the life of a pumpkin

this post is early. wasn't supposed to be, but i'll tell you why. i had intended on posting in a couple of days, with pictures of us carving our pumpkins (a household tradition since we have been together), them out on display Halloween night etc. BUT, someone ruined my plans.

i think it was the best pumpkin i had ever created. i used dale's drill ( yes- power tools!) to drill varying size holes in my pumpkin., the end result was a cool, array of light shining from the pumpkin, much like a sky of constellations. we debated, also traditional, over who's was better. not settled, they went out on display to be enjoyed by all. they looked fantastic.

Scary Dale. Real scary
nothing like a wife who can operate power tools
Half way there- looking good!

next thing i know, i arrive home from work today, my pumpkin is M.I.A.

not even Halloween yet, and some rude-a -tude has stolen my pumpkin. i take flight down the street to surely find it smashed on the road. nope. i call my neighbour who likes to play tricks. nope. i believe someone has indeed stolen my pumpkin because it is so damn cool. so look out amongst all those carving contests- you may have an imposter.

Gosh darn it- those kids CAN be so cute

Everyday the kids in my class amaze me. That is why I truly love grade 5. They are witty and smart, and down right sensible and cute.

Two funny things today. More than two, but these are the ones I am going to highlight. And I should do this more often.

For C.A.P.P. (Personal Planning) I had gotten these free drug booklets from the doctor's office, and gave one to each student to keep, as we have been learning about drugs and alcohol. They quietly read through them, did the word searches, etc. for the block. At the end, one boy asked me if that was C.A.P.P. ( the menu on the board said thats what we were doing). I told him yes, and he sadi "Then we all got really good marks today!?' - in all seriousness! Hilarious. I just smiled and said yes.

The other cute thing, that just warmed my heart was in Math! Of all things!
I have been teaching the kids mental math strategies for their times tables up to 9. So for instance, instead of thinking iof it as an 8x , sperate it up to a 4x and a 4x. Or 6 times, a 3x and a3x and add together. OR, it told them they might have a special times table , like 7 x7, that they always know, so they can use that one to addd or subtract to. I was trying to emphasize the importance of having a few special ones like that ( 8x8, 9x9, etc.)

So in marking their litle strategy sheets at the table tonight, I stumbled across this little lost soul in my class, or as I see know, maybe not so lost. For her strategy for one question she wrote : "its my little gem." By that I understood that she just knows that one.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! Even though she didn't state the strategy like I had asked, I loved her answer and gave her a mark.

I'm a sucker.

Momma Bear & Daddy Bear & Baby bears

Its my Dad's birthday - as Ellen would say "Holla Trevor!" He is out of town for work, but we will connect when he gets back.

My Mom on the other hand, is having a case of bad luck. Her house was broken into on the weekend, AND now she has Shingles!! Poor mom. We are going to cheer her up and go for a pedicure on Friday.

My class reached their goal of 50 Gator Gotcha's- reward coupons the school does for positive behaviour- SO proud of them!

Board Games Cont...

Now that I'm getting obsessed with Board Games, I have decied to take it a few steps further. I'm a crazy, geeky gal!

Step 1 - Incorporate into Romance

My friend Elizabeth mentioned a great couples game/ activity that she has used and loved. I figured it would be perfect for Dale and I's Friday Night Date Nights. For those of you who weren't aware- every weekend, usually Fridays, Dale and I make an effort to do something together- some may call this a 'date.'

So this new activity is really cool- Its a book filled with 101 closed invitations- 50 for "her eyes only", and 50 for 'his eyes only." The point is for you to take turns secretly planning what the envelope talks about. There is both a date to plan, as well as little things to do throughout the week- from as simple as conversation starters, to Passion Coupons. FUN!!
There are codes and titles on the front of the envelope, to make it easily suitable to what you feel like planning. For instance, we are planning on going to the cabin Friday night, so I am in charge of this week. I will pick one that is not a specific location, doesn't cost a lot of money, can be done in the Fall, etc.
I'll let you know how it goes!

Step 2- Friends/Weekends

I have decided to organize a murder mystery dinner party. I have put the bug out there, will start researching/ buying or borrowing the game, and I'll let you know. Can't wait- I have ALWAYS wanted to do one of these. Dressing up, hangin with friends, and playing a game. Doesn't get better than this.

Life in game land is Awesome!

Board Games

I love board games. NOT to be confused with 'bored games', as my husband might be inclined to call them. I actually don't even possibly know how those two things could be homonyms (words that sound the same but mean different- those of you who don't remember Elementary School).

I have always been a Scrabble lover. Several years ago I bought myself Scrabble Deluxe- the kind that has a rototaing base! Yet, I seem to never have anyone to play with. Dale doesn't mind playing cards, or Battleship (the Electronic Version is our household favourite). But he would never in a million years play scrabble with me (he suffered with school and in a weird twist of fate ended up marrying a teacher!!??). Infact he just laughed at me for playing Scrabulous with Elizabeth on Facebook (which I thought was an way to hang out with a friend from a different city- he's just jealous...). LOvE scrabulous!

Another new fav- Apples to Apples. For those who haven't tried it- try it. Such a simple game, and so much fun! I had some girlfriends over the other night, and we had some wine, a nice dinner and played. Too fun!

MY all time fav- and my friends as well , is Loaded Questions. I receieved this as a birthday gift one year, and lttle did we know it would become the game everybody asks for! A must play to get to know each other very well!

I am quite a fan of differnt, new, quirky games that require little instruction and rules. I find these fare easier with the game hesitant personalities. Don't get me wrong, I love games like Cribbage, and Monopoly (I would play for days on end with my sisters), they just haven't been 'in the cards' these days.

My question to you, and I guess sort of a quest for more games out there... what are your favourites!?? Do comment and let me know some MUST PLAYS!

Happy Fall!

Its that time of year again. Our street is lined with beautiful changing trees, the mornings are brisk, the days get darker faster. Love it!. I can't believe summer is very much gone and winter is very much on its way.

Here are two photos - one taken around this time of year last year, and then the other day. The house is coming along eh? I can't wait for it to be done. The process has been so time consuming, but in the end, our house will be so cute and spectacular. My 'fall display' has also gotten significantly better over the years too I might say!

Ta- Da!

Yay!

After hours of playong around- I am so happy with my new blog layout!

Thanks to Liz for giving me the confidence to 'muck' around!

Thanksgiving


Took a trip out to Sooke for my dear cousin's celebration of life. Bridget left us way to early after battling cancer. It was one of those bitter sweet weekends. We managed to get nearly all the family out to Nana's in Saanichton (minus a few, including poor prego Jenn). It was nice to see everyone, especially after such a busy summer! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving diner, and plenty of time to visit. Thats the sweet part.
The bitter end was having to say a final "goodbye", or "see you later" to Bridge. Such ahard thig to do. I was so 'thankful' to have my family, and my amazingly supportive new husband by my side. All of us cousins , as she called us "the Motley Crew" we left some of her jewelery and other bits & pieces. I was able to wear some of her earrings that day. I found I had comfort rubbing them as I listend to the speakers and watched her life video.
It makes me think of how and when I will leave this place. A celebration is definately a great idea. Food (probably chips) and lots of laughter to chase away the tears.
So that was our weeknd. WELL worth the drive and crazy expensive ferry.

We miss you cous!
Such a fanstastic artist, a loving soul, and funny lady!

The Motley Crew- minus Jenn- imagine her in the space we left for her!

All the ladies- even Ginger

Me and my man- with puffy eyes!

Girl interupted- SARA!