It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! At least it is at the Collins residence bc I got to put up the Christmas decorations!!!! YAYYYY So, I have waited very very patiently to put up my Christmas decorations. Kendol doesn't like for them to be up until after Thanksgiving, which I completely understand. The only reason I would like to do them early is so I can enjoy them longer, not because I want to skip Thanksgiving. And I actually waited 3 days after Thanksgiving to get them up. I spent about 8 hours yesterday getting everything just perfect and wrapping the few gifts that I already have... and I loved every last second of it!! It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

I started out with the tree, of course!! Little did I know, the brand new 10 foot tree would have light issues... but what do you expect? Isn't there always 1 bulb out, every year, that messes up everything. Then I moved onto the fireplace, front door, tv table, coffee table, sofa table, the manger scene then all kinds little things here and there!! I believe it's safe to say that my "halls are decked!!" YAY!!! Now to finish that Christmas shopping....


 

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:9-12

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (MONTH) JESUS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

So Thankful!!

Since I will not be at my computer tomorrow to finish out what I'm thankful for for this week, I decided I would do something a little different.



 

A

America!!  

 

B

Bible Verses. There's so much to be learned from every one of them. One verse can change your whole attitude, whole day, whole life!! You just never know. One of my favs that always puts a smile on my face: "And I pray that you and all God's holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ's love. How wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God." ~~ Ephesians 2:18-19

 

C

Christmas Time!! Everything about it. The true meaning of Christmas, the fellowship, the decorations, the parties, the presents... I love it all.

 

D

The Delta!!! My favorite place on earth. I love everything about it. The history, the blues, the crops, the hardworkers, the good people, the small town life, the food... I could go on for days.

 

E

EVERYTHING!! I am thankful for absolutely everything that God has provided me in my life.

 

F

Family!! I wouldn't trade mine for the world. Best Ever.

 

G

Girlfriends!! What would I do without all of my best friends.

 

H

Hayes!! What a blessing.

(and hot chocolate.. and Hobby Lobby)

 

I

My IPod. It's been awesome to have with this whole new running adventure that I've gotten myself into.

 

J

My Job!! I'm so thankful to have a job and can't wait to start my new position. YAY

 

K

Kendol!! DUH

 

L

Love!! How would we make it in this world without love and support from those around us. As the Beatles say "All you need is love."

 

M

Mississippi State!! Everything about it.

 

N

Nissan Rogue. My cute little car. I just love it and am so thankful I have a new safe vehicle to fight the lakeland traffic in daily.

 

O

Old Navy!!

 

P

My Parents!! Mine are the absolute best.

 

Q

Quittin' Time!! Who is not thankful to get off work everyday :)

 

R

Retail Therapy!! The best way to relieve any type of stress.. buy yourself something special. Works every time. Believe me, I speak from (lots of) experience.

 

S

My Sisters!! I have the  best sisters in the world. Hands down. 

(and Sprite and Spaghetti)

T

Tri Delta!! Where I met some of my very best friends.

U

Ugg Boots!! I live in mine during the winter. FAV

 

V

Vera Bradley luggage!! Since we are always on the go, the luggage saves my life. I just got a new pattern for my birthday bc my first pattern had seen it's better day after 8 years of extreme overuse. Best ever!

(and Vacations)

 

W

Wine!! I just found a new one I like. Kendall Jackson Reisling. Yummy

 

X

XXV. That would be 25 years of life on this earth.

 

Y

Yankee Candles!! Delish.

 

Z

Ziploc Bags... Seriously, what would we do without them.

Going Back to the 90's..90's..90's

Ok so I have been taken back in time this past week and it's AWESOME!!

• New Kids On The Block and the Backstreet Boys performed last night at the American Music Awards.  Conveniently they nicknamed themselves NKOTBSB.

• Christina Aguilera killed it at the AMA's, as well, and has a movie coming out with Cher . It's going to be so good.

• Mariah Carey is coming out with another Christmas Album. I'm not a huge Mariah fan, but when it comes to her Christmas music, i'm obsessed.

• Jessica's Engaged.

• Nick's Engaged.

• Garth Brooks is coming out of retirement to do 9 sold out benefit concerts to help raise money for the flood in Nashville!! And we have tickets. YAY!!

• Dawson Leery and Zack Morris in the same show... YES!!!! James Van Der Beek and Mark-Paul Gosselaar are going to be starring in a new lawyer show called Franklin and Bash. I.CAN.NOT.WAIT.

• Nelly's baaaccckkk!!!!

• The only thing that could be any better than all of this, is an N'SYNC reunion... I would die!!!

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!!

Thankful Thursday

OH GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD, FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

Psalm 107:1

Friday, November 12, 2010
Name: Hayes Miller Lloyd
Date: November 12, 2010
Time: 7:18 a.m.
Length: 19 Inches
Weight: 6 lbs 12 oz

Bright and early Friday morning, Eleanor, Kendol and I headed up to the hospital to meet our new niece. It is crazy how fast this process went. We were only there for about 45 minutes before Ryan came walking through the door with precious Baby Hayes. I am so thankful that all procedures went perfectly for Ann-Hamilton and for a healthy precious baby girl!! I am in love already. I just stare at her. She is the sweetest.

Proud PaPa!!






















Our first look at Hayes.

Look at how beautiful she is!! O my goodness.
Look at how much she changed in just one day.

Hayes ready to go home!! 4 Days old.



















Saturday, November 13, 2010
Most of Saturday was spent at the hospital visiting with Ann-Hamilton and Ryan and watching everyone oooo and gooo over Hayes!! It was amazing to see the love and support they received from family and friends. So thankful for such a good support system and so much love in our families! Hayes has the best 4 grandparents in the world. And of course, the best aunts and uncles!! She is already spoiled rotten.

Sunday, November 14, 2010
I woke up Sunday morning to Kendol asking me if I would like to go to Bonefish that night.... Well, of course I would!! I am so thankful for a husband who still takes me out on dates! It always makes me feel special :)

Monday, November 15, 2010
PAYDAY!!! Who's not thankful for Payday!!! But I got an extra special payday. Not only did I get a Christmas bonus added to my check, but I also got offered a promotion at work. I will be moving to a different department as of January 1, 2010, but I will continue to do alot of my current job, as well. We are going to test and see if I can pull off both positions. Wish me luck. YAYY!! God is so good!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Today is one of my favorite days of the year. We had our first fire in the fireplace (LOVE) and we ate our first batch of fried deer meat. YUMMY!!! So for Tuesday, I am thankful for a warm home and food to eat!! Once again, it's the little things that are most important.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010
I walked in from work and before Kendol even said hello, he said "Can we go see Hayes? You got to see her and hold her on Monday and I didn't." It was so cute!! So we immediately went down the street to Ann-Hamilton and Ryan's for a little Uncle Kendol time!! She was asleep, of course, but she entertained us plenty with her funny faces. I am so thankful that Ann-Hamilton and Ryan only live like 6 houses down or so. It's so nice to have them around all the time!! It's probably annoying for Ryan and Kendol, but it's awesome for Ann-Hamilton and I!!

Thursday, November 18, 2010
For today, I am thankful for the little random things that put a smile on my face. I walked over to Regions earlier to cash a check and the teller was just the sweetest thing. She seemed so happy and talked my head off. She asked how my week was going? If I was ready for Thanksgiving? What good food I was making for Thanksgiving? If I was traveling for the holidays? I pass hundreds of people downtown everyday and most don't even smile. Everyone is always in such a hurry to get to work or to their next appointment. It's just so refreshing to run across people like her these days, bc there doesn't seem to many like her left!!

These all put a smile on my face this week, as well!!!

Sweet Hayes :)

The pretty trees outside of my office building. They make me smile every morning.

 My favorite orange tree. I just took this yesterday and it's already red today!!

The Pillow Academy Mustangs won the State Championship for the first time since 1999. All three Pittman girls have now cheered on a State Championship.

I love Brandon pointing to God in this picture. Wish I had zoomed in more. Precious!

The Chimney Sweep Hot Chocolate on the Cups Christmas menu!! Delish.

Thankful Thursday

Friday, November 5, 2010
On Friday, I left work and headed to Byram for Stephanie and Wally's wedding rehearsal. The one weekend that I have to spend in a cocktail dress, would be the coldest weekend of the fall, so far! So for Friday, I was simply thankful for my coat.... and my seat warmers... and a roof over my head... and central heat. Sometimes we over look the smallest of things, but not this weekend, I was thankful for anything that kept me warm!

Saturday, November 6, 2010
Saturday was a first for me. I directed a wedding. I still can't believe it, you know, since I have a fear of public speaking and all. But I did it and it went just about perfectly. Little did anyone know that when I arrived at the church, I realized I had forgotten my papers with the timing/order of the wedding and the order of how everyone walks out and where they stand. FREAK OUT MODE... I couldn't turn around and go get it, first bc I wasn't in my car... Secondly, bc home was about 30 minutes away. So, for Saturday I am thankful that God provided me with patience and that everyone cooperated. Thank you Jesus! I couldn't live with myself if something had gone wrong and it was my fault.

Sunday, November 7, 2010
After two late nights out on the town, which we never do, I was simply thankful for my compfy bed and a four hour nap!

Monday, November 8, 2010
After work on Monday, I was bound and determined to reach my goal of 10 miles before race day and I did just that. I have been burned out and a little down on myself bc I didn't think I could do it, but I did! I ran 10 miles, without stopping, in 1 hr and 41 minutes!!! (10:05 per mile) So for Monday, I am thankful for encouraging words from Kendol, my parents and other friends! And also thankful for God who gave me the strength and determination to make it through without my legs collapsing ha. (We celebrated afterwards with tacos... I'm going to go ahead and throw it out there that I'm thankful for mexican food, as well... I don't think I would have made it this far in life without it ha!)
 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Conversation with my daddy afterwards:
Me: "Daddy, I just ran 10 miles!!!"
Daddy: "10 MILES... without stopping?"
Me: "Yes sir."
Daddy: "No you didn't. I don't believe that. Can Kendol run 10 miles?"
Me: "Yes sir. He ran 12 miles on Thursday night."
Daddy: "12 MILES...Did he really?? Callie this is MONUMENTAL. You really ran 10 miles?"
Me: Yes sir.
Daddy: "Well Cal, I am just so proud of you. Your momma's not here though, so you have to call back in about 20 minutes and tell her the good news yourself. I'm going to let you tell her. I am just so proud of you.
:)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday night we had Mary Kathryn and Ben over for Ben's favorite dinner that Kendol cooks, flank steak and mashed potatoes. We hadn't hung out just the four of us in forever, and  it's always so nice to spend time with such good friends. Kendol and Ben grew up on the same street, went to school together their entire lives and then lived together after college. Same goes for Spark and I. I didn't go to Pillow until 6th grade, but we've been friends through church and softball since I can remember and we lived together after college, as well! I'm thankful for true friendships that really do last a lifetime and a thankful for a husband who loves to cook!!! (and cooks pretty dang good)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010
After work, I did absolutely NOTHING and it was so nice. I am thankful for days like this, when I can sit on my butt and relax!! It doesn't happen very often. (and I'm thankful for three hours of country music to watch as I relax... love the CMA's!!! Go Miranda and Blake!!)

Thursday, November 11, 2010
Today I am thankful for all service men and women of the United States, past and present, who put their lives on the line daily to secure my freedom in this great nation. Each and every one of you are true heroes and your service for this country is appreciated more than you will ever know.

Wee Bit Wednesday

{one} do you collect anything? if so, what and how long have you been collecting?
I collected Teddy Bears when I was little. I had tons. I think I had a "Pet Net" in every corner ha.

{two} what is one cleaning tip that you swear by?
HA!!! I'm the last person you need to get cleaning tips from. You need to share them with me, instead. I do love to Mop-N-Glo the floors though. And with a black lab, I depend on the swiffer for all the disgusting dog hair UGH! And I must have spray pledge... I hate that liquid kind that you have pour on the rag every 3 seconds. That's so annoying.

{three} who would you call for bail money?
Well I would say Kendol, but I guess he'd probably be with me. Let's hope I never have to make this call ha!

{four} what is one thing you miss about being a kid?
The Community

{five} name a few of your guilty pleasures.
I love hot chocolate, coca cola, reality television, chocolate and good country music.

{six} how early do you start your holiday shopping?
Plenty early. I'm already about half way done.

{seven} what is a family tradition that you would like to pass on to your significant other/children?
Every Christmas Eve we get to open one gift and it is always pajamas. And on Christmas morning, we always have sausage balls and biscuits with chocolate gravy!!! OMG I can't wait til Christmas. My mouth is watering.... O... Just realized this was any tradition, I guess I assumed Christmas from the previous question, so I will leave my answer as is.

{eight} what do you consider your greatest achievement?
So far, I guess graduating college. I haven't done anything monumental at work or anything ha. But, pretty soon I will be able to say that I ran a half marathon, which I'm pretty pumped about. O and P.S., I have been slacking on the "Marathon Monday" blogs, but on Monday night I ran 10 miles!!!! WOO HOOO

{nine} what do you do to pamper yourself?
HA nothing!! I occassionally (and by occassionally, I mean once a year) go get my nails painted... Not a manicure, just painted. I guess my only pampering is retail therapy.

{ten} if you were to start your own restaurant, what would it be called?
I'm going to throw out "Callie's Country Cookin" bc Kendol says everything I cook is "country" food.

Wedding Bells Wednesday

This past weekend, two of our best friends, Wally and Stephanie, got married!! As I said last week, I was the "director" of the wedding and never did I realize how stressful this was going to be, until the wedding actually started... AAAAHHHHH. For one, the church is laid out different than any church I've been too. The sanctuary is in the middle and the rest of the church goes in a circle around it. At most churches, the doors, that the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk out of, are only a couple of feet apart. Here, it seemed like they were a mile apart. So there was no way for me to be in 4 places at once, but thankfully Mary Kathryn volunteered (well I volunteered her) to stand at the other end and help me out. After I had a mild panic attack about not being able to be at all 3 doors and around the corner to tell Wally when to walk out, everything went perfectly and the whole ceremony was beautiful. After the ceremony was over, I didn't really speak for about 2 hours because I was still a nervous wreck. HA 

 Speaking of beautiful, Stephanie's dress was to die for. It was so unique and unlike any other wedding dress I've ever seen. She opted for more of a dark cream colored dress, with lots of gorgeous beading, than your typical white dress. My favorite part of the dress was the precious ruffle at the bottom. LOVE!!!

The reception was at the Old Train Station downtown. That building is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a wedding reception. Playing at the reception was "Smiley and the Young Guns" so, of course, it was a blast!!They play everything for Dixie, to Elvis, to Cupid Shuffle, plus so much more!! They are a guaranteed good time and a good time everyone had!!!

Here are a few pics from the Wedding and Reception



All of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen taking pictures before the Ceremony.

 





Look at that dress!!

  




The bride and Groom leaving the church to head to the reception! I wish I had a picture of their awesome car.

 

 





Wally's perfect bulldog cake that his brother-in-law's mother made!! She did so good. I didn't get a picture of Stephanie's cake before it was cut into :( but it was gorgeous!



She also made a "M State" cake to go on either side of the Bully cake! So cute.







My favorite picture of the night!! Anxious to catch that garter. Love it!





Sweet Best Friends!