My Wonderful Blessed Life
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
~Christmas 2015~
I have to say that this Christmas was one that just completely came out of nowhere. I know this past year has definitely been a crazy one for us, and with the house renovations going on, Christmas arrived before I was ready.
I always try to remember the reason for the season and without the birth of Jesus, there would be nothing...at all. Even as I kept reminding myself of that, I still found it hard to get into the groove of the presents, parties, Santa, and so on. I just wasn't prepared. Nothing and I mean nothing about this year was remotely traditional for me/us, and I'm just happy we made it through it.
There were so many things that we always do that we just didn't get to this year.
We didn't go see Christmas lights.
We didn't go meet Santa.
We didn't attend Christmas Eve candlelight service (this was actually due to my parent's thinking it started at 6 instead of 5...fail).
We didn't bake Santa any goodies (sorry Santa...I promise I'll do better next year).
We didn't make our family trip to Truitt Christmas Tree Farm in Effingham County...matter of fact, we went to the place outside of Lowe's, and Bowdre, Elle', and I stayed in the car, and I pointed to the tree I wanted.
We didn't put up the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving (matter of fact, our tree made it up 2 days before Christmas).
We didn't decorate (except for the tree and a wreath on the door).
We didn't sing Christmas carols.
We didn't have any Honey Baked Ham.
We didn't have any traditional Christmas food, actually, except for our seafood tradition on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, my parents made that happen.
We had our first Christmas ever without my Nana.
I'm sure the list could go on and on. About the only thing we did get right is presents and Christmas cards. Matter of fact, I just found out that one my dearest friends has a contest of who she receives the first Christmas card from each year....I WON!!!
I think overall with moving and renovating and pushing ourselves to get at least the dining room ready since we were having family this year just put us over the edge. Each night, Warren and I both were just exhausted...Warren from working night after night to put up gorgeous molding in our home...and me from unpacking and unpacking and unpacking boxes, and trips back and forth to Millen with loads and loads of stuff. Oh yeah, did I mention we have a 1 year old too?!?
I'm happy that my family came and were together this day. It meant so much to us! We had a wonderful day, even though we were exhausted. Oh yeah, did I mention that Santa finally came and finished Bowdre's kitchen at 4AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bowdre was a little under the weather leading up to Christmas, so she ended up sleeping in until 11AM on Christmas day...which meant Mom and Dad got to sleep in too!
All in all it was chaos...all in all it was sometimes a disaster, but we made it! I didn't take many pictures, matter of fact, I don't have one single family photo during the entire holiday. FAIL! I have to say that I'm glad Bowdre was young enough that she probably won't remember a thing, but the look on her face when she woke up and saw her new kitchen was priceless and something even all the chaos couldn't cover! NEXT YEAR I'M GOING ALL OUT!
Of all of the chaos, it brought my family and I so much closer together because we didn't get caught up in some of the other things that the season brings. We just worked together to reach a goal. We were still working Christmas Day before everyone arrived, but by God's grace, we finished it all just in time for our family!
Blessed is what I am and extremely thankful. Now that I have had time to reflect, I keep thinking how this past year was the first one without my Nana...which was the hardest part. I think this Christmas season was meant to be a little chaotic and slightly non traditional for us...it made it easier not thinking about all of the things we did when Nana was here. I know she was laughing in Heaven at us and how crazy it all was.
Here are some pictures from Christmas...remember, I failed at pictures this year. Next year will be better.
Below are the pictures I have from Christmas Eve. We were all dressed up to go to Candlelight Service at Church before realizing that it started an hour prior. Epic fail. Next year, we will know.
Santa has arrived at the Clements' house!
This was a picture before Bowdre came into the den to see all of her presents that Santa brought. This was at about 11:00 am!
Here is when she first saw all of her presents...she was one happy little girl!
Shortly after lunch, my parents and my brother arrived with of course their presents. The favorite was definitely her new wagon! (Video to come in the next post)!
We definitely can't forgot our trampoline from Uncle Burt! She loves it!
Shortly after my parents arrived, everyone else came too! Leigh Anne and Robby stopped by with presents for Bowdre and goodies for us.
We had a low country boil and lots and lots of sweets for dinner! Brenda and Jim, my mom, dad and brother, and Aunt Joan and Uncle Preston were all there!
It was a great night spent with family, and although things were crazy, and Warren and I were exhausted, it was all worth it!
There's always next year!
I always try to remember the reason for the season and without the birth of Jesus, there would be nothing...at all. Even as I kept reminding myself of that, I still found it hard to get into the groove of the presents, parties, Santa, and so on. I just wasn't prepared. Nothing and I mean nothing about this year was remotely traditional for me/us, and I'm just happy we made it through it.
There were so many things that we always do that we just didn't get to this year.
We didn't go see Christmas lights.
We didn't go meet Santa.
We didn't attend Christmas Eve candlelight service (this was actually due to my parent's thinking it started at 6 instead of 5...fail).
We didn't bake Santa any goodies (sorry Santa...I promise I'll do better next year).
We didn't make our family trip to Truitt Christmas Tree Farm in Effingham County...matter of fact, we went to the place outside of Lowe's, and Bowdre, Elle', and I stayed in the car, and I pointed to the tree I wanted.
We didn't put up the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving (matter of fact, our tree made it up 2 days before Christmas).
We didn't decorate (except for the tree and a wreath on the door).
We didn't sing Christmas carols.
We didn't have any Honey Baked Ham.
We didn't have any traditional Christmas food, actually, except for our seafood tradition on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, my parents made that happen.
We had our first Christmas ever without my Nana.
I'm sure the list could go on and on. About the only thing we did get right is presents and Christmas cards. Matter of fact, I just found out that one my dearest friends has a contest of who she receives the first Christmas card from each year....I WON!!!
I think overall with moving and renovating and pushing ourselves to get at least the dining room ready since we were having family this year just put us over the edge. Each night, Warren and I both were just exhausted...Warren from working night after night to put up gorgeous molding in our home...and me from unpacking and unpacking and unpacking boxes, and trips back and forth to Millen with loads and loads of stuff. Oh yeah, did I mention we have a 1 year old too?!?
I'm happy that my family came and were together this day. It meant so much to us! We had a wonderful day, even though we were exhausted. Oh yeah, did I mention that Santa finally came and finished Bowdre's kitchen at 4AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bowdre was a little under the weather leading up to Christmas, so she ended up sleeping in until 11AM on Christmas day...which meant Mom and Dad got to sleep in too!
All in all it was chaos...all in all it was sometimes a disaster, but we made it! I didn't take many pictures, matter of fact, I don't have one single family photo during the entire holiday. FAIL! I have to say that I'm glad Bowdre was young enough that she probably won't remember a thing, but the look on her face when she woke up and saw her new kitchen was priceless and something even all the chaos couldn't cover! NEXT YEAR I'M GOING ALL OUT!
Of all of the chaos, it brought my family and I so much closer together because we didn't get caught up in some of the other things that the season brings. We just worked together to reach a goal. We were still working Christmas Day before everyone arrived, but by God's grace, we finished it all just in time for our family!
Blessed is what I am and extremely thankful. Now that I have had time to reflect, I keep thinking how this past year was the first one without my Nana...which was the hardest part. I think this Christmas season was meant to be a little chaotic and slightly non traditional for us...it made it easier not thinking about all of the things we did when Nana was here. I know she was laughing in Heaven at us and how crazy it all was.
Here are some pictures from Christmas...remember, I failed at pictures this year. Next year will be better.
Below are the pictures I have from Christmas Eve. We were all dressed up to go to Candlelight Service at Church before realizing that it started an hour prior. Epic fail. Next year, we will know.
Shortly after lunch, my parents and my brother arrived with of course their presents. The favorite was definitely her new wagon! (Video to come in the next post)!
Shortly after my parents arrived, everyone else came too! Leigh Anne and Robby stopped by with presents for Bowdre and goodies for us.
We had a low country boil and lots and lots of sweets for dinner! Brenda and Jim, my mom, dad and brother, and Aunt Joan and Uncle Preston were all there!
It was a great night spent with family, and although things were crazy, and Warren and I were exhausted, it was all worth it!
There's always next year!
Monday, February 8, 2016
~Bowdre is 17 months, December 23, 2015~
Dear Bowdre,
I'm a little behind on blogging...but things have been so busy these past few months, and you haven't stopped growing one bit! You love to talk, eat, sleep, run, play, jump, dance, read, and soo much more. We celebrated Thanksgiving and are about to go into Christmas in our new house.
I have to say one of the things that has amazed me the most is how well you have adapted to our crazy life in 2015. 3 houses, moving, long car rides, constant change, living with Gammy and Pop...it's definitely been crazy, but you have been such a strong and happy girl, and I can't even begin to tell you how happy that has made Dad and I.
We are so thankful for you and love you so much!
Love, Mom and Dad!
I'm a little behind on blogging...but things have been so busy these past few months, and you haven't stopped growing one bit! You love to talk, eat, sleep, run, play, jump, dance, read, and soo much more. We celebrated Thanksgiving and are about to go into Christmas in our new house.
I have to say one of the things that has amazed me the most is how well you have adapted to our crazy life in 2015. 3 houses, moving, long car rides, constant change, living with Gammy and Pop...it's definitely been crazy, but you have been such a strong and happy girl, and I can't even begin to tell you how happy that has made Dad and I.
We are so thankful for you and love you so much!
Love, Mom and Dad!
Monday, January 25, 2016
~Bowdre School Christmas Party~
Back in December (which seems like decades ago), I went to Bowdre's class Christmas Party. It was so cute. They are all such precious kids! Since they are still a little young, their class doesn't participate in the Christmas program, so I just got to go to her classroom and sit with her while she ate her snack. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures from the party!
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| Bowdre thoroughly enjoyed the cupcake! |
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| I love my sweet girl! |
~Last Birthday in my 20's~
So for my last birthday in my 20's, I have to say I kept it rather low-key. A night out in Savannah with friends at Myabi (my favorite Japanese spot) was the perfect way to kick start my birthday weekend. Warren and I ran around Savannah doing a little Christmas shopping, I got to go in Barnes and Noble by myself while Warren and Bowdre slept in the car...and let me tell you, I enjoyed myself! Then, we headed to Myabi's to meet Leigh Anne and Rob for my bday dinner celebration. I knew Bowdre would enjoy it too...and she definitely did!
We all had a great time and ate until we couldn't eat anymore! Ya know...they just keep piling on the food. This time, I remembered to get no rice and extra veggies...and I have to say, I was not miserable when I left...Warren was. Lol.
By birthday was on a Sunday this year, and this particular Sunday just happened to be the day of my family Christmas reunion. All of the family on my Nana's side comes to my parent's house for a huge lunch and just time spent together. I didn't mind that it was on my birthday, because I love getting to see everyone.This year was super hard, however, with it being the first one without my Nana. It definitely wasn't the same. Taking a relaxing fun golf cart rides with these two sure helped though!
After everyone left, my parents made a huge birthday spread of my favorites. Crab legs, oyster stew, and chop chop (it's like a sushi spread with shrimp that you put over rice...delicious)!
I had the best birthday surrounded by the ones I love. You can't ask for much more than that!
By birthday was on a Sunday this year, and this particular Sunday just happened to be the day of my family Christmas reunion. All of the family on my Nana's side comes to my parent's house for a huge lunch and just time spent together. I didn't mind that it was on my birthday, because I love getting to see everyone.This year was super hard, however, with it being the first one without my Nana. It definitely wasn't the same. Taking a relaxing fun golf cart rides with these two sure helped though!
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
~First Graduation as Faculty~
Back on December 11, I attended my very first graduation ceremony as a faculty member. It was such a great experience. There seriously were butterflies in my stomach as I walked in during the procedural march with many other faculty at GSU. I think at that point, I realized how amazing my job really is...although I thought it was pretty amazing before this.
The proud students, proud family members...it was just a really unique experience to be a part of. I As I sat in my seat listening to the speaker, I thought back to my own graduation and how so many people played a role in my success...many of which were my teachers. I hope to be something special to some of my students, as some of my faculty were to me!
Congratulations to the Class of 2015! Go out and be somebody!!!
The proud students, proud family members...it was just a really unique experience to be a part of. I As I sat in my seat listening to the speaker, I thought back to my own graduation and how so many people played a role in my success...many of which were my teachers. I hope to be something special to some of my students, as some of my faculty were to me!
"God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements. Creation is an ongoing process, and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease."
-Bernie Siegel
Congratulations to the Class of 2015! Go out and be somebody!!!
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