Going to the Chapel and We're Gonna Get Married!!

He asked and I said YES!!! Matt and I are very excited to announce our engagement to each other! :) Matt asked me to be his bride on Saturday, May 14th. He had the whole day planned out and each part of it was perfect.

Exactly one year ago we started dating each other so we were celebrating our one year anniversary. Matt had both of our families come up including our brothers and sister, which was extra special! However me being naive I thought everyone just came together for a fun weekend. I got to Matt's house with my family around 11 that morning and I noticed that he was wearing the same outfit he wore on our first date which happens to be one of my favorites! We all started talking and hanging out and then Matt had our families go downstairs to play games and we stayed upstairs to fix Matt's famous hamburgers. Sidenote: it was in Matt's kitchen that we both knew we were falling in love and were perfect for each other! We started reminiscing about the past year and talking about favorite memories as we often do. Then he came over and gave me a kiss and told me how much he loved me and that he couldn't wait to marry me. I told him that I loved him too and too bad I had to wait 7 more years to marry him( a joke between the two of us). At this time Matt went and got the ring out of oven drawer and got on one knee saying, "well what if you didn't have to" and started to ask me to spend the rest of my life with him. Of course through the tears I said yes!

We spent the rest of the day celebrating this wonderful occasion with our families! We are so excited for this engagement time of life

Matt and I have been truly blessed by God and are so thankful for our wonderful love story that He has written and continues to show to us! We strive to bring Him joy throughout this whole wedding planning process and that the Lord gets all the glory for what He has blessed us with!

Can't wait to be MR. & MRS.!!!
So happy and in love!

The BEAUTIFUL ring! I couldn't be happier with the one he picked. I will post more pictures later.

Stay tuned for more wedding updates and the creation of a wedding web page!

Thank you to our families for being part of such a special day for us!

Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend is always a great weekend surrounded by family and friends but most importantly worshipping our Risen Savior who died on the cross to save us from a world of darkness and bring us into a life of hope and eternal life with Him.

Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!

"Jesus Paid It All"

"I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

Revelation 1:18

A song that I spent a lot of time reflecting on this Easter Season was "Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher. Take a minute to reflect on the words of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW6LOsslU2M

Here are some pictures from Easter weekend: Leslie and I hanging out, this girl is like my twin and I am so thankful to have her as a cousin and friend.

My beautiful family on Easter Sunday before heading to Church to worship our RISEN SAVIOR!

My wonderful parents who are always supporting and encouraging me. The Lord truly blessed me with the best parents who set a Godly example every day to my sister and I. I would not be the woman I am today without these two.

This couple wins the BEST SISTER AND BROTHER-IN-LAW award! I have so much fun with these two and know that they are only a phone call away (when they answer sometimes 4 phone calls away).

My handsome boyfriend and I. I am so blessed that the Lord has made me such a wonderful helpmate and best friend to enjoy life with!

Love this picture!

Daddy's Little Girl! I have always been his little girl and always will be. My dad and I share a bond that no one can separate. He is constantly there for me through all of my ups and downs. We have a lot of fun!

Two of my favorite men enjoying a little Saturday afternoon ice cream. What can I say I am crazy about these two!

I hope that you and your family had a fun Easter as well.

Happy Easter!

Christ the Lord is Risen Today!

How Great is Our God

How great is our God? Well let me tell you our Lord is a wonderful provider who answers our prayers and is readily waiting for us to seek Him and His will for our lives.

I am continually thankful for the ways that the Lord is working in my life and how He answers when I seek Him and His ways.

If you are looking for the Lord's will in your life let me give you some points to ponder that have helped me:

• Ask yourself where does your joy come from?


• Spend time with the Lord


• Serve the Lord


• PRAY!


• See what God's Word says about it

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.

Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 37:4,7 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.

Psalm 48:14 For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Watch the following video and worship our Heavenly Father for all of the blessings He has given to you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZFN8TBfgNU

Late Winter/Early Spring with Friends and Family

Friends

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another"

Proverbs 27:17

In late February Matt and I met up in Farmville with my college roomate (Laura aka ROOM) and her husband to spend some time reminiscing and catching up at Longwood. I am so fortunate that when I went to college God had a best friend there ready to experience the 4 years of college with me. Laura and I became best friends almost instantly when we met in our Freshman Seminar class. Who knew that 6 years later and 4 hours away from each other we would remain just as close as we were at Longwood. I am so thankful to have a best friend like her who I can call and share all of the joys and up and downs of teaching, as well as our joys of life and love! We had a great time visiting with them and look forward to getting together soon! In Farmville there is a huge furniture store and we spent several hours looking at furniture while we caught up. Jonathan liked this one with the secret compartment to store things. Longwood's Rotunda! Matt and Laura relaxing in a new chair.

Best Friends/Roomates enjoying the day on campus.

Thanks Laura and Jonathan for meeting us for a fun afternoon! Can't wait to get together again soon. Maybe a weekend on the RIVAH!

Birthdays

"I thank my God everytime I remember you."

Philippians 1:3

This past weekend my family and I went to celebrate my Great Uncle's 84th Birthday with him. Bunny is truly like another grandfather to me and I am so blessed to have this Godly man in my life. Bunny and I have a bond that no one could ever come between! We joke with each other and solve all the world's problems on his front porch as we watch the cars go by. When the weather gets warm I try to escape to his house as much as possible to spend time with him. Bunny shares some great stories about times when he had grown up and about all of his traveling adventures that he still goes on. Not to mention he has lots of fun toys at his house to play with including a golf cart that he allows me to get out and we ride around the neighborhood in. I have very fond memories of beach trips in his camper, watching movies, taking walks, and just sitting on his front porch together. I look forward to many more years of this! I love you Bunny!

Weddings

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

1 Corinthian 13:4-8

Last weekend we also went to our friends Andrew and Allison's wedding. It was a COLD spring day but a lovely wedding at Virginia Tech. We enjoyed attending the wedding and dancing the night away with friends and family! If I may say so myself Matt and I make a lovely couple! I enjoy getting dressed up and going out on the town together.

P.S. Doesn't my man look handsome in a bowtie?! One of the things that first caught my eye when I saw him!

Full Moon Saturday

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”

Psalm 95:3-5

A few weeks ago we had the biggest brightest moon and even on a cloudy night what a beautiful sight to see. Matt and I took off to the parkway and drove up to one of our favorite overlooks and enjoyed taking in the beautiful creation that our God has created. It was a fun night spending time talking and enjoying being outside on a beautiful early spring night!

One last picture...on a beautiful spring weekend! I am so glad the weather is finally turning warmer and look forward to spending lots of time outside. I am most definitely a warm weather girl!

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Colossians 3:12-14

Daddy/Daughter Trip

View of the crowd
Picture of my dad and I...it's a little dark but we had a great seats!

The rest of the pictures are ones of the team and signs.

This past Friday my dad and I took a day off of work and headed to the ACC Tournment. Dad and I always take one basketball trip a year to Chapel Hill to see our Tarheels play but this year did not make it so we knocked something else off of our bucket list, the ACC Tournment! What a fun day spending time with my dad and cheering on our team while also watching some other good basketball and enjoying yummy BBQ. I will always cherish these trips that my dad and I have taken together and I hope that it is a tradition that we always continue! We have a great time talking, laughing, and building memories! Thanks dad for being a great Godly influence in my life and taking time out of your schedule to spend time with me!

Puppy Love

I am in puppy love with a very cute sweet chocolate brown cocker spaniel at our local pet store. It looks much like this one in the picture above. Matt and I went last night because we love to go and look at the puppies whenever we are near by. We never get any of the dogs out to play but last night this little one won our hearts! He was so sweet and cuddly and loved to play. We have not stopped talking about "Max" ever since.

Now if only we could get this little guy. I sure hope he finds a loving home!

More Kindergarten Funnies

My class LOVES to play review Tic-Tac-Toe so we play it a lot of afternoons after we pack up while we wait on the announcements. I had to share this funny answer with everyone.

Question: What is the worlds biggest star?

Answer: Justin Beiber

Reply from me: No not that kind of star. (Now the little boy is very stumped and is sitting there and you can just see the wheels turning in his head)

After about a minute he says "I know! Johnny Cash!" Insert laughter from my teacher assistant and me.

Me: No not that kind of star either. I am looking for the biggest star that is in the sky.

Student: Oh, I don't know that one.

Even though my kids constantly get me sick, I can't help but smile and love them!

Complete Faith

Don't you just love diving into God's word and being reminded of the amazing things that God can do when we have faith?

Tonight while doing my quiet time I was remined of two stories that are examples of the things God can do.

1. Matthew 17:24-27
2. Judges 6:33;7:1-8

Take time to check them out today!

Kindergarten Funnies

Overheard at the sink...
While one of my students was washing his hands the other day he said: Why hello water! How did you get so warm?

Questions while reading...
Student: Do you have a job?
Me: Yes, my job is being your teacher.
Student: I am worried about being able to find a job when I am older.
Me: Well, I don't think you have to worry about that for many more years and I am sure you will have no problem finding a good job.

And on a more sweet side...
I had been out sick for 3 days last week and one student walked in this morning and the first thing he said was: are you feeling better? What a great start to a Monday!

Kindergarten Assessments

I have been working on report cards for my students this week and I thought I would enlighten you all on some important changes you might want to make in your knowledge of life.

Wants vs. Needs
-TV is now a need. When asked why you need a TV in order to live, I was told that you have to be able to watch SpongeBob and Patrick.
and
-Water is a want. I want water to drink instead of milk.
and
-You pay for wants and needs by giving FOOD to people. The correct response was of course MONEY!

Past and Present
-In the past people were playing on their gameboys.
and
-In the present we all travel on pirate ships instead of cruise ships.

Daily Life
-Instead of your five year old coming to kindergarten we will now be having all 60+ year olds come to learn their ABC's and 123's! Don't forget to register your senior citizen at your nearest elementary school!

One last thing, if you are looking for your summer vacation spot be sure to ask your travel agent about a trip to the moon where you can go watch TV and be back by dinner time. I hear it's quite the hot spot!

A Look Back at a Wonderful Christmas!

I always love Christmas and have a great time celebrating with family and friends. This year we had a wonderful time as usual full with many fun times laughing and spending time together. These pictures show just a glimpse of the fun that I had and the memories that I will cherish for a long time!

The Christmas tree all decorated and presents tucked under. Christmas Eve Eve my family, Matt and my sisters in-laws all celebrated by having a delicious dinner, spending time together and opening presents.
Matt and I on Christmas Eve. We had a great first Christmas together that we will both remember forever. Loving the new sweater that he gave me in this picture!

Emily and I in our Christmas PJ's. This is always one of my favorite things to get each year. We always look forward to our new pj's to wear.

Jack and I all worn out after visiting and celebrating Christmas Eve. We are tucked in for the night before Christmas.

Christmas was spent down at my grandparents house. The holidays there are full of many traditions. On Christmas Eve we went to church for the candlelight service, I love going to this service as it helps to prepare my heart and mind for Christmas and how it is about Jesus coming to earth to save all of us from our sins. After the service we go to my aunt and uncles for a party. On Christmas day we wake up and have breakfast with mom's side of the family and open presents. For lunch we go and celebrate with my dad's family and then we spend the rest of the day/night visiting and hanging out with friends and family. I am so thankful for the many fun times and traditions that we have enjoyed over the years! I look forward to many more. Unfortunately I was too busy enjoying Christmas and didn't take too many pictures but enjoy the ones I took.

Dad and I hanging out with the family on Christmas evening.

On a Snowy Sunday after Christmas. Matt came and picked me up at my grandparents to go to Boone with his family for a few days. When we left in the snow that morning we did not know what adventures were in store for us that week, but what a fun time that we had. We got up there without any problems until we got to the neighborhood the house was in and the hills were snow covered! The man at the rental place told us there was no way that our cars could make it up to the house. Here is where the adventures started. He shuttled all 5 of us and our two car fulls of stuff up to the house as we left our cars down at the bottom of the hill. We spent the week spending quality time together, playing games and the Wii, watching movies, exploring the beautiful outdoors and going into Blowing Rock and Boone once the streets got plowed. Thank you to Matt's family for a memorable vacation. It was great spending time with you all over the holidays!

The beautiful sunrise on the last morning there. Now this is a sight I could wake up to every day!

Matt and I in Blowing Rock. We stopped to take some pictures at a church that was decorated for Christmas.

All of us on the last morning before we left.

After leaving the mountains we went to visit my Uncle, Aunt, and cousins in South Carolina. We had a great time visiting with each other and ringing in the New Year. We went shopping, played Just Dance on the Wii (which provided many good laughs), and ate a traditional New Years meal. This was also a neat time because Matt was able to show me where he went for training for his job. I enjoyed being able to see places that he has told me about and learn more about his work head quarters.

The rocks at the river.

Olivia and I on her favorite "chair" downtown. She was a great tourguide!

Matt and Olivia exploring down by the river.

Matt talking over the USC bowl game with this gentleman downtown.

Emily, Leslie and I taking a break inside the Michelin Store.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I LOVE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS!

Friday Night
7 fun family members
1 Dickens of a Christmas
1 Bag of Kettle Corn
7 cups of warm Apple Cider
Lots of Beautiful Christmas Trees
1 Italian Restraunt
1 Lemon Pie
Put all of that together and you get a fun family tradition!

Mr. Grinch and myself. This is my all time favorite Christmas Movie!
Kindergarten Teachers by day, Cousins for life with the Teaching Tree.

The Waltons Christmas

Downtown Christmas Tree

What a fun group! Can't wait til next Christmas to do it all over again!

I love summer but without a doubt the week before Christmas and after are two of my favorite weeks of the year! They are full of family, friends, and traditions. Not to mention it is a great time to reflect on the year and all of the wonderful blessings that God has given to me. All of the blessings started when God sent His Son, Jesus to earth to save us. Without the miracle of Jesus being born that day in Bethleham, I would be nothing. Without Jesus I am a lost girl but with Him I am able to live life to the fullest and do what He desires for me to do! Take time this week and next to reflect on what Jesus has done for you. Never get to busy to think about the true reason for the season!

Christmas Shopping

Today is my second SNOW DAY of the year! It was very welcomed as it started my Christmas Break a few days early. I am going to take advantage of today and head out to hopefully finish my Christmas shopping. I am behind schedule this year on finishing my shopping and would love to have it done by tomorrow! Could it be possible? We shall see.

I LOVE to shop but I have to be in the mood to go out shopping for a long period of time, hopefully today will be one of those days that I am in the mood for shopping. Last weekend I went to TARGET and there were SO-O many people that I couldn't even remember what all I was looking for. It almost stressed me out to turn down every aisle only to be greeted by at least 2 other carts. Lesson learned: make a list! So I am making my list and I will be checking it twice as I head out shopping today. Maybe just maybe a lot of people will be at work or playing in the snow while I am out and about!

What about you? Do you like to shop in the Holiday crowds or do you prefer shopping when not as many people are out and about?

Stay tuned for the adventures of shopping as well as the start of family Christmas traditions tonight!

Happy Birthday!

At the beginning of the month we celebrated Matt's birthday! We had a great weekend doing fun things and spending time with family to celebrate a day dedicated to just him. I love celebrating birthdays and doing things that show how special the birthday person is!

On Saturday we started off the day by having a yummy homecooked breakfast with my parents. After we headed to the transportation musuem for a fun morning of looking at all types of transportation: old cars, trains, buses, and buggies. That evening we had a nice dinner at Olive Garden and went to see The Social Network at our favorite local theater.

Sunday we went to meet his family and had a nice day eating and shopping with them!

So even if this post is belated, Happy Birthday Matt! I hope you had a great day and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you! You deserve all the best that life can give. I pray that God blesses you with a year of happiness, fun, and growth in Him.



Before we headed out for the day.

Matt and an old tractor trailer (one of his favorite exhibits)

Me and the caboose (my favorite train car)

Uh-oh, should we be watching out for you?

What a fun weekend!