Back to School. . .already?

I can't believe it's that time of year again.  I must say that I feel totally different this year than I have compared to the past 8 years!  Usually my classroom is set {or getting there. . .slowly but surely}, I'm preparing activities for those oh so important first days, and I'm buying up crayons, pencils, and glue like a crazy lady! This year since I'll be home with my three little guys, I have set up my classroom the playroom, purchased a few supplies, and planned activities for us to do this fall. I guess it's just in my blood-teacher at heart!  

                                                                                        There's a big blob of paint in the playroom. . .we finally decided on this color to try to keep it calm {as calm as possible with a 2 month old a 2 year old and a 4 1/2 year old}.  This has been my craftiest summer yet.   I have done more home projects and fix-ups than I have in a long while. It has been refreshing and so much fun to just paint, make fun stuff, and fix things up!  Craigslist, garage sales, and thrift shops are full of so much great stuff.  

We have kid art and kid stuff everywhere. . ."10 Black Dots" {by my 4 1/2 year old} is below.  Also tons of bins, containers, and organizers {I don't think I could live without them}!

 

Why does our playroom have a pocket chart calendar and a bulletin board?!?  I just couldn't resist!  I also made the "eat, play, love sign" for the playroom since those are the 3 things my boys do best!  I just need to add the ribbon and twine to the top of it and decide where to hang it.  

Don't get me wrong, we believe in prayer too!  Prayer is an absolute must for this stay at home mama with three active little ones!

I can't believe summer is coming to a close so soon.  This simple little schedule has helped me keep my sanity, and the boys LOVE it!  This is the same type of schedule that I used in my classroom for "morning work."  Each student had a morning work journal or they used tools that were in their seat pockets like manipulatives, dry erase boards, or playdough to work on a quick activity to help their brain "wake up."  We'll be doing something very similar this fall. . .more details soon!

 So to every amazing teacher who's putting the final touches on his or her classroom, stocking up on school supplies, and counting down the days before the fun begins with your new bunch of sweeties you're in my thoughts and prayers. . . I hope you have your most wonderful school year yet! Never forget how important you are in the lives of your little ones and how much you shape the future!

Bare with me!

As you can see my blog makeover is underway!  So far I'm lovin' it, but it still has a long way to go!  It will be a work in progress for the next week or two.  I have lots to share and lots of updates coming soon!