My week in review!

Oh, it seems like this week just zoomed on by. I started the week with parent teacher conferences. The kids had a half day on Monday and Tuesday and the rest of the day was for conferences. I always enjoy talking to the families. Now, I have to schedule my conference for Tim. :) Wednesday was a half day of school for the kids and the teachers. I only had 8 students on Wednesday and two of those were dismissed early! When I came home I made a loaf of cranberry bread (sorry Beverly!) and cooked two pies....ok, they were frozen. I just heated them up LOL!

Thursday we spent Thanksgiving at Britt's. It was nice to go to her house. Dinner was wonderful. Mackenzie came home with us for a few hours. She fell asleep on the way to our house and slept for a while. When she woke up she asked for cold pizza. We didn't have any and the pizza restaurants were closed. Yes, her grandma spoils her!

On Friday I cooked a Thanksgiving meal all over again. It was quite tasty and this time I got the leftovers :) Today I'll be making a pie with what I have leftover. I did send some of the turkey to my mother and sister. Luckily I bought an extra turkey on sale and put it in the freezer for New Year's Day.

I started a sewing project on Friday. I cut out all of the pieces to make Jack a Christmas stocking. I started sewing on Saturday and my sewing machine sounds very sick!!! It sounds like it either needs a good oiling, or a belt might need to be replaced. I am just guessing here, but the sound was loud and squealing while I was using it. When I finish, I'll be sure to share a picture.

I also did a large amount of Christmas shopping. All of the children are done. It's those adults that are hard to buy for. I've been busy making some gifts too, but since I know some of the recipients read my blog, I'm not telling what I'm making LOL!

I packed up all of my Thanksgiving decorations. I'll have to have Rich take them up to the attic and then get down all of the Christmas decorations. I have so many. It's going to take a while to get it all done.

Last night I cleaned, dusted and polished the living room, just so I can make a mess getting all the Christmas decorations out and up!

After all the money I spent this week, can you imagine my surprise and frustration to notice that the hose on my Dyson vacuum cleaner was broken. I went on line and ordered a new one. It was $50 for just the hose. Don't go telling me you know where I could have gotten one cheaper. That always happens to me and if you do tell me I might just end up crying LO!

While on the subject of money, I stopped to get gas today and it was only $1.85. Boy, that's so nice to see when just several months ago it was over $4 a gallon. I've had my car for two years and I only have 16,000 miles on it. I don't do too much traveling but it's still great to only pay $1.85.

Well there it is, how I've spent my Thanksgiving week!

take care,
Dawn

Getting ready for the holidays

Hello friends. I'm sorry to be scarce these last couple of days. I've been busy with Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas. I just gave my blog a face lift for the holidays.

I have a big long list of things to get done today and tomorrow. I will try to visit as soon as I can.

take care,

Dawn

Happy Thanksgiving!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

A tag and an award!

Rechelle of Walnuthaven Cottage passed this book tag along to me.

Here are the rules:
Pass this on to 5 blogging friends.

Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56.
Write out the 5th sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that..

I have a book on my coffee table that I bought about a month ago. I still haven't read it, but it's on my list of books to read. It's called Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs. The TV show Bones is based on this person who is in real life forensic anthropologist. I love the show and wanted to read one of her books. Before I do read it I am wondering if I should start with her first book and work my way up to this one.

Anyway, here goes.

The waiter arrived with our food. When he'd gone, I changed direction.
"Tell me about work."
"Shoot me in the head dull."
"So you've said."
"I'm a glorified secretary....."

If you would like to play along please do.

Rechelle also passed this award on to me. I met Rechelle in blog land this summer and I visit her blog just about every day. The first post I remember reading of hers was the scrapping and cleaning of her kitchen hardware. She put so much effort into that. She's shared pictures of her remodeled kitchen and it was all worth it. (Easy for me to say...I would have just gone out and bought new ones!)

I would like to pass this onto ALL of my blogging friends who stop by often to read about my boring little life.

Thank you all. I look forward to seeing you each day.

take care,
Dawn

Happy Birthday Sweet 19!

This is just a quick post today to wish my niece Telia a very happy 19th birthday!!! I love you and hope you have the best day!

It's hard to believe she is already 19 years old! Geesh, where does the time go? This picture is of Telia holding Mackenzie. Telia is living at Britt's house and attending the local Community College this year. She is such a good girl and I wish her all the best the world has to offer her.

We'll be stopping by for cake later today. Telia is the niece I took out to buy boots this weekend. :)

take care,
Dawn

Thanksgiving

Today I am just sharing a couple of decorations in my home. The first picture in the collage is just a basket with leaves that I didn't know what to do with. I used to have a wooden Thanksgiving day set and one of the pieces broke so I just put the Pilgrim and Native American in front of it. The next picture is a candle that a student gave me last year. I took the "insides" out and replaced them with a fake plants from JoAnn Fabrics. Years ago I bought the rustic looking candle holder at a home party (I don't remember the company name.). The wooden pumpkin was given to me by a friend. It belonged to her best friend (who I also knew) who passed away several years ago at the age of 39 after loosing a battle with brain cancer. It's a special addition to my holiday decorations. I'll always remember her! The last picture is just a little platter, candle holders and salt and pepper shakers.

take care,
Dawn

Odds and ends

Monday is my niece's birthday. I told her I would take her to the mall to buy her a pair of boots. While I love my niece dearly, I do not love the mall. I probably go there for a quick in/out visit once a year! I did agree to take her there. She found a pair of boots that she liked and after I bought them we went to grab a quick bite to eat on the way home.

Now is the part where I will publicly embarrass myself. We went into one store and while Telia was looking at boots, I looked at the rack behind me labeled "boys shorts". They looked a little skimpy for what I thought they were...boys shorts. When I mentioned to Telia how shocked I was to see boys shorts with lace, I got one of those "oh my god, auntie looks" as she politely told me that they were not boy shorts, but underwear for girls in the style of boy shorts. Ok, yes I feel about 100 years old and as out of touch with fashion as one can be. You see, Tim has no desire to go into those kinds of stores and Britt doesn't need her mother to take her shopping anymore so I don't get to see what's out there much!!! I am sure Telia is still laughing at me!

take care,
Dawn

Friday's Favorite Family Foto~ Uncle Tom

Deborah of Pictures Pots and Pens is hosting Friday's Favorite Family Fotos. Please stop by her blog to see who else is posting and be sure to visit them as well.

Today I am sharing a picture of my grandmother's brother, Tom. I don't remember much about him. I do remember one time when I was about 10 years old going to my grandmother's for a cookout and he was there. My grandmother was a short lady. She was 4'10" as I recall. Looking at the picture of her brother (on the left) I can see that he was not very tall either.

Many years ago I got a phone call from someone who happened to come across my phone number. The gentleman said he had served with my uncle and wanted to know if I had any pictures of him. I found this one among my grandmother's belongings. I had a copied made and sent it to the gentleman.

I know my sister Sam reads this blog so if you know more about Uncle Tom, let me know what you know :)

take care,
Dawn

Let me tell you about my best friend!!!!

I came home from school yesterday and put a pot of soup in the crockpot (my best friend) and it got me thinking about this older post of mine...so in the spirit of recycling here it is again LOL!


I just love my crock pot. We get together a couple of times a week. As friends go my crock pot is very reliable, a bit saucy at times but reliable. I like to think we get along well. Occasionally my crock pot stews things over a bit longer than I would like but in the end I'm the bigger person and swallow my pride.

All kidding aside, I really do love my crock pot and use it often. I actually have 4 crock pots. Two big ones, one smaller and a tiny one.

LINGUICA AND SAUERKRAUT SOUP

This is a very quick and easy soup to make. In the crock pot I put 1 can of sauerkraut, 1 can kidney beans, 4 potatoes peeled and cubed, minced onion and 1 package of linguica, cut to bite size pieces 2 cans chicken broth. I let it cook on low 6-8 hours. VERY YUMMY!

Several people have asked so here you go: Similar to kielbasa but with its own unique flavor, Linguica is a mild pork sausage still manufactured according to an old Portuguese recipe. I don't like kielbasa, but I do love linguica

take care,
Dawn

Appetizers anyone?

Tonight is knitting night at my house. Each week one of us brings a snack. I seem to make the same thing every week. One of my friends, Ingrid, shared the recipe. I put a package of cream cheese in the bottom of a baking dish, pour a jar of salsa on top and then sprinkle a bag of Mexican cheese and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. It is quick, easy and oh so good.

I need some good ideas for quick easy appetizers so I don't bring the same thing each week! Do you have any idea?

THANKS!

take care,
Dawn

And the winner is......

ME!!! Judi of Cranberry Blossom recently had a giveaway for her 200th post. I was the winner. Last week I came home to find a package waiting for me. Poor Tim was a little disappointed because he was expecting a toy that he had ordered! When I first opened the box I noticed a wonderful smell creeping out! And look how pretty everything was wrapped.

Here are my goodies. I have two magazines that I am looking forward to looking over! There is a beautiful angel for my Christmas Tree. Judi also made some candles and soap that smell divine!!!! She sent me a little heating pot that is perfect to melt the candles with. I will find a lovely ceramic dish to use. There is also a very pretty bracelet. Judi made a tote bag and change purse. I've already started using the bag to carry my knitting project in.

Judi I love everything! I appreciate your kindness, generosity and friendship. THANK YOU!!!

take care,
Dawn

Because I'm the mother I can embarrass them!

Yes, I am going to embarrass my children. Every year at Thanksgiving I hang up decorations. Every year I hang up a piece of writing Brittainy wrote when she was eight years old. Every year she tells me how much she hates it. I will continue to hang it until it either falls apart or I am no longer able to proudly display it.

Let me tell you what this says:

To: My mother

Thank you for:

giving me a nice home with lots of toys and food.

And most of all for being my mother.

From: Brittainy

I told her that it is nothing to be embarrassed about. I actually love it and that is why I have hung it up for the last 20 years.

Britt says I have to put something on this post that will embarrass Tim too. I don't think he is embarrassed by his work. This is a turkey he made when he was in Kindergarten. I also think this is lovely and it is hanging up in our living room for all to see!!!

take care,
Dawn

I've been tagged....book tagged!

I've been tagged by Lorrie at The View From My Door with this book tag.




The rules are:


1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.


2. Share seven random and/or weird book facts about yourself.


3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.


4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My seven random book facts:

1. I've never checked a book out of a library since I was school aged.

2. I love to read in bed. I can't seem to read and enjoy it anywhere else.

3. I spend WAY TOO much money on school book orders for my classroom.

4. My first favorite book series was Trixie Beldon books. I would buy them for mere pennies at the local department store when I was a child.

5. I do most of my reading during the summer when I have more time to enjoy a book.

6. I can read most children's books upside down. It's a skill when reading them to a class of children.

7. I love reading children's book that I can sing :)

Now I have to tag 7 people and they are:

Debi at Nothing of Importance (she is the most avid reader I know!)

Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

Jeanne at Backyard Neighbors

Nola at Alamo North

Sally at Smiling Sally

Rechelle at Walnut Haven Cottage

Diane at A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words.

and... you if you'd like to play along.

Deborah of Pictures Pots and Pens is hosting Friday's Favorite Family Fotos. Please stop by her blog to see who else is posting and be sure to visit them as well.

This picture was taken on my wedding day. Dear hubby, Rich is posing with my mother. Look how handsome he is!!! Next month will be 28 years since we met! We didn't get married right away...no sense rushing into things you know :) This summer we will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary. He's a little grayer than he was. (I keep my hair colored so I have no idea if there is gray under that red LOL!) He doesn't even need to wear glasses anymore. People used to think he was younger than me! If the truth be told he's got 5 years on me. Once we were talking about our ages and I told him that he was ten years older than me and he couldn't figure out how I came to that conclusion. At the time I was 34 (which is closer to 30) and he was 39 (which is closer to 40) and the difference between 30 and 40 is ten years. Simple math if you ask me!!!

take care,
Dawn

A gift from Tim

Last Sunday was Britt's housewarming party and this is the gift that Tim made for his sister. I've mentioned before how much he likes to create with clay. He just "whipped" this up watching TV. It is made with modeling clay so it won't bake. Britt is wondering how to save this for the future. I suggested to put the pieces in a plastic container of some kind. I'm thinking each piece should be in it's own container. Tim was proud of his accomplishments and Brittainy was pleased to get this from him. It was a true, sweet sibling moment.



take care,
Dawn

How I spent my day off.

Because it was Veteran's day yesterday we had no school. I got to sleep in a little bit. Ah, I love sleeping past 5:40 (my time to get up for school). A little later in the morning Brittainy and the kids came over. I made a late breakfast for us and we got to spend the day together. To give Britt a hand I helped get Mackenzie out of her car seat. In doing so, I really hurt my shoulder.

Mackenzie was wearing her "I love my solider My uncle" T-shirt. I thought that was a very appropriate attire for Veteran's Day.
Mackenzie's Uncle Matt is in the service. Matt is Jay's brother. I met him about three years ago when they came to the Cape for a visit. My most heartfelt thank yous are extended to all of those who have served in the military! THANK YOU!

In case you can't tell, Jack's bib says I'm full of B.S. (Big Smiles) Yes he is. I love his smile.

Last week I got the Bananagram game from my friend Ingrid. Britt and I played it today. Boy, is she competitive!!! We had a few practice games before we played. I will admit that she won....but it was close. Mackenzie really wanted to play. When Britt and I finished, she and Tim played a game. I heard Mackenzie call out Banana a couple of times. It was very cute!

take care,

Dawn

Trash to Treasure Tuesday ~ Thanksgiving

My friend Diane is hosting a new blogging event called Trash to Treasure Tuesday! I didn't think I'd have anything to share today, but much like last week I gave some thought as to what I could post and came up with today's idea. Please visit Diane's blog, A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words to see what others have done today.

Years ago I used to date a man who would love to go to antique shops and auctions. I tagged along and found I had a fondness for antique post cards. My favorite (and biggest collection) are the Christmas post cards. Those will wait until next month!

I pulled down some Thanksgiving decorations last night and scanned these Thanksgiving cards to share.

This first one is by my favorite post card artist, Ellen Clapsaddle

This next one has a message on the back that reads: Dear Little Ruth,
I wish many Thanksgiving. We are well. Hope yous are all well also. from Grandma and Grandpa. This was addressed to Ruth Sibley Moriah Essex county NY. Wouldn't it be wonderfully amazing if someone who knew little Ruth saw this?

The next three cards are from Raphael Tuck and sons Thanksgiving Day post card series No. 161

The card above reads: and when autumn clothed woodland in her robes bright and gay. It was there the thankful Pilgrims kept the first Thanksgiving Day

At some point in time someone had discarded these cards and they are now a welcome addition to my collection.

take care,
Dawn

Happy Housewarming to Brittainy

I don't know if I shared this on my blog or not already. If so I'm getting old and repeating myself! My daughter and her husband won an affordable housing lottery this past summer. They were able to buy a brand new house at a reduced price. They moved into their house in September. Yesterday I had a housewarming party for them.

A friend of mine made this floral arrangement for the party. The beautiful pumpkins are my granddaughter's handy work. Britt didn't have any votive candle holders so we pulled out these glasses to use.

A friend gave her this beautiful old jug with the fall arrangement in it. I love this!

This is a picture of Britt, almost in tears. She was very touched by the gift she was opening. Her aunt sent her a surprise. She did some pencil sketches of Mackenzie and Jack.

Aren't they wonderful!!!! I can't begin to tell you how much Brittainy loved these. She had one of her friends help hang them before they left.

And this, is me and Britt. I gave her a Keurig coffee maker and enough coffee to make about 160 cups of coffee. That should hold her for a while!!!

take care,

Dawn

Coffee Cozy Swap!

Every Wednesday night I get together with a group of friends to knit. We eat, talk, laugh and occasionally knit. This past Wednesday we had a coffee cozy swap. My friend Ingrid and I got each other (by default....we were the biggest whiners!)

This is the basket I got from Ingrid. I love basket! (an extra point for Ingrid for presentation!)

Inside was the coffee cozy that she knit for me! Inside the cup were a couple of candy bars and a gift card for a local coffee shop that I like. (I don't like Dunkin Donuts. Their coffee always tastes burnt to me....part of my whine!)

The next thing I saw was this game. Ingrid and I went out to dinner a couple of weeks ago and stopped in A.C. Moore. I told her that I keep wanting to by the game for myself, but never want to spend the money on me. She remembered that and put it in my basket. I was so EXCITED to see it in the basket. (more bonus points for Ingrid!)

The next thing was a lanyard that says: Where are my scissors? I can't find my scissors? Have you seen my scissors. I don't know what happened but just this week alone I have "misplaced" several of my knitting box tools!

Ingrid also included this little owl. It opens up and inside she put a few stitch markers.

Ingrid went to Holland a little while ago to visit her mother and brought this back for me. It's the cutest little coaster!

It is with love that I say:

Here is the cozy that I knit for Ingrid. Notice that we both got each other the same mug!!

While on the subject of coffee cup cozies, my daughter Brittainy, is giving away a cozy that I made on her blog, The Litany of Brittainy. Go check it out and enter to win.

take care,
Dawn

Friday's Favorite Family Fotos. I say jump...you say how high!

Deborah of Pictures Pots and Pens is hosting Friday's Favorite Family Fotos. She is not able to host this week but I am still going to play.

This picture is about 3 and half years old. I love the smile on Tim's face (and the green lawn !) He was jumping up and down on his trampoline one day and I grabbed the camera to snap a few pictures. I like that he is mid jump on this picture.

I have very few pictures of me from when I was little. I hope Tim values all that I have taken of him! I hope that he looks back on them someday and it brings a smile to his face to remember his childhood. I hope he knows that I took these pictures because he brings me so much joy.

take care,
Dawn

A short story

I am writing this on Tuesday night and watching the election results. This post is not political in nature. I just wanted to share a little story.

As many of you know I teach kindergarten. Last week our school held a mock election. We talked about voting in our class. I asked each child to tell me a reason why they liked the candidate they chose. Most of the children replied that they just liked him. One little girl said she picked John McCain because her brother's name was John :) I set up a little voting booth. The children each went behind a curtain to cast their votes. Our class voted 9 for Barack Obama and 6 voted fro John McCain. After we tallied our votes I asked the children which candidate had the most votes. From the circle of children came a very loud "O'Rock O'Mama!!"

When I awake tomorrow I will know whether my class made the winning prediction or not.

OK, I admit I stayed up way too late to see who won! While I was surfing the internet I saw a that a friend on Facebook posted the following quote.

Rosa sat so Martin could walk, Martin walked so Obama could run, Obama is running so our children can fly.

I just found this quote so powerful!

take care,

Dawn

Trash to Treasure Tuesday

My friend Diane is hosting a new blogging event called Trash to Treasure Tuesday! I struggled to think of what to post. I wanted to join in the fun, but don't have a lot of trash to treasure items to share. Please visit her blog, A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words to see what others have done today.

After some searching I finally came up with something. A couple of years ago I took an old Maxwell house five pound coffee can (trash) and turned it into what I hoped was a treasure for the person I gave it to.

The first thing I did was peel off the paper and then I spray painted it dark blue. Several years ago Rich bought me a drill for Christmas. I've always been afraid of power tools (how girly of me!) but I got tired of having to ask him to do all the work for me. I drilled a hole on each side of the can and added a wire handle. I splattered white paint over the blue can and then painted some snowmen along the bottom. I filled the can with individual bags of snowman soup. Each bag has an instant hot cocoa in it, along with some marshmallows, Hershey kisses and small candy cane. The bag topper can be found here.

Here you have it. My first posting of trash to treasure.

take care,

Dawn

Hats Off!!!

Last weekend Brittainy asked me if I would knit a hat for Jack. Of course I was very agreeable to that. I knit him this hat last weekend. Oh, I think he looks as cute as can be in the hat that his grandma made him!!!


A friend at worked had also asked me to make a hat for her. I found a pattern that I thought she would like and brought it to her. I got the okay and knit this had for her this weekend. The model was the only one that I had available for the photo shoot! :)

Every summer I say that I will work on making gifts so that when Christmas rolls around I'll have a nice supply made. Nope, didn't do that this year. I do have one thing made. I guess I'll be busy knitting from now until December 24th LOL!

take care,

Dawn