Christmas has come and gone oh to quickly!

This Christmas has been a BUSSSSYYY one! And I don't say that lightly!

We moved in to our new home Monday (21st of Dec.) after packing all through the night on Sunday (so basically we didn't sleep at all until the next night). We thankfully had a few friends come and help us, at that point it was so hard for me to function my friend definitely helped me stay organized (Thanks Kristen)!
To add on to the business, I hadn't finished Christmas shopping, so I had to go shopping everyday all the way up to Christmas eve (yeah, definitely not what I would of liked to do). On Wednesday I had to go pick up one of my best friends that I met in school about 3 years ago. Her family lives far away and was unable to spend Christmas with them, so we planned for her to spend Christmas with us and my family! I was extremely excited to see her. However, I had to go pick her up in Macon. My sister went with me and thankfully we were able to go to a few stores (finish Christmas shopping) until she arrived.
Christmas Eve and Christmas day was full of activities, but we had a great time. We were extremely blessed with heaps of stuff (especially for the new house). Christmas came and left oh so quickly and Sunday I had to take my friend back to Macon :( It was a very long day; I spent a total of 8 hours driving of what should have been a 4 1/2 hour trip. ugh!

Last night was our first night that Josh and I spent in our new house alone, of course it was spent unpacking and sorting through stuff. I just can't wait until it's all put away.

So, like I said I had a very busy Christmas, but I enjoyed being able to spend it with my family and my good friend!
Josh surprised me with a tree on Monday, it was quite cute, because he was scared that I would be mad that I didn't get to pick it out with him (something we have always done) but yet he was willing to take the chance because he knew I had my hands tied with unpacking. It was really sweet and he was right, I wouldn't have been able to leave. Unfortunately we didn't get the tree up until Wednesday, and right now it only consist of a string of lights, oh well, we have next year :) At least I don't have a ton of Christmas decor to take down like so many others, which is the last thing I need, more mess!

I was really excited about Josh's present this year! He has talked a few times about a playstation 3, but he knew they were too expensive. I bought him a playstation 2 a few years ago for Christmas. I'm not a big game person, and I have always been real nervous about it because I know so many guys who seriously become glued and addicted to it. I didn't want Josh to be that way, but I knew that he needed down time too, so I prayed that he wouldn't be like that and he would be convicted if spending too much time playing with it instead of spending time with his family I went ahead and bought one and he hardly plays his Playstation 2, but he does like to pull it out once in awhile, or if guys come over they will play Madden (a football game). He is real sweet about it and usually asks if there is anything he can do around the house to help me before he starts playing. So, when he hinted about the Playstation 3 I knew that it wouldn't be a problem and he really does deserve something he wants. I got one of ebay for a super price and it looks brand new! Needless to say I was really excited to see his face when he opened it. It was priceless, but also because everyone (Josh's family) thought I was joking with him and put something else in a Playstation 3 box (c'mon I'm not the cruel) ;)

Well here are a few pictures from our Christmas, and I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that you have a Happy New Year!

This is what my hubby got me for Christmas! Yes, it's real :)

Elisabeth, Christmas day!
Santa and his baby :)

My bestie- Chastina!

London playing with his gift that we bought him - You shoot the deer and turkey on the tv! Pretty neat!

Time flies by when your in love!

This day four years ago I was in a little cabin with all my girlfriends, my family getting ready to walk down the aisle to marry the most amazing, hard working, annoying, loving, stubborn, heart-stopping man I have ever met.
It was a cold and rainy day (yes, yes, it did rain, but that was the last thing on my mind.) I wasn’t nervous to walk down the aisle and to finally me one with this man that God has ordained. The dress was perfect my bridesmaids were gorgeous. Everything was beautiful; we even had umbrellas for everyone to carry that matched. What more could a girl ask for?!
Josh and I planned not to see each other before hand, but we did send our promise rings that we had to each-other (we still have them to this day).
The months before had been a stressful one, not only with the wedding plans, but other situations that had occurred in our lives, I guess a wedding isn’t complete without a little bit of drama…?
I remember walking down the aisle with my father, and all my friends and family watching (enduring the cold weather), it was beautiful! We has communion and my heart couldn’t hold it in anymore I felt God’s presence over us like I’ve never felt before. The stress of the months before just fell off and I started to bawl. I remember looking over at Josh and he was full of tears. We couldn’t help but smile and laugh, continue to shed tears of joy! That is an image I will never forget and honestly one of the best memories of that day. The pastor pronounced us man and wife and my prince charming flipped me over and gave me the first kiss ever. It was our first kiss (and my first kiss ever). To this day we have never regretted it. It was such a great moment for us! Of course sadly our guest had to view us “make up for lost time” haha! We danced the night away and enjoyed a wonderful reception! We enjoyed a beautiful 2 week honeymoon in Gatlinburg, TN. And stopped in a few other placed in between!

So now 4 years later, here we are. I have one more semester in college, Josh has a wonderful, successful business, two dogs, and at this moment I am our new house watching Josh saw away at wood for the beautiful cabinets that he is building for our kitchen.
We have had quite an adventure over the last 4 years; good and bad times. We have endured the lost of a loved one, many disappointments, and many other situations, but look at us baby, we still are going strong!
Today we are spending our 4th anniversary working on our new home (we are moving in Monday). Although that isn’t how we would want to spend it, right now it’s our only choice. Josh sent me a txt at 12am (he was in the bathroom tiling and I was in the other room hanging blinds) that read Happy Anniversary baby, look at us now! We are still going strong! And tons of other mushy stuff that I will spare  The point is I guess isn’t were we are, but that we are together. We will be having a special day once we are moved in, who knows maybe go out of town, or just light a fire and enjoy a special evening in our new home alone.
It feels just like yesterday we were married, but then again I feel like we have been together forever because it just works! Happy 4 year anniversary baby and here’s to Forever!
Our First kiss ever :)

The beginning (warning kind of long)

Josh and I met about 6 years ago. My cousin Luke actually introduced us. Josh and Luke went to school together. Josh had just moved to Thomasville from Marietta, GA.
Luke invited him to church and came with him from what I still remember was D.O.W (Dinner on Wednesdays). When I met him I didn't really think much, besides the typical "he's cute." My focus since I was 16 was God, and only God! I have always wanted to get married, have kids, etc..but I knew that God was in control of that, so I was just going to trust him. I had several commitments that I wanted. 1. No kissing before we got married 2. I didn't really want to date just because. If I was going to start dating someone it was going to be a serious relationship. I guess I'm just not one to "fool" around. Josh and I didn't really talk much. We served together in our Youth Churches internship, and even went on a lot of youth trips. We liked to hang out together, but we weren't super close or anything. I kind of just wrote him of as "bad news." haha! I know that sounds weird, but I knew too many people that liked him, and I just figured he was kind of a player (f.y.i. he knows all about this, because I told him that’s what I thought. About three years had passed and he had moved to Valdosta to go to VSU. He would come back to church every ones in awhile. My sisters always noticed, because they thought he was so cute.
The beginning of 2005 several friends and I would go to the park after church, eat play soccer, baseball, etc. One day Josh showed up (came with some friends), I hadn't seen him in forever and we started talking, tossed a football around (lol).A few days had passed and I randomly received an e-mail from Josh Nealey. He consisted of 4 words, "Are you spoken for?" - Josh Nealey. I about rolled out of my chair with laughter and a little bit of confusion. I called a good friend of mine up and told her, she of coursed laughed and assumed he was probably wondering if I was dating anyone. I waited a day and wrote him back that I wasn't dating anyone, if that was what he meant. He wrote me back explaining that he wasn't sure how Christian families did the whole dating thing or if they picked out our spouse. I once again about peed my pants. He was serious about it all to. I couldn't help but right back that my parents were going to let me pick my own husband. That we didn't follow a Hindu religion. haha! The letters continued for over a month and he shared about how he always had feelings towards me, and of course I shared my commitments to him, and how I wasn't really looking for anyone to date just to have someone to date. I was a little nervous when writing him that because I wasn't sure what his reactions would me. I had told a few other guys and one pretty much argued with me and thought I was stupid, and well the other one pretty much ran. lol! So, when telling him I kind of figured he would run too. He replied how awesome that was and he admired me even more for it. A big sigh of relief came over me and we continued to talk and see each other at church for about two months. Easter Sunday was a first "date"! He came over and had dinner with me and my family. Okay, okay, I know that really isn't a date, but I wanted to see how he was with people, my family and see how my family felt about him. To settle you down a little bit we did end up having a real date about a month later.

In the middle of June, Josh had been gone to Atlanta allot working and visiting his dad. He had come back to Valdosta for a weekend and had asked me if my sister and I would want to go to the beach for the day. Of course I was up for it, but thought it was real sweet he included my sister. Bekah's best friend Sarah came along with us and we headed up to Destin for the day. He had everything packed: Lunches, towels, everything we needed. A little before sunset Josh asked me if I wanted to take a walk. Little did I know this walk was going to be a very, very long walk, but also a walk into a new path of my life!

The sunset was beautiful at the time, but we had walked a pretty far way and I was a little worried about Bekah and Sarah (them two together, you never know what might take place). I suggested we head back and he agreed, but asked if we could sit for a minute. It was strange, but I agreed. We sat and he was just rambiling, about what I am not sure, I did notice he was real nervous. I thought maybe he was going to talk to me about something, but then he stood up and said "okay, you ready to go back?" We headed back and had a long way to go. After about 3 mins, I noticed a girl watching the sunset with a boyfriend I assumed, and she was holding a few yellow rose pedals. I thought "aww, how sweet." Then I noticed the yellow pedals running along the water (where we were walking). Josh didn't say a word, but we just kept walking hand-in-hand. As we kept walking the pathway of rose pedals turned to pink, and a little further they had turned red. I knew something was up because Josh was smiling, but he still didn't say a word. The final path was red roses; they lead up towards the sand that then was an aisle of lit candles in the sand. He walked me up to it and at this point I was so confused, but knew something was definitely up because I saw my sister running up towards the car. He told me to walk to the end of the isle were there was a beautiful small chest I opened it and noticed a ring holder. I immediately was full of confusion, joy, butterflies, I opened it up and there was nothing in it, turned around and found Josh on his knees. Ok, going to be honest now. He said a whole bunch of stuff and I am sure it was all lovely, but my mind was racing a mile a second and I barely remember anything. I did catch why he chose the colors of roses: Yellow= meeting Pink= Friendship Red=Love. He asked me to marry him and of course I said "Yes!" (Just in case you were wondering). I noticed a huge cheer of people, and was a little afraid to turn around to see who actually was all here, then I noticed we were right next to a tiki bar the was real high up and tons of people had been watching us. It was quite hilarious.
We met my sister and Sarah and I called my family. Josh took us out to dinner that night before we headed back home.
This is a moment in my life I will never forget (and just in case my sister actually videotaped the whole thing. You can see us, but you only hear her and Sarah's narrating..Quite funny), little did I know saying Yes was going to be the start of a new and wonderful life for me!

I just sent in...

My last paper for this semester!
Yay!
I can't believe it's already DECEMBER! Christmas is only 2 weeks away! Part of me is super happy, because I am done with school and I can focus on the house instead of focusing on school work, but the other part of me is sad, because I feel like time is going by so fast. This is my favorite time of the year and we don't even have a tree up yet :( It hasn’t felt like its Christmas time to me because school got me somewhat stressed out and I had no time to really focus on anything else. I guess that's why Christmas isn't about feelings, but so many other things! I was enrolled in a Religion and Culture perspective course this semester. We had to write about one of our beliefs, why we believe in it and other religions or cultures that do not. I thought of so many ideas: abortion, corporal punishment, I could go on and on….but I really wanted to do something different! My friend came up with the idea "Church and the State," which lead into the War on Christmas. As I was looking at articles about Christmas and how so many corporations were against the holiday because of they think that Christians are trying to make business practice our religion. The complaints go on and on. Then they created the idea that other people who aren't namely Christians are offended when people say "Merry Christmas," So decided it would be best for business to band from employees saying Merry Christmas.
Anywho, to make a long story short, I realized how so confused our country is. Ok, I've always known how corrupted our country has been, but seriously?!
Okay, well I won’t drag ya'll into exactly what I think. But needless to say it has really reminded me of the meaning of Christmas. Of course we use it to recognize Jesus being born into this world to pay the most costly price = the Cross, for our sins. The biggest part is that "God GAVE His one and only son..." He GAVE! I think that is why we often think about gifts. I love shopping for other people and GIVING them something special from me to show them I love them and care for them. I have anew perspective on just giving gifts, but to really GIVE: My time, my service, my love, whatever I can to possibly show the real meaning of Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone and may you really enjoy and embrace the true meaning of Christmas!

missing my husband...

The last month or so it seems like I never get to see my husband. He works everyday into the late hours at the house. I guess all those nights I had to be away from him have prepared me for this. I am so glad to have a husband who is willing to work so diligently on our home, and I know he is doing it for us, but oh how I miss being able to cuddle up next to him on the couch, and fall asleep with him next to me. I know that soon it will be over and we will be back to our "normal" routine. It’s just getting old.

Thursday I have my last finale and then I am "free"!
I am anxious about it because I am to perform a 2minute piece I choreographed in front of about 6 faculty members, yikes! I love to dance, but I still get nervous every time I have to perform, and sometimes I just can't control those little nerves that creep up…Oh and did I mention I have to be there at 7:30am. Ugh! Maybe the professors will still be asleep when watching me. Needless to say I am NOT looking forward to it, but I am ready for it to come so that I can be over with it and not have to think about it anymore. Then I can focus on our house, Christmas, etc!
Speaking of the house we are almost there. Josh is working on the cabinets this week. We are ordering the doors, mainly because it would take more time for Josh to make them, so instead he is just building the boxes/frame. The tile is suppose to be in this week and with that being Josh's specialty it shouldn’t' take him too long to complete the flooring and shower. Then we just have little things like: cutting into the trim and crown molding, painting the doors, and some paint touch ups. Once we move in we are going to work on the landscaping, because we know that will be a never-ending job.

December 1st

So this week is my last week of regular classes, then I have a one day of finales the next. I can't believe how quickly December has come, I mean I am not complaining December is my favorite time of the year, but it amazes me how quickly time goes as you get older.

Our Thanksgiving weekend was good! Different than normal because we had our annual Girl's Trip on Thanksgiving weekend. So, Wednesday morning my sisters met at my mom's house to cook Thanksgiving dinner (Another Tradition of ours that we call "Wine Wednesday"). The guys came later that night to eat dinner. We played a hilarious card game; something like "India Poker" I can't remember the name. Thursday we ate lunch at Josh's mom's house and then later that afternoon my family met up to head to Orlando. We took the truck in hopes to get a lot of shopping done, and to possibly make some big purchases at IKEA!
We had a fairly good time on our trip, and did a lot of shopping! We actually shopped Black Friday in Orlando; I was kind of nervous because it is much b igger than Valdosta so I wasn't sure how the stores were going to be, but it actually was really nice. They have three walmarts and Targets so really it made it for an easy shop. They carried everything I was looking for and I didn't have to fight anyone over it (haha). Sadly I didn't succeed in getting all my Christmas shopping done, but I did get several people finished; oh the joys of having a big family. Josh's family alone consists of 8 people, and then I have my 6 family members, plus a few friends who I enjoy shopping for, so that equals a lot of gifts!
Speaking of Gifts, I am not sure what I am going to do for Josh this year. I usually end up coming up with something he really wants or had mentioned a long time ago he wanted, but this year he really hasn't said anything that he wanted. Everything he does want is super expensive and everything else he usually just gets himself if he really wants it. So I am kind of lost at what to get him, but I still have a few weeks.
The house is coming along great. While I was away Josh refinished the original wood floors. They look beautiful! I promise to post some pictures when the house is done! Still kind of up in the air about our move in date. We still have the tile to do now and the cabinets to put in. Not much to do, but it’s hard when you see everyone’s Christmas décor up now. We usually get our tree up right after Thanksgiving, oh well. I have been super busy with school, so I guess in away it’s a good thing, because I don’t have to take time out to decorate in Christmas décor.
But today was a chilly first day of December, and I am so excited for what comes along with this month! It definitely is my favorite time of the year!