Sunday, January 12, 2014

Slim Down Saturday and Some Math Facts!

Can I admit something?  I'm insanely organized, but sometimes I don't know how to prioritize.  Does that even make sense?  I have lists upon lists, check sheets upon checksheets, and mental lists upon mental lists (those are the worst!).  But I tend to get so overwhelmed sometimes that I end up FORGETTING what I have to do, underestimating the time it takes me to do something, or focusing so hard on something that things get pushed to the backburner.  Sound familiar?

Y'all, my fitness and healthy habits get shoved to the backburner a lot.  Between waking up early to get myself ready, get the kids ready, get to work, get ready for the day, teach 1st graders all day long, work after school, pick up the kids, make dinner, work on TPT, plan lessons, play with the kids, and do household chores...when exactly am I supposed to have time to work out?  And when am I supposed to make healthy lunches to take with me?  I'm so exhausted by time I get home the LAST thing on earth I want to do is cook.

But alas, I've got to just re-prioritize.  I used to work out all. the. time.  That was pre marriage and pre kids.  Does anybody know what I'm talkin' about?  Maybe you do.  If you don't, I'm jealous of all your free time.

So I'm teaming up with Gina over at Third Grade Tidbits for Slim Down Saturdays!  I'm hoping it'll help keep me a little more accountable with taking care of myself (as I sit here with a Mt. Dew trying to get rid of a massive headache.  Flaw #1.).



I'm shocked I lost 4 pounds.  Seriously.  But at the same time, I know what helped.  I made healthy food to take to work, I wasn't snacking all day like I did when I was on break, and I drank water during school (but then bombed when I got home with the whole carbonated beverage thing).  I'm going to try easing out of drinking pop, though.  Whenever I just try to quit, it NEVER goes well.  Baby steps!

So here are some pics of things from around the house that I'm trying to use to help this whole process.

Ok, don't think I'm a whimp.  I normally use 5 lb. weights, but I have a shoulder injury that I'm trying to work through.  I made the mistake of using my 5 lb. weights a week ago and I hurt myself again.  So I bought a lighter set to try and help my muscles ease back into lifting weights.  I got these 3 lb. weights at Target.  And I LOVE pink, so I was happy.  :)


I bought Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred right before I got pregnant and then put it on the backburner until after I had the baby.  Well, I did it last week and it kicked my butt, but I did it!  And it was tough, but it felt SOOOO good!


Here's my stash of water!  I have it very accessible so that I can easily grab one while in the house or as I'm headed out the door.


More fruits and veggies!  We have clementines, grapes, apples, and bananas in our fruit bowl on the counter.


The last thing I've been doing is this 30-day Squat Challenge that I found on Pinterest.  I'm loving it!!!  And no, none of those people are me...



Here's hoping that I can do a little better next week.  It's possible, I just have to make it a priority!

Before I head to bed, I wanted to share that I ***FINALLY*** finished my math fact fluency pack!  I'm sooooo excited about it!  Remember how it was called, "Banana Split Math Fact Mastery?'  Well yeah, I changed it.  I wanted to come up with a reward system that wasn't food or sweets related.  So I give you...


It's 147 pages of fun!!!!  You must check it out!  CLICK HERE to see it in my TPT shop!  I really think you and your students will love it!

I'll be back in a couple days to share things from last week!  :)  Enjoy your Sunday!




Thursday, January 2, 2014

Happy 2014!

Can you believe it's 2014?!?!  Holy cow!  What a year 2013 was and I can hardly wait to see all that 2014 brings.  I'm linking up with Oh Boy 4th Grade to bring you my January Currently!


When do you all head back to school?  The teachers and students head back on Monday.  That is, if we have school.  This is a picture of our forecast for next week:


A windchill of NEGATIVE 46!?!?!  I have NEVER experienced cold like that in my life.  With those windchills and the chance of snow, we may only end up going to school one or two days next week.  I can't say I wouldn't be just a little excited.  ;)

Last Saturday I had the chance to meet up with some sweet Ohio bloggers in Columbus for lunch and a little shopping!  Seriously, such an amazing group of women.  I feel so honored to know them!



Starting with the front row (LtoR): Jenny from Luckeyfrog's Lilypad, me, Christina from Sugar and Spice

Back row (LtoR): Julie from First Grade Critter Cafe, Emily from Curious Firsties, Jennie from JD's Rockin Readers, Lisa from Fourth and Ten, and Sarah from Primarily Au-Some

I just love getting together with other bloggers because the discussion is so rich!  It's amazing the friendships that develop through blogging and TPT!

If you don't follow me on Instagram, my IG name is sarahlynnkirby.  Today I posted a picture of some CUTE finds at Five Below!  For those who haven't been or don't know what it is, it's like a Dollar Store, except it's a little more expensive because everything is $5 and under! ;)

One last thing before I get back to work on my latest product.  Check it out!  I'm designing a math fact fluency program for first graders!  I have plans to make one for K and 2 as well in the future.  It features math fact sheets for timed tests with both 20 problems and 50 problems so you can choose which one to use.  It's Common Core aligned, so it deals with sums up to 10 and subtraction from up to 10.  It's designed as an incentive program so the kids are motivated to reach their goals.  With each level they pass, they earn the parts to a banana split!!!! :)  Keep your eyes peeled...I'm planning to have this up ASAP, no later than Sunday.  :)



Happy New Year!!!!