tv nightmare

So, DirecTV robbed me this week.  We had the service for about a month and a half, but called once a week (at least) about how our HD channels did not work, plus we weren't eligible for local networks.  Every time I called, though, the representative somehow managed to talk me out of cancelling...or the fear of having to pay a $450+ cancellation fee changed my mind.  Either way, we hated the service from Day 1.  Finally, I decided to cancel, regardless of the fees involved.  I was told I'd be sent a bill and could pay off the balance via check, which - I'll admit - I never fully intended to do.  Anyway, a few days later I checked my bank account, only to find that DirecTV had debited my checking account (the account I used to open the DirecTV service account) over $700 - cancellation fee + $285 for four (4) receivers.  Once they get the receivers back, they'll credit the $285 to my account (in 6-8 weeks).  Ridiculous!!  And right here before Christmas.  We ordered CableOne...and have loved it every second of everyday since we got it.  That's the way it should be.  So, my advice to you: DO NOT use DirecTV.  The end.

break

Okay, I love my job, but I have had ENOUGH of it today!!  It's the last day of work before our 17 day break...and I'm pretty sure the clock has stopped.  So anyway, Dustin and I are keeping his niece and nephew this weekend (my new niece and nephew)...Macy and Hayden.  They're adorable.  I'm not quite sure how to be a "mom," though.  Hopefully my mind will revert back to those good ole babysitting days, and I'll be okay!  Let ya know how it goes.  Take a break today.

Oh, my co-workers and I wore tacky Christmas attire today...just for fun.  Here's a piece of mine.  The tacky-est, I know.

getting organized

Moving into a new house is pretty stressful.  Moving into an old house that's new to you is even more stressful.  Have I mentioned that I love the house Dustin and I bought?  Well, I do.  It's spectacular.  It's small, and cozy, and wonderful.  We've been painting, hanging, washing, organizing, storing, fixing, and updating for a few months to make it more "us."  We have a TON more to do, but it's coming together...one day at a time.  Tomorrow is my last day of work for 2 weeks, so hopefully I'll have plenty of time to get organized before the first of the year.  New Years Resolution:  Start the year off with everything in its place, and maintain tidy-ness throughout the year.  Haha, we'll see.  Get organized today.

turners moving

So...my big sister and her beautiful family are moving today.  They are moving from Baton Rouge, LA (3 hours from me) to Brunswick, GA (8 hours from me).  Depression would now be setting in.  Well, okay, not really depression, but it does make me sad :(.  Really sad.  I guess this just means my husband and I will have to take some super fun road trips to go visit them!!  I pray for them morning, afternoon, and night.  I pray for strength, for patience, for opportunity, for happiness.  God is BIG, and He is good...so I have no doubt that they will be just fine in Brunswick, GA.  To the Turners:  Be safe.  Have fun.  Smile.  Take lots of pictures.  Call/write often.  And REMEMBER - the Smiths (and Matthews) are thinking about and praying for you guys every step of the way.  xoxo

talent

My sisters are not only the most beautiful creatures I know, but they're the most talented, too. Why in the world the good Lord blessed both of them with amazing creativity and not me, I'll never know...but, instead of being green with envy, I'm in love with their talent. My sisters are my besties. I like them a lot.

christmas tree

We're getting our Christmas tree this weekend.  I can't wait to decorate the house with glittery, sparkly, shiny things that make my husband's eyes smile!!  And bake the sweetest of sweet, yummy delicious desserts...like brownies and fudge.  Yum.

  Happy Christmas time!!

Pictures provided by marthastewart.com

half honeymoon. whole love.

Last week, Dustin and I traveled all the way to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for our week-long Honeymoon.  HOT sun, soft sand, turquoise ocean water...it was beautiful (pictures to come)!!  Unfortunately, on Day 2, we received a sad bit of news that caused our trip to be cut short.  My husband's brother passed away December 1, 2009.  The entire flight back home Wednesday and the 6-hour drive to Texas the next day was filled with unanswered questions and confusion, silence and pain.  Is there a right or wrong thing to say/do in a situation like that?  My heart aches for the family...the wife, the kids, the parents, the brothers, the friends.  The honeymoon was cut in half, but the love remained whole.  "And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust Him, too, for each day's problems: live in vital union with Him." [Colossians 2:6]

thankful

This Thanksgiving was the beginning of many holiday challenges for my new husband and me.  Fortunately, this year we did NOT have to choose between families.  I spent Thanksgiving Day in Meridian with his mother's family, eating delicious food and listening to stories about Dustin as a child.  I love my in-laws!

Saturday, we attended the Smith-family traditional Thanksgiving lunch, which was simply splendid.  I have such a great, supportive family.  Once again, I was stuffed with enough turkey and dressing to feed an entire army...and laughed until my stomach hurt.  I like giving thanks.

I. am. thankful.

looking forward

So, I'm back to work after a weekend without Dustin...he went hunting. I got a good bit of Christmas shopping done on Saturday!! I love the outlets. I love my girlfriends. I love Christmas music...which we heard a ton of at the outlets. Definitely puts me in a good mood :). I spent all day yesterday doing laundry. Does it ever end?? I'm soooo looking forward to Thanksgiving this week!! We're heading to Meridian to visit with the in-laws Thursday...then back home with my fam Saturday. Also, next week we'll be in Punta Cana on our HONEYMOON!! I'm so ready to turn my phone off for a week, and just relax with my husband. Mmmm...sounds nice! Happy Monday!!

I like those 3 kids. A lot.

then comes marriage

I married my best friend this month. I love my husband. The wedding was...marvelous. The marriage is...fulfilling. Don't you just love when your heart smiles? Love somebody today.

Thursday = Friday

I work Monday - Thursday, so Thursdays are my Fridays, which is great. I absolutely love having Fridays off!! Today has been so busy for me, demanding almost. Not only have I been pulled in every direction at work, but I'm also in the process of planning my dream wedding. Planning a wedding is like a second job, but it's so much fun! I'm trying so hard to cherish each moment throughout the process. I hear it passes by so quickly, and I want to savor and remember every memory. I'm so blessed to have incredible family/friends in my life who are willing to help with all the details. It definitely takes a huge load off of my shoulders. I have such a vivid vision...the hard part is making that vision become a reality.