Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!!!

Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing!
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.


Merry Christmas! 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime

We have been doing a lot of celebrating the season over the past few days. I absolutely love it. Being festive is a hobby of mine, I think.  As we all know, patience is simply not my virtue. I think that I only matured to the equivalent of a 5 year old in the "wait on the surprise" area. With that being said, Bubba and I have already had our Christmas exchange. Partially due to travel plans, but mostly due to my 10 day nagging and begging fest. I am not proud, however I am certainly happy it paid off! 



We did small, fun Christmas this year. Mainly because we did exciting things like buy a deep freeze and car insurance. Oh adulthood how you be so awesome. Anyway. Bubba's big gift was a game that he wanted and some soft pants and some books. He got me a cute shirt and sweater as my small gifts. My big gift was this....

Yes. An Umbrella and a Spoon and Sugar.

It was more of a clue than a present.  Turns out it was an umbrella and a "spoonful of sugar." We are going to see Mary Poppins in Memphis in a few months! I am SO excited!! Mary Poppins is my absolute most favorite movie of all time. I love love love it. I cannot wait!

Mary Poppins Broadway Poster

The Pups also got presents because I am crazy like that. Gunnar and Gertie got a candy cane bone, tennis balls, and new stuffed toys to destroy and leave white fuzz ALL over the place. This hasn't happened yet. I am just coming to terms with my future.

Loves her bone more than life itself.

We have also done a good bit of Christmas movie watching, going to look at all the pretty Christmas lights, and baking. I made Christmas Bark for some neighbors, co-workers, and friends. It was a huge success! So easy and so yummy! I used this recipe.  Seriously the easiest thing I have ever made. This is a terrible picture, but it tasted lovely.



Lastly, we have just been hanging out with good friends, who are kinda the same as family. And that is truly our greatest blessing. Last night we went to dinner to celebrate life and Will's new JOB!!!!!!! and ate and laughed and cried (well, just Whit) and laughed because Whitney was crying :).  I can't wait to celebrate this week with our families. This week has been a pretty great pre-game warm-up! 

Will finally got his facial hair he always wanted!

This month has been a great one! I cannot wait for it to finish out strong. The best is yet to come.

The best being this baby girl! Caroline, I am coming for you!!!

Oh. And it is worth mentioning... I have been married to this guy for 7 months. Best 7 months to date!

Such a softy
Have a Merry Christmas!!

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6



Monday, December 17, 2012

When Darkness seems to hide His face

I like everyone in America am so saddened by terrible events that happened on Friday. I obviously don't have children, but I am an aunt, friend, babysitter, and human, and I think every single one of those titles made me feel such a depth of sadness for all of those families.  That whole community is experiencing such a loss and tragedy that I pray wholeheartedly never comes near my family or anyone that I love.  I cannot go on Facebook or Yahoo or watch the news without tears welling up in my eyes and getting a huge lump in my throat. This is a time of year that joy is supposed to abound. I do not understand this.

Yet, in all of this sadness, I do have hope and peace. In church on Sunday, I was reminded of the peace and hope and yes even joy in the midst of sadness and pain that my Savior brings. I couldn't help, but cry. Some of my tears were shed for all those families that are affected, but some were tears of gratitude that I worship a Savior who is Lord of all.  I do not understand how or why that terrible thing happened, other than the fact that we live in a fallen and broken world. But, in all of that I know that death has been defeated.



"Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
 O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?”
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power."  
1 Corinthians 15:54-56
I think that this truth is all that I can focus on because all the other what ifs and whys are simply too complex for me to comprehend.  I think in some ways that the best thing we can do to honor all of those children who lost their lives in a terrible way is to reach deep down and find our childlike faith. And trust that although darkness is out there and evil exists and terrible things have happened that we have a God who is bigger and stronger.  I hope and pray that all those families find peace and comfort. I hope that they know that their sweet babies are with a loving Savior who has defeated their death.

We sang this at church yesterday. I have always loved the hymn that these words come from, but for some reason yesterday it said what my heart was feeling.

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

When Darkness seems to hide His face 

I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil


I pray that this week and into Christmas, we don't allow Darkness to hide His face. Peace and Joy to you this week. I hope that you all have a great week filled with all the Christmas goodness you can muster.  We did find time this weekend to have a Christmas date with three of our favorite girls.

Carriage ride with her Bubba. Love that girl.
For that, I am very thankful.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Pancake Pajama Palooza

Nothing says Christmas like friends coming over for pancakes in their pajamas.  We had our 2nd Annual Pancake Pajama Palooza on Wednesday, and it was so much fun! We love all our friends and this was such a fun time to get together and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

This tradition will definitely be one that sticks around for years to come. Or as I said to Bubba, "I want to eat pancakes in my pajamas until I die." And while that does sound appealing, I think I was dramatically trying to say that this tradition should stick around for a long time. But who knows, I may eat pancakes from here on out. Only time will truly tell.





Please note that A needed high heels to accessorize

Pancakes clearly are lonely without a big ole ham
Until next year, Happy Pancake Pajama Palooza!!


Monday, December 10, 2012

Weekend Wrap-Up---Bubba Goes Hunting Edition

This past week/weekend Bubba hit the road to Kansas for a little Father/Son bonding trip to pheasant hunt in Kansas. He went with his dad and two of his dad's friends and their sons. They killed a million birds (or a little over a 100) and had a blast. So I am told. Bubba told me that this is one of his favorite things he has ever done. I am so happy he got to have a mini-vacation to do manly hunting things. 

The hunting crew.

While Bubba was hunting, the dogs and I had a very low-key weekend. My mom came over on Friday night and we did some Christmas shopping. I am almost done! This is a huge, huge improvement considering last year I began shopping on the 22nd and the year before on the 24th. I don't know. It's like Christmas sneaks up on me and I never know when it is....even though it comes on the 25th every year. I'm a smart one. 

Saturday morning I met Rebecca and the Girls to see Santa and eat breakfast. It was so fun! The Girls looked adorable and aside from Little Bit discovering that Santa is TERRIFYING everyone had a great time!

Just a little donut love on her face. Saving it for later.

Recovering from Santa
My mom and I shopped the rest of the day, and then I wrapped all our presents.  Saturday night I went back over to Rebecca's for dinner.  We ate Mexican and had the best time visiting. I am so happy/blessed to have fun family live about 5 minutes away.

Sunday, we spent time gearing up for this week of fun! There are many great Christmas parties and fun things coming up.  I love this most wonderful time of the year!!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Do you see what I see?

Christmas is officially here. Our cheer has arrived, and I love it. I figure that since this is my first big girl married Christmas I should document how the house looks. I really do love Christmastime so much and love all the fun and sentiment that comes along with it. Celebrating our Savior's birth is both so humbling and so joyous. This whole season truly sparks something inside me (and hopefully all of us) that makes my heart simply glad.

I also realize at Christmas that since I am not naturally sentimental I have to work really hard on remembering to make things tradition. Then I realize that's sad. I wish I had a heart. Maybe I will be like the Grinch and my heart will grow three sizes. Traditions will be made!

Now, a commentary on the decor. I unfortunately take after my Daddy and love all things bright and gaudy at Christmas. I couldn't simply inherit my mother's love of white lights and silver and gold. No. Give me color or give me death. Preferably Griswald status.

Enough talk. Let's have some pictures.



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Just call me deer slayer.

Saturday after Thanksgiving was a BIG day! I killed my first deer! We had gone hunting on Friday and didn't see anything. Saturday we got up and headed to the stand. After a quick issue running out of gas we were in the stand.

We sat for about an hour when a doe and two babies crossed the field. Then I made a huge noise (my bad) but it didn't phase any deer. What luck. Next, a buck walked out and I got him! I was so excited! Bubba and I had a such a fun time. I can't wait to have deer sausage.

Deer-0 Megan-1!!

Thanksgiving Week 2012

We had the best Thanksgiving! We started off the week with a chance to visit with our friend Brandon. That always makes my heart glad. We met Brandon, Les, Whit, Will, Fri and Joey to ice skate and watch some Ballet. It was a blast. We ate at Chili's after and it truly was such a great time. We can't wait for B to live close. I am so thankful for time with best friends to laugh and eat. Brings me joy.

Wednesday we went up to Batesville for Thanksgiving. It was a GREAT day and weekend. We love our family so much and had a wonderful time visiting with cousins and family. The meal was great and we all had very full and happy bellies. Friday we went to see James Bond. My only regret of the weekend is that I didn't take many pictures.

I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my friends and family and all the love they show us.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Weekend Wrap Up

This past weekend we flew (drove really fast) over to Monroe for some Potts Family Thanksgiving celebrations. You know sandwiches and football watching. We went out to my most favorite restaurant Friday night. Waterfront Grill. Should you ever be in the luxury vacation destination that is Monroe, LA, you must go. Talk about yummy.

Saturday morning, we ate a little breakfast and played with the crazy dogs. Then Mama and I headed to shop, and Bubba and Daddy shot things. You know we like to keep things gender appropriate. (Although upon my arrival I shot too. Let's say that I won.) ANYWAY. We watched the heart-stopping LSU game. The Tigers played Ole Miss, and they tried really hard to lose. But a Tiger Victory was had and a good mood by all was shared.

Sunday, we were supposed to work the nursery at church, but both of us weren't feeling our best so we stayed home. Later that afternoon we did a little Christmas decorating. I am usually against the decorating before Thanksgiving, but everyone's lives could use a bit more cheer these days.  

This week is only a three-day work week and to say I am excited is a terribly huge understatement. My excitement level is reaching a loser-ish level. What can a girl do? I am always excited. It is sorta my MO.

I hope everyone is having a great week! Here are my top things I am thankful for this week:

1) Safety on the road. I know this is crazy, but my Dad totaled his car. My friend Sara totaled hers. Will got in a wreck. And Bubba and I had to stop for 2 wrecks this past week. Truly, I am so glad none of these dear people were hurt.

2) A job that gives time off for the Holidays. 

3) My in-laws. I love them, and always have the best time with them. I am so blessed to have been welcomed into such a loving and fun family.

4) Colored Christmas lights. 

5) Pecans. A wonderful snack that thankfully comes in abundance with my family.

6 months.

1/2 year. As in a half birthday. A half weddingversary. 182 days. Many fun adventures. Many more to come.  I am so excited about our first married Thanksgiving and Christmas. These next two months will sure be fun. 

Us then.
Fun fact. Those are the earrings that Bubba gave me on our wedding day. I wear them every month on the 19th (and lots of other times too).  This of course happens regardless of my outfit of choice. T-Shirt and Pearls. A little class. A little trash. Whatevs.

Us now.
It has been a great 6 months. I cannot wait for more. Love you buddy.



Friday, November 16, 2012

A Very Merry Friendsgiving!

Last night, we celebrated Friendsgiving. A joyous celebration with dear friends and pot luck dinner. Can I get an Amen? We had pork roast and all the yummy sides you could think of: corn casserole, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, potato salad, and desserts! There is something quite magical about sharing a meal with those you love. Be them friends or family. Or in this case a little of both :).  Everyone had a blast, and we ate and fellowshipped. Two of my greatest skills. 


Someone had a lot of chocolate :)



Friends and Family



We may not have a big, perfectly set table to sit at, but we keep it classy with turkey paper plates and sitting criss-cross applesauce style on the floor. 

Our friends are some of the best in the world. And these were just a portion of them. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with great friends that are truly family. This was a great pre-game training meal for next week. May the Holidays begin!!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Three Day Weekend Wrap-Up

Talk about a much needed weekend! This 3 day weekend was some kind of good. Friday night we were both exhausted. The exhaustion lead to some take-out for dinner and possibly some Mario playing. The latter was good for the soul. 

(I know. We are WILD.)

Saturday, we had a really fun day. In the morning/early afternoon, we walked around some shops in Canton. Just checking out some things. The weather was truly amazing. Perfect fall day. 


Then, we headed to the lot and hung out with Rebecca and Will and the Girls. It was so much fun and quite relaxing to play in the woods. Bubba helped with the play house. We enjoyed catching up. Gunnar sure did enjoy himself as well.


Saturday night is when things got interesting. My life is always strange, and the following events only solidified that fact. We were headed to go watch the LSU/State game with friends when we witnessed a deer/car collision. We stopped to help the driver and make sure everyone was okay. The driver was a 16 year old kid and was really shaken up by the whole ordeal. I tried to lighten the mood and tell him that since it was opening weekend, he just beat all his friends to the first deer kill. Bubba took care of the deer (even though he wanted to be redneck and keep it).  Then things got interesting. The kid had a little damage, but nothing that duct tape wouldn't fix. As Bubba was explaining what to do, the kid asked if we would follow him up the road to his friends house and help him. We of course did not mind this so we followed. Well, then it turned out that we totally busted up in to a full fledge high school party. I got asked what high school I attended. I told them OCS... 10 years ago. I felt quite old. They were all very kind (possibly the booze talking), and we got things patched up. Then we were on our way to the game watching.

An aside to the above very long story above. The young man was in a "Hotty Toddy" T-shirt. Basically it is just like the story of the good samaritan... LSU fan stops. While others pass by. I think we will tell the re-write in the church nursery on Sunday. :)

The game was so fun to watch with everyone. LSU won. We even threw a passing touchdown. Amazing. You can score in other ways besides field goals and rushing TDs.

Friends Divided.

This sweater is SO amazing.

BFF

On Sunday, we hung around the house and did laundry. Then, we went and took CHRISTMAS CARD pictures!! I am so excited. We included our dogs. Don't even judge. I am very excited about these family pictures. Here is a sneak peak of the outfits from the car on the way there. I look like a crazed poodle. Simply ignore that.


Pictures wore these two out.

Today, we had a bonus day off. I cannot explain the joy I woke up with this morning! We ate lunch with Lesley, and then headed to go get Christmas decorations. We got a ton of cute stuff! Hobby Lobby has all Christmas 50% off. Total Win. 

This week is going to be great. Thursday is Friendsgiving! And only a 4-day work week. I am feeling the Holiday cheer already. :)

X0XO ~

Meg

Friday, November 9, 2012

Finally Friday

Y'all. It has been a week. It seems like last weekend was 400 years ago. I am ready for some rest and maybe some baking. But definitely no plans that require real pants. Only yoga pants or sweats.

Bubba asked me if I wanted to go on a date tonight, and I replied yes if by date you mean take out and pajamas and not talking to people. Clearly I am a big ball of fun. This was us last night if that gives you any indication of the toll this week has taken on my life.


We all look a little worn out. And yes that is a My Little Pony blanket. We have them for the nieces but darn it if they aren't the softest and most comfortable blankets. I am excited that this Friday comes with a MONDAY OFF!!! I have discovered that days off are the adult Christmas.

Maybe this weekend I can hit up Mistletoe Marketplace and find some Christmas cheer. Really, I would like Thanksgiving cheer first. I am a serious follower of no Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Although I am sorta feeling like this week we could all use a little extra cheer. In any form. Just not in decorated stores for Christmas. Cause nothing makes me buy less than Santa in October. Sheesh.

In the spirit of the Thankful month, I have decided to list the things this week that have caused thankfulness in my heart:

1) Diet Cokes on the rocks in the morning. It is a simple joy in life, but without it I am a witch.

2) A cousin/best friend that can always make me laugh and share a bad mood with me as well.

3) Best friends that you can ask/talk about anything.

4) Really good dinners with Bubba. We like to eat.

5) Netflix. It really does bring so much fun into my life. 

6) Funny puppies that snuggle with me.

7) Nighttime baths. Every night without fail.

Hope you have a great, great weekend!!