A Christmas Conversation + Baby

My life has changed. Completely. Of course everyone told me that it would but I just didn't realize just how much it would change.

That sweet little boy is my greatest accomplishment. 

So in love.

Now that we have a little bundle of joy, we are beginning our own holiday traditions this year. I'm linking up with Abby from The Inspired Apple to tell ya all about it!

The time of year between Thanksgiving and New Years are my absolute favorite! Time with family and friends is always the best.

Want to play along?

Click the link below to join in on the fun!

All I Want for Christmas...

I'm excited to join Hope in this fun little linky.

Unlike Hope, however, I do not have a problem receiving gifts! Not that I'm greedy, rather that I love the element of surprise!!  I love not knowing what somebody has thought enough to buy for me! :) 

The same goes for giving, too! I love trying to come up with the *perfect* little gift to give my family and close friends.  

While I love being surprised by my gifts, I don't really enjoy making a list for myself.  Something just doesn't feel right, at the age of 29, writing a Christmas wish list.  BUT, my family request a list and so…there it is. 

Here are some of the things on my list this year:

Hubby and I need some new linens but I hate having to spend my money on them (I'd rather buy clothes).

I love jewelry!!!

I would love to ride more.  How fun does this look?

I have the original Kindle and I think it's time for an update!

Now it's your turn.  Join in on the fun and check out what's on others Christmas lists.  You might find something to add!! 

Only 6 more full days and 3 half days to go for me! I.can't.wait!

Cyber Monday Linky Party + FREEBIE

I decided to join Christina in a little linky party fun as I continuously load my cart up with goodies in preparation for tomorrow's Cyber Monday sale! I'm so excited.  I love getting to download new teaching goodies  that are on sale!! Woot-woot.  Ok…here's the gist of the linky party

What am I thinking?  I don't have a good singing voice.  Not sure how this will go but wanted to give it a try! :)

Up first, "It's beginning to look a lot like reading."  

The Polar Express is one of my all-time favorite stories to read with my kinders during Christmas time.  I love when they ask me "Did you hear the bell ring, too?"  I, of course, always hear the bell ring and they always get beside themselves with excitement.  

I like to spread this shared reading unit over the course of two weeks.  This packet is jam-packed with reader's response activities, literacy and math centers, craft ideas and craftivities, and so much more!  Click the image above to head to my TPT store to check it out.  Make sure to hit the preview button so you can see all the goodies included!

Onto my second "song," Oh Management, Oh Management!

Tackling transitions and other behavior during the holiday season has always been a bit of a challenge for me.  Well, not anymore! 

Last year, I started using this simple "game" to keep my kids on task and making good choices.  Here's how it works:  Before beginning the 'game,' I first cut up an image.  For instance with the Santa, I cut off his arms, head, legs, and boots.  The kids work together during each transition time to earn one of the picture pieces.  The goal is to build the Santa back.  How do they earn it?  By transitioning quickly, quietly, and without disruption within the allotted time frame.  I turn over a minute sand timer and when I ring my chimes after their Daily Five rotation, they have one minute to earn their picture piece.  

I'm telling you it works amazingly.  I have thrown together this little management tool for December as a freebie to you.  Simply click the pictures above to snag it! :)

And my third and final song for you today, "I'm Dreaming of a Holiday Product"

I just uploaded my newest packet to TPT last night around midnight! :)  Just in time for the Cyber Monday Sale extravaganza!!

Even though I've already uploaded the packet, I will continue to add to it as I see what my students need more practice with.  {I'm already working on a pocket chart/emergent reader to add!}

I created Holly Jolly Days specifically for my group of kinders this year.  The centers all fit perfectly with our Daily Five and Math Workstations we use daily.  Since we all celebrate Christmas, I wanted to make the centers Christmas themed! YaY! 

Click HERE to see what all is included so far.  Make sure to click on the preview image as well! 

Don't forget about the sale starting at midnight tonight!!

You can get up to 28% off your favorite products by entering in the code CYBER at checkout.  Make sure to 'follow' my store when you stop by! I would oh-so-greatly appreciate it! :)

I'm now off to enjoy my last day of Thanksgiving break by running errands. Blah!  I'm such a procrastinator! 

Polar Express + Sale+WINNER!

****UPDATE: I finally started my FB page!  Click HERE and "like" it please!!!

ALSO, the winner of the My Memories Suite Giveaway is:  Hilary Philpott-Gard! Check your email for your goodies!!!

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I don't know about you but I am not one to go deal with the crowds who go out on Black Friday.  There's just nothing exciting about fighting traffic and lines just to save a couple dollars.  

Now I do not "bash" those who do.  I have SEVERAL dear friends who stayed up for over 24 hours shopping their little hearts out.  They did get some good deals but to me, there is simply nothing worth my beauty sleep! :)

Okay.  All that rambling leads me to my E-X-C-I-T-E-M-E-N-T about Cyber Monday!  I love being able to shop from the comfort of my couch, while I'm sipping on yummy coffee in my pj's! :) 

{Thank you Ashley Hughes for the adorable graphic!}

I will be celebrating this event by participating in the SALE! Make sure to enter the code found on the picture to get your sale price!!  

I'm also participating in the Teacher's Notebook Sale.  Lots of great goodies!

I'm also excited because I have a lot of items in my shopping cart AND I just completed my Polar Express unit!!!!!

Here it is:

This cross-curricular unit is jam-packed with TONS of reader's response, writing, literacy, and math activities.  There's also some science and crafting too!

I dont' know what it is about The Polar Express but I just **LOVE** teaching this unit.  It's not every year I get to use it either!  Since it is a Christian-based story, I only like to use it when I have students who ALL celebrate Christmas.

This year, I have a full class of Santa believers and I am OVER THE MOON excited about it! I love me some Santa!!! 

Okay. 

Today has also been a sad day as MY TEAM, The Florida State Seminoles, lost to our arch rival The Florida Gators.  It just hasn't been our year!

Oh, well! Back to the USC vs Notre Dame game! Love some college football!

:) Kelly