Blank slate

We got back late last night and were surprised how good it felt to be at home in Minnesota. Our home sweet home. Early this morning it was back to work though! With a quick stop in my classroom first to officially get the keys!!! Here are pictures of it before the madness of my decorating and moving in begin! It's so big where to begin?! It now has the potential to be anything! 

Exciting few days!!

Nick and I made a short trip back to Pennsylvania last week for his sister, Kate's wedding. It was beautiful!! It was so great to share in such an amazing loved filled day but it went WAY too fast! Here are some pictures from the rehearsal dinner and the big day!! 

The beautiful bride, Kate, and I! 

The handsome groom, Kurt, and I!

And of course the love of my life :) 

Let the classroom shopping begin!

I could never resist beautiful classroom things but knowing I have a big empty classroom to decorate soon makes it even harder! I found these amazing decorations at Michaels that will go perfectly with my navy, pink and green nautical theme! It's strange how while walking through stores now, every random thing gives me a new idea for a classroom organization tool or decoration- but I must say I love it. 

Words from the wise

Since I am overwhelmed with where to start with planning for fifth grade, I figure I should start with some professional development! That always helps! On this gross rainy day I am starting a few highly recommended books. Now the big decision, should I highlight or take notes? I am such a teacher nerd who gets SO excited about reading about these kinds of books and learning as much as I can! AND it's Friday! The wonderful weekend will begin after Nick and I babysit tonight together for the family that I am a nanny. Now that should be fun. :) 

Happy Friday everyone! 

Minnesota adventures

Since Nick and I will be returning to Pennsylvania next week for the I'm sure to be fabulous Dunn wedding, I thought I would do a little recap of our Minnesota adventures so far! I have been told that we have seen more of the "touristy" things than people who have lived here their whole lives. I guess being in a new place inspires you to just google what to do and want to see all of the great things! On our first trip to Minnesota in May to find an apartment to live in, we were overwhelmed by the beautiful lakes and friendly people. However, on the way to the airport to go back we HAD to see what all of this Mall of America hype was though. Yes it is just as amazing as you may have thought it is, probably more.

A lunch at the Bubba Gump Shirmp Co. made the trip, it was delicious! Coconut shrimp, tempura shirmp....

We went back to Pennsylvania for just enough time to celebrate our two year anniversary :)  and pack our entire lives to go on the longest road trip of our lives to our new home sweet home in Minnesota!

After trips to the Walker Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Minneapolis spoon, the gorgeous Minnehaha falls, both the Minnesota Zoo and the Como Zoo we were finally feeling like we know the area and that we LOVE it here.

I know this detoured from the journey of my first year teaching but these are the big adventures that have gotten me to where I am today. Everything happens for a reason- this has shaped me into the person I am who is prepared and excited to take on fifth grade! It helps to have this great guy by my side to encourage me and listen to my ramblings of ideas for decorations, rewards, themes....

Getting a little more real...

It has been a week since I accepted my fifth grade teaching position. I have been through a roller coaster of emotions of excited, nervous, not believing it is real, needing to Pinterest for hours, not even knowing where to begin, and most of all being happy. I am so happy. Since I was a little girl all I have wanted was my own classroom, and now I have it. I always imagined my self as a primary teacher because any student older than fourth grade is most likely taller than me.... BUT fifth will be fun! So many possibilities for creative engaging lessons!

So yesterday was a big step in the direction of this actually being real. I had new teacher orientation. First I went to my school to pick up some curriculum material and I SAW MY CLASSROOM. I barely even remember what it looks like because I was so overwhelmed standing in it. Now I have lots of materials so it is time to break out the colorful pens and start planning! Any insight into any of these books?? 

Then it was off to orientation! I sat with the huge smile plastered across my face as I listened to what felt like endless information. By the second, I fell more and more in love with my district and it's great employees. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. At the end of orientation we got our teacher technology. I am very fortunate to work in a district where every single child has an IPAD. So I myself got a Macbook Air and an IPAD. Between my boyfriend and I with our new work technology and our personal things, we now have 4 laptops and 2 IPADS... but obviously I am SO excited about these new fancier versions! Time to look for beautiful covers for these, Lilly Pulitzer perhaps? 

Maybe, just maybe this is actually happening! Ahhhh. As weird as this is for me, I think my family back on the east coast are shocked that used to be shy little Becky now lives in Minnesota AND got her first teaching job! I come from a big family of amazing teachers that I have looked up to all my life, especially my mom and I cannot wait to make them proud. 

But where to start- lessons, decorations, reading, organizing?? Oh how great this summer is going to be! 

Philly to Minneapolis

Good morning all! Welcome to my blog. :) Here I will be sharing the challenges, laughs, and experiences of a young teacher. In the past month my life has undergone big exciting changes. My boyfriend and I moved to Minnesota from right outside Philadelphia because he got an amazing job starting right after his graduation. I have spent the past year as a substitute teacher while he was finishing his tough fifth year. After months of waiting we finally live together in our beautiful apartment and are loving every second of it! We have been together for over two amazing years after falling in love at our favorite place in the world- Penn State University. I was one of those lucky girls to fall in love with my best friend and other half- even if all of our friends could see it before we did. I could not imagine a more perfect boy who makes me happier than I could ever imagine and starting our life together is a dream come true!

In our first month of living in Minnesota, we have explored many new places, met lots of different people, and learned about a different lifestyle that we are quickly adapting to! I have been spending my days as a nanny for three lovely children while obsessively applying for teaching jobs. Finally, one day I got a call for an interview. A few days later after extensive practicing and freaking out, I drove north to an area I had never even been to before and had my first real teacher interview! Waiting, waiting, waiting... was the worst part!! Finally, I got an e mail saying the position was filled. I was crushed! Minutes later, I got a call from the principal offering me the job!!!! Apparently I was not supposed to receive that email- horrible mistake. I ACCEPTED! It was my first step to being a fifth grade teacher. Let the color coding and planning begin!