Thursday, June 9, 2011

52 Weeks: #22 Graduation

I worked on my bedroom along with plans for my oldest son's graduation, the grad party, and my youngest son’s birthday.

My biggest project was to organize my son's display table for our homeschool graduation ceremony along with preparing a speech. If you would like to view more details and pictures visit my post Shawn Jr. Class of 2011.

Submitted to:
I'm an Organizing Junkie 52 Weeks of Organizing

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Shawn Jr. Class of 2011

My husband and I had the great pleasure to graduate our third child and oldest son at our homeschool groups annual ceremony. This completes his homeschool experience  I hope he learned that education is all within his control and that he has learned the tools to become a lifelong learner and to take advantage of all opportunities.

Procession and  Introduction of Graduates: Shawn Christopher Shutt Jr. escorted by his parents Shawn & Jennie Shutt, Sr.















During the Family Hour each parent gives a speech along with the graduate.

My speech

Shawn Jr. Speech

Shawn Sr. Speech















Leaving stage after Shawn Jr. gave me a white carnation and his dad gave him his diploma.


Presenting the Home On The Rock (HOTR) "Class of 2011"

This is just one of the Reception Cakes.

The reception tables decorated.


Each grad's family set up a table display and this is Shawn Jr.'s. I collected and organized everything for the display, made the diploma, sent out email invites, made the decorations, and purchased stands & frames. My husband made the slideshow on the computer, printed the diploma, made a SWAM Certificate, made the picture invite cards, and printed the graduation picture. Shawn Jr. collected some of his favorite music cd'd and memorabilia from his room. The three of us set up the table before the ceremony.

Friday, June 3, 2011

52 Weeks: #21 Picnic Basket & Travel Snacks

I gathered some supplies I had stored in the basement to get my picnic basket ready to go for summer picnics. I decided to include a set of plastic containers that had been given to me that I didn't need in my kitchen. I figured I could use them to pack food into without the worry of forgetting a container from my kitchen if I lose one of these no big deal.  In my kitchen I don't usually use paper good but have decided that on an outing it is more convenient because I don't like packing up dirty dished to wash at home.















Since my picnic basket was packed and ready to go I packed my husband and I a serving of Colossal Chopped Salad, cantaloupe, and homemade chocolate chip cookies to eat after a trip to the flea market. I used the Parkay Cookie Jar Recipe for the cookies.















I decide to pack some snacks and drink in the back of my van for the busy summer. I added single serving snacks that I had in my house along with a package of water and single serving drink packets.


Everything packed up in the van ready to go.


Submitted to:
I'm an Organizing Junkie 52 Weeks of Organizing

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Colossal Chopped Salad
















16 oz uncooked penne pasta
1 head romaine lettuce
1 large carrot
1/2 medium red onion
1 small head broccoli
2 plum tomatoes
1/2 cup  sliced pitted ripe olives
1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 cup Italian or ranch salad dressing

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold running water. Spoon pasta onto large serving platter.

2. Meanwhile, thinly slice lettuce, carrot and red onion. Coarsely chop broccoli. Slice tomatoes into thin wedges.

3. Top pasta with lettuce, broccoli, carrot, onion, tomatoes and olives. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over vegetables. Drizzle dressing over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Makes: 16 servings
Calories per Serving: 200