Thank You Notes at any Age

This is proof that Thank You notes can be done at any age.

via hwtm

Wouldn't these be adorable postcards for a birthday party or at Christmas??

It's (Finally) Friday!!

My first week of school has been good (and kinda long).

My students are sweet but getting back into the grind of things is hard.

I have a few more highlights than usual...

1. I couldn't resist these clearance cat food bowls at TJ Maxx.

The boys are loving the oval shape and I'm loving the color :)

2. I don't think my school could be in a prettier location.

 Not sure which view I love more... the mountains or 26 on task students :)

 3. I set a goal for myself, made it and ordered a new iPhone case as a reward.

Kate Spade.

Polka-dotty dream.

I'm thrilled with it!

Infinitely better than my previous Otterbox.

 4. The parents of my students have already figured out the way to my heart...

cupcakes and hand written notes of appreciation.

5. I've been eating A LOT of these lately.

They are my go to snack of choice.

Dark chocolate = health food 

True??

6. We've been watching the RNC this week

and are enjoying all the speeches.

Ann Romney was my fave.

Love anyone who is their husband's biggest fan.

Happy Friday to YOU!

Family Tree

 My parents recently hung some treasured family photos.

Grandparents.

Greats.

I laughed when I saw the hand on the hip pose from several generations back.

Guess it runs in the family :)

WIWW

Being back to school is tough!

I do love dressing up every day so that's been fun

but it's exhausting being in charge of twenty-six 3rd graders all.day.long.

Here are my favorite looks of the week:

1.  Fun Friday

 top - TJ Maxx (NEW)

belt - thrifted

skirt - LOFT

giraffey flats - Nine West

monogrammed statement necklace - getdolledupboutique

button earrings - Polka-Dotty Place etsy shop

 2. First day of School in my 9th year of teaching!!

cardigan & belt - TJ Maxx

Purple pleated, high to low dress - Limited (NEW)

heels - Ralph Lauren

Statement necklace - Mae Badiyan Jewelry Boutique

This necklace was one of my first statement necklaces and I can't get enough of it.

I love it because it's so unique, it was made in limited quantities

 so everyone and their mom won't be sporting it and I wear it a lot!

I love all the details on this dress!!

 Thanks to my cute friend Barb for being my photographer this day :)

Glad I now own a bubble necklace like hers!

 3. Minty

 cardigan - JC Penneys

silky top and skirt - Limited (NEW)

dangly earrings - Macys

green belt - Liz Claiborne

Ruffley flats - Wal-Mart

I'm linking up with Marion & Lindsey

Lunch Box Notes

My parents used to put notes in my lunchbox when I was little.

I remember trying really hard not to use my napkin so that I could save it.

I looked forward to reading them when I sat down each day at lunch.

I found a stash of them on my most recent visit home.

 *Looks like I've always loved cats and books!

 #ihateallergies

 Thanks Mom & Dad for sending me to school with these little notes of love.

Still gives me warm fuzzies today :)

Do you pack anyone's lunch??

I bet they'd LOVE to find a note from you :)

I put little notes in my husband's lunch when I pack it.

Happy Birthday Bro!

 Happy Birthday Little Bro!

Miss you!

2012-13 Motto

#Backtoschoolmotto

Mountainy Monday

Kids and teachers are heading back to school TODAY!

Hoping for a great first day for everyone.

Fly Over States

This song seems like a fitting anthem to wrap up my summer...

Back to reality tomorrow.

Dear Summer,

Thanks for all the memories.

Love, Whitney

Chatting with Santa

Kids + Santa = my heart melting

Could my little nephew be any sweeter???

I'm so glad that I caught this on camera.

Christmas Cabin

I got to hang out at my parent's cabin in the woods.

Doesn't it look like fun??

 This handsome guy was great at finding rocks and bugs!

 We snuck away to do a little shopping.

My parent's cabin is in Christmas Lake Village

so it was only fitting that we should run into SANTA while we were there!!

My mom and I took Hayden to some Christmas shops.

My mom spotted Santa so Hayden and I went on a hunt for him.

We turned the corner and ran into Santa!

Hayden shouted, "SANTA!"

He was in heaven.
No other kids around so he had Santa all to himself.

We followed Santa into his living room

and Hayden took a seat on his lap.

He was grinning ear to ear.

Hayden kept saying, "Can you believe we got to see SANTA?!?!"

We were all enjoying the Christmasy surroundings.

We headed back to the cabin for dinner

then got to sneak a peek at this deer.

 My parents love to feed the wildlife.

The birds and deer appreciate it!!

 Good times.