Twists, Stars and Gallery Shows

This post is really for the last 2 weeks because we have been so busy!  Join the club, I know!

First, I want to share an activity I do with my classes when we begin a painting artwork.  I call it Painting with a Twist, despite not having the real "Adult Beverage Twist" like most of these events, ours is "Painting with a Twist" as in, follow the teacher and let's learn some vocab and processes.

I always pick a scene that has a distinct background, middle ground and foreground so that I can teach that feature of the painting process.  Always start big and in the back, then work your way foreword to the foreground.  I also wanted a scene that would help with creating a skin color since that is probably one of the most difficult colors to make!  Here is the picture I chose, I paint it in my sketchbook to model for the students as well as to have for my own notes.

I always do this!  I find a picture or a video on Facebook and think "Oooh!  I need to remember this!"  Well, this time, I did remember!  I had re-posted a video of an art teacher making these stars out of paper bags and I HAD to try it!  All I had on hand were brown lunch bags, but they still worked!  I want to make eight total, 2 each of red, yellow, blue and green and then hang them above the color-coordinated tables.  So easy for clean up and getting materials when tables are color-coded.

I am ALL about my Art Rage on my student computers!  I ordered tablets to go along with the program and can't wait to get the kids on creating some Deviant ART of our own!  I made this playing around with the Art Rage app on my phone.  Only $2 and hours of fun!

One of our teacher has a girl scout group and they were needing to participate in a Clay Art activity.  So of course, I opened up my studio and helped them make some pinch pots, birds and little bird baths.  We got glass beads to melt with the bisque fire so it looks like water in the bird bath!  I can't wait to see how they turn out.  I took a picture of my daughter joining in on the fun.

I also got the opportunity to help hang artwork for the 2016 Calendar Art Competition for FCPS.  It's down at the Lyric theatre and I think the show is next Tuesday night.  Good luck to all!

Last but not least, the weather has finally taken a turn for the better.  Knock on wood, it stays this way!  It has been beautiful!!  Get outside and enjoy!!!

Cornbread Recipe

My family typically cooks southern dishes, especially my Grandmothers when I was growing up, and cornbread was a regular item.  I found this Recipe in "Delilah's Everyday Soul" cookbook and it is to DIE for!!!  Everyone always says it's so good, my husband eats a piece every time he walks through the kitchen, and best of all..... it makes 2 loaves, so I always have one to give as a gift.

Also in this cookbook, is literally the World's Best Mac n Cheese.  No, seriously, there was a contest. And according to my husband, it is THE Best!  The recipe makes a ton and it is kinda expensive, so I try to half it as much as I can.  Other dishes I have tried in this book always come out amazing!  I highly recommend it!! However, it is a "Plan to be in the kitchen all day on Sunday" kind of recipes.

cornbread

1 stick of butter melted

2 c yellow cornmeal

2 c all purpose flour

1 c sugar

2 T baking powder

1 t salt

1 and 1/2 c milk

4 eggs

(1)  Preheat oven to 350.  I grease 2 (8 x 4) bread loaf pans. 

(2) Combine all ingredients until smooth.  Fill up the pans.

(3) Cook 40 min. or a dry toothpick is pulled out.

(4) Cool 20 minutes, flip it out and slice it up or wrap it up as a gift.

Super Easy!!!

Chicken Honey-Nut Stir Fry

Why is it that I can hand my husband a cooking magazine and he flips for maybe 2.3 seconds and finds the most amazing recipe!  While I, on the other hand, will spend a solid 20-30 minutes "skimming" everything and still not know what to do.  It isn't fair.  However, I do appreciate that he takes the guess work out from my end!  All I have to do is go shopping for the stuff and then play my pandora and cook away!  This little number came from "Cooking for 2" magazine.  

Here is the recipe, (altered for double the sauce b/c my husband likes extra sauce):

2 t veggie oil

1/4 c diagonally sliced carrots (I used a little baby carrot snack bag, and it was fine)

1/4 c sliced celery (I did 4 stalks)

8 oz chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces (I used uncut chicken strips)

1/2 c OJ

2 t cornstarch

2 T soy sauce

2 t honey

1/2 t ginger

2 T cashews (I cut mine up a bit)

2 T sliced green onions

2/3 c rice (1 cup uncooked per package instructions)

1. First step, I started my rice and let it cook while I did everything else.

2. In a large skillet, heat some veggie oil on high.  Add carrots and celery, cook 2 min.  Add chicken and cook 3-5 min, or until done.

3.  In a small bowl, whisk together OJ, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey and ginger.  Add this to your chicken skillet mixture.  Cook over medium heat until thickened.  Cook 1 minute more.  Top with cashews and green onions.  Serve over rice.

Super quick and easy!  My husband loved it, just wanted there to be more sauce, but definitely a keeper!!  

Loving my new Fitbit!!

So, I am a member of Humana Vitality through my insurance which is great because they have a ton of incentives and rewards for being active.  I was previously tracking all of my workouts with mapmyrun, but then Humana changed everything and are no longer accepting information from this app.  Bummer!! However, I had enough points to order a Fitbit device, for FREE!!  

I know a few people that have these and they really like them, so I thought "it's free and highly recommended, why not."  

It came just a little over a week ago and I don't think I've taken it off yet (maybe to charge like once). I have reached my 10,000 steps everyday..... getting those points!!  Oh yeah, as long as I walk 10,000 steps per day, I get points.  At the end of they year, I usually turn in my points through Humana's reward system called Vitality Mall and get Gift Cards to Macy's and Amazon!  

Christmas spending is always a lot easier with the free gift cards and it's an incentive to keep moving every day.  

I also previously had the Nike Fuelband, it was't bad; however, it just didn't feel right to me.  The Nike Fuel was pointless, I had to keep pushing the button for the information I wanted to see on the screen and it was pretty bulky.  I really liked using my mapmyrun app because I could turn it on at the beginning of a workout and just go.  Miles tracked and points received, thank you!  But given the circumstances of Humana changing it up, I will take a free Fitbit and be happy.  

The Fitbit also comes with a handy app that you can check every now and then to see how many steps you're at, you can track your activity, your food, your running route, a ton of things.  They also have bands in different colors, the black was the one that came with the device, but they have pink, grey, turquoise, etc.  

So, if you're in the market for a fitness device, I do really like the fitbit, you can track a ton of stuff, it's easy to wear, the battery lasts a long time, you can wear it in the shower, and the app is really easy to use.

It's a G.I.R.L.!

I am so happy to share that we recently added to our family!  Since the loss of Bailey, things have been way too manageable and quiet around our house, hahahaha, so we decided to adopt another German Shepherd.  She is so precious, so playful and all paws and teeth at the moment.  Still trying to play around with names for her, first it was Sophia, then Lexie, still Lexie at the moment, but we'll see.

I have officially titled this week (and probably next week) Camp Potty Training.  Bradley has been gone to two different camps since summer started and since he is finally home and we are potty training the 2 youngest (my 2 year old and the puppy), it is officially Camp Potty Training week/s.

Next week Mom gets to babysit while I work, so cheers to you Mom!!  I will have to take you to Malone's for this one!!

(puppy at 7 weeks)

(fav place to sleep, on the cool vent)

Portfolio 2014

I know professionally it is always a good idea to have an updated portfolio of the work you've done, awards and recognitions, etc.  It is also very personally uplifting to reflect back and see all you've accomplished, like opening a family photo album that brings back fond memories. 

I recently updated my portfolio and it was exciting!  Updating resumes are always painful, but the rest is a lot of fun!  In this portfolio, I included a Letter of Intro, 2 page resume, articles from FCPS where I was featured and/or contributed (such as this FCPS article, FCPS Teacher Spotlight and an EcoART Grant with other art teachers),  the 16th District PTSA Award, photos of Museum Exhibits and Tours, my Museum CSIP, my Unit Planner, my AH Content Standards "Bingo" cheat sheet and photos of examples of student work including Calendar Art Competition entires. I also included image examples of my leadership roles including Tom's Squad and our movement to take over a quality lunch program with our OLC and Aquaponics.

Phew!!!  Seems like a lot, I know!! 

and that's only in 4 years!  It's very exciting to see what the next 4 years will bring!  

Tough Mudder Nashville 2014

I can't believe I conquered my 2nd Tough Mudder this past weekend! Myself and a small group of friends went to Nashville to go up against challenging obstacles such as Mud Mile, Berlin Walls, Mount Everest, Arctic Enema and Funky Monkey!  Oh yeah, and it's on a 10.6 mile course.  No sweat, right!? Well, kind of.  I trained for several months with a good friend of mine, who eventually joined our team and ran her first Tough Mudder!  Way to go Ashlee!!  Here is a pic of us girls, before the event.

(before the event: Ashlee, Megan and Myself)

Everyone had a great time!  I think my stomach hurts the most from laughing so much!  Only a few minor cuts and bruises, but the memories and amazing friendships are worth it!  I am so proud of myself and my friends for 1) being brave enough to train and commit to such a crazy event 2) not dying or giving up and 3) looking forward to doing it again soon!

(my clothes afterwards)

My washing machine looked like it was brewing coffee when I was cleaning up from the trip!  But I didn't wash my number!    :) 

If anyone is interested in participating in a Tough Mudder, here is there website.  I highly recommend it!!  

What a Week!! 4.28.14

I have so many things to be thankful for this week!  

My online class finished up and I passed with a 98%!  Now, I just need to pay down my amex so I can afford another class in the fall!  Geesh, grad school is expensive!

Signed up for Rugged Maniac in Southern Indiana with my friend Megan D.!!!  Can't wait to get muddy again, it sounds crazy, but I actually miss it!

Our TLC Tom's Squad group gave an awesome presentation Wednesday!  

Arden is getting so big!  It makes me sad, but then again, she can get her own juice box and keep on playing.  

One of my (favorite) students nominated me for a Teacher Appreciation Award, so honored and blessed to get to know this guy and be a part of his life

Working on Aquaponics posters for the Museum, we are at the "Rough Draft" stage, proud of my kids for working hard!

Bradley got a haircut (finally), went to a UK baseball game and had club meetings at school.  This week has been cray-cray!!!  But man, I love it!!

Sunday Sprinkles 03.30.14

Kentucky moves to the Elite Eight!  Great way to end the week!  I think Bitsy's outfit is the super secret lucky charm!  And yes, she is in it again because we play later this evening.  You will see her at the end of this post.  

My favs of this week:
1)  We have been busy at work in the Museum!  The Bamboo canvases were not quite turning out as we had hoped, so we brainstormed with teachers and students and decided to go a different route.  

2)  Diamond's Lab is still under way, ceiling tiles were measured, cut and most of them replaced.  Still waiting on two more boxes.

3)  We decided to paint a section of the Museum floor with chalkboard paint.  Very excited to see how this turns out.  

4)  Bradley got his report card this week.  2 B's and the rest A's!  Very proud of him!

5)  UK in the elite eight!  GO CATS!!

Saturday Sprinkles 03.22.14

This week was not as productive as last week with all the crazy movement in the Museum; however, we have streamlined the to-do list/items, I know what needs to be done, who is able to do it and I am supporting students getting things completed.  Still a good week, just less stressful.  

Monday was a sick day.  ~~ 

Tuesday was a pairing day in the small research lab.  Students are turning this small room into a real research lab through a partnership with the University of Kentucky.  They are currently researching and studying the growth and development of bacteria.  The little petri dishes look pretty cool, kinda gross, but cool.  Students are continuing to paint and clean the room for set up.

Wednesday was FCPS Tom’s Squad where our students are wanting to transform the Menu options for our school and others with a focus on quantity and quality.  YUM!!  And then….more painting, the shelves this time.  Beige and blue - (yawn, but the Scientist/Doctor loves it! as long as your happy Dr. D, I’m happy!)

On Thursday, we worked on the Museum to-do item list and went to UK for the TLC-UK PASTR ceremony.  Some of science students were honored and celebrated in a coated ceremony and had the opportunity to showcase their work to UK Professionals!  They teared up!  Seriously, people, these kids are adorable!  I also really liked an artwork on the walls, so I took a picture for inspiration.  

Friday we painted, and painted…. and painted.  I loved it!  Completely my element!  I consulted with teachers and students, proposed several ideas, we came to a decision and moved!  The aquaponics system in the Museum needs some support, but I met with the Student Leaders and we have a game plan for that.  Painting, information posters and finishing up the Research Lab is my goal before we leave for Spring Break!  

Then Saturday my friend and I did the FCPS 5K at Keeneland!  We have been training for 4 weeks now with a Couch to 5K app, 2-3 days per week after school.  Today was the big day and we rocked it!  Had a blast, good laughs and then stuffed our faces at Joe Bologna’s to celebrate!  

Weekend Sprinkles 3.10.14

This past weekend was absolutely crazy!!  My Scottie got a bath and haircut, I stopped at Kroger and picked up the ingredients for Dirt Cup Cupcakes (and made them), Bradley had his big birthday party at Lasertag, oh yeah, I dropped my iPhone *just right* and shattered the screen.    Did I mention that ALL of this happened in one day!  Yep, that was just Saturday.  

Saturday
Most Valueable Pets
Kroger
Cupcakes
Lasertag birthday party
grad homework
shattered iphone
went to the mall/Apple store
fixed phone
brought home dinner, P.F. Cheng's - YUM!!!

Sunday
laundry
clean house
lesson planning
much less exciting!  I couldn't handle another full day like Saturday!  

Grad work is going well!  Work work - going well too.  When you love what you do, everyday is exciting!  

There is a ton of movement in the Museum!  Which I love!  There's just so much going on!  Much of the details will be posted on the Collaboration @ TLC Blog, more info coming soon.

Sunday Sprinkles March 2, 2014

1)  Bradley’s Concert
My son sings in his school choir and they had a concert this week at a local Methodist Church.  A few things I learned….. my daughter was not amused in the slightest (she played on his kindle the whole time) and Bradley desperately needs new pants!  That boy grows faster than weeds in spring!!!  I know what he is getting for his birthday!

2)  New Museum Plans
I met with our Admin Team and a few other teachers at school about growing and building the Museum.  It will be exciting to watch the Museum grow and develop into the "Hubs" of Real World Application with immediate College/Career Connections.

3)  Snow Days = Culturally Responsive Lesson Plan for Grad Class
My big paper due this week was an example of a culturally responsive lesson plan featuring a Unit that I am doing in my classes.  My Unit is still going, but the research and added features have really developed the project into something more substantial.  Thank goodness for Snow Days, otherwise I would be up until 3am reading articles and writing papers!!

Arden Snow Day pic

4)  Health Assessment/Oil Change
On Tuesday, I needed to take the day off and get my Health Assessment for my Insurance, and rack up some points!!  I went ahead and got an oil change while I was out, then worked on my paper.  We also received some news about our dog, so emotionally I was drained and just needed the day.  

5)  Book Club
I love the people I work with, and most of all, I love our little Book Club group.  It’s a small group of girls and we all get along so well!  I really look forward to our monthly book club meetings, with snacks, great company and good conversation.

This week is going to be fun!  and busy  My son turns 12!!!!  Very hard to believe!  We are having his party this weekend, so I will be making cupcakes for that, Charlie is getting groomed and fixed up and projects need to be finalized so our New Museum Plans can be figured out!  

Breathe, One week at a time!  :)

Saturday Scoop 2.15.14

 1) So, another assignment down with my Grad class!  I know these don’t sound like major events, but reading 4 chapters, 1 article and writing a one page report comparing the two in one week while being a mom and a teacher is a HUGE deal for me.  First off, I read pretty intently (slowly).  I have to read something, think about it in my own words and take notes, usually with each paragraph.  Just because I really want to know the material and be confident in my references and understanding.  Otherwise, I would skim and remember nothing!  

2) I presented my Museum plans and exhibit resources and references to our Admin and teachers this week.  I was nervous but also really excited about the potential!  I just hope that other teachers get on board and get excited too!  In the past, it’s been like pulling teeth!  “It doesn’t fit in my curriculum right now”  “I don’t see how my content relates to this”  “I don’t know how to do projects”.  My response (in my head, not out loud) you can change your curriculum a bit to support the school, your colleagues, your students.  A quick Google search will show how your content fits, or this is your chance to be creative and have fun with your content.  Bring it to life your students!  Never done projects before? Easy, Edutopia, Thinkfinity, Arts Edge are some great places to start. Or you can ask me!  Let’s brainstorm together.  
If that’s the best you got, bring it, I got an answer for everything and a solution for everything!  Just ask my husband.  But seriously, the only thing holding you back when you have these excuses, is you.  Ok, off the soap box now.

3) Only one snow day this week!  That’s a huge plus, with all the snow and ice everywhere and devastating situations happening all over the U.S.  The fact that me and my family are happy and safe and warm…. that’s a plus!!

4) For Valentine’s Day, my sweet husband sent roses, chocolates and a teddy bear to my work.  I received tons of treats, from students and teachers, it was such a “thankful for where I am” kinda day.  Life is Good.

5)  I signed up for my first 5K for 2014.  My worker partner in crime and I signed up for a 5K in March.  Registered and paid for, now the training gets serious!  :)

after I finish all these Valentine’s chocolates, of course.

6). I have to add an extra one this week because it tickles me to death! One day a week, my husband and his friends join some of the guys I work with and play ball in our school's gym. I was sitting on the stage, watching this happen and it made me feel like I was in high school all over again. Sitting in the schools gym, watching my man play b-ball! I loved it!!

Saturday Scoop

Saturday Scoop

I like this title, it sounds dessert-y and in the summer I can feature ice cream with it!  ;)
Although it does also remind me of a newspaper with a feature for Batman or Dick Tracey…..strange.  Anyway, my highlights for this week….

1.  First major paper of the semester is done!  I am currently taking online classes at Georgetown College for my MATL program with an endorsement in GT.  I have 2 classes completed so far, this is my third.  I can only manage one class per semester, ya know, being a FT working mom of 2!  Life is hectic, but I love learning and improving my teaching and leadership skills, so the late nights are worth it!

Go Tigers!!

2.  One of my classes that I teach at TLC is called TLC Mud Run, after running the Tough Mudder back in October and wanting to spread the Mud Love, what better way than to incorporate it into my classes and share with my school family!  We are practicing different training intervals with some cardio and starting to piece together what will hopefully be our very own TLC Mud Course on campus!  I have also contacted one of the directors for BluegrassMudRun in an effort to partner and participate with UK and their event!  A link to their event is here.

3.  Tiger Fitness is back in full effect!  Me and a few other staff members are staying after school to workout.  The weather has been beautiful! (sarcasm), so we are running in the school hallways, I know, we are so bad!  We are presently doing a run/walk interval program with the 7 minute Scientific method strength training, you can find that here.  So far, so good, and feeling great!  (channeling Tony the Tiger).

4.  We only had 2 snow days this week!  I know, not much of a WIN, but when you are a teacher and expect students to remember lessons and get in the groove of expectations, all these snow days are killer!  Everyday feels like a Monday!!

5.  My February FCPS Spotlight is published and out!  Very honored to be featured for FCPS, but man I hate hearing my own voice, I am so critical of myself when I see these images, videos and when listening to what I said on film.  Ugh!!  I need to practice that more and get over it!!  

High Five for Saturday???

So, I wanted to do a little weekly recap on a "High Five for Friday" posting every week like some blogs do; however, trying to add something to my Friday to do list has not been very successful.  So, I need a Summary Saturday, or Saturday's Sizzle, or.....you get the idea.  

I basically need time to sleep in on Saturday and truly reflect and cherish my week, not breeze through on a Friday with half-hearted effort.  While I try to come up with a snazzy name (Snazzy Saturday?  Saturday's Snazzle?) let's review the week....

I am thankful for several things in both my worlds this week (home and school family)

1.  My husband and I are getting our daughter signed up with First Steps just to make sure that her speech and walking developments are on point.  We have been concerned for the past few months because she doesn't say a whole lot or speak in sentences.  

**She plays a mean game of charades, though.

Also, she walks a lot on her tip-toes.  Not as much as she did, but we still want to have it checked out. 

2.  I was photographed for my February Spotlight for FCPS this week.  Our School District photographer and videographer came out to my school to record me in my classroom, interview me and take pictures that will be presented on our FCPS website as well as the TV Channel.  (Not stressful at all!)  When the link is ready, I will post it here.

it might be interesting because I cut my hair between the 2 (video and the photo shoot)

3.  Tom Squad for FCPS met on Wednesday.  I am the teacher representative for TLC, so me and my crew of student leaders made a quick video and presented it to our Superintendent.  We are trying to improve school lunch for everyone, wish us luck!  Here's the video:

4.  I have started using an App in my classroom that randomly selects a student from the class and then I feature that student on Twitter.  I stole the "Tweet Seat" from Arsenio Hall, but anyway, I randomly select a student from class and ask them what they learned today, or what they are working on and take a picture and/or feature them on my Twitter account.  It's pretty neat and the students like to add their voice on Social Media.  

5.  I have officially come down with the sick bug.  Arden was sick a few weeks ago, my Husband is just now feeling better.... and now wham!  my turn!  However, even though I feel sickie, I still managed to exercise with my Tiger Fitness crew yesterday and it felt amazing!  So, Tiger Fitness is back on track with an Extreme Rampage, Warrior Dash and mini-marathon in my future.  I don't have time to feel bad!

FCPS February Spotlight

I am excited and honored to announce that myself and another teacher at TLC are being featured as the FCPS Teacher Spotlight for Feb. 2014!  It makes me a little nervous to be "featured" when I work with so many amazing and talented other teachers, of whom I have learned a great deal.  On the other hand, it is exciting to be honored in a way that makes me feel like all my hard work, thought, extra time and effort are appreciated.  I truly work for an amazing principle(s) and an amazing school!  I love everyone that I work with and especially my kiddos.  People often say that they have a "family" at work or they are really close with their co-workers.  I am willing to bet that they don't do circuit training and run a Tough Mudder with them, or joke about fiber bars and restroom breaks, play practical jokes and video each other dancing in doorways.  We laugh, pray and cry together, including with the students.  It is an amazing feeling going to work and spending my day with such incredible people.

FCPS will feature a quick video segment with me as well as post a little photo and blurb on their website.  When those are up, I will post a link.

Truly blessed.

My first Stridebox

One of my Christmas presents from my Husband is a subscription to Stridebox.com.  I had seen Birchbox.com and other monthly gifts you can subscribe to on other blogs and thought, I want to enjoy something like that, but something more "my taste, my style".  Since I am still trying to get into this running kick, I figured why not Stridebox.com!  (I say still trying to get into the running kick because my motivation is there, but the weather is not!  Nothing but freezing ice and snow right now.)

I wanted to share with you what is in my first Stridebox, before I use it all up!

Each box comes with a list of the included items with a little description, I won't go into that much detail.  After I try these items, I will put my own review about them.

Items include:

Zing Nutrition Bar - Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip  Review:  MIA, I think my daughter stole it.

Generation UCAN Sports Mix Drink - really excited to try this out and read more about it.

PowerBar Energy Gel Blasts - Strawberry Banana - I need these for breakfast before teaching

Review:  Ate the whole bag and wanted more!  Very similar to life saver gummies.   

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel - Vanilla

COCO HYDRO - Coconut Water Anytime, Anywhere   Review:  had to dump it out, tasted like watered down sun tan lotion, or pina colada.

NoGii Protein D'Lites - Chocolate Caramel Bliss  Review:  really good, surprisingly good!!

ShowerPill - Athletic Body Wipe

SAFETY - Reflective Slap Bracelet - man, I remember when these were so popular!  Guess what!  They're back! 

Sticker - Worry Less RUN more....ain't that the truth!

If you are interested in Stridebox.com, you can find info at Facebook.com/Stridebox; Twitter.com/Stridebox; Instagram.com/Stridebox.  

I don't have any affiliation with Stridebox.com for promotions or employment, I simply want to share my experience and reviews with you.

YMCA Fall Festival 2013

My school had the honor for the second year in a row to plan, create and "perform" the YMCA Fall Festival here in Lexington.  Last year, our theme was "Mysteries of Ancient Egypt" and we scared the little pants off of some of the kiddos.  Granted, the little ones cried at first, but then they came rushing back through to do it again!  We made a scary haunted room which featured all the mysteries of Ancient Egypt.  It was pretty grand with the set design, costumes, props, etc.  

This year, we wanted it to be a little more kid and activity friendly.  So, we picked the theme "China" and created a room where there were art activities, costumes, coordination activities and a dress up photo booth (which one of our teachers loved!  she wouldn't stop trying on all the clothes!)  love you Mrs. Galla!

Our activities included calligraphy (both stencils and with brushes), zodiac calendars and puppets, tangrams, scrolls, a literacy table with featured books and student designed bookmarks, a Chopsticks Challenge, sky lantern riddles, Panda habitat games, costumes and masks about the 8 Immortals, Feng Shui design, and a photo booth with outfits and props.  I am so thankful to work with such amazing and creative teachers!

Many of our teachers and students "worked" the event..... I say "worked" loosely because it was so much fun!! 

Lots of laughs, lots of pictures and a very good time.  What I love most about times like this is getting to know my students even more.  One instant that will stay with me:  The YMCA provided some pizzas for me and my students while we were setting up the room during the day.  The pizzas were delivered and most of the students sat down and one student started passing out the plates, bottled waters, and offering pizza boxes.  In true Ashley Baker "I must get this done now before I forget" fashion, I grabbed a slice and kept working.  The student said "No, no Mrs. Baker, we are all going to sit as a family and eat."  

What can I say to that!  Other than "Yes, sir, thank you" and I sat, ate and enjoyed my company, my family.  

PTSA Award!

I had the privilege of attending the FCPS PTSA Luncheon yesterday and our school's PTSA won an award!  Back in the fall, our school partnered up with the Northside YMCA and we collaborated on a "haunted house" with the theme of Mysteries of Ancient Egypt.  All classes and disciplines were involved with students creating projects, outfits, activities, displays... everything!  Our students even worked the event, and they LOVED it!  Both the students and the YMCA are begging for a 2013-2014 repeat!  I can't wait to lead another event!

Bring it on!  It was SO much fun, busy and stressful, but SO much fun!!

Kitchen Makeover 2013

If you’ve never taken down wallpaper before and plan on doing so for a project, give yourself plenty of time!  It took us about 3 days for this project.  Your motivation and excitement might still be there, but the feeling in your little fingers and in your shoulders won’t!  Just take everything in moderation, pace yourself, and you will be just fine.

Materials that we used:

Tiger Claw from Perspectives in Lexington KY.

DIF, scrapers (1” and 6”), sandpaper foam blocks from Home Depot

DIF in the blue bottle is AMAZING!! 

The fabric softner I used was the second to last cheapest I could find, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money if it wasn’t going to work.  Man was I wrong!  That stuff was awesome!  The best part.... when I went back and sandpapered the walls and wiped them down, the smell came back and made everything smell really fresh and clean.  

Watch this guy for a tutorial:  

How to remove wallpaper Quickly and Easily

I had to spackle a few holes and blemishes.  Then smoothed them out with the sandpaper.

The color of paint we selected was Amazon Stone by Behr.  (Actually, it was my Husband’s choice, I wanted to go lighter; but I am really happy with it and glad I listened to him!)  We got the paint and primer in one for the first coat and then just the color for the second coat.  I highly recommend this on walls that have never had a layer of paint on them.  

We used your typical rollers, a medium-size hand brush and then a little brush for the edges and details.  Standing on the kitchen counters trying to paint the little edge above the cabinets was a real pain in the neck (literally), but it was completely worth it!

For the kitchen light fixture, I used Rust-o-leum Metallic in Carbon Mist.  Yes folks, that is the original light fixture.  I am not one to voluntarily get electrocuted, so I was NOT going to mess with any wires.  But spray paint, no worries, I got this!

The Backsplash behind the stove is Fasade 18 in. x 24 in. PVC Traditional 1 Backsplash in Brushed Nickel

I also bought new light switch covres and outlet covers and spray painted them with the Carbon Mist Spray Paint, to match of course!

Yellow Bowl on the table is from Marshalls  Thanks Mom!!

The whole project was a lot of fun, grueling at times, but I love my new kitchen AND the fact that I did it!!