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Something {else} New

“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19

Life has some funny twists and turns.

Just when you think you have things all figured out, the unexpected throws you for a big fat loop.

One of our biggest “unexpecteds” was an extra line on a stick two years ago.  :)

Davis front for blog

After news of Baby #3’s impending arrival, I made a big “Something New” announcement almost two years ago to the day {wow!}.  We completely upset our fruit basket and made the decision to stay home and homeschool.

IMG_0582

Now, two years later, another “unexpected” is here in our lives, but wait, stop! Don’t get excited… no baby this time.  :)

I am absolutely thrilled about this twist in our path, though, and I’m so excited to share it with you all.

This fall we’ll be switching gears, and I’ll be back to the School Room… teaching 4th grade to a classroom full of cherubs. ;)

me teaching

Haylee is through the roof that she’ll be off to class with her friends, and I think it worked out pretty well that I’ll be in her grade level during this transition year back. This means I’ll be able to help her in a greater way since I’ll be doing exactly-ish what she’ll be doing each day.

I don’t know if Wade really, truly, understands all of the “we’re going to school” hoopla in the house, but I am loving that teaching him kindergarten will NOT be falling on me!  That task seriously terrified me!

DSC_0039

{I do hope the Kinder Teachers are still my friends afterwards, though, ha!}

I have to say that this decision is NOT because homeschooling wasn’t working for us.  I still think that homeschooling can be great and awesome and fabulous, and it served us WELL these past two years.   I give MAJOR props to all you fabulous homeschooling mamas who I know are doing such a spectacular job!

That being said… I think maybe God has sparked a bug of excitement in me for this upcoming year that I just can’t extinguish.

I am now completely obsessed with searching out ideas and plans for lessons and organization and behavior management and on and on and on.

photo (58)

Teaching POST-Pinterest is literally blowing my mind.  There are just so many ideas out there from some brilliant teachers.

So MANY ideas!

I’ve just been “liking” everything so far, but I’ll be categorizing it soon by topic so I can keep it all straight! I apologize in advance for the pinterest feed clogging that will likely soon occur.

My creative juices are flowing, and I’m wildly brainstorming.  As I’ve done before in the months of July and August I’ll be sharing lots of school related projects as that is what’s on my mind right before a new year.  :)

Here’s a few ideas I hope to try…

A Homeworkopoly Bulletin Board from Ladybug Teacher Files

Homeworkopoly

Every student who’s had completed homework all week long gets a chance to roll the dice and play on Fridays. Certain squares will be small prizes and other squares will get a review question. Super awesome right? This is a free printable… Just print and attach!

Our school is launching a pretty amazing program putting iPads in the hands of every 9th grader as well as 25 iPads for the elementary to use as a portable lab! All 3rd to 12th teachers {including me, woot!} already have in hand a brand new Mac Book Air as well!

As the former technology teacher, I am pretty excited about all this technology, and in honor of that I want to do an Ipad Bulletin Board with “Welcome to our ‘Pad’” and “Here’s to an ‘App’ealing Year.”

ipad bul board

I’ve got some other fun tech themed boards in the works too that I’m really excited about {think angry birds and scramble!} so stay tuned!  :)

I’m also considering re-launching my classroom blog or maybe creating a new classroom wiki.

I know that going back to work full time with THREE kiddos now is going to be challenging {ah, that darn alarm clock, blast it!}, but I know that I can rest in God’s faithfulness to provide where He guides!

I’m planning to do lots of prep work ahead this summer to make the new year run as smoothly as possible… something I learned from growing up in the house of one super dedicated awesome teacher… my mom!

In case you’re wondering… I’ve been doing the blogging thing since 2006, through many phases of my life… including my most recent three years of teaching.

All that to say that I definitely plan to keep blogging.  It will be fun to see if I can really make the weekly meal prep plan successful as a working mama.  :)

You can expect to see more bloggy design as well as my {sometimes} funny take on whatever else happens to inspire or amuse me at the moment.

I will probably change my Homeschooling page to more of a general “Schooling” focus where I can share any teaching related fun stuff too.

Blogging for me is just an extension of all the craziness running through my head.  It has been truly amazing that I’ve found a chance to share all my racing thoughts and ideas with people who will listen.  {My hubby thanks you, truly.}   :)

I hope you will stick with me during this fun new chapter of our crazy lives!!!

Now, fess up.  How many of you are let down because I didn’t announce a surprise baby #4???!  Isn’t it crazy how married women of a certain age simply can NOT reveal a surprise without people assuming it’s a pregnancy?  :)  I guess that’s what we all want to hear right?

feelscript sig smiley

18 Responses to Something {else} New
  1. Priscilla Manago
    May 9, 2012 | 9:44 am

    I for one wouldn’t have minded hearing about baby #4! I love your posts and will keep you in my prayers as you go in this new direction. I’m sure it won’t be easy going back to work with 3 kiddos, but if anyone can do it, you can. Too bad you don’t live close enough for Bette to teach Wade kindergarten! (Maybe you do–I’m assuming you don’t) Hope you get a lot done this summer in preparation and a great school year!

  2. Sapphire @ Life with My Pollitos
    May 9, 2012 | 10:05 am

    Renee-

    I’ve been following your blog for some time now & enjoy it thoroughly. Especially, your series on designing your own blog. You’ve helped me immensely. So thank you for that. And I am so glad that you will be sticking around, after going back to work. This lady right here NEEDS your techie tips. =)

    Congrats on your new adventure. It sounds like you’re gonna kick some butt & become a favorite teacher w/ all those great ideas. I look forward in hearing how it all works out.

    Abrazos,
    Sapphire @ Life with My Pollitos

  3. Jennie Mae
    May 9, 2012 | 10:20 am

    good for you! Hope it all goes well. We are considering moving the other direction after Frankie finishes the 5th grade (He’s finishing 3rd now) Homeschooling is TERRIFYING. I hope you enjoy going back to the clasroom. I got to do some volunteer work last year in my kids’ public school and had a BLAST! Praying for guidance for you as well! God Bless!

  4. Susana
    May 9, 2012 | 12:16 pm

    man! thot u were having a baby… :)
    u’ll do great!!!

  5. Leah
    May 9, 2012 | 12:48 pm

    How exciting! I’m with you on Pinterest ideas- I have gotten SO MANY great ideas for my piano studio from there! Trying to be on the giving end, too….lol

    Everything will fall into place with the balancing act. I was kind of afraid of how it was all going to work out when I decided to go back to school for my music degree, but step by step God has let everything work out, and even prodded me when it’s time to drop something from the schedule. You’ll do great!

  6. Christa @ BrownSugarToast
    May 9, 2012 | 1:16 pm

    Okay, I was disappointed. ;) But so happy for your new chapter in life!!!!!!

  7. TheBargainBabe
    May 9, 2012 | 2:38 pm

    Yep totally thought you had two lines on a stick covered in urine. :)

    Congrats on the new job, I look forward to hearing all about it!

  8. Barb McLaughlin
    May 9, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    Renee,
    Congrats to you! I know you’ll do well with this transition. I am also a teacher and had taken some years off to be with the kids and then returned to it. I look forward to getting some new ideas from you! And you’ll totally love your freezer meals even more!

  9. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker
    May 9, 2012 | 4:07 pm

    so yes, I was totally thinking?? wow, you lost weight again and here comes baby #4! :) then I thought you might be moving or putting house up for sale. didn’t think this! ;)

    I don’t think I could manage 3 kids and working but I am sure YOU can do it! You are amazing and super organized and you get school breaks so I am sure you can make it work! :)

    Excited for your teaching tips too! ;) and that you are going to keep blogging! :)

  10. Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity
    May 9, 2012 | 5:33 pm

    Congrats!! I can only imagine how fun Pinterest Teaching will be. Enjoy the planning!!

  11. Aunt Ruthie
    May 9, 2012 | 6:47 pm

    I was disappointed! I thought maybe you would be the niece who would go for the “big” family like Gramma and me! Seriously, I am excited for you. I did both and though a challenge with children, rewarding.
    Love you,
    Aunt Ruthie

  12. Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo
    May 10, 2012 | 12:51 pm

    Ok I will admit it I thought it was a baby announcememtn :). Really happy for you, starting a new chapter in our lives it is alwasy fun, scary and challegning. I look forward to the things you will be sharing here on the blog. I love your blog and becuase of yout tutorials I was able to get my blog were I wanted it to be. I still have a couple of them as to do items.

  13. Bette Anne
    May 14, 2012 | 4:08 pm

    So, when you say Kindergarten do you mean K-4? I thought they had to be 5 for Kindergarten..

  14. Kelly
    May 14, 2012 | 4:32 pm

    Congrats Renee, I’m so happy for you!! I’ve been pinning teaching ideas for next year like crazy, I’m kinda glad Pinterest WASN’T around when I was a first year teacher, I probably would have gotten in over my head!! I think I may be doing the opposite of you next year as my district is in a $50 million deficit, I’m pretty much counting on my job being cut. I wish you luck, 4th graders are AWESOME!

  15. Leah
    May 14, 2012 | 10:07 pm

    Go girl! (and I hear ya on the NOT teaching kinder to Wade. I was worried about Madalynn and was thrilled I didn’t have to!!) I know you are going to be great juggling 3 kids and all that goes with it plus working again. (and fyi… I wasn’t disappointed about no baby #4. I got ‘fixed’ so I wouldn’t have to worry about it and don’t wish it on anyone else unless THEY want it. hehehe)

  16. click the following webpage
    August 21, 2014 | 3:51 pm

    click the following webpage

    Something else New | Living Laughing & Loving

  17. Amber
    May 22, 2015 | 12:49 pm

    The file is not found when you follow the link. Is there anyway I can get the files from you? I love the idea!!!

    • Amber
      May 22, 2015 | 12:49 pm

      (Homeworkopoly)

Something {else} New

“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19

Life has some funny twists and turns.

Just when you think you have things all figured out, the unexpected throws you for a big fat loop.

One of our biggest “unexpecteds” was an extra line on a stick two years ago.  :)

Davis front for blog

After news of Baby #3’s impending arrival, I made a big “Something New” announcement almost two years ago to the day {wow!}.  We completely upset our fruit basket and made the decision to stay home and homeschool.

IMG_0582

Now, two years later, another “unexpected” is here in our lives, but wait, stop! Don’t get excited… no baby this time.  :)

I am absolutely thrilled about this twist in our path, though, and I’m so excited to share it with you all.

This fall we’ll be switching gears, and I’ll be back to the School Room… teaching 4th grade to a classroom full of cherubs. ;)

me teaching

Haylee is through the roof that she’ll be off to class with her friends, and I think it worked out pretty well that I’ll be in her grade level during this transition year back. This means I’ll be able to help her in a greater way since I’ll be doing exactly-ish what she’ll be doing each day.

I don’t know if Wade really, truly, understands all of the “we’re going to school” hoopla in the house, but I am loving that teaching him kindergarten will NOT be falling on me!  That task seriously terrified me!

DSC_0039

{I do hope the Kinder Teachers are still my friends afterwards, though, ha!}

I have to say that this decision is NOT because homeschooling wasn’t working for us.  I still think that homeschooling can be great and awesome and fabulous, and it served us WELL these past two years.   I give MAJOR props to all you fabulous homeschooling mamas who I know are doing such a spectacular job!

That being said… I think maybe God has sparked a bug of excitement in me for this upcoming year that I just can’t extinguish.

I am now completely obsessed with searching out ideas and plans for lessons and organization and behavior management and on and on and on.

photo (58)

Teaching POST-Pinterest is literally blowing my mind.  There are just so many ideas out there from some brilliant teachers.

So MANY ideas!

I’ve just been “liking” everything so far, but I’ll be categorizing it soon by topic so I can keep it all straight! I apologize in advance for the pinterest feed clogging that will likely soon occur.

My creative juices are flowing, and I’m wildly brainstorming.  As I’ve done before in the months of July and August I’ll be sharing lots of school related projects as that is what’s on my mind right before a new year.  :)

Here’s a few ideas I hope to try…

A Homeworkopoly Bulletin Board from Ladybug Teacher Files

Homeworkopoly

Every student who’s had completed homework all week long gets a chance to roll the dice and play on Fridays. Certain squares will be small prizes and other squares will get a review question. Super awesome right? This is a free printable… Just print and attach!

Our school is launching a pretty amazing program putting iPads in the hands of every 9th grader as well as 25 iPads for the elementary to use as a portable lab! All 3rd to 12th teachers {including me, woot!} already have in hand a brand new Mac Book Air as well!

As the former technology teacher, I am pretty excited about all this technology, and in honor of that I want to do an Ipad Bulletin Board with “Welcome to our ‘Pad’” and “Here’s to an ‘App’ealing Year.”

ipad bul board

I’ve got some other fun tech themed boards in the works too that I’m really excited about {think angry birds and scramble!} so stay tuned!  :)

I’m also considering re-launching my classroom blog or maybe creating a new classroom wiki.

I know that going back to work full time with THREE kiddos now is going to be challenging {ah, that darn alarm clock, blast it!}, but I know that I can rest in God’s faithfulness to provide where He guides!

I’m planning to do lots of prep work ahead this summer to make the new year run as smoothly as possible… something I learned from growing up in the house of one super dedicated awesome teacher… my mom!

In case you’re wondering… I’ve been doing the blogging thing since 2006, through many phases of my life… including my most recent three years of teaching.

All that to say that I definitely plan to keep blogging.  It will be fun to see if I can really make the weekly meal prep plan successful as a working mama.  :)

You can expect to see more bloggy design as well as my {sometimes} funny take on whatever else happens to inspire or amuse me at the moment.

I will probably change my Homeschooling page to more of a general “Schooling” focus where I can share any teaching related fun stuff too.

Blogging for me is just an extension of all the craziness running through my head.  It has been truly amazing that I’ve found a chance to share all my racing thoughts and ideas with people who will listen.  {My hubby thanks you, truly.}   :)

I hope you will stick with me during this fun new chapter of our crazy lives!!!

Now, fess up.  How many of you are let down because I didn’t announce a surprise baby #4???!  Isn’t it crazy how married women of a certain age simply can NOT reveal a surprise without people assuming it’s a pregnancy?  :)  I guess that’s what we all want to hear right?

feelscript sig smiley

18 Responses to Something {else} New
  1. Priscilla Manago
    May 9, 2012 | 9:44 am

    I for one wouldn’t have minded hearing about baby #4! I love your posts and will keep you in my prayers as you go in this new direction. I’m sure it won’t be easy going back to work with 3 kiddos, but if anyone can do it, you can. Too bad you don’t live close enough for Bette to teach Wade kindergarten! (Maybe you do–I’m assuming you don’t) Hope you get a lot done this summer in preparation and a great school year!

  2. Sapphire @ Life with My Pollitos
    May 9, 2012 | 10:05 am

    Renee-

    I’ve been following your blog for some time now & enjoy it thoroughly. Especially, your series on designing your own blog. You’ve helped me immensely. So thank you for that. And I am so glad that you will be sticking around, after going back to work. This lady right here NEEDS your techie tips. =)

    Congrats on your new adventure. It sounds like you’re gonna kick some butt & become a favorite teacher w/ all those great ideas. I look forward in hearing how it all works out.

    Abrazos,
    Sapphire @ Life with My Pollitos

  3. Jennie Mae
    May 9, 2012 | 10:20 am

    good for you! Hope it all goes well. We are considering moving the other direction after Frankie finishes the 5th grade (He’s finishing 3rd now) Homeschooling is TERRIFYING. I hope you enjoy going back to the clasroom. I got to do some volunteer work last year in my kids’ public school and had a BLAST! Praying for guidance for you as well! God Bless!

  4. Susana
    May 9, 2012 | 12:16 pm

    man! thot u were having a baby… :)
    u’ll do great!!!

  5. Leah
    May 9, 2012 | 12:48 pm

    How exciting! I’m with you on Pinterest ideas- I have gotten SO MANY great ideas for my piano studio from there! Trying to be on the giving end, too….lol

    Everything will fall into place with the balancing act. I was kind of afraid of how it was all going to work out when I decided to go back to school for my music degree, but step by step God has let everything work out, and even prodded me when it’s time to drop something from the schedule. You’ll do great!

  6. Christa @ BrownSugarToast
    May 9, 2012 | 1:16 pm

    Okay, I was disappointed. ;) But so happy for your new chapter in life!!!!!!

  7. TheBargainBabe
    May 9, 2012 | 2:38 pm

    Yep totally thought you had two lines on a stick covered in urine. :)

    Congrats on the new job, I look forward to hearing all about it!

  8. Barb McLaughlin
    May 9, 2012 | 3:35 pm

    Renee,
    Congrats to you! I know you’ll do well with this transition. I am also a teacher and had taken some years off to be with the kids and then returned to it. I look forward to getting some new ideas from you! And you’ll totally love your freezer meals even more!

  9. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker
    May 9, 2012 | 4:07 pm

    so yes, I was totally thinking?? wow, you lost weight again and here comes baby #4! :) then I thought you might be moving or putting house up for sale. didn’t think this! ;)

    I don’t think I could manage 3 kids and working but I am sure YOU can do it! You are amazing and super organized and you get school breaks so I am sure you can make it work! :)

    Excited for your teaching tips too! ;) and that you are going to keep blogging! :)

  10. Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity
    May 9, 2012 | 5:33 pm

    Congrats!! I can only imagine how fun Pinterest Teaching will be. Enjoy the planning!!

  11. Aunt Ruthie
    May 9, 2012 | 6:47 pm

    I was disappointed! I thought maybe you would be the niece who would go for the “big” family like Gramma and me! Seriously, I am excited for you. I did both and though a challenge with children, rewarding.
    Love you,
    Aunt Ruthie

  12. Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo
    May 10, 2012 | 12:51 pm

    Ok I will admit it I thought it was a baby announcememtn :). Really happy for you, starting a new chapter in our lives it is alwasy fun, scary and challegning. I look forward to the things you will be sharing here on the blog. I love your blog and becuase of yout tutorials I was able to get my blog were I wanted it to be. I still have a couple of them as to do items.

  13. Bette Anne
    May 14, 2012 | 4:08 pm

    So, when you say Kindergarten do you mean K-4? I thought they had to be 5 for Kindergarten..

  14. Kelly
    May 14, 2012 | 4:32 pm

    Congrats Renee, I’m so happy for you!! I’ve been pinning teaching ideas for next year like crazy, I’m kinda glad Pinterest WASN’T around when I was a first year teacher, I probably would have gotten in over my head!! I think I may be doing the opposite of you next year as my district is in a $50 million deficit, I’m pretty much counting on my job being cut. I wish you luck, 4th graders are AWESOME!

  15. Leah
    May 14, 2012 | 10:07 pm

    Go girl! (and I hear ya on the NOT teaching kinder to Wade. I was worried about Madalynn and was thrilled I didn’t have to!!) I know you are going to be great juggling 3 kids and all that goes with it plus working again. (and fyi… I wasn’t disappointed about no baby #4. I got ‘fixed’ so I wouldn’t have to worry about it and don’t wish it on anyone else unless THEY want it. hehehe)

  16. click the following webpage
    August 21, 2014 | 3:51 pm

    click the following webpage

    Something else New | Living Laughing & Loving

  17. Amber
    May 22, 2015 | 12:49 pm

    The file is not found when you follow the link. Is there anyway I can get the files from you? I love the idea!!!

    • Amber
      May 22, 2015 | 12:49 pm

      (Homeworkopoly)