Finally found...Owl's friend, Red Bird

I think this piece of art is remarkable!

Another happy picture.:) I love the nose.

"I am happy in this picture!"

One of my students on Friday made me this picture. It is a self-portrait. I love everything about it. He did a great job and I am so glad that he is happy in this picture.:)

Anyone craving pizza?

Something is in the works here...Hmmm....can you guess?

Some more yummy cookies!

Yummy Valentine Cookies.

yep...They are so yummy. I don't think they will last 'til Valentine's Day.

Coming this afternoon....

Valentine Sugar Cookies!

Scones Anyone?

This was my first attempt at making scones and I was delighted that they actually turned out. I used an orange recipe, but altered it a bit with cranberries. Here is the recipe below...

Double Orange Scones with Cranberries

2 cups flour

3 tablespoons sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons grated orange peel

3/4 cup cranberries

1/3 cup margarine or butter

1/2 cup chopped canned mandarine orange segments, drained

1/4 to 1/3 cup milk

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon sugar

Heat oven to 400F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. In a large bowl, combine flour, 3 tablesoons sugar, baking powder, cranberries, and orange peel. Using pastry blender or fork, cut margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add orange segments, milk and egg. With fork, stir until mixture leaves sides of bowl and soft dough forms.

On a floured surface, gently knead dough 10 times. Place on greased cookie sheet; roll or pat into a 6 inch circle. Sprinkle dough with 1 tablespoon sugar. Cut dough into 8 wedges; separate slightly.

Bake at 400 F for 15 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

High Altitude:

Above 3500 Feet; Increase four to 2 1/4 cups and bake at directed.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories 220; Protien 4g; Carbs 32g; Fat 9g; Sodium 200mg

Recipe taken from Pillsbury: The Complete Book of Baking

I really don't get it...when I want to blog, I can't because blogger doesn't want to seem to load on our computer, but when I don't really want to blog, it works. I guess that's the way it goes.

Tulips and Baguettes

Carlos Spaventa

I love this picture.

It is such a great reminder of the simpler things in life.

Little Inspirations Cards from DaySpring

I always loved this card from my friend, Tanya.

Even since then, the criteria is still the same.:)

I finally got my blog looking the way I want for a little while.

Artist of the Week

This picture was drawn for me by one of my first grade special needs students last week.

He also drew a red bird for me.

A New Year...

I cannot believe that 2007 is already here. I remember thinking that the 2000's were so far away. I also remember a bulletin board made by my English teacher. It read, "Where will you be and what will you be doing 20 years from now?" At the time, I couldn't even imagine where I would be or what I would be doing.
I am pretty much where I left off...still living at home and working (a different kind of work than everyday work from school, but still at school). But one thing has definitely changed since that first look at the bulletin board. I am thankful that I know the Lord so much better than I did then. His Word has taught me so much as with the different experiences. Just this morning when I was reading Proverbs...the words are so much more meaningful...because I finally have grasped the true importance of them and what they stand for.
Another thing I have learned this year is from my trip to Europe this year. The people from the countries I have visited have taught me so much about contentment and waaiting on the Lord without worry. Despite the different trials, they sought out strength from the Lord and it was evident in every moment of their lives.

I hope that this year, I can live my life worthy of the One who created me.

For in Him, we live and move and have our being!

Charlie Brown Christmas...

You have to love this calm CD. I was first introduced to it by my good friend, Kami at college. And this year....after several years of listening to other peoples' copies, I have my own to listen to and enjoy thanks to my parents. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Christ the Lord is Born Today

A great song that says it all....
http://www.sovgracemin.org/media/mp3/savior/christ_the_lord_is_born_today.mp3

'Twas the Teachers' Night Before Winter Break

'Twas the days before Christmas
And all through the school,
The teachers were trying

To just keep their cool

The hallways were hung
With Chrismtas Art
(Some made in November to get a head start).

The children were bouncing
Off ceilings and walls,
And seemed to forget
How to walk in the halls.

When out of the teachers' lounge
With "Holiday Shirts"
And jingle bell jewels
The teachers looked festive
Enforcing the rules.

Suddenly, from down the hallway
There came such a clatter
The principal went in
To see what was the matter.

The teachers were hiding
And trying to refuel
On coffee and cookies
And treats from the Yule.

When what to their wondering
Ears do they hear,
But the ringing of school bells:
It's the children they fear!

More rapid than reindeer
The little ones came
And the teachers all shouted
And called them by name:

Walk Vincent, Walk Tanner,
Walk Tyler and Sammy.
Sit Jamie, Sit Laura
Sit Tara and Tammy.

To your desks in the room,
To your spots in the line,
Now walk to them, walk to them,
No running this time!

So straight to their places
The children all went
With fear of detention
Where they could be sent.

With manuals of lessons
Cradled in arms
The teachers began
To use all their charms.

But the lessons presented
All fell on deaf ears
The children were thinking
of Santa's reindeer.

With a toss of their hands
They put manuals aside,
Went straight to the cupboards
Where videos hide.

And laying their finger
On the TV remote
They sat back to write
Their last Christmas note.

But you could hear them exclaim
At the end of the day
Have a wonderful, happy, and LOOOOOOOOONG holiday!!

The Cookie Exchange...

I was able to leave school soon after the last bell rang and then I headed home to bake my cookies fr the cookie exchange that night. Well....something had happened...I didn't put enough flour in the batter. So rather than having nice peppermint patty cookies they were more like mint chocolate pancakes. But not to worrry, I was able to get into the Christmas cookie stores from my earlier baking day on Tuesday. So depite the problems, I still had something to contribute.:)
The cookie exchange itself was a huge success thanks to my friend Beth and her homemade hot chocolate making skills and everyone's fabulous cookies. For a little more fun, we also had a housewarming party for my friend Kelly. She was totally surprised, but knew something was up when she saw her sisters there... Anyway, It was a great time. Here are some of the pics from the party.

Psalm 63

My friend, Jim took Psalm 63 and made it into a beautiful song.

Oh God, you are my God and I long for you.

Oh God, you are my God and I search for you.

In a dry and weary land, only You can satisfy.

For your love is more than life.

Only You will I glorify!

I will praise You, Lord for all of my days.

And in Your name I will lift up my praise.

I will praise You Lord.

For You alone are God and You made this one Your child.

And I will seek you in Your sanctuary.

For I have tasted of Your glory.

And it is good...and it is good.

I will praise You Lord for all of my days.

And in Your name, I will lift up my praise.

I will praise You, Lord.

For You alone are God and You made this one Your child.