Happy Birthday Jim

Happy Birthday dear brother. You are an amazing guy who happens to be an outstanding dad.

Hot Looking Biker

Michael bought this motorcycle about 16 years ago. We had a blast on it for about two years. Do the math and you'll figure out why we stopped riding it. It pretty much sat in the garage for the longest time until it was fixed this week. Michael took it out the afternoon he got it back. I think he looks amazing on it!! Anyway, he is selling it to a friend of his at work. I told him to keep it, but he wants to sell it to buy me a camera. A modern day Gift of Magi.

What a difference a day makes

After dropping Alyssa off at high school on Monday, I headed into school to get some work done in my classroom. I was moved this year, so I had a lot of unpacking to do. While I was there I was summoned to the office by the principal and the director of special education. I knew it was too early in the year for me to be in trouble, so I assumed it was something to make more work. Much to my delight I was offered a fourth grade classroom position. I was so excited. After talking with Michael, a friend of mine and Jared, I accepted the position. Jared wanted to know if it was more money. Sorry no additional money. So I am giving up special education for a general education class. It may only last a year, but I welcome the change. I still can't believe it. I like to walk into my principal's office and say, "Colleen Tarantino- Fourth Grade Teacher." She said, "Don't make me regret this decision." Hee hee

Alyssa Starts High School

Alyssa started high school on Monday. She was nervous but excited. I think the nerves, learning the ropes, and the long days have gotten to her as she comes home exhausted. Of course, I made her take a first day of school picture.

Sara, Alyssa and Rachel- friends since kindergarten. I drove the girls to school on the first day. Alyssa kissed me good bye, told me she loved me and never looked back. What happened to my velcro baby?

Oops! Missed the meeting. Alyssa and I were downtown at the Jason Mraz concert. What an amazing performer that guy is. We went to a piano bar at the Drake after the concert, where Alyssa and her friends sang a couple of songs. The girls got quite the education on the way out of the concert when they saw a lady of the evening. I guess that is what you see at 2:00 in the morning in the city. We had a blast while creating a wonderful memory of summer.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

My kids love these pancakes!! In the summer when we have more time, we make them at least once a week. In the past we called them Uncle Mike's pancakes because he makes them when he comes to our house for a family breakfast. Then we found out the recipe started with Kath. The kids were quite upset that Mike was getting the credit for Kath's recipe. The quandray was what to call the pancakes. Should they continue to be Uncle Mike pancakes as he turned us on to them? Or should they be Aunt Kath's pancakes? Know they are known as cottage cheese pancakes so no one is hurt.

For Amy and Pat
When we made these pancakes in Michigan, Pat and Amy wanted to know the nutrition facts. Basically, they are 18.6 calories each with .46 grams of fat. The entire recipe was 670 calories and 16.7 grams of fat.