3 Years Later

I love having out anniversary on New Year's Eve. 

I think it is such an awesome way to be able to look back on our year.

Kyle and I can't believe that it's already been three years.

The time seems to speed up, and I know it'll only get faster with all our changes ahead. 

               2011 we said "I do".                                          Three years later we're growing to 3.

This year has brought a lot of wonderful changes to our lives.

In February, our beautiful niece Reese was born. 

It's been so wonderful to watch her grow this year.

February, May, July, September

In July, Kyle got a graphic design job.
As a bonus, two of his friends work there too.

Off to his interview

In August, I took on the task of having the ESE inclusion class as well as team leader.
Not only did I have a team all new to Kindergarten, but my class size went up to 26.



In September, we found out I was pregnant.
We are so excited about this amazing blessing.

 

We were lucky enough to have my sister-in-law take pictures for us early on to announce.

I can't wait for all the changes year 4 will bring!

 Silver Lining: Year In Review 2014 Link Up

Thankful

The last few months have been busy and full of changes, but we are so thankful.

Backing up to September....

Kyle celebrated his 27th birthday this year. 

The day after his birthday he came home to a pretty special present. 

He didn't think anything of it until he opened it and saw what was inside.

Needless to say, he was a little bit shocked.

It has been the hardest news to keep hidden. 

As soon as we got our first ultrasound at 7 weeks we just had to tell!

Our parents were all excited. 

Thankfully this has been a very smooth pregnancy. 

No morning sickness here. 

Other than being tired, which I also attribute to the 26 kindergarteners in my class, 

my symptoms have been mild. 

I feel very lucky.

We waited until October to tell Kyle's extended family and broke the news on Halloween. 

We gave everyone treat bags with the sonogram inside. 

Today we are breaking the news to my extended family and youngest brother. 

Then to everyone. Finally!

We can not be more excited and anxiously await the end of May and being able to hold this precious gift in our arms.

It's That Time of Year

It's time. 

Today starts my official first day back,and by official I mean paid and have to show up. 

We all know I've been in there almost every day for the last two weeks!
This year is bringing about a ton of changes for me, but I'm really excited.
First I became the K inclusion classroom teacher,
Then I moved rooms,
Next I became team leader.
If that wasn't enough my entire team from the past two years was broken up,
So it's me, 3 new to K teachers, and a para.
Plus those 8 ESE students and 10 "typically developing" students.
Whew, that's a lot.
Of course, leave it to me to decide to change up lots of stuff this year!
It's going to be a major learning and growing experience, but I'm excited for the challenge. 

To start the year off right I made some cute beginning of year gifts.

Everyone on my team is getting one of these today as first day pick me up.

Everyone got a cute patterned composition book, post-its, sharpie, and highlighter.
Not shown, Dove dark chocolate.
What teacher gift is complete without chocolate?


I love how the gift tag came out. I saw the wording somewhere on pinterest.

I just started working on my student's gifts for Open House.

I printed it on bright paper to match my theme.
I'll punch holes on top and bottom and slip a pencil in.
Click the picture to download this freebie!

 

14 Things in 2014

I don't normally make any sort of resolutions at the beginning of the year. 

Either I forget about them, or I quickly burn out of trying. 

Instead I decided to make a bucket list for the new year. 

14 Things in 2014

1. Pay off at least one of our larger student loans.  11/22/14

Officially paid off my large grad school loan!
 

2. Buy a house. 
We've decided to focus on saving a lot this year and wait until next Summer. 

3. Get Kyle graduated! May 2014

4. Make a Wedding Album.  3/16/2014

It's been 2 years. I need to get on this!
Thanks to my Mother-In-Law and Shutterfly for an awesome FREE book!

5. Take more pictures!

I'm still horrible at this!
Now that I have my fancy camera I was told I have no excuse.
Plus in a few months I'll have a favorite photo subject.

6. Get a nice camera. Christmas gift!
Thanks to my brother Eric!

7. Help Kyle find a job in his field.  7/28/2014
Kyle's first day working in the graphic department of Cosmetic Solutions.

8. Use some pinterest ideas to decorate that house. 

9. Go to the beach at sunset. 

10. Go somewhere cold in the winter. 

11. Finally get through A Song of Ice and Fire Series!

Totally ditched this Series and tried Outlander instead.
Why do I pick such long series?

12. Experiment with at least one recipe a month.
January- Baked Taquitos
February- Shepherd's Pie
March- Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
April- Freezer Burritos
May- Chicken Salad
June- Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
July- Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
August- Cauliflower Mac&Cheese
September- Breaded Baked Chicken
October- Sorry October...
November- Gender Reveal Cupcakes!
December- Crockpot Chicken Noodle Casserole

13. Write at least once a month on the blog. 
Obviously I've already failed on this account. 

14. Keep up with meal planning in advance. 
3/18 Update: So far I've been planning 2 weeks at a time and doing all my shopping as well.
4/28 Update: Still going strong!
5/31 Update: Loving meal planning. 
7/28 Update: I've only been planning weekly over the summer since things constantly come up.
12/30 I did really well with meal planning, then I got pregnant.
October, November, and December have been spotty at best. Mainly because I was tired and not wanting to cook. Plus, pregnant women should not go grocery shopping. Cravings hurt your grocery budget! I really do love it and plan to get back on track now that I'm feeling more normal.