11 Weeks Down 7 To Go!

…and halfway through the 12th week!

Another 3 weeks came and went in a blink of an eye.  A lot has happened in those three weeks between student teaching and personal life.  

The biggest accomplishment I completed with my second grade team were our conferences.  It was the school's first year doing student led conferences.  There was a lot of push back from families, they were worried they would not get any one on one time with the teachers to discuss their child's progress.

We began preparing for conferences the week before fall break, and the week after is when we began coaching the kids.  They filled out several goal sheets for math, reading and writing, and charted their progress on bar graphs.  We helped them compile a file folder of their work and they rehearsed it several times.  It was pretty cool to see how positive this process was.  Students were proud to share their work with their peers when they practiced, and really took ownership of everything they have accomplished this far in the year.

The moment of truth was conference day when they came in with their parents, and led the whole conference. My CT and I stood back, and only jumped in to answer questions or point out something the student may have forgotten.  Parents were happily surprised at how the conferences turned out.  They were proud to see their children take the lead roll and acknowledge their own work.  They seemed especially impressed with the students personal evaluations of themselves.  They had to choose which behavioral areas they were good at and which they needed to focus on.  EVERY student made an honest evaluation of themselves, and some of their parents were blown away that they were able to honestly reflect on their behavior and performance in the classroom!

Overall, student led conferences seemed to be a success.  I am glad I was able to be apart of this type of conference, I now have experience in traditional conferences and student led…all experience is beneficial for my future as a teacher!

We had a week of fall break a couple weeks ago!  I forgot how necessary the scheduled breaks are. They always seem to come at JUST the right moment.  I was beginning to feel excessively overwhelmed, and the break was just what I needed (and I know the rest of the school needed the break as well).  I was able to spend time with my family and boyfriend, hang out with my cousin who came to town, and love on my parent's new puppy.  On top of that, I caught up on a lot of TWS work, and my Capstone!  But of course, I will feel like my head is just above water until I graduate and ALL of my assignments are submitted!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a job fair at UNC.  I hadn't been back to Greeley since I graduated in December of 2009, wow did 5 years go by in a flash!  I met with a few counties and schools, and overall had a VERY successful visit.  What I'm most excited about is the connection I made with a local charter school's principal.  We talked casually for a bit about my background and what her charter school was about.  As we progressed, it hit me who she was…my 6th grade teacher from way back when!!  Small world, isn't it?!  Before we realized our connection, she seemed very impressed with my SLP & Aud. background and wanted me to come back a little later for a more in depth conversation.  When I went back, she told me about a paraprofessional position opening in January, which could potentially lead to a 2nd grade teaching position in the fall!  She wants me to come into the school for a tour and interview with the rest of her team.  I can't explain how EXCITING this is!  It could be a perfect situation, to have time in the school getting to know its community and culture before (1) deciding if I want to take a full time teaching position there, and (2) taking on a classroom for my first time.  It would make the transition into my first year teaching a lot more graceful already knowing the school and the people!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed, saying my prayers, and telling the universe what I want…I hope it all pans out, and I can finish student teaching and jump right back into a school!

Halloween is Friday (in case you weren't aware, haha!).  I can't wait to share our teams Halloween costume with everyone.  It sure is cute, and the kids are going to LOVE it!!

Just a few more weeks left and so much to do…back to work I go…!

Thankful

As the Thanksgiving season approaches I decided it would be a good time to write a post on being "Thankful." I know we are told daily to be thankful and grateful for what we have in our life, but I believe it takes special moments that really truly allow you to be thankful and grateful for your life. As I've started my new job I am faced almost daily with people's lives and situations, and it has given me an entirely new outlook and appreciation on life. I'm not just talking about clothes, cars, house...etc. I am talking a true and humbling gratefulfulness for my health, my legs, my arms, my family, my husband, my ability to take care of myself and the list could go on and on. These are all things i take for granite on a daily basis. I walk, talk, eat, breathe, live, socialize on a daily, minute by minute basis and don't even realize these are all privileges that many people live without. I'm frustrated if my iphone has less than 10% battery, as if my life will come crashing down without a phone for the day. I know- shallow right? Don't even pretend you haven't felt the same way. I'm not saying I have a perfect life, nor do I want a perfect life, because I know in those challenging moments I face the Lord teaches me things that are valuable, but I know I am blessed beyond measure and have far more than may people. If you have a roof over your head, the ability to eat out on a weekly basis, visit Starbucks far more than you should, shop for new clothes, browse Pinterest whenever you feel like it, talk or text on the phone without question and drive a car... BE THANKFUL. You are blessed. Beyond health and monetary things, I am grateful and thankful for the Lord. His grace, his mercy and his peace that passes all understanding. Without all these things I know the Lord is still my strength and comfort. I am just very thankful, and I hope you are too. Ponder these things, and take a moment to be thankful, grateful and appreciative. I know I definitely have these last few days.

Pinterest Win-Mississippi Roast

Many of us are hooked on Pinterest.  There's something fun about sharing ideas, having a way to "pin" them to a digital board for future referral, and find inspiration in other people's creations.  

I've tried MANY Pinterest ideas, as most of us have, and found that some were a complete win and others a fail.  I've decided to share my "wins" and how I altered some of them to create something slightly different.  

This first WIN is a Mississippi roast.  I was drawn to the recipe because of the few ingredients, the fact that it was a convenient crockpot meal, and like most of my food pins…it looked delicious at the time, and sounded great for fall weather!

Following the link from Pinterest, the roast was on Table For Two's blog.  

Find the complete recipe here, and let her know how it turns out!!

Mississippi Roast-Table For Two

The only thing I did differently, was the cut of meat that I used.  I couldn't find a 3 pound chuck roast, so I used a 2.15 pound rump roast.  It turned out delicious, with a lot of extra juices in the crock pot.  I served this over mashed potatoes and drizzled the extra juices over as gravy.

My version!

Thanks Table For Two for sharing such a delicious, and easy meal!

Date Day 1.0

This past Wednesday my husband and I spent our first day off acting like Denver tourists! In a previous post I had expressed my excitement about having a day off together each week, and the first day did not disappoint! First stop... fresh juice of course! :)

This is my favorite new place... EVER! Forget Starbucks I would rather have a delicious fresh juice! Oh, and ignore that mine is almost gone in this picture! ;)

Nekter Juice

Next stop... down town to the new Union Station! We had so much fun! I had no idea how amazing it was inside, with restaurants, shops and even a hotel! I felt like a real tourist and didn't mind it one bit! 

Oh, and of course it's not an adventure without our photogenic photos ;) 

This is his: "Please do not take a photo of me" I mean... if you couldn't tell! 

This is his... "Fine... this is all you get." I'll take it! ;)

I'm so happy to be here!!

This is me trying to jump in front of Union Station. And this is my husband trying to capture it. FAIL.

And one more to show how happy we are! ;) We had the best day and I am so happy we get to spend more time together! Bring on the next week!

Nails like no other!

 I LOVE having pretty nails, but hardly ever do because I'm too busy picking at them, biting them, too busy to paint them (and when I do, it looks like a 3 year old did it), and quite honestly pedicures and manicures are NOT in the budget for awhile.  

As a teacher, I try to present myself professionally and stylish.  To me, part of that look includes manicured hands (and feet, especially when we're in group and the kids are glaring at my toes, awkward!!).  Is it weird that I care how my cuticles and nails look on the projector cam?  Well, I do, because believe me…I still remember my teachers that dressed funny and smelled gross...and I don't want to be remembered in the same way, with yucky hands or feet hahaha!!

I was invited to shop on an online Jamberry party and the products definitely caught my interest!  Read the chalk board to learn more:

What stood out to me were the ADORABLE patterns and fun color combos, and the fact that I wouldn't have to paint my nails.  

This reminds me of Frozen, and I love them for winter!

Pretty in pink

SO CUTE for fall! I want this set!!

They work on toes too!

Don't forget, little girls like having pretty nails too!

I finally gave in and purchased a sheet, and I cannot wait until my order gets here!  

I know I have some stylish ladies in my life, and I wanted to be sure and share this cool (new?) trend with all of you.  I've decided to host an online party, and I hope you indulge in a little shopping to satisfy your girly needs!!

Here are the online details:

Follow this link to purchase through our party: Buy Now!

For more updates on the party, follow us on Instagram @ajlifestyleblog
and join our Facebook group

For more information contact Daysha:

dayshaklun@gmail.com

Spread the word, consider hosting your own party, and earn free stuff!!

Chihuly Exhibit

Right now at the Denver Botanic Gardens is the most amazing exhibit called Chihuly. The exhibit is here through November and if you haven't gone yet, you need to asap! The most amazing glass sculptures all throughout the gardens, and it truly is amazing to see- plus it makes for a pretty fun date night! Here are a few pictures we captured while we were there- and I had to photo bomb a couple of the sculptures!! ;)

8 weeks down 10 to go!

As I wrote the countdown in my title just now, it came to me why I've been feeling like butterflies, frogs, volcanoes and cry babies have been hanging out in my body lately!  I'm at that point on the mountain where I've been climbing and climbing, and I'm getting pretty warn out, but I'm so close to that down hill turning point.  

There's no point in pretending that it's all grand, the honey moon period is over!  Well wait, I shouldn't say that…I'm still in love with teaching, still love my class and 2nd grade team, and my CT is awesome.  Thank goodness for all of that.  What isn't as romantic is juggling full time teaching (and not getting paid), a TWS, a Capstone project, after school babysitting, and a personal life.  Let's just say the stress and the constant pit in my stomach from being overwhelmed has set in.  I have no problem crying it out though, and moving on.  I'm good at working myself up and feeling like life is crazy and scattered, but I always manage to get things done that need to get done, and I will continue to push through the second half of fall semester!

What's been put aside while I've been juggling the other stuff:  Exercise, a healthy diet, water, deep cleaning, hanging with friends… hah, all the things that probably keep me sane!!  The result: a few extra pounds on the scale, those awesome back muscles I was building are slowing going away, breakouts constantly (due to stress, diet, lack of water…), and probably contributing to my emotional state!  Hey, at least I'm aware of it…right?! haha

My goals for this week:  

-Try to work in at least a little bit of exercise, I need to start somewhere and a little is better than nothing! 

-WATER WATER WATER…man I need water!  

-I will devote time after work on my projects, even if it's only 30 minutes.  A little every day adds up and I need to push myself through it in order to get these projects done.  

-A healthier diet…I'm so good at eating healthy, but I'm also really good at eating what's convenient when I'm busy--or eating all the treats in the lounge at school.  I will do my best to make healthier choices, then I know my body will start to crave the good stuff again, and my skin will clear up a bit! 

-Taking a deep breath, and taking one step at a time-Because really, that's all I can do!

I needed to whine and pout and make personal goals public.  It's a coping mechanism I suppose.  Also, knowing I'm not the only person going through this program helps.  I know my classmates are feeling a lot of the same feelings.  WE will get through it and be proud that we did!  AND graduation day will be that much more rewarding knowing the amount of time, work, commitment, and money we put into our future!

Now I can move on and get the job done!!  

Besides the excessive stress, everything is great (bahaha!).  I began teaching my TWS unit which is a 7 week unit on habitats.  I'm learning how low on the totem pole science and social studies are.  It makes sense, because the other subjects are foundations for so much.  But it's also pretty sad because these subjects are the ones we usually get to do extremely hands on and interactive lessons with. 

By the time I get started teaching after math and factor in about 5 minutes to clean up at the end of the day, I end up with about 20 minutes to teach science!  I'm learning a lot about the stresses of teachers and how they struggle to fit in content throughout the day, and why science and social studies planning is definitely not a priority…and sometimes skipped all together!  On the flip side I've learned how important it is to embed multiple subjects into lessons.  Our school uses a reading program that embeds a lot of the science and social studies into it, thank goodness for that!  Our kids seem excited about the content though, this age LOVES learning about animal habitats!

I had my first "formal" observation by my university advisor.  That went well.  She had great things to say about my teaching style.  It's nice to get that kind of feedback and to be reassured that you're good at what you love!  I know Nick will be surprised to hear that she loves my voice and presence in the classroom.  I know that sounds like a weird compliment, but I tend to speak quietly and have to make a real effort to project my voice.  She said my demeanor is one that the kids will soon love and trust if they don't already, what a compliment!  

I know I have so much more to learn and that much of my learning will not happen until I get into my own classroom.  I cannot wait to have that responsibility and that is a stress I will welcome!  

That's all for now, have a wonderful week everyone! Hopefully by my 10 week check in, some bricks will have lifted off my shoulders…there's a good chance since week 10 is fall break! WAHOOO!!!!

Pick a keep calm, any keep calm.  But really, I just need to KEEP CALM! :-p

It's been a while.....

I am so excited to write this post and I know I will have continual updates as times goes on... but starting next week will be the first week in over 2 1/2 years that my husband and I will have 2 days off together in a week!!!! Let me explain... at his job he has to work Saturdays, so while I may have weekends every week, we really only had Sundays off together. Which... to me don't really count because we have church morning and night and business during the day. This has been going on for 2 1/2 years, so unless we specifically take time off together for vacation that has been our schedule. Well, now that I am at my new job I have weekends off and a flex day during the week! Naturally I chose the same day as him, so we will now have a day off together in the weeeeeeeeek!!!! I am beyond excited and I have so many fun things I want to do, so I've decided to make a list so I won't forget!! :) This will probably mean nothing to anyone, but to me it does ;) So here ya go!

Husband & Wife Days:

1. Day trip up to Vail! I LOVE Vail in the fall, so this is a MUST!

2. Day trip to Mt. Rushmore. This is a stretch, but I've never been and I want to go sooo baad! It's only a 6 hour drive! ;)

3. Lay in our pj's all.day.long and watch movies and eat snacks! I mean... does anything sound better??

4. HOUSE PROJECTS. To say I am the laziest home owner with zero decorative skills would be an understatement- but with time off now I figure we might as well try! :)

5. Bake.

6. Finish Christmas shopping by mid-November. I want it all done. wrapped. ready to go. Enjoying the holidays is a MUST for me this year!!

7. Go to a pumpkin patch together!! I love this one, but it's closed on Sundays so we were never able to go together, well now we can!!

8. Cruise around downtown for a day, eat lunch and just do whatever we want!! :)

9. Zoo

10. Enjoy every single moment we have together!!

I will start picture documenting our outings so come back soon for more!!!



a&j snap shots

What happens when you get two gal-pals in front of a camera?…a whole lot of giggles!

Recently, Jess and I arranged a "photo sesh" with my buddy Ryan.  While the goal was to get some new shots for our blog, and promote Ryan's talents, it turned in to an hour of laughter, cacti dodging, and doing our best to look like friends and not lovers…though I do love Jess, we wanted to portray an accurate image of our relationship :-p 

Ryan was such a trooper as we acted like a couple of 18 year old girls.  He ran with our giddy and goofy personalities and caught some really cute (and funny) candids. 

The night started out a little cloudy, but by the end of the hour we were lucky enough to get one of Colorado's amazing sunsets!  Check out our favorites, and check out Ryan's website while you're at it!  He is a SUPER talented & fun photographer to work with!

Shutter / Sensor Visual Media

www.shuttersensor.com

a&j

Cutest laugh ever!

I think we look like super heroes here! 

Hey! Let's be cheesy!