Oxford Wedding Weekend 12/18/21

Our family's long time friends had a wedding in Oxford last weekend. 

We made our way there and had such a good time. We ate TOO MUCH good food, got to experience Ann Hatten's enchantment with her first wedding--that she could actually take in what all was happening. It was so. much. fun!

A fun story--so when Mary Claire was turning 21, our family made our way to Oxford for a surprise birthday celebration for her. This was Jason's first big outing with our whole family and we went to Boure', which is where the pickle martinis are from. So this place and that drink hold a little bit of a special meaning for us. This was the first time we've been back to Oxford since then and we KNEW we had to have a pickle martini. They were just as delicious as we remembered and it was fun to sit there and talk about those early days of dating. 

Before we get in to wedding pictures, I have to say that every single thing we ate that weekend was delicious. My family tells me all the time how good the restaurants are in Oxford and I have to say, they lived up to the hype. We went to (and would suggest) Boure', Big Bad Breakfast, and Insomnia Cookie. Y'all know I love a good meal!

On to the wedding. The ceremony was so fun because Ann Hatten sat with us and kept talking about seeing the Princess. She was SO excited and even made sure her Grando saw her as he was walking down the aisle to perform the wedding. She was glued to the aisle and loved seeing everyone walk down. She even "shushed" me one time when I tried to tell her something! I'm glad to know she's taking it so seriously-ha! The one thing she was disappointed about was that the cake was no where to be seen in the church. We had to explain to her that we had to go to the reception and that's where the cakes would be. 

We made it to the reception and as you can see, she was the first one on the dance floor and I think she put in the most miles on that floor, too. I will be 100% surprised if she's not in every single picture from the reception! She had the time of her life and I'd be lying if I said we didn't enjoy watching her. 

Bennett got a little dance floor action himself and he was the cutest little fella on the floor. 

I am pretty sure she told Mary Claire she needed to take her shoes off so that she could dance better. I feel you girl, I feel you!

Even though it's blurry, I love this picture of Bennett. He looks so cute and teeny tiny when he's standing up like that next to Jason's long legs. 

Oh and this, this is what a picture taken by your almost four-year-old niece looks like when she's scurrying back to the dance floor. 

Oxford, you now hold a few more good memories for us.  

Catch Up & Quarantine Pt. 1

It's time to play a little quarantine catch up since...well, we can't really go anywhere! 

So many fun things happened over the last month and even now, during our social distancing, isolation, quarantine, we have been trying to make the best of it so, here goes!

Sweet day-time snuggles with James. This little fella is growing like a weed and I can't wait until I can see him, snuggle with him again!

We celebrated Mom's birthday at the end of February.
One of the easiest people to celebrate.

Baby Showers for long time friends and two sweet little baby girls
(one that's been born since the shower and one that's coming soon!)

A Bridal/Wedding Shower for Katie and Harris at the church.
I had so much fun being a part of the hosting and celebrating for this soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.

Annnnnd, my best friend had her second child, Ivy Lynne!
This sweet little bundle of love came into the world fast and furious (and on International Women's Day--what a day for a little girl to come along!) and she is just the snuggliest, cuddliest, little love.

Thankfully, I had 3-4 days of getting to visit and love on her and her parents some before all the coronavirus craziness came about.

Who ever knew when this all began that schools would suspend, some stores would close, churches would go fully online, restaurants would offer take-out or delivery only, and we'd be searching for toilet paper (of all things) because it keeps selling out. But, it has also been so incredibly neat to see people and communities rising up and encouraging one another and working together (from a distance) to make this an uplifting, bearable, (in a unique way) memorable time.

And now, some quarantine related content and a few of the ways we've been trying to make the best of this situation. These are the good parts that I want to make sure I remember years from now.

Aplos, a restauraunt in Highland Village is offering make your own pizza kits.
It was so much fun and made PLENTY of pizza for us to eat on through out the week (4 pizzas, 6 slices each pizza).

Since our school is currently closed until April 20th, our district has been posting pictures every day of teachers sharing messages with their classes/students. It's been so sweet to see and it's true what they say, we do miss them, love them, and hope to see them soon!

My second favorite book series, The Wingfeather Saga has been read aloud, live, every night at 7 by the author, Andrew Peterson. So stinking cool and something to look forward to every night!

Using my record player and supporting Magnolia Record Club while working from home. 

I've been the one grocery shopping because not only is it coronavirus season but, it's also pollen season so Jason has been staying in and he wanted to see the empty shelves. Thankfully, this has subsided some here recently and I feel like (other than toilet paper and major cleaning supplies) things are coming back in stock and people are able to get what they need. 

Thank goodness for technology to see this little cutie pie 

Lakeland Presbyterian going fully online and still being able to hear Papa Steve preach The Word even though we can't all meet and fellowship together.
But boy, isn't Ann Hatten sweet watching her Grando below.

 We're still able to be outside and bask in all the beautiful things that The Lord has given us.
These flowers, pretty blue skies and all the rain-free days we've been having. It's been so, so nice.

 The bridal shower that was posted above was supposed to have their wedding this past weekend.
The ceremony went on and we were able to watch via live stream and then, participated in my very first drive by "best wishes" for the bride and groom. Such a sweet ceremony! I was so glad we could “be there” with them, to celebrate their big day.

Sending out the most snail mail that I have in quite some time. A few birthday cards, a "thinking of you" card, and little notes of encouragement for each of my students. 

Our neighborhood has stepped it up. 

We have had so many people coming up with fun ideas to keep children entertained and ways to bring a little joy during these uncertain times. 

The biggest thing we've done is ask everyone to put rainbows in their windows--that way when people are out and about, they can look for the rainbows. They have also put hearts on the mailboxes of any healthcare worker that's in the neighborhood. We've been going on walks and it's hard for me to not tear up when I see these symbols of encouragement and community.  

Here's a cool write up and news segment on our neighborhood and the rainbows.

There's also been a group that has faithfully "worshipped from a distance" at 7:00 each night in the culdesac, ending the night with the singing of the doxology and a prayer. So sweet. 

Why the random Spider-Man picture? Well...here it goes.

One of the cooler things that's happened is that Jake Johnson, the actor that voices Peter Parker on "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse"--and plays Nick on "New Girl" posted on his instagram that he was sending out voice memos to people that emailed him and requested one to bring some encouragement to kiddos during this weird time. I emailed him on behalf of my class and lo and behold! I received a voice memo from him yesterday and already sent it out to my class. 

I'm not entirely sure how to upload just an audio but...let's give it a try because it's definitely something I want to remember. 

Update--I was able to record the screen on my phone, so here you go!

It goes without saying that these are times unlike any other. 

The first coronavirus case in Mississippi was reported on March 10th or 11th (I think it was the 11th) and I'm considering my timeline since then. 21 days and the end is not in sight. 

My thoughts are this: Think about what God is trying to teach me and show me during this time, make the best of it and  find some way to make today a good day. 

Natalie & Dusty's Wedding 9/15

Another "better late than never post"!

Our friend, Natalie got married last month and we had the best time celebrating her and Dusty.

Their ceremony was so sweet, the church was decorated beautifully and Natalie was simply stunning!

This was my first time to attend an event at The Vault Venue in Brandon and it was such a pretty place. Their reception was so, so much fun and I think it's safe to say that our family spent the night trying to get Ann Hatten to dance on the dance floor. 

Look at that little smile with her Momma. The sweetest thing!

These made me laugh so hard--the one above that barely shows the top of Ann Hatten's hat. We couldn't quite figure out how to best make us all fit!

Thankfully, we were able to get a good one.

Natalie and Dusty, we wish you guys all the happiness and we loved celebrating y'all!

Summer Shenanigans

I had quite the busy summer. 

Busy, full, fun and it flew by faster than I feel like it ever has.

Life has been ninety to nothing since school started so here goes the summer photo dump of all the fun things I got to do! 

Wedding Shower for Jordan 

Girl's Night Going Away Dinner for Davis 

Spice Avenue for lunch is always a must when we have time off! It just so happened they had all my favorite dishes that day, too.

My dear friend since 2nd grade, who I used to write notes back and forth with on the school bus,  had a beautiful outdoor wedding where she made the prettiest bride!

Mom got us last minute tickets to see "Finding Neverland" and it was so, SO good!

Cat came to town and we took on the MS Pickle Fest 

Jason and I had a fun night out with the other 2nd grade teachers before school started back

The most fun pool day with this little gal, my best little buddy!

Attended a lovely bridal shower for this gal

A quick, always fun visit with most of the Jernigan family (Dustin, we missed you!)

Celebrated Jordan becoming Mrs. Denton

If you know me...you know this cake spoke my love language--those macarons! 

This little thing having her first cheese dip and clearly loving it. 

We celebrated Blair's birthday and very soon after that found out that BABY JUSSELY is going to be a BOY! and cried tears of joy because there's something so special & sweet about being an Aunt and I can't wait to meet this little guy!

I think the pictures speak for themselves and serve as a sweet reminder of all the goodness in my life and I am so very thankful for these times and memories.