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,

Wedding Weekend

Well, the wedding is over and the bride and groom are headed to paradise! And I'm still tired. You don't realize how tired you are until it's all over and done! I wish I was hopping on a plane today, but I'll settle for bundling up and watching the Pioneer Woman. 

Since the wedding was Friday evening, we had the rehearsal on Thursday. We had dinner at The Attic before heading to the Church. The mother of the Groom did a fantastic job on the rehearsal dinner decorations and the food at The Attic is always good! The cheesecake was to die for. After dinner we headed over to the church to practice before setting up. After a few hours at the Community House we hit the hay!

Thankfully, the wedding day was pretty uneventful. No major mishaps or trauma! All the girls were happy that it wasn't quite as cold as the day before, especially when we headed outside to take pictures in our strapless dresses. We all got ready together at the church while enjoying some pizza and Spice Girls! The Bride and Groom saw each other before the ceremony so we were able to knock out the majority of the photos. It was nice to just be able to relax for a bit between the Ceremony and Reception!

Here are a few photos taken on my iPhone. Enjoy!

Beautiful rehearsal decor

Love these two! CAN'T WAIT for May!

Blurry Bride and Groom at the Rehearsal Dinner

Decor at our table

There's nothing better than candles!

Getting all prettied up!

Pre-dresses

Love those beautiful windows

Excitement!

Boys + Flowers

My handsome date

LOVE this girl! 

Sister pic

I wrote, "I hope you always love each other as much as you did in high school, and as much as you do today!"

Old school! Love you girls

The beautiful church after dark

Veil shot

First dance

So happy for you two! 

It's Wedding Day!

Emilee and Kelsey's wedding day is finally here! It seems like it was just yesterday when we were putting a note on his truck at the ball fields! I couldn't be more excited for them and am so happy to be a part of their special day! I'm getting ready to head to the church now so y'all pray I don't ruin the wedding by falling on my face. Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Love,

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.