Saying Good-Bye to Twenty Eleven

Wow, this year has been a fantastic year for me! We're ringing in 2012, the same way we rang in 2011 - at New Smyrna Beach. It's my home away from home, it's a much quieter and low key place than Orlando. Jason is on his way home from work, and we are packing up and shipping out tonight! Can't Wait!

This year has been one for the books.

In the beginning on the year, we went to Nashville for Valentine's Day weekend

Then, Celebrated my birthday with a few friends:

I landed an awesome job, with an amazing company:

We went to a few fun concerts this year:

Kenny Chesney:

We won these field tickets

Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry

and, Runaway Country Festival

 Dierks Bentley

 Eric Church

 Justin Moore

 Miranda Lambert

US! :)

Then, in May....

In August, I went on a Company Cruise, were we had a fun Scavenger hunt:

and we drank:

We wedding planned like it was our job - booked the ceremony, reception, dj, caterer, photographer, and got my wedding dress :)

Took our Engagement Pictures

We Celebrated Jason's Birthday and My Mom's Birthday

A week later, we said good-bye to that beautiful dog, Tari. :(

For Christmas, we celebrated 5 times with our families

My favorite gift from Jason was this little beauty:

A $200.00 giftcard to get a beautiful dress Lilly Pulitzer dress : )

He loved his Gator Bowl Tickets and Pocket Knife - such a boy!

What can I say? It's truly been a blessed year, I can't wait to see what the new year brings. 

Happy New Year Ladies! 

Christmas Tidings

Isn't he handsome?

Christmas is just around the corner, Yipee. I finally finished shopping yesterday, I just need to do one little craft and wrap wrap wrap. My house is currently a diaster due to my insane work schedule this week, I need to slow it downnnnn.

To get me through the work week, I've been jamming out to Nsync's Home for the Holidays album. Please tell me that you remember this song

LOVE.

Hello and Goodbye

This past week has been an emotional one. 

Last week, was a hectic one to say the least... On Tuesday, I had three family members in the hospital. My Cousin was having her baby, My Grandma was STILL in the hospital and having minor surgery and my Brother was jumped at a gas station. Luckily, everyone one was out by the end of the week.

Check out my sweet baby cousin and god daughter: 

Savanna

Love them! :)

Pretty much I spent last week running from hospital to hospital after work to visit my family. 

On Sunday, our family went through a rough loss. We had to say goodbye to my brother's 12 year old dog. 

This was My Brother and Tari at my mom's birthday "party" on December 2nd. 

She loved being in the chaos of our family, and let my nephews play all over her. This day was no different, when I saw her I could tell she had lost weight. It wasn't anything that alarmed me... at the time.

I called my mom on Sunday morning, she said that she was with Tari at the PetER. She was spitting up blood. Jason and I rushed down there.  My poor brother has had a rough time and was actually in a detox center following his hospital stay, he was set to be released on Sunday at 12pm.

Jason and I met Momma at the Pet ER, and my sister rushed down to the center to pick up John. The Vet let us know that Tari was in heart failure; she had a valve that wasn't opening and closing, her heart was enlarged and pressing on her lungs, and she possibly had a muscle rupture. They wanted to keep her overnight to see a Cardiologist in the morning. 

I just couldn't. I couldn't let this dog be in pain. She's been a trooper throughout John's crazy life, and never let him experience pain. She was always there for him, and for us. I asked the Vet:

"If this was your dog, what would you do?"

She took a deep breath and said "She's drowning in her own fluids, I would let her go"

We waiting an hour for John to get down there, and they brought Tari to us. She look like she lost another 10 lbs from the last time I saw her and she couldn't catch her breath. We gave Tari kisses and hugs and told her how much we loved her. Despite her condition she was smiling and offering up as many kisses as she could! 

She gave all 5 of us a kiss, and then started heavily breathing. I honestly think she waited to see John, almost to tell him that "She was fine and everything would be okay." Just like she did every day for 12 years. My heart breaks for my Brother!

At 12:25pm we let Tari go peacefully.

"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary? "-Marley and Me.

So many amazing Women in my life

I've been so blessed this week with my amazing family and my amazing friends, that I couldn't help but share about them!

Let's start with the Birthday girl!!

Ha, love her shirt

This little spit-fire is my mama. Today is her birthday, and it's a milestone one- she would kill me if I put which milestone it is though! She's been through hell and back this year, well maaaaaybe not "back" just yet. She's a strong women, I know she won't let a little detour in her happiness bring her down. Happy Happy Birthday Mom! Hopefully you have many more years, but none that are like this last one :)

And, the lady that is ultimately responsible for my momma and I?

This is my lovely Grandma. She's not doing so well these past few days, so if you have any extra prayers to spare please send them our way. She's currently in ICU after having a mini stroke and mini heart attack. She's a strong lady, so our family is hoping for a quick recovery. Lord knows, when she realizes that it's Saturday tomorrow, the day she's supposed to get her hair and nails done, she'll come to and walk straight outta that hospital! Haha. 

But seriously, see that picture above. Her nails are always perfect, and she'll be sure to tell you if yours aren't looking so pretty. Trust.

And, lastly these three beauties have each gone out of their way for me this past week. True definitions of friends and I'm so happy that they will be standing with me on my Wedding Day!

(stolen from Facebook: L-R Wendy G. Wendy C. and Steph)

My little Wendy G. has brought me back to my true self, whether she knows it or not. If I tell her something crazy, like... oh, I don't know... I don't want to go to Nashville for my Bachelorette Party. She brings me back to reality and reminds me that she knows me better than I know myself! I love her heart.

My lovely Bargainista friend, Wendy C., researched my beloved Bridesmaid dresses and found them $53 cheaper online. How amazing is she? We're working on getting the bridal store to either price match or let us cancel the two that have been purchased (but not ordered) the other day.

And, my fellow co-worker, blogger, gossiper, friend and daily lunch date Steph. I seriously don't know how I survived 24 years without a friend like her. She is amazing. I had a flat tire this morning and I called her to vent while Jason woke up and came to fix it. Her exact words "I'm five minutes away, be right there" Who would of thought that she could change a flat? I was so impressed. Jason didn't bring he phone, so I couldn't call him back to tell him Steph was on her way. I texted Steph anyways, to tell her not to worry. But, she showed up anyways just in case I needed a ride to work. Love her!

I'm surrounded by a bunch of amazing, beautiful and independent women. They are all so caring and thoughtful that I can't help but smile when I think of them.  My life is truly better because each and every one is apart of it.