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!

Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR! {just a little late}

Wow! I hate that I am just now writing about my favorite time of the year. Sometimes I feel bad for not writing but this just proves that I have been soaking up family and friends and making memories and I WON'T be sorry for that, ever!

So, our Christmas started out with LOTS of family and get togethers. For the first time in several years, my brother didn't have to work Christmas Eve or Christmas Day so we got to be normal (kinda) for once. On Christmas Day, we woke up and saw what SANTA had brought us. Let me just say that I am one blessed girl. My parents have always given us way more than we ever deserve and they sacrifice so that we can have a wonderful Christmas! 

My grandmother and Adam's gf BreAnna came over and we had Christmas morning breakfast which has always been breakfast casserole and muffins, etc. YUMMY! (now I want some). We just had a good day together and that night some of us went to see Madea's Christmas.. It was hilarious to say the least. I haven't laughed that hard in a longggg time. 

During the close to two weeks that I was off of work, we shopped, ate way too much food and enjoyed being together. Christmas break is my favorite for a reason, people! 

New Years weekend was spent in Nashville with my Mama, brother, BreAnna and her mama. We had a great time shopping at the Opry Mills Mall, eating at some new places that I fell in love with, and you know.. watching my Rebels win the bowl game!

The trip started off with a wreck for Bre and her mama but soon we were on our way. The rest of the pictures are self-explanatory.  One of my favorite memories of the game was getting to see Mags! Her dad is a huge Georgia Tech fan so we got to meet up and re-connect. It was such a fun game! #hottytoddy  On our way home we saw an antique shop on the side of the road. Let me tell y'all, I was in HEAVEN. This man had I kid you not 45 rooms of JUNK... I found an egg basket and a blue mason jar that I have been wanting. So fun!

Another New Year Celebration came and went. Merle, Caitlyn and I went to Oxford and counted down the NY. So fun!

Just a little video to show you how our NYE was spent! :)

Last Christmas celebration was with our ladies in our family. We got together, ate a lovely meal, played some games and opened presents playing Dirty Santa. These ladies mean the world to me! And the one on the couch, YES she is normal.. Kinda. :)

And.. I turned 25! I'm looking for a blessed year again! 

God is SO, SO good! 

                                                                                                                                                                            

 

I could sleep for days.. Weekend Recap!

This Thanksgiving Break/Weekend has been fabulous! I seriously could sleep for days because we have spent every moment having fun and living our lives. :) I'm so thankful for a family that goes and does and likes to live life doing all sorts of things. This Thanksgiving Break was one for the books.

 Wednesday I started Thanksgiving Break with picking up a friend at the airport.// Traditional Family portrait on Thanksgiving// 2013 Egg Bowl is a bad memory in this girl's mind. I'm always a Rebel no matter what though!// RIP Alabama- That game rocked my night! It was crazy!// Sweet Haley's Engagement party// Faison made my sweet coffee happy. It's adorable!// Peter's Pottery Open House with the family! Love his art.//Now it's December and this girl is ready.

** A home Christmas Decoration tour is coming up SOON. 

I didn't post on Thanksgiving week because every minute was full but I am so thankful for all of my blessings. My family, friends, apartment, love of chicken, etc. are what makes me ME and I couldn't or wouldn't change anything if I could. God blesses me beyond and beyond what I deserve and I'm thankful each and every day. 

I'll be back soon!

Fa, La, La, La, La.....

Source: sassysites.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I really can't believe I am saying that. 

I know, I know. I'm a little early. Let me justify myself. I waited as long as I could and I wanted to come back to a fully decorated apartment  Christmas "wonderland". 

I think I succeeded. Do you??

Enjoy this scroll through LP's Winter Wonderland!

let me know what you think. I may or may not LOVE Christmas! 

 

I'm definitely my mother's child. I have to STOP buying Christmas Decorations. I've got enough and more!

How are you decorating this year? Hope you are ready and willing to put it up! Now, I need to plan a party.

I'm ready.

It's officially #hatestate week too. Get ready for fun tweets and Facebook posts all week.

follow me on twitter-- tchrlp 

Happy Monday! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It's my most FAVORITE time of the year! Decor, Christmas parties, Church musicals, Family time. Everything that is so much fun in one month! :)

Oh, be still my heart!!

Just a tour of what we have going on in my space that I call "home".


iPhone pics. Not the best quality!


Front Door

Love my rug, and the Santa. Anything bright and "merry" is on my list! :)

My Tree! I seriously have been collecting ornaments since I could walk and I have soo many that I love. It's hard to narrow them down. Maybe next year I shall have more than one tree. Ideas? Hmmm.....

My mantle is crazy and busy. I am planning on buying some lights after Christmas and put it on the greenery for next year. I need more lights and brights than it is this year. I got the greenery on sale last year with the tulle already on it. Score!

Thankful, my mama bought me this plate that I've been wanting. I got the Santa interchangeable for "free"  and I love it. I can't wait to buy the other holidays to switch it up. What a great idea. One plate, many occasions!

Won this at Bunco 2 years ago. One of my favorite decorations! :)

Another.. just sitting around!

Diet Coke and Ole Miss. Two things, if I didn't have, life wouldn't be as sweet! 

First present= mama's. Oh, it's good! :)

Christmas has been a joyful occasion in my family for as long as I can remember. My mother loves to decorate and instilled the family time in my brain/heart from an early age. BUT.. We all know, whether we worship or not, that Jesus is the real reason for the season!  He gets very little credit during this season and for that reason, we should be ashamed.

We wouldn't have Christmas if it was not for him. My kids started asking me questions about this the other day and it made me so happy to know that they were curious. Of course, being a teacher, I had to be careful as to what I could say but I was very conscious but told the truth. People-- THEY need to Know! :)

Hope you are having great weekends! 

Tuesday Topics.

It's Tuesday November, 8. 2011.

The VOTING day that we have all been waiting for. It's been all over Facebook, Twitter, and everywhere for that matter. I don't like the way that people are plastering their views for everyone to see. Vote how you wish, talk about it, but don't harp others for what they how they are voting. 

I saw this quote today and agreed with it. All I'm going to say. Just 1 comment. That's all.

Will you be comfortable arguing your objections as you stand before God while he holds broken and mangled bodies of aborted children in His lap?

My morning consisted of no firsties, a cup of joe, and a Guided Reading conference. A day of difference  was needed and I feel like I'm ready for them tomorrow! :)

I'm  seriously considering putting up my Christmas decor next week! Any thoughts? Too early?

My mama's prized Christmas possession. :)

last year's tree.

Source: shabbychicks.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Happy Tuesday!