{October Flashback}

October was a very busy month at Casa de Mall. I had truly hoped to wrap up October activities before November decided to move in but as you can see, that didn't happen. Although I tend to be away from time to time, my MIA status doesn't mean that I can’t share “old” news. 

My new motto in life these days: 

“Better late than never!”

Way back at the beginning of October, we attended the annual Fall Festival that is held at our church. This has become one of my favorite events. We became a part of the Holy Trinity family shortly after we moved here a little over 2 years ago. Two short years but it feels like we have been family forever!

Blessing the Church Garden 

Fall Festival day was the same day that Bry’s BETA induction ceremony was held. For those of you who don't know, BETA is an organization that promotes the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership and community service. The BETA motto is "Let Us Lead by Serving Others." Students are awarded membership based on their grades and character traits. Bry has become very involved in her BETA duties. She has to complete 50 hours of community service by the end of the year. One of her favorite ways to earn hours is by volunteering at local elementary schools, especially the one that her sister and brother attend. The induction ceremony is a tradition that has taken place since BETA was first founded. It was such an honor to be able to watch her and a few of my favorite “teenagers” take on this new role in their lives.

The month of October marked the end of the first 9 weeks grading period. For the first time since Bry started Kindergarten, I missed out on her honor roll assembly. I was sad that I couldn't be there for her. As she walked out the door that morning she offered me a few kind words. “Don't worry about me, you have a bunch of first graders who need you to help them get their first real A.” Okay, really?!?!? How many 12 year olds think like that???? Of course after saying that, she looked at me and said “Besides, I’m going to be all covered in dead people cooties and you really won’t want to hug me anyways!”

You see, the 7^th graders went on a field trip to one of the local cemeteries that day. I wish I had pictures to share but the students weren't allowed to bring any electronics on their trip.

I was able to sneak out of my class for a few minutes in order to watch Miss Kalyssa receive her all “A” honor roll award and her Terrific Kid award. This is the third year in a row that she has earned both awards in the first 9 weeks of school.

Mr. Trav didn't make it these 9 weeks. I had a hard time figuring out why because he was doing great on all of his tests. We did manage to get to the bottom of it and I do believe that he has learned his lesson. Let me just share how different my children truly are. Trav was sad about not making the honor roll this time but only because he won't get to take his report card over to the arcade to earn his free play time! 

True story, I am not ashamed to admit that I will hold the arcade visit over his head!!!

Fast forward to Pumpkin Light Night. If you have been a follower of my blog, then you know just how much I have always loved this yearly event that is held at school. This year was a little different. Why??? Well, I was able to participate not only as a parent but also as a teacher. Granted by the time the day arrived, I was kind of over the whole thing. Although very tiring, it was fun to watch the excitement of my class. They were so proud of their work and they all agreed that we had the BEST display even if we didn't win. Of course our first grade competition was very steep! My kids parents worked really hard at putting my classroom display together. I feel very fortunate to have such wonderful room moms!

This year, Trav had to write a book report and then create a pumpkin to go along with his report. He chose “Always in Trouble” by Corrine Demas. Toby the dog is one our favorite book characters. Trav was very excited to share this book with his classmates.

Kalyssa’s class did a theme that included Star Wars characters. Kalyssa had to create the most renowned and powerful Jedi Masters in galactic history also known as Yoda. When it came to this pumpkin, I gladly stepped aside and let the force be with Daddy.

Mrs. Berry’s Bunch won first place for the third grade wing!

The end of Pumpkin Light Night only means one thing around here,

Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet!

How do you know you have a teenager in your house? Trick or treating becomes way more fun with friends rather than hanging out with mom, dad, and your siblings!! Yup, this year Bry ventured out on her own, well without us! 

I guess I should still be grateful that I still have two kids who think trick-or-treating with mom and dad is fun!!!

One final thought

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