2010 in Review

This year has been.............busy. Nothing too major happened (to us) but it was a pretty good year overall.

It started off with the Snow Storm of the Century.

Then...........

Jenna and Jason got married!

We went to Broken Bow to celebrate our birthday. It's an annual tradition that I LOVE. I'm wishing this next year we could make a week of it.

We went to Georgia to visit Dave's family on his birthday. It really was a great trip!

We celebrated with Jenna and attended several showers for Miss Avery.

Dave and I celebrated our two year anniversary.

Avery made her arrival on November 23, 2010, right before Thanksgiving. It was an awesome week.

And, we ended the year spending our Christmas passing around Avery and celebrating Jesus's birthday.

I don't really know what 2011 will bring. I'm hoping good luck and lots of money! I'm not doing resolutions. I don't ever really stick to them to be honest. I do much better just setting a goal and taking it day by day.

Looking back on this year though, I've decided we need a much more exciting life! HA!

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas 2010

We had such a blessed day!

Christmas was busy but so worth up being up early and spending time with family. And, we had Avery around this year! She didn't get any attention though. We were all way to focused on opening up our gifts and eating yummy cinnamon rolls instead. Now, do you believe that?!

Leslie got the boots and jacket she was wanting..........

I got SO many goodies! My mother is the BEST shopper. I got the Crate & Barrel glass set I wanted!!

And, when we left to head off to Dave's parents, this is what Dad and Avery were doing. That child, just never gets held at all.

We made it to Dave's parents later in the afternoon..................

Ethan, he is getting so big!

Dave and I had such a great Christmas together. We played games at his parents and ended the night with a picture. It was just wonderful to spend the day with family. And, we both now have some goodies we had been wanting.

Hope your Christmas was as great as ours!

Merry Merry Christmas!

I still can't believe today is Christmas Eve. I'm so glad to have gotten all my shopping and everything done before today. No fighting crowds here! Although, I will be heading to work this afternoon. Ugh. I'm hoping people stay in the holiday spirit and don't make tonight too hard.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I will be back in a few days with lots of pictures of our Christmas and all the goodies I received!

Let's please remember the true meaning of this day though.......

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:9-12

Baking Day

"Do you think you could bake some stuff tonight so I can take it to work tomorrow?"

This was the text message I received at about 11am this morning from my husband. Of course, I obliged. I was actually planning on it, just didn't think I would be spending my day off today in the kitchen. All day long. Ah, again, the things we do for our significant others.

I made red velvet cupcakes, brownies, rice krispies, and this amazing popcorn treat (which BTW, is my new favorite holiday dessert). I'm not even sure what's it called but it's just popcorn, almond bark white chocolate and then drizzled with almond bark dark chocolate. It's SO yummy. I've taken in all my "holiday" calories just today. Ugh. So depressing.

This week will be busy, busy getting ready for Christmas and not to mention, work. Blah. Maybe Santa will bring me a bag full of money this year because I've been oh so good. Wishful thinking, I know. Regardless, at least I get to spend Saturday with this beautiful little girl.

Are you jealous? :)

Weekend Rundown

{Friday} Woke up, ran a few errands, came home to clean my house for our dinner party, and cooked! Alot! My BIL/SIL came over along with our friends, Pat and Traci. It was such a great time to get together. We spent the evening visiting, playing games, and staying up late (that's a big deal in itself). HA!

{Saturday} Gym time, shower, shopping! The majority of the day Saturday was spent shopping, ahem, standing in line. I completely get that it's busy, especially being the weekend before Christmas, but what is the deal with the cash out lines? I mean, come on retail chains. There is absolutely no reason there are not enough cash registers open to accommodate us consumers. That has to be the most frustrating thing about shopping. But, I am almost done. Just have 3 more gifts to get. Score! Last night I did get everything wrapped and under the tree. Plus, I found some awfully adorable wrapping paper for $4 at Hobby Lobby. Looks so pretty.

{Sunday} Wake up, make pancakes, clean up, watch TV and clean my house until work calls my name. Yes, I have to work today. I'm being nice to a few co-worker. Boo. But, I'm off tomorrow and getting my hair did.

I can't wait to show some of the things I did for Christmas presents. So flipping cute!

Happy Sunday y'all!

Santa came to visit!

Yesterday at work was "Santa" day. I, of course, completely forgot and didn't participate but the best costume of the day was:

(I apologize for the blurriness, it was taken with my Iphone)

How great is this? Sarah made the entire costume and let me tell you, she was too cute! We are doing the twelve days of Christmas at work so every day has a theme. Always makes for a fun time!

A hot new hubby and some randomness

So. Guess who decided he was going to loose some weight?

(please excuse my messy scrapbook room)

That's right. Dave woke up yesterday morning and said "We needed to move the treadmill inside." because he was determined to get back to his "old" self. Today was day two and I'm proud to say, he did some running again this evening. I hope he continues just because I want him to be healthy and happy. Plus, it just might be something we can do together! :)

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I spent the day making Christmas cards before work. I haven't gotten the chance to scrapbook in a long while and I forgot how much I like it! I decided to make cards this year instead of buying them just because it did give me an excuse to use all my scrapbook stuff.

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I have had several people ask me lately if I pregnant due to all my recent preggo posts. Just to clear the air, no I'm not pregnant. HA! It's funny though that so many people have text or emailed me to ask that very question. Let me share........

In the past few months, many of my friends have announced they are expecting. At first, it made me sad. I always thought I wouldn't wait so long to "plan" on the whole pregnancy thing. Although, everyone is different and it happens when it's suppose too. I guess with me, I've had to learn to appreciate all the wonderfulness that comes with knowing so many people who are expecting. It's fun to shop for babies and attend baby showers. I get to see so many people I usually don't see daily and it's just a blessing to be apart of the lives of friends going through the experience. I think when we can start appreciating it and have the understanding that God's timing is perfect, we can truly be happy for those around us.

That was something that took me quite some time to reach and learn, but through it all, God has really shown me what it's like the share in the happiness of others and be grateful for what we do have in our lives. Even if it is something small. Finding joy in our own lives can teach us to really appreciate the desires of our heart and having patience is well worth the wait.

Christmas Tour of Homes

I posted some of my Christmas pictures awhile back but I added a few things so I decided to re-post them. Sorry to anyone who already checked out my house decor but hello to any newbies!

I have a obsession with buttons this year so when I found this frame (actually my mom found it) I was thrilled! And, I love the picture of Dave and MeMaw.

I made several button bouquets from the Tea this year, which is good, because they became some super great and inexpensive Christmas decor.

The two lower stockings belong to C'Mere and Buddy. Per Dave, we had to hang them. Gotcha.

I love my Christmas dishes. And, we got them for a super sweet deal! That makes it even better! You know you're "growing" up when you begin acquiring dishes for every season or special occasion.

Thanks for stopping by y'all! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

My Saturday

This morning started off early with a trip to the gym, a stop by Starbucks, and then home to get ready for my friend's baby shower! Everyone is having babies it seems and I'm really loving it!

My friend Andrea and I have known each other since first grade. It's crazy to see her pregnant and know she is going to be a mom. I can't believe how long I've known some of friends. I'm definitely thankful for fun friends in my life. We spent a great afternoon together laughing and talking, just having some girl time. And guess what..................

She is naming her daughter Brooke!! That was a fun surprise when I got there and they told me! Before I left I told her I was honored she was naming her little girl after me. :) They really didn't but it's still awesome she will have my name.

My other friend Chrisha is pregnant too. Chrisha and Andrea are best friends and are expected to have their babies two weeks apart. How cool is that? Chrisha is not finding out whether it's a girl or boy but she likes to joke Brooke will either have a best friend or future husband. HA!

Girl time is the best! I was glad to have gotten the chance to spend a little time with everyone this afternoon.

I guess the question is......................who will be next in my life to announce they are pregnant?! I'm on a roll attending all these babies showers, someone needs to keep the streak going. :)

Friday Five. A little late.

{one} This morning we woke up super early and headed to my sister's house to pick her and Avery up for a brunch date with my mom's teacher friends! They get together every month, or almost, and wanted my sister and Avery to come visit. I invited myself along because I haven't seen Avery in over a week! Can you believe that?!

{two} While we were visiting, two other little creatures came out to visit too! It's a little hard to see in the picture but there is a speck with four legs in the background. My mom's friend lives far in the country and every morning and afternoon, they have several deer who come to eat all the corn they can from their deer feeder. It was awesome. I was informed I couldn't shoot them. Good thing I didn't bring my gun! That's another sentence I thought I'd never say.

{three} I'm still waiting to hear about my exciting or depressing news regarding a new job. I'll keep you posted. Things, to my understanding, are looking good though.

{four} My husband is out of control. Every time I come home there are more lights added to the house. I'm hoping he has finally added enough and will halt any more decoration to our home. It's beginning to look like Christmas Vacation.

{five} I need to get on my Christmas cards if I plan on sending any out this year. I told myself last year I would do it but I did not. I suck. I do plan on getting them written and mailed this week. I love getting Christmas cards from people. Makes getting the mail much less depressing! HA!

Tu Tu Tuesday

"I'm ready for my close up."

Monday already?!

After having worked the majority of the weekend (tear.....yes, I'm whiny about it), I came home and Dave had decided to put up our lights and decorate our door. I opted to take a little nap instead so when I woke up to go get dinner, Dave was almost finished! He does a really great job at hanging lights and making our house look awesome for Christmas.

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Sunday morning I woke up bright and early to head off to Canton with my mom. I was going mainly to try and find a certain Christmas present for Dave but, alas, I couldn't find a reasonably priced certain something I was looking for. Boo. On to plan B I guess.

We did find some cute jewelry for me though. And because my mom is just that nice, she bought it for me. Did I mention how much I love going shopping with her? ;)

Aren't these so cute?! They can be clipped on your shirt to give it more detail or, like I like to wear them, in your hair. And, the madre scored an excellent deal with them being only $3 each!

Overall, our weekend was busy and way too short. Onto another work week with a very important event happening on Wednesday. I'll discuss it later on but for now, I'm going to keep it to myself. I don't want to jinx myself. HA!

Have a great week! Only 19 days till Christmas!

Yeah. I'm one of those.

Crazy, proud, obsessed aunts who posts pictures of her niece almost daily because she is just. that. cute.

Can you imagine what type of mom I'll be when I have a little one of my own and my camera is attached to my hip?

Lord, help those children.

Friday Exhaustion

How cute is she? I do believe I have the most beautiful little niece in the world. Yes, I know. Everyone thinks that. And you know what, that is perfectly okay in my book.

This week has been beyond horrendous. Sometimes, I simply hate that I'm an actual adult who has to pay bills and be responsible. And, sometimes I despise that I'm one of those people who not matter what does that right thing for the good of everyone. There have been several issues this week at work which has had a ripple effect and, unfortunately, is causing me to work my little tush off. Pro? Making that money, especially since Christmas is right around the corner. Con? I haven't seen my husband since Sunday at 2:30. I'm a sad wife........

I found the best "aerobics" class (it's really a boot camp!). I went twice this week and yesterday morning I woke up and could barely move. No joke. But, today I feel great. I think working out completely helps with me being able to go, go, go! Well, that and a small thing called Starbucks.

I'm off to do a little house work and study a bit. I hope you have a great Friday. Here's to the weekend and the possibility of some type of rest.

Dishes and baby

I woke up this morning and headed over to my sister's house! Leslie was going to be over at Jenna's today and tomorrow to spend a little quality time with her and Avery, so I invited myself along.

It was a great visit. We talked and laughed and took Avery on a walk.

You can tell by the picture she enjoyed herself. The life of a one week old, sleep......eat......potty....and repeat. She's so cute though we don't mind!

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I was busy this past weekend decorating the house and enjoying some quality time of my own with my husband. We pretty much did the same thing Avery does daily. You know, sleep......eat.....we'll leave it at that. HA!

I love this ornament. Mom found it and every year I put it up, it's like a brand new surprise because I don't ever remember we have it.

Is my table setting cute or what?! I am my mother's daughter. Dave said "So, this just sits out on our table till Christmas?" Yep, pretty much. It's so I can enjoy them everyday! I'm thinking we should have a dinner party at our house so I can use them.

Anyone want to come over for dinner and use my beautiful new dishes?!