Twenty Twelve..

I can't believe I'm sitting here writing a review of 2012 already.  To say this has been a great year is an understatement. 

Let's take a walk back down 2012 Memory Lane:

In January,
I kept on getting surprised by how great of a man B is when he helped me out around the house, voluntarily. :)



We worked on a little home project for my bathroom.  

In February,
I wrote about Our Love Story.
I got inspired to get out of my funk.

I celebrated the best Valentine's ever with my man! Check this out out too!


In March,
I talked about books.
I got an awesome gift card. :)
I got the sweetest fb post from my man!

In April,
I checked out my Doppel-Ganger.
I was prettttty random.
I talked about the dogs some...
I got a girls weekend!


May:
I got my mole cut off, NOT by choice.

Brian and I had a fun date~!

I took a lot of cute pictures.

We celebrated my baby's birthday!


June:
Brian and I had a fun night with the kids.

I talked about life and how good it is.

We celebrated Brian's 10 Year High School Reunion.

July:
We had Meredith's baby shower!

I got to visit Brian's grandparents home!

I told a cool story.  Go back and read it.

We lost Princess. :(

August:
I recapped my wonderful VACATION!!

I showed off mine and B's photo shoots!

We dropped Ben off.

September:
We watched a lot of ballgames.

I celebrated a year with the love of my life!


We had a great date night in!

October:
I had an allergic reaction.

We celebrated Brad's birthday!

We had a lot of fun with Pumpkins!

I did my first ever Vlog.

November:
We got to visit Ben!

I GOT ENGAGED!!!!!!!!


We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family.

December:
Mom made some yummy Martha Washington Candy!

2012 was such a blessed year for me.  I can't wait to see what 2013... and I know it's going to be great.  IT'S WEDDING YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MIA

...describes me so well.

I said I'd be back blogging on Wednesday.  It's now Friday and this is my excuse for a "post today" since B reminded me I have sucked at blogging this week.  Thanks, babe.  Really. 

But he's right.  But I really didn't think this through enough to know I'd be exhausted, not home, and have zero time to get some posts together.  So guess what's on my to do list for this weekend. 

Yep, I'll join the other 3216813132165131651651 million of you and post my Christmas Recap.  And I also want to add I'm thinking this is a good weekend for a clean up...of my house, my Facebook friends list, and my blog list.  Let's be honest, I have some I honestly skip every single day.  That's not fair to them.  Everyone looks at their followers and I'm just not going to fake my following, LOL.   

Okay, enough on that.  



Well, ladies (& any gents creeping my blog), I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.  I'll be back Sunday with my blogging.  I pinky promise this time.

Besides, um HELLO... it's time to start sharing WEDDING PLANNING DETAILS with you all! :)

Oh, Martha!

I apologize for the lack of posting lately, but I've had a ton of things going on.  And I'll be on a blogging break on Monday & Tuesday so I wanted to pop in one last time!

So, I mentioned Martha Washington candy the other day in a post and it seems I've struck some interest from a few of you.  So I thought I'd join my mom while she made this magnificent stuff and give you a full lowdown on what's inside these tasty treats!

I think Mom is excited to be in a blog post too, so ya'll be sweeties and show her some love! Hey Mom! :)

Okay, let's get started, shall we? :)

Ingredients:
2 lb. powdered sugar
1 can Eagle Brand Milk
1 stick butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups chopped pecans
Semi sweet chocolate squares
3 sticks paraffin wax

Turn paraffin wax and chocolate squares on the stove and let it be melting down.

Mix powdered sugar, Eagle Brand Milk, butter, vanilla, and pecans in a large bowl.
Make sure you get it all mixed in equally.

Roll into balls and lay spaced out on wax paper.

Once your chocolate is ready, take off heat and let it cool.

Use toothpicks to dip balls into chocolate.  

Allow candy to cool.  

Enjoy! :)

It's just on my heart

to express how much I love this man and cannot wait to marry him.

Please, c'mon October 12, 2013!!!!!!!!!


And to all you lovely women reading this, I'm sorry, but come Dec. 26th I'm about to be in wedding mode overdrive.  AND I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's Talk.

I'm back for more Coffee Talks.  I really enjoyed it last week, so maybe I'll stick around with this link up awhile!

Onto this week's Topic: Randomocity 

1. What type of phone do you have?
I currently have an iPhone, but here's the kicker- the 3GS still.  Yes, you read that right, I'm still sporting the dinosaur phone.  Not so fun fact: I can't download anything, can't install anymore apps, and can't update it.  Oh, and it doesn''t work sometimes so if you call/text and I don't respond. Then chances are I didn't get it! 

2. Look to your right, what do you see?
My front door, LOL.  I'm sitting on my couch. :)

3. List 5 random facts about yourself...
1. My favorite color is brown.  How boring is that?!
2. I hate to shop.  In stores.  I like looking online though.  Now if I could afford it, LOL.
3. I could eat pizza every day of the week. 
4. I'm OCD about my house being clean, always.
5. I stare at my engagement ring way more hours of the day than I should! :) But that's OK! ;)

4. What is that one talent you wish you were great at?
I wish I could draw.  I have always thought that would be so relaxing and enjoyable.

5. Go to Wikipedia.org and hit random. The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band. Go to quotationspage.com and click random quotes. The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first ...album. Go to weheartit.com and click on “explore”. Seventh picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover. Use picmonkey.com to put it all together. Now show us your album :)
Name of band: Footballer :)
Title of Album: The Third Place
Album cover:
 
Sorry, I got lazy.  I know I was supposed to do that on PicMonkey, LOL

Study Him.

So, I mentioned starting a new Bible Study, starting at the first of the year.  I just thought I'd take some time and introduce you to the program I'm planning to use, and invite you to do this with me if you want to!

I've wanted to read the Bible front to back for years.  I always got started off strong, made it about the same amount of time, and then it seems I just fall off my wagon.  But this time it will be different.  

If you've not heard of You Version, then I encourage you to take a look and see if it's something you'd be interested in.  I'm not pushing anyone, so please don't feel like I'm throwing this down your throat.  I just thought it would be a good time to show it off and see if there was anyone else interested.

With this program, you can select reading plans that you like, bookmark pages where you leave off in your reading, and even access this all from you mobile phones.  And you can find friends and do real live study groups.  It's pretty amazing stuff! 

And if you are interested, please email me and we can do this together!  I think it will be a great thing to have in our lives.  We all need a source of encouragement and what better way to get that then through God's word.  

You can click here to see more about You Version and what all they offer!
The plan I will be starting on Jan. 1 is this one:
Reading God's Story One Year Chronological Plan.

I'm very excited for what this plan will do for my life and my relationship with God.  If you want to join me, please feel free to email me and we can do it together!  My button to email me is on the right hand side! :)  Or just comment and leave your e-mail address and I'll get in touch with you!



             

Sandy Hook.

May God be with them all..

Silence & Prayer

To the Blog World and Anyone Else who Wants to Help,

Friday, tragedy struck so many of us in ways we did not foresee. An elementary school and small town in Connecticut was shattered by a mass shooting. We knew we wanted to help and we came up with this:


<img src="https://sites.google.com/site/megoblogdesign/files/sandyhooksupport.png" />
On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

 We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

 We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.

 Love,
The Blog World

p.s. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on.

Let's talk.

Coffee Talk that is.. I'm linking up on a new one!  

1. What is your winter "must haves"? (Feel free to show off something from Polyvore!)

Well, let me be honest- I don't like winter.  I know some people thrive on this time of year, but I surely do not.  I love summer and everything about it, so this time of year I cringe.  I work in a drive thru at a bank too, where whatever temp it is outside, it is in here.  So that doesn't help that I sit all day at work with frozen toes and fingers.  It's irritating.

But, let's see. For the sake of the question, my winter must haves are:

-Gloves.  (For at work mainly, fingerless gloves so I can still type!)

-Coffee.  This one isn't just for winter for me, but I do tend to drink it more throughout the day instead of just in the mornings.  Can't go wrong with a cup of coffee with some hazelnut creamer.  #yum

-Chili.   Chili is one of my favorite things.  I love my mom's and for a long time, wouldn't dare try anyone else's, but recently I've discovered other people besides her CAN actually make it to my liking! ;) 

-Socks.  I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but if you know me at all, you know I hate socks.  They annoy me worse than anything else, but in the winter (and working in a freezer basically) I'm forced to like them. 

2. What is on your Christmas wishlist this year? (I know this has been asked, but I wanna know!)

-I don't know if mine qualifies as even a list, but I did a post on this a few days ago.  You can find it right here. :)

3. What is your favorite holiday coffee/tea/alcoholic beverage?

-Just plain coffee with my hazelnut creamer, or hot chocolate.  I love me some good hot chocolate! Which reminds me, I need to buy some more! ;)

4. Top 3 must have holiday desserts?

-Martha Washington candy.  My mom has made it every year I've been alive.  This won't be any different! ;)

-Pecan Pie.  I die, I die, I die.  I love a pecan pie and thanks to Pinterest I can now officially say I'm a Pecan Pie Mastermind.  ;)  Mom wants my recipe.  She isn't getting it.  She will outdo me.  I need my proud moments too! ;) ha!

-Fudge.  What about this is there NOT to like?  I love chocolate.  I love being a fat kid with chocolate.  It's bliss. :)

5. What time do you get up to open presents from Santa with your family? Do you clean up right away or do you leave it there in a huge pile until it's the night before trash day?

-Christmas with my family is on Christmas Eve, at my house.  This started 4 years ago when I moved into my own home, and it's a tradition I'd like to keep as long as I can.  It's special to me that my family gets to come into my own home and I get to play hostess.  I don't ever have company, so it's nice to get to entertain! :)

And as far as cleaning up, I do it right away.  I'd freakishly OCD about trash.  It HAS to go or I'll lose my head!

6. What is your New Years resolution? 

-I'm never good with NY Resolutions.  I always end up breaking them.  So this year I am going with: "I will stick to my goals.  Whatever they are, whenever they are."  And to elaborate on that, I'm setting a new goal for myself.  I'll be just over 9 months from my wedding day to the man of my dreams, so getting in better shape so I can ROCK that dress is on the list.  And with that goes my actually exercising and making it a part of my life, not just for a few months.  I want to keep a good physical appearance that way when B and I do have a child, maybe my post-birth weight loss will be easier.  I am pushing 30 you know, so this will be harder on me than most of you who are popping out beautiful babes early in life! 

And another goal is to actually do the reading the Bible front to back in a year.  I've got a plan on hand and I'm anxious to start.  And I'm tossing around the idea of making this a group thing.  Any interests??

I like this coffee talk stuff.  I'll be back next week, with my cup of joe in hand! ;)

10 Slots.

Well, I've took some time off from answering all those questions I started awhile back.  To refresh your memory, here's the original questions.

So that brings me to next in line...
List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

Ten people:
1. My Mom.  She has always been the kind of mother you want to have.  She's supported me (even when she probably didn't want to!), she's nurtured me back to health, she's drove me around to all my activities, she's helped me pick out clothes for random things, and laughed at all my crazy ideas over the years.  She has been my best friend and I can never thank her enough for the love she has always shown me.  I truly got blessed when God placed me in her arms. :)

2. My Dad.  He has always shown me the "how to's" in life and I think is a big part of the reason I'm as independent as I am.  He likes to take care of me and help me out, but I think a part of him likes that I see him do certain things and now feel like I can handle it myself.  ha! My dad is one of the smartest people I've ever met and can fix just about anything.  I wish I'd gotten more of that side.. haha!

3. Brothers.  Kevin & Shawn have always loved their little sister and I'm forever grateful for that.  I knew early on how blessed I was to have people " watching out for me" through life.  Even though we don't share the same mother, it's never been anything but a thick sibling bond there.  I love it.

4. Friends.  There is no possible way to list all my friends here that have influenced me because at some point in each relationship with every single one, I've gained another ounce of knowledge about myself.  Even though some of them and I aren't as close as we used to I'll always value the lessons I learned from them.  Even though, honestly, some of those lessons are who not to trust.  That's a part of it too, though!

5. Customers.  If you know me IRL, then you know sometimes I come home from work with a less than positive attitude over someone being rude or inconsiderate, but the truth is.  I do have those customers who I love like my family and get excited when I see their cars approaching.  For those that I feel this way about- Thank you.  Some days you are truly the reason I am snapped back into a better mood (after someone rude has left..ha!)

6. Blog friends.  I have truly met some of my best friends through this outlet.  I had no idea when I started this little blog that I'd be blessed with knowing some lovely ladies like I do now.  I wish we all lived closer, but one day (promise!) we will all meet.  I truly do love getting to text, email, skype, tweet, & instagram with you!  It's so fun!

7.  Authors.  I know this might be an odd one, but books are my thing.  I haven't gotten to read nearly as much as I'd like lately, but books are still in my heart and always will be.  Authors are the brains behind this "escape" I love so dearly, so yes.  I think they have influenced me, even if indirectly.  They given us the hope for a romantic life, a chuckle for the funny moments in life, and a way to handle the serious times.  You can't beat a good book.

8. Charities.  I know I should probably name specifics here, but I'm going to speak as a whole.  I think those who do charities are some of the sweetest people.  I love nothing more than to find a blog post where I see there has been God's works done with people working for a bigger cause and helping out where help is needed but would never be asked.  

9. Children.  Innocence in a child is always an important reminder in these busy days.  A child's view on life is what we should all strive to keep in mind.  I love to watch their imaginations at work, and see what thoughts stumble out of their mouths.  I wish we didn't lose some of that innocence as we got older. 

10.  Brian.  Ya'll didn't think he wasn't going to make the list, did you?  I'm sure it's not surprise to find his name on this list.  He influences me day in and day out with his selfless attitude, his strong work ethics, and his ever growing love for me.  Not everyone on this earth is blessed to know each and every day that they are for sure with the love of their life.  I am fortunate that I am.  He makes me smile.  He makes me think.  I love the challenges we face, and love that we settle them together- like adults.

There ya go, loves.  
P.S.- I need to get back onto the Q/A for me and Brian.  Any one to submit any questions? 
                                        

WILW: Christmas Edition

                                    


So, with Christmas just around the corner I thought it would be fun to make a "If money was no object" Christmas list.  

I know I have several friends, family members, etc. who read this, so let me also so- DO NOT GO BUY THIS STUFF.  

It's purely material things I see floating around the blog world or television (since I stay on it so much now...) and this is all just for fun! 

Now, onward with the list..

 
MK Purse.
Duh! 99% of Christmas Lists on blogs right now list a MK purse.  #gorgeous


New make up brushes.  I can hear the angels singing...


Kitchen aid Mixer!
Come to Mama.... Good thing I get to register for wedding gifts soon... SOMEONE PLEASE BUY ME THIS THEN.  In all seriousness.  I've wanted this baby for years... I think it'll be a nice wedding gift.  I promise to make Brian goodies in it ;)

 
Nike tennis shoes
Are these not just DARLING!??! #iloveleopard


Fossil Watch. She's a beauty.


New washer/dryer!
This is going to be on the necessary list, soon I'm afraid. 


2013 Jeep Laredo.  I'd like it black or navy, please.
#pitterpatter of my heart.... One day.. ONE DAY....

Okay, okay.. SO that was my pretend list.  So what did I REALLY ask for this year?
Ok, truth be known I haven't asked for anything.  I hate asking for things.  But these are some things I'd like.

New house shoes.  Any kind, any color.  Just make sure they are a size 7 and we will be BFF's for life.  Or until those wear out and I need a new pair.  I love my house shoes.  Yes, I wear house shoes like a grandma.  


Brown dish towels.   I know.  It's really on the list.


New (BROWN!) bath towels.  Mommy dearest has these for me! :)


Amazon Kindle Gift Card, so I can buy me some new books to read!


Couch throw pillows :)

Vac for hardwood floors.  I currently have one, but mine is worn out.  Good time to score a new one!

Laundry hamper.  I've got one spotted, so I might be grabbing this up for myself soon!


Blankets.  I love to snuggle with one :)


Brown leather Bible. But I want to pick this one out.  That's a pretty important book that I want to make the choice on! ;) And I want to have it engraved with Kayla White on it.  (I want to use it in my wedding instead of a ring pillow!)


&&&& That's about it.  I don't ask for much.  It's just not in me to ask for anything.  I'd much rather be giving than receiving any day.  That's why I stress so much over people's gifts I think.  I want them to open it and them LOOOOVE it.  THAT is my present.  Seeing that I made someones day!

What's on your list??

WOWZA!

I don't normally devote a blog post to people's giveaways... but today I am. 

I found one worth the shot.  

I follow several of the blogs that are participating in this giveaway, and have now found some new great blogs to read, but if you don't follow Kaitlyn at Wifessionals then you are missing out.

She and a fabulous group of women are working together to give away one iPad Mini.  How COOL is that?

And just because I'm cool.. I'm sharing it with you! :)  So go head over to her blog and do your thing to enter.  Or don't and make my chances better! ;)  JK!

You can find all the info you need by clicking right here.

Right Place. Right Time.

Do you ever wonder what would have happened if things "had worked out differently"?  Would you be happier than you are now, or living in a constant sadness.  Would you have a different group of friends?  Would you family be as important to you?  Would you live in the home you do now or would you live another state away? 

One decision can change so much about a person's life, and those in it.  We all live very fast paced lives.  It's a constant trial and error to "be on time" somewhere and make all the necessary events that are always happening.  If you have children, nieces/nephews, or just some really close family friends then you know what I'm talking about.  We are a society that lives "on the go" more than at home with our loved ones. 

Our time with those we cherish most is spent from event to event, in drive thru lanes at fast food places, and quickly for those few precious moments we get to just be "real".  Now I'm not at all knocking those events that we all take part in.  Everyone has different hobbies, likes, and things they want their closest friends & families to be involved in.  But what I'm saying is, do you take those few extra special moments to just enjoy each other?

With Christmas just around the corner, lots of families will be gathering around and sharing stories of what all has went on in their lives since last Christmas.  Laughter will be shared, and new memories will be made.

And all the while, all your friends and family will go about their lives to each home, celebrating with different groups of people.  Even your co-workers will be out celebrating with their families.  Sometimes we lose sight of how important our co-workers are to our lives.  In reality, we spend more time with them than our own blood relatives.  So don't forget to wish them a Merry Christmas as you all shuffle out to your cars on Christmas Eve (or whichever day your workplace closes). 

Life isn't promise to us tomorrow, so we need to learn to be more thankful for those we have today.  This holiday season I'm hoping to get to spend more time with family, with friends, with co-workers, and really enjoy the little things in life that God gives us every single day that we seem to take for granted.

I know I got off on a more serious note today than I normally do, but that was on my heart so I felt led to release it. 

Do you have any special traditions, new or old, that you will be doing this year?

A Law Abiding Citizen.

So, the back story is that Amanda and myself were discussing some "strange laws" that the great state of Alabama has, and I got to thinking.. what are some of Mississippi's dumb-dumbs that are still out there lurking?

For your entertainment:
o. If one is a parent to two illegitimate children, that person will go to jail for at least one month.
o. A man may not seduce a woman by lying, and claiming he will marry her.
o. Adultery or Fornication (living together while not married or having sex with someone that is not your spouse) results in a fine of $500 and/or 6 months in prison.
o. It is illegal for a male to be sexually aroused in public.
o. Houses are not to be within 50 feet of any road.
o. One may be fined up to $100 for using profane language in a public place.

So in other words- MS is screwed. haaaaaaaaaa!

Tel-e-obsessed!

I've never been one to watch a lot of television. I've always been more of a radio girl. 

Until recently.

It seems ever since I joined Netflix I have become obsessed! I've caught up on Pretty Little Liars....


 and am now fully involved in Vampire Diaries....
 

I don't feel like I can get enough... jeeez!

So tell me, what's your recommendation on what I should get into next? :)

I giggle.

I'm currently sitting here on the bed after a DELICIOUS dinner my man cooked me.  We grilled hamburgers, and let me tell ya'll- the man can handle a grill.  My belly loves him a lot right about now.

But I just wanted to pop in my blog world and let go of some random things I found in my phone..

C'mon, you all know you have them..

So, the story is- a few weeks ago, Brian and I stopped in a local furniture place.  He was looking for "the perfect gaming chair" and so we were browsing the store when I found a jewel.

A DENIM COUCH.

I got SO tickled at this.  I am just glad there was no one else around to see me have a fit trying to get my phone out to snap this picture.. ha!!

And you know I had to have MY picture taken with it!  Poor Brian.  He is such a good sport to put up with me sometimes! ha!

And if that wasn't enough for you-

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?  It's funny. :)


Have a nice weekend lovies!  I'm off to go spend some time with that good looking man of mine who made my belly happy, happy, happy!