A Few of My Favorite Things

Happy Holidays!!
      Can you guys believe it?! We're less than two weeks away from Christmas and I still have Christmas shopping to do. Oh boy, this is stressing. Thank goodness I've got good gift ideas, I just have to find some time to get out of the house and be away from the fam. Honestly, the struggle is real. Every day this week has been filled with something festive and as busy as it's been, it's been a blast. I love it so very much. We've made a bucket list of all the things we want to get out of December and I'm so proud of us! We are checking off so many boxes and fully embracing this last month of 2016.
   Today was my favorite day of the holidays: holiday baking!! Oh how I love me some festive treats and sugar cookie dough. Today was a blast and I couldn't have asked for some better pals to spend it with. My mama, Jill, and I baked all day and if I do say so myself came up with some pretty tasty treats for our upcoming Christmas party this Friday.
      Okay, so I love baking but I always seem to do a crap ton of it all on one day. Why is that? I always end up stuck in the kitchen for six hours straight making so many goodies. Alright, I love it, but man am I drained. The funny thing: I'd do it all again tomorrow.
      For this post I'm  going to share with you three of my favorite holiday treats that are bound to be a favorite at your next party or perfect for a day in! Also I've got some easy creative ways to dress up your gift wrapping this season. With new holiday treats under your belt and your wrapping to the next level, you're gonna be acing this season.

CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES
Okay, I do Christmas for the sugar cookies. No lie; their seriously my all time favorites and an all time classic. You simply can't do the holidays without a sugar cookie topped with shiny royal icing. Lucky for you, I've got the PERFECT and only recipe you'll need this season. With this recipe there is no need to chill the dough and you won't get over sized fluffy cookies. Because who wants a Christmas tree that looks like and oval, and a snowman that looks like an oval, and an angel that looks like oval. See what I mean? Well with this recipe you are guaranteed true to shape cookies that are quite tasty too!!
Yeilds: 3 dozen
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 Cup unsalted butter
* 1 Cup granulated white sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
* 1 egg
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 3 cups all purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In the bowl of your mixer cream butter and sugar until smooth, at least 3 minutes
3. Beat in extracts and egg.
4. In a separate bowl combine baking powder with flour and add a little at a time to the wet ingredients. The dough will be very stiff. If it becomes too stiff for your mixer turn out the dough onto a countertop surface. Wet your hands and finish off kneading the dough by hand.
5. DO NOT CHILL THE DOUGH. Divide into workable batches, roll out onto a floured surface and cut. You want these cookies to be on the thicker side (closer to 1/4 inch rather than 1/8).
6. Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet until firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack

ROYAL ICING
INGREDIENTS:
* 6 cups powered sugar
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 tsp cream of tartar
* 4 large egg whites
* any food coloring desired

1. Combine all ingredients to a stand mixer and mix on medium speed until icing becomes smooth. About 5-6  minutes. Then divide up icing and add in your desired colors. Then get creative with your sugar cookies!
     Sugar cookie decorating is one of my favorite traditions and memories. My favorite part is when I'm nearing the end of icing and there are about seven or eight cookies left. The icing is starting to dry up and sprinkles are littered on my plate. So in record decorating speed I iced all the remaining cookies dumping the assortment of sprinkles on top and called it festive instead of what it really was: tired. I did that when I was eight, I did that once again today and have every year in between. I absolutely love it. Oh they all taste the same no matter the amount of sprinkles or icing, they are the perfect bite of a soft cookie with the smoothness of icing, soooo good!

MINT OREO TRUFFLES
Um, you can't do winter without some mint and chocolate. At least I can't. That quickly becomes a staple in the Surrett household. I don't know who said mint and chocolate had to get together, but whoever did, I thank them a thousand times. I don't know what I'd do without the lovely combination this time of year?? So I've whipped up a recipe that's bound to meet your mint chocolate cravings and be hit on any movie night or at any holiday get together. Okay let me spell it out. Cream cheese, mint Oreos, and chocolate all rolled into a chewy truffle. Sign me up for some! ( or three or four.)
Yields: 24

*1 (15.25 oz) package Mint Creme Oreos
* 8 ounces (224g)  cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 12 ounces high quality semi-sweet chocolate1
* Optional: sprinkles and green candy melt

* Process the Oreos (the entire cookies, filling and cookie) in a food processor or blender. Pulse until crumbs are formed.
* break apart softened cream cheese and add to food processor with crushed Oreos. Mix until a thick sticky dough is formed. This might take a little bit, so make sure the cream cheese is room temperature.
* Using your hands, roll into 30-35 balls. Place balls on two large plates, a parchment paper lined baking sheet, or a silicone mat-lined baking sheet. Freeze the truffles for about 30 minutes. (Freezing the balls is the most important step of this recipe. If they are not cold and solid, the melted chocolate will not coat the balls properly.)
* Coarsely chop the chocolate and melt according to package directions. Working with 1 truffle at a time, coat in chocolate. Here's how I coat truffles: drop the truffle in the middle of the melted chocolate. Swirl the chocolate all around it with a fork. Pick up the truffle with a fork - do not pierce it, simply pick it up on top of the fork's prongs. Tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to allow the excess chocolate to drip off. Place on a lined baking sheet. Top with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet or drizzle with the melted green candy melts, if using.
* Refrigerate truffles for at least 10 minutes so the chocolate sets. Truffles must always be chilled and will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. ENJOY!!

S'MORES CRISPIES
To be honest, this recipe was a what-have-I-got-left-in-my-pantry sort of recipe. I found me some marshmallows (in two different places), half a box of gluten free plain Chex cereal ( consisting of crumbs mostly), and half a bag of dark chocolate chips. That to me sounded like the making of a s'more...and a rice crispie treat....then the two became one. Oh happy day. These took no time at all to make (or eat) and your always bound to have these ingredients or some very similar to it on hand for a quick tasty goodie to throw together. Here's how it goes.
Yields: 16
INGREDIENTS:

4 cups rice Chex cereal
1 bag of mini marshmallows
2 tbsp butter
1/2 dark chocolate chips

Spray an 8x8 baking dish with non stick spray and set aside
In a medium sauce pan melt marshmallows and butter over medium heat
Once combined add cereal and mix together until cereal is coated with marshmallows
Place Chex Crispie treats in baking dish and press down until bottom of dish is evenly covered and place in refrigerator to chill.
Pour half a bag of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 sec increments (stirring every 30) until totally melted.
Grab Crispies and pour the chocolate over the bars with a rubber spatula until top is totally covered.
OPTIONAL: sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top. Replace in refrigerator until chocolate has set then cut into 16 bars.

     I adore this holiday season because of all the goodies I get out of it. Baking all the time is fun, but it just seems like the proper thing to do during the holidays. Not gonna lie, the only reason I'm still working out in the winter is because my passion for baking has increased. Balance right? These three recipes are bound to be hit no matter where they end up. Hope you enjoy the recipes throughout this entire season.

BROWN PAPER WRAPPING
Brown paper packages tied up with string are seriously some of my favorites things. I can't help myself. Pretty paper with pretty decor...makes me heart go pitter patter. I met my love of adorned packaging by deciding to take a stab at some elevated Christmas wrapping.
Materials I used:
Brown wrapping - found in the packaging aisle, I had to ask. I found it at Wal-mart for about $5.00
Card stock paper - I used pink, mint, and white
A decorative piece of paper - I used black and white polka dots
Twine
Gold glitter
Liquid glue
Greenery - alive or fake, I used some generously provided by my front yard
5 boxes varying in size
Scissors
These are all the materials I used and here are the steps to a couple of boxes I did. This is super easy to change up and get creative with and use as a guideline. Wrapping is something you can easily make your own, and I don't see why you shouldn't. Have fun with it.
Okay here's what I did for a couple of mine.

I wrapped the box all nice and snug with brown paper, which can be a little difficult to use. I took the twine and wrapped it twice around the width, then twice around the length of the box. I then cut a square of my decorative paper fitting it smack dab in middle over the twine, gluing it down in the
corners. I then took a fuller piece of greenery and taped it in the middle of my square. And there you go. Give it a To and From and you have some simple and beautiful wrapping.

For this one, it required a lot of patience and light bulbs. You'll see. With my three card stock solids, drew out a twinkling light bulb and outlined them in black. I ended up with 24, eight of each color. I
then punched a whole in the end of them all, I long process, but the result is so pretty and unique, I just love it. From there tape the end of a piece of twine to back of your wrapped box, then string on four lights (any pattern of your choice), then wrap twine around with the lights on the front and an empty strip in the back. Repeat this process two more times until you have twelve twinkling lights hanging from you package.

Hope you enjoy this post and elevating your holiday season in such a simple, creative, and festive way. I know these are going to become some annual staples for me, hope they do for you too.
Happy Christmas!!

XOXO - Em

The Holiday Season

Hello everyone,
     Don't get me wrong, I heart thanksgiving, but I have been ready for Christmas since October. Like seriously. Christmas is my most favorite and I go to the nines with this holiday. As I stated in my previous post, my house could safely pass for a Hallmark card. Ornaments from five generations adorn my tree. Lights outline every window. A whole collection of various snowmen have gladly taken up residence on the coffee table. Seven different Santas, six classic Christmas books, four sets of holiday coffee mugs, two sets of Christmas china, and a partridge in a pear tree. Not really, I don't quite know what a partridge is. But you get the picture. Christmas is my jam, and I get it for an entire month, so I'm soaking it all up. Ok, I have a question. How is it that I listen to Christmas music once a year for one month and remember every word and song, but I can't seem to remember geometry from last week? Priorities, I guess.

Time to break out those red
Starbucks cups

     Our thanksgiving was a different one this year. For the past five years it's only been the four of us for dinner, then out to the movies shortly afterwards. This year's dinner was entirely made from scratch. No Libby's pumpkin pie, no box mix stuffing, no canned cream of mushroom. Don't hear me wrong; I'm a huge fan of both flavor and convenience of all afore said, but my mama and I challenged our culinary skills to undertake thanksgiving from scratch. Two days and twelve hours later, a homemade thanksgiving was made. We were awfully curious to see if all the work would be worth it, or if we'd even notice a difference between the meals. Um...you can. I don't know if we can go back now. But reflecting on the recent twelve hour excursion, a box mix and a frozen pie crust is still quite scrumptious. All of the recipes we used were found on the highly acclaimed and delicious America's Test Kitchen . I highly recommend every single recipe for homey comfort food goodness!!
     I am going to the max with this Christmas season and I am going to be sharing with you all the ways I'm going to embracing the holidays ranging from decor to recipes. I have a couple of each already at the end of this post!!
     This holiday I'm really taking initiative to realize the things I love to do and to do them more frequently. I love baking, it brings me such a genuine joy that gets me all smiles whenever I get the chance. What better time to embrace that hobby than at Christmas time? I'll be D.I.Y-ing like nobody's business, decking my halls with boughs of holly, twinkling lights, and strings of cranberries and popcorn. Oh yes; cranberries and popcorn! I encourage you to take a look at this all too joyous season and do a whole bunch that truly makes this the most wonderful time of the year. And continue doing what you love even after the holiday, making every part of the year the most wonderful. Take this holiday to practice sincere joy and true happiness so you're all geared up for 2017. Make the most of this last month to make your hobbies habits and your personality character.
     So jam out to Mariah Carey on repeat, bake dozens of sugar cookies, Hallmark Store your house, and in the thick of it all embrace it. Don't take a single moment for granted.
     "And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start."

- D.I.Y. Golden Ornaments -
Alright, if your a fan of all things glitter than this one is for you. This is such an easy project that takes no time at all, and results in four (or more if you're ambitious 😉) simple preppy ornaments adorned with a simple holiday message. These ornaments quickly became some of my favs and I'm sure you'll love them too after you see how effortless they are and how they make a lovely addition to any tree.
Materials:
• Four white clay ornaments (can be bought at Hobby Lobby)
• liquid Elmer's glue
• Gold glitter
• A thick paintbrush
• Painters tape
• Styrofoam plates
• Sharpie
Direction:
Place an ornament on a styrofoam plate and take a piece of painters tape. Tape the piece at an angle on the ornament (any way you'd like) and smooth out all bumps. Once tape is smoothly applied, apply a thin layer of glue across the bottom of the taped off section and spread even lay with your paintbrush. Then the fun part: the glitter ✨ Sprinkle the gold glitter over the glue until no more glue is visible and shake it off. I used the excess glitter on mine for the other ornaments you end up having enough to go around. Wait 10-15 to let glue completely dry before writing your holiday message. Once completely dried, grab your sharpie and write right above your gold space your fave holiday message. See, these are super easy no if deal projects that are great additions to your Christmas decorations and even great for gift ideas. Let me know in the comments below if you tried this out and what you thought!!

- Protein Energy Bites - 
     Energy bites are these fun sized bites of yummy and they are probably some of my favorite things to make because there are so many variations and SO EASY  once you have a base recipe. Lucky for you, I've whipped one up and I've even thrown in a couple of holiday energy bites.
Ingredient for Base Recipe:

This is the batter of the Mint Chocolate Chip
energy bites.

• 1 cup of oats (any type is fine, I used rolled oats)
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter (any nut butter substitute)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 scoops of Designer Whey Protein Powder ( the flavor of the protein powder depends on what other flavored you want to add in to the base recipe)
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. I strongly suggest using your hands for this part, for they are the best tools in the kitchen. The consistency should resemble a sticky dough.

-GINGERBREAD ENERGY BITES-
Yields 10
Ingredients:
• Base recipe - for protein powder, use vanilla flavored
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1/2 tsp Gingerbread
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp of cloves
Directions:
Combine all ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix until
thoroughly combined. Again use those hands 🙌 After you have
your sticky dough, take a small portion and roll in between your
hands until a ball is formed. You should get about ten bites.

-MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP-
Yields 10
Ingredients:
•Base recipe - for protein powder use chocolate flavored
• 3 tbs Mini Dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 tsp Peppermint extract
Directions:
Combine all ingredients to a medium sized bowl until desired
dough-like consistency is formed. Grab a small portion and
begin rolling between your hands until a ball is formed.
Should get about ten.

These energy bites are a great addition to a breakfast, easy to grab on the go, and good little snacks to keep around. I  love these flavors because you know, it's the holiday season and why not. Try out this recipe and let me know what you thought either in the comments below or on my Instagram ( emma_surrett ). With the base recipe you can add in any flavor combos you want, that's why these bits are so addictive. They're crazy easy to make and dangerous to leave out.
     Hope you enjoy the recipe and ornament idea. If say it's beginning to lol a lot like Christmas around here. 🎄

XOXO - Em

Hey There

 Hello,
     Finally, I'm breaking out the sweaters because Arizona has just recently realized it's winter and it should start acting as such. Holiday vibes are in full swing, the sweater cravings are real, and 70 degree weather is becoming a reality. About time. I cannot wait for my first Starbucks drink of the year. PSL is out, bring on the Gingerbread Latte! I'm so looking forward to everything season has in store.
      I've not written in awhile and the urge to write something could never be stronger than it has been this past month. God is doing some pretty cool things with me right now and I'm super stoked about what's going on. I'm not going to fill this up with excuses for my absence, instead I'm just going to let you now what's new in my little world. This November has been unexpected in most ways. A lot of little things have popped up where I thought I had control but quickly found out I did not. The result turned actually better than what I had been planning. Funny how that works out, when you release control and results turn out better for you. That's been a reoccurring theme for me this month.

These lovely kiddos stole my heart the minute

I met them. Shortly after this picture was taken, they all

started building a house of their own with whatever we weren't

using. Seriously the cutest thing ever.

     Last week, I on went on the annual Rocky Point, Mexico mission trip with my youth group. I felt this Mexico trip was unlike any other. I felt I knew my God better and I knew myself better too, and that played into every part of the experience. I went on this trip stronger and more confident. Before the trip is was a kind of in an unhappy place about certain relationships and ended up blaming myself for things that weren't my fault. My whole demeanor had lacked energy and enthusiasm and I was losing a little bit of myself to things that I wasn't responsible for. I was really looking forward to Mexico, because Mexico has always been a happy place for me. It was a place I could go and serve my little heart out. So, I went with an attitude of this weekend is all about building God's kingdom and this is

something that brings you joy. I went looking at the mission trip as an outlet for my joy that comes from serving and building relationships. I grew closer to so many people I hadn't really talked to much before the trip and went out of my comfort zone on the work site. I stepped up in ways I knew I could and really embraced the leader side of me. Nothing felt better. I loved every second of the trip, because every second of the trip God was at work and His hand was evident in the lives of everyone there. This trip meant so much to me, because I went in with set mindset of this is all so much bigger than me. When I returned home I had a renewed joy about me. I saw what I was capable of there, and knew there was no reason I couldn't bring that home with me. I'm choosing to be intentional about everything and the genuinely find joy in everything. Mexico showed me I have plenty to be grateful for and I take to much for granted. I need to embrace every big and little blessing and apply that to my character. Oh, I brought home some authentic handmade Mexican tortillas that can literally change one's world. So yeah, God gets all the credit for my renewed joy, but man do those tortillas bring a smile to my face. I'm pretty positive they had something to do with it all too.
     A few days when I arrived home from Mexico, I lost my job. For about four months I had been working as a social media manager for a wonderful gal who is doing some pretty amazing things. I was very excited about the job and everything it had in store, and was getting really good at it. But after four months, the pace had slowed down dramatically and I was becoming uncertain about when I would begin back up again. Unfortunately, I didn't. Where my boss was at with the business, another employee didn't make sense at the time. It stung. It was my first job and I felt myself maturing and becoming as I like to put it: adulty. I had a bank account set up, I got my first debit card, and my official title was Assistant at a Productions Firm. Super fancy, I know! But when it all ended, I felt annoyed at first, but the day after it came to me. Of course this is all part of God's plan and this is where He needs me right now. Work was taking up a lot of my time and I was neglecting time for myself and time for others even. Out of the job feels like a welcome break. I feel like I'm finally catching my breath and becoming more intentional about what's important to me. So, this is what a break feels like? I like it, I'm taking full advantage of this. For the rest of 2016, I'm taking my time in it all, not feeling the need to rush anything. With the renewed joy from Mexico and the gift of rest from my job I'm feeling pretty great. I'm focusing more on how I can lead and be more intentional with the here and now.
      With this new found joy and perspective and I'm looking at all the things that make me a happy lil' bean. Recently, I found that baking does that for me. It's my jam. I don't know if it's the incoming holiday season (which I'm ecstatic about) or if it's just the slowing way down and God's just like "Em, you like making sweet goodies; do more of that." So here I am baking more and expanding my horizon. I got a little taste of extreme baking from my Sweet 16, when I made everything entirely from scratch and I loved it!! I realized, if baking is something that brings me this much joy, why am I not doing more of it. I've stopped hesitating and doubting and just did it. This is gonna be my homemade holiday season. When I think about baking I get all giddy. I'm convinced that something made by hand is bound to taste better than anything from a box; though one can never go wrong with a box mix brownie. Once I get a few recipes under my belt, I'll share with you. But as of speaking I an expert when it comes to licking the spoon and need a little more practicing. With this upcoming holiday season, I promise I'll throw you plenty of goodies your way.
     AHHH!! This holiday season! I'm so excited for this Christmas, because we are doing it up proper this year. The bucket list and the FOMO is real. We, Surretts, are not leaving anything out this season. We're cramming it all in and making this Christmas Halmark Card worthy. I will definitely keep you updated with more regular posts, because I want you as involved this Christmas as I'm going to be. I see that I have a lot of international readers (which blows my mind!!) and would absolutely love to hear from you in the comment section below about any holiday traditions you have or any plans you're coming up with to make this the season that trumps all seasons. I love hearing from everyone and want to know you all better. If you want updates on my blog you can follow me on Instagram - @emma_surrett. Or if you wanna know where I'm getting all my holiday inspiration this year, you can follow me on Pinterest - Emma Surrett.

XOXO - Em

     

Not Weird - Just Homeschooled

Hey Friends,
     Fall is official!! Hello September 21st and good riddance summer. I know I say this about every season I've written about, but I love the fall season. I really do adore all the seasons, because they all have their anticipated qualities. Spring offers florals and blooms of all kinds. Summer is the season of travel and adventures. Fall is flannels and pumpkin everything. Winter is simply centered on Christmas and all it entails. Currently, we are in the season of flannels and pumpkin everything. I'm not exaggerating. Pumpkin has somehow slipped into many of our bakes lately and let's not even mention the PSL and all it's pumpkin spice splendor. I've indulged on a few already this month... this week. Not ashamed. In this particular part of Arizona where I live, leaves do not change color. I would have to drive at least 2 hours to see Fall in action. I've yet to do so this year, but it's definitely on my bucketlist. Now the weather has decreased ever so slightly and Arizonians are seeing glimmers of hope of wonderful weather that is to come. I'm stoked for this season and am definitely going to make the most of it.

      I'm coming up on the year anniversary of The Art of Simplifying and have just passed the year anniversary of being back at homeschooling. Nothing has felt more right. I love homeschooling and wouldn't want it any other way. This semester I'm pushing myself harder academically by adding in three AP subjects and really exploring the things I love in an academic way. We're really taking advantage of our flexible schedules by focusing on those subjects that make us smile. Also, we're we are taking the growth of our character and faith much more seriously, and I love it. 

     But I'll be honest, homeschooling has gotten a bad rep. Not many people know that is how homeschooling can be. A lot of people I know base homeschooling off these stereotypes:

1) I wear p.j.s all day

2) I can start and end school whenever I'd like

3) School is super easy

4) Totally anti-social

5) I have weird hobbies

6) And a Dugger like lifestyle. 

     I can't blame you if you've ever thought these things about homeschooling; I have too. There are homeschoolers out there who fit that criteria, and I've met some of them. We've all seen the Duggers and praise them on their godly boundaries and unique lifestyle... but is that the lifestyle for every homeschooler? Sure isn't mine. All I can do though is giggle a little and then let them do them. And I'll do me.

     There are plenty of homeschoolers out there ( like me ) who are relevant, social, and likeable that don't get much credit and are just labeled as the "weird homeschooled kid". But my normal day doesn't differ much from that of my friends attending a public school. I take normal subjects, and I do book work. I wake up at 6:30 and get dressed. I can't imagine walking around in my P.J.s all day. I'd think I was sick or something. I hang out with my friends on the weekend and have normal hobbies that don't involve fangirling Lord of the Rings. ( Though I am a sucker for Harry Potter. ) I'm a writer, a reader, a baker, a hiker, and a normal kid. I hate math because it's hard and useless. I take AP history, English, and physics and it's difficult. Being a junior in highschool requires the student to push themselves and strain for those credits. I'm looking at colleges, applying for scholarships and freaking out over PSAT. 

     I can relate to my friends a lot more than I think they realize. 

In much need of Barnes and
Noble school days.

     Now, homeschooling isn't just sucky math and waking up early. It has it's perks. The reason homeschooling is so magnificent isi because I can create the schedule and I can set the pace. I can spend an hour on one subject and half an hour on another, or vice versa. Even though my material is mostly chosen for me, I can tell my mom "Hey, I need to split this up into two days of work," or "Hey, can I get more work, because this turned to be easier than I thought," Hello to my favorite part of homeschooling. Because of homeschooling I'm able to move quicker in some subjects and slower in others because that's the pace that works best for me. Also, my schedule can be really flexible.  We learn in many different ways and environments. When our house gets boring, we just head up to Barnes and Noble and do school there. While every other kid is in school, we take our fields trips to wherever we want out of genuine curiosity not because it's an assignment. We do school throughout the summer but our winter break is the whole month of December and out fall break last about two weeks with occasional day trips here and there. That's the beauty of homeschooling. Making it entirely your own. Creating an environment where you can learn best and become your best. 

     

Built in 1895, The Rosson house stands as a
beautiful portrait of Victorian era.

      Today we took a long overdue field trip to downtown Phoenix to tour the Rosson house. Currently we are studying the Industrial Revolution ( my fave ) in history and all agreed that this field trip would coincide harmoniously with school. Built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1974, the Rosson house is a superb example of Victorian life and is furnished with several antiques from the era. It's beautiful exterior was enough to suck me in. The house did a marvelous job of making the late 1800's seem romantic and enticing. I fell in the love with house and have decided I'm moving from Mesa to live in the Rosson house. There was a simplicity about the era I crave today and a loveliness about the way the family lived and operated.  It was a great day, We were in no rush, we had no essay to complete when we got home.

     I love field trips like that where I'm not worried about taking notes or trying to think of a thesis statement for an essay. I can just go and simply enjoy. 

     That is homeschooling. That is why I love it so much. Just because my education environment is different doesn't suddenly make me this weird, anti-social kid. Homeschooling is a wonderful thing and it fits my lifestyle like a glove. I've flourished, I've grown, and I've learned a little more about who I'm becoming. So I hope this gave you a better picture of what homeschooling really is and gave a better rep to those homeschoolers like me. 

XOXO - Em

      

Perseverance

Dear Readers,
     This has been quite the week for me. A lot of things have taken place over the course of seven days. As a family we are looking for a new car. As a teenager, I'm getting my first job and getting my license. As a student, I'm learning new things that excite me. As a christian, I'm being challenged in many new ways. All in the span of a week, I've grown tremendously. It wasn't one of those stressful kind of weeks where as a result you grow in who you're becoming. No, it was the kind of week that offered many exciting experiences and opportunities and as a result you grow in who you're ultimately becoming.
     A reoccurring theme throughout this week has been perseverance. That was definitely what God was teaching to me this week. It was popping up everywhere; God likes to get our attention that way. So I decided to acknowledge Him and look a little more into how to better practice perseverance.

-- And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:3 --

     - Pursue what interests you

In the chocolate recipe you add

nutmeg, it makes all the 

difference. It makes it taste 

like a donut shop donut.

     A great way to practice perseverance is find something you're passionate about and STICK WITH IT!! There are plenty of things I'm passionate about in life, but let's be honest here, I don't stick with things as often as I'd like. This past week, I've recognized my love for baking. Yes, I love writing and art and hiking - but I bake prolly more than I consistently do any of my other hobbies. I always get so excited when my mama says she wants to try a new recipe. There's something so simple and humbling about baking. You do all the work, you know everything going into your work, and you ultimately appreciate the result more. I love it!
     So this week my parents had a breakfast out, which meant Jill and I could make something for breakfast. Already getting excited. My sister suggested her favorite - waffles. But my mom said why don't we try donuts. I get to make one of my favorite breakfasts from scratch? Yes please! Baking from scratch is something I simply adore. So, we made donuts; chocolate and snickerdoodle, and oh man, they were so good, so moist and so decadent. They are the type of bakes you rave about...after you've eaten all the evidence. I can't keep something so lovely all to myself so I'll share the recipe with you- Snickerdoodle Donuts & Chocolate Donuts.

     - Practice
     This week I went to the dreaded DMV to get my license. And oh, what the experience it was. Evidently you have to make online appointments, and my dad and I were very unaware of the fact. Frustrated, disappointed, and annoyed I left unlicensed. But it was kinda a good thing actually. See, in order to receive the license I had to master the three point turn resulting in backing up into a parking spot. Not my strong point in any way. We practiced before heading over to the DMV. If backing up into two parking spots at the same time were the goal, I'd nail it. But it's not. I'm choosing to see this as an opportunity for me to practice my backing up skills.
     When it comes to perseverance, practicing an area you wish to become adept in is vital. I want to become a better driver and get my license but if I don't practice I'm not going far (no pun intended). and this doesn't have to be about driving, practice can absolutely apply to any part of your life you want to improve. If you want to up your perseverance, up your practice. Give it effort and give it time. Choose to see it as an opportunity to grow, not something you're dreading.

     - Find purpose
      To gain perseverance, gain a purpose. Your purpose can be whatever you feel God calling you to, but in my case I find it in serving. Serving can apply to so many people in so many definitions, that's why I love it. Same goal, same purpose, just a different execution. I definitely find my purpose and even some passion when it some to serving with my fifth graders at church. They are my whole world. I find that I honor God's kingdom best when I'm pouring into those around me. That's my purpose.
      With an identified purpose, you gain perseverance by consistently giving time and effort to God-honoring activities. You're endurance will increase because it's going towards a goal that excites you. This week, while serving at church, I saw God at work through so many people and it was marvelous. I was witnessing so many people's passions meet God's purpose and that is something truly inspiring. I love weekends like that, it reminds me that I'm exactly where I should be.

     - Have Hope
     There are two different types of hope. One is the kind of hope that is filled with daydreams and someday-things-will-be-betters. The other hope is an active hope where things will improve because you're going to improve them. I experienced both types of Hope this week.
     I had my very first ever job interview on Wednesday. It was for a very unique job and position. Months ago I met a woman who had stared her very own business where she helps other independent business women start their own companies from the ground up. She provides just about everything they'd need to get there business going; social media managing, website design, marketing, and advertisement. Two weeks ago, I reached out to her seeking job opportunities and an earnest offer was made by her and a meeting was quickly set up. The job sounds so amazing and exciting, and I've done my thinking and made my decision. I would like to take it. But now I'm waiting to her back from her on some minor details, and even the bigger picture; can I handle this, can I do this? That's where the hope comes in. I could daydream about how great I'll someday be at this job OR I tell myself "Hey, you got this because we're gonna work for this." That's the mindset I need. I need the type of perspective that says, I'll become better because this is important to me. That's an active hope, that's perseverance, because yet again you're choosing to stick with something because it's a goal and a passion.

     - Persevere with others
      Okay, so those above are all great ways to gain perseverance, but if you're like me, you can tell yourself for about a month you're going to stick with something, then a month later move on. To truly gain perseverance and make it last, you have to be around those who want to gain perseverance as well. You have to be around those who will encourage you when you're ready to move on. they'll restore in you that active hope that's vital to endurance.

This is Rend Collective - now one

of my favorite bands. It truly was

so fun watching them and so many others 

live.

     On Wednesday, our family had the amazing chance to attend the Outcry concert. Spur of the moment concerts really are exceptional. A lot of our favorite Christian bands were playing and it was extraordinary. But my favorite part was watching over 9,000 Christ followers gather together for one purpose; to all praise the same God. Now that was the moving part. Different stories, different reasons for attending, but same Spirit working through everyone. There, we were all encouraged to persevere as one and to unify as one.
     You don't have to attend a concert to receive to same feeling. I feel it every time I step onto my church campus or even when I'm around my friends. It's the sense that we should come to together to achieve the same purpose God has for His people.

     That's perseverance: finding something you're passionate about, practicing it with effort, identifying purpose, achieving an active hope, and being around those who will encourage you to persevere along the way.

XOXO - Em

The Sweet 16

Dear Readers,

Joyride is a yummy little taco joint and is
somewhere I've been wanting to go,
so why not go when it's your birthday? :)

      I know I've absent for quite awhile, but I've also been absent of inspiration and motivation. But I'm not going to fill this up with excuses. This summer has been a roaring one. I traveled to two summer camps, one here in Arizona, the other in California. Both camps have grown me in my faith and the person God has me becoming. He's confirming what I want to be doing. It's very exciting. For my campaign, which has come to an end, was blown out of the water. I had a huge fundraiser with and outstanding turnout of $500 and it really showed how blessed I was with the friends I have. The total amount raised over these eight months was $1500. My campaign has grown me in ways I never imagined. I trust my God better and my perspective has widened as well. Also amongst all the little outings and shenanigans throughout this summer, I turned 16 yesterday. Yes, the big sweet 16! It's funny, I don't feel older, I've been feeling 16 for the past month to be honest...now it's just official. The thing I have been feeling is changed. A new sense of maturity and responsibility arise when you turn 16 and a whole new door is opened to you. Looking back, there a few things that I've figured out that I'd like to remember later on in life. Well, not a few, more like 16 little tidbits to hold onto. See what I'm doing here ;)

-- This means that any one who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, a new life has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- 

     1) Be content with who you are.
         God designed you exactly the way you are created for a purpose specially planned for you. Be content with with our Creator for He makes no mistakes.

     2) Find joy in the little things.
          Take time to notice all the little things in your every day life that bring you so much joy. Figure what those things are, devote time to them, and appreciate them often.

     3) Live simply.
          Re-prioritize. Line your priorities up in such a way that keeps God the center, honor those you love, and even growing yourself. In that order too. Always keep God first, it makes all the difference.

     4) Do more of what makes you happy.
          Find the things in your life that simply make you smile and make you who you are, and devote more time to doing those certain activities. It's very important that we take time to do the things that make us happy as well.

     5) Find a friend.
          Find someone in your life whom you can be totally comfortable around. It took me forever to find a friend who I could be myself around, but once I had it totally changed me. Find someone who will challenge you and encourage you all the way.

     6) Don't live in the crowd.
          Stand out amongst the crowd. Don't get caught up in the ways of this world, it's not worth it. Instead rise above and be the one people want to follow, become the leader. Once I made the decision to become the leader, it greatly increased my level of influence and impact.

     7) Clean it out.
          Clean out the things in your life that cause you to stumble or revert to an old pattern of life. Find the things that easily tempt you or clutter your thoughts and clean them out. Choose to replace them with thoughts that honor Christ.

     8) Enhance the Kingdom.
          In Ephesians, it states that we all have unique gifts from God, and when united we all accomplish the big purpose God has for us all together. But in order to do that, we have to recognize the ways we've been gifted. For me, I feel gifted in the way I encourage and pour into people, so I'm then choosing to enhance His kingdom wholeheartedly.

      9) Invest in those around you.
           A big take away from this summer is who I invest in and pour into. I've felt the conviction to invest more of time in my fifth graders, my youth group, and even my sister. I've realized that I have influence with those around me, so I have to be intentional and a good example to those looking up to me. That's an honor not a burden.

     10) Trust God with it all.
          That statement has been one I find myself repeating everyday. With my campaign, I've learned what it is to really trust God and how to rely on Him. And oh, how it's paid off. God blesses obedience, and I am beyond blessed because I've chosen a life of complete trust and complete surrender. Trust Him wholeheartedly.

     11) A servant's heart.
          When you get an opportunity to serve, do it with a servant's heart. Serve cheerfully. Serving is such an amazing way to grow God's community, so we best do it cheerfully. I adore serving, and I've had the opportunity of watching growth within other's and even myself. Serving is a marvelous way to see God at work.

     12) Choose joy.
          This summer has been one that's brought me abundant amounts of joy. From some many sources, joy is possible. Choose joy because joy is rooted in Christ and will therefore last forever.

     13) Positive mindset.
          This one has been very important throughout my life. Our lives are filled to the max with unknowns, and that freaks me out. Not knowing what I'm walking into... oh boy. How I combat that is the perspective I choose, which is one of positivity. Look for the good in all things, then you'll start noticing the good in all things.

     14) Set goals.
          Set goals for yourself. I love setting goals, because I love finishing the goals even more. Results motivate me, but I need something to reach for. When you set goals you'll find yourself more motivated, consistent, and empowered. Goals help you become the best person you can be, because you're pushing yourself to you're limits and achieving innumerable results.

     15) Set standards
          Upon entering any relationship, start by setting standards and expectations. It will make all the difference and say a lot about your character. It'll show people what you expect out of them. Create the relationship you wan to be in, don't let worldly standards dictate your expectations.

     16) Make a difference
          In everything you do, leave a legacy; make a difference. Make such a difference that others who come after you will be inspired by what you've done. In any and every situation, make a change that inspires others and glorifies God. Make a difference by standing above the crowd, constantly enhancing the Kingdom, and pursuing God's unique purpose for you.

The 2016 Summer Bucket-list!!

     I could go on and on with those topics, but that's the basis of what I've figured out over these past years. I did not learn this on my own. I went to those who know far more than I do, those who have far more experience. This doesn't stop at 16, the list continues, I keep growing. But I wanted to take what I've learned and share that with you. As I learn more, I'll update the list ;)
     This summer has been one for the books, and sadly it's coming to an end. I made a bucket list even, and checked off so much. New restaurants, friend time, summer camps and way more that I'm still checking off. There was plenty I wanted to get done, and plenty I was not expecting to do. This summer has taught me way more than I imagined. I definitely made the most of this summer, and got a lot done, but I've also learned a lot this summer. Now that's an experience I'll never forget and something to hold on to for quite awhile.

XOXO - Em 

Simplified Priorities

Dear Readers
   On Tuesday, I had my wisdom teeth pulled out, and let me tell you, this isn't fun. I look like a chipmunk, my cheeks are so swollen. No pictures, take my word. The only things I can eat for the next two weeks are foods that are on a spoon or come through a straw. There's an abundance of mashed potatoes and ice cream in my house currently, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Lots of resting for me, according to my sister who also qualifies as my nurse for these next two weeks. But, I am not writing to you about wisdom teeth, that would be a dull post. Today I'm writing to you about a trip mom, Jill, and I took last week that inspired a new perspective in me.

-- "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23 --

My favorite part of the trip was seeing this house. I fell in
love with this lemony yellow, Victorian house. If
possible, I would live there. 

   


Last Thursday, mom, Jill, and I went to Pioneer Village which is in North Phoenix, a.k.a. the other end of the earth for us who live in the East Valley. Pioneer Village is just that, a village including houses and businesses from the 1860s-1890s. It was quite captivating to see all the houses that were actually lived in and to see all the businesses that were actually used. We walked around the entire village, hitting up the cheesy gun show, catching the burned down bakery, seeing more pioneer houses, falling in love with the school house, and finding inspiration. It was hot, it was dusty, it was long walks everywhere, and it it was life in the 1860s.

All the old carriages and farm equipment made for great
black and white pictures.

     The pioneers lead a fascinating life. It was hard work for them, but inspiring for me. What made the pioneer life so desirable was their hardworking nature. If they wanted anything, a dream to come true or a meal to put on the table, they worked for it. Their life style was much more simplified then the lifestyles we lead today. Even though their work was difficult, their lives were simplified. There weren't a lot of distractions. The pioneers found what was important to and made it their priority. They were focused and diligent, which created a more simplified lifestyle.    

Towards the end of the trip, mom, Jill, and I
found a miner's cabin and a rail road. It was
eerie and vacant with cable cars scattered
about. We had fun with the rail road track
taking many pictures. 

      That's what made the trip so inspiring: the hard, diligent work of the pioneers. It made me stop and look at my own life to find what was important and re-prioritize. I should become more focused on my goals and passions in the same way the pioneers were. When I do that, I will then lead a more simplified life. And that's really all I want, a life solely centered on the things that are important to me with few distractions. If there is any positive to wisdom teeth it would be the time. The time I have to focus on the things important to me and to rearrange priorities. 

XOXO - Em