29 May 2012

Last.

In the LAST month…

*I ate my LAST crispito cafeteria lunch {my favorite :)}

*I celebrated my LAST Monday ever at my school

*I went on my LAST field trip with my sweet first grade team

*Enjoyed my LAST GOLD Day

*Packed the LAST box in my classroom {by the way, I’m DEFINITELY one box short of being on an episode of Hoarders}

*Took the LAST staple out of my classroom walls

*Celebrated my LAST team dinner

*Filed my last piece of paperwork

and if my mind wasn’t in a MILLION different places right now, I’d happily share a lot more “LASTS” :) 

I’ve been absent for the last week{ish} thanks to lots of packing, a girls trip {our LAST hurrah before the big move!}, and all the fun end of year paperwork and craziness. 

To keep you updated, our LAST day of school is Thursday.

We close on our current house on June 5th and our new house on June 7th.  We’ll spend our LAST night in our first family home on June 8th and we’ll be official Houston residents on the 9th.  AAAAHHHHHH!!!!! 

I may or may not be teaching first grade next year…I’ll keep you guessing Smile  BUT, I DO have a job! Just more affirmation that we are following HIS path.  God is good!!!

I’ll be starting a fun new “Summer Series” here on the blog once we get settled in our new house.  In the meantime, I’ll sporadically check in {if I can} to share some end of year fun and memories….and some fun new classroom activities & units!  I’ll be updating a few of my products as well, so be on the lookout for those if you’ve purchased from me in the past! 

Not that I have time, but has anyone read 50 Shades??  Am I missing out??  Random thought, but had to ask ;)

AND…I wanna meet my new Houston friends, so if you live in the Houston area, I think we should plan a lunch date!!!  I’m thinking mid-June{ish}!!!

Okay.  Packing is calling.  Not really.  That would be my husband telling me to get off the computer and pack!  HA!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!!!!!

79 comments:

  1. I'm in Plano now, but originally from Houston. Maybe there should be a Texas blog meetup? Congrats on finding a job so quickly! Many blessings in your future endeavors.

    April @ The Idea Backpack

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  2. Sad title but love how everything turned out. Ahhhhh I hate surprises (j/k ok maybe not totally kidding) but I can't wait to find out what grade you are teaching!!! Houston is lucky to have ya! Haven't read 50 Shades but every time my friend starts talking about the book I blush so I am not sure if I could handle it! Apparently John Mayer has read it and it can be quite a pick up line. Did you read about his latest shenanigans? Can't wait for your summer series. Mentioned you over on my blog. You were such an inspiration to me as I started my new blog this year I wanted to give you a shout out.

    Cheers!
    She
    Sprinkle Teaching Magic

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  3. Congrats on the job! I sure hope you stay in first grade because you have inspired me so much! Good luck with the packing and moving! This is the first year I don't have to pack up and move schools! (wife of a coach!)

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  4. Good luck on your move and congrats on your job. I too hope you stay in first because I'm moving to first and you have THE BEST ideas! Haven't read 50 Shades, but I looked up the summary and reviews, and I won't be reading it. As another one of your followers stated perfectly, I would blush too much as well.

    learningwithsusieq.blogspot.com

    susieqsclass@gmail.com

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  5. OMG...I love CRISPITOS!! They are my favorite! I can't wait to see your Summer Series!
    Live Love Laugh Everyday In Kindergarten

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  6. I am all for a Houston bloggy meet-up! Will you tell us then what grade you are teaching??? =)

    Your new school, grade level, and class are blessed beyond words to have you as their teacher. =)

    YOU are a part of HIS plan and He is using you in so many ways to touch so many hearts.


    Heather
    Heather's Heart

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  7. The blushing will all be worth it... 50 shades is a fun, fantasy read... perfect for the summer! I will be reading books 2 and 3 by the pool in about 2 weeks!

    Goodluck with everything!!

    Susan
    T.G.I.F. (Thank God it's First Grade!)

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  8. Congrats on the job! I know that must be a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders.

    50 Shades is my new summer series. I am currently on book 2. I really like it...however, it is definitely not for the faint of heart. And it is pretty graphic. I would just recommend doing some research, and maybe reading a few passages before plunging in :)

    Natalie
    TeacheryTidbits

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  9. Bittersweet days for you but also super exciting at the same time! Congrats on the new job!! I know will bring your phenomenal ideas to the table at any grade but my fingers are still crossed for you staying 1st :)

    50 Shades of Grey has become most of my friends favorite dirty {literally dirty} little secret!I think I am going to give in and see what all the hype is about.

    Enjoy your last few days at your current school!

    ❤- Stephanie
    Falling Into First

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  10. I'm so glad to hear everything is working out. Keep us posted on the move!
    Elizabeth

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  11. Will still love your blog, whether it's first grade or not. Have a great move, and yes, God is good. In good times or bad, He is always there with us. "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future". One of my favorite passages. You were I think the first blog I ever read, so thank you for starting me on my newbie blog journey. If you have a chance to check it out this summer, that would be great!!!! Take care.
    Ann
    The Caffeinated Classroom

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  12. Oh, I am so happy that you are moving into a new home AND a new job. You are teasing us by not telling us what grade. I just hope that whatever it is your units on TPT, ideas, and blogging still help us firsties!

    Congratulations!!!

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  13. Congrats on the job, good luck with the move, and I cannot wait to hear where your new placement is. You have inspired me SOOO much, Cara, and I know you will continue to do so! You are so right that God is good...that, more than all the amazing classroom things you do, is the reason I keep following you:) To Houston, and beyond! Enjoy your summer

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  14. Good luck to you, Cara! You will be wonderful...you are an inspiration to us all. God has blessed you! Keep us updated!!!

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  15. Congratulations on all your lasts...and blessings on all the firsts to come!

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  16. I'm from Houston and am moving back this summer (I've been teaching in Cairo, Egypt the last 3 yeas). I'd love to get together sometime, but won't be in town till mid-July. Yay for having a job! What district are you in?

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  17. I'm sure this is a bittersweet time for you! I am SO with you on the hoarders thing (particularly when it comes to school work). I have to move rooms next year and my principal reiterated the need for purging. I told him it was not in my vocabulary at work...HA! Good luck with the move. I am starting 50 Shades of Grey next and am kiiiiiiinda excited.

    Bonnie
    Living A Wonderful Life

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  18. Good luck and God's blessings!!!

    (I read half of "50" and put it away...not because I'm prudish, but because I thought it was poorly written, trashy dribble)

    -Laura :)

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  19. Best of luck on your move and new beginnings! Blessings abound! :) I'm also moving to a new school and I'm pretty sure I'm already scheduled for my TV debut on "Hoarders".

    50 Shades....read all 3 in 4 days....let's just say that they are a little much. Like way too much. And I had to google a few things that completely embarrassed me. However, your husband will LOVE that you're reading it! (wink! wink!)

    Wishing you a super easy move! :)

    Amanda
    preecelovehappiness.blogspot.com

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  20. I taught in Houston for three years! I can't wait to hear what you are doing. Good luck with everything. I LOVE change, so if you need support feel free to contact me. :)

    Kimberley
    First in Maine

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  21. I'm sure everything is bittersweet for you right now. So exciting, yet so sad. Goodluck with the move and I can't wait to hear about your new job!!!

    Jodi
    fun-in-first.blogspot.com

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  22. Congrats on the job and closing! So glad everything worked out. I'm in the middle of book 2 of 50 Shades...and I CAN'T STOP READING!! It's a little slow in the first 5-6 chapters of book 1 and it gets pretty intense but books 2 and 3 are more on the sweet/romantic side. I've never read so fast in my life!! Sooo good!

    Kimberly
    The Learning Tree

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  23. I would love a meet up! I am in the La Porte area. Best wishes to you and your move! I read all 3 50 Shades book this weekend and they were addictive.

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  24. Last days are bittersweet. Congrats on your new job! It definitely is confirmation that you are making the right choices for your family.

    Read 50 Shades -- it is fun summer reading. Even if the critics aren't praising its charms, how could you miss out on the most talked books of the year?

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  25. That is SO exciting!!! A new adventure for you and your family. Good luck and you're in my prayers!

    Amy Darley
    www.thelandof2ndgrade.blogspot.com

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  26. It's always hard to say goodbye to the people and places that have been part of your life for some time. But, as one chapter in your life closes, another one is about to begin. I wish you lots of happiness in your new adventures both personally and professionally. You are truly an inspiration to so many teachers and we thank you for sharing your life with us.
    Connie:)
    www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com

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  27. Okay, so I haven't read 50 Shades yet, but if anyone is looking for something that is beautifully written with an interesting and complex plot check out Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. It's amazing!

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  28. I am so blessed by your blog! You have been such an encouragement for me during my first years of teaching first grade! And ps I would NOT read that book... it doesn't seem edifying.

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  29. So glad everything is falling into place! It always seems to with His help! Thoughts and prayers as you take your next steps!


    Laura
    Peace, Love, and First Grade

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  30. You know how I feel about 50 Shades. :)


    Ahhh!!!!! You'll be amazing wherever you go!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya girl!

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  31. I live in Pearland, which is SE of Houston. I would love to meet up with you and share some ideas! If you can teach me how to create a fantastic blog, that would be great!

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  32. Good luck with the move! I hope your teaching 2nd because that's what I'll be teaching.
    Love your ideas!

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  33. You're simply amazing. I am constantly in awe of you and I just thought you should know :]

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  34. Love love love your blog!

    In regards to the book... I haven't done much research and hadn't heard of it until yesterday, but found this article. You may want to read the article before you read the book. :)

    http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2095

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  35. Awww! I am sure that was hard for you to leave! I had no idea! I can't wait to hear what your next step is! Congratulations!

    Sarah
    Kindergarten Korner

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  36. I have my fingers crossed that you return to kindergarten!!

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  37. You are an amazing teacher and so creative. Good luck on the move. Can't wait to hear about your new adventures.

    50 Shades is NOT well written. I am in the middle of book 3 and chose to read them to make my own opinion instead of following the media or the hype of others. It's not really worth the time in my opinion. Certainly not a book He would approve of.

    Marybeth
    Cialini Chat

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  38. Ok, so I MUST be on another blogging planet- you're moving to HOUSTON?! Freak out time! I am sooo excited! (you and Abby are sincerely & totally my teaching inspirations) I have been beyond blessed these past two years as a new teacher with your creativity and wonderful blog. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Praying for a safe and enjoyable travel to Houston for you and your family. Would absolutely love to meet you and have a lunch date with all the other Houstonians :)+trying to hold in my excitement+

    Just a heads up! Here's a beautiful Christian station in Houston to keep you and the family focused on Him during this beautiful beginning- 89.3 KSBJ. You can check them out online, too. Continue to be blessed!

    Josephine <3
    josieviajar@gmail.com

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  39. I live in Houston and I am a first grade teacher in West U! I would LOVE to meet up and chat! I know other teachers at my school would love to as well!

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  40. I'm in the Houston area and I'd love to meet up! I'm sure some of my teammates would as well. :)

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  41. Congrats on all your lasts and the Many New Firsts in your life! I just hope you continue teaching first! I love your blog!
    Best of luck!
    :)

    Tamera

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  42. This Summer I am going to rent at the beach with my 4 year old & my 3 month baby for a week. I can not wait to take pics of my girls by the sand. Thank you for a chance to win.

    Grace
    gbinelo@binelo.com

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  43. Oh my, I read the whole 50 shades trilogy in a week! I loved it!

    I wish you a wonderful move!

    Tiff

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  45. Congrats on the job! Can't wait to hear all about it. It seems like EVERYONE on my staff is reading 50 Shades so I almost feel like I HAVE to read it to be in the know.
    Jenn
    Finally in First

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  46. I haven't subscribed to a blog before. You are my first! It is so great people take the time to share what they do. Don't know how you have the time! My plans for the summer are exciting. Cleaning the classroom! I really can't wait to get rid of a lot of stuff. I hate the clutter feeling, but I live it! We also get to go on a cruise to Alaska with friends from school. Life is grand!! Best wishes in your new spots! alib@att.net

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  47. I'm going to Vegas! :) Good luck in Houston!!
    LJBreunig@yahoo.com

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  48. First of all I want to say thank you so much for sharing all of your wonderful ideas! I couldn't have made it through my first year without your help. Everything is always so fabulous and the kids have an absolute blast! Good luck with your move!

    This summer I can't wait to lay by the pool and read some good books!

    Thanks again,

    Kayla

    krbreivogel@gmail.com

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  49. Let me know about the June meet up for Houston teachers! I would love to be there!

    mrs.amanda.garza@gmail.com

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  50. THIS SUMMER...I will be spending some QT with my baby boy Beckett (our first summer together, he's 6 months old!!), celebrating another year of wedded bliss with my amazing husband...researching curriculum for my fun year of looping to Second with my firsties : ) :) : ) ANNNDDD waiting to hear more details about my sweet friend Cara's BIG move!!! mandylovedavis@yahoo.com You are PRESH Mrs. Carroll : ) Houston, you're lucky. WE LOVE YOU!!!

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  51. I just graduated from college, so this summer I will be on the job hunt and getting things ready for my very first classroom!! I couldn't be more excited!

    rylee.stewart@hotmail.com

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  52. I'm staying indoors since I live in Arizona! Susan

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  53. I'm going to the mountain town of Show Low, since I live in Phoenix!


    Marsha.Morgan@cox.net

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  54. I'll be studying to take the Praxis for Special Education in Idaho!

    mat09005@byui.edu

    About 50 shades = poorly written pornography.

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  55. What an amazing give away! Thanks for even thinking about it! It's all about the pool for me! And a getaway to the Chesapeake Bay! Have an amazing summer!

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  56. LOVE your work! Thank you for everything you do!! Truly amazing
    As for me this summer...spending time with my kids....going to the lake, swimming, sleeping, reading. Ahhh...9 more days
    ljlynnea@msn.com

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  57. Good luck with your move! We just got done with our 1st move of the summer. It was a bunch of work! I'm thinking though that our 2nd move of the summer shouldn't be that bad since everything is already in storage.

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  58. Thanks for blogging and all your products. Houston is lucky to "get" you and your new team will even be luckier! I've still got 16 days to teach and Open House to get through before I'm "done" with my first graders. Three days later, I start teaching 6th graders for summer school (believe me, it's fun at first to be with the big kids but after a month I'm reminded why I love my first graders!) Summer plans in August include - beach week with my husband in Cabo, dropping my "baby" girl off to grad school in New York and my "baby" boy off to his senior year of college!

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  59. oh ... and check out 50 Shades - it's a quick summer read ... taylors4md@yahoo.com

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  60. Figuring out my new Cricut machine!
    sugarmag1211@aol.com

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  61. having a great time with my sweet babies! two years and one year...they will be movin' and groovin' this summer.

    tisa.freck@nhcs.net

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  62. A great teacher friend is moving to Houston too. I'll miss her dearly. Maybe y'all can get together? I'll send her on over to your blog n

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  63. I teach 1st grade in CY-FAIR ISD in the NW Houston suburbs. Glad to hear a great teacher is moving to the area. I hope you keep your website active! I've learned a lot from you. Where will you be teaching? Congrats and good luck!

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  64. I'm sure you will be great in whatever grade you teach! Oh and I LOVED the 50 shades trilogy! ;)

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  65. Love your materials! I am relaxing and getting ready for the new ELAS cool on core standards!

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  66. Absolutely LOVE your blog! I am going to relax in my backyard on my hammock!

    Marianne

    marianne.haas@sympatico.ca

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  67. I've just entered the world of Pinterest and blogging this weekend and so far have done only stalking - no talking! I too, am moving schools and homes before school starts and stumbled upon your blog while looking for new ideas for my classroom. I am loving all of your ideas and keep sending many of them to my niece who is homeschooling her preschoolers this year.
    I've got a pretty busy summer planned with both of my parents celebrating mid-80s birthdays, helping my sister after surgery and district wide preschool cadre planning and training... but I do have something fun planned for myself ~ I've invited the teachers in my district to a teacher's retreat of sorts, during one of the two weeks I'm vacationing at a cabin in NC... I have a small group of teachers coming to brainstorm, share ideas and stories while enjoying the mountains for a week in July.
    Good luck in your move!
    Ann Sealey
    artzone055@gmail.com

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  68. May great things happen in Houston for you and yours. I'll be helping with a reading clinic in Maryland, which I'm sure will be full of hilarious moments. But for lots of chuckles and downhome happines, I'll be swimming with my babies and grandbabies. Enjoy your summer!
    Cocomo1045@aol.com

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  69. First off, LOVE your blog!!!! I just started blogging and YES, read 50 Shades...it is awesome! I even did a play on words on my blog--Forty Shades of First! ;) Have a great summer!

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  70. Congrats to you!!! :) You MUST READ THE 50 SHADES TRILOGY!!! An absolute must!!!! Have a great summer and a terrific start on your new journey!!!

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  71. I would love to grab lunch sometime this summer! I have been teaching in Houston the past 2 years, and LOVE your blog! Good luck on the move!! We will be praying for you!

    katiemichellegold@gmail.com

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  72. That is great that you got a job. What district will you be working in?

    Ashley

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  73. We were in the same school district this past year and I too celebrated my last crispito lunch. I'm moving one district north on 75 and I'm going to miss those things!!

    Good luck in your new district. It will be great.

    Amy

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  74. Ahhhhhhh!!!! I'm in Houston!!! I've followed you and Abby for so long!! I'd love to meet up with you! (Can you tell from my exclamation marks that I'm squealing with excitement!?) I've taught second grade for five years, but next year I'm teaching first!! I'm so nervous but I know I'll do great things with all of your awesome resources! I'd love to hear some first grade advice from you though!! My husband teaches in my district, too! We also have a 3 year old boy named Noah! I feel like we have a lot in common and it'd be great to make a new friend! :)

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  75. Really hope you will be teaching first grade! You are just so darn good at it! :) I love your units! Since I am moving up to a 1/2 multiage class, second grade would be okay too!

    FYI- 50 shades is a GREAT SERIES!!!!!! I am finishing up book 3 now.

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  76. Wow! Welcome to Houston! I just got my first job in Katy, after five years of substituting (just finished a long-term job in Kinder; they liked me so much, they decided to keep me), and I'll be teaching first grade! One team member who is moving to fifth just recommended your TPT page, and passed The Great Coin Collection on to me. I've come here to get to know you better! I'm so excited to start my own classroom in the fall, and I'm setting up my own blog right now! Woo-hoo! Just need to think of a creative name. ;) Like others have said, we should have a Houston blogger meet-up! Thank you for your fantastic printables!

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  77. Cara, thank you so much for everything that you post on here. Your TPT store has inspired me to start my own! Good luck with your move. If you have a chance, pick up a copy of 50 shades. It's a a decent book, although a little over hyped. It's a great book to read on vacation though.

    Feel free to follow my blog:
    http://freshandfunfirstgrade.blogspot.com/

    Kate

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  78. Welcome to Houston! How exciting to have you here! Love your blogs and can't wait to hear about what's in store for you after the big move!

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