Snow Day #4

And the boredom is slowly setting in...

Snow Day Monday brought excitement, lots of sleep, and a snowy adventure 

at Kennesaw Mountain.

Snow Day Tuesday brought happiness, organizing my bathroom, and lots of laundry.

Snow Day Wednesday brought mixed feelings, cleaning out my closet, and finishing 

3/4 report cards.

Snow Day Thursday brought confusion (Will we really be out all week? Am I really going to get my students back on Tuesday after 6 days of no school?!), a new blog post, 

and a to-do list.

And for the rest of my Snow Day Thursday.... work out, start my t-shirt blanket (finally after 6 months of putting it off), finish up report cards, take a second look through my closet to continue the "snowy day" cleaning, frequently check the news to see how Atlanta is managing icy roads day #4 and maybe a nap in there some where... if anything, these snowy days are definitely "forcing" me to catch up on my sleep. 

The year ahead...

For Travis and I, the year 2011 will be full of weddings and babies. If you know me, then you know that I absolutely LOVE weddings. The dress, the cake, the flowers, the decorations, the pictures that tell the sweetest story... weddings just make me happy. My favorite part about weddings (aside from the wedding itself) is the mini-reunions that take place. 11 weddings and 2 babies... this post is dedicated to the lives, friendships, and relationships we will soon be celebrating.

The Weddings

April 23rd - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Meyer 

Kicking off wedding season...Travis's brother will be tying the knot. I am so excited to have some one else to bring some southern flair into the Meyer family.

April 30th - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Walker

Even though we are from the same town, Tracie and I did not meet until my freshman year... Thanks AXO. From date nights, late nights on exec hall, and a summer spent as counselors, I am so excited to see Tracie marry her high school sweetheart!

May 7th - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Gaston 

Another sister wedding will take us to Birmingham, AL to see Katie become Mrs. Gaston. Can't wait to celebrate their special day!

May 28th - 

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Powderly 

Aubrie and I are childhood friends. We spent our afternoons saving money for DoodleBears, obsessing over Hanson, and trying to convince our parents that we needed new pets.

June 18th - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Adam 

Sister wedding #3. Mary Catherine and I met through AXO... living together or next to each other for 3 years created many memories from dance parties at Bourbon Street, early mornings as student teachers, and an overflowing toilet that resulted in a 911 phone call. So excited for Emma Cat!

June 25th - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Story 

Kates and I met at Freshman Orientation. There is only one word that describes Kates and I... TWINNERS. I remember first hearing about Kates's crush on Gaines. It has been so much fun being a part of their relationship from day one. Another sister wedding and the first Beta girlfriend wedding of the season. TWINNERFACESOOOOOOOOOSKINNY.

July 16th - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Rankin 

Another Beta Girlfriend wedding... Mary Elizabeth and I met (as our respective others would say) because of their frat. Since then, the "girlfriends" have formed our own special bond... thanks Beta. Can't wait to do some sipping at your wedding friend!

July 30th - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Biringer 

Beta Girlfriend wedding #3. Mallory and I spent the summer of 2010 wedding hopping and planning together. I am so excited to spend this summer helping her plan her wedding and being a part of her special day!

August 6th - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Davis 

Ending the summer, Travis and I will head out to Boulder, Colorado for my cousin's wedding. I can't wait to make my first trip to Colorado and am even more excited to have my first real experience at wedding planning. Taking on the flowers and reception decor, my cousin my just be fueling my new career path. :)

October 1st - The Future Mr. and Mrs. Fotia 

Making our way to HHI, I can't wait to celebrate Frank and Anna's wedding. A friendship 10 years and counting, Anna is officially our first high school friend to tie the knot. From Sidelines Bar and Grille, YMCA work-out marathons, high school crushes, to finding our true boys and entering the real world together, I am so blessed to call Anna one of my bestest friends.

November 5th - 

The Future Mr.and Mrs. McLeod 

2011 wedding season will conclude in Nashville, TN celebrating the marriage of Jay and Erin. Travis met Jay in law school and we are so excited to be a part of their special day.

The Babies

Aside from the weddings, the first Beta babies will be making their debut in the world. Alex and Laura are both already the cutest pregnant mommy-to-be's; Eddie and Phil are already the sweetest soon-to-be daddys. I can't wait for UGA football 2011 and our first tailgating experiences with these sweet little ones.

Celebrating Baby Faucette.

Special treatment for Baby Rowe.

Can't wait for Baby Faucette and Baby Rowe to make their appearance in red and black.

2010 comes to an end...

The month of December has been full of family, friends, and lots of miles in between. It has been by far one of my more favorite months this year because I was constantly reminded of how blessed I am.

December began with a tacky Christmas party and a surprise guest...

My family then headed to Christmas Eve, Eve service... classic Christmas carols and some drum playing by my favorite 4 year old rounded out the evening...

 

 Christmas Eve means family, lots of food, presents, and witty comments from my Granddaddy...

Christmas Eve came to an end with a bestie tradition... Secret Santa. From high school beginnings, this mini reunion has become a big highlight of my Christmas season. Ice scrapers, clutches, cute tops and personalized nail polish - our gifts keep getting better and better.

Christmas Day means stockings, surprises, SNOW, family and remembering the true meaning behind this December holiday...

Christmas this year also meant travels... we made our way to Berea, Ky (Folk Art Capital of the World... just FYI) to visit my Dad's family. Berea is a VERY small town. The
best attraction would have to be the local Wal-Mart where my dad is bound to run in to at least 3 people who know him from childhood. Makes for a very interesting experience.   

The Chapel my parents were married in almost 30 years ago!

Finally, Travis and I headed to Lake Rabun to celebrate the New Year with some of our closest friends. "Fish Bowl," a jump in the lake, yummy food, babies, fireworks and life chats made for a great start to 2011...

2010... lessons learned, memories with friends, and strengthened faith...
I have been extremely blessed this year to have a job that has helped me to see the best in every situation, friends and family that support and encourage me, and a God that continues to amaze me. The biggest lesson learned from this year would have to be that God comes through in big ways when you give over control to Him. Taking that lesson into the new year, I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store. 

Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve has become one of my most favorite traditions. There are many reasons why this tradition ranks at the top of my list, but the number one reason is my grandparents. I am more than blessed. 

Merry Christmas Eve ya'll!

Say a Prayer.

‎"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

The Bible says that when two or more are gathered in His name, that He is there. If you have a moment in your day, please say a prayer for Mallory. 


Mallory and I cheered together throughout high school. She has the sweetest spirit and truly has a heart for God. Mallory always saw the best in every person and situation she encountered. From the football sidelines to competition floor, Mallory kept everyone around her smiling and laughing. Even though six years have passed since we cheered on the Mustangs, Mallory has always had a special place in my heart. She is someone you don't just forget. Mallory leaves a lasting impression. 


In 2006, Mallory was admitted to the hospital and later that year she received a liver transplant. In 2007, Mallory was once again admitted to the hospital. In September of 2007, she received her second liver transplant. Throughout this entire journey, Mallory has kept her faith strong and has been fully relying on God to see her through. On November 28, 2010, Mallory was again admitted to the hospital. Doctors are trying to figure out what is making her so sick. Currently, Mallory is in the ICU fighting as hard as her body possibly can. 


Please pray that the doctors determine what is making her so sick and that they do so quickly. Pray for her physical strength to return and that her body continues to fight. Pray for her family and close friends to have peace in this most difficult and trying time. 


To Mallory - This world needs you. Keep fighting. 

*To read more about Mallory and her journey click here to visit her website* 

Patience.

Mirriam-Webster defines the word patient as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint." My job has been a continuous lesson in patience. Every day, this character trait is exercised in various situations where I am forced to calmly face trials regarding my students. While my patience has greatly increased throughout the last year and a half, I am no where near where I feel God needs me to be. There are days when my patience feels paper thin. While I try my best not to complain, venting phone calls are most certainly made. (Thank you to my friends who have been on the receiving end of those conversations!!) And then there are other days when my patience does not falter. In the crazy world that is often my classroom, Colossians 3:12 provides the perfect reminder: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." What is your crazy world?