This morning, my mom, grandmother, and me headed down the road to Natchez, MS for my cousin's wedding. I was worried after all this rain, but the weather was absolutely perfect for a wedding! Amanda's aunt owns one of the plantation homes in Natchez, so the reception was held there. It was beautiful! Breathtaking even! Most of the guests arrived early to meet at the home and caravan to the church. While we waited, Mama and I decided to take a sneak peak of the grounds. Wow! Unfortunately, Russ had to work today. So, I was left alone to take all the pictures. I hope you approve.

The front of the house was just like a movie. Then, we walked into the back yard...

This was the center of the back garden area.

Mama found a sunbeam to warm up under.

Yes, people actually live here!

Once everyone was ready, we followed the crew to the church. We soon realized WHY we needed to caravan. We literally drove into the middle of the woods to a quaint, beautiful little church.

Don't worry! There were also signs to guide the way.

The history behind this church is very interesting. But, all you need to know is that it is so historical, there is no bathroom. And guess who had to pee right when we pulled up! ME!

The wedding was nothing short of breathtaking! It was very informal, and there was a small church filled with closest family and friends. Very special.

Jasen, Amanda, and Maw Maw
Doesn't Amanda look picture perfect?

Jasen, Amanda, and Kellie Jo (My cousin, Casey's fiance)

Me, Amanda, and Jasen

After visiting in the church for a while, it was time to head back to the reception. Kellie Jo and her mom rode with us to and from the church, and we really enjoyed getting to know them both better. We laughed practically the whole way there and back!

Mama, Kellie Jo's mom, and Kelly Jo

Mama and Aunt Gail

Me and Maw Maw

The first dance

Cutting the cake

The Smith family
Uncle Donald (my dad's brother), Aunt Gail, Maw Maw, Amanda, and Jasen

Time to leave

Bye!

It was a lovely day for a lovely wedding! Congratulations Jasen and Amanda!

Trick or Treat

Dr. Farley says, "Happy Halloween!"


...and after he says that and gets as many treats as he can from all his neighbors and family members, he looks up at his loving parents and is not amused in the slightest...and says,

"Are you kidding me!?"

Welcome to Heritage House Assisted Living Halloween Party

I'm your host...Miss Piggy!

Today, on Halloween Eve, Pops's assisted living community hosted a big Halloween party. As soon as I heard about this via a photo text message, I jumped in Mrs. Jierski's closet and decided to dress for the occasion! I drove from my Van Winkle school all the way across town dressed my party attire. You should have seen the looks I received!

But, nothing compares to the look Pops had when I walked into the lobby. This is what I saw...

Are you laughing as hysterically as I was? His poor little head is barely making it above his body! Haha! And we top it off with a walker! I had NO idea how many people would be sitting around in the lobby area. You see, these "mature" people had just finished watching and participating in a costume contest. And, yes, Pops certainly placed third...winning a whopping $20! I wonder if I would have placed.

Pops (the sumo wrestler) and me (Mrs. Piggy)

After lots of visiting and fun with the assisted living residents, it was time to retreat to Pops's apartment, where he hoped to take off this cumbersome costume. It was very funny to watch him try to get up and sit down in this big air balloon! So, we left for the room. And this is what I saw from behind...

Pops and Mama

Just look at that booty!

Me, Aunt Patsy, Pops, and Mama

The activities director (She was a sight to watch take care of things in that outfit!) and Pops

Miss Piggy and the Sumo Wrestler back in the apartment

Just when Pops thought he had the go-ahead to relax and take off this air blowing contraption, Clancy called to tell us that she was near. Now, she just couldn't miss this! So, he had to wait. Although Mama did unzip the back for some air circulation, it was still hi-la-ri-us!

Waiting...

Once we FINALLY allowed Pops to free himself from his costume, it was time for dinner. Then, Heritage House hosted trick-or-treaters. It was so cute! Mama had bought Pops some candy to pass out to the kids. All the residents who want to participate sit around in the lobby. The kids come through and get candy from the residents. Following trick-or-treating was a costume contest. The kids were so cute all dressed up! You should know that I made quite a few kids cry from my apparently frightening appearance. But, I made more kids laugh and smile because they recognized Miss Piggy. They still made a point not to get too close! Ha!

The residents ready for trick-or-treaters

Clancy and Pops - Notice Pops holding his jack-o-lantern of candy for the trick-or-treaters.

Russ came to see the fun too!

There were ballerinas...

...and ninjas...

...and PIGS!

The whole crew

Clancy found her costume for next year!

We had so much fun! I don't know which was more fun - watching Pops's smile as he saw the trick-or-treaters or watching all the cute costumes as the kids came by. After a fun night, we went back to Pops's wing to find one of his creations from the week.

Pops and his pumpkin

Happy Halloween! And, thank you for stopping by our Heritage House Assisted Living Halloween Party! I'm your host, Miss Piggy, saying, "Good night!"

Thankful Thursday

Jendaya, me, and Nadia

I am thankful for moments like these...when I can simply enjoy my students without the stress of management, paperwork, testing, or any of other endless school-related stressors! These are the moments I feel like a "teacher."

Only Competing With the Best

That's right. Apparently, my beloved Dawgs only compete with the best. I have been very disappointed several times this year when State lost to teams I didn't even know! However, it seems that we hold out for our REAL competition! I thought the LSU game was going to be the most exciting game all year! (and even that one wasn't expected) But the Dawgs came out ready to take on the number one team, Florida, on Saturday! What a game!

Of course, like all gamedays in Starkvegas, we started our beautiful afternoon with tailgating, SEC football on the satellite, friends, family, and FOOD! We feasted on chili, honey baked ham, and a plethora of other choices! Yummo! All the while, visiting with friends. Heavenly!

My sweet college friends - Marcee, me, and Rachael
I FINALLY answered my phone after half the season! Ha!

Kristin, Rachael, me, and Marcee

You're welcome, Rach!

Dr. Eric, Amanda, and me

Back to the game...

I should begin forty minutes before the game actually. Excitement and cowbells were EVERYWHERE! We arrived early so as not to miss a thing! When we arrived, the stadium was already packed out! In fact, standing room only tickets were sold for this game. It was incredible!

The fans were ready!

There were many highlights from this game that I wanted to preserve in photographs. The first and biggest highlight was very blurry due to the fact that I was dancing and screaming and jumping ALL OVER THE PLACE! Both Florida and State teams were out in the middle of the field dancing in each others' faces. Literally! The refs and coaches worked to separate the players. Me? I was ringing my cowbell ever so proudly while screaming, jumping, dancing, and trying to take a picture.

First, our 3 point lead in the first quarter.

Second, our tie of 13 points after halftime.

Our incredible defense - who, by the way, scored 12 of our 19 points!

Also, Tim Tebow. When the Florida team came out on the field, there were people everywhere saying, "There's Tebow!" It was funny.

Lastly, our incredible team played an amazing game against the top-rated Florida Gators! I had a cowbell in each hand, and I ended up with blisters on both! I was so proud...although I would have loved a win. I guess we can't have it all!

After the game, the traffic was horrendous. So, we settled in, ate some more, visited some more, and enjoyed the afterglow.

Dustin and friends

Kristin, Lee, and Rhonda

Watch out, Alabama! We only compete with the best! You should be afraid...very afraid!