Great Weekend!

I've had a restful weekend.

Good food,

great company,

and a little

time to

reflect on

God's blessings.

I spent time this afternoon getting to know my camera,

and trying to be creative. :0)

I did miss one of my children, but am proud of how well he is doing living in the big "L".

We will all be together soon.

XOXO

Theresa

A Month in Review

I can't believe a month has gone since my last post.

Obviously, I have been a little distracted! :0)

We raised almost $200.00 for Breast Cancer Research.
These young people worked diligently on this project.

For a donation, I agreed to face painting.

I am so proud of all the hard work.


The first weekend in November found me in Washington, D. C.
I have never been so you can imagine how thrilled I was for this adventure.

For the past 3 summers, I have attended the TN State Jump$tart Personal Finance Conference. This past summer I discovered there would be a National Jump$tart Conference in November. I immediately contacted Central Office and asked if I could attend. With their support I made the journey from Northeast TN to Washington, D. C. It was amazing! Truly, one of the best conferences, I always enjoy going to conferences, but this one was especially informative and educational.

We stopped at Monticello, on the way home on Sunday. I remember doing a report on Thomas Jefferson in elementary school, and it was awesome to visit such a historical home.

They provided entertainment after dinner on Saturday night.

These guys were very comical and educational.

The formal dinner was so artistically prepared I had to take photos.

The butter was molded into the shape of our nation's capital building.

I have never tasted spaghetti squash before,

and I am now looking for recipes.

This was caramelized spaghetti squash and it was delicious!

Salmon is on the left, beef on the right, asparagus and mashed potatoes.

YUM!

Inside this small chocolate cake was a warm fudge cream.

With that warm vanilla sauce, strawberry and whipped cream, words are almost impossible to use.

We had our November meeting this past week.

It has taken me a few years to get the hang of coordinating fun meetings, student participation and academics, but I am pleased of how things are going this year.

I allow the leadership team to plan the menu, prepare the food with other members and then each member drops by during their lunch period and has lunch, finds out what is happening in FCCLA and basically enjoys spending time with each other.

I am blessed!

Two days this week and then the day our nation celebrates, 'Thanksgiving".

I am thankful for:

God

Salvation

Hubby

Son & DIL

Son

Daughter

MIL

Dad & P

Sisters and Families

Niece & Family

G. Nephew

Church

Church Family

Job

Students

The list could go on, but I will end with -

I AM BLESSED!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

XOXO

THERESA

Pink Pride!

We have had a fantastic week!

250 cupcakes were made and iced.

20 pounds of potatoes were peeled, cubed and
boiled for a yummy potato soup.

6 pounds of ground beef was prepared for a spicey chili.

Retired teachers, school administration, community leaders, our county school director, newspaper and other special guest were invited to attend lunch.

300 + Students and Staff wore

pink to support our campaign.

Why?

To bring the educational, family and political community together for

Breast Cancer Research.

We aren't finished,

more to come,

I just couldn't wait to share this part of the project!

XOXO

Theresa

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