Family Time

This past weekend my Moms side of the family came to Charlotte to visit Chris and I and to watch some football. It was a wonderful weekend and I wish we could do weekends like this all the time but its hard since everyone lives far away.
Growing up my family has always loves the Redskins. My grandmother goes to at least one game a year still and my dad and brother are die-hard fans. Personally, growing up I really didn't like watching football but now that I understand it, I enjoy watching and paying attention to college football more than NFL. Now that I live in Charlotte, its only appropriate for me to like the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers were started back in the 90s, and its a NFL team for South and North Carolina. In fact, the Panthers used to play in the Clemson stadium before their stadium was built in Charlotte. Did you know that the Panther head on the jerseys and helmets is the shape of South Carolina and North Carolina put together? Cool huh? Since Chris grew up in Charlotte, he has been a huge Panthers fan, he even went to the first Panthers game EVER!! Last year I went to two Panthers games, one on my birthday against the Saints (we won), and one during the playoffs against the Cardinals (we lost). I have never been to a Redskins game that I know of, and I wish I did. So long story short, on normal Sunday when Chris and I watch football ALL day, I cheer for the Panthers and the Redskins! But it got a little tough this weekend when they played each other. Like I mentioned before, my family LOVES the Redskins....they were all decked out in their Redskins attire and there I was. The only thing I had to wear was my Panthers jersey since I don't have anything Redskins. Chris and I were the only ones wearing Panthers. Nobody cared. So the game was pretty close and in the end the Panthers won. Finally, the Panthers won a game (their first this season). The Redskins had already won two games...so to be fair, it was the Panthers turn to win one! :)
So about the weekend. My brother Dylan drove from school on Friday night and he, Chris, and I went and ate at Buffalo Wild Wings that night. When we got home we waited for my parents and my other brother Davis to arrive. When they got to my house they ate a late dinner and headed to the hotel. I got my family $49.00 rates at my hotel, so they were excited about that. Davis and Dylan stayed at our house. My Aunt Laura and Uncle Dean and Grandma and Grandpa from Hilton Head also came in on Friday.
Saturday we got up to watch the Gamecocks take on the Wildcats at 12:30. The family came over to watch and my Aunt Lisa and her friend Fran arrived from Maryland to witness the Gamecocks win. (We are now #22 in the nation). I really get into the Gamecocks games...much more than any NFL game. I love my Gamecocks. After the game we hung around our house and ate and watched more football. Saturday night we went out to eat pizza at Intermezzo. The pizza was great and we had a great time.
Sunday was the big game and we watched that and hung around again, just watching football and catching up with family. Man, I was pooped when everyone left. Even though all we did was just lay around the house all weekend...it was tiresome. Like I said before, I wish we could do it all the time, I love my family so much and we always have such a great time together. I guess we will just have to wait a few more moths for Christmas to come so we can see each other again.
Lastly, just a little update on the Gamecocks. Right now we are 5-1, 2-1 in the SEC and we even beat #4 Ole Miss!! So we are now #22 and are about to take on #2 Alabama this weekend. We will be at the wedding during the game but you better believe I will be thinking about them and recording the game! I think we have a chance to beat them!! CROSS YOUR FINGERS! :)

Busy Busy Bee

Chris and I have been so busy lately with everything. It seems like the "to do" list keeps getting longer and longer no matter how much we get done. We try to talk about what things need to get done first and set our priorities straight, but like always things and plans change. The next few weeks are going to be busier than normal, but also very fun and exciting, so I wanted to tell you a little about what we will be doing these next few weeks.
My WHOLE Mom's side of the family is coming into town to visit Me, Chris, and the doggies. The only people that aren't coming from that side are my two cousins Michelle and Melissa. They will be missed, but are still loved of course. The original plan was to have them come and go to the Panthers vs. Redskins game on Sunday, but we couldn't find that many tickets for a good price. They all said they still wanted to come to see our house and have a great weekend. Most everyone is showing up on Friday and spending the weekend. I will write a post about how the weekend went. I'm so excited to see my family and spend time with them. I'm also happy that they are coming to MY house. This has never happened before. I'm starting to feel like a real adult. I need to start cleaning, straightening up and getting ready to be a great host.
The next weekend after that is Michael and Rachel's wedding (Chris brother). Chris is of course the best man and I am one of the bridesmaids. I'm so honored to be able to stand up there next to them on their special day. It will be something they remember forever. There are activities for the wedding from Thursday until the wedding day (Saturday). I know its a huge day for Chris too because his twin brother is getting married and he has to make a speech and everything, but I also know that he is very excited. I love weddings and I am really looking forward to being there.
The day after the wedding is Sunday and I think we are having a cookout at Chris parents house for my birthday which is Monday. I'm happy that I will be able to celebrate while most everyone is still in town from the wedding. I'm turning 23 this year and I really feel like I'm getting old. I know 23 isn't old at all but the time is flying by so much, which leads me to my next point.
Like I said earlier, I feel like we are always rushing around and always having something to do. Even when I am relaxing I cant really relax because I have so much on my mind that I could be doing. I think most of it is because I am worrying about money and making a living. I know Chris is stressing about the same thing. Sometimes I need to sit back and think about the things that I am grateful for instead of the things that I want or stress about. at least I have a job and am making money (some people don't even have that). I have the most wonderful boyfriend that I could ever ask for, two of the greatest dogs in the world, two parents that love me more than anything, two brothers that I love so much, a car that works, clothes to wear, money to buy food, and much much more. I know I just need to work hard, pray, and wait for God to give us more opportunities. While I wait, I need to smile and love what I am and what I have.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3).
"Cast your cares upon the Lord, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)."
"Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. (Job 37:14)."
"I will give you peace and quietness. (1 Chronicles 16:11)."
"With God ALL things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)."