tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62105205728223327732024-02-07T06:20:18.788-06:00Teach. ModgePodge. Love."Pinning" my way through 2012...crafts, DIY, lessons, organization, recipes, decorating...Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-61410809520698984892012-01-01T21:19:00.000-06:002012-01-01T21:19:11.732-06:00NYE 2012: A great start<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year everyone! I hope that everyone had the opportunity to ring in the New Year surrounded by family and friends and if you enjoyed yourself a little too much...hopefully you're recovering from your hangover!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent my NYE with my sweet friend Laura, who drove in from Houston, Stacy (a co-worker from 3+ years who has become one of my closest friends) and Krystle H (co-worker for one year that I rarely get to see and need to spend more time with). Laura and I sat and talked for hours and caught up and then met the girls at Houlihan's for dinner and drinks. We enjoyed some amazing food together and then hung out by the fire on the patio. We were very low key and we rang in the New Year with the Carson Daily countdown.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next Laura and I took a walk/hike on a trail that it just 2 minutes from my house (who knew!). It was beautiful weather and such a peaceful way to welcome 2012.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DDR9omRD_17pnCeJv2j6kU4XNtpmwk4zJFkcUB7WZlCoA51JdRL07h81Lk8-sOrQqVx3LNAI-nDR9VXjhAu0G-G0e9DSqZQOgqGLT51wGyQdJrlj4ydByNe7DX3GZTbph72c-whLi_BX/s1600/nye2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DDR9omRD_17pnCeJv2j6kU4XNtpmwk4zJFkcUB7WZlCoA51JdRL07h81Lk8-sOrQqVx3LNAI-nDR9VXjhAu0G-G0e9DSqZQOgqGLT51wGyQdJrlj4ydByNe7DX3GZTbph72c-whLi_BX/s320/nye2012.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura and I had lunch with beautiful Miss Casey who will be celebrating a wedding in 2012 (so excited) and In-n-Out Burger (yum)!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was sad to see Laura go, but so glad she came. It was a much overdo and needed visit!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also kicked of Resolution #1 and here is my first Pinterest post!</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In order to start off right I made black eye peas for dinner and the recipe I used is found </span><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/soup-recipe-blackeyed-pea-soup-with-andouille-and-collards-135797" target="_blank"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> at thekitchen.com.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to 3 different stores and could NOT find frozen black eye peas, so I made the recipe work with canned. I can never follow a recipe fully so here are the adaptations I made:</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-I do not own a dutch oven, so I just used a big stew pot</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Used Hillshire smoke sausage instead of andouille</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Only used 26 oz of stock since the beans were already cooked</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-used canned peas by adding the chicken stock bringing it to a boil and THEN adding the peas</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2JVbOOkHFxLo5ad52goTD9bN8aumxVuDFwsbjkvDelZ15cCFZ1t4JecxC4DFHjycIxDh3CddJ1GhYNk0usl3TIDwlIRYoikIe_D6TlQec_WZa_WIUlDUaa9RznGud-Gt43U8ZxGB-g3E/s1600/nyedinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2JVbOOkHFxLo5ad52goTD9bN8aumxVuDFwsbjkvDelZ15cCFZ1t4JecxC4DFHjycIxDh3CddJ1GhYNk0usl3TIDwlIRYoikIe_D6TlQec_WZa_WIUlDUaa9RznGud-Gt43U8ZxGB-g3E/s320/nyedinner.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was delicious, quick and easy to make. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm ending my first day of 2012 with a glass of wine, a fire in the fireplace that is finally successful, watching the Cowboys lose terrible (as usual) with my babies at my feet. Couldn't get any better.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did you spend your New Year's?</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Ashley</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-33624156458050521942011-12-29T10:48:00.000-06:002011-12-29T10:48:59.616-06:00New Year's Resolution: The Pinterest Challenge<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Year's Resolutions...Urbandictionary.com defines it as "a goal you propose then forget the next day." I have found this to be very true for myself over the years, the no fast food, a weekly work out routine, follow a strict budget, read the whole Bible, keep a clean house, organize my house/classroom/office/kitchen and keep it organized...and the list goes on. This year that is going to change. Of course this is not the first time I've said these infamous words, but really, it is going to change...because all of you are going to help hold me accountable!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here are my three New Year's Resolution...</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. I am going to "Pin my way through 2012."--I am sure many of you have caught the Pinterest bug and if you are like most 'pinners' you pin many things, but rarely complete any of the projects/ideas! I am going to complete at least one "pin" a week during 2012 and share it here with you. This can be a craft, recipe, sewing project, cleaning or organization tip, lesson idea for the classroom, decor idea...anything that I've pinned on Pinterest.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Actually read the whole Bible</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Follow a work out routine (hey I had to have one failed resolution or I would jinx the other 2...though maybe with resolution #1 I will be able to accomplish this)</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why the Pinterest Challenge?</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2010 and 2011 were filled with many challenges in which I made some of the hardest decisions in my life. 2010 and 2011 also revealed to me those who I can truly count on...the ones that no matter what time of day I know I can call up and they will be there, but most importantly those who don't need a phone call from me to know that I need help or a girl's night. Those who know me, know that I am very stubborn and determined to solve it all on my own. God has shown me I'm stronger than I ever could have ever imagined and that this strength comes from the support of my family and friends. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be ringing in the New Year with a dear friend from college, Laura, someone who truly knows my heart and was with me when my faith was at it's strongest. I feel it so appropriate that I will be starting the new year and this new challenge with someone who I look to for strength. I learned a lot in 2011 and have no regrets, but am ready to say good-bye and good riddance to 2011. I am looking forward to a new start in 2012 with my Pinterest Challenge in hopes that it will help transform me into a better person.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides, isn't that what New Year's is all about?</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is to a blessed start to the new year for all of you and I will see you all back here the first week of January for the Pinterest Challenge!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Ashley</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-10384944150275789192011-12-23T09:26:00.001-06:002011-12-23T09:29:43.406-06:00I'm Back!--Felt Scarf link and tips!<span style="color: white;">Hello blogging world...my blogging career seemed short lived, but I'm back!</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">I've had a few people ask about the felt scarf that I made this week so here is the tutorial and my tips!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">I originally found the Felt Flower Scarf on pinterest and the tutorial can be found on this blog, </span><a href="http://watchmedaddy.blogspot.com/2011/12/felt-flower-scarf-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Watch Me Daddy</span></a><span style="color: white;">. Her blog is fantastic with many other fun projects! </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Here are my tips:</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">1. Cut your circles out on posterboard to use as a guide. As she says in the blog it does not have to be exact as you will be scalloping the ends later. I found items around my house with different diameters, but here are the sizes:</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">5in, 4.5in, 4in, 3.5in, 3in, 2in--these are all approximates, as I just found items with diameters close to this.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">2. After you cut out the long piece for the scarf, fold the remaining felt in half. Now start your tracing bonanza (soon to followed by a cutting bonanza and a sewing bonanza). Trace all the circles on the felt. I was making 2 scarves so I traced all 13 of each circle, but if you are doing just one you only have to trace half, which will cut your cutting time in half.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">3. Now secure each circle with a pin to avoid movement while cutting ALL those circles out. I also kept them pinned until after I scalloped the ends of the circles.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Once you get a hang of the stiching for the flowers it goes quickly...I did it all with two very needy dogs that kept putting their noses in the way for attention. A good movie playing is a must!! I'll post pictures later...my computer is not working with me!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Hope this is all helpful and thanks again to </span><a href="http://watchmedaddy.blogspot.com/2011/12/felt-flower-scarf-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Watch Me Daddy</span></a><span style="color: white;"> for the tutorial!!</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-70982647407652287092011-09-09T20:01:00.000-05:002011-09-09T20:01:24.885-05:00Perfect end to the week...<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was nearly brought to tears this afternoon....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My ED (emotionally disturbed) kiddo and usually MAJOR behavior problem had a PERFECT day!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chris* is a 5th grader that has daily tantrums, crying like a baby, melt downs...everything imaginable. He has a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan) and checks in with me every morning and every evening. We've only have him for 2 weeks and have already seen improvements in behavior (Mindy and Stephanie may disagree with me...but compared to how he started...it's been good girls!) He came to my room this afternoon with his behavior chart COVERED in checks and smiley faces!! Not a single bad comment! I squealed...literally squealed in the hallway and gave him a huge hug! I went crazy! I let him pick out several prizes from my box, and then proceeded to "show him off" to everyone in the school...my teammate, his teachers, the principal, the bus duty staff (who dealt with a meltdown yesterday)!! I mean I was marching down the hallway with his paper in my hand! By the time I finally got him to his bus line I was near tears!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poor Mindy and Stephanie have been doing such a great job handling his melt downs, tantrums, crying, throwing things....so shout out to them! They are such an amazing 5th grade team! Amazing classroom management and ability to work with students of all types! I have LOVED working with them this last year and am excited for another! I love watching them teach and interact with the students!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The troublemakers in our school tend to be my favorite...I think it's because when they DO make progress it is always SO big! And to be able to deliver positive to a kid that is used to always hearing the negative and how terrible they are is so rewarding! I have some wonderful kiddos that I feel like I've gotten through to and the hardest part is always when they have to leave me. These kids are usually the ones who move in and out of schools frequently...you just never think anyone can do as good of a job as you. No one will love them or invest in them as much as you. I had a family come through our school last year. 5th grade girl who has been on anti-depressants since she was in 2nd grade and was supposed to be in 6th. A 3rd grader with what is currently just labeled as ADHD (but needs a psych eval). They were taken from their mom by CPS and have been living with the same woman for the last several years. I think they have now been to 12 different schools! They are never in a school long enough for anyone to get to know their situation and work with them. I poured so much into them, especially the 3rd grade boy. When his new school called for his records the first week of school I volunteered to hand deliver. I spoke to the school about him and then got to see him!! Another tearful moment! He was soo excited to see me and gave me the biggest hug! I think of those two often. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could easily take home several of the kids that have crossed my path over the last few years. One of the most important lessons I learned during student teaching is that you have to leave it all at work. I can only control what happens during the 8 hours they are in school...I can not change anything in their home environment, I just have to make those 8 hours an escape and a place of comfort. I work very hard to separate my personal and work life. Always a challenge, but prayer and wine help! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of...looking forward to spending an evening out with Miss Katie tonight. I normally pass out by 8 on Friday nights, but this week has been soo great! I somehow still have lots of energy! God has just pointed out so many blessings to me this week and revealed that this is in fact where I need to be. He has control...I just need to let Him take it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Ok...gotta stop...I'm getting teary-eyed!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope everyone has a blessed week!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">*Names changed for confidentiality</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-45025586155112785202011-09-07T20:53:00.000-05:002011-09-07T20:53:17.780-05:00More Blessings<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New addiction! I saw the commercial this week and did an impulse buy at Wal-mart.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2q6txUIOg__vIDNZ-l92GZYtg8Yuao4tYs1HMa2r9vzKb8KNiP08Nt4QlVDVb65IyqAUnnX3W81X1dwQrTzJATBk2Ny7TDcPZFjsCTxRwd_nf_359YUyS64UCtpCz-bZ5_DaeNWn_yZt/s1600/IMG_1021%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2q6txUIOg__vIDNZ-l92GZYtg8Yuao4tYs1HMa2r9vzKb8KNiP08Nt4QlVDVb65IyqAUnnX3W81X1dwQrTzJATBk2Ny7TDcPZFjsCTxRwd_nf_359YUyS64UCtpCz-bZ5_DaeNWn_yZt/s320/IMG_1021%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sure did polish off the rest of that box of Wheat Thins and will probably go buy more tomorrow just so I can finish off the cheese! haha!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And what goes best with cheese and crackers?!?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wine of course!!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JtJ9pd61AmGG8SNB48zGQ7HhE_6ZH3_9WCD7l4TstTfsrr6B3V47Lm9to8HxfShPhr5nmIX0PoiqdAaQPCbTlEBGhUNsE9oZq6Asnb8pNdu7CcX6Pljzdyq-bW6HyOnJwCaGyxZ7pKgT/s1600/IMG_1022%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JtJ9pd61AmGG8SNB48zGQ7HhE_6ZH3_9WCD7l4TstTfsrr6B3V47Lm9to8HxfShPhr5nmIX0PoiqdAaQPCbTlEBGhUNsE9oZq6Asnb8pNdu7CcX6Pljzdyq-bW6HyOnJwCaGyxZ7pKgT/s320/IMG_1022%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So the one on the left is from the Naked Winery near Portland. What is it about new/special wines that we wait forever to drink them? I brought 4 bottles of wine back with me from Portland and have yet to drink any of them! I think it's because I spent more than $10 on them...makes me feel like it needs to be a special occasion! The wine on the right however is what I actually opened...$8 at Sam's and another new addiction! It's delish!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several years ago my sister and I took a road trip to Hot Springs, Ak (don't go to the bath houses unless you want to be bathed by Shaniqua!) and I bought my first red bottle of wine that I liked. I didn't open it until this last year, and it had spoiled. We can't keep waiting around for special occasions, we have to make them. I have decided that I am going to make a reason to open those bottles this weekend. I have so much to celebrate and be thankful for....why wait around for a special occasion when every day is a gift worth celebrating! So with that said...who wants to join me for some fantastic wine this weekend? I will cook and provide spirits!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my day...after hearing about it, you will wonder why I am wanting to celebrate! haha!</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wanted to beat my head against a wall as I watched some of my 6th graders bomb an open book reading test! I mean I can't teach common sense and we've been working on problem solving skills for 4 years...I then watched my 5th graders bomb a place value test...I mean can it get any easier?! Oh and to top it all off...One of my 6th graders that I have had for 4 years came into my class and</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Can I go get a drink?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No" (continue teaching dividing with decimals)</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Can I go see the nurse? My head hurts again?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No, you'll be fine."</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Can I go to the nurse, I think I'm going to throw up?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No, you'll be fine" (pause for a moment...this all sounds like deja vu...this kid DID throw up in my room last year...but I think he is just trying to get out of work).</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Uh...You're in 6th grade now, if you feel sick you can make it to the trashcan"</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I was pretty sure he would just go to the bathroom, fake throw up so he can go home...they have all tried it with me)</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About 10 minutes later...runs for the trashcan.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am quite proud of myself...I did not skip a beat and kept teaching my lesson...mid sentence without looking away from the board told him to carry the trashcan with him to the nurse.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the sign of a truly seasoned teacher...correction truly seasoned SPECIAL ED teacher. I've been drooled on, peed on, cleaned up poo, changed a 17 year old's diaper...it's a glamorous life, be jealous!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">PS For all of you well seasoned Bloggers...I have advertisements on my blog now, does this mean I can expect a check soon?!? haha! that would be wonderful!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I hope everyone has a fabulous evening and rest of the week...I'm serious about celebrating with friends this weekend!! </span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-45436679046222746402011-09-06T20:23:00.000-05:002011-09-06T20:23:24.083-05:00Just a good day<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today was a terrific day...and for no apparent reason. I guess it's that feeling of peace about where you are in your journey and contentment with your life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I walked into school this morning carrying WAY more than I can hold (but I refuse to make two trips) and spilled my water all over the hallway in front of my room and there was an ear piercing alarm going on and off for about an hour. You would have thought it would have been a "case of the Mondays" but instead I just laughed it off and cleaned it up. I only had one group to finish planning for the entire week! I also left school today knowing that I was done planning and had all my materials for the rest of week. It is just such a great feeling to finally feel like I am ahead of the game. I have become super organized and so I am able to do so much more with my lessons and be better prepared.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Therapy with Jake* went wonderful as well! My supervisor came to go through files and observe and I had the opportunity to show off all the cute things he's learned. I love doing therapy with Jake because it doesn't feel like another 2 hours of work at all. He absorbs everything so quickly and is so stinkin cute so I feel a sense of accomplishment every time I leave. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">The simple joys in a teacher's day:</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Alice* my kindergartner with AU had ZERO meltdowns today! yay! </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I got to use the bathroom....more than once!</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I got to eat lunch sitting at my desk, not walking down the hallway</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">My lessons went without a hitch</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Things are just going right for the first time in a long time, and I only have God's timing to credit it....not some guy, I finally feel freedom from the need to be with someone, to take care of. On pintrest today I saw a quote: "Having faith in God is having faith in his timing" This is so very true...nothing happens by coincidence, it is all a part of a plan much bigger than us. God has shown me this time after time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I know I rambled a lot tonight, but that's kind of where my thoughts are...all over the place. I am ending my great day with a glass of wine outside in this gorgeous 80 degree weather with the puppies. The distant sound of other families outside in their backyard and kids being called to come in as the sun goes down.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Life doesn't get much better than this.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">*Names are changed for confidentiality</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-34880852690024115272011-09-04T19:17:00.000-05:002011-09-04T19:17:59.919-05:00Fail...or not?<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did not do anything with the pallet except remove it from the back of my car (an accomplishment all in it's own). I did however run "errands" for 4 hours. I found many Goodwill and Thrift store finds. I then made a trip to Micheal's, which was another mistake for my wallet! I found sooo many great finds and can't wait to complete some of them! Needless to say I won't be getting any lesson plans done tomorrow! haha!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5fW2lX96MieT1CNraeEFYcq_tqjJLoUNSa1tGwl_3YuIv0xvK_BhE9HaCIOedyZv6K1R-AR9tk0V3THYyXb5FPrZADlRo3wyasHU39e8JatOHJ4FQJAJ4t378O4z9AC7KugOm60z0ytc/s1600/IMG_1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5fW2lX96MieT1CNraeEFYcq_tqjJLoUNSa1tGwl_3YuIv0xvK_BhE9HaCIOedyZv6K1R-AR9tk0V3THYyXb5FPrZADlRo3wyasHU39e8JatOHJ4FQJAJ4t378O4z9AC7KugOm60z0ytc/s320/IMG_1016.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodwill purchases:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chandelier $9.99</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Silver "frame" missing the backboard $3.99--mount on the purple wall in my room so the color shows through or scrapbook paper/pictures in the holes and hang in the bathroom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jewelry box with missing knobs $5.99--sand, repaint/stain, new lining, new knobs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Block shelves $5.99--Sand and repaint</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A&M metal sign $9.99 WHOOP!--Hang it outside with my other one (duh)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Men's shirt $2.99--try the skirt made out of a men's shirt project I found on pintrest</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thrift Store purchases:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wall hook (for my flags outside) $1.99--to hang the Aggie sign!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mason jar $2.99--make into a soap dispenser for the kitchen (I love the worn metal lid)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 children's books (not pictured) $2--for my kiddos!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmWH1Vjmh6aurQhqqZ5jOwhWBDkJjcifFBJYTenJBPDmgQ-7tLWdJcOVoNJcZoqGvSroWZzB029vo8mqAo-SXS1v4lhnokayDKmysORQMB8ZkQMpsGvS3iUV6rVll1WgMnAHNNQdbxi2V/s1600/IMG_1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmWH1Vjmh6aurQhqqZ5jOwhWBDkJjcifFBJYTenJBPDmgQ-7tLWdJcOVoNJcZoqGvSroWZzB029vo8mqAo-SXS1v4lhnokayDKmysORQMB8ZkQMpsGvS3iUV6rVll1WgMnAHNNQdbxi2V/s320/IMG_1019.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sandpaper, new foam brushes, spray paint, and chalkboard paint...oh my!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been wanting to play around chalkboard paint so I'm excited!! The flowers are for barrettes and/or headbands (yellow for school!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breast cancer awareness flag--walking in the 3-day in November!</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GOzWofel5LmzD9M4DZ5XCx9Agie-LA0xsKIVF3TZVkQhph-iMp54IXhVbEJ_yzxpKoMBht7mxsCSqWzkYRydRyeZQeLf8Buq8FNrX6hDKAnEc4Kh-i5BbTf5FDBZBQUC2YToI_ko-xm0/s1600/IMG_1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GOzWofel5LmzD9M4DZ5XCx9Agie-LA0xsKIVF3TZVkQhph-iMp54IXhVbEJ_yzxpKoMBht7mxsCSqWzkYRydRyeZQeLf8Buq8FNrX6hDKAnEc4Kh-i5BbTf5FDBZBQUC2YToI_ko-xm0/s320/IMG_1013.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been eyeing a pile of stuff next to this house for a week...I finally got the guts to knock on the door and ask about it (my sudden motivation came from the Picker Sisters, which I am completely addicted to now!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV1KUq9oBdWWftQAMUbwLBEeWLv2l7ZEknoFEP7UFFJ7j3tmCq5tiLOwPyaDNJv48Zem31jsOrK9AzQboyuSE03Pu9wIZbFjsoe-OpPhO5VNRatuO0vdlZCXXyIVEdOhMvCkjTmcibHh7/s1600/IMG_1015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV1KUq9oBdWWftQAMUbwLBEeWLv2l7ZEknoFEP7UFFJ7j3tmCq5tiLOwPyaDNJv48Zem31jsOrK9AzQboyuSE03Pu9wIZbFjsoe-OpPhO5VNRatuO0vdlZCXXyIVEdOhMvCkjTmcibHh7/s320/IMG_1015.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My car full of my finds from the day! (There's wine somewhere under there...made my monthly trip to Sam's for dog food, coffee and wine)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q4gob1Ddlzx9PT_JSWynGIU1QQQmzyscrYV3QNYTJmL3xEpMV3kLCEDoOKSAuv351Ju375UjpdXgndnRXdZWpVGvcROR3AsnAnXzic2lr-PSdX5Hf9qxgRmeVQLRfYJccwOAC9v_dGr_/s1600/IMG_1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q4gob1Ddlzx9PT_JSWynGIU1QQQmzyscrYV3QNYTJmL3xEpMV3kLCEDoOKSAuv351Ju375UjpdXgndnRXdZWpVGvcROR3AsnAnXzic2lr-PSdX5Hf9qxgRmeVQLRfYJccwOAC9v_dGr_/s320/IMG_1017.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4T0g13Qt9azvg9G3HdQVUxzlcoz0o2tbc4dj6d81HnP-ITFN3Hk-_27pSOGwj37Sr8VCo6Eqk0UdBKyBvP_qUkpCYAab3wa_WFwZ-FmEgQBJJOaGhJXCW-Z58pTfpX-n9zF1SukTHQWt/s1600/IMG_1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4T0g13Qt9azvg9G3HdQVUxzlcoz0o2tbc4dj6d81HnP-ITFN3Hk-_27pSOGwj37Sr8VCo6Eqk0UdBKyBvP_qUkpCYAab3wa_WFwZ-FmEgQBJJOaGhJXCW-Z58pTfpX-n9zF1SukTHQWt/s320/IMG_1018.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is what I got at the yellow house</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were 2 of these, but the 2nd one is in pieces (on top) I figure I can do something with these!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bench or box out of the broken drawers, maybe a chair...who knows!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the back there is what I am guessing used to be a shoe rack--I'm going to paint it and hang in the laundry room as a drying rack</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some cheap plastic molded pieces I found that are not pictured...they are a terrible faux gold color. They should be great as wall scones after a little paint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I can't wait to complete each of these projects and share them with all of you!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">One man's trash is soon to be my treasure!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I am off to get sushi with Katie...we've gone 2 whole weeks without seeing eachother and I am going through withdraw. Pretty sure it will be a late night with her and then I'm coming home to get started!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Hope you have enjoyed your weekend...we still get one more day...whoo-hoo!</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-82354057029347221282011-09-04T11:09:00.000-05:002011-09-04T11:09:47.579-05:00Sunday Project: Pallet shelves<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Driving home the other day I spotted a pallet on the side of the road. I sure did U-turn and pull over on the little 2 lane road that leads to my neighborhood. I had just worked 13 hours, but mustered up my last bit of energy to load this thing. It was a little worn, which is perfect! The great thing about pallet projects is the worn look of the wood, almost like barn wood (which I am determined to one day have).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">So...turns out those suckers are heavy!! I pictured just walking up and tossing that thing in the back of my highlander, not the case. I provided entertainment for several commuters that afternoon as I attempted to hoist that thing into the back of my car! Success...but it's still there a week later! haha! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I am determined to do something with it today!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv5TVG55LztsT_RC4Kld6BqyVi1EidtKnANqsT8pYdR1lRAI16gbZ1wT4XD3aLuke1thv9bbCFp_VQPLiEDrJAnHiygrhJhy4uX0nr2Blg_HbhWzY5GbYzhaxlFw8qRusSGdZT_S3v6bY/s1600/IMG_0987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv5TVG55LztsT_RC4Kld6BqyVi1EidtKnANqsT8pYdR1lRAI16gbZ1wT4XD3aLuke1thv9bbCFp_VQPLiEDrJAnHiygrhJhy4uX0nr2Blg_HbhWzY5GbYzhaxlFw8qRusSGdZT_S3v6bY/s320/IMG_0987.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found a multitude of pallet projects on pintrest...so let's see what I can create.</span><br />
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-21819221418773964472011-09-03T22:18:00.001-05:002011-09-03T22:18:30.616-05:00Laundry Room<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stencil letters on the wall...it will be a long time before I do that again!</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">If you <u>do</u> decide to stencil letters on the wall here are some tips:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">Use a level to draw a guide line with a pencil</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">Tape the letters on the wall with painter's tape to hold it in place</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">If the wall is textured use the stencil as more of a guide and "hand paint" the letters. I attemped to just 'sponge' it with a foam brush...disaster!)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">Used regular craft paint for this project</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">After it all dries, use a foam brush to create smooth lines</span></li>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rxPnCdKIz0AvILTQOzchDCaOP3yBsULAHOY-79hssZ1ZKZMIFmIbcozcwV5oyThSfiiXRga_epHvx8PPBsafrDAgpzew3ebjI4i48TG9EZIzWRUeZAcRjeOE27aL43AArh-UBPNWZBk0/s1600/IMG_0787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rxPnCdKIz0AvILTQOzchDCaOP3yBsULAHOY-79hssZ1ZKZMIFmIbcozcwV5oyThSfiiXRga_epHvx8PPBsafrDAgpzew3ebjI4i48TG9EZIzWRUeZAcRjeOE27aL43AArh-UBPNWZBk0/s320/IMG_0787.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOpYvS1GgVr9XeJY0P7XaR4kgvCTOdedNuyYsrpQi1-LX_r7g6_oKpsVWtf8HUlB_sg4OyhDcwhA1MZUxGsYyI_t0Oj2Cvgi_eB7Ts_j99Lvg56CUCBV-qeH7rFSYrYwZlUc_4ew2Iq9f/s1600/IMG_0974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOpYvS1GgVr9XeJY0P7XaR4kgvCTOdedNuyYsrpQi1-LX_r7g6_oKpsVWtf8HUlB_sg4OyhDcwhA1MZUxGsYyI_t0Oj2Cvgi_eB7Ts_j99Lvg56CUCBV-qeH7rFSYrYwZlUc_4ew2Iq9f/s320/IMG_0974.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-12408045829463942022011-09-03T19:58:00.001-05:002011-09-03T19:58:59.007-05:00Trash to treasure: side table<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I might have found this outside of someone's house on trash day...it looked like a cigarette had burned inside and it was missing the top...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Glued the drawer back together</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Sanded</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Painted white</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">Polyurethane top coat </span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana;">I was going to make a shadow box in the top, but have decided that my wood skills are not as advanced as I thought! It is still sitting in my garage until I decide what I am going to do....Suggestions welcome!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l1WP3IMXwK0wPbFgWEiF7BinPDVKPIsCMR7SN4zw53TuLuSnXHIsTGnnlwtdkmHV6zq_62KWzpejHibf42CqMzwTFiWlzVqa61RHLx_8wrij8VUBpyqYIous8W277lwrYiqzpWEi_S9p/s1600/IMG_0562.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l1WP3IMXwK0wPbFgWEiF7BinPDVKPIsCMR7SN4zw53TuLuSnXHIsTGnnlwtdkmHV6zq_62KWzpejHibf42CqMzwTFiWlzVqa61RHLx_8wrij8VUBpyqYIous8W277lwrYiqzpWEi_S9p/s320/IMG_0562.png" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28yUbUDPjVcW-W8zCjKjsQEPLwrY_lGHPi38GyIuOnO6rGzIg307N7vBVDLZRUVtYVdb5h89dYQ8fNSSAKR4yy2fdTPZjEDY9VpXFRHug9fK6NA2ZCYS6KOwgRimAHCrgw8tDfg08Z8BA/s1600/IMG_0727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28yUbUDPjVcW-W8zCjKjsQEPLwrY_lGHPi38GyIuOnO6rGzIg307N7vBVDLZRUVtYVdb5h89dYQ8fNSSAKR4yy2fdTPZjEDY9VpXFRHug9fK6NA2ZCYS6KOwgRimAHCrgw8tDfg08Z8BA/s320/IMG_0727.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mid-project...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-8097060130067248602011-09-03T19:48:00.000-05:002011-09-03T19:48:40.684-05:00Repurposed Magazine holders<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been using a set of pass me down x 100 ugly brown magazine holders in my classroom. Since I finally had some time to myself this 3-day weekend, I decided to give them a makeover!</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">I will post how I use them in my room later this week.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">Free project:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">1. paint with craft paint (these were a terrible dark brown so it took 2-3 coats)</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">2. cut scrapbook paper the length of the back spine and front</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">3. apply thin layer of modge podge to where you want scrapbook paper</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">3. use a credit card/id to smooth</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana;">4. a coat of modge podge over the entire thing</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mVjVN_fQwxhgdl5Rl-7J0cD1byWJiaPeSg2KMeUfQBMgARwYmm4GJSF2Gy07b84aT-yleNS_hpvQ05zx9B98ZJ9GlB_fD92GdlDi2G-4tuzzYfO_iKTvXcgvkaKly0WqhRFule0ixP3y/s1600/IMG_1010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mVjVN_fQwxhgdl5Rl-7J0cD1byWJiaPeSg2KMeUfQBMgARwYmm4GJSF2Gy07b84aT-yleNS_hpvQ05zx9B98ZJ9GlB_fD92GdlDi2G-4tuzzYfO_iKTvXcgvkaKly0WqhRFule0ixP3y/s320/IMG_1010.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjKKUg_ExvobjbgcNiaOwIndoNJBUxHMeZ1CNZe3c7UtRGDHsHLcLA67X8pWNkwh9aNMSF77m3bcJgckSBH60AdkuerC0n9ntRsFrXDXFnWTQCg0c1ppkzk9yhMmXLIzbkAhF1sR2x7An/s1600/IMG_1007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjKKUg_ExvobjbgcNiaOwIndoNJBUxHMeZ1CNZe3c7UtRGDHsHLcLA67X8pWNkwh9aNMSF77m3bcJgckSBH60AdkuerC0n9ntRsFrXDXFnWTQCg0c1ppkzk9yhMmXLIzbkAhF1sR2x7An/s320/IMG_1007.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-79626793571896861132011-09-03T17:40:00.000-05:002011-09-03T17:40:25.640-05:00Determined to get organized this year!<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I teach resource, which means I am usually planning for several grade levels and subjects each week. I have tried a new organization system each year and this year it is survival that I stay on top of things: with 2 jobs, 50+ hour work weeks and no longer able to stay at school into the wee hours of the night. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A file folder for each grade/subject each day of the week. I just grab the folder(s) I need--with all the papers/manipulatives inside.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is also perfect if I have to call a sub last minute...everything is there!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvzbbKhBWXO7n80M-lJ8JIK014lJJk-6yckAeYjFZzifq2vSpVKKibIvAFSDrdHLhWs30MRo50Q2nSX8WMJHRDd-cnNIuThdlpW82m8zQm5qDRf0rY7exncY_uzYUmcV3bV-OrxqvgY2C/s1600/IMG_0996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvzbbKhBWXO7n80M-lJ8JIK014lJJk-6yckAeYjFZzifq2vSpVKKibIvAFSDrdHLhWs30MRo50Q2nSX8WMJHRDd-cnNIuThdlpW82m8zQm5qDRf0rY7exncY_uzYUmcV3bV-OrxqvgY2C/s320/IMG_0996.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I aslo have an absent folder for each grade level. As I am passing out assignments I immediately write the absent student's name on the paper and place it in the absent folder. This way I don't forget who missed what assignment/days.</span><br />
<div align="center"></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-75748623359942265102011-09-03T17:22:00.000-05:002011-09-03T17:22:47.979-05:00My space<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My corner of the classroom (which I share with 2 other people)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T8gVIjL-XxW_BNCchDZ8nHxoQYPH88tFOZVf_JD-6_NJ1b-NqgsqInc_0M_XOze_9h-8wy9cGp_9tjaQnkuz7T99MDUgAKoZ9hoSY937lOxSzr9XUz_FkifGIVCMF5yYY3k-KY5sfPfg/s1600/nonameclassroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T8gVIjL-XxW_BNCchDZ8nHxoQYPH88tFOZVf_JD-6_NJ1b-NqgsqInc_0M_XOze_9h-8wy9cGp_9tjaQnkuz7T99MDUgAKoZ9hoSY937lOxSzr9XUz_FkifGIVCMF5yYY3k-KY5sfPfg/s320/nonameclassroom.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKwskogVyqbcZph-sDo99cmULS1Ba2GQarZKiZ_2yhoLPsuOQDLPMAeyVUQM-95njPBtFmfOs9twvaIgwBccaRyTKS62MP0-dTyA4fYgHhC1g6uXA6-rpreLRCi4EuZfE2D7I39dibiak/s1600/IMG_0994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKwskogVyqbcZph-sDo99cmULS1Ba2GQarZKiZ_2yhoLPsuOQDLPMAeyVUQM-95njPBtFmfOs9twvaIgwBccaRyTKS62MP0-dTyA4fYgHhC1g6uXA6-rpreLRCi4EuZfE2D7I39dibiak/s320/IMG_0994.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-16692731816219649742011-09-03T17:16:00.000-05:002011-09-03T17:16:03.218-05:00New schoolyear...new classroom<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My classroom for the 2011-2012 school year:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0BMDEjKqY8SC5OiOz6iteO755pgUA6buiNO1f6vO9PGSYHY-lbyhg3G8pf7qWMhOS-I6y4XVXAroElqAimsRX9JaTKOons40486UGCRHpWkLLP52BJVWGXW17Kjx_33duIV9hAKlg-Vu/s1600/IMG_0992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0BMDEjKqY8SC5OiOz6iteO755pgUA6buiNO1f6vO9PGSYHY-lbyhg3G8pf7qWMhOS-I6y4XVXAroElqAimsRX9JaTKOons40486UGCRHpWkLLP52BJVWGXW17Kjx_33duIV9hAKlg-Vu/s320/IMG_0992.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organized library bliss</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVya7_6b_cbXOqMrWxeiamhcOWLsz1EuB55dmOG6V8yOWzF_UgvGfSXR0vOTz4_mqKkHfWjOXOrOVIg9_nuGJ2_hBesizGELMMJSzD7k9eEqb4x8ADJKyx4fnm9HSWxtl44wxrFzAa1ToS/s1600/IMG_0993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVya7_6b_cbXOqMrWxeiamhcOWLsz1EuB55dmOG6V8yOWzF_UgvGfSXR0vOTz4_mqKkHfWjOXOrOVIg9_nuGJ2_hBesizGELMMJSzD7k9eEqb4x8ADJKyx4fnm9HSWxtl44wxrFzAa1ToS/s320/IMG_0993.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Math Wall with interactive place value chart (velcro)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSQPhiwBEjWrD1tPaCXVSrRgY961WrJ8SvrOgWOaUZELz_UXsg7c9e4q1pox1ihn9nq8XauTx8kZZNreDtBhyphenhyphenuVPaeSWhpFT-7TXdeYC_aonG7_2zgmeHvDYA99vNAD3SZ_k40cfj4kUJ/s1600/IMG_0991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSQPhiwBEjWrD1tPaCXVSrRgY961WrJ8SvrOgWOaUZELz_UXsg7c9e4q1pox1ihn9nq8XauTx8kZZNreDtBhyphenhyphenuVPaeSWhpFT-7TXdeYC_aonG7_2zgmeHvDYA99vNAD3SZ_k40cfj4kUJ/s320/IMG_0991.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading Center/Wall, Science and Writing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJKXVnpwrtaMtP_xfbv4-JptEMJ7qagvjGCW7kmpVnkwxQInLv1jmwQ3rm8HTd3Uv3c7tzNVHqambDWQun7lBmzYMVyvEcr3lBD2QmZPtDnoyTIF-HLXCUrAeeYpxQMMq4Y7OFKhC3RXJ/s1600/IMG_0997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJKXVnpwrtaMtP_xfbv4-JptEMJ7qagvjGCW7kmpVnkwxQInLv1jmwQ3rm8HTd3Uv3c7tzNVHqambDWQun7lBmzYMVyvEcr3lBD2QmZPtDnoyTIF-HLXCUrAeeYpxQMMq4Y7OFKhC3RXJ/s320/IMG_0997.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hallway display</span></td></tr>
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</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-58187144484733164382011-09-03T15:56:00.002-05:002011-09-03T20:44:34.398-05:00Canvas sketch paintings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-a8xQFcqz9hsTXVMYFEeGK9Q4iTP9a2LL9xioZcykGtbt1qz_F3whb3J-0B4Q3BqDWT6Ia9HvMqckEA_Nb1UQZ5Q7m_jnQfvRcPNRvoZ_iuF0yfQ5NsyLLc-lM__hP7yrvUj4O0DKgXA/s1600/IMG_0791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-a8xQFcqz9hsTXVMYFEeGK9Q4iTP9a2LL9xioZcykGtbt1qz_F3whb3J-0B4Q3BqDWT6Ia9HvMqckEA_Nb1UQZ5Q7m_jnQfvRcPNRvoZ_iuF0yfQ5NsyLLc-lM__hP7yrvUj4O0DKgXA/s320/IMG_0791.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Original inspiration: found at Hobby Lobby</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I needed something bigger (and cheaper)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi701-d4e9-F9qLfeUJ59wl2Nv3blG6bqC6jFnDYFoVrZw8RSsak1biUMSlxctBnyzCiWaVaUOi95aYO1xX_Dn7PT8x49K-tmIKeE8Jhg5TWeeJY_ZcrQkMH_HEF18pJ2dRd3JTar1cK4k1/s1600/IMG_0999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi701-d4e9-F9qLfeUJ59wl2Nv3blG6bqC6jFnDYFoVrZw8RSsak1biUMSlxctBnyzCiWaVaUOi95aYO1xX_Dn7PT8x49K-tmIKeE8Jhg5TWeeJY_ZcrQkMH_HEF18pJ2dRd3JTar1cK4k1/s320/IMG_0999.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Bought a package of 7 canvas' from Micheal's for ~$20</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Painted all the canvas' black</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Sketched what I wanted to paint with pencil (if you are lacking artistic skill...you can also use a project to project the image and then trace)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Using the tip/edge of a small foam brush I traced those lines with white paint. Don't try to make it perfect...make short strokes so it will look as though you painted it with no guide!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaklI7OTOpvZxcRjFHzQUlTe73IuuM2w_YcNC8ytwku6T7mzZP1QO64axy6zLxlM_3QRvZpqk9VKZ1E3B7Wjcbj_mdsElVih7j0U7hYPqz-jY4LIF8KjQsD_AA085WbKTHZhV91iz2d-d2/s1600/IMG_1003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaklI7OTOpvZxcRjFHzQUlTe73IuuM2w_YcNC8ytwku6T7mzZP1QO64axy6zLxlM_3QRvZpqk9VKZ1E3B7Wjcbj_mdsElVih7j0U7hYPqz-jY4LIF8KjQsD_AA085WbKTHZhV91iz2d-d2/s320/IMG_1003.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk-rfzNQeKzgaBc3LEIh5XmTg4eIUrQGUM8N-NyFsiq31epiK-QJFm-KLELpnnA8Oyd806xsPCgN3XirfRcnVD73sp-VgJvs996FafrUUlCx59R9ufjujndoWoqHxFOWvnhDMVSn-7H5W/s1600/IMG_1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk-rfzNQeKzgaBc3LEIh5XmTg4eIUrQGUM8N-NyFsiq31epiK-QJFm-KLELpnnA8Oyd806xsPCgN3XirfRcnVD73sp-VgJvs996FafrUUlCx59R9ufjujndoWoqHxFOWvnhDMVSn-7H5W/s320/IMG_1004.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Viola! You have an original masterpiece!</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-84154557138694604642011-09-03T15:05:00.002-05:002011-09-03T19:59:48.636-05:00Coffee Table/Personal Transformation<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVED this project! I completed this several months ago while going through a rough time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have experienced a lot of change recently and I think that the transformation of this coffee table symbolizes what I have been through. Before I could complete the project I have to first sand away the old and smooth the surface, then give it new life. I also love the transformation from dark to pure white, which is what we become after making the Lord a part of our life....pure.</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw1o57fXEIg3hLy1lEQ_p13RUT3Sz8GkCVOpNR_WhyphenhyphensWstxFksiwGFeFHyDL9qAyylKRwqzzhbaL5LlefBFUGe-CypPsOwc5R2ySeS9YI4cWk0quayZqSrJTnn3AD4GDefczvSpPXm8vs/s320/IMG_0718.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" />I LOVED this project.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">$15 find on Craigslist</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAShgBAEO5blBM7HBPumtCbK-b68rWE2__Eo0FfkS94ZM2QnYw2NV5FL-0HT0D-4OXEv5_FYMoh-IB25ojPvfKTg0jbTdpifGD3tWUwZOK4hB8ajL6q_Q8GqdNKqd5sjDDs83B_MV6539/s1600/IMG_0719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAShgBAEO5blBM7HBPumtCbK-b68rWE2__Eo0FfkS94ZM2QnYw2NV5FL-0HT0D-4OXEv5_FYMoh-IB25ojPvfKTg0jbTdpifGD3tWUwZOK4hB8ajL6q_Q8GqdNKqd5sjDDs83B_MV6539/s320/IMG_0719.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sand the furniture. If you would like to restain the piece then strip the varnish first. I was going for a worn look and wanted a little of the wood to show through. Use an electric hand sander for the top/bottom and a piece on it's own to get all the nooks and crannies. I bought a few different kinds of hand sanding foam blocks....Doing it on my own by hand was best.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThOrnzilFv6kkdB2YiN5GKHxyKPQWykmel4Bbn7P-go9MYhNZ6rxQYNLC9cfrntfyET3YCaCxYCkVnX9-rZK3PPPe_PHtpCKKsWHglBW79ed1IhesKuOFh8XpVft1hdyGLKButVWhrjqU/s1600/IMG_0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThOrnzilFv6kkdB2YiN5GKHxyKPQWykmel4Bbn7P-go9MYhNZ6rxQYNLC9cfrntfyET3YCaCxYCkVnX9-rZK3PPPe_PHtpCKKsWHglBW79ed1IhesKuOFh8XpVft1hdyGLKButVWhrjqU/s320/IMG_0731.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paint the color you want...be sure to make all the strokes the same way (the direction of the wood grain is best). I did 2-3 coats of white, allowing 24 hrs dry time between coats. I topped with 2 coats of polyurethane to give a wipeable surface. </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want more interest in your piece, you can always <strong>modge podge</strong> a favorite scrapbook paper that matches your decor or pictures then cover with the polyurethane.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw1o57fXEIg3hLy1lEQ_p13RUT3Sz8GkCVOpNR_WhyphenhyphensWstxFksiwGFeFHyDL9qAyylKRwqzzhbaL5LlefBFUGe-CypPsOwc5R2ySeS9YI4cWk0quayZqSrJTnn3AD4GDefczvSpPXm8vs/s1600/IMG_0718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6210520572822332773.post-51350443321476153982011-09-03T12:14:00.001-05:002011-09-03T15:06:29.562-05:00A New Beginning<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am new to blogging and feel like a little background is needed about me. I am an Elementary resource teacher from Texas. And have recently taken on a second job (thanks to budget cuts) doing ABA in-home therapy with an adorable 2 year old with autism! A little over a year ago I went through a divorce, at 24. Though God never causes us pain, he does turn it into something beautiful. With the help of my family, friends and faith I have survived the last year and am looking forward conquering anything that comes my way in the future! My form a therapy lies in creating. I love taking "old" or "used" things and turning them into something beautiful. I think this is a recent obsession of mine because of what I have experienced. At first I felt like 'used goods' but God has transformed me, much like I transform the crafts that I make. This blog is for projects with a few funny stories from my kids and dating experiences sprinkled in.</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13204318575336340178noreply@blogger.com0