Monday Miscellaneous

Monday Morning...back to school...only 12 days left of the term. I felt a little less stressed at school today, knowing that I had gotten a lot done at home this weekend. I added ribbon and beads to my tree downstairs...is it better?

Tommy has some new batteries and is in place to greet everyone who comes into the foyer. "We're glad you're here"..."Come on in it's warm inside"...

I spent a few hours at the mall and was able to find some gifts. Of course I can't show you, cause that would ruin the surprise.

Meanwhile...at home...my assistants were discussing where to use this new garland.

The traditional garland adorns the stairway.
Come back tomorrow to see where we decided to use the new pieces.

So have you ever tried to obtain a money order in the United States when your banking account is in Norway? Let me tell you it's not easy...

...but between the USPS postmaster, the ATM machine and our bank teller...we are one step closer...

These Christmas Spice cookies were made by my blog friend Robin from Bittersweet Punkin.

They looked so delicious I just had to try them. And they are super easy...please visit her sweet blog to find out her secret.

TGIF & So Much to Do Saturday

I am so happy that it is Friday. I am looking forward to a weekend of decorating, laundry, baking, cleaning, shopping, cooking, creating, wrapping, visiting, ...just hanging out by the Christmas tree...

Yesterday was one of those 14 hour work days...yes, I was at school from 7:15 a.m. till 9:15 p.m. ...
Yes, it was parent/teacher conferences...yes, I am tired...

What do you all have planned?

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Whatcha Workin on Wednesday?

The Christmas Trees...Tonight, we are decorating our Christmas trees...

I absolutely love the Christmas trees. This one...upstairs... has lots of lights...


... and green and red bulbs.


It is simple, primitive, and oh, so, wonderful. The warmth and soft glow of the lights provides the perfect place to relax and to reflect on all that is important in life...

Downstairs...

...I like the simplicity of this tree...

And this tree is decorated with the all of our child-like ornaments...Sesame Street, kittens, candy canes, egg carton bells, snowmen, angels...

A perfect place for Line to sit and work on her school work...

Christmas

is such a magical

time of the year!

Monday Mania

Did anyone else have a hard time getting up and out today?

Why is the alarm going off?? snooze button

What day is it??? snooze button

Where do I have to go today???? snooze button

What time is it????? snooze button

Oh...My...Gosh! Gotta Get Up...

I felt just a little bit behind all day!!

Please Say It Isn't So

The holiday weekend went sooo fast. It was wonderful to have the girls and their guys here. I wish I could have stopped the clock...frozen time...to make it last a little longer...


But duty calls...most of our guests have gone home...
...Everyone must be in class tomorrow morning. These two had a seven hour drive, left shortly after 9 a.m.





These two can make it home in a little less than three hours, so finished some homework and laundry before they loaded their car.



So our final hugs and well wishes...

It's going to be quite a while before these four are together here for a holiday at the same time again...

I treasure the time we spent together this

Thanksgiving Weekend.

Black Friday and Thanksgiving Memories

Call us Crazy...well, only half crazy, as

we did not go out with those who were first in line when the stores opened at 4 a.m...

...We waited until after 6 a.m...and I'd say we still did very well. By lunch time we had plenty of bags...

...gifts for family and friends.

I hope everyone had a special Thanksgiving day with loved ones.

I had plenty of help in the kitchen. These two were the 'contestants' in the potato peeling competition.

Cleaning the remaining turkey from the carcass is a tedious job...so one must maintain a sense of humor.

These grandmas have prepared and cleaned up after many a Thanksgiving meal, so they deserve to relax over pie and a second cup of coffee.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen...the next generation has stepped up to handle the clean-up responsibilities.



A lovely hand-made card and these wonderful treats greeted me in the early hours of the morning, as I came to the kitchen to prepare the turkey.
Thank you for the heart-warming surprise.

Greetings from our house to yours this Thanksgiving weekend.

Enjoy your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving

Best Wishes to everyone for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Welcome Home Week

We all look forward to Thanksgiving. It is my favorite holiday because it is all about family and giving thanks for all of our blessings. Amy and Seth are on fall break from classes and arrived on Monday.

Line and I are still in school, but we've had our evenings together.

Ken and My Mom arrived yesterday. He is leaving again to spend time with his family, but we enjoyed dinner together again last evening.

We are looking forward to having Emily and Jake join us after their classes later today.

Then our family celebration will be complete!

The Best Boyfriends

Speaking of Blog Worthy...I must remind you that there are three special young, and young-at-heart, men that I am quite, quite fond of...
You've met them all in previous blog posts, but this one is all about them.

Emily met Jake during their first year in college. The freshman men and women's dorms share a dining center...




Jake is Emily's calming force when she is stressing about her strenuous course load, work, and living arrangements.

Jake's family lives on the West Coast, so they are apart during the summer and major holidays, but they still manage to spend some quality time together.

Jake also has a strong work ethic and ambitious goals for the future.

And speaking of ambitious young men...Amy met Seth during their first year of graduate school.

They are both studying to be a Physician's Assistant. This, their 2nd year, is very rigorous, so they provide excellent support for each other.





While studying takes most of their time, I know that they find time for fun and relaxation, as well.

We are looking forward to having Jake and Seth here with us as we celebrate Thanksgiving together.

Last, but not, least, is another boyfriend (I mean gentleman friend) that is such a gem. And did I mention that he is 90?!

He lives across the street from my mom and they are wonderful companions. He takes her to eat at the church rummage sale...

In fact, since she doesn't drive anymore, he takes her every place she needs to go...the hair salon, medical appointments, the bank, senior exercise class...


He even brings her here and will do so again this week...weather permitting. So pray that the snow in the forecast stays away...

This week...Thanksgiving week...

as I count all my blessings,

I am thankful that these three men have come into our lives.

TGIF & the "Blog Worthy" Judge

What is "Blog Worthy"...and what is not? And...who decides?? This week, I have blogged very little. I have sat here with my laptop every evening...with the "I've got nothing" feeling.
And... ...then...I'm not sure if it was late last night or early this morning, that I realized that it's not "nothing" but it's that "I've got everything" feeling.


My family is most important to me. My hubby would go to the ends of the earth for any of his 'girls'. He cooks on the grill. He works on the house. And he helps me with our crafts.
Our daughters strive for excellence...in the classroom, and through their organizations.


Our new Norwegian daughter has come into our lives this fall and taught us a new culture and kept life interesting.

This week...

Thanksgiving week...

we reflect on all that we are thankful for. My family is at the top of my list.

Monday Memories

Saturday's Happenings

State Football Championship Weekend
This is so much more than our team playing a football game...it is about the experience...working hard...supporting one another. It was the place to be for our students this weekend.
Line has two very sweet friends, Allison and Sadie. They traveled together and slept at Allison's grandma's house.

It was actually the place to be for parents, teachers, and fans, as well...Hubby and I traveled to Sioux Falls Friday after work. We stayed downtown...did a little shopping...and discovered a fabulous little place for lunch. It is called Mama Lada's Enchiladas. It is a tiny little place that has perfected the enchilada...you may order beef (spicy) or chicken (more mild)...a full or half serving...

The chips and Homemade Salsa are complimentary...Homemade Guacamole is available only a few days each week...and Saturday was my lucky day!

A small but cozy little place. We enjoyed our lunch date.

But on to the Dome...

The 'dome' is on the campus of USD...


It makes for a more comfortable climate for playing and watching football here in the Dakotas.

Our team took the field...

The starting line-up...

It is tough to capture the atmosphere there...it was electrifying! You can see the Washington student section in orange. Our student section in white. Yes, they are a much larger school and they live much closer to Vermillion.

I have gotten to know several players, as their teacher. Two of them made our local newspaper...Here's Cody (#55)...

And Evan (#23)...

Our boys played so well...They went into the game as the underdogs. The other team was bigger in size and deeper (so many of our players need to play both offense and defense), and they were expected to totally dominate the game.

Well, we scored first...and we still led at the end of 3 quarters, but just could not hang on to win. Our boys were spent. They need to feel good about the game, they sportsmanship they displayed and their spectacular season.

Things in my House Thursday & Dome Bound

With the holidays approaching, Line received a package from home filled with special treats so that we may have a taste of her family's Christmas traditions. We have already had a sampling of the cookies and candy. I am especially looking forward to the soups...as this is one of my favorites.









A very nice handwritten note from Mary Ann explained that these little creations were made by Oystein's mum, Line's grandma. They are little hand-crafted star like ornaments hanging on a red ribbon. Line was quick to tell me that everyone hangs those in their window during the holiday season...so I promptly attached it to the wreath on our front door.

Isn't it just the sweetest little addition?

There was much more in the package, but I can't show you just yet.

You see, there are little gifts for my daughters,

and I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!

Some Excitement in School
With Football and Volleyball teams both on their way to state tournaments, the mood around school is high...the 500 student tickets allotted to our student body were sold out by mid-week. Also for sale...TShirts and Spirit towels...
A last minute pep assembly was held at the end of the day. We have an amazing band, which, by the way, is directed by a good friend of ours.
A few words praise from our head principal...

A yelling contest between the grades, led by the cheerleaders and class leaders

The head football and volleyball coaches were called on to judge.


There was a tie between Juniors and Seniors...so there was a yell-off...

And the Juniors won...unheard of...

I have to admit they were pretty loud...

The volleyball team introduced themselves...



And some of the Senior football players represented their team. Both groups created and performed a cheer...I wish I could have gotten a photo. It was definately a Kodak Moment.

All in all...It was a great end to our week

and a great send-off to our team, their parents, and fans.

Safe travels, everyone.

Honoring Our Veterans

Today...Veteran's Day is one of my favorite days at school, as it is by far, my most favorite school assembly. You can go back to read my blog post from Veterans Day 2008 and to see a picture of my Daddy.

This year I want to feature my mom's gentleman friend, Ken. He is 90 years old and is such a gem. Since my dad died in 1988, I am happy that my mom has found a wonderful companion in Ken. He also served in WWII and was interviewed by our hometown newspaper last November. You can read the article here.

Since Line was still not feeling well, she missed another day of school and our Veteran's Day Assembly...So I took some pictures so she could see what went on...Here are my students...ready to be called to the arena during 2nd Block.

The Veterans and their families in attendance are seated on the main floor of the arena.

The Musical selections by the all-city chorus always take my breath away. These are elementary school children...they are just babies...and it sounds like angels are singing!
Most of the student body sits here in this area. I was again, proud of them and the respect they showed to our visitors.

Most moving is the band's Salute to the Armed Forces...and those who have served in each branch of the military stand and be recognized...they and their families are so proud.

Thank you to all who have served our country

and to your families who have sacrificed so much.

Top of the Morning, Central Volleyball News & Tuesday's Tip of the Day

We are having the most beautiful weather...our Indian Summer. Once again, I enjoyed this beautiful sunrise during my morning commute.

The Central Volleyball team won our conference and the district play-offs and is now on their way to the State Tournament. Just days ago, I reported that our football team is going to state...what a great year for our athletes!

Congratulations, Golden Eagles!!

Tuesday's Tip of the Day

Our newspaper is delivered in this little plastic sleeve...every...single...day. This is much appreciated. It keeps all the newspaper inserts together and it keeps the newspaper dry when it is raining or snowing.

But what does one do with all those empty plastic sleeves??

My drawer is overflowing...

Well, for one...my thermos fits perfectly inside. Just once, my thermos leaked in my school bag...just a little, and some papers got wet... While they weren't important papers, it would be very unprofessional to return student papers with coffee stains.

Anyway, I'm sure I'm not the only person who receives a nifty plastic sleeve every day.

I'd love to hear what you do with yours~

Attn: All Yarn Artists

Whether you knit or crochet, you are going to be green with envy.

The most fabulous yarn shop is located in my backyard...Yesterday I walked there in less than 5 minutes. That's my house on the right...walk a half block...turn...walk a half block...and there's Betty's on the left...
Betty's Loft that is...just open the front door...leave your coat and shoes in the foyer and head up stairs...But first...check out all the eye candy. Yesterday these sweet felted chickens in a pot on the table caught my attention.

Often Betty's hubby is watching football with Linus.

Some of the most beautiful rich colors and textures can be found amongst the yarns in Betty's Loft. Check out her blog here...her Etsy store here...and her website here.


But it's best to go in person, as Betty will give personalized instructions, free patterns and motivational advice. Here she is in her studio...

Back home again...and with Betty's help, I now have needles, yarn and a pattern to create the latest fashion trend...A knit Cowl Neck Warmer....

We...Are...Going...To...The...Dome!!!

The Senior girls are serious football fans. To stand in the front row you must get there early. It was an absolutely beautiful night for football. The stadium was filled with the home crowd.

The game was close...a nail-biter to the finish, but Central won 21 to 17. Our boys are undefeated this season. They will play in the State Championship game in the dome on the campus of USD.

Neither Line nor Lexi enjoy football and were content to stay home to watch TV and play computer games. Line received her care package from her family today...lots of holiday candy and cookies. It was a Norwegian treat for any sweet tooth!

TGIF ~ A Redneck Night on the Town

Thank Goodness It's Friday...the end of the week...we all made it...time to relax...and does anyone really wants to get dressed up for a night out? So we climbed into the redneck pick-up and drove out to the outskirts of town...Big Fella's is the name of the redneck place....
Here is Big Fella himself...and maybe his Grandma...making our dinner. The place was busy... lots of hunters, actually.



We sat at a tall table...put money in the juke-box...visited with long lost neighbors...ate salad bar from styrofoam plates...and had some of the best beef in South Dakota.

How did you spend your Friday Night?

Whatcha Workin on Wednesday?

It is time to pack away the Halloween Decor and prepare for Thanksgiving.

I still have some turkeys, pumpkins and pilgrims for sale in my Etsy shop. If you are invited out, the little pumpkins would make a great hostess gift...

The weather has been awesome...I guess you could call this our 'Indian Summer'...

...Callie is usually quick to check out the outdoors...and this weekend...even Chicken Lucy went out to the driveway!

Sooo...tonight I finished clearing off the bed in Emily's room...

Since I have two Etsy shops... and Line has taken over Amy's room...this has been my spot to spread out the items I have listed in my shops...

But now, I am happy to report that this room is again ready for sleeping...and I am ready to have some girls sleeping here again!

Monday Memories

We all attend a family reunion on my Mom's side of the family every 5 years. This is the first reunion I can remember. I was perhaps only 8 years old. This is a picture of my Grandma with all of her grandchildren...my cousins. Can you find me?

Do you see my Grandma laughing in this photo? I don't think I can ever remember her looking this happy. And my mom...she's holding the mop handle...She must have been in charge of the clean-up crew. Most of my aunts and uncles have passed away...my mom is the oldest living member of our family. She had her 89th birthday in September.

Halloween Happenings

We celebrated Halloween with our American Family Traditions...it was a fun day...filled with more treats than tricks!

The High School students had a Halloween dance last evening. Zach came by after work and Line rode with him. It sounds like a good time was had by all who attended.

The sun was shining today...for a change!

Hubby had to go to five places before he found pumpkins for sale...but it was worth it...

These are perfect. Almost too pretty to cut into!


Scooping out the insides is perhaps the most work...

Carving a Jack-O-Lantern is something that the girls have always done with their dad...





This is the first year I carved my own pumpkin. I think it is Line's first Jack-O-Lantern too...

We had some special trick or treaters this evening. Little Vikings cheerleader was here with her mom and dad.

Later, our special family friends, Kari and Lexi, were here. Every young girl has been a witch for Halloween at least once...but I don't think I've ever seen a witch's costume quite this cute!

And the Pumpkin Seeds...one can't let those go to waste. They are sooo good and good for you too!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

2 tsp. olive oil

salt

garlic powder ~ optional

cayenne pepper ~ optional

seasoning salt ~ optional

cajun seasoning ~ optional

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Wash pumpkin seeds. Toss in a bowl with the oil and seasonings of your choice. Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Happy Halloween

What are your plans?

Going out??

Staying home???

Best wishes for a safe evening filled with warm memories.

TGIF & The Purple Cow

Ok...first of all...what's wrong with parents these days? None of my high school students had heard The Purple Cow poem...are parents not reciting these silly poems to their kids anymore?? I see 120 students a day and none of them would admit that they knew this poem. Perhaps that would not have been cool... ...But the Purple Cow was a hit...the Purple Cow drink that is...We made them today in my Fitness for Life class along with our Whole Wheat Pancakes...nutritious and delicious...

The Purple Cow
1 cup milk

1/2 cup grape juice concentrate

1/2 cup 7up

1 chunk ice cream

ice cubes
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

I never saw a purple cow,

I never hope to see one;

But I can tell you anyhow,

I'd rather see, than be one.

Who's that at the Grocery Store?

Most of you know I go to the grocery store nearly every morning. I teach Foods classes at our high school and this is the best time for me to get lab supplies...this guy has been hanging out in the dairy section for about a week now. He startles me every time I come around the corner and walk that way...

Today I decided to go up and introduce myself. His green eyes are a bit eerie...don't you think?

Out with the Old...In with the New

This weekend I said good-bye to my old red Taurus...I have driven this car for twelve years. We purchased her in 1997. Emily was 8; Amy was 12. It's really not the car that makes me feel sentimental, but all the memories...

In this car we drove to swim team work-outs, to the dance studio, to tennis and golf lessons; to gymnastics and basketball practice.

In this car we went to Discovery, Peer Ministry, SADD and Teen Court Activites. One summer I kept track of how many miles I drove around town, delivering car pools of kids to their events...the average...45 miles a day. She was faithful...She was paid for...but, she was old...
So...I said good-bye to my car. And...hubby said hello to a pick-up. I think he has always secretly wanted one...do you see how seriously he is taking this drive?

Within 24 hours of owning the pick up, we are hauling leaves to the landfill...This pickup will earn her keep.

Sooo...hubby now drives his redneck pickup...and I am driving the Trailblazer. Am I complaining?? Absolutely not...the Trailblazer has an AutoStart...and you all remember the winter we had last year!!