Christmas Remix

So many amazing events have taken place since I last blogged. I blame my absence from Bloggerland on two things: 1) Time. The holiday season seems like such a whirlwind. November and December were FILLED with good times all around, but I never sat down to write about the memories. 2) Blogger-Anxiety. Yes, I made this disease up and yes, I'm diagnosing myself with it. Numerous times have I found a cozy place, sipped a cup of hot tea, opened my laptop with the intention of blogging, but just couldn't transpose the thoughts in my head to words on my screen. Word. phobia.

Today is a snowday; a very unexpected, but entirely gracious, one at that! So... I am taking a break from grading papers (let's not get on that diversion), pushing away my word phobia, and writing...

The Christmas season seemed to peek its head around the corner and then throw itself into full action without a chance to ask questions. The weeks leading up to Christmas Day were filled to the max (literally, not one free evening) with festivities such as:

Welcoming the season by decorating my house as a whimsical Christmas Wonderland

Decorating other friends' homes & apartments in Christmas attire

Visiting Nashville's Christmas Village, but only to realize, "I can make that!" Then returning home to see if my craftiness was up to the task

Nashville Christmas parade

Christmas cookie decorating (but not eating...long story)

Faculty Christmas party

Practices and rehearsals to play Mrs. Claus in our school's winter chorus concert AND narrator for our school's band winter concert

Small group Ugly Christmas Sweater party

Wrapping gifts for families in need

PA's Reality Tour (BCN teens dancing on a party bus, checking out Opryland Hotel's lights, guided by Pastor Allen himself)

Special visit from my mama

My Grandmother's surprise 85th birthday party (with all the fam in town!!)

Faux Christmas Morning party at mi casa (complete with breakfast foods of all kinds and games providing ridiculous laughter)

Being infected with a 48 hour flu...gross.

Missing holiday festivities with my students because I was sick! :(

DG's Christmas in July get-together

Preparing for the long 12-hour drive to B-town

Departing Nash early, providing the ultimate surprise for my family in Florida!

Whew! It was a hectic season, fo sho. But also a season to be thankful for times such as those; for friends and family, and this season in our lives where we are all able to be together.

Christmas has always been my FAVORITE time of year! A time full of fun, love, and almost a sense of magic. However, this year, in spite of all the festivities, I was challenged with a burning question: What is the meaning of all of this? What is it all for?

Truthfully, this question began sneaking up on me in high school, but every year I push the question down, afraid to face reality in answering it. This past year, I asked God to help me answer this question.

All I can say is, the "feeling" or "emotions" that we embrace more naturally during the Christmas season should not be limited to revealing themselves only during this time of year. Everyday we should show our love for our friends and family. Everyday we should look for ways to extend grace and help those in need. Everyday we should spend time lavishing "thanks" upon our God, for sending His son to earth because His love for us is so immense.

At the end of a crazy busy, but entirely wonderful, Christmas season, these are the thoughts inscribed on my heart.

Spread His love. Everyday.

Simply Scrumptious!

It is chilly, brisk, and rainy outside in Nashville today. But, inside the golden walls of my kitchen, it is warm and toasty...literally. To the beat of my Pandora stations, and with the aroma of sugary white chocolate spreading throughout the house, I am baking these balls of Oreo and cream cheese deliciousness!

The recipe is super easy, the taste is ridiculously delicious, and they're quite fun to make. Here's the easy cheesy recipe:

• 1 package regular size Oreo cookies, crushed
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 package white almond bark
• 1 package chocolate almond bar

1. 1Using a blender or hand held mixer, mix Oreos and cream cheese together.
2. 2Roll into walnut size balls.
3. 3Chill for an hour.
4. 4Melt approximately 3/4 package of white almond bark.
5. 5Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white almond bark.
6. 6Allow to harden on wax paper.
7. 7Takes about 15 min.
8. 8While waiting, melt about 1/4 package of chocolate almond bark.
9. 9When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and white almond bark.

*I just use a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner to drizzle the almond bark.
Finally, take a break from Thanksgiving preparations, eat one of these babies, and slowly slip away into a sugary coma...
Tomorrow we are celebrating Thanksgiving at my cousin Kristi's house. I can't wait for my family to try these scrumptious balls!
What simply scrumptious desserts are you baking in your kitchen today??? Please feel free to share your recipes in the comments section!
Happy Baking!

DIY: Mini Message Board

Here's a "Do It Yourself" project I created for this beautiful couples' outdoor wedding reception. It's fun, easy, and adds a sweet touch to any event or home!

Here's what you'll need:

1 wooden craft frame (8x10 displayed)

1 thin canvas (size fit for picture frame)

1 sheet designed scrapbook paper

Chalkboard paint

Acrylic paint (gold)

Wooden monogram letter

Vintage buttons (love to find these at the local flea market)

Hot glue

Scissors

2 wide paintbrushes

Step 1: Using a wide paintbrush, paint a thick layer of Chalkboard Paint over the canvas. (This must set for one hour before applying a second coat, so complete this step immediately.)

Step 2: Using our color of choice (shimmering gold pictured), apply a thick coat of metallic paint over your wooden craft letter. Allow time to dry.

(I used the letter "M" to represent the Happy Couple's last name.)

(Our three leading characters: Mod Podge, Chalkboard Paint, and Shimmering Gold craft paint)

Step 3: Measure and cut the scrapbook paper to fit the four sides of the frame. Using a thick coat of Mod Podge both to adhere the paper to the wooden frame and also to add a glossy finish to the surface of the final product.

(*Don't forget to apply a second coat of chalkboard paint to the canvas after one hour's time.)

Step 4: After the Chalkboard Paint has completely dried, remove the glass from the frame and carefully insert your chalkboard canvas.

Now is also the time to add the cutesy decor- the golden monogram letter and the vintage buttons. To make things simple, these may be adhered with a hot glue gun.

And, vua-lah!

A charming, hand-made, easy-on-your-pocket message board that adds a personal touch to any scene!

At this particular wedding, we placed the mini message board on the couple's wishing tree table.

I also created a mini message board in my home's entryway. Today it reads, "Be Joyful Always" to remind me what's really important these days.

What do you think?

Let me know how yours turn out!

Fall. Break.

Fall. Break. It's finally here.

I could not be more excited about this week-long break. A break from waking up at 5:45am (well, what should be 5:45am), working 12+ hour days, and living a routine work week. Saying that lately life has been hectic would be an understatement. (But, isn't life always?) Let's just say that I am going to catch my breath this week. And I cannot contain my excitement.

Here are my plans to really soak up this time off and enjoy my absolute most favorite season- fall:

Wake up after the sun does for a change.

Slowly sip my coffee while studying The Word. (I am feeling convicted as of late for my lack of knowledge of Old Testament stories. I am reading some for the first time, and re-reading others that it may as well be the first-read.

Clean my house. Thoroughly this time.

Then make a mess in my kitchen- my pretend "craft room". I have already purchased my craft project materials, and I can't wait to get started!

Ride my bike. For longer than 10 minutes.

Lunch dates that don't involve cramming in food then racing back to a raging school cafeteria.

Reading Radical so I'm finally caught up with my small group.

Invest in my Senior High girls' group.

Perhaps delve into some professional development reading.

Pedicure with Liz before the big day! (My toes' current situation is sad.)

Carve a pumpkin.

Drink warm apple cider.

Grade some of my students' writing papers. (Ugh, I know. But because of wedding planning responsibilities, I'm currently behind, People.)

Craft some more.

Blog. Blog. Blog.

Memorize scripture. I've been slacking!

Take a long walk. A few long walks.

Cook dinner for friends and invite them over because it's just been way too long. Send them home full and happy!

Create a real craft station so I'll prevent future Mod-Podge spills on my kitchen island.

Prepare and deliver a meal for friends having their first baby this week. Hold and kiss their baby so they can enjoy a meal together!

Spend time with my mentor- in prayer and encouragement.

Eye doctor appointment. Contacts much needed.

Diabetes doctor appointment at Vandy. (Hmm...lunch out?)

Watching movies; some old classics and some newbies I haven't yet viewed.

Spend an afternoon running errands with my Grandmother. You know, the usual: Sally Beauty Supply, Kroger, gas station, Dollar Store, and Taco Bell. These are her hot spots!

Bake for my neighbors.

Laugh with my cousin coming in from Georgia. I need some real cousin time, and laughing until it hurts is always a given!

Craft some more.

Stay up late with friends like I'm not an adult working a full-time career.

Possibly camping???

Sounds like I'll be resting a lot, huh?

Truth is- I'm not much of a napper. I'll definitely catch up on some much needed sleep, but more importantly, these hobbies are what keep me "alive". At the end of my "stay-cation", I'll be refreshed, rejuvenated, and... less scattered. :)

If you had this week off of work, how would you spend your days?

Learning

As I am writing this, I am sitting down (for the first time today) in my favorite chair, sipping a cup of steaming hot chai tea, watching the setting sun slowly disappear, and taking in the last bits of today. This is my favorite part of the day, and yet, it seems to melt away entirely too quickly. Sure there is a million items on my "to-do" list. But for right now, for this moment, I am choosing to stop and breathe it all in...

I feel as if during this season of my life, I am in school with God. In some areas, I am blossoming through my junior year. In other areas, I am maturing through about 7th grade (you know, the awkward years of zits and braces). Yet still in others, I am only merely in 3rd grade, taking tiny steps and totally relying on my Father for my needs. The most vital part is that I am growing, and I am learning.

Throughout the craziness that this season brings- every bite-size morsel- I believe God is teaching me. The irony is that I am an educator, and it is my career to teach children. But my Spiritual Life longs for more- more learning, maturing, and growth. My relationship with my Creator beckons for my heart and mind to be stretched. This requires me to submit as a student of the Word.

I do not feel as if my current life circumstances are permanent, rather they will last for only a season. He is preparing me...for something. For what, I have no idea. And I may have no conception of when this change will commence. Of one thing I am certain, however- I want to be right where He wants me to be. No, I need to be right where He wants me to be. I want to be so in tune with His will that I cannot discern His desires from my own. I desire to be so deeply rooted in His Word that I can clearly hear His voice. I am determined to live a life that is pleasing in His sight. This begins now- with the position and opportunities He has provided me with today.

The reason I am writing this is simply because this concept of being "in school" with God has been on my heart. I am so thankful for the patience, and love, and grace, and mercy that my Teacher offers freely every single day. I am so thankful He does not throw chaos or confusion at me and passively stand-by to assess my response. My heart is full of thanks for His ever faithful leading and guiding...no matter how many assignments or quizzes I may fail without truly recognizing His instructing.

May we look upon each other with loving and graceful eyes. May we continually lift one another up; encourage one another with righteous acts. May we realize that we are all merely students, each at various levels, but all seeking and learning together.