what really went down...

School has really taken off.  I can hardly believe I've made it through 3 units in both of the classes I'm teaching this semester.  Collectively, my students have been doing wonderfully.  However, there is always a moment that you just wonder... are they hearing me?

My moment from this last week occurred just after we talked about President Washington and his role in the Revolutionary War.  A girl looked to her desk neighbor and very loudly said, "I just don't understand...I always get George Washington and George Bush confused!"

I had to take a deep breath.

A couple weeks ago, I posted ideas I found on Pinterest that I was looking forward to implementing in my classroom.  And much like the year before, all of them actually happened!  This year I am teaching Government and US History.  So I thought I would show you a little bit about what really went down....

Bulletin Boards

I think it's really important to stay relevant with kids, especially when teaching high school.  Using things that they are familiar with, think are cool or just generally draws their attention.  When I was thinking about my bulletin board this year, I came up with a few ideas.  First, mustaches!  I mean they are just funny!  So I found some mustached presidents for my board and cut out a giant mustache.  Get it? "I 'mustache' you a question?"

I had a harder time with the rest of the board.  I really wanted to use the "Keep Calm and Carry On" sign, but couldn't think of anything cool enough!  I asked my husband to think about it as he walked to the mailbox, and he came back with this! Awesome!  Abe and Andrew are just chillin' in their glasses--excited to debate the differences between Republicans and Democrats!

Lastly, these kids love music more than anything.  I see Beats by Dre more times a day that I would like to.  So I thought the kids can look to this board to see what's on our "playlist" for US History!  It's really just a list of all the topics that coincide with each of their units.  However, I have seen numerous students go over to the board, just to see what it says!

Review Game

If you were ever a student at any point in your life, you probably know all about "trashket ball."  For some reason, it is a review game favorite.  We've never played it in my classroom before.  I've always tried to come up with new interactive ways to help my class review for an upcoming test.  I was inspired by a magazine someone put in my mail box at work.  It had all kinds of materials you could order to use in your classroom.  Unfortunately, everything was super expensive!  Don't they know we're teachers!

So I ripped out a page and headed over to the Dollar Tree determined to recreate something I really loved in that magazine....generic game boards.  I bought eight foam boards and construction paper.  The only other materials I needed I already had--eight dice and a hot glue gun.

I made eight games boards exactly alike.  Just plain, not geared towards anything.  I have a new set of questions for the game every time we use them!  I call it, A World of Possibility!  The students love it!  There are crazy things for them to do on the "Possibility Cards" and when they land on "Roll the Dice"!

Warm-Up/Do Now/Starter

Whether you call it a warm-up, do now, starter, or something else, those first few minutes of class always need to be planned strategically.  You need something that draws them in for the whole period.

One of my favorite warm-up activities is a scavenger hunt.  Now I don't let the kids run around the school, just my classroom!  I've been known to tape things under desks, under seats, on the ceiling, on the walls, hide Easter eggs, and more.  I try to keep my methods of scavenger hunting different and exciting so they never know what to expect!  I do it about 2-3 times a week and it never fails to be exciting.

What do you do to keep the attention of kids? Or stay relevant?

oh life...

So life has gotten in the way of my blog again... sorry!

I have even had a birthday since I lasted posted!

Between keeping up with the puppy, starting a new semester, and coaching tennis...

I have been super busy!

Hazel is really cuddly.  We don't let her sleep in the bed, but this particular morning we snuggled.

She really is so sweet and smart!

I had a wonderful birthday two Friday's ago!!  My parents and grandma came to visit and celebrate the big 26 with me.  It was so fun to see them and have them at our place!  Hazel loves visitors!

I've been dying for a sewing machine for awhile and they got me one!  With an adorable sewing box!

I can't wait to really get started DIYing!

David made me an amazing Funfetti Oreo Cheesecake Cake!  I even had sparklers for candles :)

David and I have been having a lot of fun this January!  Tomorrow is his birthday, so...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUSBAND!

Man and man's best friend watching the Inauguration together :)

This past weekend David and I went to a beautiful wedding!! It was so fun!

All and all, it has been a great January!

update

I've been really busy lately! Time is just flying by!

Tennis just started up and it has been fun so far!

It's an amazing feeling to be back out there.

This weekend I went by my high school.  While my tennis team went to region and state every year,  This was the year we came in first!

I went home this weekend to visit my parents for my mama's birthday!

On Saturday, they went shopping with me before the UGA/FL game.  I have been in need of a dresser and found a great deal!  Here are some pictures of my dresser (that I'm SO excited about) and my parents hanging out in the cute store we found it in.

Then we got some boiled peanuts! My favorite :)

While we were shopping, I got some awesome ideas for crafting!  I've been contemplating getting a big old shutter of sorts for above my fire place.  This small version of what I want to do inspired me to get busy!

David and I are really excited about decorating for our first Christmas as a married couple! 

I mean REALLY excited!

This small tree inspired me on so many levels.  Think about how easy this would be?!

Cute right?  I think this one was for a little girl, but there are so many possibilities!

I'm looking forward to spending my Thanksgiving break crafting!  Now if it would just get here!

I hope you are having a great Monday!

//summer\\

Just a couple days ago, I got the most perfect gift in the mail! (Thanks dad!)

I have seriously been searching for a planner that had lots of space and room for me to keep up with my daily activities, notes, and weekly meals.  When I discovered that the Lilly Pulitzer planner had those things and was only $28, I was pumped!  And let me just tell you, I have put her to good use already!  What kind of planners do you use?

This weekend, the hubs and I went to the lake with his college roommates and their wives!  It was so fun!  Our first married weekend with married friends!  We had such a great time!  We played fun games and ate good food!  Here is my adorable hubby cooking up some yummy meat!

Now I'm in the process of trying to accomplish exactly one million things in one week.  Finish putting our apartment together and getting some things we need, planning and creating for pre-planning and the new school year, and working on a contracted project.

There are two things that keep looming in my mind; what to put above the couch and above our bed.  I've been search for great ideas and here is what I have found so far.

What do you think I should do?

Things I'm Crushing On: Summer Edition!

I wanted to share with you some things I'm loving this summer!!  While I could go on and on about a lot of things, here are some of my top picks!  I would love to hear about what you are crushing on this summer too, or let me know if there is something I should try!

 1. DIY American Flag Jean Shorts

This summer, more than ever we have seen American flags everywhere!  Some may hate on this new trend, but I am loving the DIY shorts!!  This is just and example, but I have seen some really cute ones!  Especially those where the back pockets have been replaced with stars and stripes :) I love Ammurriccaa.

2. Avocados

We all know about the benefits that avocados provide.  Protection against cancers and strokes, great heart health benefits, Vitamin E and lots of other goodies!  The GREAT thing about avocados is that they can be used in so many awesome ways!  On sandwiches, cut up and fried, with pasta, on salad, with chicken, and I could go on and on.  However, my favorite way to use them... guacamole! Such a yummy summer treat!

3. OPI Cajun Shrimp

I'm obsessed with all things pink lately.  But, OPI Cajun Shrimp takes the cake.  I am in love! It is bright, but not too bright and summer festive!  I highly recommend it if you are going to get your toes polished up!

4. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

You are about to love me.  One stroke of this mascara and you will know why!  This mascara makes my eyelashes full, curled, and long!  Go get yourself some now! You won't regret it!  I got mine at Sephora and have used it every day since, whether I'm going out or not!

5. Chevron... everything!

If you can't tell from my blog's new look... I love Chevron.  Now don't go crazy with it, but a few chevron accent pieces are clutch (and so cute)!  I've seen a lot of tutorials for curtains, and I've seriously been contemplating it.  The hubs loves chevron too, so we'll see :)

6. Starfish Jewelry

I am loving starfish jewelry.  I recently got some coral earrings with gold starfishes on them and I'm in love!  Summertime is the best time to wear sea creatures, so these little gems are sure to get you compliments!

Please let me know what you are crushin' on too!  Or if you know of any deals on the things I love!

Much love, Court

oh how pinteresting: summa wedding

I've seriously been contemplating what type of new planner I want for next year.  I've been eying a Lily Pulitzer 2012-2013 planner.  BUT I'm not 100% sold on this!  If you are a teacher, you understand how important this is!

Today I have seen this little gem floating around the internet.  Upon further investigation, I found out it was a painting.  However, I'm praying, wishing, and sending good thoughts out into the universe that this will inspire someone to really make this movie.  If you know me, but at all, you know that I LOVE LOVE ABSOLUTELY UNDYINGLY LOVE everything Disney!

I've been looking for wedding do's on Pinterest!  Obviously, the best place to do that.  I can't wait for my hair trial to see what they all look like!

And if I haven't mentioned it enough... our BIG day is almost here!!!!  Everything seems to be coming together and now that school is almost out, it seems like its coming even faster!!! I'm especially looking forward to all the pictures we are going to take!

I have a few projects I want to get accomplished before the wedding!  Isn't this frame adorable?

Why is it that I just cannot get enough of this show.  I laugh every time and I've seen every episode at least 24 times.

Happy Pinteresting!

be encouraged

This week is the worst for fiance.  Everyone knows that the first year of law school is the worst, and being in the midst of finals is not fun.  BUT that doesn't mean that I can't do everything I can to make it better and put a smile on his face :)

Today, I made him a bag of encouraging things.  Most of which were Pinterest inspired.  The only purchases I had to make for this bag of encouragement were the 3 cookies I picked up at Subway for a $1 and 7Up at the gas station.  I added a tag that said, "You are a SMART cookie!" to the cookie bag and a list (pictured below), 7Up-lifting ways to have a great finals week!  I found the 7Up idea on Pinterest and adapted it to fit.  Then I found as many cutely designed Bible verses and quotes and put them in a bag.  I wrote David and note telling him to only pull out one at a time, as needed to power through the week!

I took pictures of everything in case any of you are looking for a way to brighten someone's day!  Also, please comment if you have ever made something similar!  Or leave a comment if you want a copy of the 7Up-lifting ways list!  I'm always looking for new ideas!

Hope you have a marvelous Monday!

wednesday wednesday wedddddnesday

WOW. I can't believe I haven't blogged in a week! So much has been going on that I must tell you about, but for now I will stay true to my Wednesday tradition! It's Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday and I have some good finds!

First and foremost, I need a mani/pedi stat! I'm definitely going this weekend to get my tips and toes taken care of! I'm SO ready for spring and summer! It was in the 80s here today! I hope that's not a tease!

I seriously CANNOT get my mind off the Hunger Games. I daydream about how the movie will play out. I've heard that it is the best book spin off there has been in a long time. I have never done a midnight screening before... but I'm considering it!

This past weekend I sort of went on a jewelry binge. To say I treated myself a few things is an understatement. Let's just say I hadn't been shopping in AWHILE, and I got GREAT deals :)

I want to make this for my classroom SO BAD! It would end the countless questions about when things are happening! Well maybe not, since everything is currently posted in the room. BUT, this would be super cute and helpful!

Do I love this little spring number or what? A light blue dress on beach-tanned skin. Perfection. I just love it all.

And finally, my list of DIY projects seems to be growing by the day! There are so many things I want to try. So this weekend I am committing to trying at least TWO and documenting them. I will post them so you can hold me accountable! They may come from any of the following pieces of inspiration!




I hope you are having a great week so far! Half way there!