My First Jobs & New Design!!

Tuesday was my first day of teaching and it was incredibly successful! 1st graders are totally different than 2nd graders (which is what I'm used to) - that's for sure! You know immediately when you see the kids walk in who are the talkers, the helpers, the need-reminding-ers. To see the smiles on faces of students as well as get a few, "You're the best teacher ever!"'s - even though they have NO idea who I am - makes you feel so happy and love what you do even more. There will NEVER be another job where you get hugs by students you have just met but that are affectionate towards you because they trust you. I love what I do, even if it's just to sub for a day. Teachers have the BEST job in the world :)

Yesterday (Wednesday) was my second day of teaching and it was fantastic. This was my first time experiencing 5th grade, but these kids were absolutely delightful. The teacher I subbed for did only Language Arts... now let me tell you, Language Arts is not my strong point. I've always struggled with grammar and so forth, especially in the younger grades. But, this was a simple day as it was only half day, and the lesson, well, I repeated it twice so I got the hang of it after the first one was done. We worked on vocabulary words (moocher, hospitable, and delectable), and then did some free writing. I was AMAZED at the topics that some of them were writing about. There were things from their trips to Key West to when their Grandmas got cancer to being excited because their parents just got engaged. The length of writing for some of them could have improved, but it was a free write so there were really no expectations. I was very impressed with this class and really enjoyed having the opportunity to teach them. Maybe I will again?!

What I am, though, really, really touched by is how fast some students are forced to grow up due to situations in their lives outside of school. I am impressed that some students have gone through hell and back, yet are still the hardest working students I have ever seen in my life. I've heard of students going through 3 years of cancer, battling it until it was gone, and then continuing on. I've heard of students being abused by their mother or father for years, yet still continuing on. These students are the strongest students I've ever seen, and although they were forced to grow up quicker, it only makes them stronger in the long run. I thought I was being forced to grow up when I had to make the quick decision about my father when he was dying, but man, these children around us are growing up faster than I would ever dream of them to. Kudos to those children for taking their situations and making the best of them.

On a more happy note, I GOT A NEW BLOG LAYOUT!!!! I absolutely adore the way it turned out. Megan, over at I Teach. What's Your Super Power?, has a design blog that she's been working with various people from - it's called A Bird in Hand Blog Design. She has been one of the most patient, hard working people I have ever met, especially after dealing with all my requests. She's diligent and quick in her work, all the time making sure that I enjoyed what she was making. I absolutely LOVED working with Megan and I think if you're in the market for a new design, she's your girl.

I'm on my way out the door to go to North Carolina to see Cody for the weekend! I'll likely not post for a few days... BUT, when I get home... you won't want to miss out on what I'll be posting!! :)

Have a good and safe Labor Day weekend, y'all!

Fall Bracelet Swap

Quick post about a Fall Bracelet Swap!

My BPIC (Moe) and her friend are hosting a Fall Bracelet Swap. I chose to join because I'm into all these swaps recently - getting something from someone that has no idea who you are, yet made something for you, is a lot of fun (Especially when they've put their all into making something special for you)! I think you all should join, too! If you'd like to, click here. Tia & Moe would looove to have you.

Have a good night y'all!

Sunday Social: Internet & Demolition Derby

I'm linking up with Ashley & Neely at their blogs for the Sunday Social! This week, it's all about the Internet :)

1. What is the first website you log onto each day?
Phone - Gmail and Yahoo
Computer - Blogger or Facebook or Pinterest

2. Give us some funny websites that you visit that we need to know about.
People of Walmart
When Parents Text
Text From Dog

3. Pinterest or Facebook? Why?
Pinterest. There's SO many things on there and I love to eat and craft and dress myself SO Pinterest is an inspiration tool.

4. Twitter or Instagram? Why?
Twitter - I have no idea what the fascination with Instagram is so I choose Twitter.

5. Favorite YouTube video. Post it!




6. Biggest online pet peeve.
Grammar. I dislike things being speller wrong, said in the wrong way, and so forth. Grammar police, I know!

Go link up with Neely & Ashley for Sunday Social!

Yesterday, we went to the Darke County Fair! What we really went for was the demolition derby. This is probably one of the most redneck activities you could do, but it's a blast to watch. It's literally just cars crashing into each other... but it's really entertaining! Here's some pictures :)

The first round was tractors. I'd never seen this before, but it was definitely different. Kind of boring... BUT that's okay because after that was the modified cars. These guys are crazy!

Then it was a few rounds of the compact cars. These guys are cool because they ride up on top of each other and push each other around and all sorts of other stuff!

I also shot tons of videos, so here's one as a snippet if you've never been to a demo derby before!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Have a good day, y'all!

High Five For Friday

Linking up for #H54F with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk!

Below are the five things that I am absolutely LOVING this week (and next week).

1. I am still SO excited about receiving my two calls yesterday. I'm so excited, nervous, anxious, happy, and every other emotion about next week that I just cannot wait!

2. My Maybooks came in the mail! I absolutely LOVE them. If you've never checked out Maybooks, click here. And if you decide that you want your own, click here. You'll be taken to my bloggy friend Megan's blog to enter her 400 follower giveaway (where you can win your own Maybook)!

 One says Sara Ann & the other says Unroe for boyfriend :)

This is what the inside of the Houndstooth one looks like - an undated weekly agenda so I can write it in it some weeks and not so much on other weeks!

3. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I have met some of the most AMAZING women (and mentors) that I've ever  in my life through this journey called blogging. Not only are these women amazing, but they're also inspiring, nice, caring, funny, honest, brave, and strong. Each one has their own story to tell and I absolutely enjoy being able to be part of their lives.. even if it's just a little involvement!

4. I wish that I could do what this girl does. I won the giveaway over at Jade's blog, An Organized Mess, and one of the prizes was a gift from Alyssa. What kind of gift? An embroidery hoop! I had no clue what to put on it at first... but then I just knew. Coast Guard. DUH. Boyfriend is involved in Coast Guard so I've got definite pride for that branch of military. Alyssa was SUPER sweet about it and made me this.

Let's just say... I'm IN LOVE. Thank you so very much, Alyssa!! :)

5. I'm going to be in North Carolina in less than a week with babe. I am SO excited for this and cannot wait - we're not staying in a hotel, but instead, at a Bed & Breakfast. It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL and they offer so much for us. I cannot wait to be able to lay outside, read, swim, eat, drink, and just be with babe!

Have a good night, y'all!

I'VE GOT JOBS!

Hey y'all! It's a happy day where I'm at! I received a call from a local school... where my 7th grade math teacher is now the principal... asking if I wanted to sub! Wahooo! I am so excited that this is where I'll be doing my FIRST subbing jobs!

One will be in first grade and the other in fifth grade. I absolutely HAD to take a picture of the calendars where they're scheduled because I hadn't seen anything on this calendar until now! I am so, so happy and I absolutely LOVE the way things are turning out.

My name is Sara Ventrella and I am now officially a big girl! ;)

I've also won a TOOOON of giveaways that I am excited about... some gift cards, ad spaces, birthday party packs, and so forth. But not only am I happy about winning, I'm happy I'm meeting some AMAZING women. These women are all sincere, funny, honest, and real. They don't care what other people think of them, or of what they write, and I admire them all for that. You all know who you are :) I'm super happy I ventured out into the blogging world beyond education blogs (not that I don't love all my teacher friends I've met on here) and I cannot wait to meet more people as time goes on!

I'm going to leave you with some quotes that describe how I'm feeling <3

BINGO tonight! Have a good day, y'all :)

Craft Swap & Guest Blogging???

I'm participating in a craft swap called I Made It For You (Handmade Craft Swap)! I think you should go join, too :) you'll love it as much as me! I also added a Guest Blogging page above ^^ fill out the form if you'd like to guest blog... I'd absolutely LOOOOOVE to have you :)
Have a good day, y'all!

9 Loves & Me, Myself, & I

Linking up with the 10 Day You Challenge with Lauren @ Life.Love.Lauren and Tiffany @ Austin Family Diary.

1. I love my family. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am. They are my biggest supporters and my best friends. They are also my shoulders to cry on when things get rough, the people that put a smile on my face when I don't want to smile, and the three people that will always be there for me, no matter what.

2. I love babe. This boy has stuck by my side through thick and thin. He's been there through the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. He understands my quirks and loves me anyways. Although we're not always "on good terms," we still love each other to the bone and I don't see myself with anyone else ever! 

3. I love baby boy. Although most days he is a wild child, I absolutely love him. He's made my sad days better and is the best cuddle buddy I've ever had. I love that he picked me at the shelter and I'm so happy he did!

"Hi, take me home!"

4. I love my Apples. You will never (hardly ever.. anyways) see me without my iPad, Mac, or iPhone in tow. These three things are how I survive. I'm constantly texting babe, using the computer to stalk check out my fav blogs, and my iPad to read!

5. I love sweets. I could eat candy, cupcakes, cake, and other sweets ALL. DAY. LONG. I know it's bad... but I have a terrible sweet tooth and I hate all veggies and fruits except for a few. You'll never catch me in my house without having a sweet somewhere near. I absolutely LOVE anything in white chocolate - want to get on my good side? There's the best way to do it!

6. I love TV. I don't have just one favorite show... but rather like 5. I love, love, LOVE watching Army Wives, Bunheads, Pretty Little Liars, Grey's Anatomy, and GCB. I could watch each of these shows over, and over, and over again.

  

7. I love fall. I love the colors, the smells, and the feel of fall! I love seeing the leaves change, eating Pumpkin pie, and the feel of how cool it gets! I also have to throw in the start of football - who doesn't like men in tight pants?! Helloooo, booty! ;)

8. I love tattoos. I have two currently, but will be getting more. I love the way people use tattoos to represent themselves and express themselves. Some people think it's a sign of disrespect on your body and that they're stupid, but I think tattoos are beautiful.

9. I love the military. And military pups. Being a military girlfriend, I've come to enjoy the military. I love all the beauty it represents. I appreciate the sacrifices that men and women give in order to protect those that they love and people that they don't even know! I'm military for the rest of my life and I couldn't be more proud.

Also linking up with the Me, Myself, & I link-up party. 1. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?  If I knew I couldn't fail, I would absolutely attempt to open a bakery. It's been a long time dream of mine, especially since I'm in love with sweets. I don't eat vegetables or fruits, but if they had fruit/veggies that tasted like candy, I'd be eating them like it's my job!

2. If you only had six months left to live, what would you do with that time? Travel to Italy, France, Australia, Bali, and Spain Open my bakery Ride an elephant in India

Create a new crayon color for Crayola Have a baby! Swim with beluga whales

Own a zoo Go to a baseball game at Yankee stadium Get married on the beach 3. If a front page news article was written on you, what would the title be? Oh geez.... uh, I'd have to say, "Hoarder hoards even more" - EVERYONE, and I'm not joking, EVERYONE, tells me I'm a hoarder. I do have a TOOOOOOON of stuff, but it's all consumables that will be used sometime or another soon when I get my job (hopefully)!! I promise! 4. What is your biggest pet peeve? No manners and lying. I absolutely cannot stand when people don't say please, thank you, you're welcome, and so forth. I was raised with manners so I hate when people don't have them on their own. I also hate lying. Once you lie once, you have to continue that lie. You'll eventually get caught, so just tell the truth to save you from the trouble! 5. What is your favorite chick flick movie? I absolutely love Dear John. Or anything with Channing Tatum, really. But Dear John is my definite favorite chick flick movie. Maybe it's because he's in the military or maybe it's because it's Channing, but I love it!

Have a good day, y'all!

Monday Made It & Live Laugh Craft Series!

Hi y'all! Linking up with Tara @ 4th Grade Frolics for her Monday Made It linky!

This week, I was inspired by a pin I have seen floating around Pinterest.

Source: Technology Rocks. Seriously.

So I chose to create my own variation of this sign, but not on paper.

MATERIALS:
12x18 wooden board (mine is from Michaels)
Black acrylic paint
White cardstock
Cricut (or any cutting machine)
5 colors of scrapbook paper
Mod Podge or Xyron sticker maker

I actually turned the "Before you speak" into stickers with my Xyron sticker maker, but then I chose to do the rest in Mod Podge. I've never actually used Mod Podge for a full out project before, so it was a different kind of experience! In the end, it was a super easy project and I plan to put it up by my desk in my classroom. I can see little imperfections throughout the board, BUT I think it gives it character because it's not perfect :)

It's also time to start our Live Laugh Craft series party with my BPIC, Monique @ Uniquely Monique! She's hosting this great linky and I know it'll keep me in shape with my crafting! This time around, it's a planner creation party! Of course, you can go out and purchase your own planners and make it quick, but is it personable? Not always! So, I decided to create my own planner (and some of you have seen it floating around on my TPT store!) but to add more pages to it to fit my current needs. So, below is a description of my planner and some pictures of it! :)


I chose to make my cover with something beachy because I'm a beach baby. Always have been, always will be!

Next are my pages. I left them blank from numbers so that I could reuse this design year after year if I so choose! This is a similar format for all months, I just wanted to show you August! There's really not much going on because school doesn't start for me until September 4th!

Here's a daily view of what's going on for the last week of August! Im going to North Carolina to see babe and I CANNOT wait!!

Finally, I've got two different pages - one is a to do list page and one is a notes page. I'll print out a to-do list and a notes page for each month and use them as necessary. As you can see, I've got a few things on my to-do list... I should probably get on it!!

So, that's my mini planner made to my own personality! I love the color coral, so that's the reasoning for the outline. You can make your planner the way you want... but go check out Moe & her co-host's planner ideas by clicking on the picture above!! :) Next week, they've decided that we are making our own DIY headbands - perfect for fall & Pinterest utilization!

QUESTION: I have 150 craft sticks sitting in my other room. I want to do something with them, but I honestly have NO idea what to do! Any ideas or thoughts? They will be greatly appreciated!

Have a good day, y'all!