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Thankful.

Daniel and I left Friday afternoon and headed south! We could not be happier. I don't think we slept Wednesday or Thursday night. He was geeked up about hunting and I well... just don't sleep anymore. Saturday morning, Crawford, Mr. Danny and Daniel went hunting in Crystal Springs. Daniel's dad conveniently has (roughly) 100 acres of land behind his house. Daniel misses the woods more than anything! Later that afternoon, he killed a deer! I was so happy for him (even though it was 80 degrees). 

Daniel Harper Sims, II

Also on Saturday, the BCS went haywire. I enjoyed watching the underdogs pull it out all day.  Mississippi State got murdered by Arkansas. Murdered as in painful to watch. LSU beat the snot out of Ole Miss which was the most enjoyable part of the day. Daniel kept asking me why I was watching it and I said, "It's so sweet! I could watch Ole Miss play like a junior high team any day." 

 In other news, Sunday was quite pleasant! Sally Beth Allred's wedding shower was in Brookhaven, then Daniel's parents took us to Sal & Mookies (Daniel's favorite place to eat... ever). Monday we headed to Louisiana! Oh, how I loved being home. Tuesday we ventured to Baton Rouge to register and do a little shopping for ourselves. We registered at Babies R Us and Oh Baby! That was 100,000 more fun than doing a wedding registry. I felt like I was doing a wedding registry yesterday (probably because I was!). We were exhausted from looking at all the 40 different car seats, strollers and bottles. It was time to go home. 

Jaye Marley showing us around Gurley

Talmadge's cows

Home.

after a long day of baby girl shopping

Baby's palette colors - I'm not a huge pink person, but I want to incorporate a light pink.

Daniel and I just laid around Clinton until Thanksgiving day. Our family tradition used to be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I still watch it, but it's not the same. I can remember dad calling us for lunch just as santa made his appearance. I was probably 5 inches from the T.V. at my grandmother's small house. Memories. We had a large spread at Paula Sue's then headed to my dad's house. We all celebrated his big 5-5 and Thanksgiving dinner. Baby girl Sims got pushed to the back-burner on Thursday. I ate too much. Way too much. I guess that's the perk of being pregnant, no diet. I really enjoyed Thursday with the family. It made me anxious for Christmas break! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Robert Miller (brother-in-law) and Riley (oldest sister)

3's company

George Taylor with a dead squirrel ... Clinton.

Happy 55th Birthday, Pappy!

comparing stomachs with John Preston

On the road again... to Brandon. Friday we celebrated Thanksgiving with Daniel's mom's family. Yes, 4 Thanksgivings (if you count Friday night at Daniel's dad's). Another reason why I will NEVER get divorced. You know me, I don't mind traveling, but... it's a lot. I have a feeling it's going to get worse when baby gets here. We'll deal with that when it comes. Anyway, we ate (again) then watched LSU beat up on Arkansas. THAT was fun. By the way, is Bobby Petrino still crying? That was a true class act... not. I'm ready for the National Championship! As I was reading twitter, I came across a Nick Saban quote from 2003, "Anyone that doesn't win their conference has no business playing in the national championship game." We'll just beat Alabama... again. Geaux Tigers! 

My entire family went to the game. We headed north - welcome to marriage :) Here's a picture of John Preston cooking a hog for the Arkansas game.

This is a rare occassion. Geaux Tigers!

I love it.

Saturday we came back to Starkville (after ordering baby's bedding and Daniel going hunting)! We had planned on going to the Egg Bowl, but it was rainy. A storm was coming in, and I would much rather watch it from our couch. So that's what we did. Unpacked then cooked. The game was as expected. MSU beat Ole Miss 31-3. I wasn't a fan of this year's Egg Bowl. I'm going to leave it at that, because I could be really negative. We did win, so "Go Dawgs."

The week was perfect. Daniel and I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. 

1) Family

Our individual families and our own. We are so happy! This is nothing what we thought it would be, but life is wonderful right now. God has guided every step. I can't wait to have a family of our own!

2) Friends

Where would we be? I got text messages on Thursday telling us how thankful we should be for our little girl. It warmed my heart to have friends that care. I was taken back by the thoughtfulness of them. Thank you!

3) Roof

We are thankful for a place to live in Starkville and future housing. We should know today if we got the house in Madison or not. I'm patiently waiting on Daniel to walk in from class. We'll see! If not, it was not supposed to happen. We're content.

4) Baby Sims

This is not #4! We are praying she is healthy! She kicks often and is a constant reminder of God's grace. We love her so much :) ...just don't come early in case we do get the house, hah!

5) God loving husband

I am amazed everyday by Daniel. His love for the Lord and his love for me is breathtaking. I have all the confidence in the world he will biblically lead our family. Of course, we're not perfect and the "real world" is difficult to follow Christ, but I know Daniel will succeed. It's been enjoyable to watch him take responsibility and encourage me to read more. I am so undeserving of a husband like Daniel. He knows what's best for us... even if I do want to buy everything for a house/nursery. 

I can't count all of them! We are thankful for so many things! I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll admit, it was hard to get up for work this morning. My last official day is tomorrow! Who's excited??? This girl. 

Baby girl Sims is the size of a head of lettuce (18 inches and 3.2 pounds). I'm currently 30 weeks and 5 days. She'll change sizes in 3 days. February 1st is right around the corner. Sleeping is beginning to be my enemy. 

a gift from Gina Sharp

I couldn't resist.

Have a great week! Going to pick Daniel up from class. Counting down the days until we move out!

busy bodies

(MOMA)

Yes, we're still alive. I miss blogging. I feel like I usually catch up on Sundays, but we have been looking for houses (or Daniel's doing a project). Life has been busy these past few weeks. I went to Mistletoe (womp womp), Secret Church in Birmingham, watched LSU beat Ala-bumble... I could go on. All that to say, I miss writing. 

tailgating before MSU homecoming/ LSU vs. Bama

Geaux Tigers!

Erin- So glad you made the trip! 

in The Junction

Tyler Ellis and Daniel

Emily Francis and baby Francis... due February 9

 Life is so good. After Daniel accepted his job offer, he and his dad jumped on the house search. It's been a tiring process for the both of them. Since Mr. Danny is a realtor, he has been able to save us a lot of time by checking out houses in south Mississippi (probably 40). We have run into many dead ends, but have not given up. I'm thankful Daniel is really interested in house hunting. If it were up to me, I'd be in debt to my ears living in a nice neighborhood in Madison. I took off one Thursday and we headed south. We had a lot of houses in mind and looked at all of them. Every "deal" we found, the foundation was cracked or it was under contract. Needless to say, that day was exhausting. We came back to Starkville down in the dumps. 

I wish.

I wish.

I wish.

The next day was Bulldog Bash in downtown Starkville. Before we got dressed, Daniel and Mr. Danny found a house! We were really excited, but didn't want to get our hopes up. After a long weekend, Daniel and Crawford went to look at the house (in Madison) on Sunday afternoon. I talked to Daniel after my baby shower and he mentioned the foundation was cracked... another dead end. He then began to tell me his dad had found another house in a really good neighborhood in Madison... great news! Bad news was he wanted me to ride back with my mom to look at it. I was so tired, but rode to Madison. The house is... well, picture your great grandmother's house. Anything can be redone, right? The location was GREAT, but the house was okay. I would much rather be by Daniel's office than in the boonies. It is super safe and IN MADISON (which means we won't have a problem reselling it)! His dad put in a bid yesterday and they countered today. We should know more information later in the week - I HOPE SO! If this falls through, back to square 1. 

Back to Bulldog Bash. Since we live downtown, we didn't have to leave our apartment. It was so nice! After work, Daniel and I just sat on the couch listening to the live music. People came by to visit and warm up. It was supposedly cold that night, but to a pregnant woman it was perfect. Jake Owen who sings, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night"came and The Avett Brothers. People were everywhere. I'm NOT a fan of Bulldog Bash, but this might've been the best yet! Daniel and I actually stayed up past our bedtime... 11:30.

Bulldog Bash (before the crowd)

during Jake Owen/ people watching

Anna Pollock and Katherine Cox

Saturday was a blast! Mississippi State played #3 Alabama. A lot of our friends got together at City Bagel and had breakfast. Friends came in from Virginia, Texas and Alabama. It was so good to catch up with everyone. I didn't even remember I was pregnant :) They have been SO helpful to me since June. Not one has passed judgement or said anything negative. All of my (close) friends from Mississippi State have been nothing but loving. From wedding showers to baby showers to calling me to text messaging me... it has been incredible. In a time of "need", they never changed. I am positive I could call them at anytime and they would be here for me. Thank you for the sweet notes and love. Please come visit us wherever we land. I could not have gone through this "trial" without the help of my friends. Y'all are so special to Daniel and me. Thank you.

City Bagel

Btw, I haven't charged my camera since April. All of these blog pictures have been via iPhone.

The game was actually really good. I was surprised we stayed with Alabama. We left at half because the wind was so cold. Thank you for the chair-backs, Baird family! They make the world of a difference. 

Our sweet friend, Houston, who knows every statistic for Mississippi State sports.

Never ask an older lady to take a picture on an iPhone

Go Dawgs!

Sunday funday! After church, mom and 2 of her friends came up for our 1st Baby Shower! I was so excited. It was the first time for momma to see the apartment. After we got ready, we all headed to Martha Kate Buskirk's house. It was decorated so cute! Baby showers are 10,000x more fun than wedding showers. I mean, they're both enjoyable, but baby clothes make everything real. I can picture baby Sims wearing the onesies and bows. The food was great. The company was great. We are so grateful for the precious gifts! Thank you, Martha Kate, Whitney and Amanda! 

As I said, after the shower I headed back to Madison to see the potential new house. We were so tired that night! Speaking of being tired... why didn't anyone inform me the 3rd trimester was just as tiring as the 1st? This week of work, I have looked quite lovely. It's a "no-makeup" kind of week. I literally cannot hold my eyes open at work. I have 5 more days left, YIPEE! My final meeting is on December 6 - just give me my diploma already. 

Yay! You finally came back. 

Clinton crew

diaper cover... so cute!

Sally Beth's creation of diapers!

Last night, I (and 5 other bridesmaids) threw a Holiday Shower for Amanda Pyron. Her wedding is on March 10th, and I'm hoping I'll be 30 pounds lighter (with a healthy baby). The shower was a success! Everyone brought a holiday gift from their favorite holiday. Congratulations, Matt and Amanda! 

Hostesses 

plus Amanda

the bride and me...thanks, iPhone

Names. Names. Names. I am getting more excited about naming this baby and decorating a nursery. I think we've decided on cream, gold and seafoam for the nursery. I like all white, but she needs some color. I'm also liking elephants, too. My sister, Jill, just got into elephants and the more I look at them I want them. They're different! So, we're making progress slowly, but surely. I keep looking at Facebook and people who are months behind me have a name and bedding picked out - gag. With all that being said, I know it will come together. I need to learn patience. I can say... it's officially Harper ___ Sims. Middle name is pending until Thanksgiving. She's approximately 2.9 pounds and 17 inches... the size of a SMALL CABBAGE. She'll change tomorrow (my highlight of the day). We also have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. It's just a check-up, but I hope everything goes well. Mommy is growing, to say the least. Getting dressed has become a job. 

gold, cream and seafoam

Again, I'm sorry this post is EVERYWHERE, but there is so much I want to say. Daniel and I have been discussing a certain topic lately, and I want to share. It will take a while to put it into words, but I will soon blog about it. 

Hope you all have a wonderful week! It's almost Thanksgiving break!

Last thought. If you don't have "Jesus Calling", get it! 

Stephen & Rachel

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Stephen Sims (Daniel’s older brother) and Rachel Little are engaged! Stephen proposed last night! Daniel and I had been waiting on it for weeks. I'm excited to have a sister-in-law! 

Happy Planning! 

"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Mark 10:6-9

Name me.

A name. 

I want We need to give this little cucumber a name. 

 It's such a hard decision. Being from the South, I want to keep it Southern and in the family. We have come up with many MANY many combinations, but none that we LOVE. Daniel's full name is: Daniel Harper Sims. Daniel comes from his grandfather and Harper from his great-grandmother. Before all of this began, we wanted to name our little boy Harper or John Harper. Daniel stuck to his guns until one day last week I had a slight meltdown (not really). I couldn't think of a girl's name that I liked as much as Harper. So Daniel gave in and let me use Harper (he'll be glad he did)! 

So we're in a bind. Do you name her...

Mary Harper (we both LOVE, but we would have the same name)? 

Harper _____?

 _____Harper?

Kennedy ______? 

Mary Bennett?

I love Mary. 

It came from my dad's mom, Mary June Hunt Kennedy (hints the name of the blog). I am so thankful my parents gave me a family name - especially MawMaw June's. I also love/loved Mary, because she was a Biblical "character". Daniel and I have talked about how much it means to have a Biblical name. So, I would like to do "Mary Harper" because of MawMaw June, me (of course, haha) and a Biblical name. It just works. I do understand it's my name and things will get confusing around the house... and as we get older (credit cards and what-not). It would be sweet to both be Mary Sims, but.............. I can't decide. I want to have one before baby showers start, so things can get monogrammed (speaking of Southern). Not like ridiculously, "Harper Harper Harper MHS MHS MHS MHS" on everything, but I like it. 

my grandmother, Mary June Kennedy

I'm not sure why I posted this, because none of you know family names to help me out with (haha). Guess I needed someone else to bother about a name rather than mom, dad and Jill. Thank you for listening and any suggestions would be appreciated :) 

UPDATE: This was the first day of my last trimester! Yippee! I'm 27 weeks and 1 day meaning 90.5 days left. I’m the size of a basketball. Speaking of, she must play basketball. That is a fear of mine, not having athletic children. We will see!

I thought the cell phone would slow down with Daniel taking a job, but it seems to only have picked up. We're currently looking for a house to buy/rent in the Jackson/ Madison/ Ridgeland/ Byram/ Brandon area. It has been a little frustrating, but thankfully Daniel's dad is a realtor. He has saved us so much time! 

IN OTHER NEWS: MISTLETOE is tomorrow! Whoooo's excited?? This girl! I haven't bought anything yet- I've been waiting on Mistletoe in Jackson (10x better/bigger than Hollydays in Baton Rouge)!

 Friday, Daniel and I are leaving for David Platt's "Secret Church" in Birmingham! David Platt does a 6 hour study (2 a year, I think). There are several simulcast so find a local church and watch (http://www.disciplemakingintl.org/secretchurch/schedule.html). The topic for Secret Church gathering is:

"Family, Marriage, Sex, and the Gospel". 

Manhood. Womanhood. Marriage. Parenting. Singleness. Sex. Divorce. Homosexuality. Same-sex marriage. Polygamy. Pornography. Adoption. Abortion. Cultures around the world perceive each of these issues differently. So how does God's Word address them? During Secret Church we will explore how the gospel uniquely affects our understanding of family, marriage, sex, and a host of related (and controversial) issues that are ultimately foundational for the display of the glory of God in our lives, in the church, and in the world. 

I'll let you know how it goes. I couldn't be more excited! We'll stay in Birmingham Friday night (thanks, Anna Pollock!) and head to Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Although we don't have tickets to the LSU/Alabama game, we might tailgate with Clinton folks. Anyone have tickets to the game (that aren't an arm and a leg)??? Then we'll head back to Starkville and watch LSU beat Ala-bumble. I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time! Tiger Bait! Tiger Bait!

Hope you all enjoy the weekend! Thanks for reading. 

Here’s a little humor from last night…

“I don’t remember what you looked like when we were dating.” – Daniel (my loving husband) I could not contain my laughter.