2011.

As 2011 is quickly coming to an end, I am amazed at all that has happened this past year... weddings, engagements, beach trips, babies, weekend getaways, baptism, football firsts, a trip that forever changed my heart and everything in between, God has been more than faithful this year. One of the biggest lessons that I am taking away from 2011 is that God's plan is bigger and better than mine could ever be. My controlling, Type-A personality often likes to take over... it is in these moments that God knocks me down to my knees, where I am reminded of His grace. Here's to 2011... the friendships, relationships and adventures that have strengthened my faith and reminded me of how blessed I really am. Much love! 

Joy. Unspeakable Joy.

Christmas this year was full of family, yummy food, lots of pictures, and the reminder of the real reason for this season... celebrating the birth of a little baby that came to save the world.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing

 

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns 

Let all their songs employ 

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains 

Repeat the sounding joy 

Repeat the sounding joy 

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

 

 

Joy, unspeakable joy
An overflowing well, no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy

Rises in my soul, never lets me go

  

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders of His love

 

Joy, unspeakable joy
An overflowing well, no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul, never lets me go

"Joy to the World"
~ Chris Tomlin ~

Road Trip.

Typically our Saturday would involve sleeping in; me trying to convince Travis that we need a pretzel bagel with veggie cream cheese from Einstein's; catching up on our DVR shows; and falling back to sleep somewhere in between. But not this Saturday... Travis and I got up bright and early to head to Nashville. WOOO HOOO!!!

So instead of bagels and being lazy, we got to explore Nashville with some of our best friends... and of course took some time for a few pictures in the Opryland Hotel.

Travis and I spent Saturday night in a hole-in-the wall restaurant with some yummy food and conversation revolving around all things wedding, family, and faith. As we are getting closer to the big day (187 days to be exact), I am getting more and more excited to be able to share these moments and get-away weekends with my husband... AHH!! :)

We ended our little Nashville get-away this morning at church with Bobby and Amanda. On the way up, Travis and I had a lively "discussion" about the correct words in the Christmas song "Hark the herald angels sing." This "discussion" continued over lunch on Saturday with Bobby and Amanda... I needed some back-up to prove I was right. :) As we got settled in to our seats at church this morning, the four of us laughed when we saw what the sermon would be focusing on... the Christmas song "Hark the herald angels sing" and the real meaning behind the verses that we sing. I hope God enjoyed the humor we found in this moment. It was such a treat to spend Sunday morning with these friends - being able to experience their church and fellowship with them was a great way to end the weekend.

Now for two more days of school... 

Counting down the hours until Christmas break officially begins...

Hello world.

They're here!! They're here!! On December 10th, Oliver and Olivia made their grand debut! They were both being just a little impatient and couldn't wait to say hi to the world. Kam and Bridgette have already fallen perfectly in to the role of parents... while there will most definitely be ups and downs raising twins, there is no doubt that these two little ones will be surrounded with love - it is evident in the way their Daddy looks at his new daughter and the way that their Mommy holds on to her son's tiny fingers. Welcome to the world Oliver and Olivia!

Happy Turkey Day.

As Christmas is quickly approaching, I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from Thanksgiving. The week was full of family, food, shopping, and a jog through the Marietta Square...