Insert Title Here. (I can't think of one.)

It's conference week at school again. Students have early release and teachers meet with parents. I've chosen to do home visits with the families that I did not visit in the fall--and I'm having a great time! I feel like I'm finally getting the feel for third grade.

Following one of my friend's favorite formats (nice alliteration, huh?) I've compiled a list of the fun things that happened at school and conferences yesterday.

1. Reading up to the very last chapter of the BFG, by Roald Dahl, and leaving the kids totally hanging because the bell was about to ring.
2. Listening to one of my students scream and cry hysterically over something that he didn't like. And watching him stop in .437 seconds after I said, "I choose not to discuss this with you when you're crying and yelling." Kids are so dramatic!
3. Eating "peek-sah" with one of my students after her conference at her home.
4. Telling one of my boys and his mother a story that included the word "fart."
5. Witnessing that one of my students still has his "Eric* is special" poster hanging on his bedroom wall...from when he was in my first grade class!
6. Showing parents where their kids are at academically, and remembering where they started almost three years ago when they came to my class on the first day of first grade. (I LOVE having repeat students!!)
7. Having a student remind me that I don't need a baby** because he's one of my 23 kids. "WE are your kids, Mrs. H!"

*Name has been changed to protect the adorable.

**Students are frequently confused that I'm in my 20's, married, and have no children. Not even a baby?! This is the explanation my third graders have embraced.

Mauwige

My best friend in the world is engaged! Which means that I have a chance to repay her all the blood, sweat, and tears that she invested in MY wedding! The above pic was taken when she went wedding dress shopping. It's one of the maaannnyy she tried on. Amazingly, the first day, at the first store, she found It. The. Dress. The Perfect Dress of Her Life.

Now comes the hard part--leaving it in the closet for four months. But it will be worth it!

She'll be the most gorgeous bride!

Top 'O the Mornin' to Ya.

Tamales!

One of my students and her mother dropped by my house the other day. This is what they wanted to give me. A bag of fresh, HOT, delicious, spicy tamales.

I have always been a fan of this Mexican delicacy. And let me make it clear that these were the most delicious tamales I have ever tasted. They were so hot that the masa around the tender chicken was still smooth as butter. Underneath the corn husk wrappers, each one was drenched in a spicy green sauce that added just the right amount of kick.

I decided then and there that I could live on tamales alone for the rest of my life. So I'm waiting for the perfect opportunity to ask the mother if she could teach me how to make them...

Blooms and Blossoms!

About a week ago, Beanball and I took a nice walk around the neighborhood, documenting all the beautiful spring flowers...in February!

There were the typical classics...crocuses, daffodils...

But my very favorite are the gorgeous blossoms! The bright pink are from the Japanese Quince. I can't wait to plant one in my yard! Amazing!

I love Spring!

I've been up for an hour and a half. I had great plans to collage all of my photos of the beautiful spring blossoms around the neighborhood! But alas, my plans did not work out as conveniently as I had hoped. For now, here's a shot of the forsythia...that's almost bloomed out this first week of March! (It's not taken in my yard, but within walking distance!)