What do you do on a snowy day?

If you are a feather creature, you look for food and are pleased to know the humans remembered to fill the bird feeder for you! :0)

If you are a wonderful husband, you find yourself outside with a shovel, clearing a way for the cars to exit the garage. :0)

If you are a mother and daughter and enjoy each other's company,

you spend the day creating.

From this.....

To this....

Isn't she beautiful!

Thank you for spending the day with me.

I love you!

XOXO

Theresa

Happy Birthday Sis!

Today is my sister's birthday! I (think) remember the day she was born.

I was 7. I think it was on a Sunday - if not, I remember being at my grandmother's waiting for my Dad to come and pick up my middle sister and myself.

It was cold.

Over the course of the next few years, we taught her to spell, P-E-S-T.

Which when she said, 'I'm a P-E-S-T" upon prompts from us, was quiet hilarious. :0)

We were wonderful big sisters,

we would sneak off to play Barbie and build barricades to keep her out of our toys. We also made a rhyme with her name, I won't mention that one- but suffice it to say, it was something only older sisters could do. I remember the Sunday morning the offering plate came around and she didn't have any money to place in it, so she took her chewing gum from her mouth and sweetly placed it in the plate. While we thought it was extremely funny, looking back on it, I can't help but think of the widow's mite, how she gave all she had.

Due to work schedules, and locations, we are only able to be together about twice a year. This I regret, but with modern technology, I am able to communicate with her frequently. We were both on msn. messenger this afternoon and I was able to wish her a happy birthday. I am proud of her and how she is a positive influence on those around her. She manages a retail store in IN and is doing so very successfully. Her store has grown with leaps and bounds, considering the current economy, this is no small feat! Her leadership skills and her Faith are examples for others.

I Love you, Sis!

I wish I was there, but know I am asking God to bless you in a special way this day.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Bless my sister in a very special way this day and week. Give her strength and courage to keep walking the faith and making a difference to those around her.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

XOXO

Theresa

Stuffed Mushrooms & Snow Day # 10

If you need a quick, easy and tasty appetizer, give this recipe a try!

YUM!

Stuffed Mushrooms

1 large pkg. fresh mushrooms (button)

1/4 cup Butter

4 oz. pkg. herb seasoned stuffing mix

1/2 lb. sausage

1/2 chopped onion ( I use sweet)

mayonnaise

Wash and remove stems from mushrooms (I have discovered, if you wipe them individually with a wet paper towel, they don't become water, absorbed sponges), save stems.

Brown and drain sausage.

Saute chopped onion and mushroom stems in butter.

Mix sausage, onion mixture and stuffing mix in large bowl. Add enough mayonnaise to moisten. You decide how moist you want the mixture.

Spoon into mushroom caps.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Serve and enjoy! :)

Snow Day # 10 - Yesterday was our tenth snow day. It was unexpected but enjoyable.

If the weather forecast is accurate, one of the largest snow storms in a few years is expected to descend on the mountains beginning tomorrow. I am making preparations for a quiet, stay indoors weekend.

I pray you are enjoying these winter days, January is almost gone.

How quickly time flies!

XOXO

Theresa

Snow Day 9

Snow Day #9: Thank you, Lord, for snow day #9, it was the most enjoyable yet! :) Honestly, Lord, I am beginning to enjoy this leisurely time and am afraid I will find it difficult to get back into the swing of "school" schedule. I so enjoyed my time with my middle child today. He and I had the opportunity to go out for lunch and discuss his plans for his future. Thank you God, for calling him into Your service. My heart is blessed when he shares his dreams and ideas for his calling.

Thank you!

Alas, all good things must come to an end. I appreciate your honoring my request to return to school on Friday. Going in two hours late is an added blessing. Please be with the students and teachers as we prepare to return to an academic routine. I almost went shopping for a "back to school" outfit, but realized it's been so long since I've worn professional clothes, they will all seem like new. :0)

Thanks again for loving me.

Amen

On snow day #8 I found myself in the Goodwill Store. While there I discovered a few treasures. For over a year now, I have been wanting a soup tureen. I really wanted a cream/white one, but the one that goes with my dishes is well over $100. I wasn't willing to fork out that much for something I would only use a few times a year.
Look what I found on the back wall! It was $9.99 and not a chip one on it! It is perfect! Sitting next to it was the sweet silver sugar and creamer set, $3.99. I am always on the look out for "special" serving pieces that I can use here at home and take to school for the students to use when planning their events. For $4 I couldn't beat it! The pretty pink candlestick was $1.99. Less than $15.00 total! Am I a bargain shopper or what?

OK, don't answer that!

Seriously, say a prayer for all of us in the education field; students, teachers, administrators and support personnel. It's been a while since we've all been together and we may need a little encouragement.

XOXO

Theresa

And the snow kept on falling

Day 1 : Thank you God for this beautiful snow day, you know I haven't recovered from my trip to KY and I need to take the Christmas decorations down, and I need to get all of those papers graded.

Day 2: Thank you God for snow day #2, I really meant to take the Christmas decorations down yesterday Lord, but once I realized how cold it was, I knew the snow wasn't going to melt and I would have another day. I know Lord, those papers are calling my name, I can't grade until the decorations are all put away.

Day 3: Thank you God for snow day #3, I managed to take down and put away all of those Christmas decorations. I feel so much better. Yes, Lord, I realize the "teacher crate" is still calling my name, but getting all of those decorations put away was all I could manage today.

Day 4 & 5: Thank you God for snow day #4 and #5. This cold weather was too much for the snow and it will not leave. Thank you for a school system that announced on snow day #3, that school would be closed for days 4 & 5. I now have the weekend to grade those papers, besides, the grade portal has been closed and I use the system for my grade book. Thank you for providing great Hallmark movies to keep me entertained. Don't worry Lord, I found out that I have an extra day to work on those papers.

Day 6: Thank you God for snow day #6. The beautiful white stuff that is falling from the sky is giving me much needed rest, I know when I go back I will need this extra sleep. Yes, those papers are still in the "crate" but, truthfully Lord, I just can't seem to find the motivation. I am so enjoying, resting and watching movies. Thank you for this restful time.

Day 7: Thank you God for snow day #7. I enjoyed spending time with my beautiful daughter, it looks like she may go back to college before I go back to school. I will say, I am beginning to worry about how this weather is going to affect the rest of my school year, especially the end - you remember I have a wedding to attend that last week? I trust you know best, and leave this beautiful white ground covering and all it brings in your care. P.S. Yes, those papers are still in the crate, I did move them into the living room to remind me of their importance.

Day 8: Thank you God for snow day #8. I know you are in control and you know best, but I thought it would help me if I reminded you I only have 13 snow days, and we are in Jan. Thank you for a media system that was able to text me about this snow day just after noon on Day #7. I realize you have given me the opportunity to stay focused on my family, and plenty of time to grade those papers. I am regretting that I was not wise with my time from snow days 1 - 7 and instead of relaxing with creative projects, I must get to that crate! I do appreciate the sweet movies and electricity. I do have one favor to ask, would it be possible for us to go back to school on Friday? As much as I've enjoyed my time, I do have several projects that need attention and I need to be at school in order to make that happen. Thank You.

XOXO

Theresa

New Year began in KY

Happy New Year!

I hope the beginning of 2010 has been a blessing to you and yours. I've had my first snow day (today) and the second will be tomorrow. So far so good! We made a trip to KY to visit with family. We had a wonderful time!

We have the "Ugly Christmas Wrapping Paper" Contest.

This is no easy contest. It takes the discerning eye to discover the ugliest wrapping paper amongst a season of beauty and enticing decorations. The trophy left our house and will stay in KY for the upcoming year.

Super snuggie's! Wonderful gifts for freezing weather!

We celebrated our anniversary while we were there.

XOXO

Theresa

Here comes Christmas and a little left over Thanksgiving!

Things have been pretty busy in the Burton household and at Unaka High School. We have had a blessed Thanksgiving and have begun to prepare for Christmas.

Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), the student organization I advise, decided to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal to serve at the last meeting.

I am so proud!

They did a fabulous job! I promised I would post recipes, I'm a little late, but trust me, if you need a delicious side dish to take to a pot luck you won't go wrong with any of these recipes.

Betty Crocker Supermoist Apple Crumble

1 pkg. Betty Crocker Supermoist white cake mix

1 cup quick or old-fashioned oats

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon water

1 egg

1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling (we made ours from scratch)

1 cup chopped nuts

1. Heat oven to 350 Degrees. Grease bottom and sides of 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

2. Beat cake mix, 1/2 cup of the oats, the butter, cinnamon, egg, and water in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup cake mixture.

3. Press remaining crumb mixture in baking dish and bake 12 - 15 minutes, or until slightly brown on edges.

4. Spoon pie filling over baked cake, breaking up any large clumps of apples. Mix reserved crumbs, 1/2 cup oats and nuts in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over apple filling. Bake 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or cold. Yum! :0)

Notes: We only placed nuts on 1/2 the top of the crumble, for those who don't care for them. Those of us that love nuts loved the "nutty" side.

Cranberry Salad

1 can whole berry cranberry jelled sauce

1 regular package strawberry (any berry) jello

1 1/4 cup boiling water

1 small can crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Add boiling water to jello, stir 1 complete full minute. Stir in cranberry sauce, pineapple, and pecans. Chill for several hours.

Pumpkin pie

We used Libby's traditional pumpkin pie recipe.

She made the pie crusts and the filling. They were fantastic. One of the teachers said they reminder her of her mother's.

This young lady prepared the turkey. I wish you could have been there. I had to buy a fresh turkey as there wasn't enough time to thaw. She washed, dried and patted it down with butter. It was perfect! Not dry, very moist.

We did Christmas photos on Thanksgiving Day.

This young couple is getting married on May 20, 2010.

We can't wait!

They had fun!

I have more recipes coming. It's late and I have school tomorrow. Have a great week!

XOXO

Theresa

After school Meeting

We had a meeting after school this week.

My students and I were in charge of providing refreshments. We had a wonderful time preparing new recipes and setting up the buffet table.

I am bragging, the food was delicious!

So good in fact, I thought I would share the recipes with you.

The chicken spread was served in the green bowl above.

Chicken Spread

1 large can of chicken

2-3 slices of cooked bacon

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened and whipped with mixer

1 celery rib, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt to taste, use sparingly

In a bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt and garlic powder. Add chicken mixture to whipped cream cheese.

Refrigerate until serving.

Serve with crackers.

Party Ham Sandwiches

2 pkg. (17 oz. each) attached baked dinner rolls (24 rolls), cut in half

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 pkg. deli fresh shaved smoked ham

1 pkg. (8 oz) extra sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 small sweet onion, chopped finely

2 tbsp. butter, melted

1 tbsp. grey poupon dijon mustard

1 tsp. poppy seeds

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place bottom halves of rolls in 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan; spread with mayo. Top with ham, cheese, onions and tops of rolls. Mix remaining ingredients; brush onto sandwiches. Cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

Peanut Butter Cheese Ball

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup peanut butter - flavored morsels

1/2 cup chopped m & m candies

1 cup chopped peanuts

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sugars, beating until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Stir in peanut butter morsels and chopped m & m candies. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Form mixture into a ball, and roll in choped peanuts. Serve with animal cookies, graham crackers and chocolate wafer cookies.

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

Makes 3 cups

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 pkg. ranch flavored dressing and seasoning mix

1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream and seasoning mix; whisk to combine. Fold in cheddar and bacon. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with assorted fresh vegetables or corn chips.

Pumpkin Fluff

1 frozen container of whipped topping, thawed

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin

1 pkg. cheesecake instant pudding mix

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Mix pumpkin, pudding mix and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in whipped topping. Serve with fresh fruit and wafer cookies.

If you need a quick something to take to a party, I highly recommend all of these recipes.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Theresa

Greetings from the Smokies!

Hello!

I know it has been awhile since I have posted.

Life in the B. world has been hectic and exhausting. :0)

I have survived!

To celebrate, we are spending our first long weekend, since Labor Day, in the Smokies!

I can't imagine a more perfect day.

Sitting on the porch, listening to the soft rainfall on a cool beautiful Saturday morning. No time schedule, no deadlines(well, none I am going to mention), and the company of my sweetheart.

I couldn't ask for any more!

Yes, those are my toes peeking out from the soft throw

I brought for just such an occasion.

Notice the raindrops?

We had dinner here last night.

The meal was delicious, but the dessert was out of this world. We shared a piece of coconut pie. The crust was a combination of crushed graham crackers and pecans. The coconut was toasted and the filling was extra creamy. Yum!

I'm praying for my friends with the flu.

I pray you recover quickly.

XOXO

Theresa

Happy Birthday Baby!

My baby turned 20 today! My how time flies!

I look at her sweet face and remember how blessed I was the day she was born.

Thank you Lord!

We had a small party at our house to celebrate this milestone.

She invited a few close friends, I provided chili and other goodies.

Her friends brought a pinata.

It was FUN! :)

Another young person we love turns 20 on Tuesday!

Happy Birthday!

We had candle issues.

She decorated the cupcakes.

I think they are adorable.

Happy Birthday Baby!

I pray you have many more! I am so proud of you!

XOXO

Theresa

Black and orange!

It's that time of year.

The time when black and orange become prominent in the retail and decorating world. I love the bright orange against the shiny black. With that thought I began to search through my stash of fall decorating accents (without going outside to the "pod" and digging), to perk up my entry and dining room.

I found the ribbon in the top drawer of the entry chest. I've had these ribbon plates for several years. A gift store in KY where we lived before arriving in TN sold them. The large platter was given to me from my team of teachers. Every time I thread a new ribbon in that platter I am reminded of the sweet friends that I made while teaching.

I found the napkins in my napkin drawer (same chest).

I picked them up this past summer on clearance at Pier 1. I love them! The placemats were discovered at Belk's last week (they were having a sale!). I also found those beautiful orange/tangerine bowls at Belk's. They are Fiesta- ware and were screaming my name when I walked by. :0) I had no choice!
Tell me you understand?
The above owls were discovered in the hall closet,
the black polk a dot scarf in the laundry room, the small place card pumpkins were in the china cabinet (bought on clearance 6 years ago from Pier 1).

The vintage reproductions place cards were

bought at my favorite store here in Kingsport. I love the old-fashioned pumpkins and children.

I've collected scarecrows for years,

I can't remember where the napkin rings came from. They are so my favorites! I love how sweet they look against the cream Butler's Pantry plates. The black chargers were a find from Hobby Lobby. With the table set, I am ready for a chili party.

This is mid-term progress report time at school. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown! We will have parent teacher conference on Tuesday evening. I always enjoy meeting the parents of my students. I have tons of papers to grade and scores to record.

Have a great week!

XOXO
Theresa