All I want for Christmas Is.........

....this perfume!!!  I wear perfume every single day of my life.  I have a really strong sense of smell and LOVE to have a few nice scents to choose from in my repertoire!  My current favorite is a scent I first found at a store during my visit to Missouri.  I loved it immediately and knew I would be pleading with Santa to bring me a bottle.  The brand is Lollia and the scent is In Love.  I tracked down a salesman at the store to get more information.  She said that this brand was actually on one of Oprah's Favorite Things shows, although her favorite scent is Wish.  I like In Love much better.  You can find this perfume at Anthropologie or Neiman Marcus.   Trust me on this one....Amazeballs.

What.A.Day.

Welcome back to school to me! I tell ya- when it rains, it pours. Here’s a rundown of the stressful and chaotic (yet always blessed) day I had at school.


First off, I’ve battled a cold/sinus infection since Wednesday night. My throat was a little soar at first, then that grew into sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head…wait a minute. HA! But seriously, those were many of my symptoms. By Friday morning, I had no voice whatsoever. It came back Friday afternoon, only to disappear again. This morning I could talk but as the day grew on, I started losing it again and coughing a ton from talking and teaching so much. I feel better, but still blah and have that “I would much rather be in bed” attitude. These kinds of days make it hard to be a teacher. Unfortunately, I can’t hide behind my desk or inside my cubical and not talk. I have to pretend to be chipper, happy, and attempt to be just as effective a teacher as when I’m not sick. Lucky for me, they had a language test today that allowed me some quiet time while they worked.

I got myself ready and got to school a few minutes early. I walked into my classroom to find every.single.desk piled on the carpet in the corner of my classroom. The chairs were in the middle of the room with neon green tennis balls inserted onto the botton of the chair leg. First of all, while that is an effective way to keep noise down and pencil lead from sticking to the bottom and making a huge mess, I think it looks awful. As for me and my classroom, I have always chosen to risk it and deal with the noise and the mess instead of be blinded by bright blurbs of cork on my floor. Somehow, this decision was chosen for me. I knew who the culprit was though- our precious, sweet custodian. How could I be mad?...I guess. But to me, if you’re going to do something nice for someone, clean up the mess too! it’s like someone coming to your house, cooking dinner, but yet leaving all the mess for you to clean up. The desks were in a pile, bags the balls came in were left on my bookshelf, the walmart bag they came in was left, and my classroom in general was left in shambles. Needless to say, it didn’t make for a happy morning when 18 kids came in and didn’t know where their desk was. Imagine the questions I had to answer.

Next, I was reminded early this morning that I have an essay to complete by Thursday for our school’s application to become a blue ribbon school. Yes, I am honored I was chosen as one to turn in the information and entrusted to write it correctly, but I’m also frustrated because that’s about the absolute last thing I want to think about on any day, let alone one like this.

I think the weather across the state is about the same today- COLD and RAINY! I don’t mind it when I can stay inside and admire the weather from afar. But when we get an unexpected fire alarm going off in the middle of class and have to take every single elementary student OUTSIDE in it, it’s not so fun. Yep- that’s what happened. Many of my kids were in short sleeved shirts. (Which by the way, do parents not look at their children before sending them out the door? I have students today, when snow is called for tonight, in summer clothing. I don’t get it.) Fortunately, I had on my anorak and could cover my head with my hood. I had nothing to share with the kids and felt bad they were cold and wet. It wasn’t long before we heard the sirens coming down the street. We were told it was a false alarm coming from the cafeteria and it was safe to go inside. Not so easy to calm kids back down to work after standing out in the rain and freezing.

As we were coming back in from the fire alarm, I met the sweet custodian who “rearranged” my room over the break. I felt the need to thank him, even though I didn’t like what he’d done, because I felt he probably believed he’d done me a huge favor. As I opened my mouth to tell him, he said, “Those tennis balls came from Mrs. X’s room, so you may want to check with her and see if you owe her anything.” UMMMMM- excuse me? Now I need to pay for something that I not only didn’t ask for, but don’t like? Not gonna happen, folks.

Thankfully, even though I experienced some definite stress throughout my seven hours at school today, I’m still ever grateful for my place of work, for my friends that are more like family that I work with, and for the fact that I feel extremely comfortable and relaxed in the place I call my home away from home. Today was just a typical day in the life of a teacher, and I know you all experience days similar to this at times, too. Praise be to God for the good days AND the bad. I am reminding myself of this as I type. Here’s to a better day, tomorrow!

I know, I know....it's been forever!   After you read this post, you'll understand why.

Counting this upcoming weekend, I will have been out of town for FOUR weekends in a row.  I feel like I haven't even had time to sit down in my own house, much less find time to blog.  I have had the opportunity to do some pretty fun things in the past month and I'm SO thankful.  But it's catching up with me and I'm beginning to decide I need a lesson or two in some major time management.

The last weekend in October, I was blessed to spend with my sister, brother-in-law, and precious niece.  I'm telling you, that sweet baby is my little sunshine and she can brighten my day like nothing or no one else can.  She is growing so fast and learning new things everyday.  I truly cherish every second I get to spend with her.

The first weekend in November, I was blessed to be asked to sing at a youth conference in Gilbertsville, Kentucky.  We began the four hour trek early Friday morning and arrived last Friday afternoon.  We helped lead worship at five sessions throughout the course of the weekend before leaving Sunday to return home.  We did make time to stop and eat at a restaurant called Patti's in Grand Rivers.  Amazing is the only word I could use to describe the food there.  They begin by bringing each table a pot of bread.  Yes, I did mean pot!  They make the most delicious homemade bread baked in a treated terra cotta pot.  They serve it warm with strawberry butter.  YUM!  We try to go there each year we sing and I have yet to order something I didn't like.  I just wish it was closer to home so I could go more often.  On second thought, maybe it's better that it isn't.

This past weeked, I traveled to Dexter, Missouri with two other friends to celebrate the upcoming marriage of my sweet friend, Katie.  She lived in town a couple years ago and moved away to continue her work as an eye doctor.  She met her prince charming and is getting married in January.  It was so nice to be able to see her new house (which is the cutest) and go to her first bridal shower.

Next weekend, believe it or not, I am going to celebrate Sarah Taylor's 1st birthday party.  I can't even believe it's been a whole year.  We're celebrating Auburn style, with a girly navy and blue polka dot cake, orange and blue ribbon topiaries, and fun football food.  Pictures will come after the big event.

Happy Holiday season, everyone.  My Christmas Wish List is coming up on the next post!

Favorite Things- Dieters' Edition

When am I ever not on a diet?  Answer? NEVER.  Currently, I am watching my caloric intake and drowning myself in water...literally.  Today, I've already had around two liters.  Since my new found motivation has arrived and I am attempting once again to conquer the seemingly inconquerable, I have come across a few new favorite things that I wanted to share.

1.  Parmesan and Tuscan Baked Lays

These taste incredible!  I have always been a Baked Lays fan, but these are way different than the others.  I can't describe the flavor. You will just have to trust me and find out for yourself.  You won't regret it.

2.  McDonald's Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

This isn't just any yogurt.  I honestly would rather have this than one of their ice cream sundaes.  The granola adds the perfect amount of crunch and the fruit in the middle tops it off.  It's only 160 calories and well worth every.single.one.

3.  Chick-fil-A's Chicken and Fruit Salad

This has definitely become a new favorite and I can thank my sister for introducing me a few months ago. I had completely forgotten about it until I re-started this diet.  I am  a huge fan of fruit on my salad.  This one is perfect.  It's grilled chicken, oranges, apples, and mandarin oranges, with granola and berry balsamic dressing. 

4.  Chili's Carribean Salad

Again, this is another salad with fruit.  They've included pineapple as well as red bell peppers to this one.  The best part is the Honey Lime Dressing.  Click the link and scroll down for the recipe.

5.  My Fitness Pal App

Thank you, Haley, for this recommendation!  It's a total life saver!  Unless the calories are marked on the box or package, I typically don't know exactly how many to count.  With this app, I don't have to.  There is a search engine inside and you can look for any and every food possible.  There are restaurant menus, also.  Not only does it tell you how many calories, but also gives COMPLETE nutritional facts including fat, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, etc.  At the end of the day, it gives you a summary of what you've eaten and also lets you know what you need to eat more of, less of, etc.  The best part...it's FREE!

Hope you enjoy!

Wreath Tutorial

If only I could be a full-time Pinterest "tryer-outer".........That's where I got this idea.

It's SO easy and didn't take much time at all. First things first...your supplies.

I bought a large straw wreath at Hobby Lobby. It was priced $6.99 but I used a 40% off coupon, so it was basically free. I got 1/2 yard of fabric, four sheets of felt, and some straight pins.

First, cut your fabric in strips about an inch and half wide. Begin wrapping the fabric pieces around the wreath. Pin them into place until the entire wreath is covered.

Next, cut several circles (any size you'd like) using the felt. Mine were about two inches in diameter. Fold the circle in half once, then again.

Begin pinning these felt flowers side by side on your wreath until you've covered as much as you'd like. I only did a small section, but feel free to do more. At the end I decided to "bling" it up a little, so I added a few pearls with the glue gun. I didn't take another picture, so use your imagination. :)

Super easy, super cute, and super fast! What more can one ask??

Fall Break and a Yard Sale

I'm telling you, off days from school are one of life's biggest blessings. It's 1:23 pm and I'm still in my pajamas. You just can't get much better than that! We got out of school at 12:30 Friday and are off all day today. We won't mention that today is a national holiday, some schools are out anyway, so it doesn't really count as fall break. No, we won't mention that. I'm just thankful to be on my couch right now instead of going over the difference in prepositions and adverbs with 19 fourth graders.

Because I got an extra day to sleep late today, I was okay with sacrificing Saturday morning to go to a few yard sales. I haven't done this is FOREVER and just on a whim, asked a couple friends who are yard sale veterans to accompany me on my quest for a deal or two. To say I had the time of my life is an understatement. If I could yard sale for a living, I would. I had a blast and found several great deals.

Our first stop was actually in my mom's neighborhood. I found a brand new, never-worn, chocolate brown and white polka dot outfit for Sarah Taylor....for TWO DOLLARS!

I also found a like new, wooden handled, polka dotted umbrella for two dollars. Our next few stops were productive, also. I found a hardback copy of one of my favorite children's books, "I'm Gonna Like Me" for....wait for it...TEN CENTS! I bought a charger for my phone with an extra long cord, which I have been looking for for weeks, for TWENTY FIVE CENTS! Our last stop served to be great, as well. I found a brand new, still in box, Pampered Chef oval stone casserole dish and mini serving spatula for $10. My mom jumped on that one!

I have definitely found a new hobby. I didn't find a firescreen or cool bookshelf for the still empty wall in my living room, but I had tons of fun. I can't wait until the next time!

Crockpot Craze- Italian Beef

Does it mean you’re old if you become obsessed with crockpot meals? I hope not… because I am becoming overly excited at the thoughts of a good recipe for ye ole slowcooker. I spent more at the grocery store the other day than I have in a very long time. Why? Crockpot meal ingredients. I’ve only tried a couple so far, but I’m on my way to finding some seriously super suppers. Like my use of alliteration there?

Last night, I made what could possibly be the easiest main dish in the history of all cooking. It’s Italian Beef with only three ingredients! You’ll need a 3 lb. beef chuck roast, a jar of pepperoncinis (15 oz), and some garlic. All you do is put the roast in the crockpot, make a couple cuts in the meat and press garlic in between, and pour the entire jar of pepperoncinis (juice included) on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours and voila! Serve with a side of vegetables or on a sandwich topped with Swiss cheese.

Shameless

Not even ashamed to ask....DOES ANYONE READ MY BLOG ANYMORE??? I think I must need to announce a million dollar giveaway in order to solicit comments. Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty unimportant. Unlike many of you, I don't blog to record my kids' milestones or document do it yourself projects that have turned out fabulously at my home. My sole intention is to connect with YOU and hopefully write about something that strikes you funny, interesting, challenging, or inspiring. I need to know you're here, friends! If not, I'm seeing the purpose of this blog going down the drain quickly.

Now, make yourselves known and motivate me to come up with a great post for next time....

Chili's Ain't Got Nothin' on Me! (Queso Dip)

Chili's queso dip is a family favorite around our parts. My mom orders it almost every time we go. My brother in law is a really picky eater, and he LOVES this dip, too. So, I decided to try and find the recipe and make this potion myself...and simulanteously become the hero to those that will eventually feast on it during football season.

Here's the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1 16 oz. box Velveeta Cheese

2 teaspoons paprika

1 15 oz can Hormel Chili (no beans)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (I didn't have any, so I skipped this one.)

4 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Cut the velveeta in cubes. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir FREQUENTLY until cheese melts, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.

You can thank me later. :)

Blessings

I'm in Need of some Serious Help!

Here are two pictures of my living room. ***These were taken a couple weeks after I moved in. Thankfully, I have added more things to the wall, adorned the coffee table, and addressed that super boring mantle. Behind the couch is a really pretty piece of furniture that belonged to my grandmother that I LOVE and am so thankful was passed on to me. Other than the obvious elephant in the room, I like my little cozy leisure area. Can you guess what the problem is?

That's right- the TV wall. I am the most symmetrically minded person you'll meet. What's on one side I like to have on the other. I love my table from Hobby Lobby that I purchased for the TV (although you can't see the detail in the picture), but looking back, it's just not the right piece for this space. I've thought about a wall gallery of pictures around the television, but chickened out because I was afraid one would hang crookedly...and we just can't have that, folks. I thought about a chair on one side, but then thought I would still fret on what to put on the wall behind it. There is no other place for the TV, so moving it is no option. So, I'm calling on all seasoned decoraters, amateur decorators, and decorator wannabes.....I NEED YOU! I'm soliciting any and every idea you have to make this boring wall match what I feel like is the rest of my finished and tranquil living area.

Ready? GO!

Favorite Things

I love these posts!

1. Great Value Naturally Sweetened Drink Mix I am super excited about this recent find at Walmart. I hate drinking so much aspartame in diet drinks. I can tolerate water sometimes, but I'm not a huge fan. Sweet tea is my favorite, but sugar isn't healthy either. This, until now, hadn't left me with many healthy choices of beverages. I found these drink mixes and was thrilled! I have been waiting for this for a long time. It's sweetened with truvia, which is a natural sweetener that comes from the stevia plant. I actually make tea now and sweeten it with truvia. The mango pineapple is good and the strawberry kiwi tastes great, also. Here's to having something healthy AND low calorie to drink!

2. My current obsession...



3. World Market- LOVE this store and wish there was one closer. Any time I visit Birmingham I like to go. They have the best curtains and kitchen equipment...or should I say cutest???!!!

4. True North Nut Clusters- SO good!

5. Shimmer Nail Polish

This is my most recent selection. It's Sally Hanson Midnight Sky. I'm all about some cool nail polish! Now if someone would only invent a way to make it stay on for more than a day without chipping.

I tag everyone to do a Favorite Things blog now. It's one of my favorites to read!

Another Edition of "Around Town"

It's been a while, but it's now time for another edition of what's going on "Around Town." In case this is your first time reading, these are ACTUAL newspaper clips from a super small town in Alabama. Their paper is published once a week and by reading the following, it's obvious there's not quite enough news to fill it. ***Note: This is NO joke. I couldn't make this up if I wanted to.

*Last Thursday, Shirley and Mary shopped and ate at Arby's.

*Violot enjoyed a visit recently from her daughter and her husband, Betty and Jimmy. While they were visiting, they and M.L. and Fay put up lots of kraut.

*Adean accompanied Dean to her eye doctor's appointment last Wednesday.

*Edree was amused to hear of the bird adventures her daughter, Billie, is having. Edree said when Billie went to pick figs for her preserve-making, the blue jays had a hissy fit and objected strenuously. They darted around squawking like they were mad as hornets.

*Elsie talked with her daughter-in-law, Benitta, last Wednesday. She said Charles Hall, who had fallen off a ladder, was doing some better.

*Jim and Pattie carried Mrs. Jimmie Nell to Bodacious Steakhouse on Thursday night for supper.

*Patsy and Dale ate lunch at Captain D's.

*Marjorie and Elwanda attended choir practice for the **** County Gospel Hall of Fame.

*Carolyn was sorry to hear her brother Ray was in the hospital on Friday.

There you have it friends. If you think you are bored...... think again.

Flying

That's right, this summer is FLYING by! I remember the first week of being out of school and thinking to myself, "I have the entire summer ahead of me." Now, I am only a few short weeks away from beginning another year of teaching. Ready or not, right?

I returned from my very first mission trip a couple weeks ago. Antigua was amazing in so many ways. It was difficult in ways too, and definitely stretched me and took me out of my comfort zone. That's a good thing, though. I pray God used me and that He is still watering the seeds we left there.

As of now, blogger has reset itself back to the old format, even though settings says otherwise. Therefore, I will end this post before I lose my patience. :) Coming soon: a new favorite things post.

Rescue

Yes, please....

Life List, Re-visited

I went back through my blog and found my Life List, first posted in 2009. I was interested to see if I had accomplished anything I set out to do two years ago.  Thankfully, before this summer is over, I will be blessed to be able to mark off four things!  Now, who is up for working through this entire list with me? LA anyone? Italy?

My Life List: (in random order)

1. Visit Los Angeles/Hollywood/Laguna Beach
2. Visit New York City
3 Travel to (or at least through) all states in the U.S.
4. Ride a gondola in Italy
5. Take a cooking class
6. Go to Paris
7. See Gavin DeGraw in concert
8. Go on a mission trip9. Get married
10. Have children
11. Buy a house
12. Be debt-free
13. Attend a taping of a daytime talk show (Oprah, the View, Regis
and Kelly, etc.)
14. Learn how to drive a stick shift
15. Go camping
16. Go to the Mall of America
17. Visit Washington D.C. again, and this time appreciate what's
there

Beach- Party of 22

We had a great time at the beach this year!  It was so awesome having sweet little Sarah Taylor with us.  She did great and loved, LOVED the pool!  I feel so blessed to have such a huge and close knit family.  I look forward to spending time with them always, but especially when we can get away and spend some time at a place like Orange Beach.  I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I usually do now that we have a professional photographer in the family (Visit here if you want some incredible pictures taken of you or your family.), but here is a glimpse of our trip in pictures.

The pool at our condo was wonderful! There were two actually, with a splash pad and kiddie pool for the little ones.

She's ready!  Cutest baby ever!

She loved swimming with mommy and daddy.

 All ten great grandchildren...so far. 

 I love this beach towel.

 ST loves her grammy!

 My mom is the prettiest!

 love

 We also celebrated this special event at the beach.  Happy seven months, ST!

Doogie Howser of Blogs

Need a blog makeover?  Tired of your layout and ready to spice things up a bit?  I have found the answer, friends.  Visit Haley here!  She is the doctor of blog illness, the scientist of sidebar potions, and the answer to all your blogger frustrations.  Take advantage of her low prices now before she becomes nationally renown and travels to the city to spread the blogspot gospel.  Don't delay!!!

Trip of a Lifetime

I arrived safely back in Alabama Tuesday night.  For those of you that read my previous post, both flights back were very smooth and uneventful...if you know what I mean.  :)

I was in California for 16 days and I loved it!  I wouldn't say I'm a seasoned traveler, but California is definitely the most beautiful state I have ever visited.  I was in awe of the mountains, the landscaping, and the weather.  It was 55 degrees one day!

We visited San Francisco, which was amazing.  We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, had dinner with the Tanners...okay not really, but we went to the actual house from the show and also visited the spot from the family picnic on the show opener.  I saw Alcatraz, went to Pier 39 and saw all the seals, and rode the hills of downtown San Fran.  I LOVE it there!

We visited a little town called Half Moon Bay.  If you have read any Nicholas Sparks books, it's exactly the type town I imagine when I read his work.  There were no chain restaurants, just local diners and shops.  There was no Walmart or Target, just organic groceries and privately owned stores.  There were people riding bikes up and down the streets...just a quaint little town.  The ocean was breathtaking.  I have never seen a view like this one.

Thank you Ginger, if you're reading, for the trip of a lifetime!  Thank you for humoring me and allowing me to be the typical tourist and for slowing down everytime I wanted to take a picture from the window of the car.  I had a blast!

I'm home for two days and then off to the beach with my family!  I am SO excited to spend a week with 22 of my very favorite people in the world.  After that, I'm home a week and then to Antigua for a mission trip.  Prayers for safe travels and open hearts are appreciated.  I hope God shows up and shows off through all 162 of us.

Happy summer, my friends!