Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Southern Living's Extra-Cheesy (Crock-Pot) Macaroni and Cheese

According to Donny, this is the best macaroni and cheese he has ever eaten.  Enjoy!

Makes 6 to 8 servings

1 (8oz) package shredded Italian three-cheese blend
1 (8oz) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces small shell pasta (about 2 1/4 cups), uncooked

1. Combine cheeses in a bowl; set aside.

2. Whisk together eggs and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in pasta and 3 cups cheese mixture. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 3-quart slow cooker; sprinkle with 3/4 cup cheese mixture.

3. Cover and cook on LOW 4 hours. Sprinkle servings evenly with remaining cheese mixture.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Friday

Friday was a rough day for me.  I was worn down, my students weren't performing to the levels that I know they are capable of, and it seemed like everyone at Lowe's had a problem or complaint that night.  When I left the store at 10:30, knowing that I had to be back on Saturday at 9, I sat in my car for a minute to simply take a breath.  I felt as if I had been going non-stop for weeks.  I had an e-mail notification and decided to check it before I headed home.  Much to my surprise, I had my first student e-mail that was not regarding a homework assignment.  See below:

Subject:  :)  Hi Mrs. Ott

Hi Mrs. Ott :) It's me _____ from your ____ and ____ block :)
I just wanted to say that you're a very good math teacher :)
I've learned a lot lately and it's a bit hard but I think I got it.
Thank you for everything :)

Sincerely,
_________ _________ :)

I'll admit it; it brought tears to my eyes and still does. It is nice to know that my hard work is paying off; that I'm making a difference in someone's life.  Little did that student know, but they were also making a difference in my life...just like the 101 other students I see each day.  I am richly blessed! 

Friday wasn't so rough after all...

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Things That Make Me Happy

On the way to work this morning, I was thinking about how blessed I am and wanted to share a few things that have made me happy lately.

• Walks with Donny and Zoe
• Wearing jeans to work while supporting a good cause
• Meeting new neighbors
• Boot Camp
• Kidd Kraddick In The Morning
• Spending time with friends
• Eating out
• Drinks from Sonic
• My students
• Spring Break
• Being caught up on grading
• Spending time with family
• Cooking
• Warm weather
• Flip-flops
• Shopping for a wedding dress (and finding one)
• Church
• Singing
• Dancing

What are some things that make you happy?