PMA Wednesday - 2nd Edition

Welcome to PMA Wednesday!

Last week, I started a new linky to share positive messages with each other. If you missed it, click here. 

Before I share this week's PMA message, I need to share an email that I received this week from Jon Gordon. Yes, THE Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus. He sends out a "Positive Tip" email every week. You can sign up for it on his website here. When I received it this week, I noticed his email address was at the bottom. Since, he was one of the inspirations for this linky, I decided to send him an email and let him know. NEVER in a MILLION years did I think I would hear back from him. Not only did he reply to my email, he did it the same day. Here is what he said, "Hey Kristin, I think that is awesome. Great job by you and your husband! Blessings. Jon".  

This week, I got my inspiration when I was driving around doing errands and listening to my iPod. The song, "My Wish" by Rascal Flats came on. I really listened to the lyrics. Later, I was looking through my pins on Pinterest and found this pin.

This is my wish for you!

Bloglovin'?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I already added the button to my blog, but I guess they need a post with the code it in to "claim my blog". We'll see.

This post may disappear after I finish playing with Bloglovin'.

Don't forget tomorrow is PMA Wednesday!

Monday Made It - June 17th Edition

Although this is my second summer Monday, this is my first Monday Made It Monday!

Last Monday, all I made was a mess. I was still packing up my classroom.

This week, I made a linky button and a new page on my blog. Thank you to Ashley Hughes for the apple and my hubby for the inspiration. Click here to read last week's PMA Wednesday post.

One of my home made its was an anniversary gift. My hubby is a "wears his heart on his sleeve" kind of guy, who appreciates a thoughtful, sentimental gift over the traditional or modern gift. Once again, I turn to Pinterest for some "pin"spiration. I found this photo. 

I gathered these supplies: blank cards and envelopes from the scrapbook section at Wal-Mart (My Wal-Mart still had their Valentine stuff available) and my trusty, Flair pens.

I decorated each envelope based on the holiday theme for the month, added the words "Open When...", decorated the card inside, and wrote a special message. 

Here they are all wrapped up in red ric rac ribbon. 

My other home made it started in February. I needed some stress relief during STAAR testing preparation. Unfortunately, stress got the best of me. All I accomplished during the school year was wrapping half of the wreath in gray yarn. That is until this week. I finally finished my argyle Valentine wreath.

   

                               Original Pinspiration                                                My version

     I did do some things differently from the original directions. First, I couldn't find a rounded wreath. All I could find was a green floral wreath. Next, I used about 1/2 a skein of "I Love This Yarn!" #200 Graymist and 1 piece each red and pink fleece (not felt) from Hobby Lobby. I liked how the fleece was thicker than the felt. Finally, instead of applying the hearts with hot glue, I used Elmer's Spray Adhesive. I did use hot glue to secure the yarn on the back. I finished it off with a hanger made from sheer pink striped ribbon. 

Absolutely nothing! 

Have you entered Angela's Giveaway, yet? There is still time. Click on the button and go enter today.

I can't wait to blog stalk all of the other Monday Made Its and find my next project(s)!

[Their like chips! You just can't pin one.]

Five for Friday - June 14th

Final packing day!

    Last Friday was my last official day of school. However, I went back Saturday for 3 hours and Monday for 4 more hours to finish packing. I ended up with 44 boxes moving to 2nd grade and another 22 more boxes went home to my garage. Guess what I'll be doing next week?

    Tuesday, I went to my first 2nd grade inservice. It was a Science center Make n' Take. What a fun day! I was able to make 8 file folder games. I, also, discovered that I should not be allowed near a laminator. I was so afraid of wasting the film that I ruined several puzzle and game pieces. Fortunately, I picked up an extra packet to replace my mistakes.

This is my happy face.

     Wednesday, I took my dog, Skooter, to the local dog park. He got to play with two Westies and took a walk on the nature trail. Even though, we went mid-morning, he got really hot, but he is smiling. 

     If you haven't checked out my linky, click here. It will be open all week. Next week, I will open another one. You can post your favorite motivational or positive quote, meme, song lyrics, poems or poster. Each week, they will be archived on my new PMA Wednesday page. This fall when you need a little pick me up, you can come back and get an attitude adjustment. 

    Thursday, I started tackling my summer to do list and worked on one of my Monday Made It projects. I, also, made these Monday-Friday buttons. If I keep this up, I am going to develop a serious case of blogger butt. (Thanks to whoever coined that phrase!)

    I enlisted my husband in Kristin' Boot Camp this week. We both need to lose some serious weight this summer. Basically, we are trying to be more mindful of what we eat by writing down everything and counting calories. I am walking the dog and walking on my treadmill. I've already lost 5.5 pounds. Woo Hoo!

PMA Wednesday - 1st Edition

Welcome to PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) Wednesday!

The Back Story:

     A couple of years ago, I had one of  "those" classes. You know the kind that makes you rethink your career choice, take multiple "sick" mental health days, and generally miserable. After enduring and surviving "that" class, I discovered The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. I was reluctant at first, but I eventually hopped on board. I drove my bus home and shared it with my husband. He got on board, too. In fact, he started sending a positive message to myself and team every Wednesday. Twice this year, he ordered a treat and had it delivered to the team. Once, we received cupcakes. Another day, we received slices of gourmet cake. It gave us something to look forward to on Wednesdays and that extra boost to help us make it to Friday.

The Details:

     I wanted to start a linky, while I have time, to share some of the PMA messages that he sent and some that I have found. You may not need them now. If not, they will be here for you during the school year. I created a page to add the posts to each week. By the way, I, also, created a button using a striped apple from Ashley Hughes. Please add it to your post. Thank you!

My PMA:

    It is only appropriate that my first PMA Wednesday begins with a mini-poster from The Energy Bus. I printed this one out and posted it inside my teacher closet. This is hard to remember sometimes, but I truly am "Too Blessed, To Be Stressed". This year, it became my mantra.

Must Read Mentor Text - Pigs Will Be Pigs

It's Sunday! It must be...

This week's focus is on Math. One of my favorite series is...

by Amy Axelrod. I was first introduced to the "Pigs'" world in...

There is lots of fun to be had from adding up the money the pigs find to adding up items from the "Enchanted Enchilada" menu.

EOY FUN

1 MORE day! 1 MORE day! I ONLY have 1 MORE day with kids!

The last 3 days have been ALL about survival, but I did try to have some fun with my kids. They are a really good class, my 20th group of kids, and my last 4th grade class.

Tuesday, we cleaned out our desks. After we bagged everything up, I squirted shaving cream on their desk. (I know I am not the first teacher to ever do this, but this was the first time I ever did it.) They loved that I used their initials.

I gave them about 8 minutes to play. Once I started taking pictures, they kept saying "Mrs. Buford, take a picture of mine."

 

After playtime was over and I refreshed their foam, we did a few making words. 

"summer"

Today, we went on a treasure hunt. I gathered all of my "prizes" stuff I didn't want anymore and some candy and made 22 goodie bags. Then, I "hid" them around my room. I, also, recommend making a map, so you remember where all of the bags are hidden.

I explained the rules to the kids, then I used my "Pick a #" pot to choose treasure hunters.

I, also, taught them how to steal. One of my funny ones kept repeating "Stealing is bad."

They, also, learned about karma. One of my sweet girls wanted a pocket fan. She found one in her first bag, but it got "stolen". After several "steals", she finally ended up with the same fan. [Another helpful hint: Put an X on the bag every time it is "stolen".]

Three problems: I had kids picking up and poking bags, taking too long to pick a bag, and a bag that I put in a windowsill had ants. Otherwise, they had fun and appreciated their "gifts".

This is my...