Settlers of Catan

Have you heard of the game Settlers of Catan?  It is by far the most fun board game I have ever played. I was introduced to this game in college, and we have played this game so much in the last year!

It is a game full of strategy and makes you think- I love those kind!  I would highly recommend it to you!  (It is a little expensive but it is worth it!)

My brother recently bought the two expansion packs for the game- Seafarers, and Cities & Knights.  We have played them both this weekend and they make the game even more fun!

The expansion packs make it pretty intense, with lots of pieces and cards, but it is a lot of fun!

 Cities and Knights

Seafarers Expansion Pack

Just wanted to share some fun family games!

Portillo's by Mail

Jeremy's parents sent us a big surprise this week for Christmas- Portillo's by mail!  Portillo's is a hot dog place in Chicago and they ship around the country.  What a thoughful Christmas gift!  We aren't going to be able to make it up to visit Jeremy's family this year for Christmas, but he was able to have a little slice of home with this meal.

We had fun opening up the box and discovering all the fixings for Chicago hotdogs.  Everything was included- step by step instructions for preparing the dogs Portillo's style, and it even included a Portillo's crew member hat!

I'll have to get Jeremy's phone and get some pictures of him too- he just posted the ones of me on facebook and I copied them off of there.  :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my Dad’s 50th birthday! 

Daddy, I love you so much and am so grateful to have you as a father.  You’ve always been my hero.  Thank you for love and continual support.  I hope you have a great birthday!

I love you Daddy!

Happy Birthday Mama!

Thank you for being such a wonderful mom to me and Jared.  Wish I was there to celebrate with you today!  I love you!

In Loving Memory

In loving memory of a wonderful woman- my great grandmother

Be in prayer for my family today as we attend her funeral.  I feel blessed to have been able to have my great-granmother for 23 years, not many people have that privalege.  She was 90 years old, and lived a long and happy life.  She was a blessing to our family and will be greatly missed!

Tea Time

I have such wonderful friends!  This past weekend my matron of honor, Heather, and her mother threw me a bridal luncheon/tea.  It was picture perfect!  Down to the beautiful mixed matched china, chicken salad, and sugar cubes!

THANK YOU LADIES FOR ALL YOU DID! 

Heather with her mother and grandmother. 

The table settings were beautiful, and I loved all the hydrangeas! 

My bridesmaids and I before the tea, aren't they all so beautiful? 

We all got in on taking pictures under the pretty arbor

 My mom and I are pictured below.

Our lunch included turkey salad, crescent rolls, fresh mixed fruit, fruit dip, and pasta salad.  And sweet tea!

After lunch we enjoyed some delicious desserts...

Cake and mini strawberry cheesecakes...

and lemon bars and wedding cookies.

We also enjoyed some hot tea with our desserts!

Afterwards I opened all the sweet gifts everyone gave me.  I LOVED that people got me "antique" themed gifts.  Exactly the kind of stuff I like!

Haley found these antique state plates at a local antique store.  Guess what the only two states they had in the store were?  North Carolina and Illinois!  It was meant to be. :)

My mom got me a milk glass plate and two milk glass spice jars.  I've been eyeing those spice jars for quite some time, and she didn't even know it!  She knows what I like.

Tracy and Katalyn gave me this unique little serving platter.  Don't you just love that little curve on the left side?  I just love white dishes and was very excited to be able to add a few pieces to my collection.



Heather painted this beautiful teapot for me at a pottery place!  What a great and personal gift!  And a perfect reminder of our tea party.

I loved the tray and pillow that my Maw Maw gave me.

After I opened my gifts, I gave the bridesmaids (and flower girl) a couple of gifts just to say thank you for all their help over the past year and for being my bridesmaids!

I gave them their personalized hanger that they will use at the wedding to hang up their bridesmaids dresses

As well as a tote bag that I monogrammed

I love you girls!  Thank you for making this such a special day for me!

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mothers Day Mama!  You have been such a wonderful, godly example to me throughout the years.  You made me who I am today and I am blessed to have you in my life.  Thank for support, for the love, for the encouragement, for the countless prayers and tears, for all the little things you did- I can’t thank you enough.  You’ve taught me how to be a godly wife and mother through the way you have lived your life.  I’m glad to now have you not only as my mother but as my friend.  I love you!