Christmas 2012

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! On Friday, we headed to north Mississippi as soon as Jim got off work. We made it in time to have a yummy dinner at Mesquite Chop House with my family and the Woods Family. Saturday, we headed to Hickory Flat to have Christmas with Jim's family. It was a fun day!!

Lauren and Lucy! 

Some of the girls 

Uncle Josh

Jim and Greyson- so sweet! 

Sunday, we went to Coldwater for church and then headed to Meme's for lunch. Everything after that was pure laziness and it was lovely!! My best friend, Jordan, came by my mom's to visit which was so nice! Monday, Christmas Eve festivities began: 

Family Picture 2012 

Jim and Annie 

She was trying to get Aunt Becca (behind the camera!) 

Christmas Day was split between my parent's house and Jim's parent's house. It was lots of fun. Around  7- we headed back to Brandon! I have big plans for this Christmas break-like annie sloaning some things around my house, cleaning and organizing, and shopping of course! So far-I've watched the today show and designing women episodes (one of my favorite gifts from my mom!) Maybe I'll become a bit more productive when it warms up a bit:) 

Twas the week before Christmas!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. We finished up with school yesterday and I'm officially on my winter break. This afternoon, we will be heading to Senatobia to celebrate the holiday with our family.

There have been so many things going on. I wanted to do a recap of what all we've been up to this past week:)

Last weekend, I helped with my old friend-Sam's wedding. We had a great time, and I enjoyed seeing lots of familiar faces. I was a couple years older than these girls, but we had some big cheerleader times back in the day. Because I was running around like crazy the day of-I didn't get to capture many pictures (none with my good camera, unfortunately!!) These are the only 2 I have from the weekend:

My best friend Jordan! I was so excited that we were both home. I miss her terribly!! 

With the bride-It was a wonderful wedding!! 

We had a fun Monday at BES. Lance Bass, of Nsync, stopped by for a little while. I teach his precious niece, who I adore. We were able to visit with him for a while and hear all about his life since Nsync. He couldn't have been nicer. I told him I went to his concert in Memphis when I was about 13-haha! 

Last night, we had "our" little family of three Christmas. Jim and I don't do big presents for each other. We set a $50 limit and fill each other's stockings with small things. It has become a fun tradition. This year we had to add a stocking for our sweet dog, Annie. 

Annie's stocking 

Staring up at her stocking

Getting closer! 

Thanks Dad! 

Taking in all her toys!! 

Play tug! 

and ball! 

Merry Christmas Annie!!!! 

LIGHTS!

Last weekend, we drove to Canton with our friends and their children to see all the Christmas lights. I didn't really know what to expect since I had never been to the "city of lights." We had a very merry time! I was really impressed with all the decorations and holiday cheer. It made for some perfect photo opps.

Jim and his buddy, Sam

Isn't Jim such a natural? 

Jim and Adam were trying to teach Sam how to kiss a girl on the cheek. Poor thing:( 

Canton Court House 

It was a festive night for sure:-) We had a great time with our sweet friends! 

Company

I love having people over to my house! I would have a different dinner guest every week if I could. I guess it's because my mother always had our doors open growing up. My house was always the hangout in between everything. It didn't hurt that there was always something going on in my neighboorhood :)

We have had 3 different sets of "company" at our house lately. The first was my dear childhood friend, Jacob Warren who joined us for a couple of homemade dinners while he was at the fire academy. I was thrilled to have a familiar hometown face over! I'm so proud for him- he will be such a great addition to the Senatobia fire dept!

It was chili and baked potato night when Jake visited! 

Next, we had Jim's best friend Matt Fletcher down to stay with us for the weekend. Annie was all about Fletchy. She gets so excited when people are come over that we usually have to put her up. Fletchy was a great sport. 

Lastly, we had Julie and Andrew over for dinner and to watch the SEC championship game. I LOVE having Julie down here. If you can't have family live near you- friends are the next best thing!! I am so lucky to have both of my childhood best friends here with me (Ginny and Julie!) 

 

Love all my "company." It makes a house feel like a home. 

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" 

Hebrews 13:2

'Tis the SEASON!

I have finished spreading a little Christmas cheer around our house! One of my favorite things is our Christmas tree. I talked Jim into getting a real tree this year from a local farmer's market. I absolutely love it. It wasn't the easiest thing-especially when you are accustomed to having a pre-lit tree! Once I had put all the lights on the tree, they stopped working. Oh yes- it was not pretty. We had to buy all new lights from Wal-mart. Therefore, we don't have as many lights on the tree as I would prefer. I'll be stocking up on some after Christmas. 

Our Christmas tree 2012! 

The top of our tree! I can't wait to get more ting-ting after Christmas. I love this stuff! I mixed up my jute and mesh ribbon this year. I really like the contrast. 

This is one of my favorite Christmas ornaments. I bought it at Mistletoe this year! Many of you know that my grandmother's name was Joy. I always love to collect Christmas "Joy" things, just like her! 

Another favorite- it has our wedding date on it! I will always love weddings:) 

My favorite Radko ornament of all time! 

How funny is this?! My mom let me have this ornament for my tree. It was originally hung on my grandmothers. Of course, my mother has one as well! haha. 

Mine and Jim's stockings! Don't judge me for having the empty picture frame on my mantle..I know it's tacky. I'm adding a picture asap! 

Little Annie's first stocking!! 

The "Joy" sign on my mantle. This was made by a teacher that I work with- her blog is on my list "All Things Beautiful" I love it- she does great work!

For all the Christmas cards I hope to get! 

:::And my favorite room of the house- The Dining Room!  

I love my nativity set that was given to me last Christmas by my mother-in-law! Goes perfect on top of my china cupboard. 

The Christmas china was my grandmothers (Lenox). I love seeing this china everyday on my table, brings back such great holiday memories of her! 

'Tis the season y'all! 

Thanksgiving

We had a lovely Thanksgiving this year! We got to spend several days in Senatobia with our families which was very nice. I enjoyed shopping with Meme and being lazy at home with my mom!! Oh yea- there was also a pretty good football game! :-)

Aunt Becca and Annie! 

Trying to get a family picture- didn't really work out, haha. 

Ne-ne got Annie a HUGE bone to keep her busy during Thanksgiving! Unfortunately, she wasn't too interested. She eventually came around..haha 

On Saturday, we headed to Oxford for the big game. Let me just tell you- it was cold!!!! I am NOT a fan of this type of weather. You know it must be true love if I sit out in that mess! It was well worth it. This game was one of my favorite I've seen in the Vaught. We are so proud that our Rebels are going to a bowl game!!  

Jim and I getting ready for the game. I was all bundled. I even had warmers in my boots. I'm a whimp. 

It was a great night to be a rebel! We don't get to celebrate that often- so celebrate we did:-) 

While at home, I also got to do some Christmas shopping. I think it is so important to support small businesses! I am especially partial to my Senatobia stores. Lauren and I always like to do a little shopping around town the day after Thanksgiving. We headed to Mimi's, The Other Side, Special Daze, and The Closet!! I think we were pretty successful! On Saturday before the game, I was able to visit with my dear friend, Erin. She has the most PRECIOUS store on the square in Oxford. She was one of my baby owls back in the day:-) I am so proud for her! Of course, I found just the gift I was looking for! 

The first gift under the Simpson Christmas tree. If you are in the Oxford area- shop Olive Juice Gifts! 

Even though it was a great break- I did miss my kiddos. It is always good to be back in the swing of things... and The Brandon Bulldogs are in the state championship as we speak. We had spirit week all this week.

The only time I will ever cheer for a bulldog!:-) 

I guess it's time to kiss November and fall goodbye! Onto Christmas it is!!!