church Baby shower

I had another wonderful shower on Saturday hosted by my parent's Sunday School Class friends. It was a lot of fun and another wonderfully put together shower with lots of sweet and thoughtful little details.  Two of the women who hosted the shower were my D-Group leaders in high school youth group and one was a good friend and knew Brian in her own way before we ever started dating!

It was really fun and once again we are so excited for all the sweet items and clothes she received!

I digress; I'm chubby. Preggo Update 34.1

I keep thinking to myself that I don't look that bad and all that weight I'm gaining is going to my belly and feet; but friends, after the past 2 Saturdays and looking through pictures I've come to a cold. hard. fact: I'm chubby.  I've got about 3 chins and a linebacker's dream of shoulder-puff.  {if you don't believe me, wait until the shower pics!}

Pregnancy Update: 34 Weeks, 1 Day

Size: little girl is the size of a pineapple: possibly weighing around 4.9 lbs and 19 inches long {like holding a 5-lb bag of flour}

What's She Doing: Her fingernails now reach the end of the fingertips and could curl at the end...making it necessary to cut them as soon as she comes out!She's still developing her own immune system for the outside world, too.

Weight: +1 this week...but feeling very heavy

Symptoms: I forgot to add this one the last 2 weeks...I have what the nurses called "pregnant arthritis" meaning my hands, fingers, toes, and ankles are stiff and hard to bend and move at the joints.  She said this should go away after labor...but it's quite uncomfortable and hurts a lot!  I'm also just more tired that I'm used to; although I'm sure going back to work full time has something to do with it as well.  I officially have cankles and not sure if I'll even see my regular ankles again...HA! My feet have also swelled so that there is no hope in getting into any type of heels or my tennis shoes for now {yes, I tried!!}.

Mood: On Wednesday of last week I told Brian I was finally ready to meet Harper.  Before that, I was and am excited, but I felt like I wanted to keep her inside and still had so much to do before she comes.  Now, I'm getting to the point where things are wearing on my quickly and even though I have TONS left to get ready for her arrival ~ I'm just ready for her to be here and welcome the change to our lifestyle!! :)

Food: No aversions or cravings and actually, nothing really sounded good to eat at all this week so I just ate what was around! ha!

Doctor Update: I went to the DR on Thursday {yes, the first day of school - crazy} and I ended up getting into a little 'trouble'.  He and the nurses were not at all impressed with me and gave me a hard "talking to" about going and doing too much.  They threatened me that if I didn't stop I'd see bed rest in my future.  I know that's horrible...but I feel like I have to go and do especially in the beginning of school and I've got so much to do at home prepping for her arrival or just my daily things I need to get done I don't seem to know how to slow down.  But I know for sure I don't want to have to be hooked up to the fetal monitor anymore because that was pretty scary! So this week I'm going to try and do the best I can without *hopefully* going overboard...

Classroom Post & First Day Update!

So over the course of the past couple of years I've had my personal blog I've never shared my classroom or teaching items on here. I like to keep it separate! But, I've seen some cute teaching posts, so I thought I'd add in mine as well.

This year I'll enter my 7th year as a 4th grade teacher at the same elementary school! Lots of changes have happened over the past 7 years; including how I decorate my classroom.  When I first started {and a few years after} I would go overload on the posters, pre-mades, etc. in the room.  I would hang just about anything and everything from the ceiling by the tiles or cute laundry strings.  I even had the kids decorate ceiling tiles with walk-along books. But since then, we've {for some reason} adopted the fire code so...no more decorating the entire door with paper, nothing can be hung from the ceiling, and nothing too high on the walls.  Sounds kind of crazy when you look at all the other schools who still are able to do it, but oh well! I do miss the sweet things hanging from the ceiling, but it's easier for me I guess to not change them!

Anywho, this year, I decided that with my current state, I would just keep up with the same theme of polka dots and leave my organization pretty much the same since it worked well last year. Some may say that's lazy, but hey, if it worked, why reinvent the wheel?! I also didn't feel like spending $300+ this year...but of course I've still spent at least $100 if not more, but I call that pretty reasonable! So basically, everything you are going to see in the pictures are items I've had for a couple of years. 

I organized my Bookworm Cafe {library} by Lexile levels about 2 years ago and then organized the other non-chapter books by genre.  This works really well with the older kids.  They also have a check-out station that I usually let them start about 4 weeks into school after LOTS of practive and modeling.  I'm kind of an OCD teacher when it comes to things being put back into their place, so I have to make sure they are ready before we begin! The AR {accelerated reader} books are also labeled with orange stickers I wrote AR on. 

I also always start out in rows.  I don't love rows, but rows promote less talking - and that's what I need in the beginning of school to get their behaviors ready.  Then we slowly move to tables and usually stay in different table groups throughout the year. I also like to write their names on the desks in cute font with a sharpie.  I don't do the big name plates.  I can't stand the 'picking' at the tape or the corners, or the dirty edge it leaves after part of it comes off! I know...I am crazy!
Before Pics:

Thanks to my sweet hubby on his lunch break and my teammate's boyfriend; they were able to get all my boxes down for me so I wouldn't be breaking any weight rules!

And here's my room after about 5 days of work! Of course, it's never totally finished...but it is ready for Day 1 of school on Thursday!

Bookworm Cafe:
{class library, calendar math, small group area}

Student Computers:
{Lexia, SuccessMaker, mailboxes, community items}

Backpacks:
{student hooks, mini-group lessons, white boards}

My Area and Desk:
{didn't get a pic of the whiteboard/smartboard/small group board; and the cords drive me insane!}

Sink Area! so useful!

First Day Update:

School went great today! I got to school extra early just to be sure everything was ready for all the little ones! A few kids were a little timid; especially since parents were allowed to walk their kids to the classrooms today ~ but in no time they were all smiles! The first day is always so fun because you get to do FUN things like get-to-know-you activities and community building activities.  We had a great day and I already started to get to know a lot of the personalities in my room. I definitely think I will have a bit of a chatty class, but they will certainly be a fun mix of kids! I truly enjoyed being back in the room with them and hearing sweet little "Mrs. Burton..." questions or stories.  I felt great today even with the lack of sleep and I felt good in what I was wearing {doesn't that always make such a difference?!}.  I wore flats for probably the first time ever...haha...so that was a little weird, but quite comfy on the big feet! So, way to go Day #1! I'm looking forward to Day #2...and the weekend! haha :)
 

Oh, I have to share one cute story from today: 
Early in the morning a little boy raised his hand and said, "I want to ask you something but my Momma told me I should never ask this...but I want to know, so can I ask?"  I immediately knew it was about my belly! ha! So I said sure and this was his question: "Well, do you have a baby in that belly or do you just have a big belly?" HAHA The other kids were wide-eyed looking around but I just laughed a lot and explained that yes, there was a baby in there and yes, his Momma taught him right to not ask those things! Too cute!

of course, I will not be writing about my school day or my kids much because I don't find it appropriate to write about on my personal blog! :)

Thankful Thursday {Linky!}

Hope you join in on the fun!
*The rules are very simple: be a follower of my blog, add my Thankful Thursday picture below on your post, and link my blog address in your post!

*I should have waited to share my God is Good post for today, but I am still thankful for the blessings God has shown my hard-working husband!

*I am thankful for a good night's rest for 2 straight nights!!

*I am thankful for my job that begins today!! First day with kiddos ~ hello year 7!

*I am thankful for my continued health with baby girl.

*I am thankful for answered prayers for my friends.

If you don't have a blog but want to play, leave a comment and tell us what you're thankful for today!
Can't wait to read your posts tonight!

Shoo Wee!

I am a tired pup!

I've been working super long days and school hasn't even started yet!

I'm planning on still having Thankful Thursday tomorrow! I've tried the 'scheduling' posts this week and they've worked, so hopefully it will work tomorrow with the linky attached. :)

I was also hoping to share classroom pics before the big day...but I am way too tired and still need to complete a few things tonight ~ so that will be coming next week hopefully!!

Tomorrow we start school - my 7th year of 4th grade!! Then, immediately after work I have a doctor's appointment!! :) Wish me luck that I can still stand once I get home! 5:15 AM will come early...I just hope I can sleep tonight!!!

God is So Good!

I'm finally able to reveal a HUGE blessing in our lives!!

Brian started his new job this past Monday! I say it's a huge blessing, because it's a really, really good promotion and it will provide us better financially in a way that can only help our growing family of 2 to 3.

About this time last year, Brian was offered an interview-to-hire position....in Knoxville. We went back and forth weighing the pros and cons, but in the end, we just knew it was not the right time for us to move states nor did we feel like we wanted to be away from friends and family.  So after that, Brian was quote/un-quote looked over for other promotions with his job.  Not that they were really upset, but because there just wasn't anything opening up in our town.

Fast forward to December {or more like Jan.} when we found out we were pregnant, we both thought immediately how this was definitely the right choice to stay.  We had been faithful to God, and knew He'd be faithful to us with the thought of a new addition on the way.

In July, Brian applied online for a promotional job in his area at a different place in our town.  We thought it would be a long shot since there was no number or person to make a follow-up call, but it wasn't! After 3 interviews within 2 weeks and driving out of town for one interview, we found out BRIAN GOT THE JOB! He was ecstatic.  In shock, really. Because he was so excited and because we just felt like this was such a blessing and such a God thing.  He will be doing the job he had been doing...but he won't be the assistant anymore ~ it's all on him!

To say he was emotional about leaving his small group of friends at his office would be an understatement.  He had worked with them for 7 years.  They've all been through a lot together professionally and personally.  I have truly loved getting to know his former boss and his co-workers.  They have been beyond wonderful to us; giving us showers for our wedding and baby, and just being good people.  I just pray Brian finds co-workers at his new place that he can form these kinds of friendships with. 

So, we are excited for his new venture and give all the blessing back to Him.
{now, let's hope the stock market doesn't blunder again anytime soon! haha}

Must Have Item!

I've been seeing these around and knew I had to get one!

Don't get me wrong, I love my Smart Water's and fancy Fiji water; but who wants to buy those all the time?! Plus, I'm no "go green" gal, but it does seem silly to purchase water bottle after water bottle! It's probably more of me being cheap because water is free!

I love taking all my Tervis Tumblers to work; but I honestly hate filling up my water with the water fountains from our complex! I know it sounds silly, but as I watch my students put their entire mouths on the faucet {ha!} I can't help but feel like I'm getting extra germs from the water! HAHA

So, I got one of these today to start bringing to work! It filters the water from anywhere! So no more worries of unfiltered water!! :)
The Brita Bottle Filtered Water was only $7 after a Bed, Bath, & Beyond {expired!} coupon!!

***************************
Also, I don't know if I was the last to know about this little trick, but at my shower this weekend, Lisa suggested I get a lingerie bag to wash all of Harper's tiny little socks! She's got such cute ones with ribbons, lace, etc. I wanted to make sure not to lose one in the washer! What a great idea!! :) I also got one with a coupon at BBB today! :)

Baby Shower!

This past weekend my Aunt Dorothy {Dad's sister} threw me a baby shower for our Giles side of the family! She held it at this cute place in Georgetown called, Upbeat Cafe.  It was the perfect size and she picked out delicious food for them to serve! Everything was very detailed from the pink and green balloons, the pink favors {I love favors at showers}, the pink flowers with the green-colored water in the vase, to the fun games!

Mom, Me, Aunt Dorothy

We played 2 really fun games.  The first one was a name game ~ which I LOVE playing with my students!! She wrote out baby's name on paper and gave us 10 minutes to think of words we could come up with using the letters in her name: Harper Alan Burton.  {i won with 46!!}  Lisa won with 45 words! 

Then we played the game where people cut string the length of how big my belly is. UM my family thinks I'm huge!! My Granny's sister won with the closest to the string we actually cut around my belly!

Then it was gift time! My family gave Harper wonderful gifts! She certainly won't go without adorable clothes! :)

My Dad and his brother have a farm in Gtown, so he likes to get the boys John Deere things. Well he got Harper a pink John Deere outfit and socks! We all thought it was cute.

love the Little English smocked clothing line ~ she is going to be decked out!

We had a great time visiting with everyone! Thanks Aunt Dorothy! :)

Dad's side Family + Brian's 2 cousins!

Kelli {sis}, me, Mom

me & Granny {why is it my face explodes only on shower days?!?!}

Lana, Kelley, & me {brian's cousins}

The 8th Month ~ working on 33 weeks...

I'm slacking on the preggo posts. :)  The 8th Month has hit me very hard! But, IT'S THE 8th MONTH! I only have one more until we meet our little baby GIRL!!! So, I remind myself of that during the hours of 1am-6am while I am wide awake with back pain and hip pains. :)

I didn't take a photo for 31 weeks, but here is my 32 week & 1 day photo:

Honestly, on Thursday I woke up and thought, I've gained. She's definitely gained, and she's heavy! I'm not quite sure if this happens to everyone, but I really feel like I can truly feel her! She's getting heavy and she needs more room in there!

Pregnancy Highlights:

Size: honeydew! wowza! She could be weighing in around 4.5 lbs! No wonder I feel so much heavier and my pains are getting worse! She's getting big!

What's Going On: Baby has less fluid with her now, so I can feel her jabbing and kicking even more than I had before - if that was possible!  She's also able to open and close her eyes with ease and is aware of day and night time.  She's also finished with her immune system development to provide her from mild infections when she's born. What a milestone!

Weight: Well, I'm definitely gaining.  In the last 2 weeks, I've gained +3 each week. WHOA. But, I can't say it's all baby's fault. :) I have been letting myself go a little more than I had just because I know we're nearing the end.  Oh-so-thankfully, I've had some extremely sweet co-workers this past week (we're all back to work now) tell me how good I look for being so close to the end, so that has honestly meant so much to me! I never knew how I would take the weight gain...but I won't lie and tell you it's easy. But I know that pushing that scale on Saturdays means that I am being healthy for my little growing girl.

Clothes: Um, hi, I can't fit into some of my earlier pregnancy clothes!! What?! I was shocked about this! But I am sooo close to the end I can't bear to spend more silly money on these clothes! So I am just trying to make due with what I have and can fit in to!

Food: No aversions, cravings are the same: dessert and cinnamon toast crunch cereal

Mood: very, very tired; sore; worn down.  I had no idea this month would take such a bigger toll on me than previous ones.  I get upset easily when I have to say "no" to friends or events because I'm so exhausted. Brian says people understand, but I still hate to miss out or disappoint others. 

Momma: I'm starting to get extremely anxious about all things baby! I'm nervous about delivery and once we have her here.  People keep asking me if I'm ready ~ and honestly, I think I'm ready, but I'm also scared at the same time! I feel like we have so much more to organize?!?! Who knows...  I'm also getting so nervous about work.  I don't sleep - like ever - and ever since this last week I have been in constant pain with my back and neck.  I am very nervous about being on my feet all day.  I also know I have to be the best teacher ever for the part I'm back for so I cannot let exhaustion or pain creep in.  I'm also worried about maternity leave and leaving my classroom. I'm worried about parents being upset or the kids acting up or me missing out on important things I need to know about.  I'm already worried about going back to work after leave and if I can do it!  However, I keep trying to remember when my team-teacher had her maternity leave and everything went fine.  It wasn't how she would have done things, but the kids all learned and the parents were fine...so hopefully I can get over my worries. My teammate says that is her prayer for me: to stop worrying about what others have to say or do and just relish in the moments.  WOW. Can you say I'm a worrier? I always have been...I think that's the thing I hate the most about myself!

Anyways, give or take ~ we'll be seeing our girl in about 7 more weeks!

Thankful Thursday {Linky!}

Hope you join in on the fun!
*The rules are very simple: be a follower of my blog, add my Thankful Thursday picture below on your post, and link my blog address in your post!

1. I'm thankful for having time to get my classroom ready to meet my new kids this year! Here's hoping to a fun and great year! {We also have Open House tonight!! Wish me luck ~ I'm worried they will be upset I'm taking maternity leave.}

2. I'm thankful for a husband that has told me every night this week to go lay on the couch while he cleans up and gets the kitchen organized!

3.  I'm thankful for having a wonderful 6 weeks off this summer from work!

4. I'm thankful that I have found a long-term sub!!!!!!

5. I'm very thankful for all the little and big blessings God has shown me this week.

*Remember to add your actual blog post; not your blog address so visitors will read your Thankful Thursday post. If you don't have a blog and you want to play, leave your thankful thoughts under the comments! Be sure to check out other people's posts! :)

WILW

I'm finally linking up with Jamie again for WILW! I haven't in a while!

I'm LOVING that I got to meet hubby for lunch at one of my favorite downtown places - Stella's! It's all KY-grown food. I had the Revro burger which has a fried green tomato on it! YUM!

I'm LOVING that my classroom is *almost* done...well because rooms are never really done no matter which house they are in! But, I only spent about 1/4 of the money I usually do...so that part I'm really loving!

I'm LOVING that during lunch with the hubby, he surprised me with a present! a 105 min. mani-pedi spa treatment from Baby Belly Spa! I'm excited to book that after the first week of school for my sausage toes! haha
{it's today's Groupon if you live in my town!}

I'm LOVING that I still have a few days before school starts back to rest!

I'm LOVING that it rained today to help cool things off for a bit and help our grass!

I'm LOVING that my husband just now texted me and said he invited someone over for dinner. Gotta go clean and find food to cook! {HA!}

:)

Maternity Photos!

Here are only a few of my favorite Maternity Photos!  We took them at a local winery in town. We also did some belly shots but I'm not brave enough to let those out to the internet! :)
If you like them, please visit Mary Maldonado Photography. She's got an amazing price AND you get all the pictures on a CD included in your price!
Now...I just have to pick out a few to frame! :)

Harper, we are SO excited to meet you!!! :)