What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~Senior Class Meeting ~For the Last Time

Students are required to attend one class meeting per term...

that's four per year for four years.

Somehow it feels like we have done this more than 16 times,

but regardless...this one was their last.

The topic was Graduation.

Yes, I think they're ready!

Congratulations, Class of 2016.

Let's Finish Strong!

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Mania ~Well, How Would You Describe Your Perfect Date?

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. I love this movie!

Things in my House Thursday...Sunshine!

I love to feel the warmth of the sun after a long, dreary winter.

The sun was shining brightly on our patio. 

The breeze is still too chilly to sit outside, but I look forward to May 

when hubby and I can sit out on the patio after work.

Would you like to see what is on my plate rack this spring?

This is the top tier...

Middle tier...

and the bottom tier.

Little chickies basking in the sunshine.

Sunshine on my vintage dress form...

Sunshine on my Target bear...

Sunshine on my spring rabbit...

Sunshine on my coffee table...

and Sunshine on my kitchen window sill.

Goodness, I can't wait until school is out and 

I can clean the screens and wash the windows!

We all know how much cats love a patch of sunshine.

It's tough to get a good picture of Lucy.

Callie is a bit more photogenic!

Thank you, Kelly, for this sweet card.

I hope you are all enjoying a little sunshine this spring!

Take care, 

~Natalie

What'cha Workin' On Wednesday ~Well, It's About School Right Now ~~But, I Can't Help Think About Vacation...

Just twenty-two days of school left...

but, who's counting?!

So much curriculum, so little time,

and we can't let spring fever slow the pace!

This week, in my Foods class, we are cooking with grains...

homemade macaroni and cheese.

This is just the best recipe, 

I can't believe I haven't posted it on my cooking blog.

I'll have to take care of that!

In my CTE Fashion class, students are learning to knit.

They have found yarns in fun spring colors to make Infinity Scarves.

We focused on learning the knit stitch last week...

all 36 students mastered the technique in two days.

Already, five students have finished their scarves!

Enough about school.

Later this spring, hubby and I are taking the trip of our lifetime.

This past weekend we did a little shopping.

I was looking for a spring jacket, with a hood, and this was a great find.

I already had the scarf at home...

I think it adds a nice pop of color!

Rain or Shine...

I am ready to visit The Queen!

Take care,

~Natalie

Celebrating a Birthday...Family Style

Our family might be small, 

but we have always made a big deal about birthdays.

After all, we just don't know when we will have another chance 

to celebrate a special day together.

We enjoyed lunch at one of our favorite restaurants...

with one of our favorite servers.

It may have been the gift on our extra chair, 

but she sensed we were celebrating a birthday,

so brought a Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae...with four spoons!

Happy Birthday, Stacy.

I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Take care,

~Natalie

What Teachers Do on Inservice Day

We have classes.

Several years ago, we participated in a workshop "Faces of Meth".

But now, it was time for an update.

Drug Training for the Education Professional.

Our Highway Patrol and City Police Officers 

presented today's program.

Also, our district is blessed to have Prevention Specialists 

that work with our students and speak to our classes.

Thank you, Avera.

Most of the teachers were more than excited 

to meet Neko,the Drug Dog.

The drug dogs visit our high school on occasion.

When our principal announces that we are in administrative lock-down,

we close all doors and blinds.

Most of us do not get to see Neko.

Today we all fell in love!

He is two years old and still sometimes acts like a puppy,

but he is Oh..So..Smart!

Keep up the good work, Neko!

Here's Neko's story.

Always, Make Good Choices.

Take care,

~Natalie

We Love Rock and Roll ~Weekend Date Night

Hubby and I went out on the town last night 

to listen to some live music.

The Black Water Band was performing at The Eagles.

This South Dakota based group plays Rock/Country/Pop hits of the 80s & 90s...along with plenty of current tunes.

It was a mini (and I do mean mini) class reunion for hubby.

The lead singer's mom is one of his high school classmates.

Here she is with three friends from the 'good ole days'.

Of course, when we could catch her for a photo, hubby was off chatting with someone

so he missed this photo!

It wasn't long before folks filled the dance floor.

It was a night filled with friendship, fun and good music.

Take care,

~Natalie

What'cha Workin' On Wednesday leads to a busy, busy Thursday

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a highlight 

in our Yeast Breads Unit. I took a photo to show you 

how yummy they looked.

Click here for the recipe.

I also sent the photos to our daughters...

...and this was Amy's prompt reply!

Wednesday's Super Study Soup was Skinny Vegetable...

We are taking a break from the cheesy, creamy soups,

so that everyone looks fabulous in their prom attire!

On the home front, this was the scene:

Preparations for this year's last set of parent / teacher conferences.

Have a thoughtful Thursday, everyone.

Be kind to one another.

Take care,

~Natalie

National Sibling Day ~Siblings are a Blessing ~Being an Only Child ~And A Special Sister Bond

According to my Facebook Newsfeed it is

National Sibling Day.

I really have enjoyed seeing all of your photos.

I grew up an Only Child.

Oh, how I wanted a sister or a brother.

As a little girl, I cried about it to my mother,

and I'm sure her heart was breaking too.

When I was older I learned about her struggle with pregnancy.

She had lost four babies to miscarriage.

Then my sister Twila...

She arrived early and lived for only 24 hours.

My Aunty Vivian held her and told me she was the prettiest baby.

My parents both came from large families.

I enjoyed the the companionship of many cousins.

Siblings provide

* Socialization

* Companionship

* Emotional Support 

I always knew that if we were blessed to be parents,

we would want to have more than one baby.

My heart overflows with happiness 

that these two share that Special Sister Bond.

Hug your siblings tight.

Take care,

~Natalie