Valentime's Day

Yes, I still refer to it as Valentime's Day. Old habits die hard, y'all! Well, I haven't got much for you in the way of Valentine's decorations but I'll show you what I have. This is actually the most I've ever done so you should be proud of me!

Sorry for the lack of posting - things have been a little hectic around here. I've been subbing a lot and Chris has been working as usual. We headed home to Habersham last weekend and had a great time visiting our families. However, Chris got sick over the weekend and is just getting over it. He is never sick so it always really bothers me. I'll try to find some more interesting things to blog about soon!

If you can't tell I have a serious love for candy hearts. If you missed my candy hearts wreath tutorial, check it out and make one for yourself! I love it so much!

I was having so much fun hot gluing candy to make my wreath I decided to glue hearts to this frame I don't use anymore! I like how it turned out!

Our 2013 Memory Jar - such a cute and fun idea!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Dear 2012

Dear 2012,

Wow, what a year you have been! You were a year I had been anticipating for so long in so many ways. There were big life changes made this year and I can't believe I actually made it through alive and well. Now you are almost over and I can't help but reflect on how blessed I have been this last year.

I spent my first true semester in a classroom and fell in love with a group of kids I never imagined myself teaching, even in my wildest dreams. It's amazing how things work out, isn't it? Little did I know I was hand picked for that group of kids. God knew exactly what he was doing when he placed me in that classroom. Those kids were perfect for me and I can say in confidence that I was perfect for them. We got to dive deep into slavery, war, and civil rights together but I know I learned more from them than they learned from me. It was exhausting, irritating, frustrating, and perfect in every way. I was forced to take a good, hard, look at myself and am a better person and teacher because of it.

After four seemingly short years I graduated from the University of Georgia with my degree in Middle Grades Education. Every year at UGA passed more quickly than the one before it and I wasn't ready for it to end. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for the opportunity to start and finish at such a wonderful institution. My dad has always been quick to remind Haley and I not to take our education for granted. We know there are so many people who would have loved to attend UGA but couldn't for different reasons. My education is one thing I will always be thankful for. Athens and UGA will always hold the most special place in my heart.

I finally got to walk down the aisle and marry my best friend after seven and a half years together. The date had been set for nearly four years but when it finally arrived it felt like it couldn't be here already. We aren't old enough for this, are we? We worked day and night for over a year to make sure everything was perfect for our day. It felt funny to sit back and have everything done for us that weekend, but that's exactly what we wanted. We wanted to enjoy our time with our friends and family and enjoy we did! The week we spent in Jekyll will always be the best week of my life. It's been six months and it still feels like yesterday. Is that how it will always be? I can only hope it is because I never want to forget that feeling.

Now, here's where I'll be honest. This is one change I wasn't happy about in 2012. Getting through the wedding was my main focus and I didn't let myself think about what would happen after it was over. I didn't want to think about leaving Athens. Somehow I kept pushing that to the back of my mind and pretending we could find a way to stay. Like so many others, I love Athens. Like, serious love. As in, it took me two months to move my things after the wedding... And, if I'm being totally honest, it's only because my sister had to find a roommate. If that hadn't happened I can guarantee you that my room would still be the same. I didn't want to leave Athens, UGA, Hilsman, my friends, and especially my sister. I don't do well with change; I am a creature of habit to the extreme. Moving to a totally new place didn't sit well with me, but over time I have adjusted and am learning to love my new home. Marriage isn't all fun and games! Especially when a certain someone gets a fantastic job they love and drag you away from everything you've ever known! But, in this scary time I couldn't be more thankful for my husband and his job. We're getting there!

Along with moving to a totally new place came working in a school system I knew nothing about. I started substituting in Dalton so I could get a feel for the area and the schools. I am so thankful for the work and to be back with the kids. I spend most of my time in the same Elementary school and I absolutely adore it. Never in a million years did I think I would love those kids so much. I have learned that I can teach something other than middle school and that feels pretty darn good. I hope to be more settled next year and find a teaching job, but only time will tell!

We've got some exciting plans I can't wait to share with you when the time comes. This has been the best year yet but life just keeps getting better! The best is yet to come!

2012 - You have been so good to me and I am looking forward to what 2013 holds!


Love,

This Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Chris had to work until Sunday evening so we drove home to Habersham on Christmas Eve morning. We started the festivities by spending Christmas Eve with Chris's extended family. This is probably my favorite of our holiday get togethers. I'm no stranger to a big family, seeing as I have more first cousins than I can count. However, the difference with Chris's family is that they get together all the time. It's always a blast!

There's so many of us that we do several of our get togethers in the fellowship hall at the church. My favorite part of Christmas Eve (minus the thirty foot food table obviously) is the present game! I guess it's a version of the White Elephant game - where everyone gets a number and you can steal a present from anyone who went before you. Every year there are a couple of hot ticket items that get stolen (and then hidden) several times. This years hot gifts were a BB gun, a knife, a Hunger Games board game, and a pair of binoculars. I've yet to steal anything from anyone, but maybe next year! We ended up with a crock pot and a bird feeder. Yep, that sounds about right!

After the get together we headed back to my parents house where I received one of the best gifts ever from my sweet dad. I've told you all before that I'm a bit of a hoarder. That includes keeping old things and adding other old things to my collection. Basically, if it's old, I want it. I've been looking for the perfect church pew for a couple of years now. I have seen them occasionally but either they were too big, in too bad of shape, or too much money! I mentioned it to my dad and asked him to keep an eye out for one and to let me know if he ever saw one. So, Christmas Eve night he and Chris had to go "unload something" at dad's shop. A few minutes later I hear them stomping through the house and this is what they brought in:

Sorry for the iPhone picture, y'all. Yes, again. 

To say that I was excited is a gross understatement. I was in shock and totally surprised. And let me be honest with y'all, that doesn't happen very often! Just ask Chris how hard it is to keep a secret from me. I can't believe he knew and didn't spill the beans! That's a first! The pew is absolutely perfect. It's the perfect size and it is in great shape! Of course carpenter Pete took it apart and put it back together to make sure it is nice and sturdy. For now I love the look but when we have a house I may paint it a bright color or stain it darker depending on it's permanent home. Maybe something like this: 

Via My Old Country House

My Old Country House has some great decor ideas so you should check it out. This is similar to my style. I love the photo wall above the pew. For now, I will make room for it in our little condo but I can't wait until we have a home to decorate! I really will be blowing up this blog then! I have big ideas, y'all. 

Anyway, back to Christmas! We woke up before sunrise Christmas morning to head to Chris's house to do Christmas with his family. We always open presents together and have a big breakfast. We gave a copy of our wedding videos to his parents so we watched it with everyone. Since his grandparents weren't able to make the trip it was fun getting to watch the video with them! Chris's parents gave us a freezer so we are excited to have some extra space at our house. Cue the Sam's trip!

After Christmas with Chris's family we headed back to celebrate at my house. This year we had more surprises than we usually do so that was fun! There seem to be less surprises as you get older! Of course there were many wedding related gifts given all around. We gave my parents a matted and framed family portrait to hang at their house and I can't wait to get it up! I'll post a picture as soon as we get around to it. It's amazing how as you get older you get excited over different types of things. Who knew you could be so excited for a freezer, vacuum, steam mop, and silver ware?

Chris had to go into work at six on Christmas night so he had to head back to Dalton. I stayed here and headed to the Dillard House to eat with my family. Yesterday Mom, Haley, and I shopped around town for some after Christmas deals. I bought some clearance decorations, wrapping paper, labels, and storage containers. Now, I just hate having to wait until next year to use it all! I'm about to get ready to head to my best friend's rehearsal dinner! The wedding is tomorrow and I'm so excited! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Love,

Merry Christmas!

I seriously underestimated how many Christmas cards we needed to order this year so I didn't get to send as many as I would have liked. Next year I am going to double my order to make sure we get one to everyone. If you didn't get one this year then enjoy a virtual card! 

This is probably my last post until after Christmas so I want to wish everyone a safe, happy, and blessed Christmas! I think we can all agree that we have so much to be thankful for!

Front

Back

Christmas card display!

Much love to you and yours!

Happy 25th to my better half!

Happy twenty-fifth birthday to my sweet husband!

We couldn't be any more different if we tried and I am so thankful that "opposites attract." You drive me nuts every day but I never could (and still can't) stay away from you! You are the sweetest and most kind person with the biggest heart I've ever seen. You keep me laughing, at you and at myself, all the time. You would do anything for anyone, whether you know them or not, even if they have treated you badly in the past. That's what I love most about you. You show me what love is every day and love me unconditionally when I don't deserve it. You put up with all my craziness and support me in whatever I believe, think, say, and do. You have no idea how thankful I am for that and for you. You work so hard every day and take better care of me than I ever could have imagined! I am so lucky! You really are my better half. I have loved every moment of the last eight years and I cannot wait for many more years with you!

A month of milestones!

December is always a big month for us. I'm obviously a Christmas fanatic so it's my favorite month of the year in that respect. As I've said before, I will make up absolutely any reason to celebrate anything. This month we have celebrated several (albeit small) milestones!

December 3rd marked our six month anniversary. It is ridiculous that we have been married for six months! It seems like it was just yesterday that we were visiting Jekyll for the first time, buying wedding bands, and boarding the plane to the Dominican Republic! Speaking of that, Chris when are we going back? I'm expecting an answer in the comments! ;)

December 4th marked two years since we got engaged! We celebrated by going to the Christmas parade in Gatlinburg as usual. Unfortunately, it was much too warm for snow this year! Chris got the email that told him it was time for my ring check up a few days ago so we trekked down to Shane Company to get it done while he was off work. While we were there we realized I'd been wearing it for two years! No wonder it was looking so rough! After leaving it for a couple of days it looks as shiny as it did the day he gave it to me and I am so glad to have it back!

Today, December 19th, we have been together for EIGHT YEARS. What? Not possible. I was fourteen and Chris was sixteen when we started, "going out." I was head over heels for him before he even knew I existed and he was way too cool for me! I still don't know how it happened but I am so thankful I "took a chance" (after reading a fortune cookie with those words) on him! I remember our first "date" - Chris driving me home from school - like it was yesterday. I almost threw up I was so nervous (and embarrassed) as we pulled out of the parking lot with Lil Wayne blaring. A month later he gave me flowers and asked me to be his girlfriend. He had a rough exterior but the sweetest heart. Over the years the rough has faded but he still has the same sweet heart I fell in love with as a freshman in high school. So thankful for young love!

Today also marks Grandma Loretta and Papa Wayne's 48th wedding anniversary! We are so lucky to have so many great examples of what marriage should look like around us. 

And tomorrow, my sweet husband will be twenty five! I don't know how we got here, but boy it sure has been fun! Stay tuned for a birthday tribute to my boy.

Family.

Not only was yesterday the anniversary of burying my own grandfather, but it was the day Charles was laid to rest. Despite the dreary day and pouring rain, the service was beautiful and just what I had expected. It reminded me just how lucky I am to have married into such a kind, loving, and close-knit big family. I've never seen anything like it in all my life. Every family has their trouble, but if this family does you better bet you'd never know it. I've been lucky enough to be apart of the family for eight years and I've yet to see it. They truly are some of the best people I have ever known. Even though I'm "not blood," as Scott jokingly said during the service, they treat me just the same and I know they would do anything in the world for me.

During the service the brothers and sisters got up and sang together. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed. They were hurting too but they stood together and stayed strong for their sister. Y'all know by now it doesn't take much to make me cry, but that did me in quicker than even I expected. It's not often I see siblings who have the same love for each other that I have for my sister, but they definitely do. That's the one word I'd use to describe them: love. Love for each other and love for the Lord. I've never met anyone who shows the love of Christ like those women. You only have to be around them for a moment and you can feel it surrounding you.

I've learned a lot about myself as a Christian over the past couple of years. While I value the word and witnessing to others, I'm more concerned with "walking the walk," than "talking the talk" in my daily life. I've encountered many of those people who turn Christians away in the past and that's the last thing I want to do. Anyone can talk about the Lord but living it is what we struggle with. That's what these women have taught me. They make me want to live my life in a way that brings glory to the Lord. As a teacher I can't bring God into my classroom in the ways I would like so I have to bring him in through my actions. Every morning I teach I pray to the Lord and ask him to shine through me so that the kids can experience his love and grace through me. In light of all that has happened that seems more important than ever.

Love to you and yours,

At a loss

It's been a rough couple of days for me for several different reasons. Yesterday was the anniversary of my grandfather's death so that is always a sad day for my family. Thursday evening my husband's great uncle passed away and it has been devastating to his family. 

I've lost four grandparents and two other relatives in my life, but my husband's family has been pretty blessed. This is the first death that has happened in the eight years I have been with him. He still has five living grandparents and many more extended family members that are much like grandparents to the both of us. His family is just as much my own and I am hurting seeing them grieve over the loss of such a sweet and caring man. I think about myself when I think about his young grandkids. Several of them are around the age I was when I lost three grandparents and I will never forget those days. 

My mom said yesterday, "I can't believe he has been gone this long. I can still see him, hear him, just like it was yesterday. I hope I never forget that." I don't think you ever forget. 

I can still imagine sitting in my Grandpa's lap while he scratched my back. I'll never forget the smell of his button ups or the sound of his voice, a normally rough voice, talking to me so sweetly and telling me stories as long I would sit. I can taste the carrot muffin he would share with me at Stoney's after picking me up from Clarkesville Elementary after school. 

I can feel the way my Grandma hugged me. She was so little and frail but when she hugged you, she gave it all she had. I can smell her kitchen and taste her fried potatoes as if I just had them for breakfast! I can picture the walls in her living room, covered with photos of her many grandchildren. We would always count the frames and talk about the faces inside them.

I can feel the warmth and softness of my Meme's skinny little hands. I can hear the way she called my name, the same way at five and at fifteen. It didn't matter if I was sitting right beside her or darting into the ocean without my floaties. I can remember digging through her purse to find candy during church then falling asleep on the pew beside her with my head in her lap.

When I think about them those are the things I want to remember forever, not the sadness surrounding their passing. The sadness never fully goes away, but in time it is replaced by more and more comforting memories. Those good memories will last a lifetime as long as you let them. God knew what he was doing when he created us. He created us to be compassionate and loving and created a heart and head for memories. As long as you remember, you can keep them alive and with you.

I am crying as I write this post just like I cried all day yesterday watching the footage of the school shooting in Connecticut. This one really hit home for me in a new way. As a teacher we love our kids as if they are our own. I don't think parents quite understand how much their babies mean to us. I promise we do everything in our power to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. There are so many families who are hurting and lost after this tragedy and I can only pray the Lord comforts them in such a sad and confusing time.

Pray for those sweet babies who are home with the Lord this Christmas. Pray for their devastated families who have suffered a loss that no one should ever have to endure. Pray that the community can band together to heal. Pray for those who had to work that awful crime scene. Most of all pray for our country. We are lost and need guidance more than ever. I hope you'll pray too.

Tis the season to be jolly!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Watts-Savage household! Here's a peek at the few decorations we have put up. We bought a new tree instead of opting for a real one this year since we will be gone a week at a time over the holidays. We will save that tradition for next time :) There's nothing better than the glow of a Christmas tree, is there?

I'd be happy if it was Christmas all year long - I never tire of the decorations or especially the music! When I worked at the jail Haley used to make so much fun of me because everyone (even the inmates) referred to me as "That girl who listens to Christmas music." Hey, when you're holed up in a little room with thousands of records, you've got to brighten it up somehow!

That being said, it doesn't feel like it's truly Christmas until we've been to the Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg. I've mentioned it many times so I'll spare you the details but we are heading out tomorrow morning and I am so excited! Since our beloved Midtown Lodge was demolished we are staying at a new place and I hope we like it. Be on the look out for a post next week with plenty of pictures! I'm headed out the door to run some errands and do a little Christmas shopping! Have a great weekend, y'all!

Blogged

Y'all. This shows just how crazy I've been lately. Our lovely photographer blogged some of our wedding photos and I didn't even know it! That is very unusual for me! I'm pretty on top of my social media! Of course you all have seen these before but just for record's sake here you go:

JEKYLL ISLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: CARI AND CHRIS

Happy Tuesday!

ps, Stay tuned tomorrow for something extra exciting :)

Our Annual Gatlinburg Trip

Hello All! How have y'all been during my hiatus from the blogosphere? I'm sure you've all been enjoying this fantastic weather as much as I have! I don't know exactly where I've been but when I look back since I last wrote it feels like I've been extremely busy! I guess that's life though, huh? Living in the in betweens.

Last weekend we enjoyed our annual trip to Gatlinburg with Chris's family. This is the family's eleventh year going together and my eighth year joining the crew! Chris and I look forward to this trip all year long! It's so insane how time flies. I remember anticipating this trip for the first time like it was yesterday. You know, back when we were fifteen and seventeen and skipped high school to go! It was so weird not having to study or go back to school this year. Well, I went back to school but in a different way I guess! Geez we are getting old! Twenty two and twenty four... that doesn't sound as cute! All these years we've been counting down until we could get married and now we are finally here. Your parents aren't kidding when they say the older you get the faster time flies. I hope it will start slowing down a little bit...

Back to the trip! We stay in a big cabin with everyone usually just outside of town. This year we had a cabin overlooking Gatlinburg with phenomenal views of town and the surrounding mountains. The Smoky Mountains are almost at peak this time of year and I never tire of looking at them! I have taken about a zillion pictures over my lifetime and just keep snapping! We did the usual: a whole lot of shopping and eating! Plus a little bit of hiking, board games, putt-putt, arcade games, and of course enjoying the sights and each other. I'll try to narrow down the several hundred photos I took -

Since we got into town before noon we decided to head out to Cade's Cove 

Plenty of self photography coming up, y'all!

Always have to take a pic of this place ;)

Love him

And him!

Excuse the ghost halo in the photo

Cutest thing ever.

We just couldn't help ourselves!

Sunny Tiff and me

The most beautiful set-up in the fall

Can you tell we are sleepy? Going to breakfast with everyone

Our HUGE bear friend!

Enjoying our last night!

Favorite thing on Earth

View from our cabin

Love listening to music in the rocking chairs

Love love love them!

Lunch at the Apple Barn on the last day

Heading back over the mountain 

We try...

It was so beautiful we decided to take a short hike right before sunset...

COLD

More beautiful with every step

Look at these bridges, Lisa! Teensy!

Arch Rock

I swear the colors change every minute!

How do people doubt the existence of our Creator?

He paints the most beautiful pictures!

Hope those brightened up your Monday!