December happenings

I need to get better at updating. So much happens in between posts and I don't want to forget a thing!

Shortly after my last post, Nana suffered a stroke. Luckily, she is improving everyday and I pray for her. My mom has been visiting every weekend because, while she is getting better, she is not ready for independent living and must remain at the rehab center.

Sarah surprised me for my birthday and Justin, Sarah and I met my parents in Randolph for a most delicious birthday dinner at Not Your Average Joes. One of my students baked a batch of cupcakes for me and the very sweet aide assigned to my class had the students sign a card for me as well.

The following weekend after a much-productive morning of shopping, Justin's cousins joined us for an afternoon/evening/morning of video game playing only breaking for meals and sleep. =)

We all met in Agawam Saturday for a family Chrismukkah celebration at Nana's rehab center and I am so glad we were able to. There is no match to time together with family. Nana's stroke and news of unfortunate events and losses remind us that all we have is today. It's too bad it takes things like this to remind us of that precious fact. I felt spoiled with the multitude of gifts I received--cute tees, sexy tops, cupcake paraphanelia, cookie cutters, a muffin pan, tank tops, sweatpants, socks, dish towels, ornaments, reflecting dog stickers, wooden plaques and a dvd. Oy.

Saturday night, after a delicious dinner at Chef Changs, I met Becca for Christopher's hockey game at Fenway--very cool! We topped off the evening with a few beers at Game On! and Our House--the sponsor of his team.

Sunday was scheduled to be my birthday brunch at Fireside Grille but with the nearly 2 feet of snow we received, I was forced to postpone it until January. . .

Tonight a very good friend of mine from BC, also my sophomore year roommate, is coming by to visit and meet Ellie since she is home with her fiance for the holidays. I am very much looking forward to seeing her.

Break is two days away and I am looking forward to sleeping in, spending time with family, [visiting a corneal specialist to determine the status of my eye ulcer once again] tackling some long-term third grade projects, and baking--of course.

What a weekend!

Two weeks ago Justin and I hosted our second annual Potluck Thanksgiving. We welcomed 15 friends into our home and served a 19 pound turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cornbread, biscuits and the tasty treats our guests brought.

the beginning of the set-up

our prized bird

And what is a holiday feast without a clever, festive dessert?

Pilgrim hats

The recently-passed and oh-so-missed Thanksgiving break was g-l-o-r-i-o-u-s! Wednesday night I enjoyed a Thanksgiving break kickoff dinner with two of my best friends. I also reunited with an old friend from high school who makes you laugh without her even trying. It was so nice to see her again.

Thursday Justin and I happily Thanksgiving-hopped from Randolph down to Freetown. We brought Ellie with us to my parents' house but their dog Sandy was none too pleased to be sharing her territory (read: garden window) and her snowman squeaky toy with Ellie. Dinner was delicious, but more than that, I love spending time with my family. Its rare when we are all together, Nana included.

As nervous and anxious as I get when Black Friday comes around, I do feel as though I should take advantage of the sweet deals and that I did. By 6:30 am, I had purchased 800 thread count sheets, winter accessories, 2 winter coats, 2 cardigans and a pair of jeans from Old Navy at a steal. (It's a shame I stayed up and drove there for a 3 o'clock opening when in fact this particular store chose not to open until 5--unlike the rest of the national chain. :/ ) Alas, not only did I get the apparel I went for, I also landed a free Xbox video game for Justin's cousins' Christmas gift.

coat #1-- 50% off


coat #2-- 50% off

After 2 naps, I ventured to my parents' house and saw the sweet deals the two other Yoffe girls secured in their early morning spree. Their purchases led me to visit Target, after the mad dash and into the early evening, where I bought just a few more items. :)

Friday night was a much-needed girls night in with a homemade dinner, a delicious carrot cake, Glee, and The Proposal.

Saturday I had a wedding dress appointment. My mom, sisters, Nana and 2 bridesmaids came along and it was so much fun! I had a pretty good idea about the styles I liked and styles I did not prefer. One of the dresses that became one of the top two contenders had been one I had been looking at online for a few months and just happened to set aside to try on. (We shall refer to this gown as Charlotte.) =) Mom and I went back again Sunday to try Charlotte and her competition Betsy, on again. While Betsy was fancier and very ball gown-y, it was not me and while it was actually pricier than Charlotte, its fabric wasn't nearly as smooth and comfortable. Charlotte was the winner, and I love it. =)

Saturday night we ventured to the quiet mall for a stroll and to purchase a few more holiday gifts--on sale too!

In third grade news, my new student arrived on Monday and she's a doll. (She brings my class total to 20--a nice even number.) Today I stopped at Ocean State Job Lot to pick up a few items for a holiday drive at school for soldiers and veterans. While I found winter gloves and puzzle books to donate to the drive, I also excitedly came upon full-color, elementary-level biographies of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Tom Brady for my classroom library--for $1! I plan on going back later this week to buy a few for the school's library.

December is starting off on a high note! =)

Its been awhile. . .

Its funny how life gets in the way and how you just don't seem to know where the time goes.

Last week we had some friends over for the Patriots game which was very nice--and yummy. The weekend before, we took Ellie to meet Auntie Leah at UMASS. =)

Third grade is going well. We are moving along faster in Math than we did last year which is nice. I've gotten a few very nice, sincere compliments from two now-retired teachers who have come in to assist me during my Writing block. Those were very nice to hear.

This week they finished their molecule meal menus which the principal adored. =)

We are beginning chapter 3 in Math tomorrow, appropriately learning about the Wampanoags as Thanksgiving quickly approaches, and learning author's purpose, main idea and all that good stuff.

However, today is Veterans Day and Justin and I both have it off so after a delicious breakfast date at a small cafe around the corner, we are taking Ellie to the dog park!


Ooo and in wedding news, we have our photographer and dj booked! I also have a dress appointment in two weeks! =) Yaah!

a rainy, snowy Sunday

Third grade has been busy, and stressful. Thankfully, my principal's door is ALWAYS open and I have been able to chat with her about approaches to balancing all subjects effectively.


I can't do it ALL. What's important is quality over quantity--words I repeat to myself often.

Last week was a short review week before unit tests and formal writing of personal narratives. I compared their baseline fluency checks to their Unit 1 checks and 18 of 19 students have improved. I love to see that. =) (And, oh yeah, the heat was finally turned on in the school--and what a difference it makes!)

This week is a 5 day week but Thursday and Friday are half days for parent-teacher conferences--always a lot of work and a bit intimidating. Oh, and Picture Day and the Bake Sale is also Thursday. Oy.

I definitely feel more well-prepared for conferences as I have been good about logging grades as they have come in. . .

Next weekend, post conferences, cannot come soon enough.

In other news,

We got a puppy yesterday! We had been searching for a rescue dog online for a few weeks. Justin found Ellie online Wednesday night and by Thursday morning, we had completed the application, had a phone interview, spoken to the foster mom in Tennessee and were scheduled to pick her up in New Hampshire Saturday morning!

Friday afternoon we picked up a crate, comfy bed, leash, collar, and Patriots dog tag. After a country concert with the MOH/sister, I enjoyed a gossip-filled sleepover on Beacon Street and Justin picked me up in the morning to get the pup.



After a quiet, calm ride down to Brookline, Ellie was introduced to her aunt back on Beacon Street. Next, she met her grandparents and cousin in Randolph. She even got a turkey treat! We brought her home and she enjoyed lounging on the couch until her other grandmother and great aunt and great uncle came by with more toys and treats! She got a bit sick from all the changes and nerves but she had a pretty good evening. She whimpered a bit when we set her to bed in the crate but after a few minutes of loving, she settled down to sleep. She has also been great about going to the bathroom outside and only barked at the cats outside. She follows us around the house and is making herself very comfortable around 16 Meadow Lane.



Cupcakes have just come out of the oven for "Soup Day" tomorrow...

Harvest window clings and another Fabulous Friday

I feel like I am in the honeymoon phase. I STILL love my kids and feel great about what is going on in the classroom.

Today we ended with a fun Social Studies activity. Seems easy enough, right?

Not last year. It wasn't possible. The kids could not handle it. Too chatty, too needy, too far from independent.

This afternoon, after a review of place value which we started yesterday, which may or may not be a challenge, we transitioned back into Social Studies. Students got to choose 6 of the state's symbols and draw and color them. I would love to use these as part of their Massachusetts Pizza Box project--still planning it out in my head.

One afternoon this week I ventured to Building 19 (B19 to regulars) and I discovered lots of festive supplies and decorations. I purchased 4 harvest-themed window clings, put them up yesterday and a glance at them during an English lesson or Math instruction just make me smile because

a) they're from B19...
b) it's fall...
c) I realize just how lucky I am to have my VERY own classroom where I can display such window clings.

While I know there are stressful, crazy, busy, troubling days ahead--as there are in any classroom-- I can say that this year has already seemed much simpler and easier than last year. I had to survive the storm, to see the rainbow. =)

Fabulous Friday

Today was terrific!

We got through everything that was planned. The day went smoothly and my kids are SO smart! I presented them with their Writer's Notebook--something I didn't do last year. They ate them up! I even had an opportunity to have a few writers share their work in the Author's Chair and they loved it! Their stories were so creative and with lots of dialogue! A third grader writing about a boy named Jim who likes Gym?! How clever!

Finished the day presenting Spelling certificates. (They all earned one again this week!) The students also got to spend their earned "Bakery Bucks" at our class store. Pretty sweet.

The brains behind Jim and Gym celebrates his birthday Monday and is bringing in cupcakes. Sweet. =)

Gym soon and a hot date with the soon-to-be-hubby tonight. =)

A fabulous Friday (from start to finish), a lazy Saturday, and wonderful Sunday

Friday afternoon I had a fabulous meeting with my principal and curriculum specialist about flexibility in planning and managing our Literacy program--Reading Street. I love it but there is soooo much they provide us, it can be overwhelming. [[ Read: 4 spelling pages, 4 grammar pages, a grammar transparency, Daily-Fix-Its, a story of the week, 3 leveled readers, centers, writing prompts, &a paired reading selection EACH week. ]] It can easily get overwhelming deciding what is most valuable and what can be passed over. Talking to them reassured me that the key to it all is quality over quantity and that I can easily continue my Literacy block ( discussion, leveled readers, center activities) into the Science/Social Studies block seeing as the story-of-the-week almost always incorporates a science or social studies theme. (Last week's "Boom Town" incorporated supply &demand, the Gold Rush, as well as jobs and businesses.) I felt great leaving School Friday.

A terrific night out at Bar Louies and CBS Scene for a friend's birthday got us home late Friday night and up early for a truly special book sale. It is held in the basement of a library in Newton and seems like a hidden gem. There is always a line at the door 30-45 minutes prior to the start. There are two separate entrances to the sale. (We strategically wait outside the one closest to the children's books and adult fiction.) =) I have always found great books for my students (and me!) at unbelieveable prices. ($2 for a Jodi Picoult? $4 for a set of 6 Judy Moody books--I'll take them!!) This time around I found so many great Social Studies books about the Wild West, 13 colonies, famous people in history, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. For my own leisure reading I picked up





... $1 a piece. =) =)


The library volunteers who run the book sale are so sweet--offering bags and assistance finding particular genres of books among the well-organized shelves. My only gripe with the sale is the other patrons. They are often impatient and, at times, even rude. We (my brave sisters and mom) have come to realize that some are dealers and others, just miserable folks who take the fun out of this "hidden gem" as they snap at you, mutter under their breath, or remain stationary when you politely say "excuse me." ::sigh:: But it is worth it and we return 3 times a year to this stuffy, cramped, at times unpleasant, rewarding, hole-in-the-wall "hidden gem."


On a quite separate and unrelated note, we finalllly purchased curtains for our living room. Black, lightweight, and long and I am in love. =) My handyman of a soon-to-be-hubby hung them already and they look fabulous.

(the website's product image)

Back to a bit more correcting, lesson planning, dessert :) and bedtime!

Day 6: done!

I promise more to come but...


I am loving my second year of teaching. I feel more confident about my teaching. I am very pleased to have a new, different, unique bunch of kids who are so darn cute at times, it's hard to believe this is a j-o-b.

Last night was Open House, and I met 16 of the 19 students' parents. Only a few made me nervous. =)

I am very proud of my classroom, and I am excited for another year.

our welcome sign on our door

classroom news bulletin board


close-up of the recipe-card jobs


writing table (showing off my first-day-of-school surprise bouquet)

My brownie cupcakes have come out of the oven, and dinner is about to go in!

It's time!

The teachers returned today--tanned and seemingly ready to hit the ground running.

I was super busy in the classroom setting up, debating what posters to hang up and what to store away and discovering more goodies I forgot I owned.

While I have been able to get it all done, I do wish I had had a few more days to do it. But, ready or not, here they come!


A few things to create& print before bedtime!

And pictures to come...

winding down

The summer is winding down.

Friday was the last day of camp and its goodbye crafts, trashy tv, summer weddings and hellllo third grade. =)


I am trying to hold on to every last bit of summer I can. And gosh, its hard!


As a bit of a last hoorah of the summer, Justin and I embarked on stop #1 of our aptly named Cupcake Crawl. I say "ours" when really, its my passion for cupcakes and his willingness to go along with me (and his love for canollis) that makes it "ours-"and anyone else who cares to join us on our quest for cute, darling, whimsical cupcake creations!

We drove to Hoboken, NJ (four hours without too much traffic) to check out Carlo's Bake Shop--the site of CAKE BOSS on TLC.




We scouted out the place Sunday and stayed in Newark Sunday night.



After a delectable continental breakfast we formally embarked on the bakery Monday morning. And, much to our surprise, we met Buddy Valastro--THE Cake Boss. I was obviously a fan before meeting him in person but this chance meeting (he normally isn't in the shop on Mondays) put him high above the rest. =)



What a weekend! =)


Wednesday its back in the classroom to unpack and get ready for the kiddies. I am eager to uncover more teacher blogs to get the creative juices flowing again!

August already

It's hard to believe August is nearly half over. Summers are usually leisurely and relaxing but boy, have I been busy, busy, busy.

Of course, I wish I had spent more time on school prep, organization and mentally transitioning into third grade mode but its hard when dinner dates, country concerts (Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, and Kenny Chesney), weddings, wedding planning and gym visits get in the way. Speaking of the gym--I've lost 10 pounds. =) Feeling better and eager to keep it up. =)

I will get to school work in the coming days but right now, I am trying desperately to live in the present--enjoy my first night in in awhile and take a deep breath and relax. =)

Last weekend was a college roommate's bachelorette party and it felt really nice to have the six of us together again--on the same continent, in the same country and even in the same house.


There was baking involved--of course. There was a purple and metallic color scheme going on:



I purchased the flower cupcake tray from the Crate and Barrel Outlet a month or so ago and didn't have much luck with it. The small cupcakes with pink decorators sugar are the ones baked in the flower pan. I'll need to experiment again with it.


Leslie did a fine job with the small details all the while alternating jellybeans to form the bride's first initial. =) Kudos.

So happy to have Leslie here with us this weekend. I missed her. Truly. I guess I didn't quite realize how much until this past weekend when we were able to catch up some more, gab, gossip and just get each other. I selfishly want her in Boston. She's comfort, she's therapy, she's a sounding board, she's paparazzi when you need her and she has offered some "first dance" song suggestions I love!


We had such a nice time catching up, celebrating and enjoying each other's company and it left us yearning for our next reunion--this weekend's wedding. Excited to get some wedding ideas myself this weekend. Loved the bachelorette party invite/bar list ::hint: :hint:: :





Another roommate's wedding is a few weeks before ours and I am nervous dates (bridal showers and bachelorette parties) will coincide given that we are limited in weekends with Leah coming home from abroad, July 4th weekend etc. But--its too early to worry about that.

Movie date tomorrow night with J and Steve--"my big brother" and then Country Fest with some good-looking country girls all day Saturday and then wedding Sunday. Exciting weekend!

Its official!

We signed the contract. Paid the deposit.

8.8.10 on Cohasset Harbor

Has a ring to it, huh? (no pun intended)


Details to follow. . .

I won't cry. I won't cry again.

Justin and I visited Atlantica--a restaurant and wedding venue in Cohasset, MA--last weekend and loved it. Its got the feel and look of Newport for a more affordable price. We are "penciled in" but wanted to sit down with my parents to talk details/budget etc. We went for dinner last night and it turned ugly after just a bit of number-crunching. Yes, we may have been engaged for a year and a half but that doesn't mean we know our budget any better or how much a dj costs as opposed to a photographer or a Justice of the Peace.

It involved slamming doors, screaming, storming around and many tears. My mom didn't know how much they might be able to contribute and, my dad wouldn't say/couldn't give a number so it became a stupid game of bickering. The tears started with the bullied comments and fighting over their current finances. When it had cooled down and it looked like we had a safe exit in view, he pulled me aside to talk privately which sparked a whole new ordeal because my mom wanted to sit down with us too. So he stormed off yelling only to return a minute later to explain that he has a lot of stress in his life and he said he wishes they could pay for the whole thing which I tried to stress--through the tears--that we truly don't want. He mentioned the many things he has paid for over the years that have come from that saved portion of money--laptops, cell phone bills, car repairs, their trip to Israel etc. I only wish it didn't all boil down to money and spreadsheets depicting spending over the years. He explained how his life has become different than what he expected. He feels we don't go to him and ask him for advice like we do my mother. He doesn't think he'll be alive much longer and said he has many medical problems that we don't even know about. What I saw was a completely different person than the one screaming at my mom, bickering about Amex bills, Kohls purchases and snide remarks about my mom not getting a second job "like she said she would." He then apologized for what had gone on earlier. But it shouldn't have happened in the first place and I only wish my parents were able to communicate civily because last night reminded me of too many nights when my sisters and I were younger and tried to drown out the slamming doors and screaming matches. Their relationship is so unhealthy.

As we drove home and fell asleep, all I could do was replay the night in my head wondering where it turned horribly wrong and how I could have changed the conversation to avoid the eruptions that occurred. The root of it all- their communication, level of patience with eachother and criticism of eachother. It wasn't about us but we got front-row seats.

I was eager to sleep it all away but found myself awake in the middle of the night, unable to shake it and sleep soundly again. I want that to be the first and only sad memory of my wedding and its planning. It's not fair. It didn't need to happen, and it shouldn't have.

Here's to a better, sunny day. =)

First ever.

My sister first got me interested in blogs. I have enjoyed reading the thoughts, feelings, ideas, admissions, and daily events of people--often living similar lifestyles to my own (read: teacher) and others, unlike me, who are enjoying great milestones in their lives (read: newlyweds, new moms, experienced moms) and allowing us--strangers--a peek into their lives. Maybe that's why I enjoy reality shows about families--Jon and Kate Plus Eight, Table for 12--family soap operas really.

In high school I enjoyed documenting the important feelings, events, ideas and questions that occupied my mind and time in Live Journal and have only recently taken a peek back and really enjoyed reliving those fun-filled weekends, remembering the high school drama and happily leaving it there, and stressful college nights of papers, deadlines, work hours and Late Night dining.

As I plan a wedding, plan a future, continue my career as a third grade teacher, and, as a cheap form of therapy, fulfill my desire to improve the quality of life, one cupcake, at a time, let this be my diary, my journal, my notepad--a chronicle of my life--the way I see it.