My First Linky Party

When I saw the Linky Party on The Inspired Apple I knew I had to post.  One of my favorite things is my teacher bag...well all bags.  Bags and shoes.   Do I need them? No. Do I buy anyway, of course.    Beach bags, backpacks, if it holds something, gotta have it.  But I must say I haven't shopped for a new teacher bag for a couple of years.  An intern walked into our school with the ultimate teacher bag..a Dooney and Bourke Handprint Tote (discontinued of course).  I searched and searched ebay to find it.  Found it , but could not bring myself to spend the money.  Then my sweet, wonderful husband surprises me with it on Mother's Day.  It's durable, cleans up well and did I mention huge.  

I finally cleaned it out so the items you see are the least I ever carry.  Usually a plan book and teacher's manual(s) are always inside, as well as lunch containers and an empty coffee thermos at the end of the day.  But these items are a must, sunglasses (for Florida recess), jump drives...yes there are 3 (8GB)'s, Diet Dr. Pepper, pencil bag filled with pens and highlighters, boxtops (need to leave those at school), camera for documentating those exciting teaching moments, Epic Phone, Kashi bar (afternoon pick me up since we have the second lunch of the day (10:43), JoAnns flier, kleenex, hanitizer (as my firsties call it), and the tennis-elbow band (spend way to much time on the computer.  Can't wait to see what everyone else carries!

Remembering September 11th and All of the Heroes of that Day

I remember exactly where I was standing on that day.  I was in my classroom, pregnant with my daughter when my cell phone rang.  It was my husband asking if I had heard about a plane hitting the World Trade Center.  I went next door to tell my teammate.  Then what seemed like seconds later the phone rang again to say there was another plane crash.  With heavy hearts we tried to get through the day, making sure to keep the day as normal as possible for our little ones.  

Growing up with a father as a fireman I can only imagine what their families went through on that day.   My heart goes out to all of the families who were affected by this tragedy.  May god bless all of you.

Thank you to the men and women of our military who continue to fight everyday for our freedom and safety.

Welcome to Primary Paradise!

Welcome to my new blog Primary Paradise.  With the encouragement of my amazing family and the awesome group of teachers I work with I have finally started my blog.  I am so excited about this new adventure.  This is my 18th year of teaching.  Thirteen of those years in 1st, all others in 2nd and 3rd.   

I chose the name Primary Paradise for two reasons: 
1. I live in the beautiful sunny state of Florida (Paradise...never a snow day here). 
2. My years of experience are in the primary grades and I can't imagine teaching anything  else.