Happy Halloweenie 2015!!  A spooky holiday is only made better when it falls on a Saturday (AND "fall back" the clocks?  Whoop whoop!!)  This year, Harper chose to be Catwoman/spy (but refused to wear her costume) and Bennett was a creepy Grim Reaper guy (but not the Grim Reaper). 

We continued the tradition of celebrating with GrandMummy and

Grampy,

our favorite backdoor neighbors

and Little Cesar's.  This year, Bennett's friend Andrew, joined us

 and being a country kid, he was quite excited for the candy overload the suburbs would provide.  It was a beautiful evening, with people filling the streets. 

And the kids are pretty much a perfect age - they ran from house to house - I just wish I would have given them glow sticks.  Pretty sure we lost them a time or two... 

But, they always came back.

Friday night.  We made it (although it was questionable at times).  The kids went to bed early, and the evening was spent perfectly - with the bearded man in fuzzy socks,

bags and bags of candy and a little laundry therapy.  

Sweet sweet BlueB(eauty).  You were the best car ever.  By far, my very favorite of all the cars we have purchased (and that's a long list).  I will forever remember you and the memories created from the miles and miles traveled.

  So long, old friend.  You will be missed.

Today was a really really big day for 2 reasons.

Number 1: It was the first snow. (Ok, I really hate to keep coming back to this "perfect storm" of a week for educators and their beloved students, but really Mother Nature???  You just had to throw the very first snow into this week??  So cruel.)

Number 2: Bennett Daniel learned how to play chess "For real, Mom.".  He's been playing for years, a modified version, but not any more.  Bennett sat down with his friend at KidStop and picked up the theory in a short 30 minutes.  Andy and Bennett have played 3 games, and the Boy has won every single time. "For real, Mom.  Daddy's not even letting me win."

 And, Daddy wasn't letting him win - I could tell by the look on his face (and the cursing under his breath...).

If necessary, reread yesterday's post for review.  Apparently, teachers around the state are experiencing the same intense behavior phenomenon.  I knew this to be true when Mrs. Ray showed up - unannounced - on a Tuesday night.

 At least dinner was planned.

I often think that I should have written my master's thesis on how barometric pressure and moon phases effect the energy (and behaviors) of an elementary school classroom.  It is a real phenomenon, and my teacher friends can corroborate my story.  We are entering the perfect storm, people.

Oh - AND day light savings time. Wish us luck. Lots and lots of luck.

Time to tackle the laundry room!!  AP awoke motivated for a project, and I jumped at the chance to paint my second favorite room in the house.  The wish list: beachy blueish walls, dark cabinent moved over the sink to create room for a hanging rod, a wood shelf topping the laundering machines and some crisp clean artwork.  Stay tuned for the "afters"!

A ho-hum Saturday in Morningstar became much more exciting when our Besties came to visit!!  It's been forever - months and months - since T and Lo traveled to the 'burbs.  We had the perfect fall day complete with presents,

crafts,

pumpkins and seeds,

and hot toddies and crochet. These Littles love each other,

(although, B got the most attention from Lola, which made Harper a bit sad, and I just dreamed of the future drama this crew will create...) and we just can't wait to see what the Nut adds to our family.

One beautiful sunny day - I don't remember when - Harper asked to do crafts. I told her it was too nice to stay inside and crafts were saved for rainy days. Harper remembered this, vividly. So now, on every single rainy day - even if it's just a sprinkle, she proclaims, "It's CRAFT DAY!!!"

Obviously, there was some precipitation after school today - but she did complete her homework, before the cutting began.

There are so many things I love about fall - cooler temperatures, crispy leaves, cracklings fires, and boots with socks - but one of my ultimate favorites is toddies

with this hottie.

In honor and recognition of Unity Day, students at ORE were asked to dress in orange. Orange is the color that represents the anti-bully movement that public schools across the nation have embraced. Educators strive to teach students empathy, and empowerment. I found Bennett in the kitchen, saying in his slowest, deepest voice - "don't be a bully..."

Bully alert! Bully alert!!

Class of 2025

Class of 2028