"Psalm 19"

Just a quick post that I hope encourages you today. 

"The law of the Lord is perfect,

reviving the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure, 

enduring forever.

The ordinances of the Lord are sure 

and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward."

                                      Psalm 19: 7-11

- love, briana -

"Briana's Favorite Things Pt. 1"

I am randomly going to start blogging every now and then about my favorite things and giving recommendations on anything I can think of when I sit down to blog. One of my favorite kitchen things (I have a lot) is my Kitchen Aid mixer that we got from Alex's grandmother (also known as Gams). She is just so pretty! (I was referring to the mixer not Gams but come to think of it, she is pretty too!) :)

Growing up my mom had a white one, but I think that the white showed more dust and dirt when not in use. I still have to dust mine (I don't cook that much), but she still stays pretty and shiny. You can buy Kitchen Aid mixers practically anywhere: Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, etc. One will last you a lifetime. Literally!

- love, briana -

"True Comfort"

When Alex and I were dating we would visit his parents every few months and every time I would take a shower and use their towels I would always tell myself that I had to register for them when we got engaged eventually. When we went to register there were so many decisions to make -- twenty china patterns: choose one, fifty flatware sets: choose one, thirty bedspreads: choose one. The whole process became very exhausting, but I knew exactly what I wanted when it came to towels. The brand of towels and washcloths that we chose was Thomas O'Brien and they can be found at Target. They are literally the most comfortable towels I have ever felt. They are big and fluffy and come in many different colors!

 - love, briana -

"A Recipe"

Here is a meatloaf recipe that I just tried out a few days ago and was it delicious!! I don't have an after picture because it kind of overflowed in our oven... another story in itself but it is definitely something that I will make again! Enjoy! 

Roasted Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

• Cook Time: 1 hr 5 min

• Level: Easy

• Yield: 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min

Inactive Prep: 10 min

Cook: 1 hr 5 min

Total: 1 hr 35 min

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large zucchini, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 yellow pepper, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed to a paste with coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 pound ground veal
• 1 pound ground beef chuck
• 1 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan
• 1 cup ketchup, divided
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Add the zucchini, peppers, garlic paste, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper, to taste, and cook until almost soft, 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. Add the meat, bread crumbs, cheese, 1/2 cup of the ketchup, 2 tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar, and the cooled vegetables and mix until just combined.

Mold the meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk together the remaining ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the entire loaf. Bake the meatloaf for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

- love, briana -

"2010 Recap"

In one post I am going to try to sum up my entire year so I have a feeling that this might be a little lengthy. God has just been doing great things in my life and so many memories have been created! Here we go!!

2010 began in Atlanta, Georgia where I journeyed with friends to the Passion Conference. There I heard such amazing Christian men and women speakers including Beth Moore, Luis Giglio, Francis Chan and John Piper. My relationship with Christ was deepened so much as a result of this conference, and I got to meet many people from all over the United States that were going through the same things in life as I was. My world got a little bigger after learning about slavery still going on in many countries, countries where people did not have clean water to drink or where they could not read the Bible in their own language. I began to realize how much suffering there is in the world and how the heart of Christ breaks for these people who just need somebody to come alongside them and help them. Chris Tomlin led worship for us for three days and God truly Awakened my soul for His Church and  our responsibilities to help the hurting and the broken. Little did I know where He would lead me in just a few short months.

After coming home from Passion, spring classes started at UofL. Alex and I had been engaged for two months and continued the wedding planning process and doing engagement type things such as having our engagement pictures taken, ordering bridesmaids dresses with friends, wedding dress fittings and choosing tuxedos. It was fun while it lasted, but I didn't enjoy the planning as much as I thought I would. To me it was just stressful and although it was for a "good cause" I would rather have had a wedding planner that did all of that for me. Does that make me lazy?? Haha... I just cannot imagine having to plan weddings for a full-time job.

During the spring I continued to lead a small-group on Wednesday nights at Southeast. I adored the girls in my group and they are just beautiful young ladies and I am thankful for the time that I got to spend with them that year.

In December of 2009 I was elected the Membership Chair of Kappa Delta Pi which is the Education Honor Society at UofL. We hosted many fun events including a bake sale, Blessings in a Backpack food drive, as well as a Literacy Alive event. I got to know many great women and am excited to serve as Vice President for this next year!

Alex had a big year that included transitioning from living in Jackson, Tennessee to becoming a Kentucky State resident. It took a couple of months for him to find a job, but he finally started at Commonwealth Mortgage in February as a mortgage broker. He wasn't actually a broker but I am not sure what the exact term was. After a few months of that he got tired of sitting behind a desk and talking on the phone from 8-6 so he got a job at Insight Communications which is a phone, cable, and internet company. That job was such a blessing for us. He made wonderful money and had really good hours so that when we got married later on in the year we were able to spend a lot of time together. After a while though (like any sales job) the demands to perform became outrageous, and Alex knew that he could offer more to another company. He landed a job at a Finish Line in Indiana as a manager, and that is where he is currently working. Starting a retail job right around the holidays probably wasn't the smartest move, but he is enjoying his work and has developed a new love for tennis shoes. I guess it balances out my love for dishes!

In March I found myself in the hospital (somehow) for dehydration. I thought it was something worse, but after pumping a few bags of liquid into my body I was fine but had missed school for couple of days. I was able to catch up and ended the semester with all A's. That semester I also applied and got accepted into the Teacher Education Program at school. The program is 3 semesters plus a semester of student teaching which I will do in the spring of 2012 (before I GRADUATE!!).

In late April, Alex and I went to an information session at The Block (at Southeast) about this church that was starting in Old Louisville called The Avenue. I had gotten a Facebook invitation to go to this event and randomly dragged Alex along with me to see what it was all about. Little did we know that God had been working in both of us, and by the time the pastor, Ben Hardman, had finished his little presentation, Alex and I knew that we had to move to Old Louisville and be a part of this church. We had already filled out an application to live over off of Brownsboro Rd. but we threw those applications away and started looking for apartments in Old Louisville.

Becoming a part of The Avenue Church was one of the best decisions that we made this year. Coming from a church of 20,000+ I didn't really know what to expect, but God has been working in such visible ways and the group of people known as The Avenue Launch Team have become like family to Alex and I and we have made so many new friendships this year. God truly brought us to Old Louisville for a reason and although we may not understand what that reason is just yet, we know that God will continue to work through us to help the people living there. I am so thankful this year for my Avenue family.

On a more serious note, Alli was the Bachelorette on ABC this year. She had many fine men to choose from and Roberto won her love. :) YES I am addicted to the Bachelor/Bachelorette, and that is all I will say about that.

In June I spent a week serving at middle school camp at Country Lake and had THE BEST FAMILY EVER!! We were the white team and nicknamed ourself the Mighty Whitie Tighties. We were a sight!! Middle school students have had such a special place in my heart over the past couple of years, and hanging out with them at camp and seeing their relationship with the Lord and each other grow is something so special.

I got to spend some time with Alex's family in July, and for the weekend of the 4th we flew to Iowa to celebrate at the McCall family reunion. Alex was not able to go because of work, but I got to know his family better and see the farms I've heard so much about!

At the end of July Alex and I moved to the Bellamy, got married and honeymooned in Italy. (Lots in one sentence, huh?) :) Technically we moved our belongings into the Bellamy (apartments for college students) and then moved in after we got back from Europe. Gosh, that is so weird saying that... Europe... I have never been a traveler, but I sure was one in August! I did not find out where we were going on our honeymoon until the night we were married, and I was so surprised! I honestly had no idea where we would be going, and I absolutely had a blast on our trip. It was so fun just exploring the cities with my husband! I recently found a list of things that we learned in Italy... things we wrote while we were on our trip. I will have to find them and post the list sometime!

School started in August, and I got to teach in JCPS (Jefferson County Public Schools) for the first time. I was placed in a 4th grade classroom and just like I fell in love with middle school, I fell in love with 4th grade. I did not expect it at all, but 4th grade just seemed to fit me so well. I loved my class and at the end of the year before I left, they presented me with a book that they all signed. They wished me well, and I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with them!

In the fall I played on a recreational softball league at Southeast. Technically Alex and I are still members there and we go every so often with my family. My softball team was so bad, but it was a lot of fun playing and getting excercise playing the sport I loved so much in high school!

Alex and I celebrated our months of marriage by visitin Gilberto's Gelato in the Norton Commons Square. We love to remember our trip to Italy by visiting there on the 31st (or 30th) each month. I told you it was a fun trip!!

On 10.10.10 our church officially launched. We had our first service, and it was so wonderful to celebrate with the support of family and close friends. Two days later Alex and I celebrated 3 years as a couple. I guess when you are married you are not supposed to celebrate that as your anniversary, but it was a special day for us! I am so lucky to have had him at my side for three whole years!

The rest of the year was a lot of fun for me. I landed a substitute teaching position at the school where I graduated from, Whitefield Academy, and enjoyed subbing for one day this semester. (4th grade!) :) Extreme Makeover Home Edition made its second debut in Louisville, and I spent two nights in a row helping work on that house. My cousin Jared came into town for the second night, and it was a lot of fun taking him and Alex to the house to "look." I celebrated my 21st birthday in November as a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding! I went to Shogun to celebrate with my friends a couple days after, and Alex and I had our own little celebration at the apartment after the wedding. He got me a gorgeous diamond bracelet as my birthday gift, and it was so special coming from him. The boy has just spoiled me with diamonds!! Who can complain? :) We made a decision that each year we were going to visit one state so that after fifty years of marriage we would have visited all states. Wyoming came up first on the list so we are in the middle of planning that trip.

While still working at the hotel (Homewood Suites) and Steak 'n Shake part-time I also started nannying for a little boy (4th grade... it's a sign!!) a couple times per month while his mom is away on business. It is usually for 2 nights although I have stayed with him 3 nights before. It is a really great experience for me because I get to be somebody else's "mom" for a couple of days without having to have children of my own. It's my mommy-fix for the time being. :) It is also a very relaxed environment where I can do my school work and invest in the life of someone else! Clay is a really great kid, and I have fun staying with him each month.

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Tennessee this year. It was such a short trip (sadly), but my mother-in-law AND sister-in-law can cook like none other so I was well taken care of. I've tried cooking every now and then but I don't do it very often... My endeavors usually end up being comical.

Christmas has been so fun this year (even though it is only Christmas Eve morning). Alex and I went out and got a real tree at the end of November. It has beautiful lights and ornaments and makes our little apartment look so "homey!" I love our Christmas decorations, and will probably want to keep them up until mid-January. Alex has also never had a Christmas where his gifts were actually a surprise so this year has been something!! He constantaly begs to open some presents early (for the both of us), but I am staying firm in my position because I want him to have a Christmas morning to remember! Since this is our first married Christmas I am sure traditions will begin and continue to grow over the years. My family has always had a big meal on Christmas Eve and then we buy a birthday cake for Jesus. I wonder if Alex and I will continue these traditions or not... time will only tell.

So this is the life God has blessed me with for the year of 2010. It was full of so much love and peace, and I cannot wait to see what 2011 will bring. Hardships are sure to come, but I rest knowing that my God will take care of all my needs. May 2011 be for His glory alone.

- love, briana -

"A Social Network Christmas"

I thought I would share this video that I saw on a friend's Facebook page. It is so neat! Times really have changed... but I'll save that for another post. :)

"Christmas Reading"

I'm excited that this Christmas break I will have time to read some books that I have been wanting to read for a while. Somehow I have managed to start three books and am hoping to finish all three before school starts back up. When I was younger I loved to read and could read all day and night but lately when I do read I can only focus for a little while until I begin doing something else. The three books that I am reading right now are Decision Points by George W. Bush, The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian and Twilight: New Moon. Twilight has just taken me forever to read because it is not very high on my priority list. The Power of a Praying Wife has changed my life already and I am only on the 2nd chapter. I highly recommend it to any wife out there. Lastly, Decision Points I am reading just for pleasure. It is so interesting and I have learned so much already. I just read about how President Bush met Laura and their whirlwind of a courtship, engagement and wedding. I was so excited to read that they were married on my birthday!! Of course I was not born yet but I just never knew that. As mentioned in a post last month, one of my best friends, Hannah (Wagner) Hastings was married on my birthday as well. November 5th must be a great day after all!

Hope you are able to find some good books to read over this Christmas break!

- love, briana -

"Giving Opportunity"

In this months issue of TIME Magazine, TIME's 2009 Person of the Year, Ben Bernanke, was interviewed and his answer to this question validated the reason that I want to be a teacher. Hope this intrigues you as well!

Q: On 60 Minutes, you acknowledged the growing income inequality in this country. What are ways to close the gap?

A: Income inequality is troubling because, among other things, it means that many people in our society don't have the opportunities to advance themselves. The best solution to income inequality is providing a high-quality education for everybody. In our highly technological, globalized economy, people without education will not be able to improve their economic situation.

While the "idealistic" teacher (to students) is fun and easy, teaching is not an easy job. To me teaching is telling the truth. Example... "This is where your child is at and this is where your child needs to be at." There are standards, and I will not be part of the trend that passes along students for the sake of passing along. In the long run it would be an irreversable sentence. I am not saying that this is the only reason for poverty and economic inequality, but from what I've seen it has a lot to do with it.

In response to the article in September entitled "A Call To Action for Public Schools," one reader wrote this: "We no longer teach students how to think or learn; we teach students to take tests." I agree, and the traditional way of teaching has to stop. We need to help make students critical thinkers and problem-solvers in order for them to succeed. Feel free to leave any thoughts or comments!

- love, briana -

"Comfort"

I saw these on JCrew's online factory website here. How cute and only $7!! Okay, not that I would spend $7.50 on socks but that just shows how great online advertising is that it would make me think saving $1.50 on a pair of socks is a great deal. Anyways... they would make fun socking stuffers... :)

- love, briana -

"Psalms Challenge"

A few months ago Karl Halverson, one of the pastors at our church, The Avenue Christian Church, challenged a group of us (and later on the entire congregation) to pour over the Psalms each day, reading and studying 5 chapters per day. By doing this we would finish the entire book of Psalms in one month. He encouraged us to do this every day because Jesus knew the Psalms and quoted so many of them throughout His ministry on earth. While I stayed faithful for a few days, my laziness kicked in so I am wandering back to the Psalms and wanted to share the first few chapters on the blog. God is so good and all I can hope is to know Him more.

Psalm 1

 ¹ Blessed is the one
   who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
   or sit in the company of mockers,
² but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and who meditates on his law day and night.
³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
   which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
   whatever they do prospers.

 ⁴ Not so the wicked!
   They are like chaff
   that the wind blows away.
⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
   nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
 ⁶ For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
   but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 2

 ¹ Why do the nations conspire
   and the peoples plot in vain?
² The kings of the earth rise up
   and the rulers band together
   against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
³ “Let us break their chains
   and throw off their shackles.”
 ⁴ The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
   the Lord scoffs at them.
⁵ He rebukes them in his anger
   and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
⁶ “I have installed my king
   on Zion, my holy mountain.”
 ⁷ I will proclaim the LORD’s decree:
   He said to me, “You are my son;
   today I have become your father.
⁸ Ask me,
   and I will make the nations your inheritance,
   the ends of the earth your possession.
⁹ You will break them with a rod of iron;
   you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
 ¹⁰ Therefore, you kings, be wise;
   be warned, you rulers of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the LORD with fear
   and celebrate his rule with trembling.
¹² Kiss his son, or he will be angry
   and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
   Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 3

    A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

 ¹ LORD, how many are my foes!
   How many rise up against me!
² Many are saying of me,
   “God will not deliver him.”
 ³ But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
   my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
⁴ I call out to the LORD,
   and he answers me from his holy mountain.
 ⁵ I lie down and sleep;
   I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
⁶ I will not fear though tens of thousands
   assail me on every side.
 ⁷ Arise, LORD!
   Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
   break the teeth of the wicked.
 ⁸ From the LORD comes deliverance.
   May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 4

    For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

 ¹ Answer me when I call to you,
   my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
   have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
 ² How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
   How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
³ Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
   the LORD hears when I call to him.
 ⁴ Tremble and do not sin;
   when you are on your beds,
   search your hearts and be silent.
⁵ Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
   and trust in the LORD.
 ⁶ Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
   Let the light of your face shine on us.
⁷ Fill my heart with joy
   when their grain and new wine abound.
 ⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep,
   for you alone, LORD,
   make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 5

    For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

 ¹ Listen to my words, LORD,
   consider my lament.
² Hear my cry for help,
   my King and my God,
   for to you I pray.
 ³ In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait expectantly.
⁴ For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
   with you, evil people are not welcome.
⁵ The arrogant cannot stand
   in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
 ⁶ you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
   you, LORD, detest.
⁷ But I, by your great love,
   can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
   toward your holy temple.
 ⁸ Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
   because of my enemies—
   make your way straight before me.
⁹ Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
   their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
   with their tongues they tell lies.
¹⁰ Declare them guilty, O God!
   Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
   for they have rebelled against you.
¹¹ But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
 ¹² Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
   you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

- love, briana -

Oprah's Favorite Things

This morning I am at the hotel working (Homewood Suites) and I had some extra time so I randomly decided to go to Oprah's website to check out all of her Favorite Things that I've been hearing about lately. She gave everyone in her audience a new 2012 Volkswagon Beetle! How awesome... I would like to have been in that audience for sure (who wouldn't!) Anyways, because I had nothing  better to do I started scrolling through her Favorite Thing and even though I don't cook very much, this was MY favorite thing!! It is a baking pan so that each piece of lasagna or brownie (or whatever you cook in it) has that nice crisp edge. How cool is that?! I've seen these advertised a lot lately, and I cannot help but want one. I always liked eating the edge brownies. :) Anyways... you can check out Oprah's Favorite Things here. Hope everyone is enjoying their last week before Christmas!



- love, briana -

"Pray"

Please say a quick prayer that I start feeling better soon. I am just feeling really crummy right now... thank you! 

- love, briana -

"One Year Ago"

One year ago, Alex and I were with his family skiing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado! It was a fun trip, and I learned quickly that I was not a very serious skier. I preferred the nature trails and had fun going on those while Alex hit the big slopes. They were just too steep for me!! We had been engaged for 1 month and were enjoying a break from school and work! We didn't plan a trip for this year because I just enjoy staying home with family and not rushing through the Christmas holiday. Colorado was so fun, but sometimes it is nice to just be home with nothing to do but soak in the holidays. Here are a few pictures from our trip! 

- love, briana -

"Christmas Decorations"

In my family we have always spent a winter evening together decorating our Christmas tree and putting up decorations all over the house. This year was my first year that I didn't continue this tradition with my family (I have my own family now!) but I remember every year when we pull this collectible figurine out of the box, my mom always tells us that it is her favorite Christmas decoration. Lately it has become mine as well, and I think it truly represents what Christmas is all about. 

 

 To me Santa represents everything inside of me at Christmas. Santa represents my greed and selfishness, my trivial pursuits, busy schedule and my temporary (artificial) happiness and he takes a moment amongst all of it to worship the one who truly is Christmas and the reason we celebrate. Christmas is a time to worship the maker of everything we have on earth. Christmas is a celebration of Christ Jesus and His willingness to come to us and be with us. He is Immanuel, God with us.

- love, briana -

"The Least of These"

As Christmas soon approaches I cannot help but think back to that very first Christmas. I wonder what it was actually like in comparison to the sweet scenes that we set up all over our houses to represent the first Christmas. I wonder why God chose Bethlehem of all places, but I am so thankful that He did because Bethlehem truly was the least of these. 

In the Old Testament book of Micah, Bethlehem was described. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." 

Bethlehem was not as important as other cities such as Rome or Jerusalem, yet God chose Bethlehem. He chose Bethlehem just like He chose Israel to be His people, like He chose David to replace Saul as King, like He chose Paul to write so much of the New testament. Paul describes himself in 1 Corinthians 15:9.
 

"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

Ephesians 3:8.
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this
grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ; "

I am thankful that God continues to choose "the least of these" and that I have the privilege of knowing Him. If Jesus were here today to celebrate Christmas I think He would spend it serving the least of these. Who are the least of these in your community and in your life? How can you serve them this Christmas season?

- love, briana -

"Alomst Done!"

I can see (barely) the light at the end of the tunnel! This semester has been the best semester ever, and I have learned so much about the world of today's public school teachers!! It has been really great, but I am glad that it is almost over! Had I been more on top of things these past two weeks I would have already turned in a paper that was due Thursday night, but I haven't yet and that will be done today. I either shot myself in the foot big time or it will all turn out fine. I'm hoping that it will turn out fine. We'll see! After I turn that in today I just have a math project to do that will count as our final for the semester. It's a big project, but I have a week so it shouldn't be too bad! After that I am done!!! I am kind of excited about going back to working a lot. I miss it actually! Which job you ask? All of them! I still serve at Steak 'n Shake every now and then as well as work at Homewood Suites at the front desk. And now I nanny a little boy two or three days a week (in a row) and love that. Hopefully I'll be able to work a ton and save up some money for the future! I hope everyone is enjoying the first few days of December! 

- love, briana -