It's a DIY Christmas

So, this year, since I'm living on a teaching salary, I'm finding ways to be smart with my money and I wanted to give my students treats on Friday before we are off on Christmas Break. So, thank you Pinterest (once again) for this awesome idea that I know the kiddos will love!!

Hot Cocoa Rudolf

Cute right?!

Things you will need:
1. Hot cocoa (I used Swiss miss)
2. Mini Marshmallows
3. Decorating Bags - holds it all together
4. Twisty ties
5. Brown pipe cleaners - antlers
6. Wiggly eyes
7. Poms - his nose
8. Hot glue gun & glue
9. Scoop to measure out cocoa

Once you've gathered all of your items, you're ready to get started! I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup to make sure that each Rudolf ended up with the same amount of cocoa. After the cocoa was in the decorating bag, I got about a handful of mini marshmallows to go on top. Then you twist the bag to ensure that nothing can fall out and secure that with a twisty tie. On top of the twisty tie you place the brown pipe cleaner. Now you've completed the most time consuming part of the project. Go you!

To curl the pipe cleaner, I just wrapped it around my finger and stretched :)

Also, I cut the extra top of the decorating bags off so that they wouldn't get it the way.

Now for the fun part - gluing!

Get your hot glue gun all warmed up and ready! It's time to give Rudolf some eyes and a nose!! Not only was this the fun part, but it was also quick. I couldn't believe how fast I was done! I sure do the kiddos love their treats! :) 

24 little Rudolfs ready to be given away!

 
I love making little things like this and to me, it means so much more when you put time and effort into making something for someone than it does just picking something out from the store (sadly with work, it's hard to do that all the time).

But, I will never say no to anything from the store ;) *wink wink*

HAPPY CRAFTING!

Ornament Wreath DIY

This was an idea I got from Pinterest and since this year has been about change and new traditions, I figured I would make my first Christmas wreath!

This is what you will need:
1. Styrofoam circle
2. Ornaments (any color-I went traditional)
3. Hot glue gun & glue
4. Bow (optional)

Silver ornaments not pictured

The ornaments will have silver tips on them that you connect a hook to - just take them off, you won't need them. After you've done that, you're ready! First you have to make sure you have all of your items ready before you can start gluing. 

 

This is why I love him :P ;)

 Since the picture I had found on pinterest didn't really explain how they had glued the ornaments on, I used a method that worked well and hopefully it will help you as well! I decided that before I was going to glue the ornaments down, I twisted them into the styrofoam circle to make a hole and then proceeded to glue. There was no particular order in which I glued, so how you decide to go about, I say power to ya! I had a lot of fun putting it all together and plan on doing it again, soon! HAPPY CRAFTING!

Finished Product (and my feet)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HUGE Life Changing Chapter!

It's been forever since I've written, but I was shocked at myself when I noticed that I hadn't shared the big news!! 

It all started over a year ago when a girl and a guy bonded over a certain doctor (more info on that here and here) and that guy made a very big decision that was going to change both of their lives.

On July 19, 2013 that guy made this girl the happiest one in the world. Just watch:

This man is a gift from God and I'm so lucky that he was made just for me. He is my missing piece. We've been engaged a little over 4 months and I'm still in the clouds. I'm the luckiest woman in the world that I get to call him my husband next March :)

Also, he went to Jared ;) 

And, yes, he picked it out himself! Got me a keeper ;)

Wedding plans have been in the works for a while now and things are coming together perfectly! Of course I'm rushing things because we really only get the weekends to get anything done, but hey, what can I say? I'm excited :)

We are so blessed and give all praise to God for this amazing chapter in our lives. He is the only one that has made all of this possible. :) He is the center of all we do and we can't wait to see what He has in store for us. :)

Come on March 29th!!

Officially a Graduate

I can't believe it!  

It still hasn't fully hit...I've graduated...I'm no longer a student...I'm done...when did all of this happen??? Where did the time go??

Four years of my college life....and *poof* it's all over...

 It was like any other Saturday...but at the same time it wasn't...today was the day. Today was the day that I walked across a stage and was handed my diploma cover and it was over. 

Leading up to that day was stressful. Trying to find the right dress, the right shoes, have my nails all ready, and all that other "girly" stuff. Let's just say, I was anxious. I don't think it all became real to me until I picked up my cap and gown that Wednesday. I realized then that it was actually all coming to a close. 

This chapter of my life was ending while the next one was being written and prepared for me.

That morning I got up, bright and early so that I could get an early start and get a good parking spot...thankfully we got lucky! Walked to the Thad Cochran building with my fellow Education classmates and took pictures, talked, laughed, and waited. 

Then around 9am the precession to the Grove started. The time had actually come...well sort of...this was just the convocation...my ceremony was to start at 11 and that was still a couple of hours away. 

After the, what seemed like forever, convocation, it was mass chaos to get to the entrance of the Walk of Champions and lined up for our final walk as undergraduates. 

I won't bore you with small details...but the whole time I sat there, I had flashbacks of my first years here...it was weird to see that this time had finally come. And as if I had just opened my eyes, I was handing the reader my card and walking across the stage to the Dean who shook my hand and handed me my diploma cover. It was all a blur. I still can't believe it. 

Here I sit, 3 days later, and it feels as if nothing happened that Saturday. It's weird. 

Even though it feels as if nothing happened, I know it has. I'm now and official graduate of The University of Mississippi. 

Crazy, right?!

Have you ever had that type of feeling after something big has happened??

Giving it to God

Right now is a transition phase in my life. I'm finishing up my last semester of college and I'm on the hunt for a job. It is not a cake walk, it's been absolutely miserable. 

The past semester has been one of the best and one of the worst. I'm accomplishing something that once seemed so far away...I'll be gaining my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education on May 11th and it's a surreal moment. I'm scared and excited, but I know that something wonderful is going to come from all of it. Honestly though, I'm scared. 

I bet you're wondering...Why? How could you be scared if you know that God is going to take care of it all???? Well....let me explain: 

Being the flawed human that I am, it's hard for me to relinquish control of my life. So, of course, I stress, I worry, and I doubt over whether the places I've applied will accept my application and whether or not I'm really qualified and ready to be in the classroom as the head teacher.  I'm human and I'm scared. You can't say you haven't been in that place of wonder and doubt before. 

It's been hitting extremely hard the past couple of months because people are starting to hire. I've done my duty and I've applied for placements (total of 8 right now) and now all I can do is wait. It's hard, I've seen friends get interviews and actual job offers and I'm so happy for them, it's just hard seeing them moving forward while I feel like I'm standing still. 

There have been countless days/nights of crying and doubt, but it's taken me a while, some long night conversations, and more crying for me to finally come to that point where I'm finally giving God full control over the situation. 

Takes me a while to give up control because I'm a control freak and I'm stubborn - it's sad, I know, I'm working on it though!

I know that by relinquishing control over this situation and letting Him do His work, I'll be more blessed than if I tried to do it all myself.  I know that He will open the position He wants me in when He wants me to have it. I know that He will provide my every need and I lean on that understanding and I know that He won't leave me and He'll guide me through every step, as long as I let Him. 

Are you struggling with any transitional stages? Relinquishing control and letting Him take the reigns? I understand, I'm working on that right now. You're not alone. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

So, this is love :)

This is a continuation of when Ian and I first started out (find that here).

So, after he accepted my friend request, that was about all that happened. I was busy with summer school work (and trust me, there was TONS of that! So thankful to be done with those classes) and he was busy with work (I guess, I never really asked what he had been up to...unless I did and I've forgotten, which I tend to do).

After I finished all of my summer classes and I had a small break, yet still working, I wanted to let my brain go mushy for the short time I had and that always steers me in the directions of Netflix. I searched for a new movie to watch to get lost in and I somehow stumbled upon TV shows and something caught my eye. This is when I first laid my eyes on one of my favorite TV shows....I think you should have guessed it by now...yup....Doctor Who! I was an instant fan (check this post). 

To make a long story short....I, being who I am, posted a status on FB talking about how I was in love with this new show....and to my surprise, I get a comment from a guy (pretty cute guy if you ask me) and after a strand of 10 comments back and forth, I message him privately and give him my digits bc the notifications were buggin' me, so why not text? 

Who knew that all would lead us to where we are today? We've been texting/talking nonstop (literally, we haven't missed a day...except a week right at the beginning...of talking to each other) for 9 months this coming Friday. The day that marked history was the day I got this amazing text from him:

And of course I said YES!

I'm am so blessed to call this man my boyfriend and so thankful that God has given me such an amazing man :)  He's been there to help me through some of the darkest of days and some of the most stressful moments and always guiding me with God's Word and loving me even through all my faults. He is my other half and I don't know how I've lived so long without him! He truly is an answer to my prayers :) 

This man has my heart and I his. There's not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for such a wonderful man. I love you, Ian, more than words can say. :) 

See you in 4 days my love!

Pinterest Adventure (Baking)

This past December my office had a Christmas party and I wanted to bring cookies....but not just any cookies....a special type of cookie...a cream cheese chocolate chip cookie!!! Sound delicious right?!

It's all thanks to Pinterest

I found this recipe and repinned it onto my "Baking Fiend" board, and when I got the evite to the party, it came to me. Make the cookies! So, I did just that!

 It was a simple recipe and I love cream cheese and chocolate chips and cookies...so I HAD to make them! [don't judge me]

I got the following recipe through pinterest which led to the blog Jo and Sue (thanks goes to them!)

First all you need is: 
1 package of crescent rolls (preferably uncut/seamless)
1 (8oz) package of cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

 

Unroll the crescent roll. Stretch out the dough into a rectangle. (If you can't find the seamless crescent dough then just make sure you pinch the seams together well.)

 

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the crescent dough - leave a gap at the edge of about 1/2 inch.

 

 

Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Roll the crescent roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill at least 2 hours, or overnight.

 

 

 

Once chilled - preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Slice the cookie log into about 1/4 inch slices. Bake on prepared sheet for 10 - 15 minutes, until golden brown.

 

(man hand is dad's--we used the string method of cutting for a more round cut rather than squished)

 

Let cool on sheet for about 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely. 

 

Didn't have a wire rack so they cooled longer on the cookie sheet

they were different than other cookies I've made in the past, but they were delicious! :) I was and still am quite proud of myself for this feat :) You should seriously try them out yourself :) It's simple, fast, and easy!

But seriously. Try them. You'll thank me later :)



Oh, and you're welcome!