First Day of Kindergarten... again!

I survived the first day of Kindergarten... (again!)

Me in Kindergarten

Today was filled with laughter, singing, coloring, reading, playing, and even a few tears (not on my behalf, believe it or not!)

 The day went by so fast! It is hot over in this neck of the woods... which meant that our classroom was steaming! The poor little kiddos were sweating like crazy!

I know it's only the first day.. but I can't help but feel like I was meant to be a Kindergarten teacher! 

Don't get me wrong.. I am whooped! I got home around 4:30.. and by 8:00 tonight, I felt like it was 5am! 

One of my sweet kiddo's looked at me after school and said, "I want to go home and sleep!"

Boy, oh boy, will I sleep good tonight!

Celebrations Big & Small

I have been kinda really stressed out lately...

Life is just busy and my spirit has just been down in the dumps lately..

So tonight I am celebrating the little things. 

Like, finding the perfect nail polish for our wedding day, while shopping for my nail polish swap partner Lin that was hosted by the fabulous Meghan:

J's reaction to my nail polish. "You are going to wear skin colored nail polish on our wedding day? You'll change your mind"

We'll see.. haha

Finding the perfect nail polish is a huge feat for me.. considering how obsessed I am with nail polish!

I am also celebrating the fact that I have had our engagement pictures for a few weeks now and I still can't stop looking at them... here's a sneak peek!

Tomorrow I am officially, Miss Gaglio Kindergarten teacher. Ready or not, here I come!

Adios Summer

I don't know about everywhere else in the U.S.A. but the weather here in Michigan has already begun to tell us that Summer is coming to an end.

I start in the classroom next week and have kids back at school the next week! 

Although I am going to miss the summer, I must say that I'm ready for the fall to begin.

I'm ready for hot apple cider, sweaters, football, and one last semester of college.

I'm ready for time with my sorority sisters before I head out into the big girl world.

For now though, I am going to enjoy this week off with J. 

It's not too often we find ourselves having this much time off together. 

You might find me M.I.A. this week.. hope everyone is enjoying the last bit of summer as much as I am!

Via

Remember This Moment

This morning I was driving to work sipping my iced coffee (guilty pleasure), reflecting on my morning & the day to come...

I do this nearly every morning.

The morning commute relaxes me because it gives me "Sami Time"

Time to reflect, think, predict, sing Taylor Swift like a crazy person...

While driving the song Long Live by Taylor Swift came on.

The first lyrics struck me:

I said remember this moment, in the back of my mind

It made me think of this morning: J and I being whinny and silly. 

It made me think of this summer: Loss, Love, Wedding Planning, Family Time.

Later in the song she says:

I said, Remember this feeling

It made me think of all the crazy wedding planning and how it makes my heart feel so happy because it means spending time with my family and starting a new life.

It made me think of the feeling I have in my gut about Student Teaching starting in a few weeks: The nerves, the excitement.

I want to remember it all.

Because life is good.. easy.. dare I say even a little stress-less.

I want to remember these moments and feelings so when we eventually wake up to a screaming baby or I have a bad day in my classroom I can put things into perspective.

I have got to experience a lot in my life and I am truly blessed.

Happy Friday everyone! 

Dreamin'

I dream of a house full of love, laughter, and babies.

I dream of a career that gives me the means to change the lives of children and to provide for myself and family financially so that the stress of bills doesn't exist.

I dream of growing old with my soon to be husband.

I dream of days that we spend relaxing and laughing with our family.

I dream of a family of our own that knows love like we were shown growing up.

I dream of constant smiles and only tears of joy.

I dream of a life that I know would make my dad proud.

What do you dream of?

5 Things I've Learned During My First Semester Teaching

I spent the past 4 months with 29 of the cutest 3rd graders around. The first semester of teaching at Grand Valley State University is called "Teacher Assisting". My semester consisted of approximately 5 half days at the elementary school and 3 classes at GVSU. I learned so much in the past 4 months..  I know compared to veteran teachers I still no little, but I wanted to give advice to all those college students who will be in a similar boat as mine... 

So here it goes...

1. Someone is going to have a tummy ache everyday. (I can almost guarantee it. =] ) These 3 little questions/comments should help fix most cases of a upset tummy:

-Did you try to go potty?

-Why don't you try to drink some water.

-Try to take it easy and relax, you should feel better soon.

My friend Myranda thinks my advice is hilarious, but hey... it works! ;)

2. Expect the unexpected. For example, when you print out informational pages on animals expect that things like "anus" may be a label on the animal. ...And the kids will ask what that means. Not that I know from experience or anything... ;)

3. Take time to get to know your students outside of the classroom. I was privileged enough to be able to create a recess cheerleading club. It was such a great experience to get to know my students outside of the classroom. Find a way to reach out to your students, use your talents!

4. Dissect the teacher that you are working with's brain. Ask why they are doing everything the way they are doing it. Many things that they are doing are so routine, that they don't think twice about it. Asking questions does two things. One, it allows you the opportunity to truly understand the methodology. Two, it shows the teacher you are working with that you truly are interested in learning from them.

5.Savor every second. Your time in the classroom goes so fast. Enjoy every second of every day because saying goodbye will not be easy. 

I was blessed with an amazing placement. The school was such a warm and welcoming environment. The teacher I worked with was amazing, a great mentor. 

I can't wait to learn even more from my Kindergartner's in the fall!

(my desk)

 (pages from my end of the year gift.. melted my heart!)

Day 4: Favorite Color and Knuffle Bunny

Day 4: Favorite Color

PINK! 

Who would've guessed it?! Besides the nail polish and Bride magazine I use everything else everyday.

I don't necessarily like wearing pink, but I sure do like my things pink!

I am taking a class about teaching reading this semester. We began a reading log to help us read a lot of different children's literature so that we can place the perfect book to child. Here is the first book on my log...

Knuffle Bunny

By: Mo Willems

 It's about a little gal named Trixie who looses her bunny at the laundromat. 

It's a short picture book with some amazing art in it. 

The picture are photographs with the characters painted on top.

I also started reading Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary. I remember a lot of people reading this in elementary, but I think I just stuck to her books about Ramona.

What was your favorite book as a child!?