Third Year in Third Grade!

Well I survived my first week with Third Graders! I had the smoothest first day of school ever. It went by quick just like a breeze.  They did what I asked them to do, they were eager to show me what they already knew and were willing to help in any way possible.  This group of kiddos is really special.  This is definitely a different world compared to Kinder and there are going to be different challenges but I am loving it so far. They are big kids compared to Kindergarteners but they are still kids to me.  I am excited for the year to come and all the fun activities we will get to do together. Some of my favorite moments from the week are....

1. First day of school one of my kids asked where I went and they said they missed me when I took another student to the nurse. 

2.  A returning 3rd grade student told me they were worried they weren't going to like being in 3rd grade again but they were liking it and glad to be there. 

3.  Reading all of the writing that they were all doing! One of the prompts we did this week was if you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Who would you take with you? What would you do there etc. They have such big imaginations. 

4. Watching the kids be so supportive of one another. Not one time this week did someone get upset for cutting line, not winning a game against a partner etc. They are all very respectful of each others feelings. 

5. Kids asking if they could take books home so that they could read and read and read!

I know there is so much work to do before April but I am going to not let my students be afraid of that thing called the STAAR test. I just keep telling them we are going to work SO hard all year that you will not be afraid of it and you will face it head on! I am so grateful for the fabulous team of ladies that I am working with. I appreciate y'alls help more than you know!

Now here are some pictures of my classroom that I took at Meet The Teacher.  

My friend found this on Teachers Pay Teachers! I love it because all of these things were just shoved in a container by my teacher desk last year. 

My Kidney Table. This is my only teacher table and it is working great so far! I only had an actual desk my first year teaching but found I never sat at it. 

One of our bulletin boards. I have put up some more things since I took this picture like our coupons that the students can earn by cashing in tickets they get for good behavior, manners and being proactive. 

Math area. Hoping to get some math work stations started soon!

I hope all my teacher friends had a great week back!

Farewell Summer!

I want to start off this post by saying how grateful I am that I get to have a summer vacation. It is not the reason why I chose a teaching career, but boy is it a perk! I love that I have time to regroup, recharge my emotional battery and spend time with family and friends.

Holland and I had an interesting summer. We did very little traveling and large amounts of family visited us this year which was nice but next year I think we need to travel to get some good ju ju going.  Although they were minor things that happened like getting in a car accident, going on a river of death trip, Bleu stepping on a nail and spending hundred of dollars on vet bills, Holland hitting a buzzard and creating more road kill for his friends. I mean it all could have been much worse right? As I am typing this I am already laughing at all the crazy that happened. Even though it felt like a tiny dark cloud was following us we still has a busy summer filled with memories.

          SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS! 
                             Summer 2013
                     *In no particular order*
1. My cousin and her husband visiting from Chicago. 

2. Watching my mom destroy her birthday Piñata. 

3. Movies on Sunday with my mom and Dad. 

4. Going to the Watering  Hole in Austin.

5. Getting to see my dad wear his favorite 4th of July t shirt. 

6. Visiting my college roommate/friend Deanne and her family. 

7. Making new recipes. 
8.Not setting an alarm for two months :)
9. Riding a Camel 

10. Feeding a Giraffe

11. Shellac Nail Polish

12. The Lake House and spending time with my sister 

13. Amy and Elise's Wedding

14. Reading books for school and for pleasure!
15. Natural Bridge WildLife Safari with Hollands mom. We also saw twin baby giraffes!

16. Spending time with Hannah and Bleu

17. Surprising Allison during her visit in Richmond!

18. Watching the entire show called Scandal. I AM HOOKED!

19. Hollands first beer release with Ranger Creek

20. Hollands family visiting!

21. Spending quality time with my momma and setting up my new classroom!
*blog to come with pictures of that!

I hope that all of you had a fabulous summer. There are few jobs that allow people to really re-charge and I feel refreshed and ready for a new year. I am starting my THIRD year of teaching in THIRD grade! 

South Town IPA

Holland has been busy with work at Ranger Creek! His very first recipe called  South Town IPA was released on August 1st ( National IPA Day)! There were many events going on around San Antonio and it is currently in bars in Austin as well. I made a Facebook event and I was SO shocked to see how many people came out to the Friendly Spot to support Holland and his brew. One of his college roommates drove from Austin, we had friends from middle school, high school, family and even our amazing neighbors made it out to enjoy a cold glass in the summer heat. I unfortunately did not get pictures of everyone but I want to thank everyone for coming out to make it a special night for Holland. I cannot express how proud I am of him for how far he has come with his career. I know this is a small victory and there are many more to come his way in the future. 

Here are some photos from the release night. 

Holland and Josh pouring samples. 

Cheers!

Holland handing his dad a sample. YUM!

These are our wonderful neighbors who watch Hannah and Bleu for us. We love them!

Holland and one of Ranger Creeks biggest Fans, Michele!

Lats night there was another tasting event at World of Beer. Since it was on a Wednesday it was not as crowded and I did not promote it as much but some friends still made it out at the last minute to enjoy South Town.  

YAY Holland!!

If you are interested in trying a delicious craft beer made by my honey- Southtown IPA is available in San antonio at:

The Cove
The Point Park & Eats
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Park North
Stella Public House
The Official San Antonio Flying Saucer
Big Hops Growler Station
The Friendly Spot Ice House
BONESHAKERS