37 years of growing and learning to be a great big family!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Nothing left....An empty cake plate!
I think the vote is in and the Layered Peppermint Cheesecake was a success! I wanted to show you the inside of this delicious cake...but nothing was left except the sugared rosemary. So I guess I'll leave you a before photo and you'll have to just imagine what the inside looked and tasted like! Trust me ...it was really good! The link for the recipe is in my previous post. I suppose I may just have to try this recipe again..... I would love to hear your thoughts about this cake!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Southern Living's Layered Peppermint Cheesecake....and a Holcombe Family Gathering
I knew a couple of weeks ago, when this cake made it's way onto our local morning news, that it would be making it's appearance to our annual Holcombe Family Christmas party. This lady...Melodie Belcher who submitted it to Southern living is from Atlanta. I watched in amazement as she shared her recipe and this sweet peppermint plate made from real peppermint candies! I guess I have a little bit of my Grandmama Melton in me...oh how I miss her! She always made the best cakes...and pies!
This is my first attempt at creating a
We won't be tasting this until this evening...if it makes it out of here! So I'll be back with our southern review of this beautiful cake!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Fundraising in the school system....
Just venting a little....
With today's economy many school systems are being greatly affected. I live in a rural county where many local businesses are struggling to survive. The last thing they have money for is advertising in a school newspaper. Have we come to the place where we are using our kids to peddle for the lack of funding in our school system? Are we distracting them from their learning time so we can fund things we might be able to cut out? Let's face it...We as Americans waste a lot of dollars on unnecessary things just so we can have the biggest and the best!
I first want to say....I am not opposed to fundraising. In fact our son works for a really great company that not only helps the school with raising money....but helps to build the student's character in a week long program!
I guess I am of the belief that if the funds aren't there, then the program needs to be cut or an alternative made.Thinking outside the box is not something many are good at, even when other suggestions are made.
Our daughter is taking a class where part of her grade includes collecting $ in advertising for the school paper which is handed out for FREE. 10 % of her overall grade to be exact. Stated in her grades is that each student is responsible for a $ 200 Goal for advertising. Isn't a goal a projected amount...and an attempt to get there? For three weeks in a row she participated going out with the other students in her own car and using her own gas money to seek business who would advertise.This was during the class period. Several weeks ago I noticed her grade for this part of the class. A 0 and a sweet little message.....Make an effort...everyone else has! That was enough to get my mama feathers ruffled!
In an effort to teach her to stand up for her rights, I encouraged her to talk with her teacher and an administrator. The conversation with the teacher went no where. She was told to ask everywhere she visited for $ and even ask people at our church. We have 9 kids....we don't eat out very often. She has an after school job at our local recreation center and goes to church....that's the extent of her social life right now.
Since when do students have to pay for a grade? Is fundraising a subject or part of one? Are my tax $ not enough? I do support the fact that she needs to earn her grade...but not by collecting $ for a free publication. When I can't afford something I do away with it or adjust my spending so I can. How about teaching the students to think of other ways to publish the paper? Maybe an online readership? Print less papers? Charge the teachers and students for the paper?
Her grade with the nice little message was a 0 until today. Now it's an 80 and the message has been deleted. Along with the teachers request that they continue fundraising long after the semester ends. This was a one semester class. Hmmm....I wonder where this will go next? Will she get a grade for that? I want my kids to learn to give and help....but not for a grade!
Am I wrong in my thoughts about this class requirement? Is it even legal to make a student raise funds for a grade? Sometimes teaching your kids to stand up for themselves and not settle just so they don't ruffle feathers or disrespect can be a task in itself. Teaching them that it isn't disrespectful to question an adult when something clearly isn't right. How about when the teacher disrespects a student with a comment on a grade report? Should she settle for her final grade of a 90?
How about when a student has done an assignment, turned it in ontime, it's been graded but not entered into the grade book, but returned to the student? Only to be given a 0 until the student can prove that it was turned in. Kids Stand Up! Hold your teachers accountable! Yes, they make mistakes...but their mistakes affect your GPA and Transcript!
I have come to the conclusion....Our teachers need more dollars and more help in the classrooms, just not for a grade!
A mother's work is never done.........
With today's economy many school systems are being greatly affected. I live in a rural county where many local businesses are struggling to survive. The last thing they have money for is advertising in a school newspaper. Have we come to the place where we are using our kids to peddle for the lack of funding in our school system? Are we distracting them from their learning time so we can fund things we might be able to cut out? Let's face it...We as Americans waste a lot of dollars on unnecessary things just so we can have the biggest and the best!
I first want to say....I am not opposed to fundraising. In fact our son works for a really great company that not only helps the school with raising money....but helps to build the student's character in a week long program!
I guess I am of the belief that if the funds aren't there, then the program needs to be cut or an alternative made.Thinking outside the box is not something many are good at, even when other suggestions are made.
Our daughter is taking a class where part of her grade includes collecting $ in advertising for the school paper which is handed out for FREE. 10 % of her overall grade to be exact. Stated in her grades is that each student is responsible for a $ 200 Goal for advertising. Isn't a goal a projected amount...and an attempt to get there? For three weeks in a row she participated going out with the other students in her own car and using her own gas money to seek business who would advertise.This was during the class period. Several weeks ago I noticed her grade for this part of the class. A 0 and a sweet little message.....Make an effort...everyone else has! That was enough to get my mama feathers ruffled!
In an effort to teach her to stand up for her rights, I encouraged her to talk with her teacher and an administrator. The conversation with the teacher went no where. She was told to ask everywhere she visited for $ and even ask people at our church. We have 9 kids....we don't eat out very often. She has an after school job at our local recreation center and goes to church....that's the extent of her social life right now.
Since when do students have to pay for a grade? Is fundraising a subject or part of one? Are my tax $ not enough? I do support the fact that she needs to earn her grade...but not by collecting $ for a free publication. When I can't afford something I do away with it or adjust my spending so I can. How about teaching the students to think of other ways to publish the paper? Maybe an online readership? Print less papers? Charge the teachers and students for the paper?
Her grade with the nice little message was a 0 until today. Now it's an 80 and the message has been deleted. Along with the teachers request that they continue fundraising long after the semester ends. This was a one semester class. Hmmm....I wonder where this will go next? Will she get a grade for that? I want my kids to learn to give and help....but not for a grade!
Am I wrong in my thoughts about this class requirement? Is it even legal to make a student raise funds for a grade? Sometimes teaching your kids to stand up for themselves and not settle just so they don't ruffle feathers or disrespect can be a task in itself. Teaching them that it isn't disrespectful to question an adult when something clearly isn't right. How about when the teacher disrespects a student with a comment on a grade report? Should she settle for her final grade of a 90?
How about when a student has done an assignment, turned it in ontime, it's been graded but not entered into the grade book, but returned to the student? Only to be given a 0 until the student can prove that it was turned in. Kids Stand Up! Hold your teachers accountable! Yes, they make mistakes...but their mistakes affect your GPA and Transcript!
I have come to the conclusion....Our teachers need more dollars and more help in the classrooms, just not for a grade!
A mother's work is never done.........
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Christmas Story....
I'm not really sure where this story came from. I discovered it while searching for a recipe in my little stash of handed down morsels of goodness. I guess you could say this story was in a very appropriate place! Sometimes we all need to be reminded...especially me! I hope you enjoy...
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The rest of the story....the old quilt
As I walked into the hidden basement sale my eyes met a small stack of fabric. I got the shakes! I guess I have a slight addiction to fabric! A sweet elderly woman and her daughter greeted us as this 73 year old lady asked "Oh do you sew?" With a smile on my face I said "Just a little." Next to the fabric lay 2 old handmade quilts. As I picked them up we got into a conversation about quilting and which of these old quilts she liked best. I love old things! She had a price tag of $15 on each of these quilts but told me I could have them for $10. Yes... $10! My heart did a little pitter patter. I didn't want to act too excited! I stacked the fabric and this beautiful old quilt... I then wanted to run quickly before she changed her mind. Yard sales are suppose to be a place where you find "Good Deals" but all we had seen up to this point was way over priced junk! I felt like I hit the jackpot!
As we listened to this woman share about some of her old things, I couldn't help but think of what a history she has. Her love for sewing and quilting was coming to an end. She was willing to let go of her prize possessions as they made their way to loving homes. I guess we had a connection with our love for sewing. I chose a few other things...a couple of her newer small quilt pieces. I really should have bought more. I quickly paid and
Walking back to the car I told my husband I didn't understand why she had such low prices on her things. I knew how much time she had invested in her treasures. His response was priceless...."She knows her time is short. She would rather she her things go to someone who would appreciate them. She had no need to hang onto them." When you know your time is short....earthly treasures seem less important. I know God says He will make all things new one day and to not store up earthly treasures...but I really love old things, old people. Why do I store up old things? Maybe because the old understand life and what is really important. They realize true value in giving, letting go and you can't put a price tag on that !
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
My love for old things....Any Guesses?
My husband and I have been hitting yard sales for the past several weekends. On occasion we run across a treasure or two. This past weekend I walked away with more than a treasure. Any guesses as to how much I paid for this beauty?
....to be continued!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I remember........
Loving someone for 27 years is amazing in itself ! The day we said "I do" my grandparents were married 60 years. Lord willing we will celebrate our 60 year mark one day! Marriage isn't easy and it takes a lot of work. A lot of effort! We have walked many difficult roads these past 27 years. But we have walked some very great ones too! Each day brings new and exciting adventures...if you know Kelley you will understand what I am saying. Throw 9 other lives in there and my day can be exhaustingly exciting! I will never regret this life I have been given. I love the man whom I share this journey and my life with!
Our life together for 27 years.........
I remember falling for you and you for me. Even though some said it wouldn't work...you still chose to see.
You chose to see what God had planned. You promised to cherish and always hold my hand!
I remember the bee and that first kiss. I remember asking God "Are you sure about this?"
I remember all the hard times and how we got through. I remember the good times and laughing with you.
I remember all the job promotions...you moved up so quick!. Each one brought us a new home and a blue line on the pregnancy stick.
9 little lives have brought us joy and pride. Each day they bring chaos with a little insanity on the side.
Look at all the memories...some good and some bad.We have done life together...that makes me so very glad.
I'll never regret saying "I do" to you that day. I'm looking forward to the future and planning our next getaway!
Tomorrow we plan to celebrate 27 years. Spending time alone with you has been music to my ears!
I love you!
Happy Anniversary my love!
27 years of life, love and adventure....Kelley Holcombe you are the greatest gift I have ever been given! Walking this journey of life with you has made me who I am....and you still love me anyway! As we step into the next 27 years....I pray they are even more adventurous than the last.With you I can love, laugh and live life to the fullest as we journey this life God had planned. I love you and the life we have built together!
Our life together for 27 years.........
I remember falling for you and you for me. Even though some said it wouldn't work...you still chose to see.
You chose to see what God had planned. You promised to cherish and always hold my hand!
I remember the bee and that first kiss. I remember asking God "Are you sure about this?"
I remember all the hard times and how we got through. I remember the good times and laughing with you.
I remember all the job promotions...you moved up so quick!. Each one brought us a new home and a blue line on the pregnancy stick.
9 little lives have brought us joy and pride. Each day they bring chaos with a little insanity on the side.
Look at all the memories...some good and some bad.We have done life together...that makes me so very glad.
I'll never regret saying "I do" to you that day. I'm looking forward to the future and planning our next getaway!
Tomorrow we plan to celebrate 27 years. Spending time alone with you has been music to my ears!
I love you!
Happy Anniversary my love!
27 years of life, love and adventure....Kelley Holcombe you are the greatest gift I have ever been given! Walking this journey of life with you has made me who I am....and you still love me anyway! As we step into the next 27 years....I pray they are even more adventurous than the last.With you I can love, laugh and live life to the fullest as we journey this life God had planned. I love you and the life we have built together!
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