'Tis the Season

I confess. I've already started playing Christmas carols. I really enjoy Christmas music. I have a Christmas CD in my car, in my classroom, another here in my computer room and one in my kitchen CD player. I even confess that this past summer I put a Christmas CD in while I was cleaning the house :)

This past weekend Tim and I watched National Lampoon's Christmas vacation. I might even put another one in this weekend to watch!

I've got another LONG day at school today. After school we have a staff meeting and then I need to stay for a while to get ready for conferences next week. I have also been invited to a surprise birthday party for a former co-worker after school. I expect that I will be getting home rather late this evening.

I was chatting with some of my co-workers recently. We have all been teaching for a very long time and each of us feels like this year we have been on a treadmill. It is non stop and there is always things to do. I am looking forward to our Thanksgiving break!!!

take care,
Dawn

Eno Board

This summer I found out that I was getting an Eno board for my classroom. It is very similar to a SmartBoard. The difference is that you use a stylus, can use magnets on the board and can use white board markers on it.

I have been very busy making lessons on it. It does use SmartBoard software. The kids love using it. I have made a few things inserting music that has made things so much easier. I just tap the board and the music plays. I don't need to insert a CD into the CD player and I don't have to change the CD's all the time. I brought some work home last night and I had trouble getting the music saved as the right file. After about two hours I finally figured it out! OY!

So my dear blogging friends, I didn't get a chance to visit! Hopefully I will be able to in the next couple of days. Please be patient with me :)

take care,
Dawn

Long Week

On Wednesday night I got together with some friends to knit. It seems like it has been quite a while since we were able to do that. I had a great time and stayed out a little to late! On Thursday after school I traveled with some co-workers to my old alma mater to attend a math workshop, followed by a working dinner. I got home late on Thursday night as well. It made for a long day on Friday. After school yesterday I had to take Tim to the doctors for a booster shot. He was a brave guy! I ended up coming home and taking a long nap.

I stopped to buy some yarn after school on Friday to make some wrist warmers for Tim's two teachers for Christmas. Hopefully I'll get them finished. I got myself all comfy in my bed to watch TV and knit. :) Here's the link for any of you knitters out there. Susie's Reading Mitts

take care,
Dawn

Dog Days of November

Rich was doing some work for a neighbor down the street last weekend and Tim walked down to help. The next thing I knew, Rich came in and asked if I wanted to get the camera. Tim was driving our neighbors tractor down the street. We live on a dead end road where there is NO traffic so that wasn't even a concern.

It seems that boys of all ages just loves these "toys". I guess anything with an engine makes a boy happy. Tim told me just yesterday that his "happy place" is on the dirt bike with dad. Oh, don't get me started on that. I am so nervous when he goes on that. I won't let Rich take him on the road. We have conservation land in our back yard with trails that they can ride. He doesn't need to be on the road. At least he isn't asking to ride the bike himself.

Dexter was in the house wondering what all the fuss was about.

take care,
Dawn

Aren't these pretty!!! I got these from Britt and I have adorned my front yard with 8 of them. I've always wanted to put these plants out in the fall but never wanted to spend the money. I did buy some mums and pumpkins and put them all together in my front yard. I never got pictures of the full effect.

Tim carved the pumpkin this year by himself. He had full power of the knife! Yes, I was a bit nervous but there wasn't even a scratch! Just the other day Tim asked if he could take the jack-o-lanterns out to the woods to smash them. I think he enjoyed that more!

This past weekend we took down all of the Halloween decorations and started on the Thanksgiving. As long as my plants stay alive they will be out in the front yard, with the cornstalks and mums :)

take care,
Dawn

Fall is the time for soup!

I do enjoy a good soup. I don't think I've had canned soup for years and years. I only like homemade soups. With the weather cooling down I've found myself making soups. My dear husband and son are not fans of soup so I make a crock pot full and share it with my mother or my friend (and her family that appreciates my soup) that I work with. Last weekend I made a pot roast and saved the left overs for a yummy beef vegetable soup. On Sunday we had a roasted chicken so last night I put the leftovers in the crock pot and made a chicken noodle soup. My other favorite soup to make is linguica and sauerkraut soup. I would like to make some kale soup or broccoli soup too. Do you have a favorite?

take care,
Dawn

Halloween and the grandkids :)

This past Halloween my granddaughter expressed her love of Star Wars by being Darth Vader. She is a girl that doesn't like dolls, or princesses etc. She loves all the things Tim loved when he was little LOL!!! Recently she has become a big fan of the Star Wars movies. :) That's my girl!!

Jack on the other hand just takes what he can get. He was a happy little bee for Halloween. I went to see them on Halloween morning with a pumpkin of goodies...like a good grandmother should LOL!
Here are some pumpkins that they decorated.
I was the lucky recipient of one of Mackenzie's little pumpkins.
Jack seemed to enjoy the painting. Britt got all of these pictures of him. I'm glad I didn't have to clean up that mess!


I'm guessing the creativity gene has found its way to Mackenzie and Jack! Don't you think?

take care,
Dawn

Tim

Ok I know if you are reading this you happened by thinking I wonder if she will EVER UPDATE her blog. I've gotten all the hints...subtle and not so subtle LOL!

Tim just got his school picture back last week and this is Tim at 11 years old. It's his first "official" photo with his braces. He is getting so tall. He's about three inches shorter than I am. Before I know it he will be taller than I am!!

He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES fifth grade and his teacher. A few weeks ago he told me that just for one year he's like to have a teacher that he doesn't like very much, that way on the last day of school his heart won't be broken! He's always sad on the last day. He doesn't like saying good bye to his teacher.

Next year he heads off to the middle school. Luckily it is next door to the elementary school and he won't be too far away from me :) He is hoping to "help" in my class next year after school since middle school gets out an hour earlier than the elementary school. He is growing up too fast!

take care,
Dawn

It has begun!

Yesterday was the first day of kindergarten. We had a very good first day. I came home so tired! Let's hope that each day from here on out gets easier. The hardest part is going over all of the routines. All the kids want to do is play. The biggest time consuming activity is showing them how to use the cafeteria. They have never been there before. We also had to go over recess rules. The kids got an early "extra" recess. Today we practice a fire drill as class before the first "official" school one happens.

The kids all made a picture of the first day of kindergarten to take home. I remember when Tim made his. He made a hand print and dictated what he liked about kindergarten.

Speaking of Tim, he LOVES fifth grade. He has raved about it (and his teacher) every day. Driving home from school on Friday and said that he gets the best teachers every year. One year he'd like one that he doesn't like too much so he won't have "heartache" (his words) and cry on the last day.

I expect that I would be very exhausted by the end of the week.

Oh, Dexter is doing well. He is so excited when we get home he almost can't contain his excitement. He has moved shoes though. He doesn't chew them, he just moves them into the living room. :)

take care,
Dawn

Poor Dexter

Some of you know that in June we adopted a dog. My plan was to wait until school was out so we could all get used to each other. I am happy to report that Dexter is a love of a dog and we are all smitten with him. He sleeps with either Tim or Rich and I every night. After his morning trip outside he runs back in and jumps back in bed to snuggle. How can you not love that.

Today both Tim and I head back to school and Dexter will be home without us. Fortunately, Rich comes home at lunch time to walk him and for the most part I will be home a few hours after that.

What is he going to do without us there to love him?? I suspect he will spend some time curled up in our bed waiting for us to come home. He is a very good dog and well behaved when he is home alone. I just hope he doesn't miss us too much. I know we'll miss him!

take care,
Dawn

Do you hear those bells?

It is the school bells ringing for the start of a new year. That's right. I head back to school today. It is hard to believe that my summer vacation is over. Where did the time go?

To celebrate the Labor day weekend and my last hurrah, we invited Britt, Jay and the kids over for a cookout on Saturday.

Jack was his usual happy go lucky self. Here he is eating a cupcake. I cropped the picture so you wouldn't have to see the hot dog, corn and chocolate frosting all mixed together. You can see by the look on his face that it didn't bother him a bit LOL!


Mackenzie doesn't like getting her picture taken so she hid her eyes so I couldn't see her LOL!


I spent my day yesterday trying to get ready to head back to school today. It seems like there was so much to do. I am happy to report that all the laundry has been washed, dried, folded put away and ironed. I even started to clear the basement a bit. That is a job I wanted to do this summer but I kept putting it off.

Well, be thinking of me sitting at meetings today.

take care,
Dawn

Are you a list maker?

I am a list maker. I like lists! I think it may be because I have so much to do that I forget everything. I make lists to grocery shop...for those things that I don't get every week. I email myself lists of things to do when I get home from school. I email myself things to do at school from home.

I keep a list of what I have gotten people for Christmas for the last several years. (I don't want to repeat myself!) I make lists of things I want to remember to blog about. You might have guessed that's been a short list this past summer!

I also keep many things in files (just like lists!) on my computer so I can find it easily!

I keep a list of phone numbers taped to my refrigerator door. My computer armoire doors have lists on them.

I know there are many more things that I have lists for. What's on your list?

take care,
Dawn

They say it's your birthday!!!

Today my son Tim turns 11. I can't believe he's already 11 years old. He was born on a Friday afternoon and he turns 11 today, a Friday.

Yesterday I took him and three friends to the movies to see SHORTS. It is the first time I've been to the movies with Tim. Britt took him to his first movie and Rich has taken him to the rest.

Tonight we are going to Outback Steak House for dinner. I know I have mentioned this before but he picks that place because on the other side of the parking lot is Toys R Us. He's no fool!

He's getting a couple of gift cards to Toys R Us and some Star Wars gifts. He enjoys Star Wars immensely!! I think he's seen all 6 movies many times each! I have never seen one from start to end.

He will be the "King" of the house today!

Happy Birthday Tim!!!

Tropical Storm Danny

Tropical Storm Danny came to visit this weekend. While the weather wasn't what all the tourists wanted it sure was good for me. I did so much cleaning and organizing this weekend.

I read that on Saturday we got up to five inches of rain. The weather was cool and not fit to be out in...especially if you didn't want to get stuck in that awful summer traffic we get here on the Cape on a rainy day!

Not only did I get things done. I had Tim clean his room (FINALLY!) to my specifications. It took him all day to get it done.

I filed papers and put away a HUGE collection of stuff that I had been putting off. I also threw away three trash bags of things I decided I didn't need to save after all!

I also was able to fit in three movies. I watched Mama Mia, Lakeview Terrace and some really bad horror movie that I can't even remember the name of.

Tomorrow I hope to get into school (provided the custodians aren't waxing the floors) to work on my room some more. Only one more week left until school starts.

take care,
Dawn

Happy Birthday to Rich

Today is my husband's birthday!! Happy Birthday Rich!!!!

We will be going out to dinner tonight. Several years ago Chili's closed here on the Cape. Poor Tim was heartbroken since it was one of his favorite places to eat! Tonight we are going to drive off Cape (something I don't do often...I'm too much of a homebody!!) and go to Chili's for dinner. I am so looking forward to steak fajitas. It's been so long since I have had them.

I also meeting some friends for lunch today at my favorite on Cape restaurant. They have the best french onion soup that I am going to get for lunch.

I don't have any breakfast plans...do you want to join me for coffee and maybe a fruit salad?

take care,
Dawn

I've been out of pracitce!!

This week I made it to school and actually WORKED hard these last two days. I'm exhausted and my body aches from lifting and moving things around!

I need a few more hours of work and I should be all set! I am going to try to get some of the work done on Wednesday and then head in for one more day next week.

I am the kind of person who does not do well waiting until the last minute. I get very anxious when things are ready on time. Our entire school has been cleaned, with the exception of the kindergarten. I don't know why they wait until the VERY LAST minute to get our rooms done. We aren't going to be able to get in for many days and kindergarten has the most STUFF to put away and organize. I am glad I've gone in to get some things done.

I need a good movie to watch in bed and relax for the rest of the night.

take care,
Dawn

Back to school shopping

Today was the day for us. We officially started the back to school shopping for Tim. He starts school on the 8th and he just got a few basics to get started. Some new clothes and shoes! I can't believe he is not quite 11 years old (just two more weeks) and his shoe size is a 7's men's! Holy cow that's a big foot!

I still haven't gotten the school supplies. I was hoping Staples would have the items I need on sale but so far that hasn't happened. I guess I am just going to have to go and spend the full amount.

Tim's had the same LL Bean backpack and lunch box since kindergarten and he'll be starting 5th grade. That is a statement about their quality! I guess next year when he starts middle school I should get him a new bigger on. I think it helps that I drive him to and from school everyday and he really doesn't have to drag his backpack around. We don't live in the same town that I work in (or he goes to school) so the bus isn't an option! He's only ridden the bus home once when he went to a friend's house.

take care,
Dawn

A few knitting projects

I sat here at my computer for more than half an hour trying to figure out what to blog about...and what a struggle it was.

I finally decided to share a couple of projects I have knitted (the few I've taken pictures of anyway).

Last April I was in a knitting swap with some friends. We decided to have a dishcloth swap. My friend Kathleen made a beautiful green one, that was so nice I couldn't use it for dishes LOL! I am using it as a doily and have a lamp on it. I liked the pattern so much that I made this purple one. I'm thinking of saving it to give to my mother. Her favorite color is purple!
I made this sweater set for my niece who had a baby two weeks ago. It's a nice lightweight sweater for warmer weather. It's been so hot the last two weeks that she hasn't needed it. Soon I hope she will wear this pretty pink sweater. (I think I posted this a couple of weeks back...sorry for the repeat!)


This is the same pattern. I'm not sure who I will give this one too. I made a hat to match but don't have a picture of it yet.

I have a few more projects done, just not photographed and a few that just need the finishing touches.

take care,
Dawn

August 15, 1980

Twenty nine years ago today my baby girl was born. That's right, Britt is 29 today. It is hard for me to believe it's been that long. It's even harder to believe that she has two children of her own! I remember it just like it was yesterday. It was a Friday morning and less than an hour after getting to the hospital she was born.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRITTAINY!!!!!!!!!

Tim and I stopped by today to wish her a happy birthday and bring her a couple of gifts for her big day. We stayed and had cake with her, Jay and the kids. Mackenzie kept wishing her a happy birthday. Her birthday is the start of all the family birthdays. In the next four weeks, my son, my husband, my niece, my son in law, and my granddaughter all have birthdays! It is a busy time of the year around here!

take care,

Dawn

It's a girl

Last Thursday my niece and her husband had a baby girl, Christina. I went up to the hospital with my sister (the new grandmother) and sat in the waiting room for what seemed like forever. The minute I went down to grab a bite to eat the baby was born.

I don't have permission to post a picture of Christina as Tonja and Stan haven't decided if they want her photos in cyber space. You will just have to take my word for it that she is as lovely as can be.

Years ago when Tonja was in kindergarten her teacher was a friend of mine and one year for Christmas my friend framed a painting that Tonja made. On Saturday I gave it to Tonja to hang in Christina's room.

Hey, two days in a row....I'm on a roll!

take care,
Dawn

Ok Beverly and Jeanne here's a new post!!!

I know I am so bad. I've become an addict! I am addicted to FARM TOWN on Facebook. :)

Because of this addiction I have been neglecting my blog. So for my faithful friends, I will replace those turkeys with Dexter.

We learned early on that Dexter LOVES our bed. I went into my room one day and there he was, all snuggled with the pillows. He's been sleeping with Rich and I for the last couple of weeks. Tim sleeps on a little pull out bed and we all stay nice and cool!

I call Dexter, "Dexter Doodleitis" Tim has added the middle name James to it. He is such a spoiled...and well loved dog. Rich, who wasn't overly thrilled with getting a dog to begin with acts like he gave birth to him. He is so smitten with Dexter.

Until next time,
take care,
Dawn

Unexpected visitors

Last week Tim and Rich were having breakfast (not my favorite meal!) and they noticed these two turkeys in our yard. I of course grabbed the camera and ran outside to get the picture. :)

I wonder if these are the same two turkeys I saw walking down the road on day in June. We live on a quiet cul de sac and there is conservation land in our back yard. I've seen deer, coyote and now turkeys.

I remember bringing Britt home about a year or so ago and she had 13 turkeys in her front yard! That was the first time in my 40 plus years on Cape Cod that I had seen wild turkeys roaming around.

Come November where will they be though?

take care,
Dawn

Cooking

Do you like to cook! I don't mind it at all. What I really don't like is cleaning up afterwards. That has stopped me from making things I'd like to make many times. I am very fortunate in that Rich does the dishes most every night after dinner. We've made a deal. One person cooks and the other does the dishes. I'm a better cook than he is!

Tim really wants to be able to cook more. The trouble is he doesn't like so many things! He's now mastered scrambled eggs, hot dogs and hamburger (he likes that in a flour tortillia). I've had him help me make spaghetti sauce (I never use the jar kind) and he did well. I think I'd have to write the directions down for him. He did meatballs well too.



What is your favorite thing to cook?

take care,
Dawn

The boy in the mirror

A few month back when Mackenzie fractured her elbow I got to have Jack while Britt and Jay went to Children's Hospital in Boston. It was a nice day so we went outside. On my deck I have a gazing ball. I bought it for my mother a long time ago and she has no place for it now in her condo. Jack was fascinated by the boy in the mirror. A couple of times he tried to talk to him and even share the ball he was playing with. It was fun to watch.

Sorry about the corner blur. I got some of the chair next to me in the shot!

In the couple of months since these were taken Jack has grown and changed so much.
I'll be posting more about Tim, Jack and Mackenzie this week.

take care,
Dawn

Brace yourself!

I finally took the plunge and took Tim to an orthodontist because I was concerned about his overbite (notice the teeth resting on his lip!). In May he had some x-rays, measurements, molds etc. and it was determined that he would need braces. He has some teeth not growing in straight and those have braces and he also needs to wear head gear to help align his jaw. On Thursday he went in and had his braces put on. He'll need to wear them about two years.

He chose some lovely colors, red green blue and silver. You can't tell in the picture (even the colored picture doesn't show the colors well.) Of course Dad had to take him to Toys R Us to buy a Star Wars clone.
Let's hope all of this works.

take care,
Dawn

Look what I won!

My blogging friend Kim at Kim's Treasures had a giveaway recently and look what I won!!! She sewed yo-yo's and added it to this bag! Isn't it pretty? Along with the bag I got some Burt's Bees lemon butter cuticle creme that smells divine and some Burt's Bees lip balm! Along the the hand stamped card is a lovely little note book. What great treats Kim. Thank you!!!! I might just use that bag for my knitting!

Kim is having another give away. Go check out her blog!

take care,
Dawn

Beverly says my cupcakes are getting stale!

Terri Fox will lead a “spirited” tour of the resting place of Cape Cod's only Medal of Honor recipient as well as sea captains and other early residents of Dennis at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 16. A $3 donation is suggested for the cemetery upkeep. The rain date for this Dennis Historical Society event is Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m.

This is what the paper said, prompting an email from my sister saying she couldn't get to the cemetery in time to spruce things up. So, this morning Tim and I went to a local garden shop and bought some geraniums. After a little bit of weeding I planted the flowers and tidied things up. While I was weeding an "older" woman came over and said, "hello, Dawn!". I recognized her face, but not her name. She introduced herself and we chatted about our family histories.

I also came across the person giving the tour tomorrow and she said that my dad was going to be mentioned. He wasn't a sea captain but he was a well loved member of the town! Most people knew my father by his nickname, Tex. Tim was sure to tell the ladies we met today that his middle name is Allen, after the grandfather he never met. My mom told me years ago that my father got the nickname Tex when he was a little boy and used to deliver newspapers by horse.

I would love to go on this tour tomorrow, but Tim has an appointment that I need to get him to. Maybe I could sneak a couple of minutes in!

take care,
Dawn

Blue Monday ~*~Finger licking good!

Sally at Smiling Sally hosts a Blue Monday event. Since I haven't done this for a while, and I had the perfect pictures from the 4th, I decided to join in today.

I invited my daughter, Brittainy and her family to come over for a cook out on the fourth. Britt offered to bring some cupcakes. The picture above are the small cupcakes. The bigger ones with the nice BLUE frosting got eaten before I could get a picture.

My grandson Jack thoroughly enjoyed his blue Spiderman cupcake.

Then he wanted more! The thought of those fingers touching me makes me feel all sticky!


Here he is before his mom took him in for a bath...a much needed bath!

You'll notice that his sister Mackenzie was a bit neater!



For more blue posts be sure to visit Smiling Sally!

take care,
Dawn

How did you spend your 4th?

We usually have a very low key fourth! This year I invited Britt, Jay and the kids over for a cookout and as usual I cooked way too much for everyone! We had burgers, hot dogs, sweet italian sausage, and thick steaks, potato salad and corn on the cob. The weather was beautiful. It was a nice change after all the rain and cool weather we've had.

Later in the evening, after Britt and family went home, we opened our IBC diet root beer and watched the Boston Pops on TV. I know, a rowdy family we are LOL! I love watching the pops. My favorite part is the patriotic sing along! It reminds of me of school. Every day after the Pledge of Allegiance we sing a patriotic song. I also teach my class the sign language for them. I love hearing the families tell me that their child tries to teach them. I often wonder if any of them through the years watch the Pops and think about learning those songs in kindergarten.


While the show was on Tim drew a quick little flag that he designed. He said it had one star in the middle and 49 stars around it. That way wherever you lived you could think that the big star was for your state since everyone loves thier own state!



I hope you all enjoyed the time with your family and friends. I know we did!

take care,
Dawn

Pretty in PInk

Beverly at How Sweet the Sounds hosts a pink Saturday. I think she about fell over in her chair when I called her to tell her I'd be doing it this week. I haven't done a pink Saturday post in about a year. I'd run out of PINK! Please be sure to visit Beverly and see who else has something pink to share this week.

There's a new girl coming to join our family!

Last Sunday my daughter hosted a baby shower for her cousin (my niece). I helped her set up and prepared some of the food for the party. Tonja, my niece is due to have a baby girl this month. She and her husband had just about nothing to prepare for their baby. She was off to a good start after her shower.

I knit a little pink sweater and hat for the baby.

Here's a close up!

Tonja and Stan have chosen the name Christina for the baby. Tonja's sister gave her a card and we aren't sure what she was thinking when she wrote Tonja and Christmas on the card. That was a good laugh at the party!



I'm sure feeling old now that my daughter and niece have children!!! I remember both of them as babies. As a matter of fact on of my friends was Tonja's kindergarten teacher and for Christmas on year she framed a painting my nice had made. I should ask her if she would like it to hang in her daughter's room!

take care,
Dawn