Thanksgiving

We had a full Thanksgiving, in more ways than one. 

We started the day traveling from New Orleans to Gulf Port for our first "Coastal Thanksgiving" with all of Jason's family. 

Some friendly chess being played

We had the best time seeing everyone, visiting, eating wonderful food, and enjoying the beautiful weather. 

Afterwards, we made our way back to Brandon where we ended the night having another Thanksgiving meal with my family.
Jason made one of his incredible cheesecakes--it was beautiful!

We ate way too much and laughed just as much. It was such a fun evening.

Another one of my favorite (what has turned in to) Thanksgiving traditions is getting to see The Jernigan Family. Caroline and I have been friends since we were in the 1st grade and it's always so much fun to catch up and spend time with their sweet family.

With very, very full tummies and even fuller hearts, we had an amazing Thanksgiving this year and for that, we are thankful ;)

1,095 Days

As teachers, we have a week off for Thanksgiving. 

Per our planning, our anniversary should always fall during this week-long break. 

How awesome is that?

I love it! 

We celebrated 3 years of marriage this November 23rd and what a sweet anniversary it was. 

My groom surprised me with tickets to see Broadway's production of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" in one of our favorite cities, New Orleans!

It was such a cute production and served as the perfect "kick off" to the holiday season. 

Beautiful sunrise

We left EARLY Tuesday morning from Gulf Port so that we could make it to Croissant D'or for our favorite, an almond croissant.

Our hotel, Le Pavilion, was so beautiful. 

I have to brag on our hotel, Le Pavillion. I called early Tuesday morning about check in time, they went ahead and got our room ready so we could check in early (7:30 am) since we were already there. Then, while checking in, we told them we were here for our anniversary--sweet woman upgraded our room to an executive king room. If those two things weren't awesome enough, around 4:45, room service came up with complimentary chocolate covered strawberries and wine with a card for our anniversary! We were treated so well at Le Pavillion! Definitely consider staying there on your next visit to New Orleans.

 No matter how many times we visit, I never tire of the scenery.

 Anytime we are in New Orleans, we get a picture by the tree where Jason proposed. One day, it will be so fun to look back on those pictures, in that sweet spot, and see how much we've changed and grown.

Our favorite lunch from Central Grocery

While we were there, the movie "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" came out. Jason found the coolest movie theater. Not only do you have less seating, but the seats are leather and very comfy with plenty of leg space. The best part though is that...you can order food and drinks throughout the movie! It was so cool. I of course had to get a Butter Brew--for Harry Potter realm sake. 

It was so fun!

 The main event of our trip!

We had the best time on our trip. 

Here's to 3 years and many more to come!

4th Annual BYOP

I can not believe that this was our 4th year to have BYOP!

This is a fun tradition that Jason actually came up with where we all get together, carve pumpkins, and bring a pumpkin flavored dish. 

We brought the usual pumpkin chili (recipe found here), which was so delicious and Mary Claire made some pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese icing that was to die for! 

We also had some pumpkin spice lattes this year as well--all we were missing was some cool weather!

 This was also our first year to have the pups involved. 

Chester and Moses had a big time trying to decide if they liked one another or not ;)

 Sweet Moses was using all of his energy trying to win Chester over 

 We don't really have a "winner" each year but we declared Mary Claire's Mike pumpkin the winner this year--it was so good!

 Look at that handsome man :)

 All of the finished products--a minion, Mike, a red neck, Harry Potter, and...the barfing pumpkin

We love this tradition and hope to carry it on for many, many more years!

Sarah & Andrew 10-20-16

Jason and I had the best time in Alabama last weekend. 

We went to celebrate or friends, Sarah and Andrew and their wedding!

Sarah and I have been friends for 7 years now, we met in college and have stayed steady friends since then. I am so very thankful for her friendship and all the fun times we've had. 

We took half a day on Friday to make our way. It was such a nice drive and there is some beautiful scenery once you hit the Birmingham area.

We had the rehearsal dinner at the Superior Grill and had the best time. 

They have some of the best margaritas and queso dip!

 The wedding was held at Douglas Manor--this beautiful outside venue with an awesome barn that the reception was held it. 

We had the best day getting ready together, taking pictures, and just hanging out. 

The ceremony was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the reception was one of the most fun receptions we've been too. 

 The bride had to have her a McDonalds burger.

 We had 2 of the most precious flower girls there ever were. 

 Cheers to The Browns and the best weekend!

A Night with Lauren Daigle

Jason and I, along with my parents have the privilege to attend Lauren Daigle's concert last Thursday evening. It was SO AMAZING! I absolutely love her music--it happened to be what really helped me get through our time of "puppy sadness"--I would find myself listening to her songs on the way to work, pouring tears over the fact that yes, we only lost our puppy but that He cares about my heartache and my sadness no matter what it is connected to. He gently reminded me of that through her music and it so ministered to my heart, just as I needed it to. There's just so much truth, hope, and goodness in her lyrics and those lyrics paired with her amazing voice--you can only imagine how great the evening was. 

Dad and I got VIP tickets while Mom and Jason had premiere tickets so we all go to sit in on a Q&A with Lauren before the show and then Dad and I got a chance to meet her. It was such a cool night and I am so thankful for the opportunity! 

I honestly wanted her to sing every song off of her album, but I know there wasn't time for that. But really, I would have stayed all night. 

Here are a few video clips from the night.
I love being in a room, full of people, all singing their hearts out to Jesus.

"Once and for All"
There is victory in my Savior's loss
And in the crimson flowing from the cross
Pour over me, pour over me
O let this be where I die
My Lord with thee crucified
Be lifted high as my kingdoms fall
Once and for all, once and for all

"O'Lord"

Though times it seems

Like I'm coming undone

This walk can often feel lonely

No matter what until this race is won

I will stand my ground where hope can be found

I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Oh, O'Lord O'Lord I know You hear my cry

Your love is lifting me above all the lies

No matter what I face this I know in time

You'll take all that is wrong and make it right

You'll take all that is wrong and make it right

The following two are "How Can It Be"

You plead my cause

You right my wrongs

You break my chains

You overcome

You gave Your life

To give me mine

You say that I am free

How can it be

Again, what a night. 

So very thankful for this woman and her God-given talent and her desire to glorify Him through her music.