Dare to... Eat Cookies!

This week's post at the Dare to Do It Yourself Blog Party is Dare to... Eat Cookies! I feel like I have been baking a lot of cookies lately. I am not sure if it is the holidays, football season, or just because I can, but I have certainly been in the baking mood. My new favorite cookie recipe is from Bakerella. They are called Cowgirl Cookies. She actually used the recipe as a jar of dry mix gift set, but I decided to try out the real thing. You can see Bakerella's cookie jar idea and exact recipe here. Though I am not sure this is a true show of how good they are or not, my husband, who rarely eats sweets, is IN LOVE with these cookies and asks me to make them all the time. Maybe this is why I am baking cookies so much. Anyway, on to the recipe!

Cowgirl Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/3 c. all purpose flour, 1 t. baking powder, 1 t. baking soda, 1/4 t. salt, 1 c. cooking oats,

3/4 c. M&Ms, 3/4 c. semi sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 c. brown sugar,

1/2 c. white sugar, 1/2 c. of nuts (optional), 1 slightly beaten egg,

1/2 c. butter (melted slightly), 1 t. vanilla

Directions

Mix all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add wet ingredients. Mix well. Roll the dough into balls and place on cookie sheet.

Cook at 350* for 10 minutes.

I made a batch to give as an early Christmas gift for family. I went shopping, came back, and this was all that was left.

Here's why.

Oh well, at least he likes them, right?

Have a great week friends!

DIY Big Brother/ Big Sister Shirts

A week or so ago a mom of a student in my class had a baby. I wanted to give my student something that would show her I was thinking of her and also help her to feel special, but struggled to find just the right thing. Then it hit me- a Big Sister shirt!

The baby was born on a Thursday and of course I waited until the very last minute to make it, but it turned out fabulously! I created the picture then printed them out on an iron-on. It was quick, simple, and inexpensive and she (and her brother) loved it! They wore them to school the following Monday and looked precious!

Misc. thoughts for the day...

I love Black Friday. I love sales. I love finding a bargain. This morning I had very little luck, but I did enjoy the thrill of the hunt. And I have pretty much finished Brian's Christmas shopping. Did anyone see Gap's buy one get one sweater deal? Uh, yeah. The Johnson's RACKED up.

In other news, today was the biggest game of the season in the state of Alabama. For those of you not from here, let me explain. The Iron Bowl is the culmination of everything football in our state. Here, you are either Alabama or Auburn. We, of course, our Auburn. The best part about the Iron Bowl is that no matter who the actual "better team" is, anything can happen. Though the outcome didn't happen quite like I would have liked, Auburn stayed ahead of the #2 team in the nation the ENTIRE game. Except of course for the last minute where they scored, we threw a hail mary, it was blocked and we lost. But hey, they fought hard, played an incredible game, and it's ALWAYS great to be an Auburn tiger.

Finally, after the game, Brian and I went to drown our sorrows at the dollar movie, where we enjoyed a nice cold can Coke and saw Julie and Julia. It was pretty funny and I could relate to the blogging part- I was just a little disappointed in the ending. Did anyone see it? What did you think?

Can you believe tomorrow's only Saturday? I love Thanksgiving break! Have a great night my friends!

I have been blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! As we wrap up the day, I am thinking about all the wonderful things the Lord has blessed me with.

As a thought for the day, I just wanted to share my top ten things blessings in my life.

1. Jesus Christ. I am thankful that because Jesus died on the cross for me, I have a peace, hope, and joy that surpasses all understanding.

2. Brian Kent. My husband is wonderful. He is everything I could ever hope for in a man. He is my best friend. He lifts my eyes to the Lord. He works hard to provide for our family. I couldn't ask for more.

3. A fabulous family. I adore my family. My parents are the greatest parents a girl could ask for. Brian's parents and two brothers are wonderful encouragements and fantastic friends. You really can't beat it.

4. Outstanding friends. Through college and Sunday school, I have met some fabulous people. Their friendship and accountability have been an important part in helping me become who I am and who I am in Christ.

5. Our church. I love having a place to worship the Lord with my husband. Our pastor and music minister are wonderful Godly men that's heart is to lead others to the Lord.

6. My job. Sometimes they make me laugh. Sometimes they make me crazy. But I have to say, I am so blessed by my 19 7 and 8 year olds. I am thankful to have a team of teachers that are professional and fun to work with. I am thankful for a school that encourages the love of children all the time.

7. Our home. I am so thankful that God provided us this wonderful house to have people over or just spend time together. I has allowed Brian and I both to find hobbies and interests we can use to make it look better and work better. It's great.

8. Our Sunday School class. I just love it! As Brian and I have officially become "adults" this class has been the place where we have felt most at home and most able to create friendships that are lasting. It is also so evident God is working through the class. I can't wait to see what He is going to do.

9. The USA. I am thankful to live in a country where I can worship God, be myself, and be free. Love it.

10. Blogs. Yes, it might be silly. But I have been encouraged by reading people's blogs and by the comments ya'll leave on mine. It is such a fun addition to my life. So yes, blogs. :)

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!

Dare to... Entertain!

This week's theme at the Dare to Do It Yourself Blog Party at The Newly Woodwards is Dare to Entertain! Brian and I L-O-V-E having people into our home. Whether it's for a Sunday School party, a football game, or people simply coming over to have dinner or hang out, we are ALL over it. But I must admit, I am still struggling to create a fun and original look for my dining room table. I am excited about this week's tour so I can get lots of great ideas!

About a week ago we had some friends over for a Thanksgiving potluck dinner and Auburn football.

I started with a brown table cloth (Home Goods) then insisted on using burlap because it is so cute and so darn cheap! I also threw on an old runner from Home Goods. We pulled out the fine china and crystal for the 4th time ever. We didn't actually need the salad plates, but the setting looked funny without it.

For the center piece I used a bowl my mom gave me. Randomly cool story, but my GMIL* had this bowl in her house when my MIL was growing up. My mom bought one at an antique store and used it at my bridesmaids luncheon. My MIL commented on it and how her mom had one. My mom found one for her and for me, so my GMIL, MIL, mom, and I all have one. Love it.

ANYWAY- I put coffee beans in the bowl, then threw in a fall toned candle (Home Goods). I surrounded it with tea lights and pumpkins. I was pretty pleased with the way it turned out, only wished I had something more dramatically elegant for the center piece.

Hopefully that will come with time- and with looking at everyone else's center pieces!

Have a wonderful week my friends! Happy Thanksgiving!

*Grandmother In-Law

Dare to DIY- Be Thankful

I am so excited because today starts the first week of the Dare to DIY. The theme this week is Be Thankful. Our assignment was to do a Thanksgiving craft of any kind. I have been really into cupcake decorating this Fall and when we had people over to watch the Auburn vs. Georgia game last night (terrible ending BTW), I knew I had decorate Thanksgiving cupcakes.

I used cake mix and white icing for the basic cupcake design. Several weeks ago Hobby Lobby had a 40% off sale on Halloween things, which included this great Wilson Decorative icing in orange, black, brown, red, and green. I wasn't sure why the red and green were for sale, but I certainly didn't complain. I bought WAY more then I should have, but at least I got it at a great price!

I used the brown for the turkey's body and the other three colors for the feathers. The hus said turkeys didn't have green feathers, which I know, but I still had the icing and wanted to use it. I used a bit of red for the beard and chocolate chips for the eyes and voila!

I also used the green icing to write Give Thanks. I set them up on my awesome cupcake stand in a very festive style.

I made 24 cupcakes yesterday and by 7:00 tonight, they were all gone. I guess they were a hit.

I loved our first DIY Project! Though it is not a craft that lasted, I was proud of the result!

Have a great night my friends! I am looking forward to seeing everyone's DIY Project!

If I could live in our kitchen forever, I would.

The moment has finally arrived! As of 3:00 this afternoon, our kitchen redo (except for the floors) was complete. I am so proud and thankful for my husband. He has been working like crazy the past week tearing out, plumbing, doing electrical work, cutting, painting, and putting in the backsplash. He did everything in this kitchen update but install the counter tops. We were able to save so much money because he is so great and willing to try new things. I just love him! :)

So without further ado, I present to you- our kitchen!

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Aaah, lovely.

I am so excited right now.

I am linking this to DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land, Metamorphis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, and It's So Very Creative at It's So Very Cheri!

Have a great week everyone!

Monday Ramblings

On a more serious note, recently it has really been on my heart and mind how monumental this time of married without children is for mine and Brian's relationship and for our future family. I love the Lord and seek to know Him more and glorify Him in all that I do, but I have say- sometimes I fail. Let's be honest, most of the time, I fail. I am at the point in our marriage where I would love to have children, but with Brian and I both in school, it is truly not the time. Thinking about children makes me wonder, am I in a place where God can and will use me for His glory? Am I at a place in my relationship with Jesus that I can honestly go into a life with children and do everything in my power to lead them to Him? This time that I am wishing away is so important to the foundation of our marriage and to our future. No, things won't be easy. No, we won't be perfect. But by knowing Jesus and loving Him, digging into His Word, and serving Him, I pray that I will be the wife and mother He intends me to be. But wow, it's scary.

Sorry for the rambling- I have been thinking about this for awhile and just wanted to share. If you have insight, I would love to hear it.

Have a blessed evening my friends.

Dare to Do It Yourself Blog Party

I am SO excited about a blog party hosted by the Newly Woodwards this holiday season. It's called the Dare to Do it Yourself Blog Party. Each week, we will post a DIY challenge that coincides with the holiday. We will link up, then visit at least one other blog and post a comment. This way we can meet LOTS of people in the blogging world and see their great ideas. The DIY dares are pretty good- they don't seem overly time consuming, but will allow us to flex our creative muscles. Did I mention, I'm super excited?

Here's the schedule (As posted by the Newly Woodwards)

Party Date: Monday, Nov. 16Dare to… be thankful!Take some time making your own DIY Thanksgiving project. It could be a fun Thanksgiving advent calendar, a banner or something completely unique. Post about what you made, how you made it and photos in its new home.

Party Date: Monday, Nov. 23Dare to… entertain!Show us your table! If you are not hosting Thanksgiving, take this opportunity to make your table look great. Bring out your dishes and napkins and set your table. I promise you that it will make you smile every time you walk by. Get creative and use new things. Or go true DIY and make something totally new.

Party Date: Monday, Nov. 30Dare to… eat cookies!As we begin to attend holiday parties, share your favorite cookie recipe for all to enjoy. It’s like a digital cookie swap. Share the recipe and a review of the cookie. If you can, add a picture. And don't worry about the extra calories. At Christmas, cookies are calorie-free.

Party Date: Monday, Dec. 7Dare to… give homemade gifts!Nothing is more special than a gift made by you. Try out something new to give this year - ideas include bath and body items, kitchen gifts, hand-sewn clothing or home decor.

Party Date: Monday, Dec. 14Dare to… deck the halls!Make something new to deck your halls. Did you find something in a catalog that you wish you had? Wreaths, stockings, pillows or advent calendars? Make it! Inspire us all to do the same.

Party Date: Monday, Dec. 21Dare to… have traditions!Everyone has traditions for the Holidays. Tell us all about your favorites or start a new tradition to share.

Hop over and link up! It's going to be FUN!

Christmas Village

Yesterday, for the first time in 4 months, I finally saw my best friend Rebecca. Rebecca and I met our senior year of high school trying out for the Auburn University Flagline. We spent the next four years getting to know each other and spending a huge amount of time together. She is from Dothan and is one of my favorite people in the world! It was GLORIOUS to see her!

A major part of the reason she was here was to attend Christmas Village at the BJCC (Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center.) It is a gigantic craft show/ sale of people from all over the country. The vendors are great and it's an excellent place to buy Christmas presents! Rebecca and I went last year for the first time and were itching to go again.

We went out last night to buy bags for shopping (Home Goods.) They are perfect so you don't have to carry all the individual bags around. I ended up knocking out Christmas presents for several people and came back with a necklace for myself! Quite a successful trip!

Kitchen pictures should be up soon. Brian went to Auburn today as a last minute treat, so we still have a bit of work to be done. As soon as it's clean, I will post pictures! Let me tell you, the change is awesome! I can't wait to share :)

Spoiler alert- What do you think of this drawer knob? Is the contrast too dark/ light? Is the knob too big? Brian left the decision up to me and I am buckling under the pressure!

Have a blessed morning of worship, my friends! Happy Sunday!

Show Us Your Life- Thanksgiving Traditions

This week's theme at Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life is Thanksgiving traditions and recipes. Last year Brian and I were in our second year of marriage and trying to establish some new traditions. The holiday season is pretty hectic, going between both families and though it's great, I just wanted to start something that would allow us to slow down, spend time with friends, and show off our cooking skills without competing with the long-time cookers. We invited two couples over to have a Friends Thanksgiving Dinner. We split the menu between the 3 girls, spent time cooking and preparing, then had a delicious meal! I set the table with our fine china and we discussed the things we were thankful for. It was such a great time and a wonderful new tradition for us to do over the years!

Brian prepared the turkey. He was so proud!

My table setting. I thought it turned out pretty good!

One of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes is broccoli casserole. Hope you enjoy!

Brian's Favorite Broccoli Casserole

2 pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli, 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup mayo, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, salt and pepper, 1 can condensed mushroom with chicken soup or celery soup, 1 tsp. worchester sauce, 1 tsp. minced onion. (Topping) 1 stack Ritz crackers crumbled, 1/4 stick of butter.

Cook broccoli and drain. Combine all the ingredients except the crackers and butter. Grease with butter on all sides of 9x9 baking dish. Pour mixture in the dish and top with Ritz. crackers. Pat with butter. Bake for 45 min. at 350* or until brown.

Kitchen Chaos

Tomorrow's the big day! The men are set to be here after 11 (ugh that we have to wait that long) to install our counter tops! Brian and I have spent the past 3 nights clearing out the kitchen, taking the stuff out of the cabinets, and taking the counter tops off. I have been so proud of Brian for the awesome house work he can do. He impresses me each time we start a project. We are going to get a new dishwasher in the morning, then the transformation will finally begin!

I went to get water earlier this evening and found it quite impossible! The open space at the bottom is where the sink once was. To the left is the dishwasher and the top is the open oven space.

I will post updated pictures as soon as there is something LOVELY to see!

Have a wonderful Friday my friends!

Navy Nightmare

Ahh, there is something about Halloween. I always think, ew, I don't like this holiday, then always manage to have fun.

This year's fun was centered around Auburn football and a great Halloween party. Brian and I have been really busy over the past several months and had counted on being home this weekend to catch up on rest, get ready for the major kitchen counter redo (stay tuned- the men are coming FRIDAY) and house cleaning. Well, that all went to pot when some fantastic friends offered us tickets to this week's game against Ole Miss. Though it is much lighter than it was two years ago, I always have this desperate desire to go to Auburn. So many of the best things in my life were a result of Auburn University and because of that, no matter how bad the past several games have been or even if the boys are not playing at all, I ALWAYS want to be there. When Rob offered us tickets, Brian and I JUMPED at the chance. So Saturday morning, Brian and I headed to Auburn with our friends Jared and Ashley. Rob and Ginny couldn't go because of major plumbing problems at their house and we missed them a TON. The theme of the game was Navy Nightmare and I honestly thought it wouldn't matter, but my tried and true proved me wrong! Auburn played extremely well, made us bowl eligible, and won 33-20.

After the game, we rushed back to Birmingham to attend a Halloween party. It was the first time Brian and I had dressed-up together since we started dating 7 years ago. Brian had all sorts of stipulations on what we could and could not be. He had to be able to sit down, he wouldn't wear cardboard- the list goes on and on. So after going through idea after idea, we finally came up with this-

Simple, inexpensive, and sit downable.

I hope everyone had a great Halloween!