Halloween

My kids have been antsy all week. They would literally sit in their seats just shaking up and down with huge grins on their faces. When I asked them what the deal was, they all would raise their voices to more than the "inside voice" level and say, "IT'S ALMOST HALLOWEEEEEN!" Needless to say, I was a little worried about how this day was going to unfold. This is what I imagined...28 uncontrollable ten-year olds all hopped up on crack cocaine (aka candy).

It all ended up being a success = a fun day for everyone. I got slightly nervous when my room parents didn't show up to run the party, but I improvised until they arrived. I really love my kids. I love seeing them in different situations. I love to see their emerging talents and their interests. Not every student loves school as much as I did when I was growing up. Each of my students is different and I love getting to know each of their personalities and strengths, as well as helping them out with their weaknesses.

I really love being a teacher. Every day is a new adventure. Teaching is hard work, and the children are not always pleasant or grateful…but that feeling you get when you reach a child, or when they finally understand a concept is utterly priceless. Every day presents a challenge to help both me and my students learn and grow.

For the record…these are my favorite trick-or-treaters…

and this is my favorite HAMBONE…starring as Indiana Jones.

Casey P

My life has changed a little bit since I last wrote on my blog. I used to wonder when...I used to wonder how...and now I wonder how I got so lucky. And by lucky, I really mean blessed.

Literally every waking moment and some sleeping ones (since September 19th and excluding work) have been spent with a young man named Casey P. Casey is the cheese to my macaroni. A lame metaphor, I know, but it is so true. We complement each other so well. I must admit that I have been experiencing that, "can't eat, can't sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of thing."

Everything we do is an adventure, no matter how great or small. Things are just fun with Case. He takes good care of me, too. He is a dedicated, hard worker and a team player. He is so great with kids. It makes me smile every day when we play with his nieces and nephews. A few weeks ago we both got out our "Bucket Lists" and shared those special things that we want to do before we die. No joke, the first 13 on his list were identical to mine. 'Ironic? Don'tcha think? It's like RAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNN...' Just kidding.

Did I mention that he lives one block away from where I work? Did I mention that we both graduated in April '08? Did I mention that we both love DC and want to live here? We go down to the monuments at least once a week. Life is good.

With all that said, now Case is leaving me for three weeks as he goes on a business trip!! "Three weeks, Casey, three weeks?!" Three-fourths of the time that I have known him, I have to be away from him, now! At least I will be able to be a good friend again (sorry, everyone, that I've been so lame), and I'll have tons of time to get ready for parent-teacher conferences and report cards. (JOY).

Welcome to Allie & Casey.

Love you, babe.


At the Capitals vs. Canucks Game! We won!


British Car Day! Fall is GORGEOUS here!


Hangin' out at the cabin.


Searching for pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.