Wednesday, September 30, 2015

What'cha Workin' On Wednesday ~Celebrating Homecoming Week ~~My Super Study Students are now Seniors

Some of you remember this photo from four years ago.
It was my new Freshmen Super Study Students.
I think it is my fifth Advocate/Super Study Group.

We bond over projects...
(sophomore year)

Pizza and Ice Cream.
(junior year)

And now...they are Seniors.
I think they are looking college ready.
Don't you?!

Take care,
~Natalie

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

More Wedding Talk ~The Mornng After...

It was well after midnight when the 
last of us were leaving the wedding reception.
The decorators and the employees from the venue 
were taking care of the clean up...

The flowers were simply beautiful.
I had picked up Amy's Matron of Honor Bouquet.
She let me take it back to our room.
(Thank you, honey)

I stuck it in water in our ice bucket on our nightstand.
It was the last thing I saw when I turned out the light...
and the first thing I saw in the early morning.

Hubby and I were "up and at 'em" fairly early...
we wanted to take care of the personal items 
that our family had there for the reception.

This was the scene that greated us.
The navy table linens and lace table runners 
were to come home with us...

We quickly developed a system for clearing the tables.
And, I couldn't help but think about what my MOB friend said when she
walked into a mess the next morning after her daughter's wedding...

She said, "It's evidence that everyone had fun!"

Sooo..while cleaning up, 
I would find an occasional perfect cupcake, forgotten.

And, to whomever left 
this baby rosebud in a glass of water,
You made this Mother of the Bride smile.

After clean-up, we met family and guests for continental breakfast.

Guests had to make their way to the airport...
hugs and safe travel wishes to family and friends.

Most of these folks will never, 
ever be back here again!

This time spent with our daughters and son-in-laws,
having lunch that Sunday Morning,
was another favorite part of my weekend.

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, September 28, 2015

Today was my Daddy's Birthday

Today was my daddy's birthday.
Yes, my parents celebrated their birthdays just five days apart.

He would be 97 years old.
I still miss his quiet presence in our family. 

Happy Birthday, Daddy.
I hope our little family makes you proud.

Take care,
~Natalie

Sunday, September 27, 2015

As American as Apple Pie ~First Day of Autumn

In celebration of the First Day of Autumn,
we made Apple Pie in my Foods Class.

For most, this is their first experience in making pastry,

and homemade pie filling.

It's pretty labor intensive...

but, the students did a good job.


The students invited guests.
They all enjoyed pie with ice cream.

Happy Fall, Y'All.

Take care,
~Natalie

Friday, September 25, 2015

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Today was my Mom's Birthday...

If you did the math, 
you figured out that she would be 95 years old today.

Alumni Days in our hometown was always 
a summer highlight for my mom.
This photo was taken the year she was honored to ride in the parade.
She was the oldest living alumna from Churchs Ferry High School.

Another sweet memory...
This was taken at her 90th Birthday Celebration.
Both of our daughters lived in the midwest 
and were able to join us for her party.

The women of our church presented her with this cozy quilt.

Happy Birthday, Mom and Grammy.
We miss you and we treasure the memories.

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, September 21, 2015

Monday Mania ~More Wedding Talk ~~Dance Like No One is Watching

After dinner, it was time to get the party started!

Hubby and I listened to several Father/Daughter dance songs, 
and we both agreed that
Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight" would be perfect.

"Yes, You're Lovely"...
(You really need to listen to the lyrics in my link below.)


Midway through the song,
the groom brought his mother to the dance floor.
A pretty special moment...

Then it was time for everyone 
to celebrate with the newlyweds.

Good girlfriends are a must...

No matter what your age!

Then, there was the bride's garter.

All of the single men played a round of musical chairs 
to see who would win the garter.

It came down to the groom's best friend from Boston
and the groom's 12 year old nephew.

Yep...you guessed it.
The young nephew has the garter!

It was a fun mix of family and friends.

Take care,
~Natalie

Saturday, September 19, 2015

TGIF ~ Where the Week Went ~~Homemade Cinnamon Rolls ~~Our School Resource Officer Visit ~~The Taser Demonstration

It is still dark when I leave for work in the mornings.
During my commute, I enjoy a beautiful sunrise along with 
an awesome display of color and cloud patterns.
Every day is different.

Speaking of patterns...

It was Yeast Bread Week in my Food Class.
Our dough was nearly perfect.
Students did their best to shape it and prepare it for the pan

And, after the rolls were baked, they looked amazing.

Plus, this week was Parent Teacher Conference Week.
It is always beneficial to visit with parents...
And we got to show off our new ATEC Academy.

We are fortunate to have a School Resource Officer in our building.
We looked forward to his guest presentation in my Personal Development class.

 There is never a lack of volunteers to be handcuffed.

We also get plenty of volunteers for the Taser Demonstration,
but we can't do that to a student!

During the Mock Traffic Stop, we discuss 
what you should and shouldn't do if you are pulled over.

After a few field sobriety tests,
this young lady is free to go!

Here's a quick look at the taser.
Thank you, Officer Carlson.

Have a Wonderful Weekend.

Take care,
~Natalie

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

More Wedding Talk ~The Cocktail Hour ~~Raise a Glass, A Toast to the Bride and Groom

After the ceremony, family and friends made their way 
to the reception venue.

The bride and groom designed their guestbook
using special photos taken during their dating years.

The mailbox collected cards...
Hubby built a crate for gifts.

Guests were to find their "party animal".
The bride and groom painted these...

The animals held our placecards.
Here's mine...a lion.

During the Cocktail Hour, 
a variety of beverages provided something for everyone.

Ice Water, with sliced lemons and limes
Golden Punch
Sun Tea

The Newlyweds offered special 
Signature Cocktails

His ~ The Dark and Stormy


Hers ~ The Blushing Bride
Cranberry Juice and Lemonade
with a Splash of Vodka

And then...just before dinner,
a very Special Toast from Best Man, Matt...

and from Best Man, Rob...

and from Matron of Honor, Amy.
(since I was so far away, I didn't get a good picture, so
I can't to see the professional photographer's photos.)

Next, from the Father of the Bride...

and, the Father of the Groom.

So much love for this bride and groom.

Take care,
~Natalie

Road Trip ~Day Three ~Burger Battle ~Sweet Shopping Highlights

Our last full travel day took us through four states… Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Including some Big Bridges over some Big ...