Some Thanksgiving and Christmas Pics

I guess it's better to post late than never.  I decided to blog a little tonight and realized I never finished this post.  So, please enjoy a few pictures from last year!

BCM International Thanksgiving Dinner:

VSU BCM "Redneck Christmas" Party:

L to R: The girls in my bible study (Journey) group--Sara, Cristen, me, Brittany, Kati, and Cecelia (Not pictured, Mary Beth).  Note:  I had an event for work that I had to dress up for and didn't change into my redneck atire......oh well.



Snapshots from the BCM Leadership Christmas Party:

Ashley and Alice~

Ms. Anne and Sam~

Women's Dinner

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending our church's annual Women's Dinner.  It was an elegant evening filled with meeting new ladies, eating delicious food, and hearing testimonies of the Lord's work in these women's lives. 

I volunteered to be a table hostess (this is the first time I've done something like this) and thus decorate our table.  I thoroughly enjoyed contemplating how I would decorate my table and pulling out fine china pieces that we received for our wedding.  Also, being thrifty/frugal is something that enjoy very much...it's as if I make it a game to see how much I can do for the least amount of cost, and I do love games!  So, that's just what I did with this little venture.  I enjoyed viewing others' tables and gleaning their frugal and creative ideas, too!

A white table cloth and a cream overlay with pink swirls were used to cover the table.  I used small clear candle holders (I save these from candles that are given to me or that I purchase & turn them upside down on a cookie sheet covered with foil-- low temperature in the oven-- to get remaining wax out.  Then, just put a new candle in and you can reuse it!) and tied coordinating ribbon around them.  I already had the ribbon and new white candles, so I didn't have to buy them.  And, I used the same ribbon to make napkin rings. 

I purchased the pink and cream roses that I used from the Dollar Tree.  I LOVE this store!  I find so many things here that I can use for craft projects, around the house, and with my students.   Five stems of flowers was enough to fill three containers.  I borrowed Caleb's wire cutters to cut the stems apart before placing the flowers in containers that I had from around the house.  Then, I used scissors to cut some of the petals apart to sprinkle around my table.  Having the exact color petals to match the flowers looked really nice.   Low lighting was used at the dinner, and one of the ladies commented that she thought the roses were real :)!

The final product!  

My new friend Amanda and me.

I had such a fun time at this event.  It's so nice to have "girl time" every once and awhile, and I'm so thankful for a husband who supports that.   

Ideas that I gleaned from other ladies that you might enjoy:  black chargers with paper lace doily make a pretty "plate; cover cardboard salt and pepper shakers with ribbon coordinated to your table; if your mugs are a neutral color and you want to "dress them up" use bands of sequins to wrap around them.

I would love to hear your frugal tips and ideas!

Cody and Kelli's Wedding Weekend

I'm playing "catch up" with our blog:).  Here are a few pictures I snapped with my camera of Cody and Kelli's wedding weekend, October 24th.

The red maple leaves were gorgeous that weekend!

Mom and Cody at the rehearsal dinner.

Cody with Groomsmen:  (L to R)  Jeremiah, Cody, Josh, Nathan

 Mama and two of her best friends, Kathy and Ramona.  They were so kind by helping with the food and drinks at the rehearsal dinner!

 The soon-to-be bride and groom!

 Caleb and my Daddy!

 The guests.

Wedding Day!:)

1959 (I think) Chevy Impala.  Caleb was Cody and Kelli's chauffeur.  He loved it!

 Bride and Groom's first dance.

 Groom's cake.  Fitting for a soon-to-be mechanical engineer, huh?

 Toast!

 Father/daughter dance!

We had a great weekend and were glad to be able to celebrate it with Cody, Kelli and family.  Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Cody Bollinger!  We love you!

Grandma's 80th Birthday

September 18th marked Grandma Mary's 80th birthday!  My mom arranged a family party for her at a local restaurant, Quincy's, which is one of grandma's favorite places to eat.  Most of the family was able to attend, and we had a great time!  If I live to be 80 years old, I hope I am as vibrant, energetic, and full of life as she is!  Grandma loves to be out and about, having fun!

 My mama pinning a corsage on the birthday girl!

Above:  Grandma opening presents.

Right:  Some of the "grandkids" talking.
 
 Grandma with her children--Tommy, Wayne, Johnny, and Yvonne.

 Grandma with most of the grandchildren and their wives/husbands.

 Grandma with her sisters, Gwen and Darlene, and her sister-in-law, Peggy.

VSU Homecoming Football Game

October 2nd marked VSU's homecoming game.  We had such a great day!  One of the local churches joined with the BCM to host a free cookout before the game!   Not only were we able to spend time with students, but we were able to spend time with Jeff's family, too.  We had a blast!

The band!   Those of you who know me well know that the half time show is my favorite part about the football game.  That's why people go to football games in the first place, right?  I mean why have football if you don't have a band?

Makenzie, Megan, and me.  The girls made a "V" before the game so we could use them to cheer for the team!

The Homecoming Court

And VSU wins the game!  It was a close game  but the Blazers won by two points!

Surprise Getaway with Caleb!

This past weekend, Caleb planned a surprise trip for us!  We really enjoyed some time for just the two of us! 

We drove to downtown Atlanta (and stopped at The Olive Garden on the way---DELICIOUS!) for the 1-1-Six concert (I know some of you are Lecrae fans!) at the Depot.  Since we got there early, we hung out at GA State and then went to Underground to browse.

Inside the Depot waiting for the concert to begin.

Random candid of Caleb during the concert.

Caleb arranged for us to spend the night with his parents.  We had a fun time seeing them and relaxing.  Alice cooked a delicious breakfast for us, too!   On Saturday, we headed back and stopped at the GA National Fair in Perry.  We had a fun time strolling, enjoying the food and music, and seeing the animals.

Enjoying the "lakeside" view as we ate our snack!

The horses were BEAUTIFUL,  and Caleb wants a Clydesdale.  I think it would be a nice addition to the farm I would like to have one day!