Monday, January 30, 2017

Monday Mania ~Is Anyone Else Watching The Bachelor?

Who is your favorite bachelorette?

Leave a comment...
I'd love to hear what you think!

Take care,
~Natalie

Sunday, January 29, 2017

January 28th...This Date ~Remembering my Mother ~~More Weekday Highlights ~~~Saturday's Work: A Sadly Worn-out Kitchen

January 28, 2013.
This date will forever stick in my mind. 
That was the morning that our landline phone rang at 6:50 a.m...
it was the director of the Odd Fellows Home.
Mom had fallen and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
I went to work to wait...and wait...and wait to hear what was next.

Our last visit with her had been in December,
to celebrate Christmas.
I was showing her photos on my computer 
and then took this one of us together.

The staff took such good care of her there.
We said our goodbyes,
she was seated for their evening meal,
and then hubby and I left for our four-hour journey home.
Why didn't anyone tell me that this is the last time 
I would see her in this place?

The next 10 days were a roller coaster of emotional decisions.
It comforts me to know that mom is now peaceful,
and no longer suffers from the struggles of her daily life.

Back to the here and now...
Remember, it was Officer Carlson Omelet week.
We have been teaching this activity together for 12+ years.
And this year, it was our last.

I will treasure these memories.
He so patiently works with each and every student
to assure they master the process.

This term, his Sergeant stopped by.
He had a chance to see Officer Carlson interacting with the students.

Besides learning how to make omelets,
the students learn that police officers are people, too!

One of my FACS co-teachers was sharing my classroom on Friday.
The Real Care Baby Daycare was in my room.

Everytime I walked by, the babies just made me smile.
My freshmen girls decided that this baby's eyebrows are "on fleek".
And ...as I was holding another baby,
one of my sophomore boys said,
"Mrs. G., You know that baby isn't real, don't you?!"

Yes, there are many things I will miss about my job!

My mother would always call on the weekend.
She would say, "I suppose you are doing
Saturday's Work".

Our next project is in the kitchen.
The rangehood will be replaced.
While the light works, the fan does not.
The microwave has been shooting sparks since the holidays.
And one of our burners on the range does not heat up.

I will post photos of our progress!

Today, my Mother-in-law treated us to lunch after church.
And my "To Go" box will provide lunch at work tomorrow.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Take care,
~Natalie

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Things in my House Thursday ~It's What's for Dinner

My Aunty Vivian was probably the best cook
in our entire family.

So, when we were married (35 years ago),
she wanted to make sure were set up 
with all of her favorite appliances.

The Farberware indoor grill was a must-have.
And...I used it tonight!
The Pork Loin was on sale...

...and the grill cooked it to perfecion.

Take care,
~Natalie

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~Officer Carlson Omelet Day

I was up and out early this morning.

I appreciate my cart...
it took only two trips to get
all the supplies in for the day!

Peppers, onions, 
mushrooms, tomatoes...


Senior students "volunteer" to help with mise en place.





Yummy!



Students line up to wash their hands,
whip their eggs,
and then take their turn at the grill.

Thank you Officer Carlson.

How did you spend your Wednesday?

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, January 23, 2017

Monday Mania ~Yes...We Made Pie Today









Everyone used the same recipe,
but used their creativity to make their pie their own.

We have invited guests and will serve pie 
with ice cream and coffee tomorrow.

It's going to be a great day!

Take care,
~Natalie

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Happy Weekend ~Where the Week Went

Most of you know that I like to get to school early.
I use that quiet time to set up for class,
and then I can enjoy my time greeting the students.

Fitness for Life is one of my favorite classes.
It is an interdisciplinary class where students spend time 
working out in PE, 
and time preparing nutritious snacks in the FACS classroom.
This week, whole wheat pretzels...

I especially enjoy Fridays,
when the entire group meets as one.
Students, in alphabetical order,
(for attendance taking purposes)
stretching, and waiting for instructions.

I am always impressed how our PE teachers can take command of
80-90 students, create work-out activities that are fun, 
and keep everyone engaged.

Just outside my classroom,
the TV Production students were setting up for an interview.

They had a few questions for a couple of the Girls BB players.

This, however, did not distract my teacher's aide
who was arranging our FACS display case.

Meanwhile, inside my classroom,

Blueberry Muffins


Yummy!

On Friday, history was in the making...
An event that will have a huge impact 
on these young people's lives.


Students came up to the frying station 
in small groups to make their donuts.
This allowed the others to watch the live broadcast of the


All in all, it was a productive week.

The weekend goes so fast, it is already Sunday!
A day for this teacher to plan and prepare 
for the upcoming week.

Enjoy what's left of your weekend.

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 ...