Thankful...

Most people posted what they were thankful for at Thanksgiving this year. I, however, was feeling a little down this Thanksgiving, and just couldn't bring myself to do it. In light of all the tragedy that has occurred since Thanksgiving, both to strangers & close friends, I feel quite guilty about not being thankful that day. About not being thankful every day.

So, as I sit here this Christmas eve, waiting for my husband to get off work to start our holiday festivities, I am thankful. Truly thankful.

We have a tree. A real Christmas tree. A tree that my husband, my mom, my dad and I drove to pick out especially for us.

On the tree are many beautiful ornaments. Ornaments that my husband and I picked out last year, on our first married Christmas together. A few special ornaments that have been hand-painted and hand made by close friends and family.

Under the tree, there are gifts. Lots of gifts. Gifts that my husband and I have money to pay for. Gifts that I hope will bring a smile to many faces.

Around the tree, tomorrow morning, will be everyone who means the most to me. Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband, brother & brother's girlfriend and Sophie.

Today, I am thankful. I will not focus on what I don't yet have or what I want. I will be thankful for these things and more.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

Twelve Twelve Twelve

Let's go with the theme of the day here...

Twelve happenings:

1- I am SO ready for Christmas break. Even though it isn't even a full two weeks this year, it's more than most people get and I am so very thankful for that!

2- This week at work has been crazy.
     Long hours + anxious students + exhausted teachers = CRAZY

3- I am flying off to Buffalo Friday morning bright & early with mom. We are going just long enough to scoop up my grandma & grandpa and bring them back for Christmas. Love it!

4- D and I picked out our Christmas tree last weekend and it is over 10 feet tall! It sure does look good in our house with our super tall ceilings. I love Christmas.

5- Speaking of Christmas, all of my Christmas shopping is complete!

6- I have LOTS of exciting things going on for friends right now. New jobs, babies, pregnancies, graduations, weddings & engagements to name a few. Pretty exciting stuff :)

7- I really hope the world doesn't end on December 21st. My fingers are crossed ;)

8- Brother and his girlfriend are coming home in just about a week and half. Twice in one month's time is a record here lately.

9- We are obsessed (along with the rest of America) with the following TV shows : Duck Dynasty, The Challenge on MTV, and my newest interest: Gold Rush (I still haven't admitted that one to D).

10- The Christmas cards are rolling in nightly and I am loving every second of it.

11- There are a few special things on my Christmas list this year- Hoping Santa gets it all!

12- As always, I am constantly being reminded of the amazing friends and family in my life. So, So, So lucky.

That's it.

A few pictures from our search for the perfect tree...

Dad found the tree he wanted right away!

My handsome hubby measuring some trees

Picture by our tree 

(Excuse the shadow here. We are far from professionals)

Love this guy 

Mom & Dad with their tree

A little perspective

Every day, when I get home from work, after washing dishes, planning dinner, doing laundry and taking the dog out, I sit down and turn on the computer. Bet ya can't guess what the first thing I check is... Facebook. Shocker, right?

Anyways, I find myself scrolling through news feeds, reading status updates and checking out mobile uploads. This time of year I see a lot of Christmas decorations and sweet family Christmas pictures. Now that I am past of my college years, I see less pictures of people drinking, going out and studying and more pictures of engagements, weddings and babies. It isn't unusual for me to log in and see a new couple getting married or announcing that they are pregnant. 

I remember a few years ago, when D and I had been dating a while. I had finally moved home and gotten a job. We started looking at houses. I wanted so badly to get engaged. We had looked at rings, but nothing was happening. We took a trip to Florida with some friends, and I remember being convinced it was going to happen then. But, there was nothing. Along came Christmas, New Years (which by the way was the day we officially started dating) and finally,Valentines Day - all of which passed with no ring in sight. As I got on Facebook throughout all these holidays, couple after couple were announcing their engagement. I remember feeling so heartbroken, so frustrated, but most of all, jealous.

D kept reminding me that other people don't matter. That the only thing that matters is us, and that I needed to be patient. And sure enough, a week after Valentines day, I finally got my diamond. And it was so worth the wait. It made our day special, because everyone else was not getting engaged on that random Tuesday night like we were. And D knew that all along. That was what he was waiting for. For our engagement to be special. To be different. To be a surprise. Which is exactly what it was after I had convinced myself that if it was going to happen, it would have happened during the holidays. 

As I find myself getting jealous of pictures on Facebook of beautiful new homes being purchased or growing families, I try to remind myself of this :

2 years ago, at this very moment, I was browsing Facebook, jealous of people that are where I am now in life- Happily married homeowners with full-time jobs and good friends & family. 

So, maybe, this time 2 years from now, I will be able to say the very same thing. That two years ago, I was sitting on Facebook jealous of others living my dream, and now, I am here living it. 

"Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind." - Buddha

Kid at Heart

I think it is fair to say that the holidays tend to bring out the inner child in all of us. We get excited about spending time with family, giving and receiving gifts, playing in the snow (if we have any) and watching old classic holiday movies.

My husband and family often tell me I am like a kid, at all times of the year. Holidays apparently have no effect on me because I act like a 10 year old all the time :) I'll share with you the many ways...

1- If an episode of Saved By the Bell, Full House or Boy Meets World is on, you will have a hard time pulling me away from a T.V.

2- I will do anything almost anything for a bowl of Lucky Charms, extra marshmallows.

3- I honestly believe the Halloween isn't Halloween without carving pumpkins, Easter isn't Easter with Easter Baskets, and Christmas isn't Christmas without surprise gifts under the tree from Santa. And stockings- can't forget the stockings!

4- If my grandma is around, I will be by her side. I have followed her around since I was little and I'm not stopping now. We snuggle and walk with our arms around each other, just like a little girl does with her grandma. Doesn't matter that I'm 27 now, right?

5- "Finding Nemo" and "Now and Then" are still two of my all-time favorite movies.

6- Chocolate chip cookies, pizza and chicken tenders are staples in my diet. Healthy, I know.

7- I eat ketchup on everything.

8- Days spent in pajama's are great days as far as I'm concerned. Productive, no. Enjoyable, yes.

9- When my little brother is around, we are guaranteed to fight at some point. Kicking, wrestling, arguing. It happens every time. But, hey, we really do love each other!

10- I love to play with other kids. Children are my favorite types of people in the whole world! They are so imaginative and carefree. Maybe one more reason why I strive to be like them :)


The list could go on and on. And I am sure my husband, mother, father and brother would LOVE to add a few things, but I just don't think that is necessary :)

Behaving like a child around the holidays (and maybe other times of the year) is a great way to take a break from being so serious and have a good time. I recommend you give it a try!

Remaining faithful...

I have always been amazed at the way God puts things in front of us right when we need it most.

I mean, how many verses are in the Bible?

And, how many sayings are there about God and His plan for us?

But, today, when signing into Facebook for the first time, this is the first status I see:

"When your emotions tend to be like a roller coaster ride, stop and let My truth prevail. Stand on the firm foundation of My Word and refuse to allow discouragement or disappointment to plunge you into darkness. Stay in the light. I am with you to establish you in peace and strengthen your heart, says the Lord. Be strong and determined to press through! 

Psalms 7:9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds."

Tell me this status wasn't intended for my life lately. I love seeing God's reminders to keep faith and be positive.

Head vs. Heart

You know when your head knows something but your heart just doesn't get it? I am having that internal struggle an awful lot lately.

I know something in my head. My brain fully understands it. Logically, it makes perfect sense.

My heart, however, has a mind of its own. My heart is stuck on one thing, and one thing only.

And no matter what my head says and knows, my heart is not convinced.

Man, that heart. It sure is a stubborn one...

Home Sweet Home

My Hubby returned today from a 9 day hunting trip to North Dakota. He and some friends drove 25ish hours, with a dog, trailer and carry-all atop the Tahoe until they finally made it. D has talked for years about wanting to go to North Dakota on a duck hunting trip, so I was glad that he was finally able to go. Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't exactly thrilled he would be gone for 9 days, but I knew that this was something he has been wanting to do for a long time. So, off he went.

While he was gone, I realized a few things.

One thing I realized is that I can do it alone. I don't want to, ever, have to do it alone. But sometimes, it is nice to know that I can. I lived alone, without roomies, for one year before moving home. But, that was a very small place. I could see everything from the front door, so there wasn't much worry about who/what was in my house with me. I was also living in a house in someones's backyard, so neighbors were super close-by. Now, in this big (doesn't feel very big until my husband is gone) house, things are a bit scarier. I managed to make it the whole time without forcing my momma to spend the night with me, or venturing off to my parents' place for an unplanned sleepover (not to say I wasn't close a few times).

Another thing I realized is that I am just not the same without D around. Not in a bad way. Just not the same. I didn't look forward to coming home to an empty house the way I do when I know that D will be home too. I found myself looking for excuses to get out of the house and entertain myself. There is nothing like coming home at the end of a long day, especially when it is to him.

Lastly, I realized (yet again) how wonderful my friends and family are. I had friends offering to do dinner, drinks, sleepovers, etc. because they knew I would be pretty lonely. My sweet mom and dad offered for me to sleep at their place multiple times, and when my momma realized I couldn't leave my crazy dog un-cared for, she even offered to sleep here. I am constantly reminded of how lucky and blessed I am to have these awesome people in my life.

The last 9 days have definitely been an eye-opener.I knew I would miss him while he was gone, but geez! I missed the nightly conversation, the cuddles, the company and even that no-shave-November beard he has going. I am so glad my sweet hubs was able to take this trip of a lifetime, but I am even more glad he is home.

Because I know you want an update...

** I hate being alone. I don't always have to be right next to someone but sometimes just knowing that someone is nearby makes things OK. I am definitely not a loner.

** I just had the best time in the mountains this weekend with some friends from work. I am so thankful that our friend has a mountain house she is willing to let us crash twice a year for good times with great friends. I am happy to have been accepted to "the crew" when I moved to my new school and look forward to many years of fun trips ahead.

** Recently, I have become obsessed with trivia. D and I have been going with our friends, Matt and Nicole, every Monday night for the past month. It is such a good time, despite the fact it makes me realize how little I really know.

** We planned a trip to Washington in December for D to hunt and me to socialize and I am already counting down the days.

** I found out my brother will be home the week of Thanksgiving. His sweet girlfriend will be joining him too. Pretty pumped about this one!

** This election was the first time I have walked into my designated voting location and voted on Election day. The past two elections, I have been in Washington/Greenville and had to fill out absentee ballots.

**I seem to have a lot of friends going through difficult times right now which, in turn, means I have been doing a lot of praying.

**I am having trouble adjusting to the Daylight Savings time. I find myself wondering if 7 pm is too early to go to bed. Well, is it?

** I'm seriously excited for the upcoming holidays and all the vacation time fun they bring!

** I realized I am pretty good at keeping a secret. From everyone except my husband that is. I have to tell him everything. So, if you don't want him to know something, don't tell me :)

** I am going to try and be better about my blog this month. I realized I only had 2 posts from the entire month of October- How lame! I guess I had a serious case of writer's block.


There ya have it. The exciting times in the life of Lindsey. Try not to be too jealous ;)

My MOH

Let me tell you about this girl I know...

A girl who would do anything for anyone, even a stranger. She is the most kind-hearted person I know. She has an amazing work ethic, working and going to nursing school full-time. She is the kind of person you could call in the middle of the night because you are upset and she would stop everything she is doing to calm you down (She may or may not have done that for me a few times in life). She is a loyal sister, daughter, girlfriend, employee, friend and most importantly, my MOH.

For those of you who don't know, MOH stands for Maid of Honor. And not long after meeting Kateri, we knew that our friendship was special. We literally spent every day together. She was always, and I mean always, there for me. She has gotten me through many rough times. She is the best friend a girl could ask for, even though she is 500 miles away now. And while we no longer get to spend every day together, I know that Kateri is always there to get me through a rough time. She always has, and always will be, my MOH.

So, you can imagine my worry when I saw coverage on Hurricane Sandy right in "Brick, NJ" on CNN. Everything was a mess. A big, scary mess. And the first thing that came to my mind was her. Of course, I had seen her posts on Facebook, so I knew she was OK. But, after seeing the damage in her hometown, I had to talk to her. I was able to get a message through on Facebook, since her cell phone service is down. It was such a relief to know that she was safe. Her family is OK. Her house is OK. Things are OK. Not good, by any means, but OK.

So, tonight, I am thankful for my friendship with her. I am thankful to have people like her in my life, every day. You just never know how fast life can change.

 I know one thing that won't change though, and that is my friendship with my BFF, my candy girl, my MOH.

The beginning...

 Typical

One of my all-time favorites....

Sneaking a "smoke" in the closet

We know. We're weird. 

 My MOH

Blah...

Today was one of those days. You know, those days when you add things to the to-do list faster than you check them off. When you feel overwhelmed with everything going on in your life, personally & professionally. When you feel like someone is out to get you. One of those days that the moment you hit the sack can't get here fast enough.

Yep. One of those. So much so that I actually enjoyed sitting in traffic on Business 40 on the way home because I could listen to music and have 15 minutes to myself. 

You know how else I know it was a bad day? I went for a walk and ended up in a run. Me. I hate running. But I had so much on my mind tonight that it actually felt good. Weird.

Anyways, as I was running (Yay me!), I was thinking about how my bad day probably has nothing on some peoples good days. I need to not have a pity party and I need to be more thankful. 

So, I decided to make a list of the things I am most thankful for:

This handsome guy

Our house to come home to after
one of those days

Mom, Dad and Brother. 

Couldn't have been born into a better family!

A Grandma who is like a 2nd mother to me and

even my crazy Grandpa.

Wine. In particular, this glass I am

enjoying as I type.

Papers to grade. Sort of. 

Hey, it means I have a job.

These girls...

And these girls...

 And these girls.

My sweet niece and nephew

My awesome co-workers
I'm partial to the 1st & 4th grade teams :)

 Another great co-worker & friend
And that sweet baby CK

OK. I think you get it. I am pretty lucky. I have wonderful people and things in my life that a lot of people do not have. I always know this in the back of my mind, but it helps to remind myself sometimes. I guess even on those days, things aren't really that bad. 

October Updates

I just realized I haven't posted a blog yet this October. Pretty sad considering it is October 14th. But, things have been pretty busy lately. Here is a quick fill-in on life:

* This weekend was spent partying. A first birthday party and a retirement party kept us busy pretty much all day yesterday. Both parties were awesome, clearly celebrating completely different things. Sweet Cameron Kate turned one. While all children are lovable, CK is definitely more lovable than your average baby. She is absolutely precious and her party theme fit her perfectly. The retirement party was for an old coworker and friends husband. He retired from the Winston Salem Police department. I am thankful for his service for so many years. It was great to spend some QT with friends and coworkers at both parties.


* I finally pulled out the fall decorations last weekend and decorated our house. Since we were so busy last year at this time, we don't have much. But a few pieces here and there give the house a nice, fall touch. And it makes me feel festive, which I enjoy :) It also makes me VERY excited for Christmas decorations. I know I am partial, but our Christmas decorations last year turned out SO good. Since our house is rustic anyway, the rustic theme on our tree and decorations looks awesome. I will be sure to post pics when the time comes.  Check out my FAVORITE Halloween decorations we received as a gift before our wedding last year:

* Things at work have continued to be busy. I am not sure things at work will ever not be busy. So far though, this year has been enjoyable (knocking on wood as we speak). I am reminded daily of how lucky I am to have a job I love. A job I don't mind working on during my free time. A job that you feel really makes a difference. It helps when you work with the amazing people I work with and have sweet students around every day :)

* We have finally finished (for now) our around the house updates. Thanks to my hard-working husband and some helpful friends and family, we have the office completely redone and painted as a third bedroom/sitting room/Sophie's room.  For those of you who don't know, the room I am referring to started out as a home office  (aka junk room), with built-in shelves and desk. We Dustin took down all of the shelves and the desk and moved it to his man cave in the basement to use as a work bench. We Dustin repainted the room and we threw in a futon and a love seat, a much smaller desk and it looks brand new! We also recently finished off our sun room, so we will be taking a break from the home improvements for a while. Check out the finished project:

Add the above to a never-ending pile of laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting and fall cleaning spree, and October has been busy but it sure feels good to check a few things off the to-do list!

There's a first time for everything

We just got home today from another fun-filled weekend with our Washington friends. We managed to tailgate for 6 hours in the nonstop rain and make it through the first (almost) 2 quarters of the ECU football game. What an awesome time. There is just nothing like a college football game, on the home field of your Alma Mater. Anyways, I digress...

We were talking, as usual, and we realized all of the "firsts" I have experienced since these great folks came into my life. And we decided that I needed to document all of these things. So, here it goes:

1. My first grown-up-full-time-teaching job. I started my student teaching with the amazing Kim Copeland, which was next door to the hilarious Merilynn Crisp. I ended up in my own classroom at the same school 1 year later near the fabulous Emily Bland. What would I do without these ladies in my life? They have become some of Dustin and I's favorite people to spend our weekends with. 

2. My first time holding a newborn baby. Weird I know. And maybe I held my brother when he was a newborn and I was like 3. But, the first time the grown up me held a newborn baby was at Down on Main at one of our monthly girls nights. And, BTW, that newborn baby just turned 3.

3. My first time at a funeral visitation. This was not such a fun experience, but it was a first nonetheless. I am thankful and lucky to not have had to attend one of these until the ripe ol' age of 23. And glad to have that "first" over with. 

4. My first (and only) time living alone. And by alone, I mean all alone. No roommates, nothing. Just me and my Sophie-dog. This should prove how much I love these girls- I was willing to live alone just to continue to work and play with them daily!

5. My first time calling 911. Oh dear. This story. There aren't enough words to describe this one. Let's just say that we came across a man, laying in the street- literally in the street, across from my house (where I lived ALONE). The guy was drunk? Or high? We still don't know. But I called 911 and Meri talked him through it, if you want to call it that. What is important is that he was not there when I returned the next day (because there was NO way I was sleeping in the house alone after finding that crazy clown man outside). 

6. My first time tailgating in an RV, which is definitely the way to go when it comes to a tailgate. Every time I had to pee, which if you know me is a lot, I did not have to walk to the Port-a-potty. Or the nearest woods. I was actually able to use a somewhat regular bathroom. Luxury I tell ya!

7. My first time buying gold, which explains why we are the "gold girls". Miss those gold days!

A lot of memories have been made with these girls, and I look forward to many more "firsts" together! Here are a few pics from the most recent tailgate/football game fun:

ECU colored Bud Light? Yes please!

The new iPhone system takes panoramic pictures, so I had to try it out :)

Our tailgate set-up

The Gold Girls

With the Gecko

It rained. A lot. But don't we look good in our ponchos??

One year

One year ago today, I married my best friend. This past year has been the most exciting and wonderful year of my life. Being able to enjoy all kinds of amazing things, with my husband by my side, has been better than I ever could have expected. Here is our first year in pictures :

Looking forward to many more wonderful years to come! I love you D!