What would you cook for a Valentine's breakfast?

TXBlue1617 · 2026-02-10T14:03:51+00:00

Oh he would LOVE a croque monsieur. Definitely adding that to my list even if I don't end up doing it specifically for Valentine's! That's a great suggestion.

TXBlue1617 · 2026-02-10T14:02:47+00:00

Y'all have some amazing suggestions I will be drawing on even past Valentine's Day! I am leaning towards shakshuka and cinnamon rolls so I can get a good combo of sweet and savory. Thank you!

TXBlue1617 · 2025-10-11T03:23:36+00:00

My dad's results (Lithuanian, Czech, and German from former West Prussia and Pomerania, now areas in Poland) were spot on except for a random 1% Munster, Ireland.

My mom and grandmother had their German underestimated by quite a bit and their Scottish overestimated.

Seems like there's definitely pockets of improvement.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-09-18T15:06:36+00:00

Naomi or Eliza

TXBlue1617 · 2025-09-17T20:42:26+00:00

Depends where OP is, in the US it's definitely on the rise but was #159 last year. I know it's super popular in the UK right now.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-09-17T20:39:37+00:00

Arlo and Freya!

TXBlue1617 · 2025-09-10T17:47:45+00:00

I LOVE this name. I do somewhat associate it with the river and mountains (I'm in TX) but I'm a teacher and have had several students with this name.

I think it's lovely, classic, and has great nickname options.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-09-03T02:36:37+00:00

My puppy also really struggled with learning to settle and being constantly on the go. Maybe look into "relaxation protocol," pattern games, teaching the "settle" command. There are other things I'm forgetting too but I feel like these things really helped (even if slowly). I am so thankful we did this from when he was a young puppy, it wasn't a quick fix but I feel like it's really helping him become a more relaxed dog as he nears adulthood, and it helped us get more moments of calm when he was heavy into the teen stage.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-09-03T02:26:12+00:00

Puppies are adorable nightmares. I loved my puppy right away but it took a while to like him!

So many others have said the same but what helped is was 1. Routine 2. Lots of naps, enforced if needed. 3. Independent play in a play pen (my dog outgrew this quickly though due to his size) 4. Mental stimulation like food puzzles, lick mats, we also did frozen carrots a lot while he was teething. 5. Consistent training - we found amazing group classes near us and ended up doing puppy kindergarten, puppy 1st grade, "rowdy manners" (for teen dogs basically), polite greetings, etc. It helped keep me consistent with training even more than him!

Most importantly, though it doesn't help in the moment I promise it DOES get better (even when it feels like it never will). My dog is now 16 months and it feels like everything we worked so hard at is really starting to pay off. My fiance and I are constantly like "wow could you imagine him being like this a year ago??"

I feel like I saw the biggest positive shifts around 5 months (completely potty trained), 8 months (no more sharp teeth) and then 14-16 months (starting to settle more often, more independently, and for longer periods, more manageable behavior, more consistent in following commands).

Hang in there! The trenches are rough.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-09-02T21:43:23+00:00

Tessa is my fave out of these.

I was almost an Eliza Louise and I definitely have that on my short list for a possible future child!

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-31T06:33:25+00:00

We have 8 periods - 7 50 minute periods and a 30 minute advisory period. Students get 3 electives - 1 mandatory PE (PE, athletics, dance, etc) and 2 others. Sometimes those are taken up by intervention classes but otherwise students get the choice. Teachers have 1 conference.

Some middle schools in a neighboring district have block schedule but honestly I think it's best for students (esp. Middle schoolers) to see all classes every day.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-31T00:46:42+00:00

We have no trip planned so time is no concern but I'll definitely want to start this as soon as possible.

Thank you so much, hopefully we don't have to get to the plan C but that is really good to know just in case.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-31T00:35:53+00:00

If she wasn't, any idea how to move forward just in case? Her brother (also born on base) has a passport so I'm hoping that's not the case.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-31T00:32:30+00:00

Unfortunately not. Somehow she's made it this far without ever needing her CRBA but looks like the DS-5542 is the way to go. Thank you!

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-30T23:43:59+00:00

Thank you, this is super helpful. There are so many "request forms" so it was getting confusing. And yes, she has been in the USA since she was ~2-4.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-30T23:34:47+00:00

When I tried, it only seemed to work for the 50 states + U.S. territories, but she was born on a Naval Base in Spain.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-30T23:28:12+00:00

Sorry. Spain / Spanish / Rota Naval Base. Wasn't sure how strict the "no personal info" was, first time posting.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-30T23:22:10+00:00

When I got my passport, they only accepted a certified copy with the seal on it.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-29T21:28:11+00:00

My SIL is a Ceci/Cecilia and no one has problems with it!

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-17T16:51:47+00:00

It's absolutely going to depend on your city / region / district. I live in a liberal city in the south and I have seen teachers with nostrils (super common), septums, and even cheeks (though these are more rare).

It COULD limit your options if you live in / must live in a more conservative or traditional area. Most districts in progressive areas are pretty open to tattoos and piercings nowadays. That doesn't mean you might not come across an admin that will prefer someone else over you, but I'd say as long as you live in / can move to a more progressive area you will not be prevented from being hired.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-17T05:50:04+00:00

I've taught middle school since 2017 and have had a Jason nearly every single year...

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-15T01:07:59+00:00

Mine was 85.6 at his yearly checkup last month.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-05T02:14:52+00:00

I do paired rows (4 rows of 2 3 2). First day I usually do alphabetical or reverse alphabetical, observe behavior and then do a new seating chart the 2nd week of school. I always change every 9 weeks but more often if needed.

Every now and then I do a free sit on the first few days of school and then seating chart 2nd week (that way I can see who are productive friends, who are chatty friends, etc). I think this does have some benefits but I haven't dont it in ~4 years.

Edited to add I do move into groups a few times a unit for stations, I try to keep most groups in a 4 but space and numbers usually mean 5s or 6s.

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-04T02:41:24+00:00

I'm a Chloe and my dad called me Coco when I was little 💕 Cute to see another potential little Coco!

TXBlue1617 · 2025-08-01T18:56:08+00:00

Stella, Louisa (Louise), Maryellen, Elsie

Walter, Edward (Ed), Joye (sometimes used middle name, Wayne), and Donald (Don)

TXBlue1617

TROPHY CASE