Two more days of school! Yeah!

My tired body is craving some rest!

It has taken me a lot of years to admit this, but
teaching school is probably best suited for someone YOUNG.
I know, wisdom and knowledge come with age and experience,
but
the last two weeks have been brutal!
(O.K. I might be exaggerating a little.)
I have walked too many miles in the hot sun or the pouring rain
on field trips (not much money for buses).
I have faced the challenge of trying to sort and pack up as much stuff as I can
without my students noticing that anything is different or missing.
I have tested students and filled out mountains of paper work.
(Who reads all this stuff?)
I have tried to keep hot, tired, restless children busy and productive.

Yes,
this last two weeks have been a test of my stamina
(and a reaffirmation that I need to get in better shape)!

Next week you might find me lying in the grass somewhere,
hunting for animal shapes in the clouds, or reading a new novel.
I might even sleep in. Maybe I'll escape and go somewhere.

(My husband is probably hoping I will do some house cleaning!)

But....
After a few restful days I will probably start thinking about twenty-five little people.
I hope they are having a good summer vacation!

And the winner is......

Congratulations to Tannie for winning my give-a-way!

Tannie is a good friend of my daughter Liz.

We put everyone's name in a basket
and my daughter Katie pulled out
Tannie's name.
(Sorry it is blurry!)

We will be sending you your prizes soon. Thanks for entering my contest!

Thanks to everyone else who entered. I wish I could give each one of you a prize.
Thanks for supporting my blog!
JoAnn

*****************
Guess what my husband bought today for only $55.00?
($70.00 off two-day sale, $15.00 coupon, $30.00 promotional discount)
Hint... it looks great in our office/den!

Summer projects I want to try.....

Summer Plans:
(6 more days of school.....Yeah!)

I am looking forward to having some time for a few creative projects once school ends. Here are a few things I want to try:

#1- I came across a cute idea on a blog the other day (by Kate at Centsational Girl: DIY).
It even uses something that we happen to have a lot of around here.

Old paint cans!

Look at the cute planters she made using an empty paint can, tape, and paint
(and of course some cute plants).
If you like this idea (who wouldn't?) check out this site for details.
Thanks, Kate, for the clever idea.
(By the way, I am having trouble leaving comments on some blogs. I tried to thank her, but I can't figure out her system. If anyone knows the secret, I would appreciate the help!)

#2- My sister Linda got this cinnamon roll recipe from her sister-in-law Sharon who is a great cook.
(She sells them at a golf course.)
I have been craving them for a long time.


Linda and Sharon's recipe:
> 8-10 c flour
> 1 box white or yellow cake mix
> 4 tab yeast
> 2 t salt
> 4 c warm water
> 2 eggs slightly beaten
>
> I a large mixing bowl combine:
> 6 cups flour, cake mix, yeast and salt
> Mix well. Add:
> water and eggs. Mix together slowly until well incorporated. Slowly
> add remaining flour till dough comes away from sides of the bowl.
> Knead in the mixer 6-8 min.
> Divide dough into 2 pieces. Rollout dough and spread with 1/2 cube
> softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
> Roll dough jelly roll style. Cut into 12 pieces and place on greased
> cookie sheet.
> Repeat with other piece of dough.
> Let rolls raise about 15 -20 min or till double in size.
> bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20-25 min.
> Frost with cream cheese frosting
>
> Frosting:
> 1 cube butter softened
> 1 pkg. cream cheese 1 tsp vanilla
> Approximately 1 lb powdered sugar (enough to make a soft frosting)
> milk to thin
> spread on each roll
>
> eat and enjoy

#3 Make some baby receiving blankets using


and some cute Did I mention that we are expecting a new grand-baby in the fall?

Wish me luck on my upcoming projects!
I'll probably need it!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

A day to remember....

A day to honor.....

A day to reconnect......

A day to enjoy.....

Hope it was a good day for you, too!

(Thanks to Michelle for the family pictures!)


*********

P.S. I've upped the ante on my give-a-way!
My good husband is going to make a frame like this one:

It will be similar, but slightly different.
(And of course, it won't come with my pictures, but places for yours!)
It is about 9 inches by 19 inches.

Could it be the "Little Rascals"?....

(The original cast)

Remember a few posts ago when we went to visit our friend Danny?
(Click on Danny to see the post)
I told you we went back a long way,
but can you believe these pictures!
We look like we could be part of the "Little Rascals" television show.
(That makes me feel really old!)
Danny just posted these pictures on Facebook and now I'm copying them.
(Isn't technology wonderful?)
Thanks, Danny!

My sister Diane, Danny, his brother Skyler, and me

Part of the Old Fairview Gang!
(a.k.a. Alfalfa, Spanky, and Darla!)

(Petey, the real dog, in case you weren't sure!)

P.S.
Don't forget to sign up for my give-a-way!

100th Post Give-a-way prizes....

Yes, I am having a give-a-way in celebration of my
100th post.


This isn't the official cover, but I have a cookbook ordered from (I guess it is because I know I need to eat healthier and the recipes looked really delicious!)

And...

In an attempt at being creative
I am making an apron.
(Caution....it has been a few years since I even opened a sewing machine!)

Now all you need is some lively music to belt out while trying out the new recipes!

Just leave a comment on my blog and your name will be entered in the drawing.
The deadline will be on May 31st at midnight.
Thanks for dropping by.
JoAnn

100th post.....I'm having a "give-a-way"

I reached my 100th post!
I am planning a "give-a-way" to celebrate.
I will reveal my prizes tonight or tomorrow, as soon as I get the pictures ready,
but if you want to take a chance now, you can get your name on the list.
Just leave me a comment saying you want to enter the drawing,
then watch my blog for the announcement.




I also wanted to share this short video by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
It is called My Song in the Night.

It has beautiful music and a little message of kindness.
I really enjoyed it!!!