Catching Up...

Well...

Just when I thought I was getting catch up with the ole blog, life happened. Between work and the wedding, we have been pretty busy. My mom has done a TON for the wedding, so I can't take all the credit for all the progress on the wedding...she is the best!

* Invitations are stuffed, stamped, and ready to be sent.
* We met with the minister to go over the ceremony.
* We met with the church wedding directors to go over details for the big day.
* We have had a conference call with the photographer and have gone through the day with her.
* Mom has met with the florist and picked out flowers and linens for the reception.
* I went back to work with a bang...three 4 days work weeks in a row mixed with the end of the nine weeks and an author's celebration. I longing for a "normal week."

I have a feeling I just need to fasten my seatbelt and enjoy the ride for the next 54 days. I know everything will be perfect!

Source: Uploaded by user via Amanda on Pinterest

I Went To Clemson...

Well, I was hoping I would be celebrating a Clemson Orange Bowl victory today-I'm not though. I was very upset last night, we could just not get it together. And I said a few words my mother would say are not ladylike. When I finally decided to go to bed, I couldn't fall asleep because I was so worked up.

While my mind was not on teaching 22 eight year olds today, my mind was reflecting on the game and people's comments from Facebook. Facebook can be a wonderful thing-also a dangerous thing. I really tried to not get on there because I knew it would be bad news, but I guess it's just a part of my daily routine now and I couldn't help but check it-multiple times.

Luckily, I'm friends with lots of Clemson people on our favorite social media sight, but I'm also friends with people who are not Clemson fans.

Checking it gets me worked up over and over and I know I do it to myself. I know there are poor sports on all sides of the ball, but the older I get, the more disappointed I am in people's comments and actions.

I'm so glad that someone posted this link to Facebook today. It reminded me of why my blood runs orange. I do love everything football-but it's bigger than that. Everytime I have read it today I start to cry. One of my favorite lines from this blogger's post is "Because it was during my time at Clemson that I learned about faith, family, and friends. It was during my time at Clemson I learned how to be me." She beautifully captured what is in my heart and I'm sure many others today. I do not know this blogger, but thank you!

I hope that everyone has a passion for their alma mater. I hope that everyone would cherish the time they had to build friendships, make memories, and become apart of their university's traditions.

I'm not the same girl who graduated in 2004 from Clemson University. Life has given me triumphs and challenges that have made me who I am today. But there is one thing I'm sure of. I'm proud to say "I went to Clemson."

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the beach!

Christmas Recap

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with good food, laughter, and fun times with family. It is hard to believe that this was my last Christmas as a singleton...

Our celebrations began last Friday night when Josh's mom had my family and Josh and I over for dinner. We also did "my Christmas" with them since it wasn't going to work out for me to come over on Christmas day. Along with a fabulous scarf and cardigan they got me this...

A Kindle...This was very much a surprise and I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far!

Christmas Eve began with Josh and I exchanging gifts. Santa was very good to me and surprised me with...

Source: macys.com via Ashlee on Pinterest

This has been on my wish list for a while and I was very excited to get it!

The day continued with a wonderful church service and then celebrating with Josh's dad, step mom, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew. I then returned home to spend the last Christmas Eve at my parent's house. At home we had a little family fun photo session...we are getting pretty good at these.

On Christmas Day we slept in, ate an out-of-this-world breakfast, opened gifts, and hung around in our pj's a lot of the day before Josh came over for another feast for dinner. Santa knew I was getting A WEDDING for Christmas this year, but I also got a few extra very cute things. One of my favorites was this amazing beach chair...

Source: coastalliving.com via Ashlee on Pinterest

Notice the space for your head and arms when you are laying on your stomach??? Finally a solution for that "How do I lay on my stomach at the beach without suffocating to death" problem. I can't wait to use it this summer!

Hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday filled with many blessings.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

We have had a wonderful holiday season filled with driving through the Living Christmas Story, Christmas parties, lights at the zoo, and family gatherings (none of which I took pictures of). However, I think it's important to remember exactly why we celebrate the holiday. A few weeks ago during the music extravaganza at church the band played and Michelle beautifully sang "You're Here." I think it's a wonderful reminder of the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Oh Christmas Tree!

I love decorating for Christmas, but I was a little uninspired this year. I started the weekend before Thanksgiving since we were going to be gone the next week and finished up when I returned. So, this is a glimpse of my few decorations this year....

Tried to get crafty in the fireplace...

Look familiar? I just changed out leaves for ornaments.

I got the printable in the frame off pinterest...

The village...not as many houses as last year.

Even added a few touches in the bathroom.

The outside.

Really wanted a new wreath, but like I said, wasn't feeling inspired this year.

The ONE photo ornament that worked. I had big plans to make all these new ornaments for the tree and it was a big fat failure. This one was the only one worth hanging on the tree. Maybe next year.

Some Christmas Treats...these are my favorite. My grandmother used to make them for me all the time and I felt like trying them for myself this year. I miss her everyday!

So, that's it. Not much, but it made me happy for this year. Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

I believe...

I read a post on Blue Eyed Bride yesterday and thought I would follow her lead...

I believe that Jesus is the reason for the season.

I believe in keeping family holiday traditions.

I believe in creating new traditions.

I believe that these traditions are what make Christmas special.

I believe that indulging in a few extra treats during the holidays is okay.

I believe receiving cards and letters in the mail is a lost art...I wish people would send them more often than just the holidays. I'm guilty of not doing this as well. I see a New Year's Resolution forming.

I believe in keeping these cards and storing them in a special way or place.

I believe in wrapping everything in separate boxes.

I believe in coordinating wrapping paper under the tree.

I believe in the power of prayer.

I believe that a few episodes of Friends in the afternoon can turn your day around instantly.

I believe in playing Christmas music from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day.

I believe that two weeks off of school does a teacher good.


Merry Christmas!