WEEKLY REWIND -- A LITTLE FIVE FOR FRIDAY ACTION

Someone PLEASE hit the pause button.  I have been running around like a mad woman for the past two weeks and I still have TONS left to do.  I had my first back to school nightmare (I was late on the first day).  I also have started grinding my teeth at night and my jaw is on fire most days.  My gym membership sits idle and I can't remember a thing unless I write it down. However, despite this stress and chaos, I absolutely feed off of it all.  Are you like this?  Please tell me I am not the only one who thrives on pressure. Sure, I had my first ugly cry of the late summer stretch (and it won't be my last), but I am loving every minute of it :)  It's definitely back to school prep at its finest.  How are you holdin' up my friends??

On that note, here's a little look at my busy week.  It may have been hectic, but some serious progress has been made.  

ONE - THE NEW ROOM
It's coming along . . . PTL.  It's been a long road, but I can just touch the "light" with my fingertips. A few more ditties and I am done.  I am guessing about 5-6 more hours total.  Then, I can start on curriculum and planning. (My personal favorite!)  I will be hosting the big reveal early next week, but until then . . . here's a little sneak peek.

I went for crayon pack colors in my new room.
It's bright and happy for sure :)

TWO - A NEW FRIEND
As I was working in my room yesterday, I looked out the window and saw the little fella below.  I blinked my eyes and looked again.  Then my brain slowly processed the situation and three thoughts went through my noggin.  Um . . . what is a baby fox doing on campus?  My classroom door is wide open.  Where is his mommy?  Let's just say that I promptly shut the door and called maintenance. They trapped the little fella and his kid brother and dropped them off in the wilderness with their mother.  Crazy, huh??

THREE - MUSIC MANIA
I have been working my tail off on my computer when I am not at school.  I joined forces with my dad (Ron Brown's Intelli-Tunes) to create a new series of packets dedicated to using music in the classroom.  Concept-based sets come with a collection of his professionally recorded MP3s and related ideas.  The movement-based sets come with those ready-made audio files and directions on the movements.  It has been such a treat getting to work with my pop on these new projects.  What can I say?  Teaching is just in me blood :)  

   

The two packets above are more concept-based.  

They contain MP3s, lyrics, and ideas. 

(Yes, a 1st Grade calendar set is coming soon!)

When I taught Kinder for a year, 

I thought I was going to die that first month. 

(All you alls deserve a HUGE gold star!)

With this said, I had my dad write oodles of 

movement songs that year. We stole some of my favorites 

 off of a handful of his albums and packaged them. 

These are a LIFE SAVER in primary :)

FOUR - EMBRACING THE CHAOS
So, with working like a mad woman at school and on the TPT front, the house has taken the brunt of it.  Whoops :(  I am trying to keep up, but I'm failing miserably.  Most of the house is a-ok.  We won't talk about the laundry room and my office . . . well . . . see for yourself.  **SIGH**  However, I figured I would show all you alls that I am not "keeping it together" across the board. I'm okay with that at the moment :P

Just look at this mess . . . BLARG!
Please don't judge :)

FIVE -  FINDING BALANCE
I am actually going to the pool today. I need a time out. Friends are coming into town tonight as well.  I am going to unplug.  It's gonna feel so strange, but it's time. Finding balance this time of year is oh so hard.  My best friend coined it oh so well when we were struggling to find a day to hang out  . . . 

Now that's what I call a friend.  
She so gets it . . . not many outside of the biz do :)
#bestiesjustunderstand

I will see you again soon with a little freebie.  Stay tuned :)