It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ~Christmas 2019 ~Where the Week Went ~Planning and Prepping

As I clean and organize the bedrooms & family room

I occasionally come across a few treasures...

like this precious photo.

This was what our Christmas looked like 26 years ago.

No, we women did not send out a memo to wear green,

And yes, our daughters are wearing matching,

home-sewn, Christmas Pantsuits.

I can’t wait to all be together again this Christmas!

While my days have been spent enjoying holiday preparations,

we do take a break to watch some Bison Football.

(I have yet to master the art of taking a bathroom selfie)

We all get into the Bison Football Spirit here.

My grocery list was so long it filled a legal pad.

I could not figure out why the supermarket was so busy...

and then I turned the corner into the liquor department.

It was their monthly Wine Sale, complete with samples!

I also enjoyed a little pampering for the holidays.

Thank you, Diane, for making me look young again!

This is why we are referred to as The Hub City.

A freight train is a frequent reminder to stop and just breathe.

This photo was in my Facebook Memories.

It is the last time I celebrated Christmas with my mom.

We had traveled to visit her at the Assisted Living Facility.

We brought a gift and some sweet treats.

She loved looking at the photos on my laptop

and I showed her how to take a selfie.

This photo, also in my Memories, is our old Farmhouse...

you remember that it was surrounded by water, but

we were able to drive out there over the ice.

This is before the vandals shot out all the windows

and broke in to steal precious family possessions.

While my Bison Tshirt is my Saturday attire,

this Tshirt is appropriate every..other..day..of the week.

Hallmark Christmas Movies do help

to make the Season Bright.

I have also been having some fun in the kitchen.

I made a big roaster full of Party Mix

for those that like a Salty Snack.

And a big roaster full of Homemade Granola

for those that like a Healthy Sweet Snack.

There are a few more tasks on my ToDo List,

but Hubby and I are enjoying planning and preparing

to have our family all together...

in just a couple of days!

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Easter Weekend 2019 ~The Empty Nester’s Report

It was a beautiful Holiday Weekend.

My Newsfeed was filled with family photos 

with Easter Greetings.

I enjoyed seeing your children and grandchildren.

My, how they’ve all grown!

Hubby colored the eggs with me.

Since our kids were little, we always used cups with handles.

It gives them something easy to grip, and not spill!

Another tip is to drip dry the eggs on a wire cooling rack.

I baked another loaf of the Rustic Artisan Bread.

Do not be intimidated by Roomba.

The Easter Bunny stopped by early with a plant...

Beautiful buds, and the bulbs can be planted to last all summer.

Last year I found this tablecloth and centerpiece 

in the Target Clearance aisle.

I was happy to re-discover it this spring in my Easter Storage Tote.

Easter Sunday Worship at Zion.

Unless, you have small children, 

or a cat that cruises your table top, 

you can arrange your place settings early.

I like to set out all my serving pieces, too.

Then you have more time to visit when your guests arrive.

We served Ham, Grilled Salmon,

Baked Potatoes, Spring Berry Salad,

Grilled Asparagus and Roasted Carrots.

It was my Sister in Law’s Birthday,

So my MIL baked a cake.

After the meal, she opened her gifts.

MIL brought a hostess gift for me too!

It was a fresh smelling candle for summer.

The Easter Bunny left this very cute basket on the counter.

I like to keep my bunny decor out for a while.

Happy Spring, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Tuesday Tip of the Day ~Those Butter Wrappers

So this tip, I learned from my mom.

When you are baking, 

that butter wrapper can be used to grease your pan.

And then, lay the wrapper out flat on your counter 

for your rubber scraper and measuring spoons.

It makes clean-up sooo much easier.

Take care,

~Natalie

Tuesday's Tip of the Day ~for Teens Planning on Post-Secondary Education

A huge thank you to Karyssa, our ATEC House Parent 

for organizing this panel of college students.

My High School Independent Living Students 

wrote questions for the Presentation College students...

...and our guest presenters had excellent responses.

And here is some of their advice...

#1 Time Management

This came up over and over again.

Hone in on time management skills.

As a young adult, one needs to balance studies,

with athletics, activities, clubs, work, 

social life and personal care.

#2 Get Involved

Whether you are in athletics, or you join a club...

find a way to get involved.

Live in the dorm your freshman year.

Don't room with your best friend from high school.

Step out of your comfort zone and talk to others in the dining center 

and those sitting near you in class.

(p.s. the girl the the striped blue shirt is not sleeping...

I checked, her eyes were open)

And last, but not least...

#3 Bring a Stapler

Enough said.

Take care,

~Natalie

Easter 2015 ~Here's my Report

We had a last minute change of plans for Easter this year.

Hubby's mother had wanted to host our holiday meal,

however she recently had eye surgery and couldn't do all of the necessary preparations.

So, it was decided on Saturday, that Easter dinner will be here.

We went to the early worship service...

I want you to see now pretty our sanctuary was with all of the spring flowers.

When we got home, we went right to work...

The ham went into the oven at 275 degrees. I wanted to start it slow,

as we'd be turning up the oven later for the vegetables.

Hubby cleaned and the prepared the ingredients for our asparagus dish.

Grandma made our favorite Holiday Carrot Dish

It's good to always have some cheese and crackers on hand 

for spur of the moment entertaining.

Just the four of us this year.

Hubby's mom and sister,

Hubby and I.

Super simple meal of Roast Ham,

Baked Potatoes, Hubby's Asparagus,

Grandma's Carrots and a Green Salad.

(click this link to our cooking blog to see more about my salad)

Stacy made dessert, a delightful Lemon Angelfood Cake.

Perhaps she will share her recipe with us.

It was a relaxing day with family.

We enjoyed good food and our time together.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie