Ready for 2011

Our year went something like this...

January- We returned from spending the Holidays in Missouri. I started the year with a brand new Bible Study with our Women's Ministry at church (after taking a 2 yr break with grad school),Me Myself and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild . Matt went to his annual sales meeting in Texas. I guess we were just getting back into the swing of things.



February-Junior Service League Bargain Bazaar-my first "real" taste of this awesome organization. Thomasville got snow on Valentine's weekend. Matt turned 28 years old!




March-Our niece was born, Harper Ann! :) Shane and Shane and Meredith Andrews came to our town for a HUGE concert.



April-We took our first St. George Island trip of the year during Spring Break. We had an Easter Lunch for my family. Project Rosebud was AWESOME! The 4 seasons came for shopping and dinner. I got to see Beth Moore and Travis LIVE at So Long Insecurity in Atlanta!!!






May-We traveled to Shellman Bluff for Katie and Nick's wedding weekend. We stayed an extra night and spent time on the river. We went all the way to Mississippi the next weekend for Chris and Lauran's wedding. My favorite class ever graduated. They were known around the school as the perfect class. So sad to see them move up to 1st grade.







June-Sex and the City 2 with Lynn and Becky!! We went to Merritt Island for a huge birthday bash for Nanny Jane and Aunt Jan. We celebrated being married for 4 years!!! I was loving summertime, all of my time off, and my summer Bible Study.






July-My family came up to visit and see our new house. Spent 4th of July in Atlanta for our Luke's 3rd bday! Girls weekend in Birmingham for Rebecca's pink and pearls weekend! Back to school too!








August-Lots of work, and a Destin trip with Matt's family!!






September-Church, church, church. Work, work, work. Junior League, junior league, junior league. :) I started two AMAZING Bible Studies with my church. Wising up with Beth Moore and Jonah with Priscilla Shirer. I served at my church doing a Beth Moore Simulcast on Proverbs 31. Matt's 10 year high school reunion. My family came to visit for Parents weekend at VSU.







October-Parties galore. We hosted a sign pumpkin painting party for my wing-mates (teachers) at school. And a Sunday School football party. My parents came to visit for Halloween weekend and we served at our churches Fall Festival. Lots of Blazer football too! Homecoming and Bex coming to town!








November-Our church choirs- youth, children, and adult sang in Albany at the Georgia Baptist Convention...Matt is in the choir and he was able to sing at his dads last GBC (he is retiring). More VSU football. Thanksgiving with Matt's family in Atl.





December-Christmas at the Center with JSL. 5 Christmas parties. Victorian Christmas/4 seasons visit. My Birthday. Christmas in Dublin with my family and then heading down to Merritt Island for a surprise party for Poppy Bill!! We ended our year by spending time with our little family at home, going on a nice date, enjoying our house, and making some new commitments to the Lord...Simple but meaningful. :)








Goodbye 2010! Thank you, Jesus, for another year to glorify Your name and fulfill Your purpose for me!

Christmas, Snow, and time on the Island!!

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Dublin with my mom, dad, and brother. It was so relaxing and perfect. We just wish that all of our family didn't live so far away, so we could see everyone.







We woke up the day after Christmas to my dad singing a song about snow. We jumped up and were thrilled that it was snowing! It was coming down really hard, and beginning to stick slightly.






We left for Merritt Island mid-morning and drove through falling snow for about two hours. We heard there were even snow flurries in SGA!

We stayed on the island for a few days and had so much fun. We just got back last night. During that time, we had a surprise 82nd bday party for my grandpa (Poppy Bill). He has never had a "real" party, since his birthday is the day after Christmas. We rang the doorbell and sang to him. We had cake, balloons, and pizza. He was SO surprised!!!





We shopping, spent time by the river, ate, and were lazy. Merritt Island has the best TJ Maxx!!! I ate at Mimi's cafe for the first time too. We never made it to Cocoa beach...it was just too cold. Some days were difficult, due to sweet Nanny Jane's health, but it was great just all being together.







I've been unpacking and organizing today...gearing myself up to take down all the pretty Christmas decorations. December always flies by a little too quickly. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas season...filled with family, friends, rest, laughter, and time to adore our LORD!

My "ME" day.

I've been so busy since Thanksgiving. I've been going non-stop. Even though I got out of school on Friday...we still had several events going on. I cleaned up all day Monday and ran a few errands. So today, I left town. :)

I had the best time driving and listening to Chris Tomlin's new cd. I got this for my birthday. My favorite songs are Faithful, Where the Spirit of the Lord is, and I Will Follow.


I made a stop in little old Quitman, GA and went to one of my favorite stores to pick up a few Christmas ornaments. They are cheap and CUTE. Sadly, they do not go on sale there after Christmas, you just have to get them while you can. I got one for our candy cane tree. And 4 for Matt's office tree (I certainly have huge plans for his tree next year.) Some of the less themed ornaments will be going upstairs to the bonus room tree...he agreed!





I made it to Valdosta just in time to grab a quick lunch with the girls. We ate at McCalisters. Then all ran to Target together. I bought a few little things there, but am going to take everything back. All except for this cd.


I stopped at Girardin's Jewelry and Hobby Lobby before coming back home. I finally got my 4 seasons charm. Now 3 out of the 4 seasons have it and I think 1 is getting it for Christmas. It is the first charm that I've bought for myself, I just wanted to buy it with my own money for some reason.


Matt has been working late, so I wasn't really in a rush to get home. We ate leftovers for dinner and I watched tv, while he worked on more work. Poor man!

Here is the new ornament that I got this year for my main tree. I got my mom one too. We always get each other one ornament and it is usually matching. I bought it in town at my favorite little store. It is the flower or poinsettia looking one. I snapped a few pics of other ornaments too. Each one tells a story.










I plan on wrapping gifts today, spending time studying God's word, and making a quick Wal-mart run. As well as finishing up a few things around the house. If it doesn't rain...Blakely and I will go on a long walk too.

This verse has been running through my head lately.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Carols by Candlelight

Our church choir and praise team presented, Carols by Candlelight tonight along with the youth choir. Then the youth praise band was playing in the lobby as everyone left. What a joy to come together to celebrate the true meaning of this glorious season.

Our church looked so pretty!



I felt so refreshed after the service. There is nothing like a time of heartfelt worship with our church family.


I was especially grateful to get to hug and wish some very special people Merry Christmas. One of our sunday school teachers from our newlyweds class and my principal specifically...both have impacted my life greatly!

This song by Barlow Girl is one of my very favorites.


This time of the year is truly special.

Luke 2:10-11
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. "