It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas came and went in our household, and it was everything I dreamed of.  Our first Christmas was very special.  I was so excited to be able to decorate our home with our Christmas decorations which compiled of new, old, and borrowed. Both of our parents graciously helped Hunter and me make our home beautiful for the holidays.  Over the course of our dating I bought numerous ornaments, unique wrapping paper, and basically anything that I felt would make our home special for the holidays.  My favorite time of the day was in the late afternoons when I would cruise into our driveway and see our little "love shack" decorated with garland, trees, and wreaths that were graciously given to us by my sweet mother-in-law.  I would run in the house in a race to turn on our Christmas tree lights.  Sometimes I would find myself sitting in front of our tree just looking at our ornaments.  Our tree was a mixture of memories this year.  The ornaments ranged from our childhood craft ornaments, our first Christmas as a baby, and all the way up to our new ones we bought along the way of dating, being engaged, and being married.  Our tree was not spectacular and it would never make it as a Martha Stewart tree, but it was unique and special to us.  Next year I will definitely do different things to our tree, but with this being our first Christmas I wanted it to be simple and sweet!

Christmas was wonderful this year.  Combining of the families makes Hunter and I so happy.  We would come home from family events and talk about how blessed we are to have such great families and friends.  We spent our traditional early Christmas party at Nannies (Hunter's grandmother), spent Christmas Eve with my immediate family, and Christmas day with Hunter's family or should I say our family now ;-) Here are some pictures from the holidays...I'm sad to say Christmas is gone, but on to another chapter in our lives-a new year with new opportunities.

5 things I wish I could have...

I was listening to 96.5 the other morning on my commute to work, and I heard a little boy on the radio listing things he wish he could have for Christmas...things he knew he couldn't really have due to current situations and simply the reality of it all. It got me thinking...What are some things I have also wanted, but are silly things? Things that I know that are too late to get or are not available anymore. Here is an interesting and mind boggling list I encourage other bloggers to do...

1) A little sister-I have always wanted a younger sibling, but a sister more than a brother. I have always wanted to experience the leadership or what I always say "looking up to you" phrase. I have such a nurture bug in me, I feel like I would be a great older sister. Too late now-mom...please don't get any ideas haha jk of course!!!

2) Red hair-It's so beautiful and shiny. It's the one hair color that is truly unique because it comes in all different shades-Auburn, deep red, blonde red, etc.....When I was a little girl I would try on red wigs and imagine myself with beautiful, long, red hair. I know my obsession came from Judy Garland (one of my favorite actresses) and Ann from Ann of Green Gables. I know I could potentially have this, but I would look out of place-yes that's what I would call it-out of place. People wouldn't recognize me.

3) a birth mark-I don't have a birth mark-well not that I know of at least. My parents have said all my life that my birth mark must be hidden somewhere: on my head covered up by all my hair, hidden among my freckles, etc. I know this is definitely something I can't change. If I was to have a birth mark I would like it to be on my stomach...weird that I think of these things, but that's me!

4) birthday in March-I don't know why this is always something I have wanted, but I just love the month of March. All of the pretty flowers are in bloom, the air is starting to turn springy, and everyone is gearing up for the celebration of Jesus's rebirth. I also wanted to have one in March because that's when my two very important women in my life celebrate their birthdays-my mom and mother-in-law!


5) the talent to sing-Singing is such a great gift from God. I won't say that I can't sing, but I wouldn't be standing in line waiting to sing on a stage somewhere in New York! I think I'm pretty good while I'm singing in the car or in the shower, but I think most people think that...right???

"Live from the Radio City Music Hall presents...the Rockettes!"

                                                                    

This time last year Hunter and I had the trip of a lifetime to New York City thanks to my sweet in-laws. All four of us packed our bags and flew to NYC the week before Christmas. It was the most fabulous vacation I have ever had. Growing up in the south, speaking about New York was like talking about Europe-so cool and trendy. I never knew when I would have the opportunity to go, so when last year Dedee asked if Hunter and I would be interested I did NOT hesitate! I fell completely in love with New York. I had a lot of people tell me, "Melissa you being so anxious and claustrophobic, there's no way you will be able to enjoy yourself." I laughed in those faces once I got there. I will admit that I was anxious about the trip. I hate to fly, I figured I would feel out of place with all of the hustle and bustle of a big city. I was very wrong! As soon as my southern feet hit the pavement I knew this would be a city I would love.  New York is such a neat place-swanky restaurants, boutiques, endless souvenirs ( the kind you say you would never buy, but do), the exquisite shopping, the excitement of the big city, the attractions, etc. I could go on forever! 

There are a lot of special meanings, or should I say memories that I can take with  me from our trip to New York City, but one of my favorite moments was going to the Radio City Music Hall to see the Roxiettes or what they are now called, the Rockettes.  As soon as the door opened I was like a child in a candy shop for the first time.  I imagined what this place would look like in my head for months, and I was right.  The bustling of the people to rush in to see the show, the smell of popcorn and peppermints, the lights shining so bright that it was hard not to stare, and the old fashioned feel of the theater.  I sometimes like to imagine myself living in a different time period.  I would see myself wearing my mink coat with my handsome husband on my arm, dashing across the street into the theater.  The cool thing is-this is truly what it was like.  Before the show starts, the big screen gives you a history of the Rockettes.  They explain what it was like way back then when they first opened.  Oh to be able to jump into a time machine and be a fly on the wall.  I would love to have seen this.  Needless to say, I was engulfed in the show.  I was amazed at how with each step of their many, many feet there were no mistakes.  Their legs were in unison, the costumes fit each girl to a tea, and even their hair stayed in the exact spot during the show.  To add even more to my amazement, I noticed that they sing live during their routines! In my world, this was a dream! I can't thank Dedee and Stuart enough for giving me this experience I will take with me forever! 

This past Saturday I had the ultimate holiday treat-my sister, mother-in-law, my sweet cousin through marriage-Laura, my mom, and I went to see the Rockettes at the BJCC.  I was worried that it wouldn't be as good as it was in New York, but to be honest I was not let down-not even a tiny bit.  The stage was set up beautifully, and the lights were just as bright.  The show even had more enhancements and new parts.  I literally felt like a kid once again.  I couldn't help but notice this precious little girl sitting in front of us.  My sister and I kept poking one another to look at her.  She had beautiful, curly, blonde hair and had her was dressed her best for the performance.  Every time the Rockettes came on stage to perform she would bounce in her seat and clap.  The funny part was that I was doing the exact same thing! I highly recommend that people take advantage of this show if they can....it's completely worth it!!! After the show we went to a nice dinner where we talked and shared memories.  I don't think the night could have been better.  

Rain, Rain, stay here....

Don't you just love the sound of rain pouring down? I sure do! It is by far the most calming thing for me to listen to.  Maybe that's why I love my sound machine so much-sorry Hunter, it's not going anywhere anytime soon! I hope everyone enjoys God's gift as much as I do-rain!!!!!

"Should old acquaintance be forgot and old time since...."

(I love this picture taken in London during a New Year's Party!)

It may seem like I'm skipping ahead with this blog, but I am not meaning to skip over Christmas. Christmas is by far my most favorite holiday, but I got to thinking this morning about my reasons for disliking New Years. I was talking on the phone last night with my best friend, and it got me thinking. We were talking about plans for New Years, and my automatic response was a big sigh and ughhh. Why do I despise New Years so much? Why do I avoid parties or celebrations? Most importantly, why does the holiday get on my nerves?! I don't know if bloggers in the world believe in signs or intuition, but I do. I was just typing a word into google, and the song"Auld Lang Syne" came up on the screen. I immediately starting singing it because I really do love this song-ironic you say?! It's weird to like a song about New Years and claim to dislike the holiday. In fact, my favorite version of this song is on the Sex & the City soundtrack. Click here if you would like to listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-iNefuaumY Without further rambling, the point of this post is to get my annoyances of New Years off my chest and answer some fun and interesting questions about New Years that I came across online.

New Years or New Habits?!

1) What is the most annoying part about New Years? I would defiantly say the pressure to be out at a fancy place, wearing 2009 party hats, dressing up, drinking too much, etc....It shouldn't be a pressured holiday.

2) What is your favorite part of New Years? The thought of starting over with a clean slate. Some years I take it more serious than others.

3) What is the most important decision you need to make this year? When it comes to my career path, I need to figure out what truly makes me happy and then go from there.

4) What habit would you most like to establish this year? Getting into a regular exercise routine

5) What book do you most want to read in the new year? Gosh-this is a hard one!!! I really want to read Traveling Light by Max Lucado

6) What's the most important trip you would like to make in the new year? If we are able to financially, I would love for Hunter and I to visit my family in California. I will say that I am looking very forward to going to Williamsburg, VA for Thanksgiving with my precious in-laws!

7) What is the best piece of advice you will take with you into the new year? "The grass may always be greener on the other side, but the water bill is higher."

8) In what area of your life do you most need change? Hunter and I need to be more faithful to the Lord by attending church more often.

9) What is the most important new item you want to buy this year? a new truck or SUV for my husband

10) What is one regret you have from this past year and how will you grow from it into the next year? It is so easy to list regrets, but the one that stands out the most is not marrying my husband earlier. I wasted so much time being afraid to date him because I knew he was the one for me-crazy huh? but I know you women can relate!

Alright friends, your turn!!!

Four Acres and 400 pictures

Well not really 400 pictures, but very close! I had the opportunity to take some pictures for Candace and Brad Daniel. They are one of our close couple friends, and my personal friend from college ;-) We had a great time at their home in Gordo, Alabama. For those of you who do not know, it is 20 miles north of Tuscaloosa. Hunter and I had such a fun drive to T-town where we met them for lunch. The atmosphere was so relaxing and nostalgic for us. Every restaurant or shopping place we drove by we would share stories of our college days! It was very sweet for us because that is where we met and led us to where we are now. I will always hold Tuscaloosa in a very special place in my heart-oh and Roll Tide!

After meeting them for lunch, we drove to their amazing home that sits on 4 acres of gorgeous rolling hills. I was amazed! I wanted to sell our home and move to the country!!! We spent the afternoon taking pictures in their backyard that seemed more like a farm because nature was at it's best on Sunday-beautiful leaves and natural sunlight everywhere. Here are some pictures I took...enjoy!!!

Turkey and Cake

This was Hunter and I's first official holiday together as a married couple.  It was so much fun doing the little things you do when you are married-picking out his clothes for our Christmas card pictures, packing the car, bringing food on your cute serving dishes that you are so anxious to use, etc.  I don't think Hunter thought much of it, him being a guy's guy, but he had fun anyway! He defiantly puts up with a lot from me.  Thanksgiving this year was great for so many reasons.  It's nice to have three families combined like one big happy family (don't judge please-I know this comment was cheesy).  It's just so nice and easy having families get along so well like we have known each other for years.  

Hunter's parents and his Nannie came for the big meal, and Janelle's sweet in-laws came to celebrate as well.  It was so nice to be together.  I of course took tons of pictures with my new camera and all.  We got three Christmas card pictures done:

Janelle, Gavin, Jack, Clara-check

my whole family with all the kids, in-laws, and grand kids-check

Hunter and I-check

Here are some pics....enjoy ;-)

The day after Thanksgiving we spent the afternoon at Uncle Kenny and Aunt Tootie's lake house where we celebrated their grandson's and Katie's child's 1st birthday.  Other than me feeling really sick the whole time, I had a great time. I loved visiting with his cousins and family, and the man of the hour-baby Jake! I was given another great opportunity to take some pictures.  This time was so much fun-so laid back, just snapping shots of babies-how fun is that?  The cake was so yummy too!!!

An afternoon with Elise and Clayton...

                                     

Yay for another photography shoot!!! I had the pleasure of taking photographs of my best friends, Elise and Clayton, at Ross Bridge.  The weather was beautiful, and they were such fun subjects.  There was never a dull moment! Their two dogs were sweet as they could be, but didn't quite cooperate for the camera so the majority were of Elise and her sweet hubby.  Some of you might be getting one of these pictures in the mail soon, but I will give you a sneak preview...Please Enjoy!!!

"The grass withereth, the flower faddeth: but the word of God shall stand forever." Isaiah 40:8

Thanksgiving means so much more than just eating great food, watching good football, spending time with family and friends. It is much, much more. I sometimes call myself a Ragamuffin which in my terms means I'm a Christian and proud to be, but not too proud to admit that I sin often, and I am constantly fighting with what is right. You grow up as a child and understand that Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. Giving thanks....it sounds so easy, but it is actually a strong statement. Until this year I haven't really thought about how to go about giving thanks in the right way. Do you write letters? Do you go to people face to face and tell them how much you appreciate them? Do you go to your doctor who has kept you healthy and say thank you? Do you go to your influential teachers and say thank you? You get the picture. I don't think there is a right answer to my own question. Giving thanks comes from within-within your heart and the words you speak to God. It does not need to be public or hidden for that matter. However one chooses to show their thanks is personal and is to be respected.

Yesterday at United Way, we had our annual Thanksgiving dinner with our "family" at work. My mind started to wonder as I looked around the room. These people in this room, eating their food, talking with co workers, laughing, are influential in our lives. Let's think about this. You come to work 5 days a week for 8 hours every day. This means your time spent with your family, husband, friends, or even your dog is limited. I often hear people complain that we spend too much time working because you should be with your family. Please do not get me wrong because I am guilty of saying this, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving I had a "Whoah!" moment when I had a realization that I need to be thankful. I need to be on my knees thanking God for giving me the time to work, the energy to withstand 8 hours of hard work, the vehicle I have to get myself to work and back, the clothing on my body so I can stay warm, and most of all-a job. Not just any job, a job where I have close friends. Friends I know I can run to for help. Once again, I need to be on my knees thanking God for giving me a great life. It's not that hard to pray. It's not hard to thank God for the wonderful things that surround me, but I find myself ignoring him. This does not mean I do not think of him often or that I don't listen to his word, but I don't' have conversations with him as much as I should. God is the one person who will listen with a open heart, an open mind, and arms held wide open. He is not there to interrupt , judge or to make you feel guilty. All he wants is for us to love him and follow him. I ask everyone to start having more conversations with God. I promise you will find a peace somewhere in your heart. I know I have.

This year I am thankful for so many things that it would be hard to list, but I plan on talking to God and saying a big THANK YOU for helping me; For without him, I would be nothing.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone...

Babies Everywhere

I took this photograph when my sister was in labor with her second child, Clara. As you can see, my dad and my precious nephew Jack were both anxiously awaiting the birth of Clara!

It seems like babies are everywhere lately! Every time I go to the grocery store or out to eat, I am beginning to notice how many babies and pregnant moms there are in Birmingham. To me, there is nothing more special than seeing a pregnant mom hold her belly or smile at her husband. Most of you know this already, but I absolutely love everything about pregnancy-and NO I am not pregnant, and I have never been, but it is such a miracle from God. The whole process. When I hear of non-believers in regards to Jesus Christ, it amazes me and makes me think. Do people not understand how complicated, yet so simple at the same time the pregnancy process is? There are so many miracles that happen when you have a child. I cannot speak from my own personal experience, but I have friends and family that have witnessed to this miracle. It is so spectacular to me that when you are pregnant you have the opportunity to grow a human inside of you-not just any human-you're own precious child. A child that will look like you, talk like you, walk like you, and have bits and pieces of your personality.

This morning I had the chance to observe what I call "Newbee Parents" which means first time parents in my own language! I was in the waiting room for my check-up at my OB/GYN doctor when I couldn't help but watch the pregnant women pass through the doors. I was trying not to be nosey, but every time the door opened, I would look to see if that woman was pregnant. I would say 9 out of 10 were!!! I promise something must be in the air! I also play a little game in my head and try to guess when they're due. Most of the time I am right, but I can be caught off guard. This morning was particularly special for me. I witnessed two precious couples, or should I say their better halves, anxiously waiting in the room to be called back to see the miracle appear on the monitor. The first man rushed into the doors and frantically looked from side to side of the waiting room trying to find his wife. I heard him ask the receptionist where his wife was, and the man smiled and marched to the closest chair he could find and sat down. I noticed the anxiousness in his body through his hands and his feet. He was twiddling with his fingers and tapping his feet so hard that you couldn't help but notice. I knew exactly what he was waiting for-the moment of knowing if you are having a healthy boy or healthy girl. Putting his body language aside, you also couldn't help but stare at his smile. It was so cute to see a grown man, sitting there in this best suit, waiting to see his soon to be born child. I was praying that I would still be sitting in the waiting room when his wife came out to tell him the news, and I was! His wife, just as precious and about 4 months pregnant as she could be, looked at him and smiled. I saw some tears swell in her eyes as she said, "Hey baby! It's a boy!" This is when I had chills-here I am-a perfect stranger watching two people experience the miracle that God has given to parents. I couldn't help but stare.

The second experience was when I noticed a man that looked in his early to mid 30's laid back in a chair in the corner. His eyes were shut tight, and his mouth was wide open-he was dead asleep!!! I knew his story-2nd or 3rd child on the way, patiently waiting in the room for his wife to call him back, and too tired to be anxious because he was up all night with the little ones! Both of the scenarios were fun to see. It was so emotional to see. It was almost like a Hall Mark card or a movie-it was that real! I couldn't help but think of the time when Hunter and I get to experience this. I know we have a while to go, but it is so exciting to see other people experience this miracle!

"1, 2, 3....Cheese!!!"

I have finally decided that I am going forward with my idea to be a free lance photographer. I have been wanting to do this for a long time, and I have decided that now is the best time.  I am very excited about this so here it goes...

Yesterday I had a fun opportunity to shoot some photographs for one of my best friends, Stacy and her husband John for their Christmas cards.  They wanted me to take some pictures in the great outdoors because it truly captures their lifestyle...sweet and laid back. They brought their sweet dog Bailey with them, and they were such a fun couple to photograph.  The biggest stumbling block for taking pictures is not trying to force emotions or what I call "cheesy pics."  I like to snap as many pictures as possible even when people are noticing because these sometimes turn out to be the best ones.  Stacy and John were perfect first "clients!" We drove to a nearby private lake.  The weather was gorgeous and the leaves painted an awesome background for the pictures.  Stacy and John really liked their pictures which made me so happy.  

So I am new at this, still learning and interested in all kinds of photography subjects: single portraits, children, couples, families, pets, homes, etc.  My next project is for my best friend Elise and her sweet husband Clayton.  Get ready for some new pics! For those of you who follow my blog, please spread the word that I would love to take pictures for the upcoming holidays.  I have had quite a few people contact me to take their Christmas card picture, and I would love to do it for more people.  Here are some pictures from yesterday...I hope you enjoy!

"My Michael....Michael Buble'"

I have a celebrity crush-yeh that's right.  I'm not afraid to admit it. Michael Buble' is awesome! I am just now being able to talk about my devastating findings through our sweet neighbor.  Michael Buble' came to Birmingham in concert, and I had NO IDEA!!! Don't ask me why, but I took it personally.  I buy every song the man makes, listen to his music daily, and he has inspired my interest in jazzy music.  I couldn't understand why I wasn't the first to know-how stupid! My neighbor planned on taking his girlfriend, now fiance ;-), to the concert and propose during the song "Home."  I literally leaped out of my chair in excitement for him-how cool is that? Seeing sexy Buble' sing and then receive a diamond ring? That's pretty good in my opinion.  He ended up doing it on a random night instead because the ring was burning a hole in his pocket (he refused to admit that this would happen).  Regardless, he got to go the concert with his fiance and some of their friends.  I was SOOOOOO jealous.  I don't think I have ever been that jealous.  It was too late to buy tickets, and I was crushed.  Poor Hunter had to listen to my complaining and begging to make a miracle so I could see Michael.  I think everyone knows how this story ends, especially since I am just NOW being able to talk about it.  I know he will be back, and when he is I will have the best seats EVER!!! Look out girls.....Michael is my man (not really-Hunter is my man ;-) but there is nothing wrong with a little celebrity crush? To all my blog friends who do you have a celeb crush on?!

Here is a great video.....

http://michaelbuble.com/lostvideo

#1 and football weekends

I have been meaning to post this for a while now, so here it is! Before I go into it, I want to tell ya'll a funny story. I was walking through Wal-Mart the other day, and I ran into a friend. Her mother who is 93 yeards old was standing beside her the entire time we were talking. My friend Ann said that her mother couldn't hear very well and that everyday she is getting worse. Ann asked me if I was excited about Alabama being #1. Of course I am!!!! We only suffered through 4 years of disappoint so I can't help, but be grateful that we are doing so well. Her mother turned to me and said, "You know Melissa. A lot of people say they want to live one more year to see how the election and the world will turn out. I could care less about who won the election. I'm here to see Alabama win the National Championship, and when we do I will die a happy old woman!" I laughed so hard because I could understand why she was thinking the way she was. Here is an elderly woman worrying about her finances, her retirement, what her kids will have to take care of when she dies, and she is darn sick of hearing about the election. All she wants is to see Alabama win their 13 National Championship. I smiled the whole time I was in Wal-Mart.

Back to what I was saying about football this year....When Hunter and I started out our football season we had the attitude to try to go to as many games as possible. Don't get me wrong because I love Alabama football, it's just the prep to go to a game. First we have to save the money to be able to buy tickets, then try to find tickets, find out what to wear, and walk around and deal with the drunk freshman, etc. So far we have only attended one game-AL vs. Tulane. We had a great time, but I felt so out of place! Everyone was so young and acting like they had no cares in the world! I miss that feeling. I remember being a freshman and the only thing I had to worry about was what I was going to wear to the game, who was going to be my date, and what party I would be going to. These days, I think what should we cook when we have people over, buy enough drinks and snacks to last all day, and clean my house. It's two separate worlds, but I like this one better. Although I do miss college, I have had a great football season right here in Birmingham. Here are some pictures from watching AL kick butt....