Counting My Blessings

  While there are so many things to be grateful for year-round, this time of year gets people to really count their blessings. I am so thankful for the Father, the Savior, and the Comforter. I am thankful for my family, my sweet friends, and my beloved Antonio. I am blessed to have a job I love that not only supplies my needs, but also my wants. But let's be honest, if you so much as semi-regularly read this blog, you know these things. So allow me to tell you five things you don't know.

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS

1. Daily To-Do Lists--Not only do they keep me focused and productive, just writing them actually gives me something to do.
2. Audible--Now I can catch up on the Game of Thrones series even when I can't read it. Maybe one day I'll actually finish it.....although that seems doubtful.
3. Aveeno Hand Cream--Finally a hand lotion that actually absorbs and doesn't leave you greasy!
4. Soup--No matter the weather, it's just downright hearty and delicious. BUT it tastes even better during this time of year.
5. Fuzzy Socks--I don't really think it's necessary for me to explain this one. It's fairly self-explanatory.

Friday's Letters 11.22.13

Dear 28, 
  Unlike most birthdays, I really haven't cared about adding another year under my belt. I guess once you get to the late 20's, what's another number? It doesn't sound young either way. So, yeah, I'm good with it. You just better be a fantastic year--that's pretty much all I care about.

Dear Aubrey, Jenna, Mom & Dad, and Anthony,
   Each of you sang a lovely rendition of "Happy birthday" on my voicemail and I loved every aching second of it. Haha, j/k.....I really didn't. But seriously, thank you! They brought a smile to my face and I loved it!!

Dear Facebook,
   You have changed so much about the general population's lifestyle. For example, if you think you might want to hang out with someone, you can look up their relationship status on FB before you even approach them. Want to find out if someone is cheating on you or lying about where they are? FB will usually tell you. Want to rob someone's home? They'll usually brag about being on vacation or tag their location to let you know that their house if free game. (Okay, so those last two were kind of bleak. But they still hold true.) Want to keep up with someone without actually having to talk to them? Check out their profile. You've given me the wonderful fortune of watching my friends' children grow when they lived far away (and even when they don't.) This list could go on and on, BUT you've also made people's birthdays 10x better. Before you gained mega popularity, you may have gotten a few phone calls and cards in the mail. But now you get notifications galore with people wishing you a happy birthday. I know it sure did make my day special! So thank you!!!

Dear Alabama, my sweet home,
   I'm so glad to be back to you! I wish there was a recording of my face when the flight captain came over the PA and announced the temperature in Alabama. Toledo was great, but there's nothing like Alabama the Beautiful!

Dear H&M,
   Get ready--I'm coming!

Friday's Letters 11.15.13

Dear Coworkers,
  I'm blaming any added weight on y'all. With all the yummy pumpkin bread, glazed Krispy Creme doughnuts, & double chocolate-chip cookies lying around, I'm not going to be able to get through the door.

Dear Sick Friend,
  I hope you get to feeling better. Thanks for letting me stay and partake in the chicken divan.

Dear Weather,
  Whoo, you are C-O-L-D! I just hope you calm down while I'm in Toledo next week.

Dear Mom,
   Christmas in November? Our Christmas tree is not three feet away from decorative pumpkins--and not six feet away from a pilgrim display. Whatever.

Dear Anthony,
   Thanks for taking me to lunch! Any time I get to spend with you is precious. :)

Dear Oil Change Place on Atl Hwy,
   If I hadn't visited you twice, I just don't know if I'd believe a place like you really exists! An oil change, vacuum, and car wash for $30?!?! You even have excellent customer service. Thanks y'all!

Dear Aubrey,
  I canNOT wait to see you on Sunday!!!

Dear Karyn & Harlyn,
  I'm so glad I got to see both of y'all! Thanks for letting me get in some cuddle time with that sweet angel baby!

Weekend Recap

This weekend deserves its own post to recap its awesomeness! As are all weekends spent with Anthony, this one was fun-filled and chocked full of new memories.

   I arrived in Dothan Friday evening, and we went to the fair at the Peanut Festival. This was my first time experiencing the annual event and was made even more special because I made a huge deal about missing the AL National Fair when it made its way to Montgomery. As always, Anthony to the rescue. We had a lot of fun walking around and riding the rides.

   Saturday was mostly spent with Anthony in the kitchen and me watching football. Yes, you heard that right. He made a scrumptious peanut butter cheesecake and we tag-teamed dinner. His classmate, Alix, joined us for dinner and Anthony watched the AL game while Alix and I semi-watched and chatted. It was lovely!

   We went to brunch with Helena, another of Anthony’s classmates, at Oak & Olive. Helena is an AU graduate so, naturally, she’s good people. J We spent the rest of the day with me watching movies while Anthony studied.

  All in all, it was one of my favorite weekends in a while!

Antonio and his Turkey Leg (guh-ross)

 The rest of the evening looked like this

Love this boy so very much!

Fall Festival with Jude

  I know it’s a little late, but I wanted to share some pictures of my sweet cousin, Jude. He is one of the sweetest and cutest little boys I've ever had the pleasure of knowing! I took him to my church’s Fall Festival on October 30^th, and we both had a grand time! 

We couldn't get Flash Gordon so we settled for a lightening bolt.

 With the big pumpkin

 Have you ever seen a cuter batman?

Yes, I was a helicopter cousin, but those kids are a lot bigger.

Big boy made it all the way to the top!