hollyWILD.

Our annual trip to Hollywild was one like we've never experienced before. We rode through the park, gawking at all the lights surrounding us + fed the animals by hanging out of the truck's windows + walked through the animal park + witnessed a bull/buffalo/wuffalo/not-exactly-sure-what-to-call-it named Eggo jump the fence twice and be reigned and pulled back. It. Was. Crazy. It took about half an hour to get him put up, and we all had to be evacuated because of it. Everyone stood at the fence taking pictures and hollering, but not this girl--I was too busy praying with my eyes wide open the whole time! We were blessed with the Lord's protection, and that was the cause of this girl's excitement. My God is bigger than any ornery bull, and He showed His faithfulness once again.

All in all, it was a glorious night. It's one that we'll always remember, that's for sure! Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and it makes it even more special when we get to enjoy its traditions with friends. See ya next year, Hollywild!

destruction.

Our next project at the Bargeron Bungalow is upon us, and step one is underway. We have had an old shed in the backyard that was bound to collapse on us at any point, and the time finally came to get started on some more home improvement. Teesh is excited to build his man cave, and I'm equally as excited for him to have somewhere to tinker + create. We've got a looooong way to go, but we're pumped for the project to be underway. Hopefully in the next few months we'll have a new + improved garage out back.

Who wants to see the demolition? Y'all get ready!

More updates to follow soon, we hope! Until then, y'all are more than welcome to come over later this afternoon--yes, TODAY!--to help with the cleanup. Just sayin'. :)

mr. bargeron.

On Monday morning, Teesh slept until half past six + made the bed + hopped in the shower + ate some breakfast + made final preparations + got in the car + drove thirty minutes north of Greenville + pulled into Dorman High School for a nine o'clock interview. An hour and a half later, I received a phone call while crafting with my kiddos. It was Teesh Mr. Bargeron calling to share the results. My response should tell you the verdict: I jumped up and down + screamed + tripped over a chair in my excitement. My kiddos jumped right in with me when I shared Mr. Teeshy Weeshy's big news with them. My awesomely charming + dashingly handsome + strikingly intellectual husband was offered the teaching position right there on the spot! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! I can assure you that statistics + geometry will never be the same again.

In honor of this huge accomplishment, there had to be a celebration! I ran a few errands after work to pick up a few necessary items, then came home and got to work. Pizza is his favorite meal (and by favorite, I mean that he could literally eat pizza for every meal), so we stepped it up from the usual Little Caesar's to Pizza Hut. Big timin'! We watched Baby Mama as we dined with a few of our favorite people who joined in on the celebration, and together, we praised Jesus for His endless blessings and faithfulness in our lives. Most people would look at our lives and wonder what there is to rejoice about, but trust me when I say that the hand of our Father has guided + protected + provided for us every step we take as we continue to walk down the path that He has called us to.

Nope, Dorman High School will never be the same. Next time y'all see the future best-math-teacher-in-the-world, be sure to give him the biggest high five you've got. Hip hip hooray!

butler station.

Properly documenting the most elaborately decorated house in Greenville County, maybe even the world, y'all. We waited in line + met Santa Claus + wandered through the millions of lights + enjoyed the company of a few of our best friends.

Only six more sleeps until Christmas is here!

holiday baking.

On Sunday afternoon, I moseyed on over to the Bargeron house to do some Christmas baking alongside Angie + Cannie Ree. We had a big list of dishes to make, but I had no doubt it would all get done--no one does it like the Bargerons, and that's a fact. We made peanut butter bars + peanut butter balls + oreo balls + chocolate oatmeal cookies + chocolate balls, and that was just while I was there. They continued without me until after the sun went down, making them the baking champs of the day, for sure. 'Twas a fabulous time cooking + chatting + simply spending time together, something that, no matter how much we do it, it never seems to be enough. One of the best things about marrying Teesh? That's easy: getting to call his family my own.

lilly.

No one throws a birthday party like our Phillips clan throws a birthday party, and our celebration of Lilly turning three was no different. We watched as she opened presents, and then stuffed our faces with cake + ice cream. Then, of course, there's the constant laughter and catching up that always occurs. Have I ever mentioned how much I love my family?

Happy birthday to our precious Lilly, the beautiful girl with the many beautifully silly faces!

no work, all play.

It was a wild Friday night when the ladies from City Kids hit the streets together and dined at Smoke on the Water. We laughed + laughed + laughed some more the whole evening, and enjoyed every bit of each other's company. The food did not disappoint, just as we expected, and my belly is still thankful for that wonderful meal--especially that squash casserole, mmmm! This is the fourth Christmas I've celebrated with this gang, and every year is better than the last.

Just for this one night, it was all about the city kids ladies!