Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, my beautiful Daughter!

I remember well, the day you were born.

How quickly the years have flown.

I thank God, for you, a precious gift.

I pray God showers blessings and love on you.

XOXO

Love,

Mom

Monday, Monday

Imagine my surprise this morning,

while standing in the hallway at school, when I happened to look down and noticed my right foot. That wouldn't be surprising, if I hadn't noticed that I had on my blue/silver shoe.

I remember distinctly deciding to wear my gold shoes.

It didn't make any sense,

until I looked at my left foot, there it was- my gold shoe. I had been

dressed, for 2 hours, at school for 1 and had no idea I was wearing 2 different shoes! Had I lived only 2 miles away from school, I honestly think I would have left. Living 30 miles, I had to stop and think, would I come back? No. I took a deep breath, quietly, told my teacher friend, to look at my feet. We laughed, until tears ran down my face.

I said a prayer, begging God to help me keep a sense of humor. Went back into my classroom and pretended nothing was out of place. :0)

It was 4th period before a student asked me why I was wearing different shoes.

I wish I had said, " you get the candy bar of the day", but instead, I confessed.

We all laughed, and the world didn't come to an end.

How was YOUR Monday?

XOXO

Theresa

School Notes

I had the opportunity this past week to travel to Carson-Newman College, in Jefferson City, TN with 6 young women from my school.

They are my Leadership Team.

We had a lot of fun!

I so enjoyed touring the campus and the Family and Consumer Science building. In a time when universities are closing FACS departments, it was with pleasure to see a beautiful new building built for the sole purpose of Family and Consumer Science Studies.

I am proud of my background in Family and Consumer Science Studies , FACS (Home Economics :0).

When given the opportunity to share, I make a point of emphasizing that FACS
is the only program with the family as the emphasis in all areas. The shame comes from ignorance thinking, "it's cooking and sewing".

When asked, " What do you teach?" I always say, "I teach Personal Finance, Communication skills, Child Development, Parenting, Foods and Nutrition.

I also teach, leadership skills, stress management, team building and career success.

Some weeks, I teach consumer advertising, housing, interior design, clothing and textiles.

I prepare lessons that provide the students the opportunities to be creative,

stretch their comfort levels for the working world, and understand who they are.

I chose this program of studies because I wanted the opportunity to be "proactive" instead of "reactive".

Contrary to popular belief, parenting is a skill that can be taught, budgeting a family's income

is vital to the structure of the family unit.

Handling stress is a skill that is necessary for all to learn.

Without these skills, families may find themselves in situations that require outside help.

How much easier would it have been to take classes that focuses on the needs of individuals and family members, instead of having to repair the damage that is caused by ill prepared individuals?

The young people in these photos are why I go to work every day.


They have taken a step to learn how to communicate, work with others, deal with stress, and understand the dynamics of family structure.


On this particular day, the students were divided into teams.
Each team received the same materials, 2 packages of 25 balloons, and a roll of masking tape. They were instructed to build the tallest, free standing tower possible in a time frame of 20 minutes.

They had been given tags - foreman, inspector, encourager, and employee.

Upon completion of the towers they discussed how their title influenced their behavior and success of the tower.

Yes, I teach FACS, that is my story

and

I am sticking to it! :0)

I pray you are enjoying the beautiful days that are

beginning to promise a new season is arriving.

XOXO

Theresa

Yeah! September!

The first day of fall is still several days away, but...

around here,

Labor Day weekend is the signal that fall is coming!

We've had a quiet weekend,

enjoying the cooler weather, low humidity and overall

relaxing. :0)

I have begun to bring out a few fall decorations.

I so enjoy taking pictures of beautiful young people! :0)


Happy Labor Day!

XOXO
Theresa

Riley Reunion

A quick trip to Western Kentucky.

We had fun! :)

Visited with family members that I've not seen in years.

Food was delicious

Memories Priceless!

Thank you God for my family!

XOXO

Theresa

P.S. First Day of School is tomorrow. Students begin on Thursday. Dear God, I ask for blessings and courage as we begin a new educational year. Amen.

June is gone!

June flew Father's Day

A trip to Kentucky - to celebrate our new family.

It was HOT and beautiful.

Dessert bar withstood the heat for the most part.

Well, the gummi bears didn't much like it. Who knew gummi bears would turn into sticky, mushie (I think I made up this word), goop when sitting in 90 plus weather?

We traveled back to Kingsport and continued our celebration.
Weddings are so much fun!

A message was left in a bottle.

Love was the theme.

The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:18 NIV

We are so proud of you!

XOXO

Theresa

Greetings from Florida!

We came to CELEBRATE!

CELEBRATE we did!

We spent time with family. :0)

Enjoyed beach side dining.

Rested and relaxed.

Overall - we had FUN!

XOXO

Theresa

Event #1 of 4 - The WINNER!

Scenario - " A family reunion of 60 people".

They chose an outdoor, family farm setting. I am in love!

They found the flowers on the hill behind the school.
They made picket fences from Popsicle sticks and hung them around pint jars for place cards.

The cupcakes were decorated to look like corn on the cob with melting butter. They used jelly beans, slightly melted star burst, toothpicks with pipe cleaners wrapped around for the corn holders. So unique and absolutely adorable!

Isn't it cute? :0)

Don't you wish you could go to a family reunion where this much effort was given?

I know I do!

They prepared "pigs in a blanket", and veggies with dip for sampling. Yum!

You've seen all four of the events.

Now you understand why I had others to come in for the evaluation - they were all creative and it is too hard for me to be objective!

I've got to run - I have a wedding to attend!

Have a beautiful day!

XOXO

Theresa

Event Planning #2 of 4

Chosen as the runner-up in the event planning evaluation - by the staff, was this group.

Scenario- "25 cancer treatment center volunteers are to be honored at a banquet, with a guest list of 150 people".

They chose to focus on Breast Cancer for their theme. I love the attention to detail!

I volunteered to bring my favorite "pink" stem ware from home just for them. :0)


The cake was scrumptious! They made a strawberry cake and called it "Pink velvet".

Stay tuned - the winner will be soon!

I am in Fl. and have Internet connection tonight.

Tomorrow is the big day! I can't wait!

XOXO

Theresa

Event #3 of 4

The 3rd scenario for the final project -

"a group of parents have decided to make prom night extra special and are preparing a before prom semi-formal dinner."

As this year's prom's theme was a Night in Paris, this group chose to continue that theme.

I love the table setting!

They chose to make a no-bake cheesecake that was absolutely delicious!

Headed to a wedding!

Not sure if I will have Internet access.

I'll keep in touch!

XOXO

Theresa

Event #4 of 4

The end of the school year is drawing near.

I have spent the last few years developing a "project final" and am quiet proud of this years endeavors. :0)

I write several scenarios and have each group draw to determine the "event" they will plan.

The scenario for this event was " a local coach invited 25 business people to raise funds for his team."

They had a budget, and were instructed to plan accordingly.

The teachers and staff are invited in to "evaluate" each event.

I can't be objective!

It is interesting to see the work and planning from each group as they prepare to "wow" me - the client!

Samples of food are provided for the evaluator's enjoyment and the comments given were impressive.. Stay tuned for Event #3.

You will love it! :0)

XOXO

Theresa

O Happy Day! :0)

We've had an amazing weekend!

Our middle child has graduated from Alice Lloyd College.

Alice Lloyd College is located in the Appalachian Mountains in Pippa Passes, KY.

Alice Lloyd was a journalist/newspaper editor from Boston.

She suffered from a breathing condition and was instructed by her doctors to move to the Appalachian Mt. area for health. She became involved in the local community and began teaching the children, eventually a work study college would grow from these endeavors.

Today the 101 graduating class received their diplomas.

My child was one.

The Baccalaureate service began at 10:30 this morning.

Someone I know and love was the speaker. :0)

He brought a beautiful message of service to God and human kind. He spoke elequantly and I was proud.

These two young ladies are good friends, the one on the left will be living with us this summer.

They are both math teachers. :0)

My Favorite!

We celebrated.

And celebrated!

I am one PROUD mama! :0)

XOXO

Theresa