Recent Classroom Crafts

Some of these pictures are from October- which just proves how I've slacked on the blogging front.

Cute treat bags made by Crafty Momma

Edible pumpkin patch. Another idea from my wonderful parent- Crafty Momma.
These are made with graham crackers, green icing, candy pumpkins and sprinkles.

My November bulletin board.

My dad teaching the first grade about beekeeping in October. They LOVED it!

6 years

Six years ago today I was baptized.

One night in August of 2004 I had an overwhelming sense of God calling me. I walked into a church that was near my apartment in Birmingham. I had never been there before and really didn't know why I was there then. I told the first person I saw that I needed to talk with someone. I remember she found the pastor, and he and I spoke. Then, his amazing wife talked with me. I started going to her ladies class, and later I took a job working in the day school (which is when I began feeling that God was calling me to teach- a huge change from pre-med, my current major). I met some really great young women who encouraged and supported me. Then, a few months later on Nov. 19, 2004 I was baptized.

I believe that there are times in life when God calls us into the 'desert'. Birmingham was my desert.

The night I waked into the church, they gave me a Bible. One of the verses they highlighted for me to read is below. I could not sleep that night when I returned home. I felt such a sense of peace. I stayed up reading this verse over and over.

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

Psalm 71:20

Today, I am celebrating 6 years and giving GOD praise for all he has done for me.

The day of my baptism.

My Prince.....

.....is engaged to Kate Middleton!

I have always been a fan of Princess Diana and the Royal family. I've read several books on the topic and have always had an interest. As a little girl, I believed that I would one day marry Prince William and become a real princess. :) Hey, what 7 year old girl doesn't dream of that?

I was excited to hear that they have finally announced their engagement. I know that the odds of me ever meeting them are extremely slim. However, I'm probably more excited about watching the royal wedding and seeing pictures of 'the dress' than Kate.

I love that he gave her Diana's ring.

Oh well. Kate can have William. I'm off to spend the evening with my own Prince! :) I know I'm biased, but I really do have THE best husband EVER - just in case you didn't know!

Friday Favorites

1. Family

2. Quest Bible
I collect Bibles. It's so hard to go into a Christian book store and not want to buy a new Bible. Well, this week I couldn't resist the urge. I gave my husband a Starting Points Bible years ago when he first began seeking the Lord. I love his Bible, and often find myself reading through his instead of my many. So, I was on the hunt for my own Starting Points. I was unable to find one, but I did come across the Quest study Bible. It is very similar to his and is chocked full of thoughtfuls. I was able to find a girlie one in Turquoise and Brown :)

3. Long Weekends
This week I was lucky enough to be out of school yesterday (Veteran's Day) and today (built-in weather day). I've enjoyed being a 'Lady of Leisure' :)

4. Ceramic Heaters
This time of year the night's are cold, but the days are pretty warm. So, it's not cold enough to turn on the central heat, but at night we want just a tad bit of heat. I purchased two portable heaters at Lowes and we love them. They even come with remotes and a thermostat. Their relatively small and pretty quiet. Perfect for what we need right now.

5. Sudoku
The hubby and I argue like children over whose turn it is to play Sudoku on the iPad.

6. Matthew West
I've always been a fan. I downloaded his new album "Story of You Life" from iTunes this week and it's all I've been listening to. He's one of my favorite Contemporary Christian artists.

7. Pantry Organizers
THIS pantry makeover story has inspired me.

Inspiration Photos

8. Boot Trays
I found ours at Bed-Bath-Beyond.

9. Seagrass Waste Basket
I bought three of these for our guest bathrooms. Again, found them at Bed-Bath-Beyond.

10. Leen the Graphics Queen
I'm planning to order some quotes/Bible verses to put around our house. She does great work!
Check her out HERE.

Lookey Lookey What I've Got.....

An Apple iPad.

'

Plus, a Flip Video camera with accessories :)

You're green with envy right? Ha!

Okay, okay... I'll try to contain my excitement. Our school purchased iPads and Flip Video cameras for each classroom. I plan on spending the night playing with my iPad. Thankfully I already have an iPhone so they're pretty similar as far as navigating around. During our professional development today we were shown so many neat education apps that are FREE and would be great in the classroom. I can't wait to use this during intervention times, centers, or just anytime we want to have some fun with technology!


A happy post such as this was due, especially after my outburst yesterday (which I took down, as promised).

Housewarming Party

The housewarming party went great! Bob and I are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family! Everyone had a great time and it was so good to see everyone. Since this was the first event we've hosted, I wanted a picture of the two of us :) Our dining room was transformed into an art room. I think the painting party was a great idea. Everything went smoothly and our guests left with their own masterpieces to 'warm' their homes. We are looking forward to hosting many more parties in our home!

Enjoy the snapshots!

Friday Favorites

1. Healthy Sexy Hair shampoo/conditioner
I had been using Redken Smooth Down, but decided to try something different. I always buy my shampoo by the liters from the salon- you get more for your money and it lasts longer. I also love the Root Pump from Big Sexy Hair.

2. Hard as Wraps clear nail polish
I was definitely not blessed with gorgeous, strong nails. Instead, mine are brittle and peel easily. This is the best nail strengthener I've ever used.

3. Matt Nathanson
I love his music! In fact, some of his tunes are on the music player at the bottom of my blog.

4. Nik-L- Nips
Say that one five times fast :) Does anyone else remember these? They were my favorites as a kid. One of my coworkers brought a bag for her students and I had to have a few. I didn't know they still made these. For those of you who aren't familiar, they are wax bottles with a candy drink inside.

5. Painting
This was taken at a painting party I attended at the end of September. The artist that led the party is who I've booked for my housewarming party. I'm really excited! My faithful blog readers might remember my trips to Mobile to paint with my dear friend, T.

6. Sleep
In my old age I'm early to bed and late to rise. :) By 7:30 p.m. I'm showered, in my pj's, and trying my best to stay up until 8! Sleeping a minimum of 12 hours is a breeze for me. These days, I just feel so old. I think I sleep more than my grandmother.

7. FCA
FCA meets every Wednesday morning at 7. It's inspiring to see high school students give up extra sleeping time in order to get to school 45 minutes early to fellowship and learn about Christ. Last Thursday the FCA hosted Fields of Faith. It was a great turnout! (Oh, rising early for events like this is why I need so much of #6).

8. A&W Root Beer Float
For those of you without an A&W nearby, Wendy's also has their version (a Frosty Float). It's pretty good but I still prefer A&W's.


9. Father of the Bride I & II

10. TLC's Sister Wives
Does anyone else watch this show? While the idea of polygamy is downright crazy to me, I'm still hooked on the show. Sister Wives follows the life of Kody and his four wives (Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn), his 13 biological children, and three step children.

Happy Friday

Thursday's Thoughtful

Last week at our FCA meeting one of my fellow teacher's pointed something out about our purpose. Then, at Fields of Faith, the speaker mentioned the same idea. It goes a little like this........


We're not just saved so that we can go to heaven. If Jesus saved us just to go to heaven, then the minute we were saved he would have taken us home. Instead, we are still walking the Earth. Yes, we are heaven bound, but while we are still on this Earth we have a mission: to spread the good news and help others find their way to Jesus.

It's something to think about isn't is?



Have a great Thursday!

Housewarming Invitations

Invitations ordered from www.tinyprints.com
You may remember I also ordered our moving announcements from there.

I wanted to do something a little different for our housewarming party. So, I've booked an artist to come and give a painting lesson (hence the $30 artist fee on the invitation). The guests will get to choose a picture and the artist will walk them through the process of creating their own masterpiece. Everyone will get to take home a canvas painting to hang in their home.

I opted for a casual Sunday afternoon party with light refreshments and a few close family members and friends. I cannot wait to see everyone!


Oh, but don't let my excitement fool you. I've been super busy trying to finish last minute projects before the big party. I just hope I can get everything done in time!

Thursday's Thoughtful

Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.
Gail Godwin

Fabulous Find

Remember this ruched duvet from Pottery Barn? I've been drooling over it for quite some time now.

Well, while browsing through one of my favorite bargain stores with the hubby, we came across this.......

Please excuse the dark pics, they were taken with my iPhone.

Love it- and the money I saved!

It came with the comforter, pillow shams, and bed skirt, and two decorative pillows- plus it was a fraction of what PB's version cost.

You may remember that white made my Friday Favorites list a while back.... I love my all white bedding. Every time I look at it I smile :)

The master bedroom is now complete.... stay tuned for pictures of it and our office (you thought I'd forgotten).

around the house