What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~The FINAL Final Project ~Our Guest Meal Report

The culmination of my Foods Class is our guest meal.

Students prepare lasagna, salad, and chocolate mousse dessert.

For two days in a row,

I loaded up my cart at the supermarket.

It warms my heart when students 

invite their parents to visit us at school.

...and I'm sure these dads felt the same way, 

spending the morning with their darling daughters.

My last block of the day is just the best.

(While, the previous block may be one of the worst...

I took NO pictures of that group!)

However, this group reminded me about why I work so hard!

They had their table set early,

so while waiting for our guests, I got these photos.

Again, some parents and older siblings attended our dinner.

A bright spot in my day!

Thank you for making sweet memories.

Take care,

~Natalie

Mother's Day Blessings to all Women Who Nurture and Care for Children ~Celebrating the Special Women in my Life

Vintage Holiday Crafts

Best wishes today to all mothers and to all women 

who nurture and care for others.

Some women do not have babies of their own, 

but still play such an important role in raising our children.

Some are teachers, nurses, and day care providers.

Others are aunts, Godmothers, and special family friends.

Women are born with a mothering instinct, 

and they naturally provide love and support to those that they care about.

Mother's Day 2012

This was the last Mother's Day we all spent together. 

It was special, indeed, as my mother passed away the following February.

Our girls have moved away...

I have sweet memories of this weekend that we girls spent together.

We will be celebrating Mother's Day today with my hubby's mother

at our traditional gathering in my sister-in-law's home.

Here she is celebrating with these special young women,

our foreign exchange daughters...

Line from Norway and Nellie from Denmark.

I love you and miss you, too!

Enjoy every moment that you spend 

with your family and friends.

Take care,

~Natalie

TGIF ~Teacher Retirement ~~Just a Few of the Things I Will Not Miss

This showed up on my Facebook Newsfeed this week.

I think it pretty much sums it up!

Yay for Friday!

Have a great day, everyone.

Take care,~Natalie

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~Turkey Time...Just One More Time ~These are the Times I will Miss the Most #lovefamilyand consumerscience

My days are numbered...now with single digits.

My potted plant, a retirement gift from the school board,

graced our dessert buffet table on this big day.

This team so efficiently prepared all the turkeys for roasting.

Sometimes, though,

 you just need to call on a young man to do the messy work.

78 pounds of turkey for 90 students...

...waiting, along side the desserts,

in the refrigerator overnight.

Yes, that is 5:40 A.M.

First block turkeys were roasting at 350 degrees.

It wasn't long until the students were busy preparing their side dishes,

as our State Champion Debate Coach, Mr. Konda 

and School Resource Officer Carlson

 did the honor of carving the birds.

A brief message from our guests before we serve.

(Does it look like all boys here?)

Here are the girls (with a couple more guys).

The next block brought SRO Carlson back, along with 

Probation Officer Rau.

We have all worked together for years.

Officer Carlson speaks about family and learning your family's traditions...

on a serious note, he shares about his mom passing away in December.

He misses being able to call her and ask about how a special dish is prepared.

Our last block enjoyed the presence 

of Teacher and Coach, Mr. Hansen.

His message about family and traditions was pretty special.

I'm not going to lie,

I shed a few tears.

This was the perfect ending

to a pretty perfect day!

Take care,

~Natalie

Our School District Retirement Party ~Thank you for the Classy Farewell

Every year, our school district hosts a retirement party.

This year a dozen staff members were honored.

Tables were adorned with a planter, a gift, 

and gift bag to receive cards.

Families are invited to sit with their retiree.

No reception at Central is complete 

without Shelly's cupcakes.

The retirees and spouses had a chance to visit 

before the doors opened to the public.

My principal stopped by with well wishes.

(Yes, I was teaching at Central when he was a student!)

And this special photo is 

with one of my first students.

Her memory is better than mine, 

as she reminised about our FHA Chapter 

going on a trip together.

I am going to have to look through the old scrapbooks!

I am so proud of her, as she is now a teacher.

Despite being the first night of league golf,

hubby made my day by deciding to accompany me to the reception.

Even better, he came home from work to change clothes...

and came out from the bedroom wearing a Blue and Gold tie!

A generous gift from the school district...

a Seiko Mantel clock.

It is a keepsake, for sure!

Upon returning home, I read through my gift bag of greetings.

Some included gift cards,

and most included a personal message.

Thank you, everyone.

So, my most frequently asked question...

"are you counting the days?"

Actually, I didn't start counting until recently,

as I truely love my job.

However, it was fun to bring out this slate.

It was crafted for us by a family friend.

I hung it in our foyer when our daughters lived at home.

I have sweet memories of us counting down together.

This year, the final days seem to be flying by.

(I'll be back to show you the highlights of this week.)

Take care,

~Natalie

Precious Cargo Reunion Tour ~Last Stop ~Fernson Brewing Company Tap House

After their Hall of Fame Concert performance,

the guys were exhausted. They left it all on the stage.

Somehow, on Sunday, they had enough adrenaline left 

to perform at Fernson on 8th.

Since the drummer has the most equipment,

hubby and I are usually the first ones there to set up.

However, it wasn't long before the guitar and bass players showed up.

Some of the band members had early flights,

but the musicians that were still around put on an awesome show.

More Cowbell...

I had so much fun re-connecting with the girlfriends...

plus, I met some of their children and grandchildren.

Here's everyone from the Fernson gig.

Thanks for the memories.

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. I'm hoping we can all make a trip 

to Jamie's Ranch next summer!

Hall of Fame Induction Eve ~A Jam Session

The evening was for the Hall of Fame Inductees and their spouses.

First, a light meal was provided by the SD Rock & Roll 

Music Association and their sponsors.

Thank you, all.

And then the honored bands were introduced. 

These four musicians are the original founders of Precious Cargo.

Dan, Scott, Roger, and Mark.

Congratulations!

Over the years, 21 musicians played with Precious Cargo.

15 of those were able to return to South Dakota for this event...

It was an awesome reunion.

After the social, the doors were open to the public.

Family, Friends, and Rock and Roll Fans joined us.

Precious Cargo took their turn on the big stage.

As the night went on, musicians from various groups 

combined their talents to entertain the fans.

Here's Scott and Chet from Precious Cargo 

performing with a member of the SDRRMA Board.

It was a great night of good music and fellowship.

The accomodations were perfect.

Our rooms were near this exit,

with the concert venue just across the parking lot.

Thank you again, John Mogen

and the Rock and Roll Music Association

for organizing this event.

Take care,

~Natalie