Currently a new year?

I cannot believe it's already 2016! The year ended in a bit of a whirlwird around here, but I'm looking forward to fresh starts and more time watching my sweet little boys grow into handsome young men.

Listening: Keagan and Caffrey did NOT sync their naps today, so I didn't get my usual quiet time. Although fortunately Keagan has become pretty independent, and I managed to sneak in a short nap while Caffrey slept. That is, until Keagan decided to play "Polar Express" with his train whistle. Thankfully he only woke me up!

Loving: I struggled a little with this one to be honest. It's been a bit crazy here lately. My husband and I had to travel back to MS (after just getting back from a trip at the beginning of break) after my grandmother passed away. I know it's better for her and I'm glad that she is no longer suffering, but it's made for a busy and stressful break. Despite all of that, I have an amazing family and have the pleasure of being mommy to the cutest little boys. Ever. See?

Thinking: Since this has been the first day we've been able to be home and have nothing that HAS to be done immediately, I have taken advantage of it. Of course, we do need to get some groceries, so it's probably time I at least brush my teeth and become somewhat presentable.

Wanting: Like I said, this "break" was way too busy, and I need another break to recooperate. At least Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is just around the corner. And I heard whispers of snow?

Needing: My boots literally have a hole in the bottom that I've temporarily covered with duct tape to keep water out (since it's been monsoon season everywhere). Did you know duct tape doesn't stay in one place on the bottom of shoes? I just haven't had time to find ones that are worth spending my money. Maybe I'll do that before going back to school,..

One Little Word: This was an easy one for me. Ever since Caffrey was born and we moved, I just haven't been able to find my "new normal". Everything has been hectic, and I want to find a routine. I need to get some kind of schedule going and just go with it. My hope is that it will become easier as Caffrey gets a little older and doesn't need to be held all the time.

Currently December

It's already December 2?! When did that happen? Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, so I'm thrilled that we're to this point. I mean, our house has been decorated for almost three weeks now, so it's about time!

Listening: Keagan and Steven are wrestling, and Caffrey is sitting with me giggling about it. I love how my husband gets on the floor after a long day and still plays with the kids! They adore their daddy.

Loving: Everything Christmas! I've already got about half of my shopping done (almost all for my immediate family), and I can't wait to start all of the festivities!

Thinking: I've been meaning to schedule a hair appointment for a few weeks. I just haven't gotten around to it. I haven't gotten it cut since before school started, and it needs a little TLC.

Wanting: I went to bed this morning with a bit of a sore throat and woke up in way more pain. I ended up staying home today because it was so bad. Feeling a little better, but I'm hoping it's okay for tomorrow. Maybe I'll eat some ice cream to help! ;-)

Needing: We don't have any light fixtures in our family room. When we moved in, the days were longer, and the huge windows provided plenty of light. Now that it's dark by 5, our one tall lamp isn't quite cutting it. It's a big room. Maybe Santa will install a light for Christmas? (Signs that your officially an adult?)

Real or Faux: We have four trees in our house. Three of them are fake (a really small one in Caffrey's room, 4 ft in Keagan's, and a 6 ft in the living room that is my "fancy" tree). Then we always go get a real tree for our family tree with all of the special ornaments. We just got ours Sunday, and it's SO fat!

What's your favorite thing about December?

Currently October

I feel like it's been forever since I've linked up for a currently. I guess when you become a mother of two, everything is hard. Anyway, I'm excited to be back for October's currently! :-)

Listening: My room backs up to a bathroom. Fortunately I don't hear toilets or people, but I do have the constant, annoying sound of one of those paper towel dispensers. All. Day. Long.

Loving: We got a new intervention system from Fountas & Pinnell for Title I this year, and it's so great! The books are high interest, and I really like all of the activities that they pair with them. Even the canned discussion questions are helpful (especially since my aide can feel comfortable running a group on her own). I'm interested to see my students' progress with this program.

Thinking: Even though Joaquin looks like it will stay further east and not hit us, we're getting a ton of rain and will have even more from the hurricane. Some schools are already closed for possible flooding.

Wanting: We were supposed to go apple picking last Sunday, but it's literally been raining every day since fall arrived. I'm hoping we get to go...

Needing: We were waiting until payday to go grocery shopping. Now we have to go out with all of the nuts and pray they still have food. #hurricaneproblems #wealwaysneedmilk

Boo-tiful: I just finished my classroom last week (pictures and a post coming soon), but I also decided to add a little fall touch. I want to decorate my mantel at home also, but we need to buy some picture frames. And pumpkins.

Go link up with Farley for the currently, but be sure to also come back and check out The Reading Crew's mentor text hop that we kicked off today! Each blog is featuring a fall book AND a freebie, so you won't want to miss it!

Currently June

June is here, and I have lots of big news!

Listening: My parents got here Saturday to help out while Steven went back to work for the last two weeks of school. It's a good thing because there is a lot to do. Our house finally went under contract on Sunday, and they are doing the home inspection tomorrow. So today is all about cleaning and making sure everything is ready one last time. On the flip side, I'm SO glad that we don't have to do this anymore!

Loving: I was supposed to go to the hospital this morning for a scheduled c-section. Caffrey had other plans and surprised us in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 24 (read my story here - it's CRAZY)!! So instead, today I am home and getting fairly well adjusted with a 9 day old! He's the sweetest little thing, and I'm already so in love!

Thinking: Since we now have a contract on our house, that means we are going to be BUSY packing and moving! We have to close by July 17, so we had to put an offer on a house quickly (found that and had our contract accepted this morning). It's crazy how quickly everything is moving, especially after waiting so long for any bites.

Wanting: Of course, with the insanity I'm wanting to do more than I'm supposed to. I had a c-section, and the doctors basically told me I'm not supposed to lift anything heavier than my baby OR drive until my 6-week checkup. I have things to do! I'm not someone who does well with sitting back and not being able to do things, so that's been tough.

Needing: See above

Summer lovin': Pretty self-explanatory, especially with all that I've already said. We go to the beach in August, and I'm hopeful that I will have lost at least a little of my belly by then (obviously not going to try a bikini or anything yet). I've already lost 12 without doing much at all, and I'm going to try and walk as much as I can until I'm cleared to go back to the gym! Right now, I'm just ready for Steven to be out of school so we can enjoy time as a family!

Currently May!

It's May!! I was beginning to feel like April would never end. The first part of the month passed quickly, but these last two weeks have really dragged. I think part of that may have to do with the fact that I've gotten so big recently that everything is more difficult and I'm just ready to be done. I would be okay with having this baby tomorrow (if I had enough sick leave for that).

Anyway, let's move on to my favorite linky: Farley's currently!!

Listening: We had a sick little boy this week and have gone through so much laundry it's ridiculous. Keagan is finally back to normal and in the clear, so hopefully we are back to a more reasonable amount of laundry. You know, until Caffrey gets here and we start crazy loads of baby everything...

Loving: We start our state tests in two weeks, so this is my last week to teach. I'll actually miss the last two weeks of school on top of that since our school's last day is June 12. Right now I'm scheduled to deliver on June 3, so my last day is May 28!

Thinking: I haven't been able to go in about three weeks and was hoping to make it back to class today, but Steven ended up needing to help a friend this morning. Oh well, I'll try to go and just do my own thing this week. Plus we may go walk around at the beach today. I need some salty air!

Wanting: I'm 35 weeks tomorrow, and this baby is already almost 5 1/2 pounds. Comfort is almost impossible...

Needing: Keagan has some newer summer clothes in his drawer, but I need to get the rest of his warm weather clothes out of the attic. Plus I haven't taken ANY of our baby stuff out. I need to start preparing!

Summer: This baby WILL be here in almost exactly one month! It's kind of taking over all of my thoughts right now (sorry!). Our house has been on the market since February, and I'd love for us to have a contract, close, and move by the end of July or earlier if possible. And the dream is closer to reality this time than my last pregnancy, but I'd LOVE to be at least back in most of my clothes by the time school starts back in September. I do have a lot of flowy dresses and tops, so that will help. I know to be realistic. My biggest thing is to be better off than I was last time.

What are you currently up to this month? And when do you get out of school?

Currently April!

I felt like March would never end but it's finally April, which also means there are currently TWO months before I meet this adorable little boy and can finally see my feet again! I'm excited to link up with Farley (as always) to share a little about what's been going on around here.

Listening: It feels great outside, but I feel like it always takes a few weeks for them to adjust the temperatures in the building after the weather changes. Our little fan has been running a LOT in our room lately. And, no, I actually don't think it has to do with the fact that I'm 7 months preggo...

Loving: Today is our Reptile World assembly, and I'm SO excited!! This guy has been coming to our school every other year for a really long time (like over 30 years), and it honestly is my favorite assembly ever. You just have to experience him! I'm going to try and take pictures/get a video to share. I'm not a snake person by any means, but he's just so fascinating!

Thinking: It's a good thing Reptile Man is here today because I'm so ready to be on break. Tomorrow is our last day, and I can't wait.

Wanting: My belly has really popped in the past few weeks (I'm now in the third trimester - 30 weeks), and I feel like I have a bowling ball on my stomach. It's hard to get up, and I feel more exhausted standing. BUT I'm still keeping up with the gym and haven't started swelling yet! Fingers crossed I can make it all the way to the end without any of it!

Needing: I'm always beyond ready for break when it gets here, but even more so now that I'm so pregnant. I sleep okay once I fall asleep, but that can take a while to get comfortable. I just want time to relax and sleep in a little.

EGGS-plain your name: I actually was talking to Carla (Comprehension Connection) recently and realized I haven't done that in a while (or maybe ever). Guess I just assumed I had or that people knew. It's a well known fact at my school that I have a slight Mo Willems/pigeon obsession. This goes way back to college when I first discovered Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Even teaching the upper grades, I found ways to incorporate his books. Now that I have a son, we've gone a little overboard on reading his books. To the point that one of my 3 year old's favorite phrases right now is "Okay, fine! If it means SOOOO much to you..." from The Pigeon Needs a Bath, which I highly recommend along with all of Mo's other books.

Anyway, when I was looking for a teacher-y title that fit my personality, I knew it had to relate to Mo (yes, I imagine we're on a first name basis) somehow. I decided on my title based off the book, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late. My BFF in real life - college roomie and all that amazing joined-at-the-hip-for-a-while stuff - has an adorable little kindergarten blog, Teacher at the Wheel, also a nod to our beloved author. Go check her out, too!

Okay, now to survive until tomorrow at 2. Then I get to leave early for a doctor's appointment!

Currently March

It's March! For once (and wouldn't you know it's the time that I actually was ready for February), the month really did fly by. Maybe it's because I didn't manage to work a single full week between being sick at the beginning of the month and then snow the past two weeks. Wait. I lie. I did work a full week that very first week. I think.

Listening: Recently I've worked way less than I've been at home, so it's a strange feeling to even be at work. Although Mondays are a little nicer after a 4 day weekend, especially one that followed an entire week off from school. Anyway, breaks are still nice. And mine is just about over...

Loving: March is always a favorite because it's when I can finally hope for spring weather. And I'm especially ready for it now because my clothes are getting uncomfortable and I can't wait to wear dresses. This belly is starting to get HUGE!

Thinking: We put our house on the market about a month ago, but we haven't had any bites yet. I would love to be moved into our new house before this baby gets here, but we'll be cutting it close at this point. In other words, I'd love for someone to put a contract on our house THIS MONTH so we can get through closing before the end of May. Prayers!

Wanting: Before Christmas, I was so good about planning for a month at a time (and then just moving things around and making copies at the end of each week for the next). I haven't gotten back in that groove yet, and these snow days aren't helping. Last week, I didn't get around to making my plans for this week, so I had to hurry and put them together this morning. Now I'm already working on next week's, but I'd like to plan all the way up to April 3 by the end of this week. Then I'll just have a few weeks left after break and before testing begins. Are we really that close to the end?!

Needing: Last week, my boss handed me a copy of Strategies that Work to look over and help our teachers make sure their instruction is appropriate and as good as it can be. I brought it home knowing we'd be out a few days for snow, but I didn't even pick it up. Other than moving it out of the way. I need to work on that this week...

Spring Break Plans: I'd love to actually go somewhere, but any trip past an hour starts to get a little painful at this point (I'm 6 months along and will be 7 by break). We may make it down to the beach one day, but that will be the extent of "travel". Instead, maybe I can start thinking about putting Caffrey's room together. We have a theme in mind, but that's as far as we've gotten. As for cleaning and relaxing, I try to do those every day. It's so hard to keep the house clean enough for a showing, especially when we aren't getting any showings right now. Come on, warm weather!!

Currently February

Wow! Usually February is my least favorite months, but I'm kind of excited to see it here. January has felt long, and there are some exciting changes coming. Each month brings us closer and closer!

Listening: I LOVE this show, but we can never seem to get it working with our satellite. Oh well, I can watch it with our Roku and catch up within the week. :-)

Loving: We've been going to Remnant for a little over 1 1/2 years, and it's been a great decision! The pastors are not afraid to speak the truth, and the church is growing all the time. If you live in the Richmond area and are looking for somewhere to go, please come check us out! It's so nice to have a community that I know will hold me accountable and challenge me to grow.

Thinking: We are putting our house on the market and trying to expand a little. With Caffrey on the way soon, we would like to have an extra bedroom. Prayers that the house sells quickly because I would love to move before this one gets here!

Wanting: I'm so jealous of Northern VA and all of their snow. We've had one ice day, but there hasn't been a good snow here in quite a few years (even with the 11 days we were out last year). At one point, they were saying tomorrow could be 12-16 inches, but now it looks like it will only be rain. How depressing...

Needing: Self explanatory. There's always laundry to be done...

Pageant Title: Funny story, I actually WAS in a few pageants in High School and even won "Miss Congeniality" one year. That used to be my favorite movie. And besides, pageants are supposed to be fun, right? I mean, if you can win some money too, then so be it. But how often do you get to put on a fancy dress and get all dolled up for everyone to stare at you? Okay, that was a little terrifying. Good thing the lights almost blind you to the people seated!

Currently A New Year!

It's 2015!! We had a little get-together at our house last night which was lots of fun, but unfortunately Keagan didn't care that we didn't go to bed until 2. He was wide awake barging into our room at 7:30 anyway. Oh well, at least he didn't wake up when the sun rose.

Farley posted this yesterday, but we were busy getting ready.

Listening: I love Jane Austen, and Mansfield Park is one of my favorites. I've never seen the movie, but it's been on my Amazon Prime watchlist for a little while. Since the boys are napping, I decided I would watch it!

Loving: We've had a great break so far, and the weather is supposed to be nice this weekend. Today is just windy, but I'm hoping to get some more great family time in!

Thinking: Keagan turned 3 just before Christmas, but he has almost NO desire to potty train. It's driving me crazy! I know he'll get there, but I would rather not have two kids in diapers at once. Plus he will need to get there by fall if we're going to send him to preschool.

Wanting: I'm a huge fan of Annie, and the new one looks so cute! Steven is even willing to see it. I'm going to try and convince him to take me tomorrow while we have free babysitting.

Needing: We took down the Christmas tree, but nothing else has gone yet. I want to have it done before we go back to work, but we'll see. At least with the tree out of the living room, we have more space. I want to get it done so we can start getting the guest room ready for Keagan, although there may not be any reason for that.

Yes: By healthy pregnancy, I mean that I want to eat right and continue to exercise through it. So far, I've done alright with it, but I want to keep it up.
Maybe: We actually drove around this morning looking at houses. It seems like we actually can afford a few really cute houses in the city that are a little larger than what we have now (hence maybe not needing to move Keagan out of the nursery yet). It's just a matter of being able to sell our current house. Prayers! I'd love to have more space for when the baby gets here!
I wish: I've already done laundry a few times this week, but it seems to pile up almost instantly. Maybe that has to do with the chunky sweaters, but I just want to feel like I'm ahead for once.

Oh, and don't forget. A lot of stores are having sales that end today on TPT, including mine. Happy shopping!

Currently December

My favorite month (well, maybe after the summer months) is finally here, and I'm SO excited!! I love pulling out all of my Christmas books and activities and have had the entire month planned out for a few weeks already. Last night, I spent about an hour cutting out my adorable new advent calendar to start with Keagan. I bought it from a friend's etsy shop here! She has some amazing products!

I swear, Christmas just gets more and more fun as he gets older. This is the first year he really understands the concept of Santa and presents. He already told me that Santa was bringing him ninja turtles. Good thing I already know my child pretty well because we're almost done shopping!

Listening: I'm in between students and already have all my lessons done for the month. And copies are ready for the week. It's nice actually being on top of things! I'm not usually like this...

Loving: You may or may not have seen my announcement, but the Dalton family is adding a new little member!

Keagan is so excited and has started talking to my belly. It's precious! Anyway, we're due June 7, so it's perfect timing for me to have all of summer without using up all of my sick leave.

Thinking: Honestly, this year has been fine, but Thanksgiving is always such a teaser. Plus I LOVE Christmas! I am excited about the activities I have planned, but I will be just as excited, if not more, to walk out that door on the 19th and enjoy my two weeks of Christmas break!

Wanting: I guess with this being the second pregnancy (even though I've really behaved and am not overdoing it on food like I did with Keagan), they were right that the belly pops out a little earlier. I've only gained about 3 pounds, but most of my pants already don't fit. I have some maternity stuff from last time around and plan to treat myself to cuter things with some of my TPT funds, but I really don't want to buy a lot of sweaters. I've bought a few loose-fitting ones that I can wear next year, too, and I'm going to try to avoid "maternity" sweaters. By spring, I can stock up on comfy dresses and make it through!

As for the phone, mine stinks. I told Steven that's what I want for Christmas (but before), and we found the one I'm probably going to get. We aren't under contract anymore and want to stay that way because our plan is amazing and no longer exists, so that means no iPhone for me. Still, I found the Motorola Moto X and Moto G that are both really well-made. I think we're going with the G. Now I just can't wait to get it!

Needing: Why is it that when I'm pregnant, I want even more sodas? I crave coke. It's bad. So far, I've been sticking to just one a day (although that "one" may be a large from Chick-fil-a). I have been better about drinking more water, too, though. So that's not as bad, right?

Giving: My brain isn't working, except in the form of shopping, which I have been killing it at! I'm down to just 3 people to buy for! So I want to make sure you know that you can get free shipping on ANY item at Target right now, with or without a red card. Although if you don't have a red card, you might want to consider it. And you DEFINITELY should download the cartwheel app on your phone for shopping in stores. I may need a Target intervention, but I do know how to shop there!

Currently November!

October was a crazy-busy month, and I was a terrible blogger. I think I posted a grand total of 3 times the entire month, and two of them were at the very beginning. November should be calmer, and I hope I'm not as absent. I do promise I've been keeping up with blogs, though!

Fortunately, Farley's blog is a great way to turn a new leaf and start the new month. Can you believe it's already November? I'll be honest, I'm SUPER excited! I love the Thanksgiving/Christmas season with all of the food, family time, and BREAKS actually built into the schedule for the first time since school started.

Listening: Since today is Election Day, we always have parent/teacher conferences. The best part is that conferences are from 12-7, so I get to sleep in! Of course, that really didn't happen for me today because the husband was getting up early for work. Still, I have been to the gym, cleaned, and am now relaxing a little before going to vote and head in to work. I was a little bummed, though, because I forgot Kelly and Michael don't come on until 10, right before I need to head out to vote. Oh well, Today Show will do...

Loving: Tuesdays are usually my day to get cleaning done (we have small group on Monday nights and kind of leave the house a little in a wreck), so it's been nice to get some of it done this morning while I have the house all to myself. I've already vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen. Now I'm working on laundry and may even clean the bathrooms a little before I go. Yay for a clean house!

Thinking: My hair has been in a towel for almost an hour now. It's probably time to go dry it...

Wanting: Cleaning hasn't been bad at all, but it would be nice if it would just take care of itself. Especially putting the laundry away.

Needing: Teachers at my school don't get a break until Thanksgiving, and I'm a little exhausted! Today helps because there are no kids, and I don't have too many conferences. Still, it would be really nice to have even a one day break somewhere in October to break things up. I heard the "s" word in the weather forecast, and I wouldn't be disappointed if it happened. As long as it's on a school day.

Reading: I guess my book is appropriate to go along with the rest of my currently. It's honestly been a good start to the year, just busy. The girls in my small group have been reading through this book, and I would HIGHLY recommend it!

It's all about how God frees us from all of these to-do lists and expectations. He just wants us to have faith in Him and trust in His word. You should check it out!

Okay, I think it's time for me to go finish getting ready now. Are you off? Do you have kids at school today? Or is it a work day for you? I'm curious how the rest of the country does Election Day.