Pam's Retirement . . . Or Not!

 After 28 years in the classroom Pam decided it was time to hang up her hat and she has worn many over the years.

Pam planned well in advance for her retirement and knew that she would be leaving the many duties of a classroom teacher behind.  

 

 

She looked forward to a future of relaxation.

 

However, her plan changed when a new opportunity came along with just one phone call.  "Pam, would you consider teaching part time next year?" 

 

 

As a result, Pam will be leaving the beloved Elk Grove High School Grenadier behind to become a Husky at John Hersey High School.  New adventures await in "semi-retirement."

Happy Easter!

 

 

After a five month hiatus from baking cookies due to a broken wrist, surgery 

and therapy, I'm back to making cookies.  Physically I'm capable, mentally it was hard to get motivated.  I opted for simple minis, the preferred size in my family, with one large cookie for a centerpiece. 

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

 

Adorable Avery is Four

 

One . . . two. . . three. . . four. . . it's been so much fun watching this special girl grow! 

When Avery was a baby her Mom always dressed her with headbands, but once she learned how to take them off, there was no way she would wear them.  Therefore, she made Mom very happy this year when she embraced braids, barrettes and bows.

 

Avery continues to be a fashionista showing her own unique style!  She can be very strong-willed when it comes to choosing her everyday fashion and costume choices.  It seems to be a tradition on Halloween for Avery to select the costumes for the family, but then she decides not to wear one.

The kitchen continues to be one of Avery's favorite places, she's a lovable, little "foodie."

Doc McStuffins is still her favorite character, but she's become enchanted with Disney princesses, as well as Mira, royal detective.  The countdown to a trip to Disney World later this year has already begun.

 

 

Preschool became part of her routine this year.  She cries when she is dropped off and she says, ""I don't like school," but the pictures the teachers share show her actively engaged in all the activities.

As we move past the pandemic, Avery has also been able to travel, explore and participate in new activities.  She shows no fear on her scooter or skis!

 

 

She enjoys her lake house in Wisconsin. . .

 

.  .  .  and the urban environment in Chicago as long as her best pals:  Mom, Dad and Lincoln are at her side.

Love, hugs and cookies for the birthday girl!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Busy November

About 200 scarecrows, pumpkins, sunflowers and leaves kept me busy at the beginning of the month in preparation for the return of the CCW Bake Sale.  The scarecrow design has always been one of my favorites so I am always happy when I have an opportunity to use it.

A few days later, I started on some simple designs for the welcome bags for the hotel guests at great-niece Kaley's wedding.  The icing wasn't the shiny silver that I had envisioned, but there is a bit of sparkle that didn't show up well in the photo.

Shortly after completing the cookies, I broke my wrist but I managed to package them using one hand the day after surgery.

There will be no cookies for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, hopefully, I will be back to baking by Easter!

Traveling From Miss to Mrs.

It's a travel themed wedding shower for great-niece, Kaley and her fiancé, Tyler.

Love, hugs and cookies for the special couple and their guests.

 

Leann's Graduation

 

It's time to celebrate, great-niece Leann's eighth grade graduation!

From study dates at the library in the early days at Thorp Scholastic Academy to reviews sessions for the U. S. and IL Constitution tests, I've enjoyed watching her learn and grow.  

Since Bill from "School House Rock" was part of our Constitution reviews, I thought he should make an appearance at Leann's  celebration.

Leann participated in a variety of programs throughout elementary school.  She gave a "thumbs down" to some of the activities, but I am so proud of her enthusiasm and  willingness to try new things .

 

Nothing slowed her down, not even the changes that were forced on her due to the Corona virus.

Leann has always enjoyed sports and even participated in shot put this year when the coached asked her to give it a try.  Several track meets later she emerged as the Chicago City Champion!

Why a soccer ball with a graduation cap?  Because in 2019 when big sister Mary Grace graduated, Leann said, "when I graduate I want a soccer ball with a graduation cap on it." 

Of course, her collection included a few traditional caps and gowns and the traditional "Look out __________ High School" cookie.

Since Leann has always loved puzzles and frequently asked for puzzle cookies when she was younger, her collection had to include at least one puzzle cookie!  I opted to use the school mascot for this one and I am sure that she will be able to piece it together much faster than I could after I baked it!

 Finally, some Harry Styles themed cookies were added to her collection .  .  .

.  .  . because right now she is just wild about Harry!

Leann is venturing far beyond the neighborhood schools next year and I can't wait to see what is in store for her in the future.  

 Whatever path she chooses, I hope she always remembers:

You are BRAVER than you believe

STRONGER than you seem

SMARTER than you think

and LOVED more than you know.

 Congratulations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

The wind is brisk, snowflakes keep appearing in April, but flowers are beginning to appear and eventually spring will arrive! 

After a long cold winter, I opted for bright colors and floral designs for Easter cookies.

Despite the chill in the air in mid-April, I'm grateful to be able to attend a large, family gathering after so many cancellations during the pandemic.

             Happy Easter!  Happy Spring!