Tomorrow...

I'M GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW!!

You can follow all the happenings of Alex and mine's marriage at our new blog, Two Become One

Next time you'll hear from me I'll be Georgina Greer!

So Close...

This is just a quick update.  I know I've been MIA the last month, but my computer crashed and have no way to update the blog.  I'm currently using my fiance's computer, which has no pictures of all the wonderful showers and progress of our house.  When I get a job, I can get a computer.  Hopefully I'll get a job soon.  Please be praying.

As for wedding fun, I'm getting married in less than 3 weeks and there is SO much to do!!!  I can't  believe it's right around the corner.  The next 3 weeks will be full of wedding stuff.  Wedding programs, wedding decorations, thank you cards, wedding gifts, etc., etc.  It'll be fun though and when it's all said and done, we're heading to Pigeon Forge on our honeymoon!! Can't WAIT!!!

As for Alex, he starts his new job next Tuesday so be praying for him!

Till I can post again,

Georgina

Personal Touches

My friend Laura Case has been doing Wedding Wednesday for a few months now and I asked her to do a post on ceremony music and in turn she asked me to do a post on the personal touches I am using for our wedding.

As posted previously, I am implementing the "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" tradition into our wedding.  Here is a recap:
Something Old: My grandfather's wedding band and class ring that has been melted into a nugget that will be attached to my bouquet. 
Something New: Could be numerous things: my dress, my ring, my veil
Something Borrowed: My grandmother's pearls
Something Blue: My shoes

Another huge personal touch is the location for the ceremony itself.  Alex and I decided to get married at the house that my dad built and that I grew up in.  The house is a red-shaped barn and there is a pond in the yard.  We've rented tents to go out in the yard and are having a barbecue for our meal.  Alex nor I wanted anything fancy for our wedding, because frankly, fancy ain't us! ;-)

For our tablecloths, we decided to use old picnic type tablecloths.  Half of the tables will have a yellow and white plaid picnic pattern and the other half will have blue and white plaid picnic pattern.  This is the closest I could find to what we are using:

Also for the centerpieces, we decided to go real simple.  We are using mason jars with blue and yellow ribbon attached.  They will be filled with white daisies and some greenery.  I can't wait to get started putting these together.  I know they are going to turn out great. 


We are really excited about our wedding and it's coming up quick.  It's going to be a great party!  Only 39 more days to go!  We want our guests to be comfortable even though it's going to be crazy hot.  So if you are planning on coming, wear something that's going to keep you cool!  Can't wait to see you at the big event!!

Our New Addition

I remember the first time Alex took me walking at Lake Johnson.  I was pretty nervous and didn't know how it would work out.  I felt pretty at ease when he picked me up and opened my door.  While we walked, we talked, a lot.  The conversation was never stagnant, everything flowed so easily.  Funny as it sounds, when Alex told me he wanted more dogs than children, I had to smile.  He then begin to tell me about the wide variety of K9s that his family has: rrom Jack Russel Terriers to Walkers.

After we got engaged, it was only natural that we began to talk about getting a puppy.  With Alex going into the police force, I knew he would be working nights and I would want a companion to keep me company and help me feel safe.  We talked back and forth about what kind of dog to get.  We both wanted a Great Dane, but knew at this point we in no way could afford a Great Dane.  Alex has always wanted a chocolate lab that he could train to go duck hunting with him.  We thought we were getting a chocolate lab from a friend, but when we found out there were only males in the litter and we definitely wanted a female.  We began searching for a female chocolate lab.  Well we found a great deal on a female black lab.  We fell in love the moment we met her. 

Meet Miss Macy Grace Greer:

We are so excited about our new addition to our family and can't wait to watch her grow!

This Song Now Has Meaning

NC STATE ALMA MATER

Where the winds of Dixie softly blow

O'er the fields of Caroline,

There stands ever cherished, N.C. State,

As thy honored shrine

So lift your voices! Loudly sing,

From hill to ocean side!

Our hearts ever hold you, N.C. State --

In the folds

Of our love and pride.

Today I graduate from North Carolina State University.  I am very excited to be moving on to the next chapter of my life and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for my future.  But for now, I'm going to take in every second of today.  Enjoy the time I can spend with my family and fiance.  NCSU has given me a wonderful college career and has prepared me for my future as a professional educator well.  I look forward to applying the knowledge learned at State in my career as a high school math teacher.  Looking forward to what the future holds.

My in-laws cannot make it to graduation today.  Alan's father had a heart attack last night and they are staying with him at the hospital as the doctors are performing tests.  Please keep the Greer family in your prayers these next few critical days.

GO PACK!!!

My Last Day of School

Today is my last day at Knightdale High School.  I have had a wonderful student teaching experience.  I have felt so welcomed by the staff all semester.  They have been encouraging and helpful and have taught me so much.  My cooperating teacher, Mrs. Mouzzon, has been fabulous.  She has so much knowledge and willfully shared everything she knew with me.  She trusted me with her classes and helped me to achieve excellence as a teacher.  During 1st period, Mrs. Mouzzon brought donuts and juice and the students had written me a sweet card full of thanks and appreciation.  The 2nd period AP Stats class went to BoJangles and brought it back and we had a party.  They also gave me a card that was really sweet. 

Although I am excited to be finishing up my time here and graduating in a few days, it is a bittersweet time.  In a few days I will be walking across some stage at a middle school to receive my college diploma.  I will be a college graduate.  I will hold a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education.  Shortly after graduation, I will be receiving my license to teach in the state of North Carolina as Mrs. Georgina Greer.  It is such an exciting time in my life and I don't want to let a moment slip by without notice. 

Only two months after graduation I will be heading down the aisle and on my way to Lexington to become a wife.  I couldn't be more excited about my future right now.  I know the next two months are going to fly by.  I'm going to enjoy spending some time with my family and my inlaws.  Alex and I are still in the process of painting; we are moving furniture next week and getting our house prepared and move in ready.  I'll keep you updated.  I promise...pictures will come one day.

Insert Hallelujah Chorus

I have completed my senior portfolio.  I have dropped teaching all of my classes.  Tomorrow I have my final meeting with my University supervisor and I have completed all of my responsibilities for my Student Teaching Semester.  It was such a relief to put the finishing touches on my portfolio today.  All 138 pages of my portfolio are finish and I'll be honest.  I'm proud of that thing!

Now since student teaching is wrapping up, I can focus on the more important things: moving, wedding plans, and finishing our house.  I know the few of you that read this are dying to know what's going on with the house and would love to see pictures.  I promise you they are coming as well as pics from my last semester of college.

Fare Well NC State!

Black Bear Lodging

Today, Alex and I booked our honeymoon.  We are extremely excited to be getting a way for a week after we're married.  We had originally decided to not do a honeymoon because we weren't sure of what are finances would be like come July or if we would have jobs, but after a bit of scouring the web, we found a pretty good deal and couldn't pass it up.  After our wedding we will be heading to Pigeon Forge, TN to spend a week in a one bedroom cabin.  We will be staying at Black Bear Lodging in A Mountain Hibernation.  It's a simple one bedroom, one bath cabin fully equipped with a jacuzzi and a hot tub and we couldn't be more excited.  I'm so excited about being able to get away with Alex for a week, just the two of us.  Granted, I know we'll have the rest of our lives together, but as of right now we're only seeing each other once every couple of weeks and to be honest, it's old.  Real old.  While in Pigeon Forge, we plan on going hiking, white water rafting, and to the Dixie Stampede.  I'm sure we'll do some shopping while we're there as well. 


I can't wait to be Mrs. Greer.  83 days and counting!!

Graduation in 3 weeks!

Something Old...

This is a continuance from a previous post. You can read it here.

Since I wrote my Something Old, Something New post, I've been thinking about what my something old and something borrowed could be and I've finally decided on my something old.

My parents named me after my grandfather on my dad's side, George McLawhorn. Papa George passed away when I was ten. He was super special to me. I think it was because I'm the only granddaughter on that side of the family; I have a brother and two male cousins. When I graduated from high school, my Mama Janice gave me a gold nugget. She had taken Papa's wedding band and high school class ring and had them melted down into a nugget. The initial purpose was to buy a chain so that I could wear it. Well I never got around to purchasing a gold chain and honestly, I don't wear much yellow gold, okay I don't wear any yellow gold. I was looking through the jewelry box the other day and came across it and it hit me. The nugget would be PERFECT for my something old and I love what the nugget means to me. Part of it was my grandfather's wedding band. I don't even know how long my grandparents were married or when they got married, but I know it was a while ago, so it's definitely something old.
My intentions are to tie the nugget to my bouquet and I'm super excited. I also can't wait to see my grandmother's face when she finds out.

Now I'm on a search for something borrowed and I've got to find that sixpence!

Student Teaching Has Taken Over My Life

Hello blogging world. So where have I been the last month?? Student Teaching. It has taken over my life. I wake up, go to school, teach, go to meetings, come home, plan lessons, and then go to bed. In between all of that I'm trying to do some wedding planning. Things have come along very well. Here's an update:

Colors: Blue and Yellow
Bridesmaid Dresses: ordered
Groomsmen Attire: delivered
DJ: selected
Photographer: Eric Jones Photography
Flowers: Selected! Calla Lilies, Blue Hydrangeas, Yellow Gerber Daisies
Center Pieces: Decided on!
Rentals: Tents, Chairs, Tables RENTED! (Huge Relief)
Invitations: Ordered and received! LOVE THEM!
Save the Dates: I got 30 for free and those have been sent out!
Guestbook: I just got it today!!! Check out the pics!



Alex and I decided to go with a photo guest book. I first got this idea from a friend and fellow blogger, Laura, who is also planning a wedding right now. She's super crafty and has awesome ideas, so I sometimes steal them (hope you don't mind!). She sent me a link where she ordered hers, so Alex and I sat down, picked out pictures, and ordered ours on Saturday. It was here when I got home from school today. Talk about excitement! Every time I get something for the wedding I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning. All of the pictures turned out great, all were in focus, not pixelated or anything. What was even better was a had a coupon code for a discount and we got free shipping! The whole book was around $30, not too bad when all the plain guest books I've seen were around the same price. Plus, this is something we can leave sitting out on the coffee table for guests to see in our home!

I graduate a month from tomorrow. That is so crazy to think about. After graduation I will be spending the next two weeks packing up my house in Raleigh and my house at home (my parents' house is under contract and they are set to close May 28) and moving everything to my new home in Lexington (which I promise to do an update on sometime!).

I'm so excited about being Alex's wife. The wedding festivities really begin this weekend with my first shower. Erica, Alex's sister, is a Pampered Chef consultant so I decided to have a Pampered Chef shower in Raleigh for all my friends at school. I'm so excited to spend some time with family and friends celebrating the next stage in mine and Alex's life.

A year ago today...

It's crazy to think how much my life has changed in the past year. If you would have asked me a year ago what my life would look like today, I probably would have told you I was preparing to raise support to go on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. At the time I was preparing to go on Summer Project to Sweden, which turned out to be the best summer of my life. Last summer, I did realize that I wasn't being led to become a full time missionary, instead the Lord was leading me to the classroom and oh how I hated it. I didn't want to teach. I regretted going into Secondary Math Ed. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life in front of the classroom. The Lord laughed at me, seriously. Right now I'm doing my student teaching at Knightdale High School and although it can be crazy and hectic at times, I'm really enjoying it. I love being in the classroom. I love teaching kids. I love the moment that they "get it". I had a moment like that today when four of my students said OH!!! I get it now! It's the best feeling in the world. I love that my kids test averages were the highest compared to other Algebra I classes. I by no means think that I'm a better teacher than the others, but it does make me feel like I'm doing something right.

But I think one of the biggest changes happened March 26, 2009 when I met Alex. We were haning out at the Table, celebrating my friend Mark's birthday. The girls had made Mark a poster board with pictures and signed it. As we were watching Mark read the board, John McNeil came up and said "Hey guys, this is my buddy Alex". I shook his hands and took notice of his beautiful blue eyes and country accent. There was a lot of people at the Table that night so I didn't talk to him anymore, but once things died down and some people started to leave, I took to a couch and laid down, but not for long. Alex walked up and said "No ma'am, move your feet" and he had a seat. Why I didn't shrug him off as rude I'm not sure but we began to talk. By time I got home that night I had a friend request from Alex. The following Tuesday, we went for a walk at Lake Johnson and it was down hill from there (or so they say).

The past year has been a roller coaster. There has definitely been ups and downs, but I'm excited about the future. A year ago today I had no idea I would be writing this blog, graduating, getting married, and moving to Lexington to spend the rest of my life as Mrs. Greer. I'm looking forward to the next year and seeing where the Lord leads me.

Something Old, Something New...

Something Old

Something New

Something Borrowed

Something Blue

and a Silver Sixpence in her shoe.

I've always heard the age old adage and never really thought much of it. I knew I wanted to incorporate this popular tradition into my wedding, so I decided to learn what the significance of this saying truly is.

This is an English tradition dating back to the Victorian era. We know it is english because of the sixpence reference.

Something Old represents continuity from the bride's past. Our pasts definitely make up our future. Some say that this tradition is to stay connected to the bride's family and others believe it represents the life you leave behind. It can symbolize a bride leaving behind her past to start her new beginning. Either way, I want my something old to really have a special meaning. I haven't quite decided what this is going to be yet.

Something New represents optimism for the future. Symbolizes the union being created by the bride and her groom. This will be my dress.

Something Borrowed represents a variety of things. Some say it is borrowing happiness from someone who is married. Others believe it represents the love you have for the person you borrowed from. I tend to borrow something from someone who has had a happy marriage that is built on the foundation of Christ. I think I know who I'm going to borrow from, it's just a matter of what.

Something Blue has been connected to weddings for centuries as a symbol of love, modesty, fidelity, good luck, purity, and loyalty. I purchased my something blue today, my shoes.

and a Silver Sixpence in her shoe. This represents future wealth and financial security. I'm not so sure about this part of the tradition yet. I can't imagine a sixpence in my shoe would be very comfortable, much less where I would find one. I've read that some brides just place a penny in her shoe. We shall see.

I'm not superstitious at all, but it is a tradition I want to have as a part of my wedding. I think it will be fun and everything will have significant meaning to me!

Now, my mother-in-law likes to pick about this tradition. She says that my something new is my dress, my something borrowed is Alex, and my something blue is her, since she will be so sad about her son getting married on our wedding day. I love her :D

Did you use any parts of this tradition for your wedding? Leave a comment and let me know!

Spring is Coming!!!

I decided that the blog needed an update. I was tired of looking at snowflakes, especially after the beautiful week we have been having. It's so nice to hear the birds chirping at a fresh 5:30 am every morning. With Spring, comes time to kick the wedding planning into full gear, which honestly, isn't something I really care to be doing right now. I stay exhausted from the amount of work I have on my plate while I am student teaching. Don't get me wrong, I love every minute of teaching, and it's definitely a profession that is perfect for me, but it is exhausting. By time I come home in the evenings all I want to do is eat and go to bed, that doesn't leave much time for wedding stuff. I'm heading home this weekend to hopefully get some work done on the wedding.

One thing I want to get out of the way this weekend is the rental things. There is a lot of things to rent for the wedding and I want to knock that out. In addition, I may go ahead and try and order the invitations this weekend. I definitely am on a mission to find shoes for me and my bridesmaids so I can go ahead and get my dress altered. That reminds me, I must find someone who can alter my dress. Any takers?

I know this is a short post, but I knew it was time to update. I'm heading to school and then hittin' good 'ole 264 East and heading "home". I don't know what is home right now. There are three homes. I can't wait to have one home. 1171 Brown Street :D

Pictures to come soon!!

1171 Brown Street

1171 Brown Street. This is our new address!!! Alex and I purchased a home last week and we are so excited to begin fixing our place up. We were very fortunate to get a deal on a home in Alex's hometown, Lexington, NC, where we will be living once we are married. I've only seen it twice and I'm super excited to go this weekend to start cleaning the place up a bit! Pictures to come!

Wedding World

This past weekend I had the great privilege of being in my coleader's wedding. Lauren Deans and Zach Williams were married in front of family and friends Saturday, February 20, 2010. It was so amazing to be a part of their special day. I've enjoyed seeing their relationship from the beginning on. I was there when they went to the SAO semi-formal and I was there when they went on their first date. Their relationship has been such an amazing picture of a Godly relationship. I am so excited for their future together.

It was great seeing a wedding from the engagement through the reception. I've been able to hear a lot about planning a wedding and all that goes into it. But I never truly understood everything that goes into planning a wedding till I began planning ours. There are so many decisions to make.


So here's my list from Last week:
1. PICK COLORS!!! DONE
2. Book DJ. Maybe by tonight?
3. Decide on Bridesmaid dresses. DONE
4. PICK COLORS!!! DONE (Blue and Yellow :D)
5. Rent Tent, Tables, Chairs
6. Order Invitations
7. Reserve hotel rooms
8. Register
9. Decide on Groomsmen attire. DONE. Bought them Saturday!
10. Decide on a time for the ceremony. DONE 6 pm
11. Finalize Honeymoon Plans :D Alex is doing this.
12. Decide on flowers I want to use. Meeting with florists on Saturday. Leaning towards Cala Lillies and Hydrangeas
13. Pick out centerpieces.
14. Begin working on Ceremony Program
and the list goes on and on...any advice?


There is still a ton more to do, but plans are coming along smoothly for the most part. We have been very fortunate during the planning process.

Right now my goals are to hopefully book a DJ, finalize bridesmaids dresses, decide on rentals, and begin working on setting dates for showers, parties, etc.

Oh and did I mention I started full time student teaching today. I'm very excited about this opportunity and experience. Both my university supervisor and my cooperating teacher are believers, which just makes everything that more greater. I know the Lord is definitely going to use me during this experience.

Going to the Chapel?

For the story of our engagement, scroll down. I wanted to update everyone on how the wedding plans are going. Most of you know we are getting married July 17, 2010. Exactly five months from today and there is a lot to do. Wedding planning has already been a huge blessing because things tend to be falling into place for us. Here are some of the things I've already accomplished:

1. Set Date: July 17, 2010
2. Set Venue: The house I grew up in, Ayden, NC
3. Booked Photographer: Eric Jones Photography
4. Purchased Bridal Gown: Dawn's Bridal. Lexington, NC
5. Booked florist.

There is still a ton to do, but I am trying to check off a little at a time. Here is my list of to dos. If you have any ideas, let me know.

1. PICK COLORS!!!
2. Book DJ.
3. Decide on Bridesmaid dresses.
4. PICK COLORS!!!
5. Rent Tent, Tables, Chairs
6. Order Invitations
7. Reserve hotel rooms
8. Register
9. Decide on Groomsmen attire.
10. Decide on a time for the ceremony.
11. Finalize Honeymoon Plans :D
12. Decide on flowers I want to use.
13. Pick out centerpieces.
14. Begin working on Ceremony Program
and the list goes on and on...any advice?

I hope you have a fabulous Hump Day!!!

THE Story of the Ring.

I guess I owe it to the blogging world to tell the engagement story. It all started February 4th when Alex and I found out that he was going to have to make up school on Saturday the 6th and I wouldn't see him for yet another weekend, we were on week three of being apart. I entered a semi-depression coma because I was just tired of not being able to see my then boyfriend. I would have gone to his house Friday afternoon, but I had a bridal luncheon for LD Saturday morning. I woke up Saturday and decided I was heading to Lexington to see my boo because I wanted to. I called Alex, and after assuring me there was no way he would come to Raleigh this weekend, I packed my things and headed for the Bridal Luncheon. After the luncheon, I was off to Lexington. I arrived in Lexington around three and Alex wasn't due home until five, so I cleaned his room for him. I mean CLEANED his room. There was literally a pile of clothes that needed to be folded and put away sitting three feet high. I'm not joking. I have on my serious face right now. He got home and we sat around and talked and decided we were going to go see Dear John at 9:50. He showered and got ready and came out looking handsome. He told me we were going to leave early so we could shop around where the theater was for a little bit. So we left at seven for a 9:50 movie. We were only about a mile and a half down the road when Alex said, "Here's the deal, no peeking" and he pulled out his camo handkerchief and blindfolded me. After about five minutes we came to a stop and he came and got me out of the car and told me to take off the blindfold. He was standing in front of the lake holding a huge vinyl sign that said "Georgina, Will you marry me?" I gave him a hug and a kiss and said yes. He then placed the ring on my finger and I ran to the car to see the ring in the light (It was pitch black, I could barely read the sign). After talking and soaking everything in we took some pictures and headed to the movie. Alex drove and I called/texted the entire world.

Now you know the story!!

Quick Facts:
Date: July 17, 2010
Where: Ayden, NC

I said YES!!!!!

Just a quick update to the blogging world and to those of you who actually read this...I'm getting married!!!! Alex took the plunge and asked me to be his wife Saturday, February 6, 2010. We are so excited for the plans the Lord has for us. Check back soon for an update on the details and pics!!!

SNOW.....and ice...

We had our first snow of 2010 this past weekend in Raleigh. It started snowing Friday night around seven and continued into Saturday morning. I love snow and typically get very excited about the white fluff that falls from the sky, but this snow was different. It wasn't so much snow as it was ice and I mean LOTS of ice and the ice didn't do much for my weekend. You see, my birthday was Sunday and my parents were supposed to come up Saturday to take me to dinner, but that didn't happen. Thank you snow/ice.

Aside from that, it was a pretty good birthday weekend. I did get to see snow on my birthday, which was pretty awesome. Saturday night, Colleen and Tiffany (two of my Bible Study girls) stayed the night, which is always fun to hang out with my girls. Sunday, for lunch my amazing roommate, Emily, fixed cowboy stew for everyone. She also fixed me a pound cake, which was delish! Here are some pics I grabbed of my roommate Avis Sunday afternoon!

I took this in the living room before heading out.
I thought it was pretty. Avis...not so much.

We ventured over to a nearby building that had these awesome doors.
Thought it made an interesting look.

Another at the building.

I was pretty proud of myself with the light in this picture.

Another pic of the lamp post.

And yet another one. Which is your favorite? Feel free to comment!

I hope you enjoyed being snowed in this past weekend! Have a wonderful week!

Why Yes, I am a SENIOR!

Fall Semester came and went and it happened rather quickly and I am already in the midst of Spring Semester, or should I say my last semester of college. I guess you could say, we started the semester off right by having our annual Campout for NCSU/Carolina basketball tickets. It was rather cold and I can check off "sleep in Talley" from my list of to-dos for my college career. Even though it was freezing, it was nice to be able to spend time with some awesome people after a few weeks apart for Christmas. Since classes have started I've been going non-stop. My teacher internship semester has been crazy, and I'm only two weeks in.

This semester I will be Student Teaching at Knightdale High School alongside Mrs. Melinda Mouzzon. My friend, Jodi, is also at Knightdale, so it's great seeing a familiar face when we are there. I will be teaching 2 classes of Algebra I and one AP Stats class! Yikes. I'm super excited though. I already love my cooperating teacher and the other teachers in the Math Department at Knightdale. I don't officially start teaching until February 26th. Until then I am taking my Senior Block Methods Courses. I am learning a lot about teaching and managing a classroom. I am also learning a lot of different math, teacher's math, as we call it. It's been rather interesting. I think some of the stuff we are learning is just to help us realize that our students are not going to always understand our number system and the math we are discussing, so as teachers we must know multiple ways to help our students understand math.

Overall I am really excited what the Lord is going to do this semester during my time as a teacher. I know it's going to be a hard semester but I also know I'm going to learn a lot about teaching, the real world, and myself.

I will try and continue to update my blog a bit more, the goal is once a week, with happenings at Knightdale HS, at NCSU, and some photography I'm doing. Oh yea, did I mention I'll be 22 next week! YIKES! :D