Monday, December 28, 2009

December catch-up

December has made a hasty journey through our home! It has been a busy month. It seems like every gathering or party, performance, etc... had to be scheduled in the beginning of the month so no one would have conflicts with Christmas gatherings. So many, that these things were conflicting with one another. Just when you thought things would settle down, right?

We had a Children's Christmas program, Middle school Band concert, Adult Choir Cantata(plus rehersals), Elementary school PTA, my network of providers 'party'(I missed this), slide show presentation I had to put together for church, 2 grades' class parties to prepare for, Children's field trip to see lights, 3 'official' family gatherings and countless other activities. Add to this a mission project I was helping with, plus just decorating and shopping for my family get-togethers. I am kind of over the busy-ness of the season. I sure am glad that is not the only reason we celebrate at Christmastime. If the busy things were all we had, that would be a huge letdown. Thank you Lord for Jesus!

We have had some car troubles, with mine, and Mr. Snippity's cars. My car has been making strange noises for weeks. I've mentioned it several times to the MR., but it just is not one of his priorities. It works fine, and I think it should be a simple fix, if he will just get to it. However, on Christmas morning his car would not start. It has made him extremely grumpy. Grumpy McGrump is his name especially this week. This grumpy mood doesn't help anyone else be happy! I will be so glad when this car thing gets straightened out!

The two younger kids have been such a joy these past couple of weeks. I have had time to spend with them one-on-one, and it is sweet. The teenager...well, let's just say she doesn't enjoy my company quite like the little ones.

I've been trying to focus on getting our home a little more organized, a little more decluttered. The trash and recycling bins are full, but there is still so much 'stuff'! I'm going to be continuing this job. As this year winds down, I am going to focus on simplifying our lives as much as I can. I also love the fresh pages of a new calendar...although I am sure they will be filled quickly!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Sausage Pinwheels

I recently (okay, I admit...last month) put out a request to my recipe sharing friends for new food ideas. I have been bored with all the usuals'.

I present to you sausage pinwheels:


1/2 pound sausage, 1 tube crescent rolls, shredded cheese
Spread crescent roll dough out, pinching the seams together. Spread uncooked sausage over top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll up from long side and slice into pinwheels. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes.

I have made this 2 times now. Once for family, once for daycare. Both groups were pleased.
The first time, I misread the recipe and used the whole pound of sausage. I let it cook a little longer to make sure all that sausage was done.
On the second attempt, I did it as the recipe directed. It was good too. On the second try, I used one of the 'recipe creations' crescent roll tubes. It is not perforated, as it is a solid sheet of crescent dough. Or, supposed to be. When my can opened, there were a few rips as it came out of the tube. I thought I would try a shortcut...but at a about 10 cents more per can, I won't be buying this again! I'm sticking to regular crescent rolls...I can pinch ;) Pinch pennies, too!
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Thursday, December 3, 2009

cute PTA moment

Cinderella singing with her kindergarten class at a recent PTA meeting.

So cute :)
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

One thing left

I have one assignment left to do for my college class this semester. It is to post on the discussion board our 'final analysis' of the class. So far, I have hesitated to post my feedback. Why? Because every other person has posted only postivie remarks. This class has seriously stunk...and this professor has been the most scattered and unorganized I've ever had. It is an online class, and so I only know one person from my class 'in real life'. Her experience has not been good either.

One problem has been the due dates. They have changed several times during the semester. When I've emailed her with questions, she pretty much sends the exact copy of the assignment information, without clarification. I have turned assignments in and she has not given us any feedback about how we did, other than a number grade. I have had to remind her to post grades for some of my work, and for others I have had grades come up on the chart for things I had not turned in yet. Major projects had components posted in 3 or 4 different places, with the details varying from place to place. I am concerned that if I put the truth out there, some of my grades might disappear or change, or I will get a bad grade on this assignment, which could be the difference between an A or B for me.

So, are all these other people lying? Should I only look for the positive? We have an anonymous survey that we turn in to administration at the end of the semester, so I have an avenue to give that feedback. What to do?

  • It takes just a moment to change your attitude. And, in that quick moment, you can change your entire day!