Santa Did Good

My Christmas list included a jewelry box. I originally wanted a large, simple ceramic jewelry box. After weeks of browsing stores and online, I realized that I would not be able to find what I had in mind. So, yesterday while out shopping, the hubby and I browsed for my gift. We found some really nice smaller jewelry boxes for around $125-$150, but I was worried they would not hold enough. Something told me to check out JCPenny before settling on one we had picked out. Good thing because we found this beauty:

It was originally priced at $400-but was on sale until 1:30 p.m. We bought the last one at 1:25 p.m. for $198!

My current jewelry storage is quite pitiful, as you can see from the embarrassing, unorganized chaos in these pictures.

Oh, the horror!

I'd say my Santy Claus did good this year ;)

Christmas List

Dear Santa,
Please let me know if you have any trouble filling this order. If you feel that I've been extra good and deserve more, please feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to expand this list!

Sincerely,
Sylvia Grace

A Cello
I sure the elves can whittle one of these up in no time!
Hey, a girl can dream can't she? ;)

Grandfather Clock
I'm head over heals for this beauty!

Jewelry Box
I want a large ceramic box, but finding one has been difficult to say the least.

The Message Bible

Father of the Bride 1-2 movies

Crock Pot
My current crock pot is very small and very old!
Shoe Tree from BedBath&Beyond
Along with a pantry-organization-makeover, I'm also gearing up for a closet overhaul. Shoe storage is an issue. This shoe tree is floor to ceiling, and holds 36 pairs of shoes- perfect!

Fry-Daddy
My old one kicked the bucket and I've dearly missed it! We have a large fryer, but the small fry daddy is perfect for quick fixes.
Of course, cash and gift cards are welcome too ;)

On another note, this is my 250th post!

The Shack

I rate this book 5/5. Yeah, it's that good!

I just finished reading this book about 2 minutes ago. I could not wait to share this on my blog. This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. It is now at the top of my list, closely followed only by Redeeming Love.

Betty Boop recommended this book to me a while back when we where shopping at Books-A-Million. I bought it, placed it on my bookshelf, and didn't think much more about it. After finishing Wicked I needed a new book, but felt guilty about buying a new book when I have so many that I haven't read. So, Sunday I started this one. I could not put it down. It was on my mind all day every day and each afternoon I would hurry home to finish reading it. If you have not read this book you should go get it, today! It is a beautiful story of loss, pain, healing, and God's unending love! It caused me to reevaluate my perceptions of love, and I'm sure it will do the same for you!

As always, Happy Reading!

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

I rate this 2/5

In all honesty, this was a struggle for me. I started reading this book last Fall, and I just finished it today. It wasn't until halfway through the book that I really became engaged. Usually I just give up, but in this case I am glad I stuck with it.

Friday's Favorites

1. Cheese Balls
Something about the holiday season always makes me want one- with Ritz crackers, of course.

2. Grandfather Clocks
This little beauty is on my Christmas list! Right now it's on sale for a great price. (hint, hint hubby!)

3. Hydrangeas
These are some of my favorite flowers.

I have a couple of arrangements throughout my home. I have them in white pitchers, similar to this one.This is another favorite thing of mine :)

4. Deer Hunting
This is something I love to do with my Dad. This is me over Thanksgiving with the first buck of the season.

5. Catching Up With Dear Friends
My fellow teacher friends and I were finally able to schedule a get together. It did my soul such good to see them again! One of which I haven't seen in six months!

6. Jute Rug
I've been eyeing this beauty from Pottery Barn for months and months. Maybe Santa will drop one off along with my grandfather clock ;)

Pictures courtesy of Pottery Barn

7. Built-In Bookcases
We have some in our dining room, but come January we will have some of these in our living room as well.

8. Flannel PJ's
I practically live in these on the weekends.

9. Glasses
Although I haven't been wearing them as much as I used too, I love glasses. I consider them just another cute accessory- which is one of the reasons why having Lasik eye surgery would be hard for me.

10. Wallflowers
I started using these a few years ago. I've discovered the best time to buy the refills are during major sales- like their semi-annual. My favorites are the spiced apples, sweet pea, and any of their clean linen scents.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.....

Front door...

Even the topiaries are ready for Christmas :)

Back door...
This wreath was bought as a Christmas gift for someone. However, I couldn't resist hanging it on my door. I know... I'm horrible, right! ;)

Our pitiful Christmas tree is up. I call it pitiful because it does not go with our new home. It always looked great before- big and full. However, our new house has extremely high ceilings, so now it looks small and out of place. I plan to make do this year and am planning to buy a larger tree when they go on sale after Christmas. Hopefully next year our tree won't be so pitiful.

My Yearly Excuse To Shop

Black Friday was a success! I was up and going early to meet my very dear friend, Chickadee for a day of shopping and girl time.

Fortunately for us, we did not encounter long lines like this......



Nor did we have to fight a mob like this......



Instead, our Black Friday was surprisingly laid back which made for a more enjoyable day. My poor car was packed to the brim with our purchases! It was a great day! I found a fabulous Christmas wreath for our front door, stocked up on wallflower plug in refills at Bath & Body Works, and was able to indulge to my hearts content in clothes.

There were great deals on so many items. For instance, the wreath I purchased is 30 in. and is prelit. I found it at Sam's for only $40! (Thanks, Chickadee!) I also bought a new pair of New Balance tennis shoes for $19! I would mention the great deals on all the clothes I bought, but I fear my husband might read this and strangle me ;)

Here's to hoping that you're Black Friday was just as enjoyable- whether you were out and about or snuggled up on your sofa!

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).