. Backward Design is a specific way of lesson planning that is HUGE within the district that I'm teaching in.  I figured I should educate myself on the topic, from from to back, so I can go confidently into an interview with this district and show them how much I know!  I have A TON of reading and writing ahead of me, but I am sure I will finish with a very informative piece of work!

Here's to another month of school, and another month closer to accomplishing a huge goal in my life!

Ted, he's cute.

Fried lemon Dover Sole

I'm one of those people that LOVES seafood…as long as it doesn't taste too fishy.  I like to marinade, drench, and fry my fish to mask that possible fishy flavor.  I know the fishy taste depends on the freshness and variety of fish, but just to be safe…I'll add more sauce ;o)

One of my favorite fish to eat is Dover Sole.  My mom introduced me to this recipe, and I loved its creamy buttery taste and texture! Over the past couple years I've altered a few things for my own taste preferences.

Ingredients:

1-1.5 Pounds of fresh Dover Sole (it's a white meat fish, thinly filleted)

~1.5 Cups flour

~3 eggs

~1 Cup regular breadcrumbs

~1 Cup Panko bread crumbs

~1 Tbsp lemon pepper

~1/2 Tbsp garlic powder

Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)

~ 4 Tbsp butter

1 Lemon

Let's Cook!

1. Place flour in a bowl large enough for the fish.  Crack the eggs into their own bowl large enough for the fish and mix them with a splash of water or milk.  Add the Panko and regular breadcrumbs to a third bowl, mixing them with the lemon pepper and garlic powder.

2. Place oil in frying pan, covering the bottom about 1/4 inch.  Turn to medium-medium/high heat (you may need to experiment with the temperature of your stove.

3.  Take each fillet and cover with flour, then egg mixture, then bread crumb mixture.  Drop into frying pan and fry about 2 min on each side or until golden brown.  This fish is very delicate and flakes easily, so pull it out carefully.  Repeat these steps for each fillet, setting aside on a pan or plate.  

4.  Melt butter in a bowl and squeeze lemon into the butter (half or whole, depends on your liking).  Brush each fillet with the butter/lemon mixture.

5. Tips: If you aren't going to eat the fish right away keep warm in oven.  Heat oven to lowest heat, that's usually around 170 degrees.  Cover plate of fish with foil to keep from drying out in the oven.  I typically serve this with a pesto pasta and veggies.

Jessica's Fall Bucket List

With fall approaching quickly I have to say I am sentimentally over summer and dying for Fall!! Every year when fall approaches and I can smell the crisp air (that makes no sense but I like it) and wear a comfy sweatshirt I welcome fall with open arms! Honestly, if I could hug fall I would. And it just so happens I still have my fall wreath on my front door.... from last year. (Don't judge) Anyways, with my favorite season approaching I put together my Fall Bucket List because I'm hoping if I write it down it will actually happen. So, here I go! :)

1. Pumpkin Patch- I love going to the pumpkin patch in the Fall. That to me is the definition of fall. Cool weather, pumpkins, apple cider, face painting, veggies...etc. I went to a Pumpkin Patch/Farm last year and it was amazing. Not the one highlighted here, but it had face painting, animals, a fresh market, roasted chilis, hay ride...etc. I loved every minute of it! This is definitely #1 on my list. I told my husband last night and he was... thrilled. ;)

2. Farmers Market- We go to the farmers market quite often over the summer but my favorite time to go is fall. I love walking around, trying food samples ( I mean let's be honest, that's the main reason I go) ;) and stocking up on fresh produce! There are farmers markets everywhere- so check your local area! The one we go to is open till November!

3. Air Force Academy- Don't ask me why but going to an Air force Football game has been something I have always wanted to do! Maybe because Colorado Springs is my favorite city in Colorado and so going to a college game sounds like a blast and a half! :)

4. Drink gallons of pumpkin spice lattes- because why not? It's fall.

5. Decorate/carve pumpkins. I really want to paint pumpkins instead of carve this year because carving is hard and messy. and that's not my thing.

(Pic from Pinterest)

6. Wear leggings 7x/week ;)

7. Lose 10 pounds so I don't feel bad about the 100 batches of baked goodies I'll be making. Fall Trail Mix, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, macaroons, pumpkin pie... and the list goes on. Martha Stewart would be proud. (I'll post recipes to all in a later post)

8. Go on long walks. I love walking in the fall. I love hearing the leaves crunch under my feet and once again smelling the crisp air. It's simply the best.

(Pic from Pinterest)

For some reason fall reminds me to slow down a bit. Summer is always sooo busy that when fall hits I'm reminded to just take a breath. What's on your Fall Bucket List??

Sign, Sealed & Delivered

My friends sister in-law has a sign business that I HAD to share with you because these signs are adorable!  Katie Goodwin creates chalk signs for ALL occasions: Birthdays, weddings, family photos, holidays, business advertisements, you name it!  

I worked with her when one of my friends was expecting her baby boy.  They have a sports theme nursery, so those were basically my only guidelines…make it sports themed!  I let Katie take creative control and this was the result!

Is this cute or what?!  It now sits above baby Lane's closet in his baseball/football nursery.  

Look at some of her other adorable creations!

Prices vary depending on size, frame, and design.  She is located on California's Central coast so if you are out of town, there is an additional shipping cost.  

Katie is offering $10 off a custom sign to our followers!  All you have to do is hit "join this page" on the right hand side of our blog, and if you are on instagram follow us @ajlifestyleblog 

Like Sign, Sealed & Delivered on Facebook

Contact Katie at ssd.katie@gmail.com for more information & to place your order!

Paleo Blueberry Muffins

I found this recipe on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. I always try and make a healthy version of my favorite treats and these did not disappoint! Click here for the recipe! The only thing I forgot to add in my pictures is the maple syrup! Let me know what you think!!!

A Written Note...

Hey y'all!! :) Hope everyone is having a great week! This is a super random post but whatever ;)

For those who know me, you know that I LOVE writing letters/cards and sending them the good ol' fashion way- in the mail! Me personally, I love getting mail. (And by mail I mean a sweet card or invitation- NOT a bill). One day I decided, well if I love getting mail then everyone else does too, right? So, that's when I decided I would go to the store, buy a sleeve of stamps and write hand written notes randomly to people. I have absolutely LOVED doing this, especially when people say it brightened their day! It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a quick hello and that I was thinking about them! I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a box of blank colorful cards so I could put my own little message on the front and have LOVED it! Especially with friends & family out of town this is a fun way to keep in touch! :)

If the camera on my phone wasn't broken I would show you pictures of my cards but the below Etsy inspiration will just have to do!!!!

1. Monogrammed Stationary

2. Personalized Note cards

3. Blank Note Cards

4. Hipster Inspiration

And because I'm obsessed with all things monograming this personalized mail stamp is on my wish list! I think sending/receiving personalized note cards is so refreshing in such a "technology" driven world. It's just a little something extra special instead of a text, email or wall post on FB. Try it out. Send a card to someone special and I guarantee it will make their day!