Christmas Excitement...

It seems like these past couple of weeks have just been one big blur filled with food, family, tons of gifts, and plenty of excitement. 

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We went to look at some pretty lights. 

Santa brought me plenty of gifts.

I got the chance to puppy sit this sweet baby. He was a Christmas gift for my sweet girls I used to babysit. 

We spent some time with family. 

And on Christmas morning we got some very exciting news... Benji's sister is pregnant! We have been waiting so long to hear this news, and we are thrilled! 

I hope everyone had a very, merry Christmas and took time to remember the real reason for the season! 

Day of Silence...

Prayers and love. 

-H.

On This Rainy Day...

As my sweet Abbie sleeps on the couch next to me and the candle is burning, I can't seem to stop thinking about those in Connecticut and the others all around America who went back to school today with a hole in their heart. I don't want to focus on the man who did this. I want to focus on the precious lives that were taken away far too soon and the teachers whose lives were taken away to protect their students. I think back to my experience in the classroom so far, and I know I would take a bullet for those babies any day. As sad as it as I find comfort in picturing them at the feet of Jesus listening to the stories and smiling so bright and beautiful. 

Praise the Lord that they are in the arms of the angels now. 

Please don't lose faith. God still reigns! 

Today...

Well, today has definitely been a day. I found out a few months ago that I was going to need gum surgery. I decided to wait until the semester was over to schedule the surgery. Today was the day of my surgery. Surprisingly, I've had only a little pain and some nausea from the medication. Other than that, this recovery has not been bad at all. Ice cream and potato soup aren't so bad either. 

However, today was a rough day for another reason that I'm sure y'all are familiar with. Today, a shooting took place in an elementary school in Connecticut. As a future teacher, this breaks my heart and scares me all at the same time. You would never think of a shooting happening in a kindergarten classroom. I am so hurt for the families, teachers, and children who will live with this pain forever. School should be a place of giggles and learning...never fear. I am praying that God will show his peace to all involved with this horrible situation. 

On a brighter note, I am so thankful for a teacher that made an impact on my life several years ago when I began babysitting her sweet daughters. I have loved seeing them grow up and greatly appreciate the many hours spent talking to her and figuring out that crazy part of life as a teenager. Today, she brought me such a special gift that has made this recovery process so much easier! I am so appreciative and thankful for her. I hope that I am half the mother, teacher, and friend that she is. 

Broke College Girl Christmas Gifts...

Today, I'm linking up with Meg and sharing with y'all a few ideas I have for gift giving this year. This year has been the first time I have not had a job since I was a junior in high school. I've always had a little change on the side. Well, your senior year in the teaching program is pretty tough, and I just knew I needed to focus on my work. (And it's paid off.) Anyways, thanks to a lack of money, the majority of my gifts will be handmade this year! Here's a few ideas I have...

I made this monogrammed burlap sign as a wedding gift in May. It's super easy and something that I'm considering doing again... or doing something very similar. 

I love making these kind of signs. Super simple, but so cute. 

I love these adorable ornaments. So, so easy. 

I would love to bust out my sewing machine again and make these pocket sweaters and t-shirts. 

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Anyways, those are just a few ideas. Any suggestions? 

Thankful Thursday...

Today, I'm thankful for the day God gave me yesterday. I had an awesome day, and I'd like to share it with y'all.

1. 

It was my last day in my practicum classroom. My first graders were awesome. They made me a sign and we had a little celebration filled with Christmas cakes, certifications, and a sweet book reading. My teacher and classroom grandma showered me with gifts and positive  feedback. As a true Southern girl, I gave them redneck wine glasses! I also made this for my teacher...

2. 

Then, to celebrate the end of the semester, my best friend and I went out to get some awesome Chinese food. Here's a picture of us from our last day of classroom activities before our internship...

3. 

After having a good end of the semester meeting with my professor, I had a one hour massage. It was heavenly. Benji gave me a gift certificate for my birthday (in July), and I finally used it. So, I have him to thank for that great part of my day. 

4. 

After my massage, it was church time. Our youth pastor gave an awesome sermon about the things we should really focus on during Christmas time: focusing on God's perfect timing and the gift instead of the gifts. I so needed to hear that message. 

5. 

Finally, I came home and watched the Duck Dynasty Christmas special. Uncle Si as an elf just made my day complete. 

Overall, yesterday was pretty awesome. I'm definitely thankful for it! 

My Christmas List...

December is here! It's so crazy how fast time flies by. Since it is December, I guess it's time to make it official by letting y'all know (and my Mama) what's on my Christmas list this year. 


Coffee Mug


Diamond and Pearl Earrings 


Nike Flex Run 


Burlap Toms


Portable iPhone charger 


Bath & Body Works Candle

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These are a few of my favorite things ;) 

Thankful Thursday...

Just because Thanksgiving is over, doesn't mean I'm not thankful. I have so much to be thankful for on this cold but sunny day. Here are just a few...

1. 

Time spent with family and friends over the break... Even though Clemson lost. 

2. 

The freedom to listen to Christian music and have amazing worship experiences any time I want. 

3. 

Hot coffee, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate cause this girl can't stand cold weather. 

4. 

Duck Dynasty. Seriously. I could watch it all day, and there's nothing wrong with that. It makes me laugh and has the ability to change my whole mood when I'm having a bad day. That is something to be very, very thankful for. 

5. 

Finally, I'm thankful for my baby, Abbie. It's always nice to come home to someone who is so excited to see you that they can't even contain it. I love my precious puppy. 

C-L-E-M-S-O-N T-I-G-E-RRRR-S!

FIGHT TIGERS, FIGHT TIGERS, FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT! 

Today is the day, y'all! I've worn orange all week long. I started my day off with orange cheese grits and orange juice. Solid Orange. Yeah, I'm ready. I can guarantee you that Death Valley is gonna be rockin' tonight. I would love to be there, but I will be screaming my head off at the tv tonight with Benji by my side. That's good enough for me. 

So... for your viewing pleasure, here's a little preview of the excitement tonight. 

WE TOO DEEP! 

No matter what team you pull for, tonight will be an intense night! I'm ready for a win! Go Tigers! 

Weekend Wedding...

Well, Thanksgiving is almost here. I must admit that I have been eating my little heart out lately. I've still been working out and running, but I'm having gum surgery in December and will be on a mushy food diet for a month. NO FUN. This weekend was no exception! 

Let me start off by saying, before heading to this wedding I got a phone call from my sweet Benji...

"Heather, you're not gonna believe this, but we just got offered free tickets and a parking pass to the Clemson game today." 

Oh my gosh I was so upset. I know family comes first, but who plans a wedding during football season anyways?!? But that's beside the point. The wedding was sweet, and it was so  great to see family again. There's never a dull moment with my Georgia folks, and I love them so much. 

Oh Clemson...

Let me start off by saying I never thought I would be admitting this... ever, but apparently it happens to the best of us. 

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I took my first trip to Clemson almost two years ago. It was for a baseball game. The first trip was pretty overwhelming. Thankfully it was in the summer so it wasn't jam-packed with  people. I was able to take in the scenery and watch a good baseball game (even though they lost). At the end of that trip I was pretty much on the page of "It's a gorgeous place, but I still am a Georgia Fan." Let me explain. I lived in Georgia until I was ten. My family in Georgia and I still remain very close. Therefore, of course I'm gonna be a Georgia fan. 

 Then, there was my first football game. Last year. Clemson vs. FSU. First of all, the caravan of Clemson flags began an hour before we actually got to Clemson. Then I saw the tiger paws on the pavement. (Let me remind you... I'm still a Georgia fan at this time and not convinced anything else could be better.) Needless to say, I was pretty excited. When I get excited, it's hard to contain. So, yeah, Benji knew. Now, nobody thought Clemson could pull off that game, but it ended up being one of the most exciting games of the season! Against my better judgement, I cheered louder than ever before, ran on the field after the game, and literally could not stop smiling for the rest of the night. 

Then, there was the next baseball game. By then, I'm pretty aware of the gorgeousness that makes up Clemson. The people are good ole Southern folks. The games are incredible, and this baseball game was no exception. However, still not convinced that I was going to complete convert any time soon. 

Fast forward to this year's football season.

By the end of this day, he made me promise that from now on, when people asked I would say, "I am a Clemson fan, but still pull for Georgia." I agreed with slight hesitation. 

Before this game even started, I agreed to being a fully committed Clemson fan with no hesitation whatsoever. 

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What can I say? I guess there really is something about them hills! 

Go Tigers!