My 100th Post!

It's officially time to say: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

It probably doesn't seem that I blog that I often, but I finally made it to my 100th blog post. Yeah me!

I've been thinking about what I would write about, but nothing wonderful has come to mind.

So, I thought I would write about what has been on my mind this morning.

First, we did have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It was so wonderful being off and spending time with family. We got to spend some time on the coast, and had a GREAT thanksgiving meal with Patrick's extended family on his mom's side, and we got to have a WONDERFUL meal with my family. There was a little shopping that took place, some beautiful swags made (by Patrick's mom), and even some trash made. And the Eagles beat Memphis on Saturday for a chance to win the conference. It really was an awesome time. It truly was a time to be thankful, for we are incredibly blessed.

And now the Christmas spirit is in full swing. We have the house decorated, and the presents are being bought. It really is the "most wonderful time of the year". I love it, people are happy, the decorations are hung, and there is a lot of joy in the air. But, really it's a celebration of our Savior being born because without HIM what would life be like? I am thankful we do not have to find out.

However, I realized as I was listening to the radio this morning, that this season is not joyful for everyone. Maybe you are sick, have lost a love one, cannot be with family, etc... A radio station was fulfilling Christmas wishes, and a lady wrote in saying she wanted her parents to be able to fly to see her brother during Christmas because he was leaving for a 6 month mission with the Navy right after the holidays. However, the dad had not worked in the last year, and money was tight. But, the radio station is making this possible. The family was overjoyed, it was such a heart warming story. It made me realize many people do not have their loved ones with them over the holidays, and there are some people who don't see much joy during this season. It made me even more thankful for being able to see most of my family, and having them fairly close. I think it is something we can take for granted. There might be times when we are on each other's nerves, but at the end of day we are a blessed family to be able to spend the holidays together. Everything doesn't have to be perfect, it's not about the most expensive gifts, but about the simple fact of being together. It also made me realize even more how a simple acts of kindness especially during the holiday season can go a long way. We do not always know a person's story, but at the end of the day a simple gesture may have made a huge difference. A challenge to myself...

Now do not get my wrong, I love receiving presents as much as the next person, but my heart also loves to give. And we are not rich, and cannot buy everything we might like to. However, it's not just about the material things. I hope that Patrick and I will be able to set an example for our children one day, that it is not always about our wants, but about what we can give as well.

Anyway, that was just on my heart this morning as I listened to the radio and read other stories about being "alone" during the holidays. It is sometimes easy to live in our bubbles and forget what it might be like for others. This holiday season our hearts deeply miss my great aunt Geet, and Patrick's Maw-Maw. It's just not the same, but what a party I am sure they are having in Heaven. We love them, and miss them both.

I'll be back soon to share our Christmas decorations with you. I guess I better get busy changing the blog!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

"Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection upon the past and an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus."

-Charles Swindoll

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. Patrick and I are so blessed, and this really is a season to be thankful. Today, as we spend time with our families we give thanks for all of our many blessings. 

We hope you have a wonderful day as well!

In everything give thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Let's Go Eagles!!!

Well, two weekends ago the Eagles won a nail bitter against UCF. It was a crazy game, that literally came down to the last play. But, in the end the Eagles pulled it out. We were so excited. The rankings came out, #20 in the BCS... How awesome is that? The Eagles had everything going for them. There was even a shot at a BCS bowl game if all the stars had aligned. This past Thursday night Patrick and I headed to Birmingham to watch the Eagles take on UAB. We were looking forward to seeing them clinch the East division and spend time with family and friends. It was sure to be a wonderful weekend. Well, most of you know how it all happened. It was freezing, and the Eagles lost (Oh, and let me also mention this big guy fell on me, and I have to matching bruises on my shins, and I lost one of my favorite earrings). I feel better now... :-) We are still asking how this happened? None of us really know, how we could have lost that game? The coaches say, we were out coached, out played, and had no energy. How could you not be excited? You were on a run for one of the best seasons in a long time! Oh well...life does go on. But, it was a pretty devastating lost. This is the 3rd year in a row that we have lost to UAB. I think we are cursed.

After we got out of mourning, we did have a fantastic weekend. Friday, Patrick and I spent the day with Grandma and Poppa. Grandma fixed a delicious Thanksgiving meal (that we got to enjoy with my Uncle as well), and the rest of the afternoon was spent playing Rook. Grandma and Poppa were partners and Patrick and I were partners. I haven't laughed that hard or that much in a long time. Just imagine two people in their 80's playing a card game, where you have to depend on each other, and add on that they can't hear very well. I'm telling you, it was something else. We really had a great afternoon of playing cards. Looking forward to going back.

Saturday we spent the day with Kara (CT was hunting). We went shopping, and Patrick was a real trooper. We even took him to some of the "boy" stores as well. I got a few Christmas presents bought, so that was a good thing. We really enjoyed spending time with Kara. That night we got to play with Roxy, (the new dog) and watch football. She is so sweet. Kind of makes me want a dog.. ALMOST..., but not quite!

Sunday we headed over to my aunt and uncle's house, where we had Thanksgiving dinner. Mom and dad were there so they could spend sometime with Grandma and Poppa, and Adam, Amy, and Cameron drove over for the day. We were almost complete. Lori and James couldn't make it. They were missed, but it was a good day. Lots of good food and fellowship.

Looking forward to spending tomorrow afternoon and Thursday with Patrick's family, then headed back to Hattiesburg for Thanksgiving with my family. It will be wonderful to have everyone together. We have so much to be thankful for.

I am trying to decide if I want to brave the crowd on Friday for a little shopping. There are some really great deals, but I guess we will see how that works out. Saturday USM plays Memphis for one more chance to clench the East division. I really hope we play well especially for the seniors. There is still time for a great season. Hoping for a big win!

As the title states: Let's Go Eagles!!!!

Patrick and I at the game.

Kara and I at the game. It was a little cold!

Sweet Roxy!

Grandma and Cameron

Weekend

Well, I figured I better update about last weekend because this weekend is almost here. I am not sure where the week has gone. It feels like it has moved fast and slow all the same time. Nonetheless, Friday is almost here. Woohoo!

Anyways, last weekend we finally had a chance to go to the coast. It has been a long time since we had been. Thankfully, we haven't been kicked out of the family yet. We got to visit Patrick's grandparents, great-grandparents, and of course his parents and brother. Unfortunately, his dad was working nights so we didn't get to spend as much time with him as we would have liked too.

The highlight of the weekend was getting my haircut. It has been way too long since I had a haircut. I have been curly for the last 6 years or so. I have naturally straight hair, but after I met Patrick, and realized his mom owned her own salon I decided to give curly a try. And I loved it, and I still do, but I needed a change. And I change I got. But, I am loving it!!! It's pretty simple to maintain, and the best part I actually can go a day in between washing my hair. Can I get an Amen!!! I never could do that when my hair was curly. So, that is for sure a bonus. I'll have to post some before and after pictures soon.

We enjoyed eating, shopping, and just spending time with his family. On Sunday, we went to the Peter Anderson festival in Ocean Springs. It was crazy... I have never seen so many booths in my entire life. It was like an upscale arts and crafts festival. It was pretty neat, and a beautiful day!

Oh, and how could I forget we cheered on the Eagles by getting updates on our phones. It was pretty intense, but the Eagles did not disappoint. And we are now ranked #22! Pretty awesome, but we have to keep winning. This weekend we play UCF at home, should be a great game, and hopefully we will come out with a win! Looking forward to spending the weekend with family and friends and cheering for the black and gold.

And just to let you all know (all 3 of you), I am ready to put up our Christmas tree. Is it too early? I think we are going to start next week. If we don't get started we may never get it all up. I'm looking forward to decorating our house for Christmas.

And one last final thought... the situation at Penn State has me devastated. It just makes me so sad. I guess I have worked with people who have been victims of sexual abuse and no one can understand their pain. It really is a tragedy for all victims. And I'm not defending Joe Paterno by any means especially not knowing the entire story, but I find it incredibly sad that a coach and person so many people looked up to is ending his career like this.  Praying for all those impacted. I can barely watch the coverage without crying. It really makes you think about the decisions you make in life.

I guess that's it... Hope everyone has a great Friday and weekend!!!

GO EAGLES!!!!

Trick-Or-Treat

Well, do you like the new design?

I really do, I think it describes this season of life we are in perfectly. The month to really count our blessings, not that we shouldn't always, but I think Thanksgiving provides an extra time of being thankful. And Patrick and I have much to be thankful for. But, more on that later.

I have to tell you about our trick or treaters. Patrick and I were so excited to know that we live in a neighborhood where there are a lot of kids. We were prepared to have a lot of them ring our door bell on Monday night. At first, it was kind of slow and I thought we might be disappointed. But, Chapel Hill did not disappoint. We probably handed out candy to 50 to 60 kids at least. It was really fun. Patrick and I took turns answering the door, and had as much fun as the kids did. They were so cute, and just melted my heart. Makes me look forward to the days where we will be able to share these days with our children. We had just enough candy... I was thankful. I thought I might have to dig through my pantry for any late starters. 

And this past weekend we got to hang out with the cutest little pumpkin ever! Yes, the nephew. I have to tell you, he is so sweet, I could just eat him up. Patrick and I really enjoyed spending time with Adam, Amy, and Cameron. Can't wait for them to come back!



It's hard to believe it is already November. Where has this year gone? We are finally getting to head to the coast this weekend. We haven't been since July... I know bad us... We have seen Patrick's parents a lot over football weekends, but we need to visit with his grandparents and great-grandparents as well. Looking forward to the weekend. And I am getting a new hair do. I am so excited, and just a little nervous!

Hope you have a great Friday and weekend!!!