Five for Friday 6-4

I love that it's summer so it doesn't feel like the normal Friday tiredness/relief! Linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday!

1- This week my blog redesign went live! What do you think?

STAY TUNED for a GIVEAWAY to celebrate very soon! I will be joining together with two other teachers, and you do not want to miss it!

I think the updates really reflect me - I love everything colorful! I love teal and rustic wood. I love the "magical" feeling I get with my students during exciting learning experiences so that is what has inspired the "fairy tale" theme. My purpose of this blog is to share ideas with others and form relationships with teachers so together we can make a bigger impact on children and the profession of teaching! A HUGE thanks to Megan at A Bird in Hand Designs for her incredible work!

2- This is my first time in my 4 years of teaching that I was sick on the last week of school. Boy was that tough - I'm still getting better! We had school through Tuesday this week. I had a fever Monday and had to miss the 2nd to last day with my students. It's a horrible feeling to miss the last few activities with them, especially this year because I had my sweetest group yet. I've really struggled with picking up viruses/sinus issues, especially the past 6 months. I get sinus surgery next Wednesday, so I hope that is opening a much healthier chapter for me!

3- On to MUCH happier news of the week - I was able to share some sweet, sweet moments with my students on the last day. We read I Knew You Could and talked about things we were proud of! We read A House for Hermit Crab and talked about how they outgrew their "second grade shell" and will have a new shell, new friends, and new learning in third grade. We also read the famous Last Day Blues and talked about what we will miss and what we are looking forward to over the summer. On the last day we also had an award ceremony where each child got an award for a gift/trait/achievement that stood out. We made 2nd grade memory books and a craft! The craft was an ice cream cone with memories on each scoop. They titled the cone "The Sweets of Second Grade!" Saying goodbye to my students this year was emotional for me ... but I felt SO blessed by all their hugs and kind cards. It is such a blessing to have a sweet group of kids and supportive, appreciative parents. I am SO thankful!

 4- Last weekend I threw a birthday party for my hubby and his side of the family. For his cake, I tried to recreate our wedding cake which was "Orange Dreamsicle." I thought it turned out okay, but he really liked it, which is all that mattered! I don't spend a lot of time cooking/baking, so it takes some time and effort when I do! Hopefully I get faster as I get older. :)

5- Do you have to pack up your whole classroom? Luckily, for the first time EVER, I am NOT moving schools and not having a summer camp in my room! I still cleared all surfaces and covered everything for dust and cleaning purposes. Looking at a packed up room is kind of depressing ... Just looks so lifeless compared to the usual.  It will give me a clean slate for some fresh creativity in August! After getting it all packed up, my mom treated me to a pedicure, tea, and gelato! Such a treat to have time to do something like that!