Little Baby Sebastian is Here!

I still can't believe it, but my friend, Katie Talley Gomez delivered her baby, Sebastian, TONIGHT!! She is now an official and perfect mommy!! She went into labor early this morning, and the little one came into the world around 8.  Seeing the faces of Katie, Christian (the daddy), and little Sebas was way too sweet for words.  This little boy is a very special handmade gift of joy from our Heavenly Father.  This was so evident by the expressions on the faces of this brand new family! 

Of course the whole club was in attendance.  Here is our photo shoot in the waiting room...

Our surprise face when we received the text that Sebas was here! 

We couldn't wait to meet the newest and youngest addition to the club.

Practicing holding Sebas with the Barbie dolls in the waiting room.

Eagerly and patiently and nervously awaiting the arrival.

UVOO Gomez Family

It's Christmas Time in the City

My family and I bundled up for a walk through the city of Maryville to see all the Christmas trees in front of the courthouse tonight.  

Lindsay and Mom were the best walkers.  

They were really excited about the trees in the -14 degree weather!

Here are a couple of pictures from ice skating on Market Square last week.

Yes, I was holding on for dear life!

Oh, Andy! 

(check Rachel in the back)

Before we hit the ice, we met at Oodles to celebrate passing math classes!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

For the past week I have been going absolutely non-stop with celebrations and Christmas festivities. It all started last Friday with a special celebration of Hallie's graduation. Yes, sweet Hallie is a college grad.  Proud of you friend! Here is a picture of us last Christmas on our way to see Chris Brown in concert!! Unforgettable memories!

Hallie, Me, Mrs. Cleckner, and Jess

Saturday night was a Christmas party with my girls and Jess's girls.  It has become a Christmas tradition to get together for a fun night of pizza, games, and caroling!  The girls dress up every year in tacky Christmas sweaters or onesies and we go caroling to our friends.  

Sunday night I gathered once again with friends to celebrate Jesus' birthday at Hallie's house.  We all made a dish for dinner.  Needless to say it was a delicious feast.  We all partnered up and and bought presents for an Angel tree.  Jess was my partner and our little angel was Gregory.  He got a two wrestling men and his very own wrestling belt.  We made ornaments and just stayed up late having fun girl talk.

Monday night I met up with my future cousin, Kristin.  We were fitted for the most comfortable and most beautiful bridesmaid dresses.  Then it was off to the mall for some Christmas shopping. 

Tuesday night, Dandy Lions Christmas party!! A long awaited night on my calendar.  It was a surprise to us what the night had in store for us.  After the shop closed, we jumped in the car and headed to dinner.  We ate at Silver Spoon.  After dinner we were given a gift certificate to my favorite store in the whole world...SEPHORA!!! I just go into my own little world in that store.  It has everything a girl loves.  Just when I thought the night couldn't get any better, we ended with a "sweet treat" at Marble Slab Creamery.  

Wednesday night, yet another Christmas party with my math friends, (they aren't just my math friends, they are real friends too) Rachel and Andy.  We went down to Market Square to do nothing other than ice skate!! So fun and pictures will be posted soon.  They are priceless.  After I retired my blades, I met up with Jess to exchange our Christmas stockings.  We opened our presents by the light of a candle and the Christmas tree as we listened to Christmas music.  We could not have had more Christmas spirit.  I love my time with Jess.  Every time I leave her, I am just reminded of how awesome it is that we can be two totally different girls with two totally different personalities, but with one common love for our Father, we have become the best of friends :o)  The night ended with spending the night my little Natalie.  She didn't cough right in my face or steal all the covers this time, but she did set the alarm for 6:50 when we didn't have to get up until 7:20.  Yes, the alarm went off every five minutes.  Most people might get annoyed at this, but it makes me laugh out loud.  Of course Nat would do something like this, and that is why I love her and her friendship so much.

Thursday was a huge and long and great day.  I got to spend the day with M-Wag, (Mark Wagner).  This doesn't happen much anymore because he lives in Seattle, Washington.  According to him, it is the best city in the world!  We drove to Nashville listening to Christmas music, listening to a sneak peak of his new cd, and listening to the Garmin speak Spanish to us. We got to Nashville and began packing up music things, like drums, speakers, stands, etc.  I felt very musical.  Then we met up with a lot of his friends from Nashville.  I got to meet a lot of new people and hear a lot about music! We ate a pizza place called Mafiosa's, delicious!  After dinner we went to the best concert ever!  It was the Andrew Peterson concert at the Ryman Theater.  There isn't much to say other than it was incredible!  It was pure joy watching and listening to people rejoicing with singing and music as they told the story of the miraculous birth of our Saviour.  After the show it was back to Knoxville.  I don't think I have even fought so hard to stay awake in my life.  I arrived back in my warm bed at 3:30 am.  Fun times!

Today I spent the whole day working at Dandy Lions.  It was crazy busy, which is great.  I even got a little surprise when little Drew Carver walked in the door.  He told me that we have baby Jesus' birthday coming up soon.  Bottom line...he is awesome.  

Huge post update! It is the most wonderful time of the year, and I want to share it all with you!!

A Total Blog-Worthy Day

Oh My Word! Today, December 8, 2008, will never be forgotten by friends, family, my math teacher, and me.  Today was the first day of Christmas break '08, and it was a crazy day.  I woke up and exercised for the first time pretty much since school started.  It felt absolutely wonderful, and I cannot wait to exercise tomorrow...endorphins, I have missed those suckers! Anyway, with a short trip to the bank I was ready to begin my Christmas shopping.  While I was busy with my elf duties, Rachel called and said that our Math 341 grades were up.  Just a little background... I have been studying for this final for the past month of my life.  Mathematical Analysis does not come easy to my brain, so I had to make a 75 on my comprehensive final to pass with a C or the class would not count toward graduation which result in re-taking the course.  Now this is a huge, big deal because if I did not pass I would not graduate which would mean I would not be able to do my internship for teaching next year.  I had faith that if that happened that Jesus had a plan and it would all work out the way it was suppose to because He is Jesus and that means He is sovereign and way above a final! But, just to be honest I would really love to wear that cap and gown this spring.  So, back to the story, the teacher gave me a C-, which does not count as passing in the math dept.  I was devastated and quickly wrote an email asking to talk with the teacher.  Luckily He emailed me back to say, "I will be in my office this afternoon, but I don't see anyway I will be able to change your grade." I tearfully grabbed my purse and headed to the top floor of Ayres Hall for a serious meeting.  After talking for a little while we realized I was 4 tenths of a point away from a C, and if we could find a some place on my test where he could give me one more point I would have a C easily. So, the search began.  I felt as if I was in a movie because we went through every problem with him telling me how lenient he was on grading the test until we got to the last part of the last problem! I actually got the answer right, but he didn't give me the points for it...silly man! So I sit here typing tonight having passed my Mathematical Analysis course.  Never have I ever worked so hard, prayed so diligently, and trusted immeasurably.  I really have a new meaning for the verse in Matthew that says, "with God, all things are possible."  

The day ended with a pedicure (signature color of the season is now: Rosy Mistletosies) then more Christmas shopping then dinner at Pimento's with Natalie then Secret Santa with Becca, Chels, Jessica, Laura, Natalie and Cara(via telephone).  

I learned a lot today, but most importantly I was reminded of how loved and supported I am by my parents, sister, friends, and Jesus.  They were all with me every step of the way praying, calling, and holding my hand! I am one lucky girl!!

Please enjoy my family and I below!  This is what you might define as "study break."

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Spirit

How cool is this Christmas Blog template?! Right now I am probably the sickest I have been in a while. I have no clue where this came from, but I feel as if I have been hit by a train. This is definitely not good and is putting me way behind on my study schedule for my finals next week. I can only study for about 15 minutes before my eyes have closed and my head has conveniently fallen onto the pillow. I came home as to not infect my roommates with such a horrible disease! So needless to say, I am in need of some Christmas cheer. I think I found it by switching my blog design to Christmas colors. I absolutely love it!