I'm so happy to be collaborating with such a talented group of teachers from sunny Southern California. I love my little hometown in the winter time. Tourist season is over so the beaches are empty and I can walk to the beach trail without battling strollers and overenthusiastic runners!
I've reflected on the year I've had and am really looking forward to 2015. I've got a lot to be EXCITED about!
I'm enjoying my three week vacation but am really looking at getting back to my kids. If you've followed my blog, you know that I've had to move classrooms, grades, schools, districts, or states more than most. It's been really tough having to move so often, learning new school rules and procedures, making new friends, and learning about my new little community. What I have learned about working for different leaders and different school environments is what works and what doesn't. I've been able to take away from each experience and use what I've learned to make me a better teacher. The instability of the last five years has been scary and overwhelming, but it makes me appreciate where I'm at even more! I finally feel like I've found my forever home and am so, so happy about it.
I was a huge traveler up until I met this guy. We take lots of fun weekend excursions but I'm looking forward to dusting off my passport this year. I've been to Australia, Tahiti, the Maldives twice, El Salvador, Bali, Thailand, Costa Rica twice, and Mainland Mexico but am ready to go to Greece or Europe with the Mr.
I live in the most amazing most perfect little beach town in. Most people say it's the last charming beach town left in Orange County. I'm looking forward to beach bbqs, camping with friends, and spending a lot more time in the water.
I had so much fun in Vegas last year for the TpT conference and made some lasting friendships. I can't even wait until I get to reconnect with my girlfriends from all over this giant country!
{TL}Beth from A Kindergarten Life for me and Brittany from Tickled Pink in Primary having fun at the Go Noodle booth.
{R} Go Noodle Champy Hour Meet Up
{BL} I finally met Corinna from Surfin' Through Second
Not only am I excited to see my old friends, I can't wait to meet the girls from the collaborative blog I'm part of! Are you going to Vegas this year?
I'm most looking forward to relaxing and taking time for myself.
Thank you so much for joining me in all the excitement that 2015 will bring! Snag this freebie while you're here, it's a freebie sampler from my Snow Many Nouns pack!
Just click on the photo below for your FREEBIE!
Not only are we giving away tons of freebies in our hop, you also have the chance to win BIG!
For a chance to win two gift cards valued at 60.00 each, enter below and then hop back and join the talented Jaime from Bright Concepts 4 Teachers to continue the hop and snag her freebie! Just click on the button below!
17 Responses
Kristen, thanks a million for organizing this Blog Hop!! So much fun & I'm loving reading everyone's posts!! YES, I plan on being at TpT conference this July!! Love your beach pics; SoCal is the best!!
Spontaneous travels! Yes! We have so much to see as newcomers to this sunny state, so that's a good one. Love following your blog 🙂
It looks like you have had such an amazing year!!! I have been bounced around school and grade a lot too… I feel the same way about finally finding a home!!! I can't wait to hear about your newest travels!!!
xo,
Layla
Fancy Free in Fourth
I can't imagine moving as much as you have. I am glad to hear you think So. Cal is your forever home! Wishing you and your family a fabulous 2015!
-Jaime
Happy New Year Kristen! Thank you SO much for your hard work in coordinating this blog hop! I am so very blessed to have you as a friend! You are the sweetest and most genuine person and I am just thrilled for you that you have found your "home " at your current school! Enjoy the rest of your vaca!
Hugs,
Jessica 🙂
Happy New Year! Thank you for all of your work with organizing the blog hop. Your pictures are wonderful!!!!
Happy New Year, Kristen!! You did such a great job organizing this hop! Thank you! I am so happy for you that you are at your 'perfect' school! Have a wonderful new year! 🙂
Yes, I'll be in Vegas again this year: at the TPT Conference and at I Teach K!
Palma (KFUNdamentals)
You might be just one of my favorite people. I love your posts on instagram. You make me SMILE! I love your blog as always. I am all for more balance.
Love your updates Kristen!!
All of your hard work paid off! This is a great blog hop! Thank you for organizing it.
Love the colors of your classroom and glad that you found a permanent school. : )
Looking forward to a SoCal blogger meetup in the near future!
Ali
Teaching Powered by Caffeine
Adorable blog! Thank you for all your hard work in putting this blog hop together. I feel so grateful to be part of it.
2 Smart Wenches
Loved reading your post!!! So glad you are finally home at a school you love!! And I agree, your little beach town is absolutely adorable!!! Sorry I missed this blog hop, but I will definitely join up with you all next time!!!
Wow! You have been to some amazing places!! Here's to an adventurous 2015!!!
I'm so glad you love your new school!!! Thanks for hosting this amazing blog hop!
Lauren
A Teachable Teacher
What an awesome blog hop you have organized! So many great reads and freebies! I love to travel too and want to go back to Costa Rica so badly but there are tons of other places on my list I have to get to first. Every two years I try to go somewhere international. Glad you found a school that fits. I have the same feeling about my school. <3 TeacherMsH~ThirdIstheWord
I miss my 3 week vacation, especially today when I have ONE day left WAHHH! I am so so happy you've found your "happy place" in a school that is so amazing! I'm so glad to have met you this year girl! You are such a great encouragement! Thanks for the freebie!