Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge



I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. What's the best and worst thing thing about growing older?

The best I would have to say is not caring as much about the little things. When you are younger the things that seem so important usually really aren't that important. The worst thing is getting pesky gray hairs.

2. Autumn arrives this week in the Northern Hemisphere...what one thing do you love most about the fall season?

One thing I love about fall (there are many things I love about fall) is the crisp air and the sound of leaves crackling beneath my feet. Oops...is that two?!

3. Speaking of fall...pumpkin seems to be flavoring everything these days-are you a fan? What's your favorite pumpkin flavored food or beverage?

I like pumpkin as long as it is mixed with something. My favorite would have to be chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. This year I will try replacing the egg with applesauce. Here is the recipe from my friend Amy:

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

1 egg
1/2 c pumpkin
1 c sugar
1 stick butter
1 tsp vanilla
6 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 c pecans (optional, I don't use them)

Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and pumpkin and set aside, Blend first 7 ingredients; fold in pumpkin mixture. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Drop by tsp on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 minutes.


4. Since we're on the subject of fall...what's the worst fall you've ever taken?

Besides falling down the stairs a couple of times, which was nothing serious I would have to say falling off the back of a moped when I was a kid. I chipped my front tooth and tore open my upper lip and knee. I may have told my parents that I fell when my dog pulled me while walking him. He had a habit of doing that when he saw other dogs or squirrels. Really though he was a nice German hunting dog :)

5. If you could own a prop from any film what would you choose?

The Delorean from Back to the Future.



6. What's the most interesting word you've read or learned in the past week?

I don't know. I guess I should have written it down ;)

7. When was the last time you locked yourself out of your house, car, or office? Was it a big deal?

Only once that I remember. It was about eight years ago and I locked myself out of my car with my baby daughter in it. It was a huge deal. My pocketbook was on the front seat with my cell phone in it and I had just loaded the car with groceries. Thankfully there was a delivery man that listened to me when I called out to him and he used a Slim Jim to get my door open.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The kids are watching a Shirley Temple movie. Isn't she so cute? Too bad they don't make movies like they used to!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is sunny and warm. I am still waiting for the cooler temperatures during the day. It is cool in the morning and at night but inbetween it gets quite warm.

I am thinking... what am I going to make for dinner?

I am thankful for... good family and friends.

From the learning rooms... math, spelling, phonics, penmanship, reading, and we learned about Massachusetts as part of our states and capitals study.

From the kitchen... for lunch we had penne with leftover marinara sauce that I used to make pizza yesterday. I have no clue what I am making tonight but better think of something fast!


I am wearing... khaki shorts and a pink polo.

I am going... to lunch with friends, book club, soccer and church this week.

I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe".

I am hearing... the fan. I told you it was warm today ;)

One of my favorite things: pumpkin spice lattes. I went to order one today at Starbuck's- decaf with soy- and just before handing it to me the nice barista told me that the pumpkin spice contains condensed milk. I had to refuse it since I am not supposed to have cow's milk. I saved myself $4.75 anyway ;) Well really I have a gift card to use so it isn't my money. Now I will have to make my own and figure out a milk free version. I was thinking of sprinkling pumpkin pie spice on the coffee right before I brew it or maybe just replacing the milk with soy or almond milk in this recipe.

Have a great week :)

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge



I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? The NFL is back in action along with all the college teams. Are you a fan? Who do you root for? If you're not a fan what do you do while the rest of America watches Saturday, Sunday, Monday night, and now Thursday night games?

I like watching football every once in a while but am never really glued to the screen unless it is The Super Bowl and my team, the NFL Champions, the NY Giants are in it :) I wrote about it in Wednesday's Hodgepodge back in February.

2. What's something I'll always find in your closet?

A pair of black dress pants. Black goes with everything right? In the summer I can wear them with a dressy top and a pair of wedge sandals and in the winter I can wear them with a nice sweater or top and a pair of dress boots.

3. Share one of your earliest memories.

Playing in the doll corner in my kindergarten classroom. That was when you first learned to write your name with those big, fat, red pencils. Not like kindergarten today! And is it me or were kindergarten teachers always older ladies back then? Now it seems like there are lots of young teachers getting kindergarten positions. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it is just much different.

4. What circus act best describes your week so far?

The ring master. We started back to our homeschool this week and I have been keeping everyone on task ;)


5. What's a food you disliked as a child but you love now?

Pumpkin pie. I thought the smell was so strong when I was a kid but now I guess my sense of smell has matured- LOL.

6. Describe your summer in three words.

Hot, relaxing, fun.

7. Where were you on September 11, 2001? Will you do anything special to mark the day this year?

I was teaching second grade at a lovely public school at the time. We were getting ready for the children to arrive and start the day when I heard. All of the teachers were taking turns going into the teacher's lounge to watch the news. We still didn't know all the details when we had to greet our class and keep things going. I remember on my break I met with my teacher's aide and the guidance counselor and we prayed together.
This year I thought about the day and some of my students. I remembered that one of my student's birthdays is on 9/11 and his uncle was a NYC firefighter who died that day. I hope that he is able to find some joy on his birthday all these years later.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am still in a New York State of Mind today.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

I'm in a New York State of Mind



After watching the news coverage of the ceremonies that took place today to remember those lost on 9/11/01 I can't stop thinking of this song, especially as a New Yorker.



May we never forget!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it feels like the beginning of fall :) There is a nice breeze and now the sun is setting over the pine trees in my backyard. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes are still around.

I am thinking... I am tired from a full day back at homeschooling.

I am thankful for... the cooler weather we had today. I love the cooler weather!

From the learning rooms... catecism questions, states and capitals, the presidents, math, reading, spelling, phonics, vocabulary, science and penmanship!

From the kitchen... baked chicken legs, mashed carrots, fresh rye bread from the bakery with butter and peach cobbler for dessert. I love cooking and baking with the windows open.

I am wearing... light beige shorts and a pink v-neck.

I am going... to be busy with back to homeschooling so didn't schedule much this week. We have soccer on Saturday and church on Sunday.

I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe".

I am hearing... the crickets chirping and my laptop humming.

One of my favorite things: spending the day learning at home with my children :)

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook