Summer Update

I have said this before, but I am the worse blogger ever! Consistency is so hard for me. Probably because I stay BEYOND busy most days.  So here is a little recap of my summer fun!


The day after I got out of school my family went to the Nassau.  It was a blast and so much fun.  We have already been before so this trip was less touristy and more relaxing.  We spent 9 days soaking up the sun and enjoying family time.  We even got to bring along my honorary sister Lori.

 Group Photo

 conch, conch, and more conch

 cave exploring

 My 2nd home...The Bahamas

Once we got back from vacation on Friday, I started work on Monday (YES IN THE SUMMER!). I taught the 2nd grade class for the 21st century summer program.  We had so much fun doing a Piper Reed Navy Brat story study.  We learned all about life in the Navy.  So after 2 weeks of teaching, Rob and I went to Montana.


In Montana, we spent a week with my mother-in-law Barbara.  We enjoyed seeing nature at its finest.  We visited Yellowstone, rafted the Grand Tetons, and just enjoyed each others company.

 Yellowstone

 Hidden Valley

 Sightseeing

After enjoying the oh so hot  freezing temperatures of Montana and Wyoming, I came back to teach 21st Century for another week.  This was my last week to teach that program.


Then Rob and I left to go to Ocho Rios.  We ABSOLUTELY enjoyed this vacay the most.  We didn't leave our Sandals resort the whole week.  When I think of being lazy and enjoying vacation, this comes to mind.  Every single day I slept in, laid on the beach, came back and napped, ate dinner, and went to bed. Multiple that by 7 and you have my all time most relaxing lazy vacation ever. It was heaven and much needed.

 Ok....so this is also my 2nd home! haha

So then I come back on a Monday and started teaching a 3 week Reading remediation summer program.  I throughly enjoyed spending time helping 1st and 2nd grade kids bring up their reading and math fluency.

This past week I attended a 2 day workshop on Eureka common core math.  Oh my dear teacher friends! I ask BEG you to start the new school year with an OPEN OPEN OPEN mind.  Please be accepting of change and willing to try something new even if it's not the easiest, simplest way to do something.


I have come to realize that, yes common core brings HUGE changes in the curriculum, BUT I can't change the fact that I have to teach common core. So therefore, I have decided to change my attitude towards common core and embrace it.  I think my teaching life will be a lot easier.  I challenge you to accept CC and make the most of it.

Get a head start.....you can access your grade modules for free here: http://commoncore.org/maps/math/home

On to other things that have been happening this week.  We had Bible School one day (SO MUCH FUN),  I sold my Fleur-de-Lis and Stella & Dot jewelry at Christmas in July this weekend.  I met so many great people from my new hometown. I think that was the highlight of my weekend.

I bought Rob tickets to see a Rangers Game, so he spent the weekend in Dallas with his other girlfriend, man bestie Tusch.  I was so happy they could enjoy the game and I was able to stay home in the AC.


I also got to visit this summer with my old B-13 roomies! Oh how I love them, and miss them! They are the best, and I'm SO lucky that we have stayed friends even though we don't live in the same apartment anymore.

 we missed our Abbs!

On a last note, Ro and I celebrated our 1 year on June 15th! OH YEAH!! We are super blessed to have found each other.  He's such an amazing husband and one of my best friends.  I don't know what I did to get him, but I hit the jackpot!

 celebrating our one year in Montana

Until next time, have a great week! I'm hoping to take it easy, as its my last non-working week of the summer! Back to the grind on Aug. 4th! I feel like year round school would be easier than this!


-A


P.S. My donors choose project runs out SOON. If you have a few extra dollars and want to help a great cause check out my website.  It would be greatly appreciated.  http://www.donorschoose.org/Amy.hill.mcgill 




P.S.S  I am now selling Stella & Dot jewelry.  It oh so fabulous, so stylish, and amazing quality.  Try it out, fall in love yourself.  I can do home/online parties so you can earn free jewelry, or you can order ANYTIME at my website  www.stelladot.com/amymcgill