Monday, January 2, 2012

I'm back. . .

and I've got a baby bump!

 Look how big my little guys have gotten!


These boys are hoping for a sister!

I am so so so so so sorry for the long lapse in blog posts.  I've had a whirlwind of a first semester, and I had to let a few things go.  I missed blogging and blog stalking so much. Thank you to all of my sweet blog friends and followers who checked in on me.   So here's the condensed version of why I have been missing in action for several months now. . .

I started the year off with 25 kiddos (I know some people teach 30+ kids, but that's a lot when you're used to teaching 18-20 little ones)!  After managing that for a bit, we hired an amazing 5th teacher to help us reduce the load, and she's amazing (Brandy we are SO glad you joined us. . .you're the perfect fit for our team)!

So after all of that was squared away and  I was finally getting acclimated with my new students and all of the craziness of the beginning of the school year Mr. Perry was really really sick.  We couldn't figure out if it was a virus, stomach bug, or some rare disease! It turned out that his appendix ruptured and he went about two weeks before any doctor was able to diagnose the situation properly.  It was very scary because if he had gone for much longer there could have been major long term effects.  There was a huge abscess around his appendix (7-8 inches), and it caused him to have really high fever and feel very weak.  So by the time they discovered it, he had to get this tube attached to his side so that the fluid could drain properly.  The tube drained for about three weeks. . .yikes!  About three weeks after that part of the recovery,  they finally removed the appendix (the part that was left).  About three weeks after the surgery (which was just before Thanksgiving) he was feeling 100% again.  So just about that time that we found out that number 3 was on the way, he was feeling terrible.  I was feeling exhaused with a capital "e," and I had to pick up a lot more slack at home with the boys.  I would come home from school, clean up, cook, work on a few things for school, and then crash!  I wanted to blog, but I couldn't muster up the energy.  Now that I'm in my second trimester, I have all of my energy back (or as much of it as I think I can possibly have), and I think I'm ready to blog again!

I will do my absolute best to get some fresh and fun ideas up here real soon.  I feel terrible that it has been months since I've posted any great ideas, freebies, or teacher tips.   I certainly hope to make it up! We have still be doing lots of wonderful activities and having tons of fun in my classroom, and maybe later I can post some pics (a walk down memory lane)!

Here are a few things we worked on today. . .

We made a little New Year's party hat with a blower and used it to graph what time we went to sleep on New Year's Eve (regular time, a little later than usual, a little after midnight, or late night owl).  Apparently most of my class was up well after midnight!

After I read this book, I gave the class an invitation to our "New Year's Bash."



This was our morning message today.  It's part of our calendar math.

We counted down at 2:59, and made "toasts" with apple juice!  The kids really loved saying "cheers" at the end.  It reminded me of when I introduced "bucket fillers" at the beginning of the year because all of the toasts were so sentimental and sweet.  I know this isn't much, but I promise I'll get some more posts here really soon!  If you like the "New Year's Toast" idea, click here for a freebie. 

It's good to be back!  I'll post a belly shot soon. . .Today I got to wear jeans and spirit wear so it didn't flatter the bump at all. . . tomorrow I'll get one of my teammates to snap a great side shot!

76 comments:

  1. Congrats on the baby bump and welcome back!! :) Thank you for sharing!

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  2. Congrats! I am expecting too! I am now in my third trimester with my first baby and very curious to see what teaching is like as I continue to get bigger!

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  3. I'M SOOOO HAPPY YOU ARE BACK!!!!!!!!! {when I type in all capitals, I'm REALLY excited}


    I'm so glad your hubby is ok and I'm so happy for you and your baby #3!!!!!!


    So happy that you're back, sweet friend!
    -RAchelle
    whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com

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  4. I'm so glad you're back--your blog is one of my most favorites, and I missed you! I was actually a bit worried. Congratulations on baby #3!

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  5. Congrats on the new baby! How exciting! And yes, we are all so happy you are back! :)

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  6. Congrats, what a special gift. Your boys are growing fast. Probably not what you want to hear. I'm happy you are back. =)

    Cheryl
    PrimaryGraffiti

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  7. You're back!! Yeah! I know how hard it can be take care of loved ones my man had his appendix burst too and it was a nightmare! Thankfully we were at the hospital and they removed it. Afterwards it took 6-8 weeks for him to fully recover. Glad to hear he is doing well now!! Congratulations on your new baby!
    Rambling About Reading

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  8. Congrats on the baby! Glad everyone is better! So glad you're back - you really have been missed! :o)

    Cindy
    ccfirstteacher@gmail.com

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  9. Wow! Hope everything is smooth sailing in 2012. Congratulations to you and your family.

    Welcome back! :)

    www.learningwithmrsparker.blogspot.com

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  10. So glad you are back! So happy for you and the new addition to your family. Glad everyone is 100%!
    Ms. A
    Oceans of First Grade Fun

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  11. I hope everything is much brighter for you in 2012, and I'm sure it will be with a sweet new baby. Your boys are so so cute. Thank you for the freebie.
    Tammy

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  12. Congratulations!!!!!!

    It's so good to see a blog post from you and I was wondering about why you weren't posting. I'm so sorry you've had a rough couple of months but I am glad to hear your husband is better.

    Happy new year!

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  13. It was a Happy Day when I saw the heading on this post...you were missed.
    Sounds like your family is glad to see 2011 go and 2012 to come. May this new baby give you all the JOY you guys deserve.

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  14. So happy you are back, Brooke! Congratulations on the baby bump! You will certainly be one busy mommy once this little one arrives. Happy New Year!
    Claire
    www.firstgradesmarties.blogspot.com

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  15. Happy New Year! Here's praying this one will be marvelous through and through! Thanks for the "toast." Congratulations on baby #3.

    Melly<><

    Stapler’s Strategies for Sizzlin' Second Graders!

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  16. Your boys are full of cuteness! Many congrats on baby #3.
    Welcome back for 2012!


    Yearn to Learn Blog

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  17. Congratulations! I disappeared for a very long time when I first got pregnant. Morning sickness is the worst and the computer screen is the last thing you want to look at. I'm so glad you're back and look forward to your posts. Your boys are adorable!
    ~Sarah
    snippetsbysarah@blogspot.com

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  18. Congrats on baby #3 and welcome back! We always look forward to your blogging inspiration :) Have a happy start to 2012 :)

    Lisa and Beth :)
    madeintheshadeinsecondgrade.blogspot.com

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  19. It's good to see you back! I was worried and glad to know that all is well with you and your family now!

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  20. Yay! You are back!!! Glad to hear your husband is better. Congrats on baby #3!!!! You were definitely missed! Happy New Year!

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  21. Congratulations!! So glad that your husband is better and that you're back! You've been missed!

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  22. Brooke,

    I am so happy you are back in the blogging world with us!! I have missed you so much!! Congrats on baby number 3!!

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  23. Congratulations! How exciting...I'm glad you're back!

    My blog: Teach It With Class

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  24. Glad you are back. Missed your blog

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  25. I'm so glad everything is OK! I will keep Baby Perry in my prayers and congratulations!!!!!

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  26. Wow....I glad to hear everything worked out and congratulations! I love your New Year's activity.

    :) Sue
    theverybusykindergarten

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  27. Whoo-hoo! So happy to know that things are getting better. I can't wait to hear the updates on baby #3.
    PS-those boys are absolutely adorable!!!

    ❤Tanya
    Ms. Solano's Kindergarten

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  28. So happy that you are back and your husband is healthy again! I can't imagine what it was like! How scary! Congrats on baby #3....your boys have gotten so big!!

    Happy New Year!

    Ali

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  29. Precious ideas! Precious little kiddos, too! Congrats! I am SO happy that you are back!! We have missed you!!!! :)

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  30. hi I am a new follower! Hooray for the baby bump and I am glad things have calmed down. Love the toast idea. We went back your too. It wasn't too bad!

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  31. Oh I love your blog! So glad you are back! :)
    Happy New Year!
    My Kindergarten Kids

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  32. So happy you're back, Brooke! Your boys are adorable and so big!

    Gladys
    http://teachinginhighheels.blogspot.com

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  33. So glad you are back! I was checking on you the other day to see if you had posted and I'd missed it. WELCOME BACK FRIEND! Michelle

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  34. Congrats and I'm glad you are all well and recovering!
    The New Year's activities are adorable!
    I was also wondering how you do your morning message on your SMARTBoard?
    Happy New Year!

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  35. Yay! I am so glad to hear that you and your family are okay. Being sick and not knowing what is wrong is the worst.

    My students and I have absolutely adored participating in the letter exchange. Adults who enter my room love to read where all of the letters are from.

    Congrats on Baby #3. I hope it is a baby sister for the boys to take care of, too.

    Love your new stuff!
    ~Andi

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  36. Anonymous1/02/2012

    Hi Brooke;

    I am SO happy that you are back! I have truy missed your blog posts and ideas. Congratulations on the new little addition to your family! What an exciting time for you! It looks like 2012 will be full of good things for you! Happy New Year!

    Barbara
    My blog teaching blog: http://mrskilburnkiddos.wordpress.com

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  37. I am a new follower! Congrats on baby #3! Love your "New Year's Toast" idea!

    Jennifer
    The First Grade Dream

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  38. Congrats!! SO glad you are back!
    Jennifer
    First Grade Blue SKies

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  39. So sorry to hear about your struggles but I'm glad to hear you all made it thru. Yours was one of the first blogs I came across this summer as I started blogging and I was part of your letter exchange project. So glad you're back and congrats on the pregnancy!
    Chrissy
    Http://firstgradefoundme.blogspot.com

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  40. Congratulations on baby #3! So happy you are back and that your husband is recovering. Your little ones are adorable!!!
    Wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2012!
    Kimberly
    Funky First Grade Fun

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  41. Well, I'm glad you're back - I've read all of your old posts and became a follower some time ago...} I look forward to getting to know you. Congrats on baby #3!!!!!!

    Holly
    Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

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  42. Happy new year! I am a new follower and LOVE your blog! Congrats on baby #2. I just returned to work this past September after my mat. leave with baby #2. I love my job but I LOVED being home (trying to convince the hubby for baby #3 - any advice? Ha!). Good luck with everything in 2012!

    Ѽ Alessia
    Mrs. Albanese’s Kindergarten Class

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  43. Glad your back with us and everyone at home is ok now. Must have been real scarey.

    Ms. M
    Ms.M's Blog
    A Teacher's Plan

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  44. Yay!!! SO happy to have you back in the blogging world...we missed you! So scary to hear about your husband, but so happy everything's okay!!! Congratulations on baby #3!!! Hope 2012 brings you lots of happiness and GOOD health {all the way around :)}

    XOXO ~ Cara :)
    The First Grade Parade

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  45. Congrats on the baby news! So happy you are back, you've been missed!! :)

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  46. I am so glad you're back and congrats on the little one! Fingers crossed for a girl! Glad Mr. Perry is feeling better. We've missed you! :)
    Erin
    http://eberhartsexplorers.blogspot.com/

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  47. Congrats! We sure did miss you.

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  48. So glad to see you back! Congratulations on #3!!!! I bet your boys are soooo excited :)

    Happy New Year!
    Leslie
    http://firstgradefanatics.blogspot.com/

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  49. I was just thinking about you the other day since I used your New Years stuff last year. We have missed you! SO glad you are back and everything is okay. That must have been really scary with your husband. Congrats on baby #3!!!!
    Jenn
    Finally in First

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  50. So glad you are back! I was wondering what was going on with you and prayed it was all ok.
    Congratulations on your pregnancy! It's so exciting!
    I know you will have some inspiring, great ideas..I do not even doubt it.
    Welcome Back!
    Cecelia
    http://ilove1stgrade.blogspot.com/

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  51. Brooke I am so darned glad you're back! You were one of the first blogs I started following and I've missed you! I'm so glad to hear that your family is now healthy and you will soon be adding another member to your adorable family! Congratulations!

    Karyn
    Kideducator@comcast.net

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  52. I'm so glad you are back. Congratulations on the new baby to be.

    Mandy
    http://aspecialkindofclass.blogspot.com

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  53. I'm soooooo happy that you're back! I missed you! I'm also VERY happy to know that you guys are now ok! Wow! What a first semester you had!!!
    The boys look precious and a baby is always a blessing from heaven. Glad to know Mr. P is doing better now too!

    Looking forward to all your posts!

    Conchy

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  54. I'm so glad your back!! I've stalked your blog for a while now :)

    Color Me Kinder

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  55. I have missed you and have been worried about you! So glad to have you back and congratulations! That is wonderful news!
    Cindy

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  56. Congratulations and welcome back. Your boys are so cute!

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  57. Dear Brooke,
    So glad to see that all is well again with your little family. Your blog was the first blog I ever followed and has always been my favorite. I feel like we are kindred spirits. Thanks for all of your great ideas. You really inspire me. Congratulations on your your new expectation.
    Sandy

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  58. I am so glad you are back. How horrible all the things you and your hubby had to go through. Very scary to feel horrible and not know why. I am glad you were able to find a doctor who figured out what was wrong. I look forward to reading all your blogs and great ideas!

    Kristen
    socalteacherstuff.blogspot.com

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  59. I would check your blog every once in a while and wonder if you had up and moved without a trace. SO happy that you are back! and #3?! WOW! CONGRATS...that is amazing. Can't wait to see all of your fab ideas. :)

    First Grade Serenade

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  60. Congrats! Glad you are back and your husband is feeling much better! Looking forward to your posts.

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  61. So glad to have you back! Congrats on baby # 3 and so glad your hubby is okay :) Can't wait to read more posts from you!

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  62. Congratulations!! I am glad you are back too! :)

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  63. Congrats!! Glad you are back!! I've missed you!

    Stephanie

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  64. Soooo glad you are back. Congrats on baby #3. I am keeping my fingers crossed for your boys. I bet your a thrilled that your hubbie is feeling better. Take it easy and enjoy the rest of your week!
    Robynn

    BusyBees

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  65. I so wondered if you were okay. I am happy hubby is well and congrats on the baby! Don't overdo, girl! May you enjoy all your blessings this new year! Welcome Back:0)!!!!

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  66. I must say I have been worried about your absence. I have watched your blog since summer for your arrival. So glad things are going much better for you and congratulations on the new one! Looking forward to your wonderful ideas and products. Welcome back!

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  67. I'm sorry your first semester was so rought...but I'm really glad you're back in blogging business! Your bump is super cute, too. I'm not sure if I told you this when I ran into you tonight, but CONGRATS!

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  68. Oh I am so glad to see you are back!! I should have left comments asking you, but I did check back often to see where you were! I'm sorry to hear about your poor husband, I'm so glad everything is ok now. And CONGRATULATIONS!!! What exciting news! Your boys are the most adorable children I have ever seen--how cute is it they are so excited!? Welcome Back!!
    Kristen

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  69. So happy to have you back! I was worried about you. Glad everything is ok with your husband now. Congratulations on your soon to be new addition!

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  70. Anonymous1/04/2012

    I didn't know you before, but after this post I am most definitely a follower. I love how you celebrated the new year with your kids! Congrats on another bambino!

    Kimberley @ 1st in Maine

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  71. Welcome back, and congratulations! :)

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  72. We've missed you!! Glad everything is okay now. Sorry to hear about hubby :/ And congrats on baby!!! Your ideas in this post pretty much make up for your absence, you're seriously amazing!

    Hadar
    Miss Kindergarten
    My Fabulous Finds

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  73. SOOOOOO glad your husband is doing well again:)Congrats on baby #3!!! Your boys are adorable!!

    Anna
    Crazy for First Grade

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  74. Congratulations on your soon to be new addition. We have missed you and your wonderful, creative ideas. Can't wait to see what new things you have in store. Are you on pinterest yet?

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