A Christmas Story

I hope each one of you had an awesome Christmas holiday!  If you're still on vacation, please exit my page now...some had to return to the workplace :(  Just as always, I enjoyed my Christmas break but this time was a little more special.  I have always enjoyed time with my family and friends but "time" is a little more precious the older you get.Working for the county now I only got Friday and Monday as vacation days.  I headed to Corinth as soon as I woke up Friday morning!  Friday night a group of my high school classmates decided to do dinner at Pizza Grocery, wonder pizza might I add.  With everyone out of college and on with our  lives, we hardly find time to reunite.  I am glad we were able to part with our busy schedules and enjoy a night of laughter and memories.

On Saturday, I woke up and decided to spend the day with my daddy.  This was the perfect idea at 10am. However, by 1pm, it was not so perfect.  Granted I love spending time with my dad, but he deemed Dec 24 as his shopping day! Yes, you heard right...the man waits until Dec 24 to do ALL of his Christmas shopping.  So we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off looking for gifts.  Everything I picked out was "ummm, not exactly what I'm looking for". Well daddy, it's December 24...less than 24 hours until Christmas...you might want to take what you can get!  After the hustle and bustle of shopping I was able to coerce him into buying dinner. So we met with the newly engaged (Keitra and Creston) for a lunch/dinner at Sweet Peppers.....which was like the only thing open on ................Christmas Eve.
Saturday evening I hurried home to watch A Christmas Story for the first time...ever in life.  Don't judge me (as many have).  I really enjoyed the movie with mi familia! So much that we watched it a second time!  After the movie Braxton, myself, and my little cousin Devon Luke made cookies for Santa.  These were not normal cookies...they were gigantic McAlister style cookies!  Needless to say, Santa enjoyed them :)

After putting baby brother to bed, I drifted off to sleep.  Around 8am Sunday morning I heard a little voice saying "mama, it's Christmas!!!" Braxton was extremely excited.
He woke up to tons and tonssssssss of toys under the Christmas tree!  After opening gifts, exchanging a few tears (of joy of course) and many hugs and kisses, we were off to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  After church we made our usual rounds and ended back at our house Sunday night.
After a peaceful night's sleep I woke up bright and early to head to Joey's to visit with his family.  To my surprise, it was Christmas all over again.

Being brought up in a Christian household, I acknowledge and respect the true meaning of CHRISTmas.  It is a time to reflect on Christs' birth and be forever grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us {daily}.  Although gifts should not be the main focus, I am thankful for those who took the time out to purchase things for me.  Some of my items include....
a new tv (which was verrrry much needed)
a necklace from Tiffany's
I heart NY shirts (that I've wanted since 6th grade)
a beautiful MS State coffee mug
new towels to match my bathroom
a Delta lapel pin 
and much much more!

I am forever grateful for those who unselfishly give and I pray that as people bless me, I can be a blessing to others!

Until next time
t.RAE :) XO

Where has time gone?!

Sooo it's December 9, 2011! It's been so long since I've talked to you guys! I know I constantly say I'm going to remain a "faithful blogger" but in reality....who has time?!  The past few weeks have been....busy to say the least.  Between after hour events at work, and night shifts at Charming Charlie, I barely have time to breathe...let alone blog! 

My mom and baby brother Braxton came down for Thanksgiving.  This was a huge relief, because we didn't have to travel 4 hours north for one day.  We had a great time; shared laughs, recipes, and life lessons.  Only thing missing was my dad...he was not able to get off work :( WE MISSED YOU DADDY!

In other news, I have 92.5% of my Christmas shopping DONE!  If you haven't yet, please please please check out pinterest.  There are millions of DIY crafts (Christmas ideas and recipes).  I have yet to receive my invite and I'm already addicted!

One last thing to add to my short post....today marks 8 months that Joey and I have been together. I guess time flies when you're enjoying life!  8 months is not a long long time, but it seems like a long long time (you following me?) "We still all up on each other aint a {darn} thang changed" -courtesy of Beyonce.  But seriously, in these 8 months I've learned so much from this guy.  He really challenges me to be a better person and I think that's what love is all about.  So 8 months down........a lifetime to go!

Until next time,
xo
t.RAE :)

I'M THANKFUL FOR...

My gosh it's been forever since I've talked to you guys! Did you all miss me?...Oh you did?! GREAT!  Well, I really missed blogging too! I'm not sure if anyone really take the time to read my posts, but it's like a great escape....like a  mini heart to heart....ok, enough of that.
Let me see where I left off so I can update you all.  Ummm, life is hectic...hectic but good. Working 2 jobs sometimes gets tiring, but overall it's ok since I only do CC 2 nights a week. I've picked up on the number of after hour socials I attend; great networking opportunities! I use to look forward to the weekend, now they seem just as busy as weekdays.  I'm going to run my poor little truck in the ground.
On a lighter note, I have to travel to Corinth this weekend for my bff Hillary's wedding. I'm really excited for her and excited to see what this weekend has in store.

Hillz and I in Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas....stays in Vegas

It wouldn't be me if I didn't address my relationship.  Joey and I are doing well :) I'm still as in love as before.  I'm excited about giving thanks and celebrating Christmas with my family and the ONE I love.  Speaking of these holidays, we are only 8 days aways from Thanksgiving and 38 days from Christmas! Oh how I love this time of the year! We all have plenty to be thankful for; I know I do!!! I'll share just a few with you:
NaToya Rae is thankful for:
1) Life, a forgiving God
2) My loving family & friends
3) My God sent, sweet boyfriend
4) My degree/job
5) My freedom
6) My sense (common & book) although sometimes I question my common LOL
7) Mistakes (without them we would never learn
8) My health; although I know I can improve in many areas
9) My calendar(s); without them I would be totally lost
10) My  personality and loving spirit! xo

Of course I could name 1000 more, but I'll give you a break.  Now, I would LOVE for you guys to comment and let me know some things you are thankful for!
Until next time,
t.RAE :) xo