Goodbye 2009; Welcome 2010

With today being New Year's Eve I thought that I would recount some of the things that have happened. This year has flown by with many changes occuring in our lives! We have met our soulmate; fallen in love; and married all within one year. That is crazy I know but I know that God has had His hand in it all!

January: Met the man of my dreams even though when we ate dinner at McAllister's that cool Jan night we both neither had an idea. I discovered that he was a radio DJ for 93.7 and that his real name wasn't Bo; it is Thomas! :)

February: Went to the annual Anti-valentines Day party with Bo's friends. We were the only ones that were dating with all other people who were just bitter about love!

March: My sweet friends Allison and Brad gave birth to sweet Ellie! She is beautiful and so much fun to be around! I was able to experience my first Elton John concert; which started the year of concerts! It was great and I love to see Bo so happy. "EJ" as he is affectionally called around here had his biggest fans there that night.

April: Traveled to New York to meet Bo's parents and had a blast. I never knew that I would be accepted as I was. I love them dearly and thank God for them.

May: Concert #2: Kenny Chesnee! We went to the BiLo Center with our friends Gregg and Carla. We had so much fun spending time with friends and adding to our year of concerts!


June: While in NY in April we went to the David Letterman show and saw Ray LaMontagne for the first time. We LOVED his music and so in June we went to a concert (#3) in Asheville to see him. One of his songs was our first dance! The Hawk and Tom Prom was also memorable. This is when Bo "proposed" the first time and we faked everyone out for a good 12 hours! Was good fun!

July: Wow lots here! My sister got married, My friend Cammie got married; and Bo proposed! A visit to Myrtle Beach with Bo's family was also here! We had a blast this month as the journey began.

August: My wonderful fiance knew what a fan of my Tigers I was, so he bought us season tickets to see the Clemson Tigers play.

September: We began the process of wedding planning and moving Bo's things little at a time!!

October: Watching Bo in his element was the best. He has a deep passion for politics. Being up at 12 am placing mailbox hangers and signs all in the name of Billy Webber! He is great at what he does and that was one more exciting thing that I learned about Bo.

November: Turning 30 wasn't so bad; especially when your amazing fiance plans a surprise party with all of your friends from high school to join in the fun!

December: So here we are. It has been a journey. Bo and I always say that it is about the journey NOT the destination! Our wedding was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for more!

I pray that in 2010 I can do the following:
*Praise God more for the blessings that He will bestow on Bo and I
*Learn not the worry about things that I can't change
* Be the best wife that I can be. I don't know what I am doing and it has been a learning experience. I pray though that the journey becomes the most exciting ever in 2010.

Love yall and Happy New Year!
Bo and Amber

What's your Top Ten?

Tonight is Saturday after Christmas and I sit home alone tonight. Bo is working on the radio station and won't be home for a while. Sitting home alone is not like it used to be. I used to be fine with sitting home alone because it was the norm, but now it is not the norm. I am used to just being able to yell into Bo's office and be able to hear a sweet voice come from it. But sitting alone allows me to think.
I am overwhelmed with emotion today. So much has happened in the last month and I am amazed! So with my friend Amanda in mind I will make my Top Ten for the month:
10. I have a new name and a new husband! :)
9. I have been married for 3 weeks... Where does the time go? Does it always go by this fast?
8. Christmas was the best ever. It is amazing how spending Christmas with your spouse makes life so much better!!
7. I have realized that I am NOT here to please other people. I am here to please Him!
6. We are so fornuate in the things that we have; so take time to do something for someone else. It will add joy to your life!
5. I miss my friend Kimmy, who is living in Africa right now.
4. But she gives great wedding gifts!! She called me the day before the wedding through skype! I was blessed!
3. Our friends Jennifer and Travis were blessed today with the birth of their precious little baby girl Payden. God has blessed them!
2. Sunday will bring the bowl game for Clemson. Go Tigers!
1. The #1 thing I am trying to learn and teach myself. Worrying gets me NO WHERE! So I pray for the ability to not worry and leave the worrying to Him!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Merry Ho Ho Eve!!

Our Clemson Tree!
I write this today as I sit looking arouond at all the decorations and the gifts and laughing with Ashley; knowing that I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have been overly blessed this season. I look and think about how wonderful and blessed I am. At this point last year I didn't even know who Bo was. God has a special way of holding onto special prizes until the right time. I know that God held him in his pocket until I had surrendered!
I am so excited that there are so many of my friends who have gotten married and this is our first Christmas' as married couples! God is good... We are spending tonight with mom and opening presents, then coming home to spend time together! We are going to bring in the dog and we can all wake on Christmas together!
My friend Amanda will celebrate her baby boy's birth on Christmas. He came on Christmas two years ago and now is so BIG! Happy Birthday E!

Merry Christmas to everyone!
Love, Bo and Amber

Mr. and Mrs. McDonald...

We are back!! and oh what a wonderful time it was. The wedding was absolutely amazing. Bo and I had the best time. It was what we wanted and more. We were able to spend time with his parents and my parents, our family and our friends!! I understand what everyone says now when they say I don't remember much. I really don't! It is like it is slow motion, I remember doing the activities, but not sure who I saw or who I spoke to. :) The best was the day before I was able to talk to my friend Kimmy who has been living in Africa for a while. She called me on my cell phone from skype, which was such a blessing!

After the wedding we went on our quick getaway to the mountains. It is a place called Butterfly Creek Inn. You have to visit it if you have a chance. It is amazing! We were pampered by Sarah, the owner. She treated us as her family and took the best care of us! She fed us and talked to us, had coffee with us. Just like family! Please guys if you have a chance take a look at her site http://www.butterflycreekinn.com/ and take a weekend to go and see her if you can!!

Thank you to all of our friends and family who care so much for us and took the time to share with us this ever so special weekend!

Here are a few pics from the weekend and as we have more I will post them!

First pic is of me and Randall; my cousin!

Bo and I eating some cake and getting in the car to head over the reception!

My sweet friends Cammie and Chrissy, my honoraries!

New Moon!!!

I know that as a 30 year old woman this might be inappropriate to post, but law I couldn't help it!

Last night Julie and I went to see the midnight showing of New Moon! I have to say I was excited but I had waited too long in between readings and I had to go and read a short synopsis of it before we went. First we went to Barnes and Noble for coffee and the man at the door wouldn't let us in.. It was only 9:58!!! Gah!

Once we got to the theatre we waited in line for an hour to get into theatre 2. Julie and I had a little popcorn and drinks to keep us occupied.. The only thing that was bad was the fact that once the movie started I started to dose! This was a great movie, but there were parts that I found were hard to follow because they were SOOOO SLOW!! I have to agree with Julie about the Volturie and the werewolfs.. They were so neat looking with the makeup was amazing! During the fighting scenes it so reminded me of The Matrix!!

Thank Julie for coming with me and yes I will be right there with you again when Eclipse comes out!!!

PS It might be best to take a cat nap before you go; so you don't dose and awake at parts thinking Oh No! What did I miss?... =)

Engagement Pics..

We finally have them back and Leslie did an awesome job! She is so amazing with what she can do. Every picture that she took was done great with the lighting and the time of day and all the elements to make the best ever! Here is our favorite pic and then the link to our flicker page so you can see them all.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43821871@N02/

Oh the life of a politician...

Over the past couple of days I have seen a different spark in Bo's eye!!! He is a true politician at the depths of his soul. I have seen him look like a kid in a candy store while working. We have been working on mailbox hangers for Billy Webber. He is running for the school board race on Tuesday! Bo used to do this when he lived in Columbia and he ran for Town Council. He is always in the mix when it comes to politics in the news. I just have realized what I am getting myself into...

I love to watch him when he is happy and he is definately in hog heaven these days!

Two more steps closer...

This weekend was another step in the wedding process. Bo and I went on Friday night and picked out the tux that we wanted the groomsmen to wear. We had a fun time and I have to say the women at Thomas & Sons were very enjoyable also. They helped us and told us honestly what they thought. They also kept saying how fun we were together. Here is a pic of Bo trying on his coat!

I had forgotten also to mention that I finally did get his ring... It makes it more and more concrete each day that we do something and one step closer to I DO!

And they are done!

Sorry been gone for so long.. Seems like there is something to do every day and then when the day comes to an end, I lie in bed thinking.... I should have blogged today. But with that my invitations are ordered, addressed, and stuffed. Next on the agenda is the stamps! Once those are done, all of you my friends will recieve an invite to our special day! I just love the invitations. They are contemporary in some sorts, but also traditional. I can't wait for them to get to your house so you can enjoy!

Mostly done...

Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged. It seems that since school has started that I have barely any time to breathe. Once I get up and get going I am full force until I crash at night and then start all over again. But anyways.. We are mostly done with wedding planning. We are kinda down to the things that can't be done and you have to wait. Remember the hurry up and wait situation. We are there. Just have to wait until something else needs to be done.

Many showers are coming our way. We are blessed to have amazing friends who care so deeply for us and are giving us showers. As they come along I will post pics for you to enjoy.

On Saturday we are going to have our engagement pictures taken. We are so excited about them. Leslie Dye is doing them and she is a great contemporary photographer with so many new ideas about photos!!! We will share our pics as they come back!!

Whew Finally!

This weekend was a fun one! Bo and I moved some of his office furniture to my house on Saturday. He is trying to getthings moved a little at a time and since he does lots of business in Spartanburg, it is convienent to sometimes work from my house and sometimes from his. So we stressed because his thinking couch wouldn't fit in the door. Finally after much thought we decided that we could take the legs off and then it would go through the door. Successful!!!!

Then we went on Saturday evening and registered for china. We had a fun time. It is always an adventure when we go together. I never know what he is going to do and what he is going to ask me to register for. :) He says that I wouldn't let him register for china with bugs, bovines, or birds on it. :) No Bo we can't do that, but here is a picture of our real pattern. We wanted something contemporary, but not crazy contemporary that we wouldn't enjoy in years to come.

Fun Labor Day weekend!

After the rain...

Before the rain...

Stupid computer won't let me do the before first.. But you get the drift :)

Bo and I had a blast this past weekend. I am so excited that he got us season tickets to the Clemson games! So Saturday we went to the game tailgaited with new friends and had a blast, even though we had to sit in the rain for almost the entire game. True Clemson Fans though!

Who's Ready?

I just had to post this tonight... I am so ready for Tiger Football on Saturday. Even though the only game on tonight was Carolina I got so excited about the game on Saturday!!!

Yahoo for Fall!!!

Bo and I were dowtown on Sunday watching the bike race come through downtown Greenville. Great Sundays together!

Today at school I realized how much I love Fall. Here in Sburg it was kinda cool today. Maybe even classified as chilly. Praise the Lord! I hate hot weather. I hate to sweat! Which is why Bo and I are getting married in December. We both love the cool weather.. Because of the weather I am thankful for the following:

1. Cool Sundays that you can sit with your honey and take a walk downtown.

2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks :)

3. No more Sweating.. any questions?

4. Beautiful Colors of the trees ( have you noticed them changing yet?) Saw some this AM on the way to work!!!!

5. Thanksgiving: I love this time of the year. Lots of yummy food and time with family

6. Christmas: This will be an amazing Christmas, as Bo and I will be able to spend our first Christmas together!!

7. The best reason of all: TIGER FOOTBALL!!!! The countdown is on.. Only 5 days left!!!

God you never cease to amaze me!

I write tonight with lots on my mind. I have never realized how important someone is to you until you think that they are mad or frustrated or disappointed in you. About a year ago I went to God and said, "God if you want me to be single then that is the plan that you have for me and I will have to be content with it. I think that I became content and not complacent like others thought I was. I just thought of it as a part of my life where I would be alone and just enjoy what life had to offer to me. Boy did I ever think that I would be where I am today.

When I finally had heard enough people tell me that I might want to try Match.com I decided ok ok I will try. I had first thought, "Do I really want to find my husband on the internet? That is for weirdos..." But I gave in and placed a profile there. With in about a month I had been on one date...YIKES! That is the only comment on that one. Boy do voices not match faces...:) Then I thought one night I would search by zipcode and I did (this is how I think the story went, Bo might think differently) what I found was this so super cute man with glasses in the snow. I thought where is this. We don't get snow around here. So I think I winked first who knows?

My wink was responded with a chat from a man who had a marketing business and then was a DJ for fun and was located in Greenville. We chatted for 15 max and then met. I know crazy story, but if that isn't God, then I don't know what is. God had placed this man in my life and here I was meeting him... I guess we say the rest is history.

Here is where I want to "brain dump" as he calls it: I realize tonight after many conversations we have had and much wedding stuff today that Bo McDonald is the most amazing man in the world. He gives me what I need daily to continue. He is the one who keeps me sane, he is my calmer and my cheerleader. So many times I look back and what I have previously had with relationships and think I was crazy to think that that was going to be my husband... I now know without an inkling of a doubt, this is who God wants me with. He understands and loves my craziness. Why I don't know, but I have to realize that it is not me, it is all from the work and the planning of God! I am so blessed to have a man who loves me more than life itself.

As December 5 approaches I contemplate what our life will be. What we will do, where our endeavors will lead us. I do know one thing though, I can't wait to spend the remaning portion of my life with him.

Thanks friends for listening to me brain dump tonight. I just thought that it was vital to share my happiness with everyone.

A week down...

So.. I finally made it a week with my little 2nd graders and I can't decide if they are just more rowdy this year or if I am just a year older; but I am exhausted. I can't imagine what it is like to have little ones to take care of and then teach also.. Law I think that I should probably go into the kitchen and get toothpicks for my eyes... I can't even hold them open even when typing this. I am hoping this weekend to catch up on sleep and be ready for next week and all of the meetings that it has planned for me.

Night yall!

And Reality Strikes..

Reality #1

Tuesday is Ashley's 22nd Birthday! We have lots of fun together. I just seems like yesterday I was rushed from my lunch at Southern Shops where I was staying during the summer because she was born. Time flies and we all grow up. She has grown up so quickly right before our eyes. Happy birthday little sis!!!!! We love you!

Reality #2
Today is the last day of summer for me. In a way I am sad because my freedom of summer is gone, but so blessed that Tuesday I have been given the opportunity to mold the lives of 22 new beings in my classroom. I can't believe that I start my 8th year of teaching. That boggles my mind and it is so hard to fathom! Just doesn't seem that I have been out of college for 8 years and then out of high school for little over 11 years... Time flies... As you read this I hope that you will send a little prayer to my classroom 206 and a little love to each heart and mind that I encounter!

Oh Reeds Jewelers...

Well on Sunday Bo and I decided to go and relook at a wedding band we had been looking at. Let me explain the whole story and then you can follow us. We went to Reeds Jewelers at Haywood Mall in Greenville about two weeks ago to look at wedding bands. We found one that we really liked. We didn't want to make a hasty descision so we waited and looked around. Before we left we talked to the sales assiociate. I will withhold her name. But anyways she told us how much the ring would be with the sale price and a coupon that we could use. So we went back this Saturday to look again. Again we fell in love with it, but you want to make sure. This is an important purchase. On Saturday they told us a different price than we had the last time; a higher price. We told them that they had already told us one price; remembering that we had forgotten about the coupon. (amanda you proud of us for the coupon right?) So we went home and came back on Sunday for the purchase with the coupon... Well... Once we got there they told us that there was no way that they could have told us that original price and that they couldn't honor that price. Our fault for not getting it written down. Anyways we kept on and kept on and they WOULD not budge. It isn't the price at this point it is the fact that they lied and they didn't keep their word. So sad because we really wanted the band, but at this point it is about principal.

So the moral to the story... Get the price in writing with the sales associate's name when purchasing something big!

What do we choose?

I wanted to blog about our experience at Belk's in greenville on Saturday. Everyday I realize how special Bo is to me and how much fun we have together. So I took some pics of us looking at china. He wants everyone to vote on how well they like the Bird china that he is holding. He also wanted everyone to see the correct way to hold the teacup when entertaining guests. :) He cracjs me up!

It's Done...

I finally found the dress that I wanted. I went today and talked to the seamstress and she can do what needs to be done to make it work. I am going tommorow to get it, since it is Tax Free Weekend.. not save a lot, but every little bit helps. I also have found my bridesmaid dresses. I am going to use the same style that my sister used in her wedding. It is a gorgeous dress and I am so thrilled that she now will get to be in my wedding as my matron of honor. The dress is plain on the front with a train. They will be black and then hoping to use Amarylis flowers.

Working at school today and getting tired since I have been working all day, but was able to take time to eat lunch with my friends Kelly and Cindy. I hate that Laura couldn't make it. We took a class over the summer and had a blast together. We decided today that we have to keep in touch with each other during the school year since we all teach. Today was fun guys thanks for meeting for lunch.

Tonight Bo and I are meeting Dad and Donna for supper at Outback! Yurmy... Have to make sure not to gorge as you know December 5 is creeping closer and closer! :)

Beachin' It 2009

Here are some pics of our vacation this year~ It was nice to meet some of Bo's family and then spend time with his "mom of step" and his dad. While in Charleston we were able to visit the most haunted building in South Carolina. I wasn't real excited about going as I don't like haunted houses. But this was different. It was an eerie scare. Nothing jumped out at you or anything, just that feeling of the heeby jebbies! We also spent time on the beach at Surfside which was very nice and relaxing. The pic of Bo and his dad was in a helicopter ride. Bo loves helicopters and really would like to get his pilot's liscense one day. So when we have the chance we have taken helicopter rides. We have taken on in New York and now in Myrtle Beach.

Beach was fun but now time to get back to the grindstone and teach the little ones!

Wedding Dress

I am pretty sure that I have narrowed it down to the dress I want. You always hear that it is the one that you chose first that you go back to. That is it. I love the dress. I have to wait to see what the seamstress says about one thing on the dress and then the descision will be made. I am thrilled about it. It is very simple, but elegant. More when I find the bridesmaid's dresses today. That is the goal of the day. Time is ticking away and I have to try and get some things nailed down before the stress of school starts. The other thing is a band or a DJ? Any suggestions...

Back from vacation...

Bo and I are finally home from the beach. We are home to laundry and bills. Not a very fun way to be welcomed home right? I haven't uploaded pics yet and plan on doing that tomm after church and while Bo is at work on the radio.. So look forward to fun pics on Sunday!

Vacation, Vacation, Vacation

On Saturday we left Greenville and headed to Charleston for Saturday night and then to the beach on Sunday to meet Bo's parents and his cousin John and his family. We have had a great time so far. Been able to be on the beach two days and even though yesterday Bo got too much sun we still were able to go back today. I just love to lay in the sun and soak up as much as I can with the breeze constantly blowing.

Fun so far... Broadway at the Beach on Sunday and then to The Market Commons last night. Bo loves Tommy Bahama and there was a restuarant there; Tommy Bahama's. He was in heaven and the food was amazing!

The only thing I am trying to get used to is his family... For those of you who don't know Bo isn't Bo's name. He was born as Thomas. Bo has been a radio name that has followed him down the east coast. So when we all get together I have to get to hearing Tommy, Tommer, or Tom.. Makes me a little weirded to hear them and I am thinking, " I am not marrying Tom, I am marrying Bo!!" Even a few times I have almost slipped and called him Tom, just from hearing it so much! :)

Tonight I think we are just going to relax and stay home for the evening. Enjoy a little family time, a little wine, and a little cool summer breeze.

Wilson's Five and Dime.. or Dollar

Yesterday was an adventure that I haven't had yet. Mom and I went to Wilson's Five and Dollar. From what I understand it used to be Five and Dime, but I guess with inflation things have had to move to Dollar. Anyways, Whoa! That place is an experience to say the least. You name it they have it and if they don't have it, then you don't need it! I have never seen so much stuff in my life; almost like a flea market in a store. I don't think that they have ever tidied up at the end of the day. :)

Just something fun to do if you have never experienced Wilson's Five and Dollar!!!

Just Scan It...

Yesterday was a fun wedding day! Bo and I went to register for some things for our wedding! I know that it is kinda early but it will be here before we know it. He mentioned to me that when we get back from the beach that it will be 4months till game time!! Now that is scary... I am doing what I can but yikes everyday that passes it gets closer and closer. We had a great time that was so fun. Great times we had together at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and Target...

We also went and looked at wedding bands too! They are going to be some what of a surprise to each of us. So we both don't have a definate picture of what they look like. We want it to be a surprise on our wedding day for each of us...

Welcome Home!!

Last night was a fun night. Bo and I went out with one of our friends to downtown Greenville after a yummy dinner of Indian food!!! When leaving downtown of course you know what it was doing.. Raining. Yes we had to walk through the rain a couple of blocks. All we could really do was laugh and keep walking. Once we got in our car we headed to the airport. One of our friends Pam, was coming in town for Cammie and Phillip's wedding and we wanted to welcome her in style. It was so much fun for me, Chrissy, Bo, and Jake to welcome her home in such a great manner! It was quite fun and her reaction was the best!!!


Saturday is a big day for Cammie and Phillip; and my sister, Ashley and Jimi!! Weddings, Weddings, Weddings.. I wish them all the best in their marriages.

Training...

Today was a filled day. This morning I started with Promethean training; which is a good thing. I am excited about getting a board for my classroom, but not so much fun when you have 3 8hour days of training!!!! I was glad though that my sweet friends from fourth grade were there. It made it much easier and lots of laughter.

Then I headed to start the journey of looking for a wedding dress.. I found one that I liked and it was nice. Sorry can't describe it because Bo might read this and he can't know. :) Sorry yall!! Wouldn't want to describe it and then end up going back and getting it... The search is still on tomm as I head to Greenville to look some more. I did though find a bridesmaid dress that I liked. I want to use black and I found one that I really loved. It is one that is black with one shoulder that has a strap. It also has a gathered high waist.. So we will see what happens. Might find something else tomorrow... I know I have got to light a fire under my rear though 'cause Dec. 5 will come quickly...

More dress updates Wednesday....

New to this All...

So a few days ago Allison said that I should start a blog... I wondered yeah who wants to read about my life, but she says that people want to.

We will begin this fun journey with July 3rd. That is when I got engaged to Bo! We are very excited about what lies ahead for us and our life together!

So I guess the best thing to do is to bear with me and then comment everyone once in a while just to make me feel better! :) I will try my hand at it and try to be witty and not bore everyone to death!


So here goes the journey!