Wednesday’s Work ~Winterfest Preparations ~Here’s my Report

Turkey Tails. Remember last week

they were taking a bath in the Vanilla Coffee Stain.

A Big Finish for the Burlap Stockings...I did the hand-stitching

in the car on last weekend’s trip to the Bison Game.

I can’t wait to show you what is happening in here!

Stocking hats...Get it?!

Do you like this fabric

for these Snowman Scarves?

These week’s highlight was a package from Japan.

These coffee candies are the best!

I hope our daughter stocks up before they move stateside!

I am so looking forward to giving my feet this spa treatment.

Since I have shed my walking boot and the wraptor,

these feet are in need of some pampering!

And the best...artwork to hang on our refrigerator!

We are thankful that all of that snow melted

and we are enjoying some beautiful autumn weather...

...however, cleaning up the twigs and leaves keeps Hubby busy.

He cleans them up one day, and the next day we go outside

and the yard is covered again!

Do you all have a quick, go-to meal when you are busy?

For us, it is this Shrimp Pasta dish.

I know that looks like grass clippings on the top,

but it is chives from what is left of our herb garden.

Have a Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday.

Take care,

~Natalie

 p.s. Remember that for now, this is now my new motto.

Homecoming 2016 ~Now a Memory ~~In the Presence of Royalty

Tuesday's Dress Up Day was designated by grade.

Seniors wear black.

Technically, I am a Senior.

Freshmen wear white.

Here they are gathered around my demonstration counter 

to evaluate their Banana Breads.

Out of 21 loaves, there were only two that did not look right.

Perhaps they used the wrong leavening agent...

Wednesday...Jersey Day.

But bigger news was about our Homecoming Royalty.

These lovely young women are in my super study.

.

Congratulations to our Queen, Madison,

and to Kate, a member of the Royal Court.

Of course, this was a perfect opportunity for Sweet Treats!

Thursday's Dress Up Day...

Wear a Wacky Random Outfit.

We have some creative students,

and this day was quite entertaining!

And Friday...Spirit Day.

You might wonder if there was any 

teaching and learning going on?

We all did our best!

Take care,

~Natalie

Finally Friday ~Where the Week Went ~Monday Mouse Patrol and My Fearless Freshmen

I like to arrive at school early...

I can prepare for lab, log into my computer,

and unpack my school bag.

However, the best part is the one-on-one time 

I spend with the Early Bird Students that hang out in my room.

On Monday, we were doing just that, 

when out from the pantry comes a tiny mouse.

Tevin and I were trying to trap the little guy under a trash can,

when Conner came in. They got him!

Can you see his tail?

Soon after, the little mouse's brother emerged from the pantry.

This guy wasn't so lucky. 

That's his head sticking out under the trash can.

He died at the scene.

With Conner sitting on the pink trash can,

and Tevin's foot up the the brown trash can,

I called the office to send the custodians.

Bye Bye, Little Guy.

After everyone settled down, we were able to focus on the day's lesson.

Students presented Power Point Presentations about various fruits and vegetables...

then we enjoyed some fruit tasting.

Until Michelle says, "Mrs. Geffre, there's another mouse!"

He sought refuge under the range in the window kitchen.

(Normally, students are not allowed to sit on the counters, 

but this day was an exception.)

A couple of Freshmen boys pulled the range away from the wall,

and Harrison caught him.  

I sent him out the back door to release him in our Environmental Classroom...

But not before 

he became a part of Kaylie's Snap Chat Story.

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. Trust me...

we have washed all the dishes, utensils, and counter tops

in our foods lab!

Teacher Appreciation Week Highlights ~Visit by Former Student ~Discussion with a Probation Officer ~Impromptu Fashion Class Selfie ~Beautiful Weather ~Turkey Day ~FACS

It was a pleasant surprise to meet Baby Lily Ann 

and visit with her Mommy.

Abby is one of our former students...

and I'm pretty sure she took every class that I teach!

(They were at school to be guest speakers in our Child Development/Parenting class.)

Another of my favorites is the day our Probation Officers visit 

with my CTE Personal Development  Class.

For two decades they have come into my classroom to visit with students about

choices & consequences, family environment, peer pressure, respect, and attitude.

Thank you Brock, Kevin, Tony and Mike.

You all have done so much for the youth of our community.

One of my students discovered my selfie stick.

Yes, I carry it in my computer bag, just in case.

"Oh...Okay, you can try it."

Part of my Fashion Class gathered for the photo shoot.

"Now...everyone back on task!"

We all know that Winter in the Dakotas lives well into April.

This week, we had days with temps in the upper 80s.

Since everyone had finished their work, 

we spent the last few minutes of class soaking up the warm sunshine.

And last but not least, Turkey Day.

Everyone steps it up a notch for this lab.

On pre-preparation day, students prepare desserts,

and get the turkeys ready and into the roasting bags.

I arrive early the next morning to put the turkeys in the oven.

After I'm sure the birds are roasting nicely, I head to the supermarket.

Did you notice I was the first one in the parking lot?

I stand by the tradition that it is a postion of honor to carve the turkey.

This term, our head principal and school resource officer performed the task.

The students are seated as each one delivers a brief message.

And then, dinner is served.

It is a lot of work, but it is so worth it.

Yes, the life of the FACS teacher is varied...

Child Development, Human Development,

Fashion and Foods.

There's never a dull moment.

Happy Weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie

Easter Eve ~Easter Eggs ~Easter Basket Sweet Surprises on my Doorstep ~~and Sweet Memories of Easters Past

When your nest is empty, the holidays are different.

Quiet and uneventful.

Last year, we did not dye any eggs... I actually missed it.

So this year I told Callie, "we are going to dye eggs."

She was there for me.

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tsp. vinegar

20 drops of food coloring

Success!

Such pretty colors.

There are a couple of awesome mommies in our neighborhood.

These two mommies know that our daughters live far away

and we do not get to spend our holidays together.

Today, this darling basket appeared on our doorstep.

It was filled with lots of sweet treats...

And this cute little note.

Thank you so much!

Secret friend, I think I may know who you are?

You left a pretty good clue!

And last weekend, this pretty basket was on our doorstep.

Treats for our cats and a special treat for me!

Thank you, Kelly and your darling girls.

Both of these baskets may seem like a small gesture to some,

but were a special touch of kindness for me.

It was just what I needed this weekend.

I have been missing these four more than words can express.

Most of you know that they live too far away 

for us to spend holidays together.

And of course, we are missing my mom and grammy

this holiday weekend.  

Keep in mind, when you are out tomorrow,

whether it is Easter Worship Services or Easter Brunch,

pay attention to those around you.

A smile or a nod may mean the world to someone who is lonesome 

and missing their loved ones during the holiday season.

Take care,

~Natalie