Carol's Class Reunion

 I was asked to make cookies for my sister's 60th grade school reunion so I duplicated the cookies I made for my 50th reunion in 2016.  Simple caps and diplomas with a tag in our school colors.

160 cookies are bagged, tagged and ready for the party.  I hope Carol enjoys reconnecting with old friends as much as I did. 

Fall Brings Another Bake Sale

Cookies are bagged and tagged for the annual CCW bake sale.  Designs include traditional pumpkins, a gnome and several "flips."  

An ice cream cone = a turkey 

and turned upside down: 

A hamburger cookie cutter = a scarecrow

An acorn = a turkey

A tulip = corn

 

My Favorite Little Monsters

Halloween offers so many different options for imaginative cookie designs and bright colors, but I just love these little monsters.  I haven't made Halloween cookies since 2019 due to Covid and changes in the annual bake sale date. In addition, do the kids need cookies when they have so much candy?

 However, since great niece Mary Grace has been away at college for 3 months, I decided it was time to send her a taste of home. She might be on sugar overload because Grandma is sending her cookies, too! 

Summer Bake Sale

 

210 cookies. . .

15 designs. . .

10 colors . . .

 

70 bags tied with ribbon. . . 

 

for Leann's youth group bake sale. 

Celebrating Mary Grace's Graduation

 

At a young age, Mary Grace realized that Chicago schools offer a wide variety of programs throughout the district and transferred multiple times before her 8th grade graduation in an effort to participate in various experiences.  However, for her high school years she wanted to stay in one school and chose to attend Lane Tech College Prep.

Little did she know that she would become part of the "Class of Covid."  A recent article in the Chicago Tribune stated:  . . .freshmen when the pandemic hit and, as it happened, seniors on the verge of earning their diplomas when the public health emergency formally ended in May .  .  . for many graduating seniors, it dominated and defined their high school experience.

In March of 2020 when students were forced to switch to online learning, Mary Grace made the best of the experience.  She embraced online learning in the classroom her Mom and Dad created in their home and enjoyed learning in her pajamas.

Throughout the months glued to a computer screen, Mary Grace remained committed to her exercise routine and was outdoors running whenever possible.  When athletics were allowed to resume she was ready for cross country, shot put and even added a weight lifting routine senior year.

Mary Grace's high school years included challenging classes, volunteering in several activities at church and a part time job as a waitress.
 

Congratulations to my sweet niece as she leaves her high school experience behind . . .

 

.  .  . and looks forward to the years ahead at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.  I'm not sure that Herky would be pleased with my cookie version of his likeness, but Mary Grace will appreciate my effort.

Love, hugs and cookies for a very special young woman.

Behind you, high school memories. 

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

 

 

References: 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-class-of-2023-covid-graduation-20230601-nbyx4mrqjne6fajqwnhe2427ty-story.html 

 

 

 

 

 

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!