Blue Nile giveaway winner and playing catch-up

     Thank you to everyone who took a moment to enter my Blue Nile giveaway. The winner of the infinity chain bracelet is: Patricia Alexandra! I'll be sending an e-mail your way shortly so you can get your bracelet. :)

     After much anticipation (the week before break seemed to drag on forever!), winter break has whizzed by. It was a wonderful two weeks, full of feasting, family time, reading, shopping, and relaxing. I had grand plans to do some grading and lesson planning, but to be honest, not much of that happened.
     It's a teacher work day for me today, and the kids will be back tomorrow. Here's a look at what's been happening lately, clockwise from top left:
Deer: my sister and I made the trek into Waikiki to see the gingerbread extravaganza displayed by a hotel each winter. These deer were posed outside a gingerbread Japanese temple. The gingerbread creations also included the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, and local landmark Aloha Tower.
Carnations: A sweet gift from a student.
Goofy: I picked up a silly ornament to commemorate our first Christmas as an ol' married couple.  
Olivia: I took some style inspiration from Olivia for my Bringing Books to Life dress-up day.
Dots: This Target dress drew raves from both co-workers and the husband.