Planning OCD

Today started out normal, as usual. Hit the snooze about 3 times, decide I can go without fixing my hair and putting on too much make up (reset alarm for about 45 minutes later), throw something in the microwave for breakfast and flip on the Keurig while brushing my teeth and rushing to get dressed, blah, blah, blah. I arrived to yet another training (which was actually really great) for a long day, worked a bit in my classroom and then headed home.

Normal, right?

Then.... I stopped by the post office (there had been some mix ups with my mail) and they ever so cheerfully handed me this.....

I felt like a kid, wait, scratch that...I do on Christmas morning. I wanted to hug the mail lady myself! My Erin Condren lesson planner finallyyy came in the mail! ...and don't you just love when things come wrapped all pretty? Like I said, Christmas morning :) Each planner is personalized to your liking. You can even request specific things you would like on it, in it, or about it. I am telling you, this Erin girl is awesome!

I chose the "chalkboard" style and you can see how I personalized it. One silly thing I was excited about was the aluminum coil they used to bind the book instead of the plastic one previously used. The inside is filled with colorful tabs and is very organized (which is crucial to my OCD). The inside also consists of page protectors for important papers, folders, a bookmark, an absentee log, a student checklist, pages for notes, and of course, a super easy lesson plan layout. My camera on my phone stopped working right after I snapped the above photo or I would have more amazing photos to share. You can check all of this out, including a video showing you the inside, here. Teachers....this is a MUST have! Seriously! Oh...and right now on anything under Tools for School on her site is 10% off until the 23rd!

On her website, she also has tons, I mean tons of other stuff too! Life planners, wedding planners, stationary, prints, recipe cards, iPad/iPhone cases and stickers, and lots more. CHECK IT OUT! It is not just for teachers. Did I mention when I received my package, there were FOUR discount codes inside?! Score!

Anyway, enough of my rant. As you can tell, I am super pumped for this and the planner has me really excited about lesson planning. I better finish as much of that as I can while I still feel so happy about it ;)
ENJOY!


xo
Miss Mal

Life is a Circus

So remember those photos from last Monday? The "before" shots? Well....here are a few to compare them to! There are still some finishing touches to be done, such as stick the name tags in place, put up a few more posters, and hang up some more pennants...but, I am just too excited to wait any longer!

As you walk in. (excuse my dad, he was trying to figure some numbers together, lol--my first student!)

The back wall is now covered in some solid colors and polka dot patterned fabric!

MY FAVORITE! My class library/reading nook. "Under the Big Top"

Finally, after a couple years of pinning, I have created something Pinterest worthy, I believe. Pinterest and another blogger, School Girl Style, gave me all of my inspiration for this room. I am very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life that was willing to help turn all of my manyyyyy ideas into reality. With only a week and a half until the first day of school (how is that possible?!), this would not have been able to achieve without the help of family friends Rach and Kathy, my "second mom" Maggie, Ryan, my mom, and my ever so handy daddy! They all contributed so much and can not thank them enough!

Four meetings/trainings this week and then full throttle next week with in-service and the first day of school. AHHHHHH! THIS CAN'T BE! Luckily, back to school time has always been my favorite time of year and it means that football is just around the corner! Thirty-two more days until kick-off! Anyway, between all of my meetings, I will hopefully get the final touches done on my room and take some more pictures to share!
ENJOY!!!!!!!!


xo
Miss Mal


P.S.-- For all you teachers, CHECK HER OUT! She has beautiful classroom designs :)

Overwhelmed

Summer school summer is over. :( Today marked day one of trainings...nine left. Boooo! I seriously have no summer left. Who ever sides with "teachers have summer's off," need to reevaluate that thought! I had a week of in-service the week after school was out and then summer school started July 1st. Between the trainings and meetings I have got to finish my room organization and decoration. So much to do!!! If you can't find me, you know where to find me.

Here are a few before photos to compare later!

xo
Miss Mal

The Dark Knight

....anyone else have a better suggestion?! Yes, I do name my vehicles if you were wondering, haha. Go ahead, judge. Ryan and I thought about Black Beauty, but that reminded me of a horse and this is not a Mustang! And the Batman movies are my favorite action films, hence The Dark Knight. Aaaand it looks super cool at night when you lock or unlock the car and the yellow lights flicker.

I am pretty sure the picture alone would suffice for a post, but I thought it would tap in a few words to go along. I am ecstatic! After 8 years with my Jeep, it was hard to part. Seriously! I could own Jeep after Jeep and never tire but, I figured when else would I be able to have a Camaro?! If this is a dream, please do not pinch me. I am in love. Shhhhhh.....don't tell Ryan!


xo
Miss Mal

Star Spangled Babbling

Am I a little late?! Oops. Anyway, this was my white board decoration for the day for summer school.

So I had full intentions on posting this Sunday evening, but that obviously did not happen. Anyway...my fourth and weekend was great! It was was mostly spent with this darling diva.

It is safe to say Graci is a diva...just stating facts. But dang, look at her legs my heels. She is already working it, haha.

Last Wednesday we walked around a firework tent picking out things that went BANG! which was what she said after just about every one we lit! Haha, she loved them. (Keep in mind that those heels of mine were being worn by her during most of them. When we told her to put her shoes on, she insisted on wearing mine.) 
My favorite firework to light during the daylight has always been parachutes and I like to think that those were her favorite. :) She got super excited when we would run out to chase them, especially when one run involved getting to go in the street!

On Thursday, my family and I went to Springfield for an all American adventure which included 5 Guys burgers, Bass Pro (how can you not go to Springfield and skip it?!), and even test driving some new Chevrolet vehicles! ....by the way, I am getting my new car tomorrow and will probably have plenty of photos all over Instagram of it! We attempted to watch our hometown firework show when we got back, but notice I said attempted. The fireworks did not go up very high and our view was blocked by trees. Booo! I LOVE watching them. I still think it was a star spangled day! Saturday night I was able to see better fireworks with Graci and some family. Whew!

I love flag patterns...even on my pj's.

Celebrated Independence Day on the 3rd at summer school. Rocking the red lips...muah!

Playing out the circle shapes...elementary teacher in me?

If you are still with me through all my babbling...... Remember how I said up there about test driving on the 4th?! Well, tomorrow I am going back home for the evening to pick up my new car!!! Eeeek! I am super excited to post about it!! If you follow me on Instagram, prepare for an Insta overload! I am apologizing in advance. =/ For now I have to get back to cleaning and other boring stuff so I can be ready to leave straight home from school tomorrow!

After 8ish years, this Jeep has seriously saw it all! I might even shed a tear as think about not driving it daily. I am not joking when I say I love my Jeep! At least I decided to keep it so I can still drive it from time to time to get my fix.

xo
Miss Mal

Moslerwood

My favorite summer weekend has come and gone. It was a little different than normal, but it was still a success. This year marked the 11th annual themed family reunion camp-out. We celebrated Hollywood style, hence the name Moslerwood.

My dog Abby was hiding behind us...camera shy.

The camp-out takes place at my great grandma Mosler's home in the country. On Thursday evening we went out to help get things ready for the weekend festivities. It has been a rough year for grandma and by Thursday evening, we had to rush her back to the hospital. Unfortunately, she remained in a hospital bed during all of the glamorous activities. I told her it would not be a true Hollywood affair without someone going to the hospital, I was just glad it was not for overdose or rehab, haha. I am pretty sure our family was the talk of the hospital though with all the stories she was telling. They knew exactly who we were there to see when we got to the floor. Great Grandma Mosler sure is proud of her Mosler family and I am pretty proud to be a Mosler too.

 After the Thursday evening commotion, everything was in full swing by Friday night. One by one, family members arrived at Grandma's. It is nice to be able to come together and celebrate our family name. Saturday was complete with Hollywood style campsite decorations, impersonations, entertainment, award ceremony, black tie affair dinner, movie production, and of course...food! Sounds fun, right?!

My luxurious vacation home for the weekend. The top of the tent is see through so it is nice to fall asleep gazing at the stars.

The best campsite decoration goes to...Aunt Elaine and Uncle Gary!

All of our impersonations, including the paparazzi! Minus my Papa dressed up as one of the guys from Duck Dynasty.

Making the Moslerwood version of the Walk of Fame Stars for Grandma's back yard.

Yes, my dog Abby's print is in it. :)

Dinner time looking all snazzy!

Papa is known for his camo. This is as fancy as he is going to get, but he enjoyed it!

I feel like the weekend went by super fast, but memories were definitely made. Until next year!

xo
Miss Mal

P.S. Summer school began today. Whew... it was an adventure. I am sure I will have stories to share about that soon! This whole "I am officially a teacher" is really sinking in!

Home Sweet Home

Holy cow... It has been over a month since my last post and so much has happened. I have moved to a new town, survived weeks without internet (this was seriously torture and is why it has been awhile since my last post), and slowly, but surely learned how to cook...somewhat.

Two and a half weeks ago I made the hour and a half journey to my new home. I have lived on my own before and even lived farther away from my family, but this time was different. As exciting as this new chapter is for me, this move was and still is pretty scary. Over the past few years, my momma and I have developed a much closer relationship, I have found a lover, best friend, dancing partner, and late night ice cream runner, Ryan, and also found a best friend that I never had in someone who I have known most of my life, Carly. I can not believe I am admitting this but, I may or may not be a little home sick, though I am sure that feeling will weaken as school starts back up and I have things to be doing and a schedule to follow. Until then, wheels will be burning down HWY 400 while "On the Road Again" is a distant tune in the back of my mind.

THE MOVE:

3 packed vehicles and 2 full trailers later and we were off!

The move started off a little rough...when we arrived to move in, the AC was not working. After some hard work in an upstairs 86° apartment, I was all settled in. I seriously could not have done it without my amazingly strong dad and boyfriend. And then thank goodness my mom was there to help with the unpacking. She was a trooper and toughed it out and stayed the night with me to finish unpacking the following day in the heat. I even had surprise visit from the grandparents to help me move in. I am so very thankful and appreciative for these great people in my life! Thank you guys again & I love you!

Over the years I have accumulated quite a bit of stuff, mostly clothes and shoes, and this is maybe why my dad told me I am never allowed to move again, haha. My apartment is pretty small, but it is cozy and has a lot of character. I love it! Soo....here are the pictures! I hope you like!

My apartment is the top left window! It is in a really nice residential area....with a brick road!! It is a house that has been sectioned off into four apartments and even includes a garage around back. I am in love! :)

Ignore the white table...I am on the look out for a coffee table.

Okay so, that retro pointed clock on my wall...above my teensy tiny T.V....was my great grandma's! LOVE IT!

My dinning room. One of my favorite features about my new place...the rounded archways! You can kind of see into the kitchen here, but not much to see there. My motto, "for looks only."

This is my favorite part to home! The sun room...with brick!

My bathroom is small with hardly any storage so I am turning this into my "make-up/girly room." I am on the hunt for a pretty vanity mirror.

Super tiny bathroom!

My room! Yeah, I need to do something with that brown dresser, but I just got it for my room and had no time to paint it.

That closet is tiny too, but I have a surprise!

My pillows say it all....I LOVE my bed. My mom and dad made me that super cool headboard!

SURPRISE! This was probably intended for storage, but I envisioned something much more prettier for it. It is HUGE!

Do not say I have too many shoes...impossible! Shoes are a girls best friend!

Well...if you are still with me, you have just virtually toured my home. I have already been making memories in my new place and I can not wait to make more! My favorite so far....my first family dinner. Keep in mind my kitchen's motto, "for looks only." About a week ago my parents made a trip to see me and to bring a load of my classroom stuff and well....1 fire alarm and 3 blown breakers later we had a nice delicious "1st family" dinner at my place. If you know me, this probably does not surprise you one bit I am sure. I am getting better though! Only 1 blown breaker and NO fire alarms since!

My mom brought up two of my cousins this past weekend to go swimming and Lily wanted to be in my house pictures. Too cute not to share!

xo
Miss Mal

Family and Nintendo 64

My saved post from yesterday...
Last Thursday, my brother came home for the first time since Christmas break! Needless to say, I was super excited to see him. He wrestles for a college 6 hours away from here and since Christmas, I had only seen him twice, all while wrestling. It was nice to have him here for almost four whole days.

His second night back we stayed up all night (literally) talking and playing Mario Kart on the old school Nintendo 64<<<I am shocked the Nintendo 64 still works after how much we played it as kids. Real chill, but it was definitely quality time well spent and I for one enjoyed every second of it! C.J. and I grew up doing so much together side by side. I hate that he is so far away and we are not able to see each other as much as we are used to. I had been on a field trip all day on Monday and he surprised me by waiting until the bus got back to tell me bye before he left. It's those little things...

Excuse my appearance, it had been a long day outside with 2nd and 3rd graders at a carnival type place with rides.

He has always been my best friends and we can count on each other for anything. Although, like any sibilings, we fight. Oh man does he get on my nerves, haha, but I wouldn't trade a minute of it. I can't wait to see him again soon, hopefully!

Then and now. Skating while on a family vacation in Colorado (Kindergarten) and then celebrating Logan's high school graduation last May!

---Also, following up on yesterday's post about Moore, Oklahoma...
My 5th grade English teacher, Robin Dziedzic, is now a teacher at Briarbrook, one of the two schools destroyed, in Moore, Oklahoma on Monday. Her and her children were okay, but the family did loose their car. She is a single parent of two with only liability insurance on her car and would appreciate some help. If you are interested, here is the link. Raising a family on a teacher's income is not easy, especially when unexpected financial issues like this arise. Please, anything is better than nothing.
Continue to keep her and the community in your thoughts and prayers!

This is Ms. Dziedzic comforting a student after the tornado.

xo
Miss Mal

Psalm 46:1-3, 7

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ...The Lord Almighty is within us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Today's post was originally going to be about something else, but with what is weighing on my heart, I will save it for tomorrow.

My eyes were glued to the television last night, as I am sure many of yours were too, to hear of the devastating tornado that took a path through Oklahoma. What I saw brought tears to my eyes and memories of all too recent events to mind (more on the story here). Almost two years ago (May 22, 2011), the deadliest tornado to ever hit the United States hit Joplin, Missouri. Joplin is about 30 minutes away from where I live and we commute to the town weekly, if not daily at times. Having family and many friends live in the area, I saw the damage first hand and it is a vision etched in my memory for a lifetime. After living through May 22nd, my feelings toward the footage and pictures of Moore, Oklahoma were a little more heartbreaking. What really made my heartbreak was hearing about the schools.

Photo: Sue Ogrocki

From my teacher perspective, many things have went through my mind throughout the day. As I laid in bed this morning before work, I thanked God for waking me up to be on this earth another day. As for all those that were not able to or effected by the storms, my heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers. I walked the elementary halls with joy today and was proud to be a teacher. I know that no matter what the outcome was for the students in the Moore schools, the teachers did everything in their power to protect the sweet children from any danger. For that, no amount of pay will ever compensate. I could rant and rave how I think we should be paid more, but that is not why any of us teach. We teach because we have compassionate hearts and we want to enrich children's lives in all aspects no matter the circumstances and to us, that is worth more then any paycheck. Seeing a smile on a child's face melts my heart, in which no paycheck could ever do.

Some may consider Moore, Oklahoma teachers hero's after the way they protected the students in their care, but really, they were just doing what has always been asked of them in their job description. Therefore, I think this calls for them being called a hero everyday, although I doubt that any of them would accept the title.

xo
Miss Mal

If the Shoe Fits

Lately, I have been hearing from more and more people about a store called The Run Around and I decided that I should check it out. I have been needing a new pair of tennis shoes to get back into running again. The store helps you find the perfect shoe for your individual foot. When I walked in they asked me to step on a scale (no worries, nothing that weighs you!) that recorded things such as the pressure points on your feet, shoe size, and other things I probably know nothing about. After they look at what the computer records, they watch you walk on a treadmill for a bit so another computer system can record how you walk and the movement in your feet. I was amazed at all of the technology they used. When both procedures were completed, they told me a little about what they saw and noted and then showed me proper shoes for my feet.

>>Fun fact: I am not a size 6.5 or 7 like the MANY shoes I own are. I am a size 8!<<

When they told me I needed a size 8 shoe, I about laughed in their face (rude, I know, so I chose not to). I carried on with trying the insane size 8 shoe while "humoring" them. I was shocked! Instantly I felt all sorts of support all around my foot and a shoe had never felt so comfortable. I always thought I had a really high arch in my foot so I wouldn't ever have support there. Come to find out, my arch isn't that much higher than average and it was just that my shoes were too small to fit my arch. My shoes have never been uncomfortable and so I just assumed they were the right size, also, when I would buy tennis shoes at a normal sporting store, they always told me the shoe fit fine. Little did I know, I was almost an entire size and a half bigger in size!

After showing me three different options of shoes, I chose these Mizuno ones. I wore them all day yesterday and am going to be wearing them all day today at the elementary track meet. I do not think my feet have ever been happier! My friend who went along with me bought two pairs of shoes. One for running and the other for work (she is a nurse). After she worked the night shift, she texted me to tell me how amazing they were. So no matter your cause, if you are needed a new pair of tennies or would just like a comfortable shoe, I would check this place out. I am happy I did!

xo
Miss Mal

So Many Things with Such Little Time

This past week I have loaned my computer to my mom, so I have missed out on a lot of blogging. A date with Lily monster, Mother's Day, softball season ending (heartbreaking), and a frustrating/stressful week pretty much sums it all up.

Since I have been crazy busy for me with student teaching, graduating, working, and coaching softball this past year, I have not had nearly enough time with my family as I would like–especially with Lily. It is her first year of Preschool! Lily is my cousin that I have helped take care of since she was born. Although I love all of my family more than anything, Lily and I have always had that special connection. Friday night we had a much needed date night and sleepover. One five-year-old can wear you out!!! We went out to eat at a local loved Italian restaurant, Josie's, went bowling, and then she conned Ryan into taking her for ice cream at Cherry Berry's, even though it was 10:00p.m.--wayyy past her bedtime!  Lily may or may not be spoiled at times.

My mom has been my #1 fan my entire life. She has cheered me on every step of the way. Although I claim to be a "Daddy's Girl," my mother has became my best friend over the years. Because she has always been my fan, she is always behind the camera taking photos instead of being in them with me. For Mother's Day this year, I decided to have Classic Portraits sneak a picture of the both of us while we were helping them work an event. She was thrilled when I gave her the photo and was so surprised!

We may not look a lot alike, but I hope I take after her heart. My mom is the most compasionate, loving, understanding, forgiving, God loving person in my life. I am forever grateful that God chose her to take on the challenging task of raising me for a child. [[This is not the actual quality of the photo...much better in person.]]

Isn't that the truth?! My mom always knows what is best and where to find everything when I have lost misplaced something.

Well, just five more working days left for me then it is summer time! Wahoo!!!! Tomorrow I will put up one other post about one of my favorite things that has happened this past week.
Hint: It is about something that girls never have enough of ;)

Week recap of my favorite Instagram photos.

The last morning softball practice of the season results in putting my makeup on at work. Oh, the life of a teacher/coach.

Beautiful Kansas sunrise on my way to work.

--No caption needed. It has been one of those weeks and it isn't even Friday yet.--

xo
Miss Mal