Living the Life You Dream Of

as i look back on what my life looked like when i started my blog 4 years ago, things were VERY different i assure you. from the outside, i had a great life, but in peeling back the layers, i was involved in an unhealthy relationship, i was unhappy with my body image, i wasn't a Christian, and i was unsure as to where my life was headed. sure, i was surrounded by an amazing support system of friends and family, but i wasn't happy with my situation and i know i was looking for something more out of life.
it's funny how events transpire because i feel like my life changed unexpectedly for the better so very quickly. i broke up with my boyfriend at the time, meg and i moved into a new apartment which was perfect for a fresh start, i received a promotion at work, and then the real fun started...i was a single girl, living it up and doing what i wanted, until i realized i wanted something i had never had. i wanted a relationship with God.
i began going to a local church (one that we are now members of) and realized that was the missing piece of my puzzle...i desperately wanted to feel what so many of my friends and family felt, i wanted to be saved and i wanted to be a Christian. that is also when jeff and i started hanging out just the two of us, and he started joining me on Sundays at church. that's when our friendship changed into something else completely.
i am here to tell each of you (and hopefully not sound like i am on a soapbox) that though i don't routinely "preach" on my blog, this is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. i feel like i had a great life before, but once i became a Christian and put my faith in God, my life changed into something i never dreamed of. all my hopes and dreams came true.
i fell in love with my best friend, the two of us travelling all over the country for time to grow as a couple, we got engaged and bought a house together, we planned the wedding i (and mom) had always dreamed of, and then God blessed us beyond measure with our darling Caroline.
i am here to tell you that having a relationship with God changed my world for the better and that because of Him, i am able to live the life i always imagined.
if you're ever down in the dumps and are needing encouragement, advice, unconditional love, or someone to listen, God is always there...He changed my life and i am forever grateful.

 

A Change for the Better...My New Career

It's official...today marks the beginning of a brand new chapter in my life. Today was the day I was supposed to return to work after 11 weeks of maternity leave. But, believe it or not, today is the day I have a new role...with the title of Stay at Home Mom.
weighing the pros and cons of each scenario and deciding what was ultimately best for our family... I thought about what would make us happy and it all came back to me being home with Caroline. I bit the bullet my friends, I took the plunge, and I am not looking back.
Don't get me wrong, I have questioned my decision, "is this what I really want?" but I know in my heart there is no job more important or more fulfilling than this role I am taking on.

I was dreading calling my manager to tell her I was putting in my resignation, but when I talked to her, she let me know she not only supported my decision, but she thought I made the right choice. She had been in my situation when her children were little, and funny enough she did the same thing...she quit her job and put her career on hold to stay at home and she said it was the best thing she ever did. That was God's way of giving me confirmation and reassurance and letting me know I was doing the right thing.
The funny thing is that during my pregnancy and shortly after Caroline was born, people would ask if I wanted to stay at home to which I would say a quick "heck no!", but now that this precious angel is here, I can't fathom the idea of having someone else be with her day in and day out. Even more, I am thankful that we are at a place in our lives where I can stay at home and we can make it work. Sure, we will be going out to far less extravagant dinner dates and someone's {yes I am talking about me} shopping habits are going to change quite a bit, but these little details mean nothing in comparison to what I am going to get out of being with my baby girl everyday.
When I think about walking away from the corporate world, leaving behind my life in marketing, and saying goodbye to whirlwind deadlines and crazy stress, I am elated at the thought that my new boss is someone that depends solely on me, that smiles when I walk into the room, and that gives me more joy than I have ever known. It also means I get to wear yoga pants to "work", I get to decide our daily schedules, and I get to do the things I never had time to do before.
It means I get to take calligraphy orders again, I get to work on my business plans, I get to cook dinner more often, and I get to be a lady who lunches with friends {at baby friendly establishments of course}.

But, in staying true to myself, I have made a promise not to wear mom jeans, to take time for myself, to know there are going to be a fair share of "bad days", and that I will never ever turn into one of those crazy moms {you know the ones I am talking about, right?}. Although yes, at some point I hope to be able to volunteer at Caroline's school and be the "room mom"and get involved in the PTA. ;)
So cheers to a new endeavor, a new chapter in life, and to my days filled with this adorable ray of sunshine...

So tell me, all you other SAHMs, what advice, tips, and tricks can you give me for making this an easy transition? I obviously need ALL the help I can get!!

A Day in the Life

Funny enough, "A Day in the Life" used to be the name of my blog...but you asked so here it is: a run through of what we'd like to call a typical day. This is our pretty picture of what life looks like currently with a 7.5 week old-as I go through and read this, I'm amused at just how CRAZY my life is now...

Early Morning {between the hours of 4:00 and 6:00AM}: First Wakeup Call...otherwise known as crying screaming baby is up and wants to be changed and fed as soon as possible. Little Caroline goes from happy to starving baby in 2 seconds flat!
Afterwards, I spend about 30 minutes walking the floors of our living room and kitchen in the attempts to get peanut to go back to sleep-singing lullabies are a must, and her favorites are "Edelweiss" and "You Are My Sunshine". She also enjoys when mommy does lunges {hey, at least I am burning calories and working on toning my thighs, right?}

Mid-Morning Time {between 7:00 and 11:00AM}: I tiptoe around upstairs so as not to disturb CC from her slumber...usually, you can catch me eating a bowl of cereal and making a piping hot pot of coffee so I can get my caffeine fix for the day! This is also the time I attempt to blog and check email.
Around 9:00 or so, CC is up and at it again my friends...another bottle. After we finish eating, it's time for her favorite part of the day-tummy time! She usually spends about 20-30 minutes talking to her friends {Zoe the Zebra, Bernard the Peacock, etc} and giggles away. She loves her playmat!
After tummy time, she usually sometimes takes a mid-morning nap for an hour or so. This is when I am try to conquer household chores {making the bed, starting laundry, picking up from the day before, preparing the days' worth of bottles} . This is when mommy likes to get a shower, too-my routine is far less high maintenance than it used to be I assure you... 5 minute shower + 2 minutes to towel dry my hair + 2 minutes to apply concealer, mascara, and lip gloss + 2 minutes to put on lotion and brush my teeth + 5 minutes to get dressed=15 minutes of much needed "me time".

Lunchtime {between 11:00AM-1:00PM}: Depending on what we have going on that day, whether we're headed to the YMCA or running errands around town, having a fun lunch date or whatnot, you may just find us on the couch catching up on our TV shows, reading a few of CC's favorite books, and me salvaging something from the refrigerator in the attempts to eat a semi-nutritious lunch.
During this time, she's eating again at that 3 hour mark...just like clockwork she is!
(P.S. we found another pacifier that she will take in additon to the soothies...the gumdrop brand! and yes, this is newsworthy)

Afternoon Fun {between 1:00-4:00PM}: Sometimes, we like to leave the house and take a stroll around the neighborhood. One of our other favorite pasttimes is sitting in the front yard on a blanket under our big poplar tree, listening to the birds chirp and watching the leaves sway. Caroline LOVES to be outside so we always keep our fingers crossed for pretty sunshine so we can get out of the house and play!
And don't forget, it's feeding time again...usually between 4:00 and 5:00.

Early Evening {between 4:30-6:30PM}: On a good day, I'll begin attempting to cook something for dinner...it all depends on how the day has gone, whether or not Caroline has taken naps, and if I have the energy to tackle cooking prep. We get excited when daddy calls to tell us he is on his way home, as I know some relief is in sight and another set of hands to help with our little monkey always makes me happy!
Dinnertime is usually around 6 or 6:30, and Jeff and I like to try to sit down just the two of us, to talk through our days, and catchup...sometimes, there may or may not be a bit of fussiness in the background giving us some lovely ambiance noise.

Nighttime Rituals {between 7:00 and 11:00PM}: I am not as rigid with our schedule during the day but when it comes to our nights, we are sticklers to sticking to our routine. Not the exact time, but rather what we do. We give Caroline a bath, change her diaper, swaddle her, and immediately give her a bottle. Usually, this helps her know it's time to sleep and playtime has passed for the day. I will feed her and put her down in her bouncy seat to sleep, and then Jeff will take over so I can hit the sack.
The final bottle for the day (usualy #7 or 8) occurs around 11PM when Jeff feeds her, puts her to sleep, and then brings her into our room to sleep next to me in the bassinet. Our loyal Sleep Sheep is turned on to the ever popular beach waves sounds, and then it's lights out!

Amazing how structured we are now, huh? From days where we could go and do whatever we pleased to life consistenly being on a 3-hour rotation of sorts, it's funny what a baby does to you...however, I think you all know how much I love that little peanut and how much joy she has brought to our life as a family.
I told you, it may not be glamorous, but it's my life and I'm loving every single bit of it.

You've Got Questions...I've Got Answers

I have received all sorts of questions as of late and I wanted to put them all into one big post as not to disappoint...actually, I did this so I would remember all of them {or so I hope}. I think everyone knows I am an open book so if there is ever a question you have for me, I am happy to answer away!

1. Are you wearing spanx to help your body recover from labor? Actually no! I found something better thanks to my best friend. She told me about a product called the BFF and went to the store to pick it up for me, just a few days after Caroline arrived. It's basically like spanx, but you can make it tighter and it really helps to pull in that little belly I still have. For those interested, I bought mine at Pickles and Ice Cream and got an XS. It's a little pricey, but well worth the investment!
2. Where does Caroline sleep at night? Thanks to Mimi, she sleeps in a bassinet right next to our bed. We knew we wanted her in our room for the first few weeks {possibly even months} just for peace of mind, and to make it easier for middle of the night feedings and such. We got the Kolcraft Bassinet with sounds, vibration, and it has an incline so she isnt sleeping flat on her back, which helps with reflux and such. We absolutely love it! Even better, it's got room storage underneath it as well. CC has yet to sleep in her pack n play since it's a little too large so this has been a necessity!
3. How are you keeping up with your normal routine right after having the baby? Maybe I should do a "day in the life" post soon to show you just how I feel like I am barely treading water. There is the good, the bad, and the ugly and I assure you each day has an assortment of all three... basically, I am just trying to stay as positive as possible and tell myself that this initial newborn stage will be difficult, but she's only this little once and I need to savor every moment.
4. What have been the items you have used most with Caroline so far? As far as newborn necessities, I am definitely going to voice my opinion, as I think it's helpful to "pay it forward" to other mommies out there. I was given lots of advice and I know it's been so beneficial, because the world of babies is just way too overwhelming.
Aden + Anais Muslin Blankets: hands down, the best there is. They are lightweight, comfy, easy to swaddle little bit, breathable, and have the cutest designs. I want 10 more of these!
Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs: a bib plus burplcloth in one...same great absorbent material as the blankets...these are the favorite in our house!
A&D Ointment: when CC gets redness on her bottom from one too many "wet" diapers, I apply this to her wrinkled little tushy and she seems to get some relief ASAP.
Soothie Pacifiers: I know they say some babies aren't picky about pacifiers, but Caroline is quite the little diva and will only take a soothie made by Avent. Lucky for us, these are the same pacis that are used in Wubbanubs, which make the thought of using a pacifier a little more appealing.
Cloud B Sleep Sheep: we love the different sounds on this handy dandy stuffed animal and we use it everynight to calm Caroline to sleep after she feeds. Now I can see why so many people use noise machines to help them sleep!
My Breast Friend Feeding Pillow: I wouldn't have had this to use if it wasn't for my good friend Amber. She brought it over to me to borrow and I haven't put it down since. This is WAY better to use for breastfeeding rather than the Boppy, as it straps on to you and is more "snug" during feeding time. It also has a little storage pocket, perfect for mini lotion, lanolin cream, and emory boards so I can file CC's nails when she is "occupied".
Green Grass Drying Rack: this is the perfect rack for drying multiple bottles and such all at the same time, not to mention it will accomodate all brands...it also adds a fun pop of color to the kitchen counter, too- quite the conversation piece I assure you ;)
Medela Pump in Style Breastpump/Bottles: Another alert of a must-have if you plan on feeding a la boob...thanks Amber, I owe you one for this, as well. This boob tube pumper makes it SO much easier to pump, and faster, too. Not going to lie...this is one of the least glamorous parts about being a mom, but nutirition wise, momma's milk can't be beat.
Carter's Sleep and Plays: Caroline has lived in these onesies since the day she came home from the hospital. They come with either zippers OR snaps, and they are the absolute best and most comfortable clothing for everyday wear. Plus, they are way easier when it comes to diaper changes which seem to occur way too often.
I'm sure there will be tons more products I rant and rave about in the future, but these are ones that stood out to me from day one, and have made life way more pleasant.
5. How tall are you? I'm 5'4", but almost 5'5" on a good day ;)
6. What's the best piece of advice you have been given? For me, it's something my grandmother has enstilled in me for as long as I can remember...it's all about knowing that I am not in control and that I should talk to God each and everyday and put my complete trust in Him. He listens no matter what-when I am happy, when I am sad, and I know that as long as I have Him on my side, I can tackle anything life throws at me. Having a relationship with God has transformed my life and I have my grandmother to thank for that.
7. What is your most prized possession? I know we shouldn't get wrapped up in possessions and physical things, but the one item that means the most to me is my wedding ring. It signifies a once in a lifetime love, a commitment to put my marriage above all other, and whenever I look at it, I know that I have someone that loves me unconditionally, forever and always.
If you've got other questions for me, feel free to send them my way!

The Life List

Do any of you friends out there have a “bucket/life list” of things you hope to accomplish? I started my so-called list a few years ago and have just now recently finished it…yes, it took me that long to decide my top 50 things. ;)

But, I wanted these things to be attainable, things I can actually achieve in time! Some are lighthearted, some personal, and some for just plain fun. As you can see, some of these I’ve already completed, or are in progress, so we’ll mark those as complete ;)

Here they are:

1. Go on a zipline tour

2. Travel to Italy with Jeff and my parents

3. Start a family

4. Learn to bake my Grandmother’s divinity from scratch

5. Sign up for calligraphy classes

6. Rent a convertible and drive up the California coast

7. Start my own business

8. Visit all 50 states

9. Design my next home

10. See Lady Gaga in concert

11. Plan {someone else’s} wedding from start to finish

12. Host Thanksgiving for both our families at our home

13. Tour the Smithsonian as an adult

14. Take Jeff to Disney World because he’s never been

15. Visit NYC during Christmas with my friends

16. Go to a Super Bowl Game

17. Plan a surprise weekend getaway for Jeff

18. Switch to an iPhone

19. Complete a marathon

20. Start a girl’s book club {well now we do bunko, but you get the jist}

21. Cook a 5-course gourmet meal for a small dinner party

22. Read the Harry Potter book series

23. Buy a Digital SLR camera

24. Plant a garden in our backyard complete with my favorite veggies and herbs

25. Pay off all my debt

26. Read Wuthering Heights

27. Go to the symphony

28. Publish an article in a magazine

29. Read the Bible from beginning to end

30. Go to a movie at a drive-in theater

31. Attend Bonnaroo music festival

32. See the Lion King on Broadway

33. Collect postcards from all my traveling adventures

34. Buy all the classic Disney movies on DVD

35. Go to the winter Olympics {summer games are a check: Atlanta in 1996}

36. Design/plan a party for a complete stranger

37. Go on a shopping spree

38. Take the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower

39. Learn to sew

40. Attend a formal black tie event with Jeff

41. Take an all girls trip to Napa or a spa resort in Arizona

42. Buy a pair of classic Christian Louboutins

43. Take a cake decorating class

44. Become a wine connoisseur

45. Go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

46. Get married!

47. Master Photoshop

48. Reconnect with an old friend from my past

49. Rent a beach house for the whole summer

50. Design/print a custom cookbook with friends and family favorite recipes

What are some of the items on your list of things you hope to achieve/accomplish?

Tag...You're It!

Rarely do I ever give in and participate in a tagged post {why, I don't really know} but Ashley over at Places to Go, Things to Buy tagged me and I thought why not! The rules are as follows:
**You must post the rules

**Post 11 Fun Facts about yourself 

**Answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you & then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged

**Tag 11 people and link them in your post

**Let them know you have tagged them

Eleven Fun Facts About Moi
1. I'm an only child who does not like to share...things are about to change, right?
2. I have visited 38 of the states and hope to visit all someday...still to tackle: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin
3. I love to make lists, just so I can cross things off when I complete them
4. I love to cook, but baking is my favorite thing to do...gotta satisfy that sweet tooth
5. I am horrible about returning phone calls-I'd much rather email or text. Sad but true
6. I color code the appointments/meetings/dates/etc I have in my planner-OCD at its best
7. I used to be an adventureous one...skydiving for my 23rd birthday was my fav thing ever
8. I hate my legs-it's the one area I always focus on because I know I'll never have Carrie Underwood gams-oh well.
9. Pet peeves: chipped nails, rude drivers, people that don't say please/thank you, and those who cannot process the difference between they're/their/there
10. My biggest fear is failure
11. Only regret in life: tattoo on my senior trip in HS...now that is a story for another day ;)

Here are the questions Ashley posted:

1. What is your profession? I'm a marketing coordinator for a consulting/engineering firm. Mostly, I lead proposals for business development. Other responsibilities include planning national conferences and hosting client events, and developing advertising/arketing collateral for industry trade magazines. Does that even make sense to anyone other than me?
2. How would you describe your style? Classic, with a bit of trendy. The older I get, the more I learn it's all about buying staple pieces I can use over and over again, yet incorporating fun trendy pieces for that particular season. I am extremely budget savvy when it comes to shopping, and I am obsessed with dresses. It's more like an addiction. I think it's time to do another blog sale soon.
3. What one make-up product can you not live without? Just one? That is hard. But if I could only pick one, I'd say mascara. I have blonde eyelashes so applying a bit makes my eyes look brighter and bigger. My favorite hands down is Clinique's Lash Doubling Mascara.
4. If you could be besties with one celebrity, who would it be? Reese Witherspoon..us southern gals need to stick together, and just because she seems to have a very balanced life.
5. What is your dream vacation? I've never been to Italy and it is something we talk about all the time. Jeff studied abroad there and fell in love with everything about it. It's my parent's favorite vacation spot, too, so I know it would be incredible to see. Funny enough, we were planning a trip there until we found out we were pregnant. Italy can wait for a bit ;).
6. What magazines do you subscribe to? Southern Living, and thanks to the BFF, Bon Appetite. Others I want to add to my monthly reads are House Beautiful, Self, and Shape.
7. If you could have a special talent {that you don't currently have}, what would it be? To play the piano. My Mom tried to get me to take lessons, yet I had zero interest, but now it's something I wish I could do because I think it would help me to relax when I have a rough day.
8. What is your favorite breakfast food? I'm a cereal addict, but when I have time, there is nothing better than a belgium waffle with strawberries and whipped cream!
9. If you could do anything, what is your dream job? Opening my own business. I've divulged a little of that and plans are in the works, but this is something I am putting a lot of thought into because it's overwhelming with so many moving bits and pieces, and it is an undertaking that is going to occupy much of my time. I promise to give more details when I can!
10. What is your guilty pleasure? Any type of dessert I can get my hands on and reality TV.
11. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you? I don't think I can think of one single piece of advice that stands above any others. My family and friends teach me things all the time-to always try my best, to be kind to others, and to live my life for me and no one else. I think that is all any of us can ask for.

With that, the 11 ladies I am tagging are...and yes, I am using the same 11 questions ;)
Kate at Every Mile a Memory
April at A. Liz Adventures
Shari at The Daily Dish
Melissa at For the Love
CMae at Happiness Is...
Jayme at Kentucky Blonde
Candace at Mrs. Southern Belle
Natasha at Schue Love
Tess at Tea Time with Tess
Darci at The Good Life
Tracy at Then I Got to Thinking

New Goals for a Brand New Year!

I, like practically every other American, tend to make a list of "resolutions/goals" to keep myself on target and track--and of course I am jumping on the blogging bandwagon so you can keep me accountable! My last year's post looked something like this:
So, how did I do?
1. Master Copperplate Calligraphy. I mastered my own "style", yet my side business took a backseat to other events. For those asking, yes, I will pick this up again--perhaps a side job on maternity leave?
2. Complete Another 1/2 Marathon...fail. I didn't do it, though I did workout beyond belief for our wedding and am still keeping up with exercising to help cope with pregnancy weight.
3. Save More Money..success! This initiative is one that I couldn't do without my financially-savvy husband. That man loves his Excel spreadsheet I tell you.
4. Learn to Use my SLR Camera. Semi-pass. I use my Nikon a lot more, yet when I am out and about, my little point-and-shoot seems to do its job. I have a feeling with Caroline coming, this little gadget is going to get used a bit more often.
5. Read More Books. I did it!! I read 1 book each month. This is the most I have ever read {without having to like I did during college} and I am so happy--I feel like I turned off the television a bit more and spent quality time with entertaining books instead.

As for 2012, my list of potential achievements to abide by look something like this:

1. Volunteer more. With joining Junior League, I want to do more in the community and I am excited to get my placement this spring...doing for others feels so good!

2. Lose the baby weight. I know I'm still pregnant, but I'm already promising myself I will lose it all--positive thinking I tell you! I was in the best shape of my life when we got married and I want to get back to that place...not to mention with vacations and parties already in the works for my girlfriends tying the knot, I do not want to look like the "mom" ;)

3. Get back in the kitchen. Nothing makes Jeff happier than a home-cooked meal. He loves it when I get excited about cooking, and I seemed to have lost a little bit of that this past year. I want to try out new recipes, bake more, and use my KitchenAid mixer.

4. Don't over plan/schedule my time. I am constantly on-the-go and I desperately need to learn how to say no. I wish I didn't care so much about people pleasing. I need to not feel guilty, for I know I need some downtime, too.

5. Start my own business. This is something we have talked about the past few years, yet it's never seemed like the "right" time. Well, they say there is no time like the present...so 2012 will be when we hit the go button. More details to come, but I'm so excited to get the ideas set in stone and dive in head first on another life adventure.

So, are you like the rest of us and make resolutions? What is motivating you this year? I'd love to hear what you're planning to accomplish in 2012... 

2011...A Hello Happiness Year in Review

At the end of every year, I like to look back at all of the exciting events that have taken place over the past 12 months just as a little highlight of monumentous occasions and such...some may have little to no relevance to others, yet played a big role in my life.
Here we go:

Rang in the New Year with friends in the mountains

 Played in loads of snow in and around Nashville...it was a gorgeous winter!

 Flew to Los Angeles to celebrate Jeff's grandmother's 95th birthday!

 Traveled to ATL to stock up for the wedding and spend a little r&r together!

 Canoe...my fav restaurant in ATL

 Had a fun family night on the town to toast
my Uncle Robert as he turned the big 50!

 Threw my birthday boy a big "gourmet hot dog" theme party for his 27th year

 Oh my March birthdays...the next week, we had another
fun birthday celebration for Lauren--love that woman!

 Spent time with the family for Easter

Celebrated our upcoming wedding with fun showers thrown by family and friends

Welcomed another UT graduate into the family when my cousin Lauren graduated

 Attended one big party of a wedding for Joanna and Rhett

Ventured to the Windy City with my best friends to
celebrate my last days as a single lady!!

 Hosted all my favorite ladies to a bridal
luncheon to kick-off wedding weekend festivities

Practiced saying our vows in preparation for our big day

 Celebrated with fun, food, and drink with our
dearest at our rehearsal dinner

 Spent the happiest day of my life--June 11, 2011--surrounded by family,
friends, and finally getting to marry my prince charming

Hopped on a plane the next morning en route to
Antigua to spend a week with just the two of us

 Said goodbye to my former ride and hello to Annie the Acura!

 Spent the 4th of July relaxing by the pool

  Then found out the very next week that we were in for a
big {and yes I mean BIG!} change

But our little secret didn't last too long...we just had to tell
Mimi and Pappy they were going to be grandparents!

Sipped on a few virgin margaritas to celebrate my 28th birthday!

Made our little announcement official

Travelled to Seaside to help ring in Andy's 30th birthday

Then met up with Mom and Dad to have a few relaxing days in Destin

Ventured to Knoxville for a few football games with our wondeful friends!

Did our annual Bell Buckle craft fair visit

Hosted a Gender Reveal Party to FINALLY spill the beans on Little Miss

Attended a fabulous fall engagement party for Jules and Jon

Spent time at my Aunt Michele's house for their Fall Fest/Chili Party

 Hopped on a plane to spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's family in Hilton Head

 Decorated the house for my favorite time of the year!

Sent out our very first Christmas cards as Mr. and Mrs. Stoneking

 Bombarded the Big Apple right before Christmas

 

 Got to paint the town in celebration of Lauren and Andy FINALLY getting engaged!

 And the very next week we got to celebrate as another BFF Candice and
Adam got engaged...it's officially the season of love!

 Then spent a relaxing Christmas holiday with my family here in Nashville

What's on our plate for the big New Year's Eve celebration this weekend? An evening at our house with my parents...this year, we decided we wanted to take it easy and spend time in our "yummies", cooking dinner, playing games, and watching the ball drop. Hope you all have a fantastic time ringing in 2012 and to celebrate everything new that's to come.

As bittersweet as it is to say goodbye to a year that I consider to be the best thus far, I know 2012 can only top these past 12 months, and I can't wait to savor each and every moment in anticipation of the arrival of the biggest blessing of all.

From the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful for my blogging friends and this opportunity--your genuineness and thoughtful comments make life even better and I only hope to be able to continue to share a little bit of my life with you in 2012.

Cheers to you with all my love!! OXOX