Merry Christmas!!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas. Mine has been eventful, but not as many events as in year's past. We went to Christmas eve service with my grandmother last night and then came back to my mom's for her wonderful dinner. It's my favorite meal of the year! It can't be beat!! This morning we had a breakfast. It was mom, dad, JD, Kerri, and myself. After breakfast we all came to the living room and opened gifts.

I have to say this was a great year and each and every one of us was blessed to have so much in our lives that we truly didn't need gifts. But, we did give each other a few. I got some golf clubs (I can't wait to try them out on the course) and a bose player for my ipod. That's going to sound good in my house. I don't know if I truly deserved or needed the gifts, but I appreciate them and will use them well.

This year was different as in year's past. Once we were finished with our family Christmas there wasn't anywhere else to go. The Duke's are getting together tomorrow night and the Powell's gathered this past Sunday. So, mom and I decided on a plan to finish decorating my office, stopped by my house to pick up a movie, then got a pizza and came back to her house. It surly has been a low key day, but it is still a great day.

I have to say of anyone who has loved Christmas more this year I think it is Camden and Spice (my mom's cat). They have loved each other's company and I really think they will miss each other when I finally go home.

Well, I think that's enough for now. I will post some pictures tomorrow from all the festivities tomorrow.

I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas. Let's remember why we celebrate today and try to celebrate that all year long!

A visit to Charleston

My family made a visit down to Charleston this weekend to visit JD and Kerri and for my mom and I to get to see the Bucs play for the first time this season. We had a great visit! Kerri, Mom, and I went Christmas shopping practically the entire day on Saturday. I was TIRED!! I don't think I have shopped that much since.... I don't know when. Needless to say I still don't have all my shopping done.

Below are a few pictures that I took during the game. JD was in coaching mode as you can tell!

JD focused on the game

The coaches deciding what to do next....

What a face...

Mom and Kerri during the game

Me and Dad during the game

It was a Bucs win that evening!

Overall I think everyone had a great time. It was good to spend time with JD and Kerri since their time is limited with us during Christmas.

Start to the holiday season!

Yesterday Greg, Eddie, mom, and myself went hunting for our Christmas trees. It was lots of fun and a long tradition that we have had. It was very cold though!

Our group picture after we had all found our trees

I am bundled up! It was very cold... I must have had 4 layers on...

Trying to get warm by the fire

Me and my mom posing by the trees

We all help each other put our trees in stands too. The tree is up with lights now. Tonight I will be decorating. I will make sure to take pictures to show you how it turns out!! I think I am finally getting some Christmas spirit!

Happy Holidays to you all!

Slow start to the holiday season......

So, it's been a little bit since my last posting. I unfortunately missed the Thanksgiving dinners and celebrations that took place last week. I came down with pneumonia last week. So, no turkey and dressing, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, or rolls for me. I guess the only good thing about it was that I missed out on those extra pounds we gain during the holiday. I am actually still at home recovering and am looking forward to getting back into the world tomorrow as I plan to get back to work.

Being sick also put my remodeling plans back a little bit. Still haven't tackled my bathroom or bedroom yet. I am guessing I will try to get back to that this weekend. I also didn't get to go pick out my Christmas tree this past weekend as I planned. So, we are planning on going up to Cashiers on Sunday to pick it out. I am excited. Most of my house is decorated (to a certain extent) thanks to my mom.

One good thing about being sick is I got a wonderful clean house thanks to my mom and dad. While I was down and out my mom and dad cleaned my fridge and freezer and practically every inch of my house. It's great! If only I can keep it that way until the holiday.

Well, I am going to wind this down. While I didn't get to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday I hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family!

A little remodeling....

So, since my roommate moved out over 2 weeks ago it has given me motivation to do some sprucing up around the house. I have cleaned out the storage room and revamped the sunroom (pictures to follow later). My dad gave me an antique bedroom suit that I could use in my downstairs bedroom that turned out amazing. I added some of my grandmother's hand made doilies that just made it even more special (pictures to follow).

The kicker of my projects was to repaint the entire upstairs. I started with Kristi's old bedroom and thought I could get it and the bathroom done by the weekend, but that didn't turn out as planned, but I got the entire bedroom done... YEAH! Here are some pictures from the weekend of painting...

Before the painting started

Another before shot....

Getting started....

Mid way through the wall....

Mom taping off the trim....

Evidence to show that I actually painted the room....

The finish product!!!

Happy Birthday Greg!!

So, Saturday we celebrated Greg's 40th birthday. Eddie threw a wonderful party and there were lots of familiar faces and some that I haven't seen in a long time..... Here are a few pictures from the evening....






It was a great evening! The party was hosted at Circa 1930 in downtown Seneca. Greg is a wonderful person and deserved nothing less! I love you!!

Start to a new week.....

So, the weekend was good. Went to the CU homecoming game. Glad to finally see them play good! Sunday I got a lot done! My dad gave me an old antique bedroom set to use in the my downstairs bedroom. It's awesome! I am going to take some pictures and put some up for all to see. The room looks great!

The next big job is painting. Luckily I have a great volunteer to help....my mom! What can you say she loves doing improvements around the house and can't stay away. I will take before and after pictures too.

JD's basketball team (CS Bucs) opened this past Friday. They played Iowa and even though they lost it sounds like they did a great job and there is lots of hope for the season. They play again tonight against Furman so make sure you pull for them!

Well, that's it for now. Need to get somethings done....

Until next time.......

Eventful Weekend....

This past weekend was a good one. Nothing stressful, but lots to keep my occupied. Saturday night I attended the Expression III Fall Fashion Show benefiting the Heart Step Organization of Greenville. They fund home renovations for the widowed, elderly and underprivileged in the Upstate of SC. It was an awesome evening. Check out their website. They do some great work.

One cool thing was my cousin was one of the models in the show. It was good to see her again and get to spend some time with her before she leaves to move to New York very soon. Here are some pictures from the event and the after party.

Jared Emerson (he is an AWESOME artist ... check him out!)

Phillip and Amy from the Biggest Loser & Greenville were also in the show

Erika in the runway show

Myself and my cousin Erika

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She is perusing her dream of singing and acting. She is a wonderful talent and I am sure she will go far!

Another event this weekend is my roommate of the last four years has moved out :( She hasn't gone far though. Still in the same town. I know that she is beginning a new journey all her own and so I wish her the best of luck as she starts to make her own home.

I am starting a lot of home projects. Since Kristi moved out I will be turning that room into a study, but first I have some painting to do in my room, the bathroom, and the second bedroom. Yesterday I made the first step in cleaning and reorganizing the storage room in the sunroom. It made a HUGE difference! Many props to my mom for the help! Lastly, I made my last grass cutting for the winter. I am glad that I don't have to do that again for some time. YEAH!

Well....I will wrap this up now. I have lots of work to get done and a final in my class along with a paper to work on.

Until next time.......

Weekend Recap....

So, this weekend my mother and I were able to go down to Charleston to visit JD and Kerri. This was the first time that we have been able to spend some time with them in Charleston since they were married. I can't believe it has been just over 4 months! They seem to be doing really good and Kerri did an awesome job decorating their home. We spent most of our time with Kerri as JD is in basketball mode and his team opens up their season in 12 days..... WOW!

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures this weekend but here is the rundown of where we visited:

• Charleston Tanger outlets (not a lot of success there)
• King Street Grill (loved the atmosphere and food...try this place!!)
• TJ Maxx Mega store in Mt. P (LOVE IT!!)
• Marshalls Home Goods (LOVE IT TOO!!)
• Vanity and Handpicked (always good finds...)

We were able to watch the CU game against Boston College with JD and the Carolina game before Kerri and I passed out. Lastly, we were able to attend church service with JD and Kerri and East Cooper Baptist in Mt. P.

Overall, it was a great visit! I love visiting Charleston and it makes it that much better that JD and Kerri are there ....... hopefully it won't be too long until I am back down there!

Until next time......

Go BUCS!!

So, Sunday I carved out a pumpkin for mom to send to JD. I think it turned out really good. Maybe I should quit my day job and become a professional pumpkin carver..........nah!!



This pumpkin is for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. JD is entering his 4th season (I think) as an assistant coach down there. I couldn't be more proud of him than if he was my own brother.... oh wait! HE IS!!

Please keep him and the entire team in your thoughts and prayers this year! JD seems very optimistic about the season and it would be awesome for them to have a great year! I am going to Charleston this weekend to visit JD and Kerri and I can't wait to see them and their new home since they were married.....

Check out the CSU website to keep up-to-date with JD and the team!
http://csusports.athleticsite.com/

Happy Halloween!

It's just about time for halloween! This year I decided to carve a tiger paw..... I know everyone isn't happy with the Tigers, but I think that it turned out really cool. A lot better than I anticipated! I can't wait to put it out....

Nervous......

So, today is a BUSY day. I have lots of stuff to accomplish at work, but I have my first test tonight in my managerial accounting class. Let's hope that goes well! I will let you know....

Quote

Here is a good quote that my cousin Holly sent to me today!

"What women want: to be loved, to be listened to, to be desired, to be respected, to be needed, to be trusted, and sometimes, just to be held. What men want: Tickets to the world series."

Haha! Thought this was cute and funny..... Enjoy!

Catching up.....

So, a big part of the fall season has been going to the Clemson football games. A huge tradition in my family! So, the season hasn't exactly gone the way that everyone thought it would, but that doesn't mean that we haven't had a good time! Below are some pictures from the Alabama game, SC State game, and Maryland game. Enjoy!

Go Dabo Go..... A new era!

So, today was the start of a new tradition at Clemson. Dabo took over as head coach this week and the atmosphere at the game was so exciting. Below are some pictures from the day, including Tiger Walk (the new tradition). The weather was great and I got to enjoy the day with some awesome friends. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost :( but you could tell that they had played harder than they had any other time this year. Hopefully when they play again against Boston College they will have better luck. Until then......

Starting something new.....

So, I thought that I would create my own blog and give me just one more thing to do and occupy my time with. Most of you that might read this probably already know me pretty well. Oh well, it will give you something to look at too. I will just keep things occasionally update with the on-goings of the crazy and wonderful world that I live in.