29 April 2012

Gettin' My Sunday On

Happy Sunday, sweet friends!  Sorry I was absent last week, but I really appreciate y’all for checking up on me!  Everything is great, just completely INSANE right now!!!  Let’s back up just a bit so I can catch you up to speed.  In a nutshell, last week we found out we’re moving…ahem, RELOCATING…to Houston and we’ve been furiously cleaning our house and getting it ready to put it on the market TOMORROW!!!!!!!! 

Ohmiword.  This has all transpired in a week’s time so to say I’m overwhelmed would be an understatement.  Mr. Spouse got a job a little northeast{ish} of Houston and accepted immediately…he’s SO excited!!  I prayed and prayed about it…I asked God to open the door if it was meant to be and He did.  We’re taking a HUGE leap of faith and I’m excited/nervous/scared/thrilled about it all.  As crazy as it sounds, I have a crazy peace about selling our house…I know God wouldn’t bring us this far just to abandon us.  Same for my job….or lack thereof.  I still don’t have a job, but I’m faithful that everything will fall into place.  I can’t wait to see what God has in store for our little family!! 

The best part of relocating our lives?!?!  We’ll be about 30 minutes away from my ENTIRE family!!  Praise Jesus!!  I’ve called Dallas my home for the last 15 years and while I could’ve definitely lived here for another 15, I couldn’t be happier to move closer to my family!!! Aaaahhhh!!!!!

With everything that’s been going on, I’ve been TERRIBLE about remembering to take pictures of what’s been going on in room 135 :)  Our “big kids” were busy with state testing {STARR} this week, so 1st grade traveled to the zoo!  LOVE!!  I always feel like a kid again when we visit!  I got to feed the Lorikeets and about FREAKED out when I they started swarming and perching themselves on my arm...

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My sweet team who I’ll miss DEARLY!!!

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We’ve been working on nonstandard units of measurement and we started out our study by talking about the difference between standard and nonstandard.  I introduced my kids to “Sara Standard” and “Nick Nonstandard”…whose pictures I forgot to take…and they guided our practice in measurement for the week!  One of the teachers on my team did this really neat activity where she had the kids measure her body with nonstandard units of measurement, so I did a little take off of that to jump start our learning.  The kids were in HEAVEN!  I don’t think I’ve ever seen them work so hard!  They loved it!!

Measure Mrs. Carroll!!  Please note that this template is not to scale ;) HA!!

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zoo4-1  zoo5-1

We used markers, snap cubes, paper clips, buttons, tiles, transparent chips and fake SNAKES to measure!  The kids loved the snakes the most!!  I thought it was the perfect manipulative to use since we had just visited the zoo!!

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I made a really quick and simple recording sheet for the kids to use.  They got to choose 5 different nonstandard units and then they estimated and wrote the actual number.  This activity also led to a discussion about area and perimeter, too.  Love it when things just naturally happen like that!! 

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Now that I’ve had time to process the news of our big move and HUGE life change, I’ll definitely be much better about remembering to take pics of all the fun stuff we’re doing to end the year in 1st grade :)  The tricky part will be keeping this house clean with two crazy boys and all of their little toys and messy little hands…should be FUN!  HA!!

65 comments:

  1. Good luck on finding a job! I am in a very similar postion, with my hubby and I also moving near our family. It is such a huge leap of faith, and I know that He has a place for me...somewhere! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers :) And good luck with selling the house!!!

    Natalie
    TeacheryTidbits

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    1. On that same note, what are your thoughts about sharing your blog with future employers? My whole family keeps urging me to share and thinks it will help me find a job, but I am a little hesitant. I would love to get your perspective :)

      Natalie
      TeacheryTidbits

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  2. Congrats to you and your family! I know God has good things in store for you!!!

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  3. Congrats to hubs nd his job! Thinking of you in your search for a job, I know you deserve one!

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  4. Everything always works out in the end. You're an amazing teacher and it's only a matter of time before you get snagged up!! :)

    Kimberly
    The Learning Tree

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  5. Congratulations! That surely is HUGE news. It seems like this year is the "Year of Change." I've heard more life chnaging news from others lately than ever before! Maybe I need to move? {Yikes, no thanks!} Keeping your house clean may drive you batty, but I'm sure it will look fabulous. Good Luck!
    ~Andi

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  6. Congratulations on your big life changes. What an exciting time for you and your family!

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  7. Good luck with your move!!! Exciting things are ahead for you....just keep the positive attitude and anything can happen!!
    1...2...3...Teach With Me

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  8. Love Sarah Standard and Nick Non Standard!! Congrats on your move...I am sure your school is so sad to see you leave!!!!
    Amy Burton

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  9. How exciting for you and your family. God has great plans for you and your family. My son is relocating to El Paso, so I am going to learn a lot about Texas this summer. Such a positive attitude about your move.
    Robynn
    BusyBees

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  10. Congratulations and good luck to you and your sweet little family!

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  11. Any district would be lucky to get you on their staff! Our God is an awesome God and He will place you where you need to be, no doubt. He placed you in the lives of all of us faithful followers so that we may be better at what we do by using your ideas and actiities with our firsties. Thank you for sharing all your talent with us and I look forward to reading about your new adventures.

    Marybeth
    Cialini Chat

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  12. Congrats!! Everything will work out! =)
    Jennifer
    First Grade Blue SKies

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  13. So exciting! I live in Houston and teach first grade at a school in Humble. We have a few openings, let me know if you're interested in any info! Good luck!

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    1. We're actually looking at a few houses in Humble! Mr. Spouse will be working in Mont Belvieu...are you familiar with that area?!?! I'd love more info about Humble ISD! Email me at thefirstgradeparade@gmail.com!! Thanks!!

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  14. I absolutely LOVE your blog! I teach in Houston, and love it! Please let me know if you need anything! Any school will be lucky to have you! Good Luck!!

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    1. Katie! What part of Houston are you in??

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    2. I live by the medical center (my husband is in med school), and I teach at a private school. I would love to meet up when you have your blog conferences :) Do you know what part you guys will be living in?

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  15. Good luck to you! So exciting! I love being near my family! Prayers to you!


    Laura
    Peace, Love, and First Grade

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  16. Such a cute idea about measurement! I'll have to remember this next year when we are teaching this concept!

    Congrats on your new re-location! :)

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  17. Such a cute idea about measurement! I'll have to remember this next year when we are teaching this concept!

    Congrats on your new re-location! :)

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  18. Congrats on your new adventure. How wonderful to be moving closer to your family. I'm sure someone as talented as you will get hired quickly!
    Jenn
    Finally in First

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  19. Congrats on your relocation and being closer to your family. I have 7 siblings and feel blessed that we all live within 10 miles of each other and our mother. Now that the school year is coming to an end, you'll have the summer to get your new home all set up. :)
    Connie :)
    www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com

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  20. WOW!! You're moving?? That is HUGE! I am sure GOD has the perfect placement for you, and he will make everything work our perfectly! I'll be praying for you!
    COngratulations on your hub's job!
    Kerri B
    teacherbitsandbobs

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  21. Congratulations Cara!! That is so exciting! Whatever lucky school decides to hire you will be gaining one fantastic teacher! Good luck with everything to come :)

    Susan
    T.G.I.F.

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  22. You're MOVING??!! Isn't it crazy how your life can change in just one week? I am sure you're a bundle of mixed emotions right now. It is going to be so great to be closer to your family, but I know you will miss your friends and your school so much! But you are right...God has a plan and He will take care of every little detail. Try not to stress over the next few weeks and just take one day at a time!! :)

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  23. Congratulations on the move and being closer to your family! Any school will be lucky to have you as a teacher! Good luck!

    Lauren

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  24. Wow, how exciting! That's so great that you'll be close to your family! I'm sure you'll find a job because you are as good as it gets! I think you could easily get 4000+ letters of recommendations. :) Keep us posted and I'll be praying for you.

    Sarah
    Sarah's First Grade Snippets

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  25. How exciting! I live in Houston and love it here. I must say it is a bit different from Dallas, but we have wonderful restaurants :)
    I would be happy to help out with a job or any information if you are interested. You are welcome to email me at camila.blumberg@gmail.com
    Congrats on the new path in your life, may God continue to bless you.

    Camila

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  26. You should check into Galena Park ISD. They are always looking for great teachers!

    You should also check out the La Porte/Deer Park area.... close to the water and Clear Lake... very close to Mount Belvieu. Plus, it is a little cheaper housing than Humble. :)

    Good luck to you and your job searches!

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  27. I am glad you were able to go to the zoo on STAAR days! We went to a farm here in Austin.

    Good luck on your move. It is scary, but where God guides, he definitely provides. :)

    Blessings to you.

    Erica

    Sprinkles to Kindergarten

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  28. Oh my goodness! I'm sure you're so excited, yet so overwhelmed and nervous! Schools will be knocking down your door to get you to work there :) You are amazing and I'm sure you will have problem finding a job.
    Goodluck with the move and may God Bless you on this big transition!

    Jodi
    fun-in-first.blogspot.com

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  29. Good luck with everything! Don't you worry..you won't have any trouble finding a job because you are the "bees knees!" HA :) Any school would be so lucky to have you!!

    Elisabeth
    www.missdelk.blogspot.com

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  30. I am totally feeling you on putting the house on the market..I thought we'd never get it listed :) Now that it is, it's sooo much fun to have to keep it spotless...all the time....with two little boys around :) Just kidding! Can't wait for the move and we can finally MEET!!

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  31. While I'm sure the stress of relocating, selling and buying a house, and job hunting is overwhelming, I can't wait to read about your family's journal and how God while provide and see you through it all! Best wishes!! Like you said, he's brought you this fair!
    Lisa
    Stories From Second

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  32. Congrats and best wishes on all of your life changes!

    ~Tanya

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  33. Congratulations! I'm in the same boat only I'm moving farther away from my family (sad). I agree on keeping the house clean of kid's toys-not fun! Good luck on selling the house and keeping it clean! Have a great end of the year.

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  34. Congratulations! I live about an 1 1/2 south of Houston. I immediately thought...BLOGGY MEET-UP!!! Except I forgot I don't even have my own blog. :/ I am just a stalker! But I love your blog. I know that Katy is a great place to live & work in the Houston area.
    Lori

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  35. Congratulations!! I hope God continues to open up doors for you and your family. :) I'm one of those silent stalkers, lol!! I stalk your blog, shop at your TPT and I adore your ideas and activities. I'm coming out of my shell to let you know that I also live in Houston, in Kingwood, which is literally a giant step away from Humble. I have a dear, dear friend who works in Humble ISD as a Reading/Literacy Coach. She also happens to be selling her beautiful home which is in Atascocita (Humble) :) I would love to pass on your information for you if you would like. My email is kroberts@newcaneyisd.org. Also, I teach in New Caney ISD which is no more than 10-15 minutes north of Humble. Love my district! Just wish we had more "Mrs. Carrolls", lol! You are inspiring and I would LOVE for my daughter to have a teacher like you! Shoot! I would love to teach with a teacher like you! Good luck in everything you do and please let me know if I can help you in any way! Blessings!

    ~Kristi

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    1. Kristi,

      I live in Nacogdoches and teach in Lufkin...so I am not that far away from you. We will have to have a Bloggy Meet-Up this summer! =) I am a 1st grade teacher too! =)


      Heather
      Heather's Heart

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  36. That's SO EXCITING!!! I love how much faith you have in our GOD! :) HE IS SO GREAT!

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  37. Congrats on te move!! It is always nice to be near family when you have small kiddos! I am praying for you! I am sure it will all fall together! Happy End of Year!

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  38. So exciting!!! We live in Kingwood and I teach in Humble ISD. Let me know if you need ANYTHING. Location info, neighborhood info, playgroup info. Whatever I can do to help. Love your blog and would DIE to have a meetup one day. :-)

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  39. I went to the zoo with my little kindergarteners last week! So fun.

    And yay for the big move! God will work everything out perfectly! Good luck!

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  40. Congrats! You might need a new address stamp.
    Just stopping by to tell you about my custom stamp giveaway. I use mine all the time to stamp my personal classroom books. They make great stationery stamps too! Come check it out
    www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com

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  41. Yay Cara! I live in Brenham! Now when you have blog meet ups I can definitely come! I would love to meet you!!! May God bless you and your family for following Him with your move!!! I know He will!!!

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  42. That is awesome that you are moving. I live and teach in Katy ISD and that would be a wonderful place for you to check out when you get here. Good Luck with everything.

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  43. YAY! To be near family will be awesome. Will be praying for you and your family. Stepping out in faith isn't always easy, but God is ALWAYS faithful! Excited to see what your future holds.

    -Shae mrspeterson.com

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  44. Congratulations! I hope you continue to blog where ever you are! Good luck with the big move!

    Yeehaw! Teaching in Texas

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  45. Congratulations and Good Luck!

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  46. Lots of news! Congratulations on the move! I love the quote that goes something to the effect of...without change there would be no butterflies. SO TRUE! Love your measurement ideas.

    Sheila

    P.S. That pic of you with the bird is hilarious!!!

    Sprinkle Teaching Magic

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  47. All the best to you. You are right... everything happens for a reason! Elizabeth

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  48. What a big decision! I'm in the same exact place as you {except I don't have a house to sell}. I'm currently living in NC and my husband has taken a job in OH. We'll be packing up and moving at the end of the school year... and I have no job. It's a scary, but exciting time! All the best to you and your family. :)

    Tales of a Teacherista

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  50. Cara- You have been such an inspiration to me this year. May God continue to bless you and your family!

    Tammy
    www.theresourcefulapple.blogspot.com

    Any suggestions for having my blog automatically linked to my google responses?

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  51. Cara,

    I was thinking of the song the other day about walking by faith and not by sight. This morning we had our first service in our new church building. Our pastor preached about how this is a new beginning...a way for us to look and see how God can use us. I thought of you and where God is going to put your family but also where He is going to put you. I am so excited to hear about the lives of the new little ones you will soon bless. We will need a Bloggy Meet-Up this summer and you are now closer to me! =)


    Heather
    Heather's Heart

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  52. Love your measurement activity!! I am following your blog :) Come by and visit!
    http://smittenwithfirst.blogspot.com

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  53. Good luck on your move! I love your blog! I am also a 1st grade teacher and I have just started my own.I hope you will check it out.
    :) Dana
    www.funin1stgrade.blogspot.com

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  55. Cara,

    My teachers and I all follow your blog. We have 2nd, 4th, and ESL positions in Sugar Land, Fort Bend ISD. Not sure what area you're looking in. Feel free to email if your interested.

    -Monica
    mo627@hotmail.com

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  56. Cara,
    My team member and I have been following you this year. You have been such an inspiration and life send for ideas for centers!! How do you have time for all the fun things that you do everyday? Sometimes I feel like I am talking a 100 miles an hour to get everything taught.

    I wish you the best of luck in your move. That was my little family 7 years ago, when we packed our bags and moved from Washington State to Arizona. My husband's family lives here, and we had the opportunity to transfer and be close to family. I loved Washington State!! I was interviewed on the phone and hired! I sold my house the day it went to market. I truly know that God had a hand in our move to Arizona; it sounds like yours will be the same. Good luck to you and your family. Have a safe and fun summer.
    Janet

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  57. You are so amazing Cara. I know the Lord has something in store for you. Probably something that you'll absolutely love!

    My husband and I moved to Geneva (yes, Switzerland) last March. We got the offer a year after we bought our first home (Phoenix) and right when we felt settled with our careers. It seemed crazy, but the only thing we could do was give it up to God. We prayed... and cried... and prayed... and developed an ulcer... and prayed some more. It takes a lot out on you, but you'll figure out the purpose for the move soon. We've been here for a year now and are so happy for the opportunity. I went from working full time, to not having a job, to teaching EFL (and blogging). It's been hard/weird, but I've learned so much by being thrown into something completely different (taught K). I wouldn't trade it for the world. Plus, the hubs and I have grown closer than we ever could have imagined. Another year and a half to go! :)

    Praying for your family, a quick selling house, and a great end of the school year! You better keep up with this blog!!! I just love it!

    Ashley
    TheSchoolSupplyAddict

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  58. Cara good luck with your big move! I was wondering where you got the cute shirts your team wore on the field trip. If you get a chance please let me know.
    Thanks so much!
    -Sara
    madamsara@gmail.com

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