The Highlights of 2016

What a year! I think everyone can agree that 2016 was a wild one! Good or bad, everyone has some highlights! What are yours? Link up at the end of the post to share what your 2016 highlights were.

The BEST highlight of this year, without a doubt, was the birth of my first child, Isaac. He was born in August and nothing can top what an amazing four months it has been so far!

He's so wonderful, I can't even describe it. People tell you over and over again how amazing it is to become a parent, but no one can truly prepare you for the amount of love you can feel for a tiny little person.

I know 2016 for some might not have been the best year, but for me, 2016 was incredible because of my little man, Isaac.

Here's his four month photo. His room is all about dinosaurs! I take his monthly picture with him laying on the rug in his room! <3

The family vacation! When I was 6ish months pregnant, I went on a family vacation with my husband's family. It was more fun than I can tell you! We traveled up to Dillard, Georgia to The Dillard House and rented a cabin. Other than the terrifying driving on the hills I'm not used to (Florida land is FLAT, people), everything about this trip was perfect. I couldn't do the horseback riding or the hiking trails because of how pregnant I was, but I could eat a lot and relax! It was right after school ended, so it was the perfect time to go! Such amazing memories were made here with our family AND my sister-in-law did my maternity photos with the gorgeous scenery in the background!

The Teachers Pay Teachers Conference in July was quite an experience. I hadn't ever gone and was so excited to meet some of the amazing fellow bloggers and sellers I've only spoken to online. What I expected: to learn a lot (which I did). What I DIDN'T expect: to make so many new friends and to soak in so much shared passion and joy for children and education. The excitement was palpable! Although I was a month away from meeting my baby boy, the conference was only an hour and a half drive south of my home town... I couldn't miss it! I will definitely be going again, this time with less swollen feet...

Look at these wonderful faces! (Disregard my pregnant "glow," AKA disgusting sweat from a Florida July). Absolutely LOVED meeting Art With Jenny K, Krista Wallden (Creative Clips), Ashley Schroeder, Lovin' Lit, Amy from TpT(!!), Literary Sherri, Kooky Kinders, and Hanging Around in Primary! There are so many other amazing people I met but didn't get a picture with! We'll have to make up for it next year!

Okay, okay... I know... Isaac was already number one on my list... but all of the amazing events leading up to his birth need their own separate category! There were baby showers (TWO!), a gender reveal party in March (I was seriously in shock that I was having a boy!), and countless doctor's visits and ultrasounds. One such event was the "online" baby shower. My husband is a popular video game streamer on a live stream site called Twitch. He's totally living the dream. He has viewers who watch him and interact with him daily and at this point we consider them kind of a family. Apparently, they feel the same way. His viewers sent hundreds (not exaggerating) gifts for baby Isaac's arrival. We didn't open them, but instead stacked the boxes to the ceiling in my husband's office. We opened them live on stream so his viewers could see us and our thrilled and surprised faces. People are amazing.

I also cannot express the love I felt at our "real-life" baby shower. This child is so loved and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The fifth highlight is that I finished my best year teaching yet. I am staying home this school year and that was a tough decision to make. The 2015-2016 school year was the most amazing year. I never dreaded going to work. I loved my class so much and had a great time. It was bittersweet to see that year come to end. And although I LOVE and ADORE staying home with my little one, by heart belongs in the classroom and I will definitely be back.

Link up with me! Write a blog post with your 5 highlights from the year and share your link below!

An InLinkz Link-up

Using the Break to Get Organized

Oh teachers... I'm sitting here in my little home office and thinking about the upcoming year. The break is half over and its time for me to start gearing myself up (yes... it takes me this long to gear up...). Every year one of my New Year's Resolutions is to get more organized. Every year, I do in fact, become more organized... but I struggle staying that way. I always fall short of my goal. This year, I will of course do my best and hopefully will do better than the last.

I've been pinning some other great blog posts and organization tips on getting (and hopefully staying) organized throughout the next year. Maybe they will help you, too! Even if they don't work for me this year, at least these posts and ideas are helping me get my mind wrapped around the idea of going back to work next week.

So without much further ado, here are my Pinspirations and current projects to get this year started off on the right foot!

I know, I know. I've seen a thousand of these pins everywhere and I have always thought... nah... that won't work for me. But my current system is definitely not working so I'm going to try it out. Simple enough for someone like me and doesn't require a lot of upkeep, so I'm going to try it out. Anyone else use this little organization trick? Let me know how it is going for you in the comments!

I absolutely love this idea to help with anchor charts. I have a great classroom with tons of storage but I don't have any wall space to speak of (they are all covered with cabinets), so storing anchor charts is a struggle. I have to tell you I have ordered a magnetic curtain rod TWICE from Amazon in the last few months and have had nothing but trouble receiving it. I guess I'll try actually leaving my computer chair for this one.

What would I do without Charity Preston in my life? Her Organized Classroom blog is a life-saver! This is actually a dish drying rack and I am going to snag one up (definitely decorate it with washi tape) and organize my files better. My current system of hanging file folders in my desk drawer for my frequently accessed stuff is just not working.

This year my schedule is amazing. My students have specials at the END of the day... meaning, I have my students non-stop from morning to afternoon and my planning period is at the end of the day. It's good and bad. The good thing is that after my students leave for specials, I have my 45 minutes of planning time, but then there's another hour after school till my contract time ends at 3. An hour and 45 minutes of time to myself?! It's a dream come true, right? Not really. Sometimes that 45 minutes is packed with meetings. If not, yes, it's great! Except I have a hard time focusing on getting things ready for the week/next day. I'm tired and ready to go home. So one of my favorite bloggers is going to help me. Miss DeCarbo rocks! I'm busy working on an after-school checklist similar to hers that will hopefully get me into some good habits this year.

Phew! I've got some work to do!

2014 New Year Day Five: Organizational Goals

I am an interesting person when it comes to organization. I am organized... but I not organized. I guess it just depends on what I'm organizing. When you look at my computer and all my folders of tons of files, I am the most organized person you'll meet. Everything is in its place and labeled perfectly. However, if you look in my closet or dresser... I am a hot mess. I do have some goals in this area this year, even if I don't have my own classroom just yet.

Now that I am in my final internship, I need to make sure I am on top of my game. My internship coordinator will be keeping an eye on me and not only do I want to impress her, but really, an organized binder makes things so much easier in the long run.

When I'm not in the classroom, I struggle with time management. It blows my mind. When I'm teaching, I am on top of that clock like no one's business. At home, however, I don't know what happens to the time. I have a hard time getting things done at home and truly want to be better at it. 

I always have great aspirations to be organized (in areas I'm not already organized in). I usually do great for a couple of weeks, sometimes even a couple of months. Then there's a turning point somewhere and I give up. This year, I'd really like to STAY organized. One of my managers at my last job always said that it takes 21 days of doing something to make it a habit. That always stuck with throughout the last few years as I always found it really interesting. So I guess I just need 21 days and I'm good? Let's hope so...

That's that! Today is the last day of the New Year's linky with Blog Hoppin'. I've already started working towards my fitness goals and my crafting goals and I actually went out to dinner with my husband a few nights ago! So far so good in 2014!

Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter and Pinterest and check out my TpT Store!

Thanks to The Hazel Owl for the circle badges and to Kevin and Amanda for the Smiley Monster font.

2014 New Year Day Four: Professional Goals

So this is where I will have several goals, some of which I am not even aware of yet! Let me explain.

First, since I am a student teacher I do not currently have my own classroom. I am, however, interning in a Kindergarten classroom resuming on January 13th and there, I have several goals. The major ones are:

I am currently sitting at an overall GPA of 3.89. Unfortunately when I was really young and fresh out of high school I was a Theatre major and did poorly in two classes that have literally been haunting me and following me throughout my whole college career. I mean, a 3.89 is great... but... I just HATE that those two classes that I got nothing out of for my career have such an impact. I did, however finish last semester (my first internship and 3 classes) with a 4.0! So that helped my overall GPA tremendously. 

The point of the internship is to "be the teacher" with essentially a guide in the room with me. I am so incredibly fortunate to have an amazing supervising teacher. She is so laid back and makes me feel so comfortable. If she has feedback for me, she is so positive and supportive. I cannot wait to experience this internship in her classroom.

This is probably the most intense goal I have. I am a little nervous in this area because job interviews intimidate me a bit. I am also nervous because the county I currently live in is having some issues with job security. However, I have no qualms about moving elsewhere. My husband is graduating with his BS the same day as I am! So, other than my husband's current job and my parents living here, we really have nothing tying us down where we are. But I am such a home-body. I don't want to go far if I can help it. Hopefully this goal will be met and I will have my own classroom in August!

I do have a few other goals in regards to my other job. I am an instructor at a local community theater where I teach weekly classes and weekend workshops throughout the year, including the summer. I teach all ages and I always enjoy these so much. Here are my theater goals:

I have a bad habit of pushing the planning for these extra curricular classes to the last minute and then wind up rushing. I always feel like I have more time than I do. This is big for me and I really want to make sure I'm balancing my time well between planning for my internship classes and graduation as well as the classes I teach at the theater.

I am a very creative person. You have to be in this business and I always pride myself on my work and creations. I tend to get a little disappointed however when I don't get the reaction to my dances, skits, songs, etc. from parents and co-instructors that I think my work deserves. I mean, they always say they like everything. I've never gotten any negative feedback, but for some reason I build it up in my head and am instantly disappointed that the feedback isn't that my productions are Academy Award winning material.

I have a HUGE year ahead of me. And like I said, I likely have more goals that will crop up later on in the year, especially if  when I get my own classroom!

Thanks to Graphics From the Pond for their super cute number graphics and to Teaches Third in Georgia for the Cheerios font. :)

2014 New Year Day Three: Fitness

Ah, yes. The New Year's Resolution I make every year and fail by February...

Last year I did pretty well, though, in all actuality. Ryan proposed in February of last year and we decided on a 6 month engagement. So in 6 months, I lost 30 pounds. I wish I had looked a little bit more fit, but I really did feel great in that gown and on the cruise, so I can't complain. However, I was in a car accident in September, a mere month after the wedding and it did a number on my back. It really effected my gym routine.... which wasn't really that much of a routine anyway... but I digress.

I can use the car accident as an excuse for my failure at the gym all day everyday... but I cannot make any excuses for my complete and utterly disgusting feasting upon fast food... like everyday. It got BAD.

As cliche as it is to make losing weight a goal of 2014, it MUST be done. Little back story here: in 2009 I decided to go on a fitness rampage. I was already pretty thin but was out of shape and a little pudgy. I didn't lose much weight but I did lose a LOT of fat percentage and was very lean. And then my now-husband-then-boyfriend had major heart surgery, we went through a depression and since he was on medical leave from his job, I worked a heck of a lot more... Eating right and exercising was not a priority anymore. I have tried to get back into it countless times and have discovered that it is just so much easier to be chubby. But I feel gross and lack energy so I must do this.

These are my actual goals for fitness:

This was previously difficult for me as I was in my first (part-time) internship and working my job in computer repair and planning a wedding and teaching at the community theater... I mean, seriously! It wasn't happening. In good ole 2014, I will be in my full time internship Monday through Friday with weekends off! Now this may sound like the norm and not something to get excited about, but after working for years in retail and computer repair at a retail location AND going to school, I am ready for a "normal" schedule. Monday through Friday is the goal, right after my day at school. I plan on taking my bag with me and having it ready in my car packed with a snack, gym clothes, sneakers, water, iPod, socks, and my little gloves (don't judge me, I hate those callouses...).

Thinking back to my "fit" days, I was addicted to keeping track. I had every app available at the time for tracking my exercises, calories eaten and calories burned, and the duration of every workout. I was pretty obsessed. While I don't want this to become an unhealthy obsession like it once was, I am better at holding myself accountable when I track everything. I downloaded a few apps that I'm exploring to figure out which one I want to use. I also made an account on a site called Earndit. I have no idea how to use it yet, but I'll figure it out.

Speaking of unhealthy obsessions........... I have a problem with fast food. My husband does as well. It's just shameful how often we eat out and what we order when we get there. Taco Bell specifically has become nothing short of an addiction. The sad part is, is that I truly enjoy cooking! I am pretty awful at it, but I like to learn new things in the kitchen. I discovered a site called Pepperplate last year and it is a wonderful tool that I have on my computers, phones, and iPad to add and organize recipes I find. I typically find my recipes online via other bloggers. I LOVE Emily Bites and LaaLoosh (check them out ASAP!) and I add their recipes to that app weekly.

I currently weigh a WHOPPING 165. That's pretty heavy for my petite 5'2".... My current pant size is a 13 (or a 12 depending on the brand). My current bra size is 36DD or 38DD.

Goal Weight: 135

Goal Pant Size: 10

Goal Bra Size: 34D or 36D

I have discovered that a LOT of people I know are very negative, especially about weight loss and fitness. I have also recently discovered that the people I know who are supportive of weight loss and fitness are REALLY supportive. That is a quality I need in a friend because those are the people who motivate me and inspire me to be better and most importantly, those are the people who hold me accountable. Adversely, I want to be the friend who is supportive. I want to be the obnoxious Facebook commentator on everyone's successes and failures to help motivate them. We're all in this together!

There it is... all laid out. I can't lie and say I'm not intimidated. The beginning is the hardest part, I know. Unfortunately for me... I'm at the beginning. But it is a goal that must be met. 

2014 New Year Day Two: Crafting and Creating

Crafting and Creating! Oh goodness, I have so many goals in this area. I really love anything crafty, but I definitely don't make enough time for it. So, these are definitely some goals I want to make sure I incorporate into my wonderful 2014!

1.

2013 was definitely a picture crazy year. We had our engagement, engagement photos, the wedding, the honeymoon... the list goes on and on. I have a ridiculous amount of pictures and scrapbooking supplies that are just crying out to be used! Gotta get a move on! It might actually take me all year... Thank you to photographer Jennifer Slater with 1000 Words Gallery for the gorgeous photos! Check out her work HERE.

2.

That's right. Those are two mega packs of SHARPIES! My husband got them for me for Christmas and I've been drooling ever since. I keep an art journal, but I am not very good. That other image is the best thing I've ever drawn in my life lol. I really want to get better and practice is the only way! So, part of my crafting and creating goals for 2014 is to do just that.

3.

I am fairly new to the blogging and TpT community (at least as a creator). I am thoroughly enjoying this whole experience so far and have huge plans for my next creations... but I have SO MUCH to learn and try in my digital creations. I have always loved creating things on the computer and love the fact that I can integrate that hobby into my blog and career. The images in this collage are from several different things, two of which are products in my TpT store. Check them out HERE. <3

So that's that! A year's worth of creativity and I am so stoked! I have such a fantastic year ahead of me. 

Thank you to the following for use of their graphics:

For the Retro Circle backgrounds

For the Little Piggy's Cake Font

   

2014 New Year Day 1: Fun and Family

I just found on the collaborative blog Blog Hoppin' a fun New Year's linky all about setting goals and keeping them this year! I can't believe it is already 2014! I am definitely joining in the fun here. Since I stumbled across this gem today, the second of January, I'm making two posts that go along with their linky! So excited!

Day One: Fun and Family

My family is a tiny one, but I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who love me. I just got married only 5 months ago, so my little family consists of my husband and two lovable chihuahuas (See Post 1 - No, seriously, check it out. They are adorable.) But right now, my husband and I (and my fur babies) are living with my parents. This is until I finish my degree in May. Not only is my mom the greatest mom of all time, she's my best friend and while living at home in my mid twenties with my husband is not ideal, I can't thank her enough for taking us in so we can take this time to pay off wedding bills and save for our first home. <3

Here are my Fun and Family goals for the big 2014!

1.

My husband really likes Taco Bell, so maybe our date nights will start there. I'm really trying to help him branch out... but look how happy he looks with that Mountain Dew!

2.

This is always something I wish I have done more of. This year we already have plans to visit my husband's sister in D.C. (in just a couple of weeks!) so there's a start. Maybe I'll see snow for the FIRST time!

3.

There are so many things I want to watch! This Netflix goal can go along with "More Date Nights," because I am seriously okay with movie nights at home.

4.

My mother and I LOVE anything crafty... and we rarely make time for it. We have so much scrapbooking stuff, it is disgusting and we have let it all sit there for years! I really want to make it a goal to spend time on these hobbies with my mom.

5.

Do I even need to elaborate here? Look at those precious babies!!!

There ya have it! This will be what my fun and family will be for 2014! Ahhh! So excited!

Thanks to the following for the frames and clipart:

MyCuteGraphics (all clipart) 

Glitter Meets Glue (all glitter frames)

Happy 2014!

Here We Go!

Hello everyone! My name is Amanda and I am the creator of Daisy Designs. Basically, I am a student-teacher and I am thoroughly enjoying my experience in creating and implementing lesson plans and activities with my students... So much that I would like to share them. With so many education blogs out there, I wanted to join the fun and start posting what it's like to be a student-teacher, on my way to becoming an elementary school teacher!

Currently, I am interning at an elementary school in Florida and I've been assigned Kindergarten! I never thought I would enjoy Kindergarten as much as I do. I always thought of myself as a 4th or 5th grade teacher. But when they (the university I attend and the school's district office) says "Jump!" you say, "How high?" So, Kindergarten it is! And I love it. I did spend a short time in 4th grade as well and I loved it, too! So, I guess I am just a lover of all things education. :)

Other than teaching, my life is pretty ordinary! I recently got married (5 months ago!) and I have two precious chihuahuas. In fact, Daisy Designs is named after my first little chihuahua, Daisy! She's small and yippy but SO full of love and snuggles. 

Sweet Baby Daisy

Isn't she beautiful?! She's my inspiration! My other chihuahua is also my inspiration. Her name is Pudgy and I toyed around with "Pudgy Products" being the title of my store (I really like word play #teacherlife), but it just sounded like another weight loss program, so I went with Daisy Designs!

YAWN...

But she's beautiful, too. <3

Keep checking back for more posts! And check out my Teachers Pay Teachers profile: Daisy Designs