Christmas Season Kick-Off

So many of our friends were heading to the SEC Championship, and lots were in town for the game. So, on Friday night, David and I had dinner in Atlanta with the Muller-Stones, The Wages, the Kings, The Hills, and Renee. We had dinner at Haven and it was wonderful! We didn't want to leave our friends! But we had to because....

So happy the Kings were in town!

 We got up at 5:30am on Saturday morning to buy toys for the Gainesville JayCees Empty Stocking Fund. David and I were surprisingly chipper!

But, Callie, Brian and Colby were definitely feeling the early morning wake-up!

It was so odd to go into WalMart at 6am when its dark, and walk out into the sunshine at 9am - 3 hours later!

 After we both took naps, I got ready to head to the Georgia Theater to watch the game with David before the Heery's Christmas party at Rusty's house.

I made these amazing cookies for the party. They use whole wheat flour, canola oil, almonds, and maple syrup instead of sugar. They're easy to make, and healthy too!

To balance out the healthiness of the cookies, I made Paula Deen's spinach and artichoke dip....not quite as healthy, but delicious!

The crowd was so excited at the Theater - until the second quarter. And after half time, it was just plain sad to watch.

Last year, Rusty and his wife Ginger didn't host the Christmas party because his oldest son was about to be married - they had a lot going on! So, this year, the tradition continued and everyone was happy to celebrate the holiday season together.

This huge Christmas tree was such a beautiful sight in their entryway!

I am just sick that these are fuzzy...taking pics in front of a well-lit tree is apparently tricky.

That's Deanna, Me, Chad, Suzy, Rosemary, Jeannie, and Molly - The Heery's Too Girls!

Rusty and Ginger's house is just beautiful, and Ginger had everything looking so festive!

Emily, Me, and Molly in our fur!

 David and I left the party around 11, and headed back to Gainesville. It was such a nice evening! On Sunday, we slept in and spent the rest of the day getting ready for and hosting a Christmas dinner for our friends Callie and Brian Hughs, Laura and Brett Fowler, and Jamie....so sad Colby couldn't be there, but she will be next time. Stay tuned for pics of the dinner party, and to my B&B blog for pics of our festive house!

Adult Truths

This list has been floating around Pinterest, and when I first saw it I laughed out loud. Too good not to share again!

Adult Truths

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

 

Merry Christmas!

Give a Little Bit

Merry Christmas!

Can you all believe its already December? I am a tish overwhelmed with all that this month will entail with work, family, and holiday plans. But, its super fun, and I love every minute of the hectic feel.

Its easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, isn't it? And try to remember that this season is about giving.

In college, my girlfriends and I sponsored a family a few times, and have bought things for children over the years. This year, David is a member of the Gainesville Jay-Cees and we'll be shopping for the Empty Stocking Fund bright and early on Saturday, and delivering those gifts on Monday.

While at home over the Thanksgiving holidays, we attended church with my parents. Enclosed in the bulletin for the service was a gift list for the girls of the Methodist Children's Home. I'm sending things to the girls, and wanted to share the list so you all could grab a few of the items and send them too. I know these little girls would be appreciative of anything you could send!

Stocking Stuffers

• Wal-Mart gift cards
• disposable cameras
• brushes/combs
• pony tail holders
• notepads
• stationary
• chap stick/lip gloss
• journals

Personal care

• flat irons
• shampoo and conditioner
• razors
• shower gel
• lotion
• Kleenex
• hair accessories
• curling iron
• blow dryer
• hairspray
• deodorant
• gel or mousse
• shaving cream
• cotton balls
• q-tips
• fingernail polish and remover
• toothbrushes and toothpaste
• sun block
• hair spray
• hair spritz
• facial cleanser
• feminine items

For the Cottage

• towels
• comforters
• pots and pans
• cleaning supplies
• books/movies
• batteries
• twin sheets
• mattress covers
• dish towels/rags
• baking pans
• vacuum cleaners
• laundry baskets
• alarm clocks
• radios
• pillow covers
• pillows
• cooking utensils
• shower liners
• book bags
• flash lights
• thank you cards
• gift wrap

You can send the items to:
The Methodist Home for Children and Youth
P.O. Box 1967
Americus, GA 31709

Gratitude

 On Thursday morning, David and I set out for Lake Sinclair, heading to the Coody lake house to join my Aunt Dinah, her four kids Adam, Claire, Ben/Ned, and Taylor/BayBay; my parents, siblings, and Gongaman. We had a very traditional Mama Doris/Datee Thanksgiving meal - they were certainly watching us with love and pride.

My Aunt Dinah made special "thankful" cards for each of us!



As always, everyone gathers in the kitchen.

Brince, David, Dad, and Asa - The fried chicken cooks!

Love these two!

Gorgeous day for giving thanks

Asa

Gongaman and Mom

Claire and Taylor

Adam

Ben

Abs

Bax

Friday afternoon, David and I headed to Lake Blackshear to the Griffin lake house to join my in-laws, Amanda, Ben, David's Aunt Noel and Cousin Pamela. Ben was happy to share what he, David and Pop caught on their fishing poles! We had a delicious Pop-fried-turkey for dinner, and lots of Southern Thanksgiving dishes. After watching the UGA/GT game on Saturday, we set out for the Coody Cabin Classic back in Hawkinsville. It was a great weekend!

My favorite almost-6-year-old

Someones sleeeeeeepy

Gorgeous sunset over the lake

An afternoon enjoying family time

On Thursday, we even had a good ol' fashioned photo shoot for the proverbial Christmas card.
Sneak Peek of the Coody card.....

I've been seeing lots of Facebook and blogger friends making declarations of what all they're thankful for during the month of November. I'm a little late to the Facebook game, but it got me thinking of all the things I am thankful for every day.

David - My heart is full and my days are better because I get to spend them with him! We've been married for almost 3 years, but I've loved him for much longer than that!
My faith - I am thankful that my days are led by divine intention, my prayers are answered through God's will, and that my spirit is led by Jesus.
My parents - I am so grateful for their guidance, love, and support. They're two of my most favorite people.
Brince, Abbye and Asa - How blessed am I that my siblings are also my friends?
The opportunity that comes with every day - I am thankful that each day presents a time to do something good.
My grandparents - I am thankful for truly knowing all four of them, for what all they taught me, and for the legacies of love than they've all left.
My job in retail and my work in interiors
Creativity - I love looking at a photo of something, or seeing something in a magazine, or an empty room and being able to imagine all of the possibilities.
My in-laws - Pammy, Pop, and Amanda - Having them as family makes me a lucky girl. And having them be close with my family is such a bonus.
Our nephew, Ben - he's our little angel. David and I love spending time with him! He reminds us of what's important, and always makes us laugh with his funny little comments.
My Aunts, Uncles, and many cousins....its super fun to come from such a big, lively, healthy family!
My travels - what a great big world there is to see!
Our health - I think it was Oprah that said "If you have your health, you are truly wealthy beyond measure."
My co-workers are awesome!
Our home - David and I love being at home, working on our home, and having family and friends here. Its been such a fun project for us to work on it all together.
Roots - Since I moved off to college 10 years ago, the time has gone by so fast! But, I am always happy to come home and love the small town perks of being from Hawkinsville. Having both sets of grandparents from the same place, our family roots are deep in middle Georgia.
The holidays from Thanksgiving through New Years - I love all of the gatherings, invitations, and times spent with friends between the end of November through January. Time spent in festive attitude is always fun
My education - I loved every minute of school, and I am so thankful for my parents and all they provided in the way of elementary, middle, and high school, and college.
Nature - Its so nice to appreciate the beautiful farmlands, river landscape, and open fields where we're from. In North Georgia, I have such a love of the lakes, rolling hills, and mountains in the distance.
Books - Someone said "If I could be paid to read for a lifetime, I'd die happy." I concur.
My girlfriends -When it comes to my buddies, I am humbled by their love, support, and encouragement. In this way, I am really lucky.
Laughter - Its really such a fantastic feeling to laugh until it hurts.
The Internet - I mean, what was life like without it?
Music - I love the way a song can transport your mind to a moment in the past, a place in time, or a sweet memory.
Art - Since I was a kiddo, this was always my favorite subject in school. I always chose it as my elective in high school. Growing up, I had a few drawers devoted to my art supplies; in college, and even now, I had an art closet to hold endless possibilities. Pinterest has only fueled this love of creating things myself. :)
Baxter and Sandy - I can only imagine how much David and I will love being real parents. For now, the joy these two little furry kiddos bring to us is wonderful every day.
The art of cooking - How blessed am I to have learned to cook from my Mom, my Mama Doris, my Baboo, and our Susie?
Dreams - Its bittersweet to wake up and remember a dream in which I saw someone I've lost. But I am thankful for those unconscious moments always.

There's many things to be thankful for; I am a lucky gal! And am so thankful for all of you blogger readers every day!

A packed week

The pace really picks up as the holidays approach, doesn't it?
I can feel it, and definitely see all that there is going on when I look at my calendar! Its so fun, and I love having things to do, places to go, and people to see.

A little while ago, my friend Meredith asked if us gals wanted to attend her mom's annual church event, the Christmas ladies' dinner at Smoke Rise in Lilburn - the same church where Meredith was married during the summer of 2010.
The dinner was a huge event with ~200 women all sitting around beautifully decorated tables. The guest speaker was Middle Georgia's own Gena Knox.

Meredith and her mom, Mrs. Kathy, did a beautiful job on our tablescape! It was so pretty! And we had a fantastic table. Lauren M, Mere, Lauren G, Mayer, Meghan, Hollie, and me!

After a dinner of pork loin, green beans, potatoes, salad, rolls, and cheesecake for dessert, Gena took the stage to give a talk on her philosophy of {Keep it fresh, Keep it simple}. She did a great job! Can you believe she is 8.5 months pregnant here??? She looks amazing!

Here's a photo of Gena visiting one of the many farmers she writes about in her second cookbook, Southern My Way

On Thursday night after work, I hopped in the car to head home for the weekend. Asa was playing football in the semi-finals, we were celebrating my and Amy's bdays belatedly, and my friend Shelley was having a baby shower. Surprisingly, Shelley and Mitch's baby girl came way early! So, little Ansley is an early Christmas gift, and her shower was cancelled. I got to see daddy Mitch, and all is well with mommy and baby too!

On Friday night, the fam gathered at Tattnall Square to cheer Asa and the Hornets in the semi-finals. Don't you love the sibling and Gman support in our green and gold?

Getting ready for the run through!!!

Can you spot Dad?
Sadly, we didn't win, and were put out of the GISA playoffs. Gladly, Asa is just a junior, so hopefully his senior year will be complete with a State Championship!!!

On Saturday, Mom, Abbye and I stopped by Mistletoe Market to see my aunt Jill who's store Kimberly's had a booth, my friend James Farmer who was signing books, and meet up with my friend Linsey and get some sugar from her baby girl Faegan!

If you missed it this year, be sure to come next year! Its great to visit lots of vendors and to see lots of familiar faces!

Since heading off to college back in 2002, Amy and I have made a point to celebrate our November birthdays closer to Thanksgiving when everyone is home for the holiday. We managed to get together this past Sunday. I love spending time with Amy, and am always thankful when we can get together. We met Becca for a little icecream cake and a quick visit before dinner.


On Sunday, I had a belated birthday dinner with my fellow bf Scorpio, Amy. While in high school, we spent many dinners at Applebee's in Perry, so in honor of our long friendship, we headed there and treated ourselves to our favorite dessert - a blond brownie!

 My Monday was busy with a client delivery and my attempts at getting my house Christmas-fied. Its getting there, slowly. :) But, on Tuesday after leaving my day of work at Heery's Too, I had to capture the trees lit for the holidays.

When leaving work last night, I was crossing Clayton Street and was struck by how lovely the night was. The sun was setting, and the lights are on all the trees. The yellow leaves of the Ginko tree are still hanging on and its so pretty!

Go Dawgs!

We were so excited for the GA/AU game weekend! Abbye and Brince both came up, and Abs' friends Samantha and Ashley came with her. Clayton, Cam, and Chris all drove up too. I worked on Friday getting ready for the James Farmer booksigning at Heery's Too, and later joined the girls at Speak Easy for dinner. We headed to The Loft and danced, danced, danced.
On Saturday, we hit the Hill's tailgate before watching the game at The Georgia Theater. So much fun!!!! What a win! The night was spent at The Loft once again. After a Mellow Mushroom lunch, we all got on the road again. It was a super fun weekend spent with friends in Athens!

Friday night at The Loft

These guys are pretty tight

So happy to have Brince and Abbye there!

On Saturday, we watched the game here.

And it was awesome!

And Saturday night, we were back at The Loft

View from a kitchen window

David and I have a gorgeous view of our backyard from our kitchen window. Its so pretty in the afternoons, when the sun is behind our house. I love it when I am cooking and he's on our little green sofa in the kitchen, especially at this time of day. The leaves are falling now, but I had to share a snap of all the glorious colors of fall right outside of our window.