Holiday Recap

I've been a little neglectant in my posting. Our schedules have been jam packed with holiday festivities. Between tons of holiday parties at work, our own work parties, and spending time with friends, family, and each other, there's barely even been time to sleep! But what a great way to spend this time of year. We have definitely been blessed to be able to spend lots of time with those dear to us, and been able to talk to those who were not able to be in town to celebrate with us.



I'm not going to go into specifics, just because of all the details I would have to go into, but the week of Christmas started off with my work Christmas party. As usual, we started at the boss's house for lunch and present exchanges. Then it was time to celebrate. Lots of laughs, lots of food, lots of drinks, and always a great time with some of the best people in town. I'm one lucky girl to not just have great co-workers, but great friends that I see probably more than my own husband. We have definetly created our own little family and what a great, diverse family it is.



On Tuesday was Josh's work party (and sorta kinda mine, since I do work there once a week). We met up with a couple of his co-workers for a few cocktails and then headed off to the party. Again, lots of food, laughs, presents, and memories. Since they do their party at the bar, we stayed there until almost 1 a.m. then headed to the Big Chill to finish out the night. It was great to spend some extra time with the Sing it or Wing it crowd. We a regularly hang out with a couple of them..but for the most part, I only get to see them once a week. It was great to see every relaxing and having fun. Lots of fun. ha!



Before we knew it, Christmas Eve was here. Josh and I both worked, but luckily both Sing it and the Chill closed early so we were able to get home and relax...well, Josh relaxed. I still had some Christmas presents to a). finish putting together and b). wrap. But that's the fun of Christmas Eve, right!?! (I promise, one day I will not procrastinate. One day).



Christmas morning was..hmm...a bit odd. Lola had gotten into something while we were at work. When we woke up, she was sicker than sick. Luckily Mom has Dr. Jena on speed dial, so we called her up and were able to get to the clinic and get some fluids for Lola. She was really dehydrated and just lethargic, but with the help of Dr. Jena and GiGi (my mom) she started feeling a little bit better and we were able to pack up everything we needed and head up the mountain to celebrate Christmas.


Even though it was just my mom, dad, Josh, and myself we had a beautiful Christmas. We watched each other open presents and ate lots, of lots of food. It was a perfect little Christmas. It would have been nice if our whole family could have been there..but we understand that that's not always going to happen; especially since they all just travelled here in November for the wedding.



Well my friends, it appears my quick lil recap went a little longer than anticipated. ::oops::



I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and that Santa was good to you all. Cheers to 2011. It was a year that flew by for us here, but one of the best ever. And I have a feeling 2012 is going to be even better. Happy New Year to you all!!




**Sorry for no pictures, I'll be better about that new year! hehe.**

Dear Santa,

Hi Santa, it's me, Brianne. I have spent most of my day compiling my wish list for this year's Christmas presents. It's not much...well too much. I don't need everything, and really I don't expect everything. I think I have been a very good girl this year and will greatly appreciate any present you put under my Christmas tree. Thank you in advance. Happy Holidays and safe travels. I look forward to Christmas morning!

I am registered at: Target; Belk; and Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I would love anything off these wedding registries that I (meaning we) did not receive.

A brown leather (faux leather) bomber jacket. This one is from JcPenney. I'm not sure of the price. But I'm not picky...just something similar to this, please.

This is my favorite perfume of all time. The end.

All I need to say is Payless.

I'm sure you are wondering what these are. They are fleece inserts for your rain boots. Love. Target.

A new black fleece full zip jacket. Target.

And of course a girl always loves clothes. Here are a few pieces from Old Navy that I l.o.v.e.

There are also tons of other pieces that I have found and fallen for. Just go to pintrest and take a look at my clothes bulletin board. All must have, easy to find pieces.

And of course, I would not be opposed to anything pretty and sparkly. And I probably wouldn't hate it if there was a kindle of sorts. Just sayin'.

Thanks Santa!

Love,

Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I hope everyone has enjoyed their Thanksgiving. I know we here at the O'Dell household have. Last Wednesday we celebrated a little early by cooking a turkey just for Josh and myself. It was a huge feast, but it was definitely enough for us. I made a 4 pound turkey, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, and gravy. We almost had it all eaten up that night, but luckily we were able to contain our hunger and save just enough turkey for some hot turkey sandwiches the next day.

Then yesterday, we headed to Helen, GA to visit with Josh's parents. This has become our Thanksgiving tradition and we look forward to it every year. Josh's mom makes a huge spread of food for the 4 of us, and the bonus?? We get to bring home a huge doggie bag of leftovers! How could anyone not be excited about that?!? This year she made a 28 pound turkey (toooons of left overs :] ), mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, carrots and broccoli, rolls, homemade apple sauce, and gravy. For dessert we had dutch apple pie and a pumpkin crumble pie. We ate to our heart's content.

This afternoon we drove back home and have been relaxing with the sounds of football through our house. (Both tv's of course had to be turned on to the game; in case either one of us missed something!) We don't have much planned for this evening, it's just nice to be able to relax at home with each other. That's of course my favorite part.

I never took part in the whole "what I'm thankful thing" throughout the month, so now I would like to say a few things that I am, truly, thankful for.

1. God. He has given me the most amazing life and I am forever in debt to him for his love, strength, and salvation. Because of him, I am here.

2. My Husband. It is amazing to be able to say this. Josh is my best friend, my rock, and my love. He is beyond good to me. I completely adore him and could never imagine what my life would be like without him. I love him for his humor, for his sensitivity, and for his flaws. We have ups and we have downs, but each day we become stronger and stronger. I can't wait to see what this life brings us.

3. My family. They have always been by my side. I am grateful for the family that raised me, and the family that I have married into. They are the best. No matter what, I know they will be there for us; to guide, support, and cheer for us.

4. My friends. I don't know if you know this or not, but I have the bestest, prettiest friends in the whole world. They are near and far. Some I see almost everyday..others maybe once a year. Either way, they are always there for me and have helped me to find who I am and better yet, push me to be who I want to be.

5. My babies, Kitty and Lola. Yes, I am thankful for my pets. They are the sweetest babies ever. They may be annoying (more Lola than Kitty) and may pick on each other. But the best part about coming home after work is being able to snuggle up with them on the couch or bed (and Josh of course). They know when we don't feel well or have had a bad day. And while they can't speak to us at all...they say everything we need to hear.

6. My Job. I am blessed to have a job. It may not be the hours that I really care to have, or dealing with the situations I have care to. However, in this day I am truly blessed to be able to go to work and provide for my family. I have one of the best bosses I could ever imagine. She strives to make herself better, her establishment better, and more importantly, us (her employees) better. She truly cares about us, and works very hard to make sure everyone is happy and appreciated.

If I sat and thought about it, my list could honestly go on and on. But at this moment in time, these are the biggies. Thank you to all who read this and take an interest in my little life.

Happy Thanksgiving from the O'Dells!

A Week in Paradise

Josh and I decided to leave for our Honeymoon on Monday morning; just to give us a chance to relax a little bit and pack on Sunday. It was the best idea ever...we definitely needed a day to re coupe after all the wedding festivities. Plus we got to open all the great gifts our loved ones gave us. Way too many things to list here...but each and every is cherished and loved. After a relaxing evening, we loaded up the car early Monday morning and got on the road to Atlanta. Please let it be noted that I: 1. had no idea where the airport actually was 2. what the traffic situation was going to be like and 3. what the lines at the airport would be like. So with this being said..early in the morning means 3 AM....our flight was at 9:50. And of course there was not a bit of traffic...the airport was a breeze to find...and there was a very little wait for check-in and security. By the end of it...we were sitting at the gate, ready to board our plane, except the plane wasn't due for another 3 hours. OOPS...

After 2.5 hours on a plane we finally land in Jamaica. However, our trip was not over yet. We get herded through baggage claims and customs straight to buses to take us to our resort. When we get on the bus, that's when we find out we still have another TWO HOURS til we are at the resort and able to enjoy the beautiful day and water. Luckily, time went pretty fast..and before we knew it, we made it to our resort, checked in, and got settled into our room.

The rest of the week was an absolute blast. Since everything was included, we got to eat, drink, and play as much as we wanted. Everyday we made it to the beach by 11 AM...played in the water, laid out, had some drinks, and ate some lunch. Then we would go to the room in the middle of the afternoon, take a nap, and then get ready for dinner and a night of fun.

On top of that, we also got to do a glass bottom boat tour over one of the coral reefs. It was so neat to drift over these beautiful communities and get to learn about all the different parts that make it so beautiful. We also tried doing the water tricycles...but we did not like them one bit (it's really hard for both of us to use the peddles with such a height difference). On Thursday we went on what they call a Booze Cruise. We left the resort around 9 AM and sailed for probably 45 minutes. At this point they allowed us to get off the boat and do some snorkeling around one of the reefs. I had never snorkeled before, so not only did I get a quick lesson, I also got a guided tour. We saw so many different types of fish and coral, but the best part was being able to feed the fish. They were literally an arm length away from me!! And you all know that I have short arms, so that's pretty close. HA!

After snorkeling, we climbed back on the boat and headed toward Dunn's River Falls. If any of you get the chance to go there, PLEASE DO! It was so much fun. We were told that it was a hike to the waterfall. However, this is not the case. It's actually a hike UP the waterfall. Like, get in water at the base of the waterfall and hike, climb, swim, your way up the the rocks and rushing water until you are at the top. IT WAS A BLAST. You are put in a group of about 30 people and for the most part you are in a single file line, holding hands with each other. That way if you or someone around you needs help getting through a part, there is always someone around to help. It was a great experience and I can't wait to do it again.

Once we are down from the falls, and still drenched, we get back aboard the boat. This time however, there is a ton of food and a bar open up, with music going as loud as possible. The whole way back to the resort was just one huge party. Everyone dancing and having fun in the sun. Again, it was a blast and we HIGHLY recommend this excursion to anyone who goes to Jamaica.

Also on Thursday we travelled into the flea market and shopping centers to pick up some goodies to bring home. It's amazing how many people were there. There is such beauty in the country, but then also such poverty. But despite it all, everyone we met was happy to be where they were and happy to have another day to live. It was completely humbling. These people who really have nothing and make such little paychecks were some of the nicest, truest people Josh and I have ever met. It made us take a step back and realize what we've got going on in our lives and at home is nothing but a blip on the radar, and that we really don't have it bad at all.

Friday was spent relaxing on the beach one last day and we were able to get in some sailing as well. Saturday we slept in, packed, and loaded ourselves back onto a bus to head to the airport.

We had the most amazing time and I would not change a single thing about it. We got to learn about a new country and people. Make new friends. And become closer with each other. Sandals Grande Riveria in Ochos Rios was the most beautiful and hospitable hotel I have ever been to and anyone looking to go should definitely look into the resort. By far the best trip ever!

P.S. .I'm gonna try to get a photo album pulled together using shutterfly (I've never used it before so wish me luck!) So as soon as I get that done I will post it. But for the time being, if you wanna see most of our pictures, just look at either mine or Josh's facebook.

Miss to Mrs

Wow! What a crazy few weeks since my last post. With work and last minute wedding details, there was no time for putting up new posts. But now, it's all over and there is plenty of time to update all of you one what's been going on! So...without further delay...let's start.

In the beginning of October, my matron of honor, Amy, hosted another bridal shower for me. My mom and I headed out to Amy's house in Ooltewah on October 9 to be greeted by the smiling faces of Amy, Amy's mom Vicki, Rikki, Ashley, Sarah, and baby Jackson. It was really nice to spend the afternoon eating wonderful food and being able to relax and catch up with the girls before the wedding.

Then just a few short weeks later, before I even knew it, it was time for Halloween. At the Big Chill we decorate for Halloween so ahead of time, I had no idea how quickly it had approached. So the week of, I frantically start searching for costumes for both Josh and I. Luckily in my first trip out I was able to find these:

Josh was a zombie version of a Western saloon keeper and I was Robin Hood (girly version of course). Halloween is always a blast at work. We always throw a huge party and have a costume contest...tons of food...tons of drinks flowing..and tons of people. Even over at Sing it or Wing it Josh had to play up to his part and entertain all night long during the Scarioke karaoke contest. Sunday after Halloween we were beat, but with the wedding quickly approaching, there was absolutely no time to rest.

Before I knew it, Tuesday night arrived and it was my last night at work before vacation. On Wednesday I spent the day running a few errands with my mom and got back just in time to get ready to go out with the girls. We started with dinner and presents at The Terminal. From there we migrated to the Chill to start our night. A little dancing at Southern Comfort, a little more dancing at Alan Gold's and lots of drinks in between led to one wonderful (and very drunken) bachelorette party.

Thursday was kinda a blur with last minute details getting taken care of, but on Friday I spent the day being pampered with a massage that Lindsy set up for me, a mani/ pedi and one last run through for my hair. Then it was off to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Luckily after dinner we got to go decorate the reception space, then it was off to bed for the big day.

Now, when I said that Thursday was a blur...it compares nothing to the blur of a day Saturday was. I woke up for breakfast and then next thing I know it was time to get to the church and start having my hair and make-up done. Then I blink..and I'm walking down the aisle trying to hold back my tears of excitement and joy. The rest of the day was full of celebration. It was the best day ever. Beautiful weather...the love and joy of friends and family...and Josh by my side. Nothing will ever compare and every second of that day will be cherished for years to come.

P.S. If anyone has their own pictures of anything that happened that was wedding oriented...please email them to me. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

First Wedding Shower

A few Sundays ago, September 18 to be exact, my dear friends and family threw me a shower at Signal Crest United Methodist; the church where I grew up and where Josh and I are getting married. I was so excited to get to see ladies that I don't normally get to see anymore, mainly because of my crazy work schedule. Josh's mom even came in town to spend the day with us! It was so much fun getting to catch up and spend the afternoon with these lovely ladies. I am so grateful to them, not just because of the great gifts they gave for me and Josh to start our new life together, but because these are the ladies that helped shape me into the person I am today. From my first preschool teacher to youth counselors to friends from Signal Mountain Playhouse and our mothers. If it hadn't been for these ladies being a part of my life, there is no telling where I would be today. They all are amazing women and I am so very lucky to have them each in my life. Thank you so very much for everything you all did to make this day amazing. I am deeply touched by your love and kindness and feel oh so very blessed to have you in my life. Now, let's look at some pictures!!

All of the wonderfully delicious food

The great orange sweet tea

Josh's Mom,JoAnne; myself and my Momma

Amy, Me, Ashley, and Sarah

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

Invites are out!! We are so very excited that we finally got our invitations in the mail. After many, many hours of putting them together, thanks to the help of my momma, they all got finished and look absolutely beautiful. I am so happy they turned out the way I wanted, especially since we made each and every one..definitely could not have found anything like it premade. Hopefully all of those who find one in your mailbox feel the same way.

Now that it is September, we are officially 2 months away from the big day!! For the most part all the big stuff has been taken care of. We have all the centerpieces done, excluding any fresh flowers we get from our florist. We also have our cakes picked out and a great place that is doing them for a great price, which was a major concern of mine considering some the prices I have seen for cakes. And the fact that we were supposed to have someone do them for us as a wedding gift, but then could never, ever get a hold of him to set up a tasting and final contract agreement. Man, was that a headache and big, big worry! But after a day of calling around and looking at prices, we decided on Jackson Bakery and I don't think anyone will be dissapointed.

I only have a few more arts and crafts projects that have to get done and then all I have to worry about is follow ups with my venders and adjustments on prices and numbers as soon as all my RSVP's come in. Ha, I say that like it's nothing. All I know is I'm so excited and yes, there's not much to do, but these last 2 months are gonna fly by...and I can't wait!

On a fun note, Josh and I got a phone call the other week from National Dance Club. I had won a free dance lesson from one of the bridal shows I went to. So, this past Wednesday we went in for our first lesson. We got to learn the basic steps to the waltz, rumba, and a basic swing dance step. We had so much fun and got to sign up for a second lesson, the chance to participate in a group lesson, and to go one of the socials that they sponser for only $35! We can't wait to go back and learn a little bit more so we look very coordinated during our first dance. This week we also get to meet with our minister at Signal Crest to start our first counseling session and start planning out the actual cermony.

Have I mentioned I can't wait for November 5?!? Well, in case I haven't. I CAN'T WAIT FOR NOVEMBER 5TH!

And now I'm gonna leave you with another sneak peek of a project I'm working on. You'll have to wait til the big day to see the finished work of art.