West Side Story

What an incredible week of performances at the Nixa High School! I loved every minute of Something's Coming, I Feel Pretty, and Somewhere! Can you hear me singing? LOL

Congratulations to the talented cast, crew, and directors of this year's production of West Side Story. It is so much fun to watch not only my Broadway Baby, Ashlyn, but also her friends and my former students shine on stage. Nixa is very blessed to have such incredible theater teachers in Mrs. Fleetwood and Mr. Townsend. Every year our community continues to be wowed and astonished at the high quality productions.

Even after being in New York this summer, Tim (my husband) still thinks the NHS shows are just as good. That makes Ashlyn and myself giggle just a bit, but he is right. We do have amazing performers right here in Nixa. So, if you can't make it to Broadway... visit Nixa instead. The next shows are the Drowsy Chaperone in January and The Man Who Came to Dinner in March. Bravo NHS! Bravo!

Tim, Ashlyn (Velma), & me

Some Sharks and Velma

Austin (trying to make it to Feb., a year, without shaving., yes really) & Ashlyn

My gorgeous Mom & Ashlyn

Three of Kelly's Kids, just need Brionna

Tim's parents & Ashlyn

Livin' It Up in Louisville!

This week I have been visiting Louisville, KY participating in a conference.  Tonight some of my colleagues from SDE and myself headed out to a local restaurant featured on the Food Network, Lynn's Paradise Cafe. The decor is very kitschy with crazy lamps and wild colors. Such a fun atmosphere. Not only was the decor memorable, the food was also.  I had fried chicken, cheese grits, and down home lima beans! Lynn's is known for their Hot Brown (a KY concoction of turkey, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, etc.) and boy did it look and taste amazing! I stole a bite from my pal, Terra. Even though we were stuffed we had to have dessert so we shared my fave banana pudding. We also indulged in some marvelous chocolate lava cake and a KY tradition, Derby Pie! Absolutely yummy! I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Lynn's Paradise Cafe and more importantly I enjoyed the company!

Marc, Me, and Ricky

Terra, Sally, & Betty

Getting the Party Started

I love blogging. I have been at it for about seven years now. Most of my blogs have been for my love of teaching. This one is going to be a little more informal and personal. My daughter has been after me for months to set up a new blog to share my ramblings, so here we are. If you like Lori's Latest Links, have no fear it is still going strong. This one will truly be a little bit of this and that. Welcome to Lori's Life. Hope you will come by quite often!
Lori

Halloween Memories

Halloween is a distant memory and we are well on our way toward Thanksgiving. My sweet nephews dropped by my house Halloween night to trick-or-treat and we loved seeing them. The lollipops were a hit with both!

Ashlyn and her Buccaneers also made the rounds collecting canned goods for a local charity.

I started thinking of Halloween when the kids were little. Seems like a long time ago in many ways, and like yesterday in others. No more inspiration needed... A new photo book is created! Enjoy our trip down memory lane.

| Learn About Mixbook Photo Books | Create your own Photo Book

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Fall in the Ozarks is just beautiful. Ashlyn took this gorgeous photo a few days ago. Fall means family, friends, football, and yummy food!

Tim bought these mums this year and they look spectacular!

Another Excuse to Cook

Months ago I saw an advertisement on Shutterfly to host a holiday Shutterfly party. Sounded like a great time. I have become very addicted to making photo books this fall. I filled in the blanks and wouldn't you know I was chosen to house an informal celebration of the picture site. In my mind it was also another opportunity to play in the kitchen. I got to thinking that I had not had those Bisquick Sausage Balls in ages and that just sounded good. I also have become some what fascinated by dipping things in chocolate, shall we remember the cake pops. So, dipping Oreos it was. Didn't have too many attend my little shindig because life is just too busy, but I had a blast putting things together. By the way, if you haven't made a Shutterfly book or holiday cards...now is the time!

Cake Pops: Yes I Did!

Months ago I picked up the book Cake Pops by Bakerella, who by the way has a wonderful blog at Bakerella.com. I wasn't sure when I would need it, but my time arrived this year around Halloween. I finally took the book off the shelf and got to work. I was pretty pleased with my first time. I had some cracking on the chocolate with some of my pops. I gotta do a little research to figure out how to fix that for the next time, but all in all they were fun to make and my guests and friends seemed to like them.