Currently, Pianos, & Book Reports for a Manic Monday

Alright, sorry I've been missing the last 10 or 11 days.  This time of year is the busiest time of year for me.  I am in charge of Field Day for my school, help with Easter stuff at my church, and in general just have a crazy, busy schedule.  This time last year, I had just started TPT and my blog was non-existent, so I'm trying to learn a new word.  It's called "Balance".  As you can tell, yeah, that word isn't really in my vocabulary.  I'm a To Do List kind of girl and I do love blogging, but sometimes it has to take a back seat to my real life.  Since I was out and about until, oh, 8:00 most nights, the little time I was home I needed to chill a little and let my mind rest.  If you are like me, you don't do that if you are creating or blogging :)  I'm also WAY behind on my email and TPT comments, so if you've emailed or commented and I haven't responded I promise, I haven't forgotten.

Anyway, Farley's Amazing April Currently is up.  Remember, if you link up to check out the people before and after you.  Also, for her "Advice" section, she wants us to give some advice on TPT, blogging, etc.

Listening - Well, as much as I've been running, I slept a lot Saturday and seem to be caught up.  My hubby is out cold and although it's 2 a.m. I am wide awake, so for once I'm hearing his snoring since apparently mine wakes him up every night (The things you admit at 2 a.m.).  I also am in LOVE with this song.  It has this one portion that says, "If I had no voice, If I had no tongue, I would dance for you like the rising sun."  Every time I hear that I think I wouldn't dance.  I would draw and paint.  Anyway, just love this song right now!  It's on my focus list.  

Loving - I am officially on "Spring Break"!  You know what that means?  Lots of naps, creating, downtime, and night owl nights.  Nice to be able to relax a little.  I'm also loving the piano!  Remember the piano I told you I was painting for Easter?  Well, that's a big part of why I've been missing.  I spent 4 days (3 after school) working on this.  It is definitely one of the coolest things I've ever done and was worth putting my life on hold for a week!  Below are before and after pictures.  

Thinking - I have to say, I REALLY missed blogging and creating!  Sorry I'm been the absent-minded first grade teacher, but here are the April Book Reports.  Hopefully, I'll have a few more freebies in the next couple of days.  I definitely have a few ideas.

Wanting - Okay, know I need to explain that one a little more.  I love TPT, my blog, Field Day, painting, etc.  However, the last few weeks I feel like everything is pulling and tugging at me.  When I want to create, I need to be working on things for my classroom.  When I need to paint, I need to be at a ball game.  When it's time to blog, I need to rest.   I feel like everything is more full circle now that last week is over, but it's crazy.  I know I need to learn the word "No", but how do you say no when you truly want to do it all and you really do enjoy it all.  Well, almost all of it.  I have to say, I really don't enjoy grading papers and having to write grades down.

Needing - I put to create and blog because yeah, I literally threw that to the side, so time to get rolling again :)  Who knows - I may even blog twice a day a few times this week.  I have TONS to blog about.  It just always takes me awhile to add links, pictures, and pin everything, so I took a little time off.

Advice - I put that because when I get overwhelmed, I've learned the best thing I can do is regroup.  I make a new checklist, I go to dinner, and I remember that this is my hobby, not my job.  Oh, and I throw in a nap and a little retail clip art therapy... shhh.... don't tell my hubby.  He never reads this far down anyway ;)

Alright, so that's my freebie, Currently, and what I've been doing all wrapped into one blog :)  Hope you guys have been doing well!  I can't wait to catch up over the next few days!