This Is My December

Rob and I got an early start on Christmas decorating this year, THANK GOD! Everything was done this weekend. Outdoor Christmas lights, decor on the inside, stockings are hung, and the tree is finished! Yippie! I don't think I've ever decorated this early and it really does lift a huge weight off my shoulders. We also cleaned like crazy so our friends and family could come visit for my birthday too! This weekend baby! Woo-hoo! The big 2-7. If it's anything like last year, my birthday will be pretty forgettable (as in, I couldn't remember what happened it was so awesome). This year, for the first time ever, I also brought over all my childhood ornaments to put on OUR tree. As I placed each one in its designated branch, I told Rob each ornaments background story. I told him where it came from and when it entered into my collection. It's always fun to reveal things about yourself, or to learn new things about your loved ones you never knew. So, check out our tree, condo decorations, and some of my favorite ornaments!

Rob did so good decorating the tree :)

Hanging my ornaments on OUR tree

Our first ornament as an engaged couple. AWWWWW!

This ornament is a fav in my family. It survived two tree fallings in one year. Very thin glass.

Love me some ZETA

Childhood ornament. I love that it has glitter...Rob does too :-D

I have several 'JOY' ornaments in honor of my middle name, and also because I bring joy and happiness to the world :)

Our gorgeous tree the kitties won't stop biting and climbing

The Christmas cheer continues outside to our front door!

Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has been ultra-fabulous this year. I attempted making sweet potato casserole to bring to the Westerling residence, and it came out wonderful! I not only got to spend time with Rob and his family, but I also traveled to Mount Juliet to visit my pregnant sister and visit the awesome flea market on Black Friday. I never shop at the big stores on Black Friday, mostly to save my sanity, but I figured a flea market isn't really big shopping. I think spending time with family during the holidays is what makes them so special, and it was so great I could spend it with multiple families. I also helped Christine set up the baby nursery! That boy is gonna be so spoiled :) Here are some photos from this weekend:

My beautiful sister :)

I really can't stop touching her bump :)

Granny Frannie

Beautiful

There's a baby in there!!

Baby Boy C is already very spoiled by his grandparents and aunts

I really can't wait for my nephew to make his debut in March. Super excited!!

Engagement Party!

So this past weekend, Rob and I had an engagement party with our family and closest friends. My older sister, Christine, came in from Nashville to celebrate (which, btw, she's 23 weeks now. YAY!) The entire weekend was an absolute blast! The catered food at the party was amazing, the bartender service was a much needed amenity, and the night was unforgettable. Rob's parents went above and beyond hosting this party, and I'm so glad I'll be apart of such a great family. Here are a few of my favorite photos:

Awww, I love this photo of us :)

My sisters and I

I love my growing nephew! (Yeah, it's a BOY! I guessed wrong)

My bridal party! Love these ladies!

Nancy and I

I had to add this hilarious photo of Rob dropping the huge bottle. Yes, it busted everywhere and nobody got to drink it. But, hey, I learned it's not "a bad omen" to break a bottle of champagne :)

Toasting to good times with good friends

My peeps

As far as my wedding countdown, it's one month down and eleven months to go till I marry the man I've been chasing since I was sixteen. It's quite a surreal time in my life :)