FINAL Currently!

I cannot believe this is Farley's LAST Currently! I obvi had to participate... so here we go!

 Thanks so much for stopping by! I am so sad to see this "teacher blogging staple" go... but cheers to an exciting future for Farley and her sweet little blog!

August Currently!

It's Labor Day- quite possibly a teacher's all time favorite holiday, besides Christmas and Spring Break and Thansgiving...

But somehow Labor Day is just so perfectly timed.  Who couldn't use a little break before boosting into September?  {Speaking of the fact that it's September, I actually named my file Currently August because mentally I thought it was August... and I just realized that, well, it's not August anymore... while I was typing this...

BUT, it's September now.  And time for all things pumpkin, scarf, and boots!  Bring it on Fall :)

Hop on over to Farley's blog to check out this month's currently!

Listening... I'm on my way home to South Carolina from Seattle!!  I may be crazy to travel like this on a must needed rest weekend.  But when I studied abroad in Spain five years ago, I met some amazing friends.  And we all live all over the country and once or twice a year we meet up in someone's home-city and have a reunion.  This time it was Seattle!  I needed the laughs, perspective, and nature and feel reenergized and renewed heading back to the real world.  Thank you Delta Wifi for providing me with work time :)

Loving... Travel.  My hubby and I are travelers.  While he didn't make it to Seattle with me, we're always planning our next trip.  Seattle also reminded me how much I love to see new places.  Looks like we will need to start planning when I get home.  Life's too short not to see the world, right?

Thinking... About what else?  My teaching team is amazing and we collaborate frequently to plan for our week.  They save me so much time and effort!  I already had great ideas for the week when I went to check my school e-mail this morning.  Thank the Lord for great support!

Wanting... Some {I'm making up a word- I know} comfiness for my classroom!  We need a few chairs and pillows to spruce it up.  Right now it feels very... sterile?  Not the vibe I'm going for.  But funds are necessary for comfiness factors... so all in good time I suppose...

Needing... a dresser!  Enough with folding clothes on the floor!  I'm ready to be an adult!  Now the real question is, which comes first... the dresser or the comfiness?

3 Trips... All dreams of mine and places I plan/hope/need/beg to visit in the next five year!!  Has anyone ever done any of these??

Well, I'm off to read and take notes for the week!  We're devouring Frindle and loving discussions focusing on the power our words have!

Happy SHORT week!!

MAY CURRENTLY {TpT Sale, Notepads, and Spring!!}

Well, it's May!  Only a month and a half left in Spain and we're trying to soak up every minute of... every minute I have with students, every minute traveling, every minute spent at European cafes, and every minute at the beach... Before we know it, June will be here and the school year will come to an end!  I hope you're savoring every minute of this new month!  I'm linking up with Farley for May's Currently!  Hop on over to see what other fun bloggers have joined :)

 Listening... to Ingrid Michaelson's new album.  In love.  Mine and my hubby's first dance was to her song, You & I.  Mmmm happy memories :) {And in love with this adorable video}


Loving... my new Notepads!  I haven't had time to share about this yet, but something new has joined my TpT Store!!  I now have Teacher Notepads available for purchase!!   They were designed by me, printed and bound by my dad, and the photos were taken by my grandfather {since I'm still living in Spain and the notepads are in Cincinnati, Ohio!}.  So they're truly a family product and only $10 +shipping!  Check them out here or here!  Notepads will ship in 5 business days from Cincinnati and will be on your doorstep in no time!  Come on, I know you want to check them out!! {One even features Farley's favorite quote!!}

Thinking... about what I plan to stock my shopping cart with for the coming TpT SALE!!  I love when TpT has a sale and I just have to stock up on clip art and fun fonts!!  What will you load your shopping cart with? 

Pick this guy up for FREE in my TpT store!

Wanting... SO MUCH!  What items are in your shopping cart?  I'm hoping to pick up these guys during the sale...

Mrs. Cahill's Class

These Beautiful Backgrounds

And this landforms clip art by Ashley Hughes!

Needing... to go read my daily devotion.  I've been reading Jesus' Calling and have really loved every minute of it.  Each day's reading is short with a beautiful message.  I know this will be a book I read year after year- not just this one year.  When I read I try to journal my thoughts and feelings and prayers {time allowing}.  I greatly look forward to this quiet time {or not so quiet time} and it's about time!  Off I go to heat up to water for a cup of tea :)

And SURPRISE... I really love Teacher Julia's sweet blog and think you should totes stop by and check her out!

Happy FRIDAY!!

April Currently {Traveling to the States!!}

Y'all... my hubby and I are heading back to the States for a long weekend and I am sooo excited to go back and speak English, have drinks TO GO {these do not exist in Spain... sigh...} and eat an amazing hamburger.   My amazing friend, and my own Maid of Honor, is getting married this weekend.  I am having lots of fun with the Matron of Honor duties {but does anyone else hate the name we get?  Matron... OIY} and am ecstatic to be back for a long weekend :)  Want to see some travel pictures and details of the wedding??  Be sure to follow me on Instagram where I'll be posting all about it!!

So, all of that leads up to this month's currently!  Happy April, y'all!!  Have you said Rabbit three times today? 

Be sure to link up with the amazing Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade to join!! 

 

Listening... to a football {aka soccer} match completely in Spanish.  My hubby is watching it while I blog stalk, but it makes for a pleasant background.  And it's good to know what's happening in the world of football when I work with my kiddos tomorrow.  

Loving... my new "Muchas Gracis Por Todos" stamp!!  I found it at El Corte Ingles, our Spanish department store, and it means "Thank You For Everything".  I've been stamping up our wedding thank yous with it, which makes writing them all the better.  In all actuality, I like writing thank you cards... it gives me a chance to connect with your guests and really thank them again.  But that means my cards take twice as long to write... I'm taking a batch back to the states with me to mail.  {It's SO much cheaper that way!!}... And yes, that is a stamp of mine and my husband's face...

 

Thinking... what to pack- at least I already have my dress for the wedding chosen and at the bride's house ready to go!  

Wanting... a new dress for the rehearsal dinner.  I have one that is a "tried and true" dress.  But there's just something about a new dress.  Maybe I can find something before Friday...

Needing... to print/prep/and finalize everything.  My least favorite part about traveling, but arguably the most important.  Flying in Europe can be super cheap, at a price.  RyanAir has great flights for realllllly cheap- as long as you're willing to print, stamp, pack, and work for your tickets.  It's totally worth it but still a pain.  Does anyone have any trips for this part of traveling??  

Hours and Last Day... My normal day begins around 8 and goes until noon.  Then we have lunch and a siesta {either at school or at home} and then return for school from 3-5.  It makes for a long day but I do enjoy my break/ plan time in the afternoon.  My last day as an ESL teacher is May 31st, although my schools must continue due to the teacher strike that they've been battling. 

Btw... I am so happy that I didn't have to "celebrate" April Fools Day today.  Spain celebrates a similar day in December, so I was one lucky teacher today.  P.T.L. 

Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit!

Hey y'all!  Happy February!  In my family we have a tradition where we say "Rabbit" three times on the first day of every month.  "Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit."  It's supposed to bring you good luck.  Does anyone else do this?  If not, work it into your family traditions.  It's a silly and fun one.  And what does it hurt?

Source

I'm joining the fab Farley over at Oh Boy 4th Grade for her monthly Currently!  Be sure to stop by her blog and check it out, if you haven't yet.

Anywho... Here it is!

I am listening to Ben Rector Radio.  Officially obsessed, friends.  'Nuff said.

 

I am loving my quiet apartment.  My hubby went out for a bike ride and will be gone for the better part of the afternoon.  The apartment has been cleaned and I'm on the couch {still in my jammies!} super excited to blog, work, read, and just enjoy my peace and Ben Rector :)

My best Ben Rector impression in my jammies.  Mmmhmmm.

I am thinking about what to make for dinner.  Earlier this week I made this short rib recipe.  It was AAAAAMAZZING.  Most possibly one the best meals I've ever made.  And now I'm having a hard time figuring out what could possibly be as good as that one.  Any recommendations?  I really enjoy cooking and am open to any {healty-ish} recipes that you've loved!  *Sidenote:  The short rib recipe calls for a slow cooker but since I don't have one right now, I went ahead and just cooked it for 3 hours on low in our oven.  Worked perfectly!!*

I am wanting to make some fun Valentine's Day cards to give my friends, family, and students.  I'm loving these great ideas, these cute cards, or these fun "play on word" cards!!

Needing to finish my next writing unit.  I am SOOO behind on my units but refuse to compromise the quality and thus they're taking me foreeeever.  I guess that's good and bad for anyone waiting to use my units!  However, I'm hoping to finish my "Writing on Demand" unit for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade in the next day or two!  Follow me on TpT {here} to see when it's uploaded, if you're interested!  It has EVERYTHING you need to help your class be completely prepared for the State Test {coming up way too soon!  Ahhhh}.

2 truths and a fib... If you've been following me for a while, then you know which one is obvi the fib :)
1)  I have broken my collar bone 3 times {TRUTH!  All when I was little... and not always the same one.  I fell off a picnic table, fell out of bed, and fell off my dad's back playing around with my little brother.  SO glad it's been over 20 years since that happened!}

2)  I have been married for 7 months.  {TRUTH too!!  My hubby and I just celebrated- I can find any reason to celebrate :)  our 7th month of marriage.  What a 7 months it's been!}



3)  I say it's been an eventful 7 months because we have been living in Spain during most of these 7 months.  My 3rd fact is my fib!  We don't live in the US and while I miss it, I have loved getting to learn more about the Spanish culture and education in another country.  Be sure to follow {my blog} to hear all about what it's like to live and teach abroad!!

My Spanish classroom!  Supplies and decorations are muy limitado.  Check out that chalkboard! 

 THANK YOU so much for stopping by!  Be sure to join and link up with Farley!!  Cheers!

First Post of 2014 {An INSANELY late Currently!!}

Hey y’all! I’m a little late linking up with my currently, but I finally have a bit of time and wanted to see what everyone has been up to.  My husband and I have been travelling through Europe since December 28^th! We flew into Cologne, Germany and have visited Brussels and Amsterdam. Now we’re on our way back to Cologne to spend a final day before we head home to Spain. 

A little work on the train

I have had such a great time travelling and seeing other cultures.  I am so blessed for this time that I get to spend travelling with my hubby.  (I first knew I would marry him when we traveled Europe together 5 years ago!) So, as I sit on our train from Amsterdam to Germany, here is my Currently…

Listening to a baby snoring in the seat in front of me.  Really he’s a toddler I suppose.  But the train has lulled him to sleep and his little snores are just so tiny and precious.  Adorbs, absolutely adorbs!

Loving learning about holidays all over.  Did y’all know that Amsterdam celebrates their New Year by lighting of fireworks? There were fireworks EVERYWHERE! I’m sure I should have been a little more concerned than I was, but it was bewildering. And amazingly beautiful.  Did you know that Spain celebrates the Three Kings tomorrow on January 6^th?  This is their main holiday, instead of Christmas. Children leave shoes out at night and the Three Kings leave presents under their shoes while they sleep.   I am super excited to participate tomorrow!! Learning about different holidays by experiencing them has been incredible. People all over are not very different when it comes to the basics, but their rituals and traditions are fascinating and so much fun to learn all about. I pray I never stop learning.

I took this as about 10 fireworks were being set off just five feet away from us- AHHHH!!

Seeing this guy was a huge highlight of the trip!!

Thinking about what to do back in Cologne.  I’m excited to return to the city where we began our trip. We've hit the highlights and now I’m ready to explore off the beaten path J.

Wanting more time… but really, aren't we all?  Travelling has been amazing.  But I keep thinking about all the work I should be doing back home.  I would not change one single decision I've made, but I sure do wish I had more time to fit it all in.  I suppose that’s the story of everyone’s life.

Fries & "special sauce"
(a Belgian tradition!)

HUGE pretzel in Germany :)

Needing vegetables. Travelling has a way of wreaking havoc with your body and appetite. I've had some delicious meals but many having been heavily lacking veggies… time to get back to a healthy and balanced diet!!

Who knows what we ordered...
 as it was completely in German!
But it was delicious!

Memory… Getting Pajamas on Christmas Eve. As long as I can remember, my brother and I have received pajamas on Christmas Eve and we wear them that night and in the morning. This year my mom got EVERYONE new and matching pajamas so we all get to wear them together J It was so much fun.  This was also the first year my husband and I have spent Christmas together.  Being able to share the day together was wonderful. 

Me and my Momma in our PJ's!

I hope everyone had a wonderful break and enjoyed the time with ones they love.  Happy holidays from Germany!!

November Currently!!

Hola!  I'm late for the party... two whole stinkin' days late... but late is better than never!  So I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy 4th Grade!

Can you seriously believe that it is November?  Which means next month is December and I get to see my family!!  NEXT month!  Ahhhh!  So crazy!  2013 has FLOWN by.

I've had one beautiful week and I hope that you have as well.

In Spain they celebrate Halloween but it has not yet reached the commercial/advertising insanity that it has in America.  So it was fun- but not out of control.  *Whew* I'm not gonna lie- I am not too upset about that part.

I'm babbling so I'll move onto the reason you're here...

I am currently listening to some Spanish music.  I will learn Spanish one way or another... and what better way to hear Spanish than listen to some music!

I am LOVING these long weekends.  Spaniards are all about relaxing and taking it easy.  Case in point- Friday was a holiday in Spain.  So most of the schools just took Monday off so that everyone could have a four day weekend instead of a three day weekend.  I'll take it!

I am thinking that we need to travel more.  My reasoning for this is simply because we can.  We're living in Spain and there are so many places near us that are screaming to be visited.  On Friday we took the bus 45 minutes away to the town of Pollenca.  It was beautiful and so much fun.  We went on a hike to the top of a mountain and ate delicious food and just enjoyed ourselves.  But on Friday morning, before we left,  I was starting to gripe about traveling.  You know, the whole hassle part of it all?  It's expensive... You have to pack... You have to unpack... There's so much I could be doing around the house... I have work to catch up on... The excuses are endless.  But for some reason I hopped on pinterest and this guy caught my eye...

Source

And I realized how ridiculous I was being.  Memories can be formed around the house... but they will not compare to the memories we can make while we're here in Spain.  And so I got off my butt and off we went.  Our friends even met up with us for a few hours.

I am wanting to learn all there is to learn about Writing on Demand.  I am working on my next Writing Unit and it's all about W.O.D.  That wonderful state testing stuff.  Oof.  It's always rough and I just want to find the best way to teach how to do it.  In upper elementary grades it's so important.  How can students apply for college or jobs or even form a simple e-mail if their Writing on Demand skills are lacking.  So anyone have some good sources?  I am trying to read, read, read right now!!

I am in dire need of some real sweets.  Some sour patch kids or sweettarts would be fantabulous.  Spain is all about super sweet stuff but their candy is just not fixing my huge cravings I have going on.  Help!  I need some sweets!  Help, not just any sweets, Help, you know I need some sweets!  Helpppppp!

And of course, a YUMMY pin...

Erica's Sweet Tooth

Birthday cake jello shots!  These look absolutely delicious but I just really love how festive they look with the sprinkles on top!  These could be made with or without alcohol and topped with festive sprinkles for ANY occasion!  Now I just need to find some jello in Spain...

Be sure to check out all the fabulous bloggers who joined Farley on the correct day :)

And before I forget!  Kristen over at Easy Teaching Tools is hosting an AMAZING giveaway!  You could win up to TWENTY FIVE different products!  Be sure to check out her blog this week so you can join in on the fun!!

Happy Sunday!!

September Currently!

Can you believe it's September?!?  Holy cow.  This is the month we embark on our big teaching adventure in Spain.  I cannot believe it.  We are so excited and just ready to be there, sharing the adventure on my blog with all of y'all!

I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy 4th Grade to join in her Currently Linky!   Be sure to check it out and join :)

Listening... to my family chat and drink coffee.  My aunt and uncle and cousins are visiting from all over.  They're talky, and I'm just sitting back enjoying it. 

Loving... that we're going to a red's game today!  We're in Cincinnati staying with my family for the long weekend.  I love Cincinnati!  It's where I grew up and I am a red's fan for sure.  My parents are taking my hubby and me to a game today!  Hooray!  Let's hope for a win against the Cardinals :)

Thinking... I'm ready for a good salad and lots of fruit.  I dearly love my family, but we sure do eat and drink a lot when we're together!  It's about time for some veggies and a cleanse perhaps... Anyone have some good suggestions?

Wanting... to fly home instead of driving 12 hours tomorrow.  Cincinnati to Savannah is not a very fun drive :)  I love the car time with my hubby and we're working on our Spanish by listening to some cd's.  12 hours is a lot of Spanish time! 

Needing... coffee.  Refer back to "thinking".  I need lots and lots of coffee today :)

LOVING MYSELF...

1)  We need to find a home in Spain this month!  I hope that by our next Currently, I'll be comfortably writing from a café or a little studio apartment in Mallorca.  *Fingers crossed*

2)  Before we move, the house must get boxed up and the suitcases must be packed... by far my least favorite part of any move, right?? 

3)  Wedding thank you cards must be finished before we leave.  I'm not trucking my stationary all the way to Spain.  Cannot, will not.  No biggie- only 70 left to write...

Now go link up with everyone else!!  Be sure to follow me on Instagram for lots of Spain pictures, Facebook for quick updates on our move, and of course, BlogLovin' to follow everything that's happening in our crazy lives right now! 

August Currently!

Happy Thursday my friends!

 
I'm linking up with the fantabulous (shh, don't judge my made-up words!) Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade!  Head on over and check out her blog, if you haven't!
 
Anywho...IcantBelieveItsAlreadyAugust!!...

I am currently listening... to silence!  Oh my gosh it is soo nice.  My hubby is reading a book on the couch next to me and as I type I can hear some thunder way off in the distance.  I could go for a little afternoon thunderstorm as I read through some of y'alls amazing blogs!

I am currently loving... rereading The Hunger Games.  Y'all, I have to confess, I LOVE to reread good books.  And The Hunger Games is just so great!  UGH.  Gets me hooked every.single.time!  And I just love reading books in the summer.  Especially ones that can be used for book clubs during the school year.  5th graders sure love The Hunger Games!  And who seriously has time to enjoy reading during the school year.  Certainly not I. 

I am currently thinking... it is so muggy and ugly outside that is it muggly.  One of my friends sent me this...

...just a little bit ago and with the August Georgia humidity combining with the threat of a thunderstorm, it is exactly that- muggly!

I am currently wanting... Our Visa's to arrive!  We have jumped through hoops, paid hundreds of dollars, and traveled everyyyyywhere in order to apply for our VISA's so we can move to Spain in September!  I am so excited to see what teaching is like there.  And to learn from so many great teachers!  Now if only our Visa's would come...

I am currently needing... to book our flights to Spain!  I keep putting it off and need to get on that.  Like now.  Seriously...  We'll see :)

And Back to School MUST HAVES!  I know I've said it before.  And I'll definitely say it again... but I {love} the beginning of the school year.  I love all that August has to offer!  And I could not make it through a school year without...

1)  my Erin Condren Planner!  If you haven't checked Erin Condren out yet... GO Here.  NOW!  I apologize for any addictions I may cause.  If you already have an Erin Condren planner, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.  For a more detailed look into her *NEW* teacher planners... check out the awesome Mrs. Cahill's post on her's HERE! 

2) mechanical pencils.  I even put my name on them, with a fun eraser and pencil grip.  So I know which ones are all mine. :)

3)  Read Alouds.  Awww.  I love a good read aloud.  There is always that lag time during the first few weeks of school.  While you're figuring out schedules and routines, there's always a bit of down time here or there.  I love filling this time with ice breakers and team building activities.  But I also love a good, has-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read aloud.  What a great bonding time for you and you class!

I hope everyone is enjoying their week and making the most out of our last month of summer!  This time is overwhelming, but do not forget to enjoy it as well!!