Things in my House Thursday XVII

My new cookbook holder! I love to look at recipes and I love my cookbook collection...especially the cookbooks with pictures. When we were in Omaha during Easter Break I found this awesome cookbook holder at Harry and Davids. The price was so reasonable.

Here it is supporting my 'Everyday with Rachel Ray' Magazine.

I think Callie likes it too.

Whatcha Workin on Wednesday?

Cheerleading tryouts! We have a new advisor at CHS...a young, new teacher. And why did she ask me to judge tryouts? Because I was her mother's cheerleader advisor...yes, you read that right. I was her mother's cheerleader advisor. It was fun to be a part of the process again.
Neither of our girls were cheerleaders, they were already busy with dance, swimming, cross country, track, peer ministry, SADD, National Honor Society, Teen Court, life guarding & teaching swim lessons at the YMCA.
This picture was taken Emily's senior year during the State Boys BB Tournament. The team had made it to the championship game. The fans were sooo excited. This was one of the best cheerleading squads we've had at CHS for a while. Some of these girls had been Emily's friends since elementary school. Amy's best friend from HS was a cheerleader too. I have so many fond memories of these years when our girls were in high school!

To Market...To Market...

Since I teach Foods classes at CHS, I stop at the supermarket nearly every morning. I park in this lot that is adjacent to the hospital's lot. This is my daily reminder of how much I appreciate my good health. About 2 1/2 years ago I was there, in that hospital, attached to an IV pole, for 10 days. Every morning, I woke at my usual time...and I'd walk laps around the unit. See the window up by the Avera St. Lukes sign? That is the 5th floor window where I stood to look down...on this parking lot...watching people scurry into the store as a part of their routine. And I actually missed it...the hustle and bustle of the early morning supermarket. And what did I buy? Yesterday...

Easy Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 lb. elbow macaroni

8 oz. process cheese spread (look for the lower fat option)

1/2 c. green pepper, chopped

1/4 c. onion finely chopped

1 tsp. butter

1 c. evaporated fat-free milk

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 c. dry bread crumbs

1 tsp. butter

Cook macaroni, drain and set aside. Cut cheese into cubes and set aside. In a saucepan, saute green pepper and onion over medium low heat in 1 tsp. butter about 2 minutes. Stir in evaporated milk and cheese cubes. Cook, stirring constantly until cheese is melted and mixture is well blended. Stir in the pepper. Combine cheese mixture with cooked macaroni in a greased casserole dish. Mix gently. Pour melted butter over breadcrumbs and sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Today's Game: NDSU 14 - UND 0

The College Life

We hadn't visited DD2 here since last October...and yes, we did see lots of water on both sides of the interstate just north of Fargo. So, we did the Art History Assignment by visiting the Art Museum downtown...this was a piece in 3D...glasses provided!

This was the weekend that NDSU had three home Lacrosse games. It is tough for me to get any action pictures, cause the guys are fast and all over the place! It is only the 2nd time that I have been to a game, and I enjoyed visiting Emily and watching Jake play.

The Basket Case Update: I must clarify that not all these baskets were at my house. At least half of them were at my mother-in-laws. As far as I know, Ellen has not stopped by to look at them yet, so I will leave the basket post there for a few more days. Anyone else interested?!

A tisket...A tasket...Check out all these baskets...

These pictures are for Ellen, who has expressed interest in purchasing baskets from my Natalie's Notions Etsy Shop. Within an hour of reading her convo, my MIL and I gathered 25 gently used basket in my living room.

Picture #1

Small oval baskets~4" x 6" x 2" ~ 5 for $2.00

Birch Bark basket~5.5" across, 4.5" tall for $1.00

Picture #2
This assortment, all with handles, measure from 5" to 9.5" across~ 5 for $5.50

Picture #3

This set of 4 baskets, no handles

7.5" to 9" across, 6" to 7" tall.

4 baskets for $4.00

Picture #4

Flatter baskets~10"-11" across and
3" - 4" high Each ~$1.oo

Picture #5
These two baskets coordinate...colors and the heart border.

The rectangle measures 8.5" x 10.5" x 5" ~ $2.00

The round measures 5" across by 3.5" high ~ $1.00

Picture # 6

The bottom basket is 8" square

The oval is 8" x 9" ~ These $1.00 each

You can let me know which ones you are interested in. I will need to know where you live so I can calculate a shipping estimate.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Natalie

Finally...Outdoor Living

In South Dakota, we have waited a long time for nice weather...but finally...we can have the deck doors open. The fresh air smells so nice and clean. So...for dinner, we are having a small steak, a salad, fresh bread and this
grilled asparagus
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh asparagus
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons dill weed
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Remove the bottom third of the asparagus (woody parts of the stalk) and discard. Place asparagus in casserole dish. Add remaining ingredients. Marinate at least 1 hour, turning frequently.
Place skewers through the middle of the asparagus spears, or place spears in a greased grill basket. Grill over hot coals until tender but still crunchy. Garnish with diced red bell peppers and lemon slices.

Some Things Never Change

As you know, we spent our Easter Break in Lincoln. While we were waiting for our table at Lazlo's, Emily remembered that we were sitting in the same spot as we had the last time we were there. To the left...December, 2007. To the right...April 2009. Did you notice I am using the same purse?! And...the proper comment would be that...Emily looks much older now, and I...actually...look much younger!

And since we are creatures of habit, we usually stay at the Chase Suites...because it is in a great location; there are enough beds for everyone; there is more than one bathroom in the suite; there is a kitchen; and we can light a fire in the fireplace. They have a great area for continental breakfast, or to just use your laptop. On the left, Jake and Emily working on their studies in November 2008 and to the right in April 2009.
Here is Amy's cat, Bella. In November, the poor thing had to use a box for a bed. But in February...for Amy's birthday, Bella received a bed for her very own...and she likes it!

An Old New Cook Book

We were cleaning the bookshelf at school the other day...getting rid of some outdated materials. This cookbook was going to go out in the trash, so I brought it home for a little trip down memory lane. The pictures and graphics are priceless; the tips are designed for a time when mom stayed home and prepared breakfast, lunch and supper for her family; and the recipes look pretty good too!

After I've had a good look at it...I am going to list it in my Etsy Supplies Shop...I'm sure someone will appreciate the vintage pages for a craft project of some sort...

Does this remind you of your favorite aunt's kitchen when you were growing up?

Things in my Mailbox

We conduct Parent/Teachers conferences once every term, about midterm time...so yesterday was our fourth and final of the school year. That means yesterday was my 14 hour workday (not complaining, just explaining) as I went to the store at 7:15 a.m. to get supplies for lab, and returned home at 9:15 p.m. after the evening conferences. I did manage to get home from 4-4:40 in the afternoon to eat a quick bite, brush my teeth and dab on some perfume.



Anyway, this story is going somewhere...about once every five years, a teacher gets a note from a former student...and let me tell you...it really makes my day. I have kept each and every one of my precious notes in an envelope. This one was in my school mailbox yesterday, and somehow...my fourteen hour workday just flew by.

Roses ~ Just Because

Thank you, honey.

Back to Business Monday

It was so nice to have family time on Easter. After church we had brunch together and then back to reality. Amy has a big test this morning...so did some serious studying. Needed to be off by herself, with out distractions.

Emily has a Chemistry test on Wednesday and Jake was working on some accounting.

And me? Since Parent Teacher Conferences are Thursday, I needed to do some serious correcting and entering of grades to the online gradebook. Today, we are facing the 7 hour trip home...refreshed and ready to finish the term.