Whitney

I feel the need to interrupt my review of the past year to honor the great Whitney Houston.

I was so sad and honestly distraught to hear the news of Whitney's passing. I am still mourning her death and have a weekly (at least) tribute to her in my car. As some of you may know, Whitney has been on my prayer list for a number of years. Her struggles broke my heart. I knew she knew better and so did she. What an example of the truth that all the money and fame in the world can never truly satisfy.

Whitney was just a tad before my time, but I learned of her greatness through Eliz. I distinctly remember getting in trouble on the playground at Holy Trinity Preschool for singing "I Want to Dance with Somebody." I share this special fact to prove that Whitney was indeed a part of my life. What can I say? I guess I was a mature 4 year old. Actually, I was just a 4 year old that listened to whatever her big sister listened to.

I was a fan of Whitney and her "clear as a bell" voice all the way from "How Will I Know" to "It's Not Right, but it's Okay".  She was one of the true talents of our generation. She had one of those voices that you do not even try to imitate. It is rule that you never audition or try to perform a Whitney song. Some people might think they can do a Whitney song justice, but the cold hard facts are that you simply cannot. I don't care who you are. Nobody can. If you have tried to sing a Whitney song, then I'm just sorry, but it wasn't a good idea.

I am sad that Whitney is no longer here with us on earth. And I am even more sad that her last days were filled with so much pain. I do, however, find joy in the fact that y'all know she is up there singing with the choir of angels like nobody's business! Go 'head, Whitney!

I will close with one of my favorite Whitney moments...

Miscellaneous Shower

I am truly blessed when it comes to the people in my life. From school friends, to teachers, to friends' parents, and family friends, I am convinced that I have the greatest group of support out there. I felt so unworthy of the many showers, gifts, and help that was given to me, but it all made me feel so loved and made this time that much more special. What a perfect way for me and Tyson to start our lives together...with way more love and encouragement than we could ever imagine. I know there is no way we could repay all the people that helped out and contributed to our wedding and the festivities that went along with it, but I hope they can understand some of what it meant to us.

In May, some of my mom's friends (who are my friends too, of course) and one of my best friends, Ashley,  gave me a great miscellaneous shower! My sister was able to come down from Arkansas for this one, which made it that much more fun and special! The food at the shower was delicious and the decorations and flowers were gorgeous and so well-done!

I got to see and visit with a number of people that I don't normally get to be around! And of course, got to open some very generous and ballin presents!

His and Hers Shower

In April, J.O. and Angie Conway gave us a shower in their AMAZING backyard. The Conways live a few houses down from my home in Auburn and their yard and gardens really are unbelievable. My friendship with the Conways began when I started taking care of their dogs when they were off on their many exciting adventures. Once Tyson was in the picture, he helped them out with random jobs as well. The Conways are very special to me and Tyson and we're so thankful for their part in our lives. They are two of the most interesting, wise, GOOD, down to earth people we know. 

We had so much fun at this party! A lot of our friends got to come and it was just laid back and perfect. We had BBQ, toured their beautiful yard and of course, opened some wonderful gifts! 

Us with the Conways!

Us with Aunt Rach and Uncle T

Us with the already MARRIED couple!

Just a few of my favorite girls on the planet. The two on either side of me are now engaged! How in the world did all this growing up happen? 

Getting ready to open presents!!

Us with Jaron and Erika (Tyson's brother and sister in law)

Us with Charity and Stanley who are now engaged, too!! So, so excited for them!!!

Us with MB...just like old times :)

PES Shower

My sweet friends and co-workers at Prattville Elementary School threw me my first wedding shower. It was on a monday afternoon after faculty meeting and everything was perfect! I was pretty nervous getting started because all the attention was on me, but once we get started, I had so much fun! 

I was lavished with more love and gifts than I deserved. It really helped me to get excited for Tyson and I to start our lives together! 

I miss PES and the people there so much! I hate that I only got to spend one year at such a wonderful school! It was a job that I absolutely loved and even when I woke up tired, thinking I couldn't sing one more song or clap-out one more rhythm, I knew that it was exactly where I was supposed to be.  I'm so thankful for the memories, relationships, and growing I got to experience during my year with the Prattville Elementary School Bobcats!!

FOOD! Why is shower food sooo good?! And why do they only have those little bitty plates? And why do I always hear my mom's voice saying, "don't pile your plate up" when I'm trying to figure out where in the world all that food is going to go? 

Delicious cake and punch!

Me and my mama! So glad she got to come!

MISS these people...

PRESENTS!!
(I'm sorry...does that make me sound greedy? I'm just trying to keep it real. You know you love some presents, too!)

REALLY excited about my roasting pan! Used it for our Christmas Ham :)