The weather in my neck of the woods:

FREEEEZZZZING!!!! Had a small problem with water this morning because SOMEONE forgot to let the faucets drip last night. Problem solved as the sun came up.

A simple pleasure:

Doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING the entire weekend but savoring the comfort and joy my family and home bring.

I am thankful:

That I discovered a fabulous author. I found one of her books in a thrift shop, A Shelter for the Spirit by Victoria Moran. It is an awesome book and now has about a gazillion red pen and yellow highlight marks throughout. This book was one of the reasons I had a MARVELOUS weekend at home. Can’t wait to read more of her works.

Also thankful that Mr. John grabbed a vision insurance flyer from work a few weeks ago and we subscribed during ‘open season’. Sam’s $436 eye appointment only cost us $22. Praise the Lord.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my last post!! I so enjoy learning more about y’all…and I soak up like a sponge all the ways in which you take care of yourselves… body and soul.

From the kitchen:

Made chili this weekend with cornbread. A perfect weekend for such comfort food.

Cannot wait to try Linda’s Rich and Cheesy Macaroni:

2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

6 tablespoons butter – divided

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

2 cups milk

8 ounces processed American cheese – cubed

1 1/3 cups small curd cottage chees

2/3 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Place in a greased 2 1/2 qt baking dish. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour, salt and sugar until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in American cheese until melted. Stir in cottage cheese and sour cram. Pour over macaroni. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Melt remaining butter and toss with bread crumbs; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown. YUM!

Creative Corner:

Working on:

• our Christmas scrapbook – I am currently on Christmas 2007

From the learning rooms:

Sam started back last week. Still doing great. Algebra continues to be a struggle but she is able to call her teacher and go over any and all questions/problems that she has. The one on one relationship with the teachers on Virtual School is A++++.

I am almost finished reading:

Under the Dome by Stephen King. I don’t know if this link has any spoilers so read with caution. Or read the book first and then the link. Thanks to Barb for the recommendation.  It is a real “can’t put down” book with something happening fast and furious every paragraph!! Unbelievable. It’s the first Stephen King book I have read since The Stand (another awesome read) and it is a WINNER!!!. Word of caution to some ~ language and graphic violent/situations.

I am getting ready to read:

Not sure at this point. I do know it will be something SMALL. King’s book is 1,074 pages long so reading War and Peace is not in the immediate future.

On My Mind:

So many things. It’s like a serving of scrambled eggs in there with a heap of salsa on the side.

Hearth and Home:

Dropped off three bags of  ”clutter” at Goodwill last week with a fourth starting to be filled.

“Unnecessary possessions are unnecessary burdens. If you have them, you have to take care of them”. V. Moran

I laugh:

Because so far, the students in my classes seem to be quite rambunctious and vocal…a volatile combination at worst but at best…a great dynamic for intense class discussions.

This week is a full week of classes.

Picture Thought I’m  Sharing:

Yes, Virginia, it DOES snow in Florida. For those of you that missed it over on my Facebook page….here is the snowball I threw at Sam while she was sleeping Saturday morning.

No snow in the forecast this week but still freezing temperatures!