Bob...the dog

Yes, it is true Bob is in BIG trouble. Bob is our big, brown Chocolate Lab; and now we know he just can't be trusted by himself in the big backyard. He has chewed up sticks and stuff that were left out for him but then he got bored and went for the BBQ cover. Tore it right of the BBQ, ripped it to pieces and flung it about the yard.
Well, we had a serious talk with him about what was appropriate to chew (rawhide bones, pig ears and other doggy treats) and those things that were not appropriate like BBQ covers. We replaced the cover thinking Bob understood approppriate and inappropriate "chew toys"
We had about 2 days without destruction in the backyard and then we noticed a big black thing laying on the snow...you guessed it...the brand new, $50 bbq cover was in the process of being shredded. Bob had also found a new "chew toy", my favorite hand shovel that I love to use in the garden.
After giving Bob another "talking to" and putting him in the kennel for a serious "timeout" we decided to toss the BBQ cover and hide the garden and bbq tools inside the grill. This was a good idea until last night...

I completely forgot about the "hiding" place and started up the grill. Well lo, and behold everything inside had started on fire. and we had dripping plastic and ruined grates and burners...so now me and Bob are in the dog house so to speak. I reminded Rick that Bob is a dog with very little brain...but he is still in trouble.

I will get him some new bones tomorrow.

A FREEBIE for 3

This will be FUN! Anyone and everyone reading this, here is your big chance: The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise, but there's a catch . . . You must post this offer on your blog, too. Fun, huh? Thanks for starting it Megan and passing it on Christine. Remember, only the first 3 commenters receive a gift. Let's see who looks at my blog!

The Substitute

sub·sti·tute \ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt, -ˌtyüt\
noun : a person or thing that takes the place or function of another

...in my case a person who takes the place or function of another in schools throughout Davis County school district.
As of November I have joined the ranks of substitute teachers. I have been in High Schools, Jr. High Schools as well as Elementary Schools. I have worked in both Charter and the good old traditional Public school; Year-round as well as Traditional schedules.

There are pros and cons in every situation of life's expereinces. Substitute teaching is no exception. Among the positive aspects are the options take or leave a job, choosing which schools and grade levels can be very powerful. Cons are the unknown and the known... not knowing the school, the teacher, their expectations and equipment can be intimidating as well as requiring FLEXIBIITY and a reality check.

The reality check is this.
..Substitutes are basically there to manage a classroom...to babysit children of various ages. If the teacher has prepared a good plan for the day and the substitute realizes they are the one in charge the day can be good, even enjoyable. The other reality check is if it is a bad situtation you don't have to go back, ie. the option to chooose!
The Flexibility...to choose the battles that matter most.

As the saying goes "experience is the best teacher" I don't know if experience is the best teacher but my experiences are teaching me how to survive and in some cases even enjoy substitute teaching.

Life is full of opportunities and substitute teaching is presently one of mine.

Shannon Elise...

beautiful baby girl.

Christmas came with much anticipation and great expectation...

...Missionary phonecalls, Snowmen and angels, 3 little Cuties, Spaghetti Fest, Discovery Gateway--- 4 days of family fun fun fun

Christmas has come and
Christmas is gone
but memories live on...

CHRISTMAS stolen? or Stollen!

One favorite Christmas recipe at our house is Stollen...not by theft or deception just by culinary choice. German Stollen is a rich sweet bread usually made with fruits and nuts shaped into a flat oval and folded to represent a swaddled baby.

Christmas Stollen - yields 3 loaves

Basic Dough
1 C. Milk, scalded and cooled
5 C. unsifted Flour, more or less
3/4 C. Sugar
1 t. Salt
1/2 C. Butter, softened
1 1/2 T. Yeast
1/2 C. warm Water + 1/2 t. Sugar
1 Egg

Combine flour, sugar, salt. Cut in butter. Dissolve yeast in warm water with 1/2 t. sugar added. Allow yeast to stand 5 minutes. Add egg, milk and yeast to flour mixture. Beat until well mixed. Dough should be soft but not sticky. Knead for about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. (At this point the dough can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight or proceed with the following recipe)

Christmas Stollen Ingredient List
1 C. Craisins
3/4 C. chopped Dried Apricots
3/4 C. Slivered Almonds
1/4 t. freshly grated Nutmeg
Zest of 1 Lemon
Basic Dough - one recipe
Melted Butter
Powdered Sugar

Mix craisins, apricots, almonds, lemon zest and nutmeg into the basic dough until incorporated.
Divide dough into thirds. Roll dough into 11 x 7 ovals. Fold in half lengthwise to form a crescent shape. Brush with butter and cover. Let raise until doubled in size about 30-45 minutes. Bake 350 degrees 25 min.. Cool and HEAVILY sprinkle each loaf with Powdered Sugar.

A 4 Time-Zone Family

As of November 17...
we are a 4 time zone family. Cody - Pacific
Rick and I our in the Mountain, Jess & Eric along with Brian & Kellie head up the Central and Max takes care of the European zone.