Thankful.

As I think back on the last year, I am overwhelmed with the life events that have taken place and the lessons learned. It was around this time last year when I started this blog and, while I have not been as up with the posting as I would like, it has been such a great reminder of those events and lessons learned. In no particular order, here are the top 10 things I am thankful for this year:

1. A family that loves me unconditionally, supports me, and encourages me to still chase after my dreams, even at the age of 25.

2. The last 7 years that Travis and I have spent getting to know each other, going on date nights, cheering on the Dawgs, exploring Athens, traveling to new cities, and building the foundation for our marriage. Leading me to...

3. ...A fiance that accepts me with all of my flaws, quirks, and Type A qualities, celebrates the little kid that is in me, and challenges me as a person and in my faith.

4. That my Granddaddy is in a safe place. Over the last year, my family has been dealing and coping with the changes that have been occurring in his life. My Granddaddy has Alzheimer's and the last year has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, as his memory has slowly been fading away. The last couple of months have been extremely tough on my Nanny, my mom, her sisters and our family as a whole. About a week ago, my Granddaddy was accepted in to an Alzheimer's care facility that is more than we could have imagined. He is well taken care of and is making friends with the other men and women. While this is the first Thanksgiving that he won't be in our house celebrating, he will be ever present in our hearts, as we are thankful that he is with us for another year. 

5. My high school friends. These girls have been there for every up and down, as we have grown up together from teenagers worried about what to wear on the first day of school, to women who are now separated by a few to a hundred miles. I am thankful that I have this group of friends that know me inside and out... and no distance will ever change that. 

6. My girlfriend friends. These friendships began as a result of our respective others being a part of the same fraternity... but what came from those initial beginnings are friendships that are full of life talks, relationships rooted in our faith, and a love for Georgia football. 

 7. A job where I am constantly challenged professionally and in my knowledge of special education and autism; where I am forced to re-evaluate my views and thoughts on education; where I am supported by my principal, vice principal and the teachers that comprise our staff; where I am hoping for a smile or eye contact to let me know that I have breached the silence that autism often leaves behind.

8. Jamaica. I am so thankful for this trip and all that my heart was opened to. Throughout this week, my faith was strengthened and renewed through experiences that required me to fully and completely put all of my faith and trust in God. I was reminded that no matter where you go, who you encounter, or where you come from, the way you live your life and interact with those around you can be a true testament to your faith and relationship with God.

9. Tyreke. This child has changed my life forever. The passion that was awakened in my heart for adoption makes me excited, nervous and emotional, all at the same time. Through him, I was reminded of the innocence that all children have, that a smile can melt your heart, and that God has a miraculous way of working people, or toddlers, in to our life. 

10. My God. Throughout the last year, I have had personal and professional highs and lows. I have been challenged and pushed, and just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, I was challenged and pushed even farther. No matter the frustrations, prayers, and tears that followed, I have always known that God has been the one orchestrating all of the events that have occurred. That is sometimes not the easiest thing to remind yourself of, or truly be 100% confident in, especially when the storm seems to rage and rage... but isn't that faith... believing that no matter the circumstance, God has a plan. And His plan is bigger and better than one I ever could have imagined. I am thankful that my God loves me enough to master a plan so tailored to my every need, desire, wish and hope. 

On Thanksgiving, no matter the circumstance, or the lesson learned, I am thankful.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A first.

UGA vs. Kentucky. We got to spend this game with some of our close family friends and their precious kids. I have known Stephanie since the days of middle school when she first walked in to our family. She has been more than my chorus teacher from back in the day, she is one of my mom's closest friends, and now I feel blessed to call her one of my friends, as well. This family will also be a HUGE part of our big day... with Brandon marrying us, Stephanie singing, and Tessa and Eli acting as our flower girl and ring bearer. To say this family is a big part of our lives is more than an understatement. It was so much fun to spend this game with them and get to see Tessa experience her first UGA game. Go Dawgs!

#godawgs

Saturday was a great day to be a Georgia Bulldawg... not only did we beat Auburn, but Travis and I got to hang out with some of our bestest friends. I love how football brings us all back together!

Wishes for Baby.

One of the last DIY projects from Bridgette's baby shower were these wish cards that each one of the guests filled out...

From what we hope these babies learn, love, and laugh at, to what they become and find joy in, these sweet wishes will soon be compiled into a surprise for the mommy-to-be.

DIY - Baby Shower Edition... Part 2.

And now for the burlap banner... these are ALL over Pinterest. I love how simple and pretty they are, especially when draped across a mantle.

Step 1:
You will need burlap, a paint brush and some paint, ribbon to attach your pendants too, and some accent ribbon. (Yes - this project is as cheap as it seems)

Step 2:
Cut out a pattern for your pendants. And then trace that shape on your burlap.

Step 3:
Get your painting area ready... when you paint on burlap, the paint DOES bleed through. Just a warning. :)

Step 4:
Paint your phrase, words, or design on your pendants and let dry overnight. Burlap soaks up more paint than you think.

Step 5:
Bust out that hot glue gun... glue each pendant on to your main ribbon. I used a burlap/twine-esque ribbon that I found at Jo-Anns. Here's a "duh" comment, but if you are going to hang something in between, make sure to test it out BEFORE you glue.

 

Step 6:
FINAL PRODUCT... burlap banner with fabric onesies. Total project time = about 2 hours... when you take out the overnight drying and laundry load that had to be done.

And tomorrow, the baby wish book... another SUPER EASY project that will be a sweet keepsake for the mommy-to-be.

DIY - Baby Shower Edition.

Along with about all of my other friends, I am loving some Pinterest. The ideas, or should I say "pins," are definitely getting crafty-wheels turning in my head, especially with Bridgette's baby shower. For Bridgette's shower, I took on three DIY projects: onesies, a burlap banner, and a wish book. The onesies - so simple, easy and they only took about 20-30 minutes to make.

Here we go...

Step 1:
You will need Heat Bond - Ultra Hold (they sell it in sheets at Jo-Anns or your local fabric store), baby onesies and fabric of your choosing. Make sure to pre-wash the onesies and the fabric before beginning.

Step 2:

Iron the Ultra-Bond on to the back of your fabric - following the directions on the Ultra

Bond packaging... they are super easy to follow!

Step 3:
Find your favorite shapes, print out and then trace on to your fabric "sheets." Remember, you will be using the flip side of the fabric... so for my shapes, I flipped them face down so they would look like my print-outs.

Step 4:
Cut out your fabric pieces.

Step 5:
Peel off the back on your fabric pieces; place on your onesie; iron over the fabric.

Step 6:
"Oooo" and "aaaaah" at how cute your little project turned out!

Next up, the burlap banner and wish book! Stay tuned...