May

Sisters Weekend

We had a great time in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin this past weekend. The weather was a bit chilly but we didn't have to go out in it much, anyway. We pretty much hung out in the condo catching up and laughing! (Here we are in the traditional "Tormanen" pose.)

Danny's Conference Report

I went to Danny's conference tonight. It was "student lead". The kid's a "trip". He is so comfortable with his teacher as he's had her for three years. He evaluated himself with this Conference Report. He read the top to me but instead of "your child" Danny, he said, "your teenager" Danny. (Mrs. Hutchen's said he wanted her to change it as "I'm not a child, I'm a teenager." But since she didn't, he just changed it as he read it to me!) On #2 he gave himself a straight face. "Sometimes I can't read my own writing. I need to work on that." And on #4 the teacher commended him for being so honest. I'm not sure why he gave himself a sad face for #10 as he does like school.

I was actually quite proud of his conference. His teacher commended him on his maturity and how much he has grown since he came in sixth grade. She moved him up a reading level and he is meeting the challenge. He is ready and so excited for high school next year!

*I stole the picture from Gretchen. Note the gold medal. He even wore it in the hay bales in Minnesota. Actually, Sara's Will asked him to bring it there. I think Will was as excited as Danny with the gold medal. When we saw Will for the first time, the very first words out of his mouth were, "Danny, did you bring your gold medal?" He wanted to try it on. Danny did share and let him.

Farm Country

We had a great time visiting the kids and grandkids in the northern farm country. We had beautiful weather. It sure is a pretty area and I can understand why my girls love living there. It was a short trip. We were there for just three full days. It was perfect except the doggone dog got sick so I ended up bringing her to the vet two different times. A very severe urinary tract infection! Other than that we pretty much just chilled with the family.

Potluck Chicken Casserole

I made this casserole at work today. I was actually surprised how tasty it was. I'm not a fan of casserole's but I will definitely make this again. Instead of corn flakes on top, I used Ritz cracker crumbs.

Potluck Chicken Casserole Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home

• Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min.
• 8-10 servings
  

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-1/4 cups milk
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 3 cups cooked long grain rice
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup coarsely crushed cornflakes

Directions

• In a large saucepan, saute the mushrooms, onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat; stir in mayonnaise until smooth.
• Add the chicken, rice, celery, peas, pimientos, lemon juice, salt and pepper; mix well. Transfer to an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with cornflakes. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 397 calories, 23 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 72 mg cholesterol, 512 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 20 g protein.

Potluck Chicken Casserole published in Taste of Home October/November 1996, p37

Happy Easter

Believe it or not, this was the best picture I got of the two. I took several but they were making faces in them all. I made that dress for Jeanie. It was fun to sew. The pattern and fabric are from Jennifer Paganelli. (jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com) I love the quality of the fabric and the pattern is for all sizes starting at 6/12 months up to 11/12 years.