TARZAN! - or - What a Fall!

Sometimes a hike in the woods can become more than what you bargained for! Everything was going great until my boys spotted the grapevine swing...

Kitchen Tips - Popcorn & Stale Foods

Popcorn won't pop? Stale bread, chips, or cereal? Hard cookies? Don't throw them out! Instead, follow these tips from my "test kitchen"!

Vacation 2013, Part 1: Country Roads, Take Me Home!

Country Roads, Take Me Home! 

When you grow up in the mountains of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia as I did, there's always a yearning to go back home!  Living in the South has its advantages: flat terrain, wide, straight roads, mild winters with flowers blooming most if not all year, and having a palm tree and orange tree in my back yard. Unfortunately, however, there are disadvantages, especially in the summer: HEAT and HUMIDITY!!

Oh, No!! I broke my tooth!!

Everything is going great, and then disaster strikes! Oh, no! I broke a tooth! Not again!!! 

Homemade Barbecued "Pulled Pork" Sandwiches

In West Virginia, these sandwiches are called "Barbecues", and they are usually served with Sweet Cole Slaw. In the South, most refer to this as "Pulled Pork", but I think all will agree that these appetizing sandwiches with the homemade Barbecue Sauce are the best around! 

Friday the 13th - My Story!!

Are you superstitious? I do not consider myself superstitious, but Friday the 13th can be a little frightening, especially when it's your birthday!

Got Cucumbers?? Make "Ice-Box" Pickles!

I fondly remember my Mom making these delicious pickles, and I quickly learned to make them, too, because the preparation is so easy! They taste great on a sandwich and are also scrumptious on their own! These pickles go fast, so be prepared to make extra batches!

Let's Paint a T-shirt!

Welcome to Ms. Nancy's Art Class!

"Painting" a T-shirt with fabric markers is a fun and easy way to be creative while personalizing clothing. When closely supervised, this project is great for all ages!

God Grant Me the Serenity....

When friends and family are upset and/or confused, I often say, "Remember the Serenity Prayer!" I have repeated these familiar words numerous times when I am going through a tough time, or just when I am dealing with a daily situation that life suddenly "throws at me". 

Teacher Tips - Early Finishers

Imagine this teacher nightmare:

The school day was off to an okay start, and students are at the end of a lesson. Suddenly, you hear a knock at the door. While you talk with the visitors at the door (the school superintendent and principal), the students start talking and yelling, some are throwing paper wads, and 4 students get out of their seats unnecessarily. Of course, you feel embarrassed and humiliated as you try to regain control of your class, and the principal and superintendent do not look pleased. Afterward, when you talk to the class and ask why they had behaved this way, their answer is:

Labor Day Weekend, 2013 - Texas Road Trip!!

Labor Day Weekend, 2013, let's go on a road trip!  This would be a great opportunity to visit our son Jacob's family in Texas. Growing up, my family always did something special on Labor Day - usually attending a local Labor Day Celebration with abundant friends, food, music, and fun! I was excited that our family would be doing something special again this year.