Mel's Box of Chocolates

So tomorrow, my family and I are off on a bus trip. Here's a clue to where you can find us. We're planning on visiting her. Then Zoe has a birthday gift certificate from Gramma and Grampy that she will be spending here. Dylan has decided that if he has to go to the store above then he gets to go to the biggest Toys R Us ever and ride on this. Yes, that Ferris Wheel is inside the store. Of course since we will already be in Times Square I will have to also go buy some treats from you know where. I can't wait to go!! My parents and brother are coming along and this is the first time that Dave will have joined us on a NY trip. This is also the first time I have ever seen the Statue of Liberty except from a long distance which is also very exciting. I am sure I will have lots of pictures to share next week! Do you have any plans for the weekend?

So I haven't been a great blogger lately I admit. Instead of posting, or visiting, or even twittering, I have had my nose stuck in a book...and have enjoyed every minute of it. I'm happy to report that I finished the 3rd book in the Twighlight series today. It was awesome!! Now I am impatiently waiting for my 4 th book to make it to me in the mail soon. One of my twittering buddies saw me talking about it and asked if I would like the extra copy she had. Was that super sweet or what??? I can't wait to get it. I'm hoping it will come tomorrow because we are going on a big road trip on Saturday and it would be nice to have something to read on the way. I'm curious about all of you out there. Have you read these books? Are you in love with Edward too? Have you heard about the books, but decided not to read them? Why not? Talk to me, people!!

Every four years I am thankful that I am a teacher. Why? Because that means it's election year and I get one more day off in November. Woohoo . Even better is that Election Day falls on a Tuesday which is Dave's normal day off, which in turn means...FAMILY DAY! We started the morning by sleeping in. Okay by "we" I really mean "me" and don't tell, but I really wasn't sleeping I was just trying to read some more chapters of Eclipse. The kids and Dave were up pretty early, but I refused to get out of bed. I got up just in time to get a shower, grab a cup of coffee, and go to Zoe's gymnastics/dance class. This was the first class I have ever gotten to watch since it is usually daddy's job to take her. I like that he and Zoe have some time together, but I do miss watching her. I was super lucky today because usually the parents have to stay downstairs while the girls go upstairs to dance, but today we were all allowed to watch. Zoe did such a gre...

Now if you don't know, I love reading. I think that is partly why I am such a great reading teacher (yeah, modest too). I truly have a passion for reading. I love curling up with a no brainer book, visiting faraway places, and going on journeys in my imagination. Which brings to me to my latest book addiction...The Twilight Series. I kept hearing everybody talking about the series, but must admit that I wasn't too keen on the sound of it. Vampires aren't really my thing! Then last week I was walking in WalMart and saw the book right by the checkout. Being the impulse buyer that I am I put it on the belt and thought I would at least keep an open mind. About six hours later I had a very open mind although my husband and kids probably wouldn't agree as I finished the entire book last Sunday!! Once I started I just couldn't put it down. I found myself doing the whole "just one more chapter." Of course when I finished the first book I knew the second ...

It was a beautiful night for trick or treating. We started the evening with a big bowl of chili, cornbread muffins, and fresh baked cookies with neighbors and friends. Then it was off to the neighbors houses. We were accompanied by a "witch fairy" and "Jango Fett" (I have no idea if that is spelled correctly). Isn't that the cutest witch you've every seen. Before heading out they had to compare their weapons to see which was more effective. Star wars blaster or witch wand? Hmmmm. They had a blast walking up to everybodys house and getting treats. They scored a book with a mug and cocoa from one house, another was giving out dollar bills, and of course they came home with bags full of candy. It was a great night, full of wonderful treats and not any tricks. Well besides the one where my son walked into a bush and then broke into tears because everybody was laughing at him. I know, not a nice mommy, but really how can somebody walk into a bush??? You would hav...

NOVEMBER! I can't believe it's here already. As November rolls in though, I am greeting it with mixed emotions. On one side I am excited because it means the beginning of the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas tree hunting, decorating, baking, presents, oh and I can't forget Dylan's birthday in the middle of it all. On the other hand though, I'm a bit apprehensive about it. Why? Because this is is the month when I find out if I passed my National Board Certification for teachers or not. They never give us a date, just tell us sometime before Thanksgiving. Last year my friend just got an email saying that scores would be posted the following day at midnight. Aaaagggghhhh. They say it determines if you truly have a Happy Thanksgiving or...I'm not going to think about the or, k? I keep trying to tell myself that it will be okay if I don't pass. I know it really will be, but how much would it stink if I have to redo some portions of t...