"....I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~James 10:10~

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!!!


Thankful for my WONDERFUL HUSBAND!

Ready, Ready, Ready, Ready...Ready to Run!



Ali, Morgan, and Meagan enjoying Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving last night at the Cracker Barrel!

Celebrating in Elberton!

Yea for THANKSGIVING DAY!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Give Thanks!

I really loved today's scripture verse..."Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." ~Hebrews 13:8

On a day that we gather together to give THANKS for all the blessings in our life I think it's especially important that we THANK God for being who He is...an unchanging, unconditionally loving God! With all the changes life brings we all need a little something we can count on and He IS IT! And I am very very THANKFUL for that!

I'm also very THANKFUL for the time I got to spend with my family tonight at Cracker Barrel! We met with my Dad's side of the family and had a great dinner together. When Brian got ready to order he said "I'll have a pancake and what else ya got?" HILARIOUS! Everyone was excited to see Molly's growing baby bump...awww!...and I got to meet my cousin's new boyfriend. I really enjoyed it and hope it might become a tradition or atleast that we'll be able to do it more often! We don't see each other that often but when we do IT'S THE BEST TIME EVER!

Tomorrow morning Travis, his dad, and his brother are all running in the Electric City Gobbler to benefit AIM, a local food pantry. Brian is spending the night with us tonight and we're gonna get up early to see them off and then he's gonna help me cook my green bean casserole...he's such a GREAT helper in the kitchen! Then we are heading off for Elberton to have Thanksgiving dinner at my Mom and Dad's house and I can't wait!

Well... let me get back in there and watch my two favorite guys play some Madden...and TRY to convince Brian to go to bed...lol...

Gobble! Gobble!

Yea for TURKEY DAY!!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

These are a few of my fa-vor-ite things!!!

A friend recently blogged about her most favorite tried and true beauty products and indulgences and I really enjoyed reading it! I even got some ideas for some new things to try! Hope you enjoy....I'm also going to start blogging about new products I try to see how they stack up! I have always LOVED all this girly stuff....YEA!

Blush- Nars "0"...the very very best!

Lipgloss- I haven't used lipstick in a few years but I am a self-confessed "Lipgloss-aholic!" I'm currently using CO Bigelow Mentha lip tint in Violet Mint from Bath and Body Works, Maybelline shiny-licious #85 in chocolate cherry,and a shiny light pink gloss from Sephora that I got while in NY last April.

Foundation- I LOVE Bare Minerals but to save money lately I switched to Loreal Bare Naturals and it is just as light, fresh, and wonderful as the more expensive brand.

Eye Shadow- I use a sparkly white wet and wild every single day that I've had for about two years and I don't know WHAT i'm going to do when it runs out!

Eyeliner- I just use black or brown eyeshadow for liner and right now its just a basic drugstore brand that seems to work great!

Moisturizer- I really like the Equate brand complete beauty lotion with SPF 15! Don't forget the sunscreen!!!

Mascara-I am really liking maybelline lash stilleto right now! It's super lenghtening and has a really small brush which I like because it reaches each little lash!

Facial care- Equate Antibacterial foaming face wash...I've been using it since college and NOTHING works better for me and good ole' classic oxy pads....I love the tingle and it really exfoliates well!

Shampoo- I have been very pleased with my last purchase which is Bed Head Dumb Blonde...it helps remove all the buildup I get sometimes because if you know me you know I LOVE hairspray! And speaking of...

Hairspray- Nothing beats RUSK W8LESS but to save money lately I've switched to Tres Semme 4=4 which is REALLY good and light weight so I might stick with it...who knows!
I am also using d:fi firm hold hairspray right now for when I tease the underneath of my hair and it's a MIRACLE! This stuff doesn't move but then magically it easily brushes right out...gotta love that!

Conditioner- Matrix Biolage Color Care Conditioner...the shampoo is really good too I'm just not using it right now. I like to switch up the kind of shampoo I use every now and then because my hair seems to feel better if I do.

Brush- I don't use a regular brush but you absolutely MUST get a TeaZe comb by Phillips if you want to add volume to your hair...it's amazing!

Lotion- Right now I have Twilight Woods in my purse because Vanessa gave me some and I really like it...It's sorta vanilla/woodsy and it smells like cold weather which I like! For outta of the shower use I really like Lubriderm Advanced Therapy for Extra Dry Skin because I get really dry skin sometimes. It seems to be really theraputic and actually hydrates my skin. I am also really into Winter Candy Apple at Bath and Body works although I haven't splurged to buy any yet but I highly recommend it!

Hand Lotion- my fav is 100% Look Ma New Hands from Bath and Body works...very indulgent and WORKS!

Hand soap- I ADORE Jergens Cherry Almond! The lotion is so good too!

Body Wash- Other than the Nutcracker Sweet I just got (see below!) my FAVORITE is Sea Island Cotton from Bath and Body or anything super creamy and "coconutty-smelling"!

Deodorant- I have used Teen Spirit since I was about 12 and I will use it til' the day I die! Who was you have to grow up?! My favorite is Sweet Strawberry which I'm using right now.

Ok...so that's what I'm currently using in my beauty arsenal! lol!

But I will keep you updated on my newest and best finds in the beauty world starting with something oh so wonderful I got just today!

I went into Bath and Body Works to get some Christmas gifts and I found a little something for myself which I know is SO bad right here at Christmas but I just COULDN'T resist splurging just a little! I got the Nutcracker Sweet 3 in 1 shower gel/bubble bath/shampoo and it's truly a little piece of heaven! I ran home and took a shower ASAP because I was so excited about it and I just can't wait to use it again. I'm not sure it would appeal to everyone but it has a sweet, buttery, baked good smell that is to die for!

Also I tested the CO Bigelo Warm Butter Rum lipgloss at Bath and Body today and it is definetly on my TO TRY list because it just smelled so yummy and reminds me of Christmas time for some reason...delicous!

Hope you enjoy and please share your favorite list if you can!

Yea for being a girl!!!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Lazy Sunday

Travis and I are just cleaning up the house a little and waiting to go to church around 6 so I decided to take a little break from the cleaning (imagine that!)and tell you about our weekend!

We had a great time at the Clemson game! GO TIGERS....ON THEIR WAY TO TAMPA BAY!

We met with Travis's business client and his little daughter and they were very nice! The weather was perfect, although it got a little bit chilly towards the end, but my super sweet hubby got me a cup of hot chocolate which did the trick to warm me up! Last night after the game we were just lazy and watched some more football on TV before I fell asleep on the couch.

Today I was able to go out and get a LITTLE bit more of my Christmas shopping done...slowly but surely I'm checking off my list! I'm one of those "DO IT NOW!" type people so I really wanna have every single present bought and wrapped by the first weekend in December...so we will see how that goes! The main reason is because I wanna relax and soak in every single bit of CHRISTMAS I can once December rolls around and I don't want the stress and too much hustle and bustle to take away from what I really love about the season....reflecting on the Birth of our Saviour and spending time with the people I love most!!! I just want to enjoy every single second without stress or worry! So I'm working hard to make that happen!

Turkey day is quickly approaching! Only three work days this week too...my I'm a happy gal!
Oh...and Nikki found her brides maids dresses and she is making lots of plans for her wedding which is really exciting! And I found some clothes for baby girl McKnight and I can't wait til she's here to wear them! Why is buying baby clothes the most fun thing in the whole world!?

Well..gotta get this hair fixed for church! Have a great week!

Yea for a week full of blessings!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Well....

Just found out the tickets are not actually in the Suntrust Box...but hey...beggars can't be choosy and I'm still just as thrilled...I'll just have my stash of gummy worms and diet mountain dew in my purse to enjoy during the game! No biggie! lol! I can't wait!

Started listening to Christmas music today...GREAT!!!

My meeting is about to start so bye for now!

Yea!...Yea!...Yea!....that's all I've got to say!!!


Oh my goodness...I'm having an excitement overload!

Travis was able to get tickets for the Clemson game this weekend!!!
We haven't been able to go to any games this season so this is a REALLY BIG DEAL for us! What a blessing!

Travis is taking a business partner and guest and our seats are in the Suntrust Box...so ofcourse my first questions to Travis was..."so that means we get free food and drinks???" I'M THRILLED!!!

So...in other news...

I've managed to get a little more Christmas shopping done! I went to the Jockey lot with my friend Jessica and Bette and we got some great deals! Too bad it just got raided for stolen goods....oops

I'm just so excited about the Holidays! Thanksgiving is almost here!!! This year I'm making:

Green Bean Casserole -One of Janet's recipes that I LOVE!
Apple Cake- Another one of Janet's recipese that I LOVE!
Apple Cider
Spinach and Artichoke dip for an appetizer
and a Turkey with "feathers" made of kabobs filled with fruit and veggies!
Yummy!!!

My mom has taken over the duties of hosting Thanksgiving for my family in Elberton. My dad is even doing the Turkey this year....my Granny and Pop need a break and need to have some time to relax and enjoy...they've put in plenty years of Turkey cookin'!

Well...gotta run....but hope eveyone is having a very happy Thursday!

And I'll end with this...GO TIGERS...I'll see you on Saturday!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

It's FRIDAY!!

I got some great news today...

My Granny's tests came back and the doctors told her she is healthy and there is nothing for her to worry about! I'm so thankful and so grateful to God for hearing our prayers for our Granny! She still has to have a few other little tests run but overall she is going to be just fine! Yea!

I think we're just gonna hang out at home tonight and maybe get a pizza...I'm in the mood to cuddle up on the couch and have some pizza and watch a movie with Trav! Sounds good, doesn't it?!

Tomorrow I might go out and try to get some more Christmas shopping done and just do some window shopping! It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend and we better enjoy it because I bet there won't be too many more sunny days to enjoy before the colder weather starts setting in..which I'm actually sorta looking forward to because I have lots of scarfs I'm ready to wear!

I've still got some pics from the Aquarium coming, just haven't been able to get them downloaded yet...but hopefully will have them up soon!

Happy FRIDAY everyone!

Yea for GOOD NEWS about Granny!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Sick day...bummer...

Well...

I'm at home today trying to get well from whatever it is that's got me feeling pretty crummy!We went to Atlanta yesterday and had a GREAT time despite the constant tylenol popping! I can't wait to tell you more about it and show you some cute pictures but for now I'm going to take a nap and try to sleep off this cruddy old cold...
Have a happy Thursday!

Yea for medicine!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A special day...

Today is a special day for many reasons...

It's Veteran's day and I would like to thank all the people who have courageously and unselfishly served our Country...

And it's our three year wedding anniversary so I'd like to thank Travis for being the BEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD and God for bringing us together!

Last night Trav's dad called and asked if we would like to go out to eat so we joined Him for dinner. We went to Mama Penn's first and after ordering drinks we realized we would rather have breakfast so we high-tailed it outta there and hit up the Barrel...(cracker barrel that is!)

We ate and sat and talked for hours and had a great time! The fireplace was going strong and it felt like Christmastime in the store so I was in heaven! I also found a perfect little gift for my Granny!

I don't know about yall but it must have been VERY WINDY last night because our backyard is covered in huge limbs and lots of debris. We are still planning on heading to Atlanta this morning to visit the Aquarium. I'm really excited about visiting the "dr office" section where they take care of the sick fishies...lol...I hope we get to pet something cute and cool like a penguin or something...I'll let you know!

Hope you have a great day!!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Sugar and Spice and EVERYTHING NICE....

That's what little girl are made of!

That's right...Molly is having a little girl and I'm going to have a niece!

She found out today and we are all very excited!

Tonight Trav and I are going out to eat to celebrate our anniversary (which is actually tomorrow but why not stretch it out a little and celebrate a little longer!)and then tomorrow we are leaving early to go out and eat breakfast and then head to Atlanta to go to the Aquarium and spend the day there. These have been the VERY BEST three years of my life!

Try to stay dry...I have a feeling it's gonna be tough though!

Yea for celebrating happy things!!!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

A Pee-can Week-and...say it with a country twang!

Howdy Yall! lol!

Ahhh...I am so thankful for another wonderful weekend...another precious gift from God to enjoy some time with my family and make some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!


Brian got to stay with us this weekend...I needed my Brian fix because I haven't gotten to spoil him enough lately! Saturday we got to spend the day with my Granny...who is feeling well, in great spirits, and sweet sweet sweet as ever by the way...and pick pecans! My granny's friend has a huge farm with TONS AND TONS of pecan trees so we gathered pecans for about two hours and by then we were so sore we could hardly walk...lol! That's the best workout I've had in awhile! My aunt Fran, Cam, Nikki, and Dana joined us and all together we got 90 pounds. Then we took them to get cracked at "Larry's Nut House"..haha..but SERIOUSLY...HAHAHA...and then we rode with Granny to pick up the deer pop shot the other weekend at James Deer Cooler....does it get anymore country than that!!! I love being a COUNTRY GIRL! But I can't give up my monthly edition of Glamour either! Know what I mean southern gals??

LOTS OF PECANS!

Brian and Glory!

More Pecans!

Dana and Camryn on the way to the farm!

Time to pick some pecans!

Balloons over Anderson!

Of course we were THRILLED with the TIGERS this weekend...woo hoo!!! Brian had fun watching the game with us and left with a new clemson backpack compliments of his big sis! This morning we visited North Anderson Baptist Church and really enjoyed it. Everyone was VERY FRIENDLY and we felt very welcomed. We are still praying that God will lead us in the right direction in terms of our church home and know he won't steer us wrong. We are going to visit again next week and attend Sunday School to see how it is. My neighbors across the street have been so good to us and they attend North Anderson and had a seat saved for us *smile!* (I got that little trick from Vanessa...thanks...I love your *smiles!*) The message today was about praise and basically how our number one praise to God should always be that he is the Saviour of our souls and the Lover of our souls. God desires that NOT ONE perish but that ALL come to him to receive forgiveness of sins and everlasting life! If that doesn't make you *SMILE* i dont' know what will!!! I will praise HIM all the days of my life for SAVING ME!!! God's peace is unlike anything I've ever known and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

So...Tomorrow is one of my VERY BEST FRIENDS birthday so I'm going to go ahead any give her a GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY now....HAPPY BIRTHDAY KASSIE!!! I LOVE YA GIRL!

Well...guess that's about it for my PEE-CAN WEEK-AND YALL!!!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Prayer Request!!!

I'm enlisting the help of all my friends and family to help me pray for my very special Granny!!! This weekend she noticed some sore knots on her legs and ankles and my mom and aunt talked her into going to the Dr. They discovered then that she also has calcium deposits on her lungs. My Granny lives a very healthy lifestyle and I'm confident that it is just some sort of allergic reaction or something but the Dr. did tell my Granny that these symptoms can sometimes indicate that something else is going on in the body that might be harmful. So please...say a special prayer for my Granny's health and my Granny and my family would TRULY appreciate it!!!

Yea for a God who hears our prayers!!!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Homemade Chili for two!


I have really been in the mood to cook lately and tonight I made some Chili from a new recipe I found. It turned out good...a little spicier than I prefer...but I know the hubby is gonna love it that way! It was really easy and here's the recipe in case you don't have a good chili recipe for yourself!

Big Game Chili

1 lb lean ground beef (I used ground turkey instead and it turned out great!)
1 cup onion (chopped)
1 cup green pepper (chopped)
1 can (16 oz.) Bush's chili beans, undrained
1 can (16 oz.) Bush's dark red kidney beans, undrained
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (I used twp cans diced tomatoes with green chilis because I like lots of tomatoes in my chili)
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 cup water
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder (or use 2 cloves of garlic, minced)

In large pan, cook beef, onion, and green pepper until meat is browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 45 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions, cheese, and sour cream and ENJOY!!

Yea for warm chili on a chilly night!!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Surprise!


I got a nice surprise today! When leaving work I called my mom and found out she was almost in Anderson for some shopping!I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when my family comes to Anderson! I also got to see Ali, Nikki, and Faith so it really made my day!

I also found a great new recipe today! I was reading a parent magazine that is distributed at the DSS office where I work and this recipe caught my eye...because it's SWEET, EASY and LOW-FAT...could it get any better??!

Yogurt Pie:

2 fruit in the bottom yogurts (choose your fav flavor!)
1 tub whipped topping (use lowfat or fat free if you'd like!)
Graham cracker cookie pie crust

Mix whipped topping and yogurt together in a bowl. Pour into pie crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving...and ENJOY!!!

We also put up our "Angel Tree" at the Anderson Mall today. The angels on our tree represent the children in foster care in Anderson County. Stop by and grab an angel for you and your family to sponsor this Christmas and I promise you'll be blessed! This is many times the only "Christmas" some children receive. I can promise you that you will make the day very special for whichever little angel you choose!

I also made a fall wreath today...about burnt off two fingers with the hot glue gun...but here's the finished product! It's not much but it brightened up my french doors!

It's getting closer to Me and Trav's 3rd wedding anniversary and I just keep loving him more and more every single day! I think to myself...there's no way I could love him more tomorrow than I love him today... but he's so sweet, thoughtful, and WONDERFUL that I fall more and more in love with him every day!!! So I can only imagine how I'll feel on our 50th wedding anniversary!

P.S. Go Phillies! "I take my strike zone seriously!" That one's for you honey!

Everyone have a GREAT WEDNESDAY!!!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Sunday, November 1, 2009

A fun Christmas Idea!


When I was younger my parents would always take me and my sisters to the "Magical Nights of Lights" at Lake Lanier in Buford, Ga. and it's one of my favorite Christmas time memories!

The "Magical Nights of Lights" is still going strong and I'm planning on inviting some friends and family to go with us and enjoy a night of over seven miles of beautiful lights, roasting marshmellows over an open fire, singing Christmas carols, sipping hot cocoa, and shopping in the Holiday Village!

The event runs November 21st-December 30th and for a carload of 1-9 people tickets are only $33 (Monday-Thursday) or $53 (Friday and Saturday) if purchased online! So if the cost is divided among everyone its a very affordable way to celebrate together!

Just an idea I thought you or your family might enjoy too!!!