'Tis the Season...

'Tis the Season...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrappying paper but, this year I am also going to use pretty boxes (with stripes, polka dots, etc.) and just tie pretty bows on them. I am trying to go "green".

2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Artificial! And, pre-lit! I do have some spray that makes the house smell like Christmas...so, we don't have to miss out on the good smell from the tree. Here is a picture of our first Christmas tree!

3. When do you put the Christmas tree up? This year, I put it all up before Thanksgiving...we were out of town on Thanksgiving and I wanted to come home to a decorated house! It was nice having it done before the hustle and bustle of the holidays starts!

4. When do you take the tree down? Definitely before New Year's.

5. Like eggnog? No, I am not a fan of it at all. It is way too sweet.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, and I love it. It is a Fontanini nativity set. It was my grandmother's and when she passed away, I got it. These are great because they can't break. It is all plastic, but they are handpainted--which makes each piece unique.

7. Favorite gift received as a child? The American Girl doll, Samantha! I got Samantha, her bedroom furniture, the wardrobe, and her table and chairs with the tea set! I was so excited!!!

8. Hardest person to buy for? My dad! He always gives us the best gifts, and I want to do the same for him; however, if he wants something, then he just goes and buys it. Hopefully this year, I will come up with something great!

9. Easiest person to buy for? My mom and Joseph.

10. Worst Christmas gift? I don't think I have ever received a bad gift--but it is such a pain to have to return stuff!

11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? Mail! I love receiving other peoples, so I hope everyone loves ours when they go out!

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas Vacation, Four Christmases, and Elf.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I used to get it all done EARLY--but this year, I was way behind. I am almost finished! Only 8 more shopping days to go!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so...

15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? ALL OF IT!

16. Lights on tree? Of course! I love the white lights! Timeless and classic!

17. Favorite Christmas Song? Anything by Kenny G, Mariah Carey, and N'Sync!!! I just love these Christmas CD's.

18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? Lucky for us, we don't have to travel! All of our family is in Hartsville!!!

19. Can you name Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, (and do you recall the most famous reindeer of all ...) Rudolph

20. Angel or Star on Tree top? Neither...I have a huge gold bow on the top of our tree!

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Some of both--we have a Chinese gift swap on one side of my family on Christmas Eve and we go to Joseph's mom's for gifts on Christmas Eve. We will have our first Christmas as husband and wife at our house on Christmas morning, and then head over to my parent's, and then to my grandmother's. We are going to be busy! I wouldn't have it any other way!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? That people forget the real reason for the season...

23. Favorite ornament? It is a Christopher Radko ornament--it is the wedding 'get away' car! And, I love the wreath with our monogram on it!

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I am really not sure of what I want...other than for my family and friends to have a safe and happy holiday!

'Where's Waldo?'

This Halloween we had a costume/birthday party (Blaire's bday) at Erin's house. It was so much fun! We had lots of good food, drinks, and of course, good times! Here are some pictures from that night. Enjoy!

Waldo, Cleopatra, and Sandy (Go Rydell!!!)

Danny and Sandy (check out his sideburns!!!)

Danny, Waldo, and Doc

WALDO!!! Where did you go???

Look who I found!

'One Nation Under God'

After watching the election results come in last night, I began to think about how much things have changed over the past 10 years, and about how things will never be the same after November 4, 2008. I am not so much scared about what is going to happen during the next 4 years, but rather, I am feeling a sense of uncertainty. I am not sure why--but I always trust my instinct and it is telling me that something just isn't right. I hope for this Nation, and for all Americans, that the next 4 years are productive and stable; however, I have no idea how they will turn out. Yesterday, I went to my precinct, cast my vote, and proudly wore my 'I Voted' sticker--and that, is all I could do. We can't change who won this election, nor can we (or should we) be angry about it. All we can do is accept it and pray that we remain 'One Nation Under God'.

God, grant me the serenity to

accept the things I cannot change;

the courage to change the things I can;

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Every little bit helps...

The Darlington County Humane Society is in desperate need of funds to purchase vaccines and medical supplies for the rest of this year. Due to transporting animals to rescue organizations up north and rising costs of food, vaccines, ect...the Humane Society does not have the money needed to purchase vaccines or medical supplies for the rest of this year. Food supplies are even in jeopardy. Please look at the link below. They have an initial goal of raising $2000--and with your help this can be accomplished.



Every little bit helps--Remember, this is a non profit organization so donations are tax deductible.



Thank you for considering helping with this. The animals are in desperate need and if not vaccinated they will get sick. Parvo and Distemper in particular are a real threat to their health. Several have died or have had to be put to sleep due to contracting these diseases.
Please help purchase vaccines to give the animals a chance at being adopted out or going to a rescue.

http://www.dittydatsanddogsrescue.com/darlington_medical.html

You may now kiss the bride!

On August 23, 2008, Joseph and I were married! I can't believe that after 9 months of planning, the day I have dreamed of since I was a little girl, has already come and gone. Time flies when you are having fun, and Joseph and I definitely had a wonderful time. We had a blast throughout our entire engagement; however, nothing compares to the fun, excitement, and love that we shared on our wedding day! I can honestly say that it was the happiest day of my life and there is nothing I would change about that day--it was perfect!!!

Here are a few pictures from our wedding day. Enjoy!

(I will post more when I get them...)


This is one of my wedding portraits, which was taken at my grandparent's house. Steve Roos is an amazing photographer!!!

This is right after the ceremony. We took all of our pictures before the wedding (yes, I saw Joseph before we said 'I do') and I highly recommend this. We both enjoyed the ceremony so much more, our nerves were under control, and plus, we didn't have to take pictures for an hour after the wedding--we got to go straight to the reception. We went to our friend's house on the golf course, and we all drove up in golf carts (Joseph and I arrived in a Carolina golf cart). It was fabulous!!!

We rode around and the photographer took some pictures of everyone before we made our way to the Club House for the reception. It was so much fun!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gibson Tingen

Our wedding cake!!! I decided to use some old family brooches on my cake and I think it turned out beautifully!

Trying to get the garter...

We had the best band ever...The Swinging Medallions! I had a ball singing and dancing with the band! I seriously thought I was a rock star that night, but what bride should think differently?!?

Our wedding day was exactly what I always dreamed it would be!!!

"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." -Anonymous