Tis the Season 2014!

...So I will always remember our first Christmas in our new home! 

Our Christmas/New Address cards designed by my talented, best friend, Jordan! 

Merry Christmas from Hernando! 

"Baby It's Cold Outside!" Celebrating Whitten Edward Jeffreys

One of my oldest, most dearest, childhood friends is having a sweet baby boy in February. I love any good reason to have a baby shower, and couldn't wait to help host Julie's! We celebrated baby Whit and Jules the first weekend in December with a dessert/hot chocolate themed shower. Lelia was so kind to host the event at her house. (she was also so very kind to let me invade and turn her kitchen into a makeshift florist the day before!)  It was a lovely afternoon of celebration, indeed! Here's a glimpse of our fun day:

Julie and I love to joke about how opposite our tastes are-When it came to naming her child, we both knew we would probably agree to disagree (not that my opinion really mattered, I just served as the words of affirmation!) However I LOVE the name she chose-It's so very noble. I can already hear his name being announced as a little chief-hehe:) 

Just for the record-My prediction is February 12th! 

We LOVE Flowers! 

Gotta sneak the china in somehow:) 

Whimsy Cookies-so very good. 

New Home

We are finally beginning to feel a bit settled in our new abode! We could not be happier with our home decision. I feel this home could not be more perfect for us even if we had built it ourselves! I can't wait to document how it changes and evolves over the next few years. Making a house a home is so special.

There are several ideas I have going on in my "decorating" mind, but I will have to do a little bit at a time. Currently, my next to-do will be to give some TLC to several pieces of old furniture that were my grandparents'. One in particular I am most excited about is refinishing nana Joy's china cabinet!! I cannot explain how much I love china cabinets. I moved what I consider to be my "casual cabinet" to the kitchen in this particular home since I had room. Therefore making a perfect spot for a more "formal" look in my dining room. It will bring me so much joy to have a little piece of her in my most favorite room in the house.

The Simpsons in front of our new home! 

The sole reason of us moving home was to be closer to our family. Since moving in 2 months ago, we have hosted 2 family get togethers. One for my dad's birthday which I didn't get any pictures of :( and one dinner in honor of my in-laws anniversary. I love getting to serve and host our families. 

Happy Anniversary to the Simpsons (38 years!) 

A Festive Autumn! 

A little preview of the work in progress dining room. Even though it is my favorite, it won't be complete until my china cabinet makes her arrival. 

Christmas in our new home ---coming soon! 

There's No Place Like Home

It's been a while since a blog update, but we have had some exciting things happen since then! Big news is we are moving back home! Jim accepted a new job in Memphis as a financial analyst, and I will be teaching 5th grade language arts at Lewisburg Elementary. This is something we prayed about for a long time, and we felt like the timing was right. We needed to be closer to our family and couldn't be more excited.

However, I am leaving part of my heart in Brandon-our home for the last 3 years! I never dreamed I would love a small town (other than Senatobia) as much I have. I will always be grateful for our time there and the priceless friendships we made. We absolutely loved our jobs, co-workers, church, sunday school, and many friends.

My sweet work friends-I will miss these ladies so very much. They have been like family to me! Brandon Elementary is absolutely one of THE best schools in the state. It was such a blessing to teach there. The teachers, administration, students, and parents are amazing-I will never forget all the special friendships I've made. Jen-I know they aren't rolling up I55, BUT STILL!!! 

My Jackson "Momma"/Older Sister and one of the best friends I've ever had! Kelli has taken care of me from the first day I began teaching at BES. I would have never made it without her. We made the best team, and I am so grateful for her! I know she will always be my "bestie" but it will be so strange  not to have her with me every.single.day. I'm sure I will still call her often though. When in need, she knows she's next in line if my mother doesn't answer. 

And the third member of our posse-Woodward! These 2-They have laughed with me, cried with me, and shared life with me the past 3 years. I am such a homebody, and the Lord knew I would need them to help me through some of the toughest times I've faced! I will be forever grateful for our friendship! 

This one-I am so grateful we were able to live in the same town for the past few years. Ginny has always been one of my most special friends. After all, we were considered "twins" when we were little (still are to some-but we don't see it!) Our friendship has and always will be grounded in our faith. I know distance will never change our relationship, but I will miss her terribly. 

And this little guy! I'm so thankful I was able to be in Jackson with Ginny through her first pregnancy and the birth of Brooks. It was such an exciting time. Aunt Jac loves you Brooks-all the way from tobie town! 

Even though I will miss our life in Brandon terribly- I'm grateful for the opportunity to get settled and start over in a familiar place. There's no place like home!