What a Christmas this was! It was full of family, friends and love. I got way more than I ever deserved and was able to spend time with people who I call family. We always have a pretty low-key Christmas around our house, (rest wise) and that was so nice this year. This year has been a very eventful one and I was thankful for time to unwind and renew my spirit over Christmas.

God is SO good to me and this Christmas I saw that I do not give him enough time in each day. Lately I have been feeling very unworthy for all of the many blessings that I have been given. I know that in the new year, I want to get closer to God and know his plan for my life. Christmas 2014 was a time for reflection and growth. Isn't it amazing how he knows just what we need, WHEN we need it most!

These pictures above are some of my favorite things about Christmas. My presents were an added bonus! 

I hope that you and your family had a Merry Christmas! I am grateful for what the Christmas story is all about. 

The first social gathering at 151.

From the time I was little, I have always loved a good party. My mother has always hosted a Christmas supper, NYE party, SOMETHING at our home and it is one of my favorite things to attend. Good food, laughter, gifts, and together time making memories. What is there NOT to love about those times?

So, this year.. our cousin Christmas get together was at my house! I like to call it the first social gathering of 151. (btw: that's my house number.) 

So, the night before the gathering we had our Patton Christmas which was a blast as usual. When I left there it was 10:30 and I still had not bought the groceries for the party. To Kroger I went and shopped for the next day. Kroger that late at night is definitely the time to shop! 

The next morning I woke up and made Crock Pot Pizza, fixed a bagged salad, and made Chocolate dipped marshmallows.  I do not profess to be a cook but for me, this was good! I think my family was VERY shocked that I prepared a meal BY MYSELF. :)

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I still have no dining room suite to show. Card tables are the next best thing so that's what we used. Let me tell you they worked just the same. I am a firm believer in paper products for the holidays because that time is not wasted on washing dishes. Do not get me wrong, beautiful Christmas china is beautiful but sometimes (such as this) totally unnecessary. 

Marshmallows were the hit of the party. One of our parents made these for our Christmas party at school and I fell in sweet, candy love. I decided these would be great for the Cousin Christmas and I even incidentally made them into the shape of a Christmas tree. 

I am so happy that everything went off without a hitch and I hope that my family felt at home and welcomed into my little happy place. I am so thankful to have a house this holiday season that I can decorate and share with family and friends.

Cousin Christmas 2014, you were fun! Can't wait for next year!

fourteen in '14

2014 is almost over and I can't believe what a whirlwind of a year that it has been!  

{one}

I have to start with a January memory or life just wouldn't be in order! ;) 

We spent the New Year in Nashville cheering on our Rebs in the bowl game. I had a lovely time spending time with family and friends and getting to visit Nashville for the first time.

{two}

 

I spent Valentines Day with these sweet ladies at a gun range. I call that the perfect Single gal's V-day! 

{three}

I celebrated with Leslie on her wedding day! Isn't her blue dress so unique and gorgeous!? There is of course a beautiful story behind it and maybe one day I can get her to type that out for me on here! (Blog post in the making!)

{four}

Tiny Ann made her/his appearance at a Relay for Life benefit. How funny that my brother who hunts and fishes and fights fires could make such a pretty girl! I still laugh about this! 

{five}

I finished my third year of teaching at Horn Lake Elementary and got a job teaching Kindergarten at Lafayette Elementary! It was such a bittersweet time!

{six}

Our sweet Hay got married in one of the prettiest weddings I have ever been a part of! Her wedding weekend was so easy and laid back and was BEAUTIFUL! God sure knew what he was doing when he brought us together at Ole Miss. Funny how you grow up in the same town and meet at college! 

{seven}

We lost our sweet Claire this year! While this is not a happy memory, it is a happy time for her because she is with Jesus who is loving every silly story and joke that she has to tell. I can't wait to see her again! We miss you like crazy, Claire!

{eight}

I bought a house!!! The biggest moment of my year came on this day. I had just signed my life away at closing but could not wait to start the process of moving in! Life is good and my God blessed me with a house that I LOVE!

{nine}

I started teaching at Lafayette Elementary! Y'all.. God's plan is beautiful. I am teaching Kindergarten in the room that I student taught in 4 years ago. Tell me that wasn't planned in a way only our Lord can do it! I love everything about LES! Being back in Oxford is a dream come true!

{ten}

Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE McCarty Pottery. I have been collecting for about 5 years now and it's everywhere in my house. On a day trip to the Delta, I taught Mr. McCarty how to fins up! Isn't he precious, y'all?

{eleven}

We had the best season in Ole Miss football that I have ever been a part of! This year was an awesome year especially beating Alabama! I cried.. and I'm not ashamed to say that! #hottytoddy

{twelve}

We won the egg bowl! It's always a WONDERFUL memory! Whose STATE is it? 

{thirteen}

Getting to watch the Oxford Christmas parade with The DuBois' family was so fun for me this year! Being back in Oxford and getting to relish in what my town has to offer made me nothing but giddy. 

{fourteen}

As I go through each of these memories, I tear up and remember the feelings that I had during that moment! WOW! God has blessed me more that I ever deserve and I am truly grateful. I don't deserve anything to the measure that I have been given. 

I just hope that 2015 is an even better year full of Jesus, memories and me being intentional to the people in my life. I hope that 2015 will be the year of many hopes and dreams come true!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year people!