work hard, study hard, play hard

February seemed to rush out in a tizzy, and March blew right in!

I have truly embodied the mantra "Work hard. Study hard. Play hard." the past few weeks.

Third grade has been fabulously productive, and fun!

Two graduate level classes (Teaching Writing Through Nonfiction and Math Coaching) sure are keeping me busy.

And the greater part of my February break sure was spent playing hard--cupcake deliveries, lunch dates, dinner dates, city shopping, BC reunions, country concerts, breakfast with the hubby--a rare occasion, and simply relaxing.

Blog, I apologize for not providing you with more of the love you so deserve. Please forgive me. I shall come again very soon--this weekend in fact. With lots of juicy details and pictures.

I shall close on the sweetest note of all.

spring cuppycakes for Dad's Lahey Clinic allergy lab

still smiling for the camera

Devil's food cupcakes, whipped white frosting topped with
Hershey bar shavings and a raspberry

a batch of "Vacation-May-Be-Over-But-

Cupcakes-Await-You-on-Monday"

a lot to love about February

February granted us another snow day on the 2nd, but Punxsutawney Phil promised us spring right around the corner.

Last Friday, I baked for a friend's Lia Sophia party. It was Valentine's Day themed, and while the jewelery was quite nice, I had to refrain.






The next morning, Justin, my mom and dad, and I met for a few more house showings. We started in Hanson, made our way to Whitman, back to Bridgewater and ended in Middleboro. The listing for the second house was one that Mom happened to notice late Friday night. Justin and I loved it.

• great location
• nice town
• good-size front lawn
• fenced-in backyard
  
• attached garage
• redone mudroom
• laminate floors in the kitchen
• updated appliances
• 3 bedrooms
• living room, office area and...
• fireplaced den with cathedral ceilings, skylights and a bay window

The realtor said we had to be aggressive if we were truly interested in the property. And aggressive we were. Saturday night we drew up an offer and eagerly waited Saturday night, Sunday, Sunday night, Monday morning...until at 1:00 on Monday we received a call that our offer had been accepted! We signed a few papers with the realtor that night, Justin scheduled an inspection and has spent many patients minutes and hours on the phone with the bank's mortgage officer, potential home insurance providers, and potential movers.

Thursday I left school a bit early to accompany Justin and the realtor at the home inspection--and it passed!

Throughout all this excitement, I have called family and friends to share the news. Lately, I've been thinking about calling Nana, knowing how absolutely thrilled she would be to hear our news. I hope she hears from above.

Given that this week was our first five-day week at school since before Christmas break, it was one heck of a week!!

Third grade went very well this week. I'm working on a bulletin board in the classroom entitled Reading and Writing Around the World. I have printed out small images of the covers of our Reading Street stories and laminated them. I will map the stories' settings on our US and world maps. I put a spin on a compare/contrast essay about the Oreo cookie and the Ritz Crackers using an idea I got from a writing lesson I observed a few weeks ago. Yesterday we celebrated the 100th day of school with a few fun activities and 100 calorie snacks! :) The kids also decorated bags for their Valentines for Monday's party. It's comforting to see that although some think/act like cool adolescents, they are still kids.

I was approached this week to take an online course through the DOE to become a math coach. I'm curious to find out what comes of it--the responsibility? new title? pay raise? A girl can dream right?

Given all of the exciting house news this week, I did have to call RO and explain to her that given our current financials and the house closing timeline, I would no longer be able to join her and the other girls in Vegas for the bachelorette party in March. She was so understanding, as always, and I have promised to make it up to her in May when she is back east again.

Got a call from Dad Thursday morning that Mom had passed out Wednesday night at dinner and had been unresponsive. She stayed home from work Thursday and went to the doctor and got a good report, but boy, those types of things really put life into perspective. She does so much for everyone else, and carries a burden for so many that I think there are times she forgets to take care of herself.

We're headed to my parents this morning for taxes/brunch. Amid a pile of correcting, I do intend on doing some Valentine's Day baking--perhaps two batches--one for the kids, and one for the staff? I also have an arts &crafts project in the works for Becca--whose birthday is today. I'll be sure to post pictures if it comes out half as nice as what I have envisioned.

a snowy, snowy month

Having received over 50 inches of snow in the last two months, the Boston area sure has seen its sharing of snow! My school has had 3 snow days already, and today was an early-release. Oy!




All the snow has given me opportunities to tackle some long term projects, (book labels, center activities, reading comprehension games) baking, (see below) blogging (on a sister --literally--site at www.whiskandreward.com ) and catching up on DVR.

Early in January, the girls and I went out for dinner at Jacob Wirth's before a drag burlesque in Boston called Jacques--quite entertaining.

one of the "ladies"

The following weekend, I met Sarah in Harvard Square to catch up over dinner. Cambridge 1 was delicious. The next day, after tutoring a girl for the MTELs, Mom and I ventured over to David's Bridal to choose a bridesmaid dress for RO's July wedding. Here's what I chose!



Justin and I began looking at houses and we have seen a few we are interested in. They seem to be going quite quickly. As soon as we see a property we like, we find out from the realtor that it is already "under agreement." So the search continues this weekend.

We also celebrated a good friend's birthday at The Half Door in Quincy in late January. (The birthday girl was also a flower girl of mine at our wedding.)

As an ode to the very snowy month we have endured, I whipped up these for the staff at school.

Last week, the other bridesmaids and I were chatting about bachelorette party plans for RO and a few cities were thrown around--as her bridal party spans the country. Final decision: Vegas in March at the Venetian. It will surely be a pricey weekend but a blast I'm sure.

For Soup Day at school, I experimented with a cupcake idea from Hello Cupcake! --spaghetti and meatballs. I was really impressed with how they came out and am eager to try a new design next time!

ingredients

"meatballs"

finished products

This past weekend, in addition to Justin's work holiday party where I had the opportunity to meet many of his coworkers at a Roaring 20s themed party, we also ventured up to Woburn where he purchased another firearm. Gosh, it makes him so happy. He could talk about them for hours. And I could listen on intently, for hours, wishing I understood, even remotely. :)

Also this month, Leah was offered a position through Teach for America in Memphis--and she accepted! I know it's going to be an incredible opportunity for her, and I look forward to helping her any way I can!

Speaking of teaching, life in the classroom has been going well and we've been having some fun! I have a few great Groundhog Day activities I hope to do with the class this week. The potential for a snow day tomorrow and an early release for professional development scheduled for Thursday don't bode well for all that I hope to do with them. My observed lesson last week went very well I thought. I was able to incorporate the Smartboard in the lesson to add an interactive element to our lesson on animals and their "sixth sense" before a natural disaster occurs.

I have found some other great blogs--mostly written by moms--and some by teachers, and others avid bakers--just like me! I've also been hitting the gym 5x a week switching up workouts between the elliptical and treadmill. Last week paid off on the scale--down 2 (holiday binging--eat whatever is in sight) pounds. Here's to hoping this week is equally successful!

We ordered photo Valentine's Day cards last night and I can't wait to pop them in the mail this week! :)

2010 wrap-up

It seems as though each entry begins with a realization that I don't take the time to sit and write often enough.

If I can finish grading, prepping, and getting ready for the next day (lunch, clothes, breakfast...) all before 8 o'clock-- I chalk that up as a win.

The Quick List:

November:

+ the Trovatos' housewarming

+ our Third annual potluck Thanksgiving

just a bit of the delicious spread

+ family Thanksgiving at Skyview

+ handbag designing with my fashionable sisters

December:

+ birthday dinner and drinks with the girls and guys at John Harvard's

+ birthday weekend getaway with the husband to the Omni Parker House hotel and dinner with Sarah and Dan in Fanueil Hall


+ a holiday lunch in Auburn with Mom, Dad, Justin, Leah, and Dan to exchange a few holiday goodies

+ a work holiday party at Bella's that brought many laughs

+ two more holiday parties and Yankee swaps resulting in a Snuggle Plus and a bottle of tequila (that later fell, broke, and covered our kitchen floor)

+vacation

Vacation was great. In the days leading up to those sacred days off I have valiant plans to be uuber productive, tackle long term projects and get ahead on tasks. However, come vacation, the couch, DVR, and fun with friends draws me in, and far far away from my work bag--as it should.

Vacation kicked off with The Rockettes show downtown with Momma, Sarah, and Leah--followed by a gift exchange before they departed for Chicago. Justin and I spent Christmas Eve (Chinese take-out) and Christmas Day (fried turkey) with Justin's family. The holidays were nice--a festive home, stockings hung, time to relax, Christmas Vacation--in its entirety, and time with family. It doesn't get much better.

fried turkey in Freetown

Santa brought me/us baking tools (such that my Wilton tool box is officially stuffed), cute "party book" to keep notes about parties we host, cupcake liners, a red festive cupcake tower, socks (of course), a paw print Pandora charm, cupcake pajamas, ski passes, fancy teaspoons with cupcakes imprinted on them, vouchers for horseback riding, books I am eager to delve into, and cake and cupcake traveling carriers.

Wilton caddy birthday gift

Throughout the week I enjoyed brunch with the Flower Girls, lunch with the husband and the mother-in-law, and stay out late (!) at dinner with friends--The Yard House. I got to spend quality time with a sister (who I believe secretly dons a superhero cape imprinted with a C for her creativity, cleverness, and culinary cuisine) who is steps away from "the real world" and may not always be so physically close.

New Years was spent with BOTH sisters in Brookline and it was even nicer to have us together with Momma New Years Day for a most delicious meal.

New Years sweets

A new duvet cover, freshly-clean sheets, and a $300 mattress pad made it awfully difficult to rise from our slumber Sunday morning.

amazing duvet cover

However, we managed to (begrudgingly) get out of bed for a breakfast date at Persy's Place down the road in Middleboro.

Persy's Place

As my kids returned to school on Monday, I heard many eagerly share the gifts they received (and didn't receive.) I hope when we possibly have children of our own, they understand the importance of family over gifts--in a world where young and old peruse over circulars for the newest, coolest, trendiest must-have of the season.

This year has been interesting. I've been working my tail off, yet am rarely confident that my students are solidly understanding the material. Our schedule is quite different and I feel like I am just getting the hang of a routine. The students are somewhat low--for the most part. I have the usual Early Finishers Who Rush and Make Careless Mistakes, the Top Students, and the Ones Who Often Miss the Boat. I find myself constantly second-guessing myself, perhaps becoming too hard on myself, and working terribly hard to try to do it all while making sure they all get it--and it's exhausting! In turn, I'm not excited like I used to be about teaching and going in every morning--and that's the worst of it.

In addition to School Council, I signed up for a Writing course offered through our district. So, beginning January 27th--I will be in class from 4-7 nearly every Thursday though May. Oy vey.


On a happier note, we have begun our house-hunting and have found a few great houses. I'm trying not to fall in love with one and then feel discouraged if we don't get it so I am keeping my options open and thinking positively. We are meeting with a mortgage loan officer Thursday. I'm so excited to get the ball rolling.

I am quite optimistic about what 2011 has in store....

Time flies and nearly two months pass when...

....you're a married lady.

....you are asked to host a SmartBoard Share for teachers.

....much of your time in and out of the classroom is spent establishing precious relationships and essential routines within the first few weeks of teaching a new group of bright, and eager students.

....you have set a goal to write your first grant for your school--and do it.

....you become a nurse/therapist/psychologist/role model to 17 inspiring minds.

....you establish a pen pal exchange for your students that has them truly engaged and writing for an authentic purpose.

....you are asked to become the newest member of your school council.

....your school adopts a new math program.

...you venture out west for some quality sister time in the apple orchards of New Salem.

...you have good company, good food, and football.

....you visit a best friend across the miles over a long weekend.

....you begin a married tradition of Friday night dinners of oven-roasted chicken.

....you spend weekend afternoons at DSW, TJ Maxx and Macys with Mom.

...you spend endless hours searching for SmartBoard notebooks to use with your brand new Smartboard.

....you re-orient your entire classroom and student desk arrangement to maximize on SmartBoard usage.

....you spend 13 hours in school one day for data meetings, parent-teacher conferences and tackling long-term projects and feel so accomplished after.

....you challenge yourself every day to create a home-away-from-home for students whose alternate is at times unstable and meek.

....you bake as therapy.

First post as Mrs. Mack

The end of June, July and August seemingly flew by with the start and finish of my reign as Arts and Crafts queen at camp. August brought wedding preparation--out-of-town guest bags, bridal party gifts, final meetings and confirmations with the event coordinator, entertainment, florist, baker, and JP. On the crafty front, I made our placecards, table numbers, menus, and favors myself and loved them all. Pictures will be posted in the next post.

The wedding was beautiful, and I am very eager to see the hundreds of pictures from our amazing photographer. T-minus 6 days until we see some of them! After vows, pictures, squeezing in a few bites of dinner and dessert, we hit the dance floor--waving to boaters down below.

After a quick change into something a bit more comfortable, we headed to the beaches of Nantasket with family from Chicago not familiar with the rushing waves and tide that is the Atlantic Ocean. After some delicious seafood, we ventured down the boardwalk to Fantastic (?) where skiball meets BINGO. The night ended back at the Cohasset Harbor Resort after a nightcap at a bar on the boardwalk.

We were off to Bermuda the next morning after a short delay due to maintenance work on the plane originally intended for our travels.

The week was spent snorkeling, kayaking, swimming in the pool, private beach or relaxing poolside and in the hot tub. We visited 2 crystal caves outside of our resort and ventured into the 2 caves in our resort--one of which we swam in!

We visited St. George's and the stocks, Hamilton and Front Street, took a ferry to Royal Naval Dockyard for the Glassblowing Company and demonstration as well as the Bermuda Rum Cake Company. We also swam at the islands top 2 ranked beaches--Horseshoe Bay and Tobacco Bay. When your toughest decision involves choosing between whether you would rather have a strawberry margarita or strawberry daiquiri delivered to you in the pool by your appeasing husband...you know you are living the life.

All in all, we ate, drank, lounged, and enjoyed an amazing honeymoon.

Our return to the states brought a few days to unpack, settle in, and begin thank you notes!

Last week, after an afternoon of lunch and discovering the Nordstrom Rack with a girlfriend, Justin and I enjoyed our first Red Sox game as a married couple--how crazy!

We also enjoyed a lovely rainy Sunday lunch downtown with two other couples at North 26 as part of Restaurant Week. My lovely husband also joined me in a Lakeshore trip after lunch for a few more book bins and classroom supplies. He's great. :)

Now it's back to the classroom--the kids start next Tuesday! Yesterday I tackled the bulletin boards which were a feat in and of itself. (It is nearly impossible to cover such large boards with not-so fadeless paper single-handedly. Glad that's over.) I have also been working on a Smart Board share/workshop I will be presenting tomorrow to interested teachers at my school. How grown up! My favorite classroom-related purchase of the week has been the cutest school-themed fabric to cover the writing table with. Its black, white and has cute clip art on it including "Pick me! Pick me!" written in "chalk."

I am attempting to return to my gym routine to burn off those honeymoon pounds and perhaps prepare for a 5K in September (?)....

Back in action

With third grade over and a week off before summer camp commences, I have finallllly found a few minutes to sit (!) and type.

Let's do a quick baking recap from April, May, and June.

Marathon Monday brought chocolate-frosted cupcakes topped with fresh strawberries. (Note to baker:: decorate and allow ample time to harden before rushing on the road to take train to Beacon Street.)





April vacation brought marshmallow daisies to Lahey Clinic.



May brought baby blue cupcakes--no particular event or theme...



June brought sunshine and sunflower cupcakes.




And Field Day brought chocolate cupcakes, vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries.



A June book sale also had "sweet" results--103 books for $51!




The end of third grade went pretty smoothly.

After April vacation, a second grade student joined my class full-time on a trial period. Her writing and reading is quite advanced and there was discussion of having her skip a grade and enter fourth grade in the fall. Unfortunately, after several parent meetings, phone calls and discussions, it was decided that given the changes in her prescribed medication, attentional and behavioral issues, the large chunk of third grade instruction she had missed as well as the changing dynamics at her two homes, it was decided that she will enter the third grade in the fall, having had a jump start with my class with the possibility for an accelerated grade 3/4 curriculum.

The dynamics of the class definitely changed when she joined us. But, all in all, I had a great bunch of students and we had a lot of fun. As always, I look back at the year as a whole and consider what I might have done differently and where I can improve for next year.

In past few weeks, I attended my very first retirement party for a colleague of mine on our third grade team. While I have been very close to her and she has helped me a tremendous amount over the past few years, I feel as though she hoisted me up and has stood alongside me the past few years and has now retired, knowing I'll be all right on my own. :)

There will be many changes in our school and in our grade next fall but I am excited for all that these changes will provide us.

In wedding news...

The bachelorette party invites should arrive today--so excited!



Found, purchased and received my bachelorette party dress....ooo la la!


I am currently working on my lengthy to-do list which includes favors, escort cards, table tents, dancing shoes bins, sweet table, programs, guest book, menu and song list....oy vey!


A few weekends ago, Justin took me to the shooting range, and it was fun! I definitely prefer the inside shooting as opposed to the outside range, with the smaller weaponry and an easier opportunity to gauge how well, or not so well, my accuracy is. I excitedly and appropriately handled a nine millimeter and a revolver in addition to a few other hefty pieces.


This past weekend was a little bit of everything all jumbled into a few days!

Friday night I ventured to beautiful town of Amherst and spent a jam-packed day with Leah and her boytoy Matt. Friday night we hit up the Taste of Amherst which was delicious....followed by Toy Story 3 in 3D--a bit scary if you ask me.

Saturday morning we hit the kitchen and baked very yummy maple chocolate chip muffins. After breakfast we did a bit of shopping, and went to Captain Candy for pink and blue jelly beans for the wedding's sweet table--quite delectable!



Lunch was held at a quaint deli in Hadley followed by a trip to the museum! We enjoyed the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden like any children would.











Then we saw the Brick Artist exhibit! The sculptures were made entirely of Legoes--how creative!








For Father's Day, Justin, Ellie, and I went to Meme's for a very nice family and fun-filled bbq. My contribution: lawnmower cupcakes.






We ventured to Randolph for dessert to finish off Father's Day.

My week off between now and camp is going to be filled with cleaning, organizing, lunch dates, shopping, dinner dates and wedding fun! :)

I promise to update much more often given the third grade hiatus. :)