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!