The Star (Wars) Shine Brighter in the Summer

At some point this year The Flash decided that Star Wars was it. He talked Star Wars. He played Star Wars. He chose his birthday party theme of Star Wars. He made light sabers frequently at his school's invention center.

One problem.

He'd never seen Star Wars. (Well, aside from watching all the video clips from Lego Star Wars).

We had told him that he was too young; the movie was too violent; he could see it when he was older. Eventually, we had to set a date. So the magical rite of passage would occur once he'd finished first grade.

He finished first grade earlier this week.

Guess who has been lured by the Dark Side already?

(In case you are unsure what to do with your Master's graduation robe? It makes for wonderful dress up clothes!)

And in solidarity with other Star Warians (if Star Trek fans are Trekkies, what are Star Wars fans called?), he tattooed himself with ink: Little known Episode 1.5: Star Wars-- The Colon Wars (Anakin battles the Dark Side of his GI tract)

After a brief biology lesson, The Flash was slightly embarrased at his typo. Because, as one friend noted, "I don't want to see the 'outcome' of that episode!"

Rory's Story Cubes: Story Telling skills

I've been asked to review a game recently that I'm really excited about. Unlike some of the random review requests I've had, this one actually is a language tool for my students!

Rory's Story Cubes is a set of nine solid dice with a different image on each side. There are infinite ways to play, and the GameWright website describes many ideas. One technique for the speech therapy session is for one child to roll a die and begin a story using the picture rolled. The next student rolls a different die and uses that image to continue on the story. Using this procedure, players can practice story elements: characters, setting, problem, events, resolution, conclusion.


For example, if my roll was the lightening bolt, I could begin my story, "Not long ago, a boy was born with a lightning shaped scar on his head." (Hmm... I wonder what The Flash is obsessed with?)

The next player may roll the magic wand and add, "He sensed from an early age that he had special powers. When he closed his eyes and concentrated, he could make the rain stop. When he stared at an object, it would move ever so slightly..."

Since the majority of my children with language delays are working on narrative skills, this game provides for a "fun" way to learn and improve their skills in a game setting. And because Rory's Story Cubes is visual, it is ideal for many of my students who struggle with auditory and reading vocabulary.

AND, there is even an app for my iPhone so that I can entice students (and my children) with the novelty of technology!

Overall, I am quite excited about this addition to my language activity cabinet. I may even take Rory's Story Cubes on my upcoming camping trip. The weather forecast is for (big surprise here)...rain. So my kids and I may be hanging out in the tent quite a bit. Telling lots and lots of stories.

Our reactions to rain

This is how Marvel Girl continues to feel after 5 weeks of almost continuous rain.

This is how Super Woman feels about the weather.

Questions?

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

The wonderful folks at CSN stores have offered me an indoor smoker to review. Which, as you will see, is perfect timing for all my indoor cooking needs. CSN stores has over 200 stores with products that range from cookware and toys to platform beds (I love the ones with drawers!). There are so many choices of items at great prices!



I knew that when I moved to the Pacific Northwest there would be a lot of rain in the winter. My first winter in fact had a record number of days without sun.

But this? Is. Ridiculous.


My flowers have fallen to the ground with the weight of the rain.
I haven't weeded in over a month (ai yah!).
Seasonal Affective Disorder has kicked back into full gear.
I daily check the extended weather report with hopes of a "partly-cloudy" forecast.

Lots of rain, means lots of cooking.

I may have to whip up another batch of these to give to my auction winner.


And so of couse I am eagerly anticipating this so I can try smoking some yummy meat inside. Because heaven knows I wouldn't want to try cooking outside right now!


Have you ever used a smoker before? What should I try first? And do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?

Think Beyond The Label

The ADA has started a new campaign, Think Beyond The Label. I saw this commercial at the gym last week and knew I had to share.

Made me laugh. Made me ponder. Made me think of Professor X.

Auctionable Cookies. Year 2. Month 1.

I have a new favorite cookie cooking blog. Picky Palate has won me over. And I am determined to eventually try all the dessert healthy recipes.

Check out these scrumptious treats that I made for my new auction winner!

Brownie Swirled Peanut Butter Oreo Cookies. 'nuff said.



If you need to find me this summer, I'll be in the kitchen. (Or the gym.)

And I'm not even slightly bitter that summer has started for many school districts across the country. Because I only have 12 more days with students. That's all. Only 12 more looooooooong days. But who's counting, right?