I had to...

Formal weekend with Chi Psi in Williamsburg, VA.
one word: legitimate.

This is simply a sneak preview until I have time to breathe (read: compose a more appropriate post and become a better blogger...)

PS -- my student, fondly known as Rat Tail, got a buzz cut. Big changes for this little guy.

PSS -- I have 3 little days left with these kiddos. super sad!

Scout.

I had the privilege to meet the Boy's family dog, Scout, back in November before our memorable road trip. Our time together included walks on the golf course, cozy weekends by the fire, and a field trip to the flea market. Well...this chocolate lab, old and wise has been in a lot of pain and was sadly put to sleep yesterday.
It's been a sad little week. We loved him!
Aren't they handsome?

in love.

I fell in love with Smith Mountain Lake, VA, on Friday. Stayed for the Easter weekend with the Boy and his family. {Image by CGL II}


Trying to prepare for a week of parent conferences, teaching the kiddos, portfolio, resume, and gearing up for formal weekend in Williamsburg.

Been an awful blog friend...will check up on everyone soon. Promise.

Good Times

I've been busy with:














while the Boy has been sailing here:













{Image by CGL II}

So, following his safe return, we had a wonderful, relaxing weekend. And we found a new favorite dinner dish...it turned out to be prettttty yummy! :)

Island Spice Salmon

4 salmon fillets, 1/2 pound each
2 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place the salmon in a shallow dish. Pour pineapple juice over the fish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but no more than 3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, coriander, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Remove salmon from the marinade and discard the juice. Put salmon on the baking sheet. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Evenly distribute sugar spice mixture all over the top of the fish.

Bake for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is cooked to the desired doneness. -Recipe by Katie Lee Joel



Good times :)

eek.

This greeting card says it all.




of Luxe Paperie







Excuse my obscene absence. Hopefully you all still love me!

wonderful weekend.

I'm still blown away at how perfect this past weekend was. After an extremely stressful week, I enjoyed the following:


Valentine Card Swap with the kiddos on Friday afternoon, complete with the following quote from Wanna Be Jay-Z: "Ms. Henderson, you smell sooo goooood. Not everyone can smell as good as you. Wow!" I felt honored. Truly, ha ha.




Lovely dinner at Crook's Corner and Valentine's Day fraternity cocktail with the Boy. Splendid time. I'm so blessed!


Brunch at my favorite place in Raleigh. Strawberry waffle! yum!

Piddled with the Boy and his chocolate lab, Scout. Scout was in heaven as we ventured to the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds. I saw so many wonderful antiques and treasures. And the weather was beautiful!

Dinner with the Boy's parents and then a late night movie...followed up with the hilarious home movies of him and his little brother. So precious. I almost died of laughter. He was a wild child. End. of. story.

Lovely church service at Hope Community Church. Today's sermon was The Case of the Devoted Church. Acts 2:42-47.

2009 is going to be a great year. I can just tell!

Love.

Yahoo! We're having a Valentine's Day Card Swap tomorrow for the little munchkins. In preparation for our fun afternoon, today our students decorated big folders for their itty bitty Valentine's cards, candy, stickers, and HSM tattoos (yes, I'm making that prediction).

While gluing his pink, purple, and white hearts, onto his bright red folder, Rat Tail proclaims: "Ms. Henderson, I'm just a-workin' for love." Oh boy.

AND

Amidst the gluing, cutting, and coloring, 5 year old who insists he is the next Jay-Z was being absolutely absurd and I went over and quietly asked him what was going on today and why he was having such a hard time making good choices. He replied: "Oh I just don't know...I think I need to go back on that behavior contract, Ms. Henderson...I need more support you know. I need to be able to tell my mommy and daddy when I have good days...you know, when I get all smileys."

No surprise, but the same two little boys were sweetly featured here.

PS -- Valentine's Cocktail tomorrow evening with the Boy. Pretty dresses and bow ties. yessssss. love love love.