New year, New news

Hello, there!

Life has gotten so out of hand these past few days. I know I say this a lot, but I had every intention of making a new post until, well, life happened. Plain and simple. Maybe it's the time of the year, but it seems as if there are so many changes going on around me that I kind of feel like I'm on a rollercoaster ride that won't slow down. Or maybe a merry go round that I can't get off? I really do need to work on my analogies. With all of the changes, it has made it harder to slow down and focus on getting my daily "to do's" done, but I think I have a plan to {kind of} fix that problem. I do, however, come bearing very exciting changes to announce, so at least my absence will be made up for.

First, let's talk about my new promotion! That's right, I am going to start my position as a Specialist for my company, which means I will be responsible for training and evaluating of new hires, maintaing special accounts, etc. I won't bore you with all of the details, but this is right up my Alley {see what I did there?!} I have been with my company for a year and a half, straght out of college, and I have been working extremely hard to get this promotion. Charles and I couldn't be more thrilled or feel more blessed.

Secondly, hopefully later this evening {not making any promises, since it's just been a crazy few days} this blog will be getting a new face. I plan to play around with some new backgrounds, headers, and buttons when I get home from work this afternoon. It's been a long time coming!

Here's what I've been up to:

Saturday Charles and I ventured into Oklahoma for some car shopping for C. It was a dreary day, freezing cold, and just gloomy but we had a great trip just catching up and spending time together.

He brought me home some champagne to toast to my new position at work. Such a sweetie!

In the winter time, I like to make soups or chili for dinners because 1. they're warm and delicious, and 2. I can have them for lunches for a week! Need a good homemade tomato soup recipe? Check out the Pioneer Woman's recipe here!

You know my deep and undying love for candles and wax melts, and lo and behold, I'm walking through Wal-Mart yesterday and saw these new beauties on the shelves. Look at the pretty packaging. I would be lying if I told you the pretty packaging didn't influence my decision to purchase these products {way to go, marketing teams, you win this round...} The new spring scents are coming out, which is a pleasant change from the harsh winter scents that I've been using lately.

This is the temperature as noted by the BMW. 8 degrees, holy cow, the proof is in the pudding. It. Was. COLD! After December, nobody has time for this frigid weather {especially when unaccompanied by snow.}

Pretty winter morning view from our backyard. The sun was peaking through and I thought it looked nice, so I'll share with you!

 

 

 

I'll keep you in suspense for more until after I update this blog's face later on! In the meantime, why don't you give this a read? I think you'll find it as inspiring as I do!

"People are often unreasonable and self centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may acuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. "

French Dips and Football

Happy 2014, friends!

 

It's FRIDAY! Hallelujah thank you Jesus. These holidays are throwing me off and wearing me out, I need some revamping time. It's a little after 5am here, I decided to get to the office early and make a blog post before the woman I am training for the next few days arrives. Plus, I was running early, since I decided to leave my hair natural today and not straighten it {all part of that New Year's thing I was talking about...including, but not limited to less heat on the hair, drink more water, always take my makeup off at night, eat better...you get the point.}   Ok, recap time:

I hope you all had a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Ours was uneventful, can you believe it?

We have a tradition of going to the lake with friends and family every NYE, but plans get messed with when holidays decide to fall in the middle of the week. It’s not as easy to make a trip when you worked all day and have to work again the day after. So lo and behold, we actually stayed at home and had two friends over. We grilled and watched the Texas A&M v. Duke game {anyone else watch that? Great game, more exciting than I anticipated given the teams}. We all had worked that day, so we made it to the New York ball drop {11pm for us!} and quickly fell asleep. So no, technically we didn’t stay up until midnight {So. Hard.} But we had a fabulous time nonetheless.

New Year’s Day I had the fabulous  horrible idea to go to the Dillard’s annual New Year’s Day sale. I’m sure you all know that after Christmas, Dillard’s men and women stores have their red tag clearance event, where they mark down a lot of their items to extremely reduced prices. Well, every New Year’s Day, everything with a red tag on it is an additional 50% off. I haven’t been able to go to this sale yet, as I am always out of town, but I went this time! Now I’m kind of wishing I didn’t. I arrived at about 9:50 and barely got a parking spot. I waited out in the cold for 10 minutes and got trampled over and couldn’t even move around.

Women are crazy.

I walked around for an hour and barely saw anything because there were so many people, but I did score a very nice top, a pair of Steve Madden reflective sunglasses, and an extremely nice turquoise necklace for virtually nothing.

Then I walked to the Men’s Dillard’s to browse for Charles. It was packed in their as well, but no trampling, no screaming women, and {in my opinion}, better deals. I got Charles some Polo Ralph Lauren golf pants {originally close to $100} for $20! I also got him a Ralph Lauren cozy long sleeved tee for about $10.

It may have taken me 2 hours to go through 2 stores, but I suppose it was worth it. I went home and took a nap, though, because I was worn out {and had a not so slight headache…thank you, screaming women}.

At least there was a Dance Mom’s marathon on all day! Charles was thrilled. I really need to spoil him, because I napped, cuddled with puppies, and watched my shows for about 4 hours and he did all of the laundry, dishes, took down the outdoor Christmas lights, swept, and played outside with the dogs without complaint. I lucked out with him!

We met up with a few out of town friends for drinks and dinner, and had such a great time chit chatting and catching up that we didn’t realized it had gotten late, and we both had to work the next day. 

 Thursday, I decided that since it was a very chilly day, there was football on in the evening, and because I had all of the ingredients on hand, I was going to make French Dip sandwiches {in the crockpot, hallelujah, 10x easier and the house smelled delicious when I got home from work!} I threw together some broccoli salad to go with it, because even though everyone says to serve fries with it, I think that's just too heavy for such a heavy sandwich. Broccoli salad is a crowd pleaser, especially with Charles and his buddies that were over last night. We had a blast, but we stayed up too late, and now I have woken up with a tired induced headache and dark circles...it may be a 3 cup of coffee kind of Friday...do I dare!?

Ok, photo time:

My 11pm kiss!

Champagne toasts with good friends!

 

Just so you can see a bit of the Dillard's madness before the store opened...

By far the best invention ever. Makes baking SO much easier, absolute necessity for a kitchen.

I may or may not have a chocolate obsession...Making some brownies for Charles and his buddies

The absolutely incredible French Dip sandwiches..maybe I'll share the recipe..to be continued

Look at the neat little table I purchased at a consignment shop yesterday for $20! It's perfect in between our conversation chairs, and I hadn't found anything cheaper that I liked.

 

 

Is anyone else as ready for spring as I am? I feel as though sometimes I try to rush through life, but be honest, do you not feel like after Christmas, the cold weather can just leave and not come back until December 1st? I'm tired of freezing and having to stay inside all the time {although I am loving the fireplace in the new house!}

Spring for my husband and I means a few things: First and foremost, the Horse Races at Oaklawn. We are obsessed {partially because of the out of this world reubens that they have there...} It is also when Charles gets out and golfs the most and we take the dogs for the most walks, and now since there is a park right down the street from us, we will be walking with them even more! It also means beautiful thunderstorms {I love the smell in the air right before a storm...is that odd?}

Float trips are also a common occurence for us during the spring, and I get to bust out my teva's and my chaco's. And let's not forget...Abita Strawberry comes out in February {you're welcome for reminding you}. This quickly became my go to beer last year, but there was limited production of it, and it was seasonal. This year they are supposed to be able to produce a higher quantity, and you better believe I will be stocking up!

In this picture alone, from last spring, I have about 5 of my favorite things: 1} Abita Strawberry in hand, 2} I'm wearing my chaco's, 3} Spring colored nail polish, 4} I'm at the lake and 5} it had just thunderstormed

 

 

I'm not going to say spring is my favorite {that award goes to fall, my friends}, but there are things I get very excited for in the spring.

I've heard it said so often before that a way to help your marriage succeed and thrive is to do couples activities, and get out of the house and your normal routine. Charles and I are thinking of new ideas to try, such as walking the dogs together after work, riding bikes, and things of that nature that keep us active and in shape as well as spending quality time together. What do you do as a couple to become closer?

“The best time to love with your whole heart is always now, in this moment, because no breath beyond the current is promised.”

 

Twenty Thirteen

Happy NYE to you!

I have to work today, I'm guessing most people don't have to work today...so there you have it. Good thing I have such amazing friends and coworkers here, and a job that I actually enjoy! Can't complain about working under these circumstances ;)

Well I've {almost} fought off this entire cold, but I seem to have put my body through too much trying to overcome it, and I've been more tired than I was when I was sick. I'm not really sure how that works. Oh, and I supposed I passed the cold along to Charles.

Sorry, wabers!

He refuses to admit he is sick but his fever last night tells me otherwise. Hoping he wakes up feeling ok, or else our New Years Eve may consist of soup, the couch, and a movie...and potentially falling asleep before midnight, but let's face it, for us, that's always a possibility.

2013 was quite literally the best year of my life. I got to marry the love of my life and I got to move into a new house and start a home with my new family {Charles, the dogs, and I.} How can you top that? I'm anxious to see what 2014 has to bring, but I'm sad to close the door on this wonderful year.

Let's just take a look at some of my favorite moments from this year...{in no particular order, I was just too busy to put them chronologically...}

Bought my first car!

Baby Nephew #1 was born

First married Christmas!

Meet me at the altar

Bacheloretting

Bridal Shower fun with some amazing ladies!

Couples Shower Casino Night

Best friends ever!

Team America

First home

The Snowhouse!

Horse Races yearly tradition with great friends =)

Cancun Honeymoon {what I would give to go back right now}

What are some of your best 2013 moments? Any resolutions for 2014? Anything you're looking forward to in 2014?

My resolution is to become the best version of myself. You might think that sounds vague, but you'll see what I mean. Stay tuned.

"The phrase 'Do Not Be Afraid' is written in the Bible 365 times. That is a daily reminder to live every day fearless."

Bounce Back

Hello, Friends!

It's that time again--our most favorite day of the entire week {sarcasm not intended}..it's Monday!

I had a post all lined out and ready for putting together for me to just quickly type up on Saturday, but ever since Thursday I have been fighting off an awful cold, and when Saturday finally came around, all I wanted to do was sit on the couch with my puppies, a blanket, and a hot cup of coffee and watch television.

So I did.

Then I thought, "I'll just push this off until Sunday and post then." Well then for once in my life, I actually slept in {albeit, only until 0800, but to me that's unheard of} and then I thought "well I have so much to do today, it's just going to have to wait." So here we are.

Let's start with our typical life recap:

Friday when I got to work I was feeling SO awful. I worked through my lunch so that I could leave work at 2 to go home and take a nap. I went home and Charles had soup and a sandwich waiting for me {you can't beat this guy, he's just the best}. After I ate, my baby Cholla and I took a nice 30 minute nap, then made a cup of coffee and watched our "girl shows" before Charles got home.

Saturday morning {after cozying on the couch for hours}, I decided I just needed to get the Christmas decorations down for a couple of reasons: 1. I probably won't find another day that I'm not busy and can actually find the time to take them down, and 2. I wanted to see what the new house would look like without decorations. Once we moved in, we decorated, and I wanted to see what I needed to do with the space once the big tree / all the decorations were down.

Went to a local coffee shop here in town {Love my Sweet Bay!} and got a chocolate chai tea..look what they did with the whipped cream! I couldn't help but smile when I saw it. How adorable?!

Cotton candy sky from our back deck. Saturday was beautiful weather. How Great Thou Art.

We have been meaning to take a few photos with our "SOLD" sign for awhile now but life got in the way. We decided we needed to hurry up and do it, so yesterday {even though I wasn't feeling well}, we decided to take a few fun photos :)

 

 

You know what really can get me heated? Comparing. You see it every. single. day! Some might call me naive, but I really see no point. It happens especially around this time of year, or around any big event in someone's life.

For example, we have all been to wedding's where some girl mouths off about how happy they are they aren't getting married, because you should have a career first and shouldn't start settling down until you're 30's because until then you don't know what you want {these girls are usually single.}

Then you have the people sitting back saying that until you've traveled or moved away from your hometown, you don't know what you want out of life and you're settling. These people typically still don't know what they want out of life.

Oh, and let's not forget the people who think because they are older, have been married longer, or have children that think that they know some life secret and for that reason alone, they can judge all of your choices.

You all are for the most part aware of my life story, but in case you aren't, let me catch you up to speed. I moved to my hometown when I wasn't even a year old. I've lived in this big yet small town for my whole life. I graduated college in 4 years and got a job in the same town right after I graduated and have been working ever since. I am currently 24 years old. I moved in with my at the time boyfriend at 21 years old, got engaged at 22, and got married at 23. Most likely, I will have children in a few years, after Charles and I spend some time getting to know each other on a new level and enjoy being married.

Go ahead, judge away.
No, I didn't move away from my family or go to a new town for college.
Yes, I moved in with my boyfriend before I was married {and it only helped our relationship}.
Yes, I got engaged and married younger than a lot of people.
No, I'm not having children right away.

My story is different than yours. Maybe I didn't do things the way you would. Maybe I didn't make the choices that some would have. But it's my story, my life, not yours. Ask anyone who knows me and they will let you know that I am the farthest thing from ashamed of my life choices. I'm proud of myself, my family, and everything we have accomplished.

Who are we to say that there is a set in stone way of doing things? Quit living your life comparing it to other's. If you want to spend your time trying to "win," thinking that your choices are the best, go right ahead. But what have you won? Bragging rights? Something to post on social media about?

In that case, go ahead and win.

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self" - Ernest Hemingway

Two down, One to go

Happy December 26th, y'all!

December 26th is quickly becoming a favorite around here, as peace and quiet return and the craziness has {almost} come to an end. Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone and now we anxiously await to ring in the new year. I am not sure 2014 can live up to the amazing 2013 that Charles and I have both had, but I am anxious to find out what 2014 has in store for our family. This year, New Years will most likely be a quiet one for us, instead of our annual trip to the lake. As Charles said, I hope we can stay awake until midnight.

I trust you all had a wonderful and Merry Christmas filled with friends, food, and family {who I'm sure, even though you love them a lot, eventually got on your nerves}. I had a good Christmas, but I felt rushed all Monday evening, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I'm back at work today and I feel like I am finally slowing down. I haven't slept a lot the past few nights, so I was exhausted, and a few people in my family as well as Charles' family have been sick, and I'm afraid I might be catching their cold's. Not feeling optimal this morning.

Since telling you all via words about my Christmas would most likely be boring, let's just jump right into what my Christmas consisted of via pictures! Don't worry, readers, there's only a few a boat load of pictures {and I scaled back!}

Monday night was "Friendsmas" with some great friends, where we all went downtown to a charity concert and enjoyed each other's company {and perhaps stayed out too late}

My adorable husband being festive for Friendsmas. Yes, he wore this out in public, and I think he rocked it! Plus, I never once lost him in the crowd.

He got the leg lamp!

Charles' sweet Aunt and cousin got us our Wedding ornament! SO excited!

Because puppies like Christmas, too!

Some of the spread for the Christmas Eve dinner I prepared for Charles' family

Our annual Christmas Eve "ho ho" punch! It's so easy to make and so festive and pretty. Just take one bottle of champagne, one bottle of gingerale, and frozen strawberries! Voila, easy!

The hubby and I enjoying our first Christmas together in the church that we were married in.

The Marsh side of the family!

Because we have to pray before every meal

He was watching Shrek and wouldn't even stop for a photo!

Teaching her how to write

No explanation needed

Charles and I decided Christmas night sushi would be the perfect ending to the day

Laying in bed, watching my ALL TIME FAVORITE movie, "You've Got Mail." I'm so happy it was on tv. I watch it every time, I'm really surprised that I don't own a copy as much as I love it. This will have to change immediately. Wonderful ending to my evening.

 

 

A topic I have been consistenly reminded of lately is doing things that you don't want to do. Now this doesn't just apply to everyday things such as doing the dishes or taking out the trash {because those things, no matter how much you don't want to do them, you HAVE TO}


No, I'm talking about the things that you have a choice in doing. No, you don't have to go to watch your best friend's basketball game. No, you don't have to go help your husband take down the Christmas lights. No, you don't have to take an interest in your families life. But you should.

Part of growing up is recognizing that you have choices. You don't have your parents forcing you to do things, but you still should know what's right and what isn't. Not doing something simply because you don't want to, even when you know it might make someone happy is just unacceptable. We all have things we don't want to do, but part of growing older and being a person of substance is doing these things regardless. How can you teach your children values if you yourself don't have any?

My parents have set great examples for all of their children on learning to do things because it's the right thing to do, even if you don't get any personal gain from doing it. It's just the right way of going about things, especially when it comes to family. When you do things that you might not feel like doing purely because you know it's what you should do, people take notice, and people are more likely to return the favor.

Don't alienate those you care about due to laziness or pure selfishness. You become a better person by choosing the harder decision. Some people have the philosophy that you should only do what you want to do, only do what makes you happy because life is too short. No offense to that theory {ok, maybe a little offense}, but what a load of bologna. If you are selfish and only do what you want, people will start to resent you. All take and no give will not get you ahead in life.

Remember: You can make your own choices, but you can't control the consequences. Be prepared to take full responsibility for your actions.

"Never sacrifice what you know is right for what is convenient or expedient. Live the life of a leader - one of values, character, courage, and committment. What you do and what you tolerate in your presence best demonstrates your standards."