A Must Read Blog

I came across this blog the other day through a friend of mines and I have to share it with you. It is a story of a young families journey through the pregnancy and birth of a trisonomy-18 baby. Their incredible faith in God and the power of prayer is so moving in this story, I promise you will be touched. Please, when you have some time (she is an incredible and long winded writer), take a look at this blog and start from the beginning to the end. I am in Awe!

If you don't look at it then at least pray for this amazing family!

http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/

Corey Smith

What an exciting week with my favorite author coming out with a new book and now one of my favorite singers has released his new CD. I first heard Corey Smith when I would visit Josh in Athens GA in college. He had a big presence there because he is from GA and went to school at UGA. Now he is very popular all across the southeast and selling out shows everywhere he goes. I really like Corey because of his lyrics mainly, every song tells a story and many that you can relate to. He is a great southern guy, with a family just trying to make it in the music industry. I have been to one of his shows and Josh has been to a couple of them. Yesterday I heard that he was going to be in Atlanta to release his new CD. The record store he was going to be at was 2 minutes from my place so we drove over there and got to listen to him sing 4 songs, shake his hand, talk with him, get his autograph and our picture with him. He is such a nice guy and joked around with Josh and was very patient with all his fans. It was a great experience and we had fun doing it! Jason is also a big fan so I got him a CD and had him sign it to Jason! Here are some pics!

Engagement

No, not mine...not yet at least. Our friends Robert and Melissa got engaged this weekend. Robert works at Chick-fil-a with Josh and is from Alabama, Melissa is a 5th grade teacher here in Atlanta. They are a very sweet and fun couple and we are very excited for them!

Relaxing Weekend

This weekend I had nowhere to go and no one coming to visit and I was thrilled! No offense to anyone but we have been so busy lately and I really needed some chill time. My boss gave me a gift certifcate to a spa so I went on Saturday and had a 90 minute heated stone massage, which was wonderful. Of course we watched football on Saturday, Josh was very excited about the Georgia victory. On Sunday I got some much needed organizing and laundry done while Josh went to the Falcons game so I wasn't completely worthless but still had a relaxing weekend at home!! I have to work my long week this week (7:30am-6:00pm) each day but then we are off to North Myrtle Beach with Josh's whole family for one last vacation. I am really looking forward to it, there will be lots of us so it should be fun...Bob, Bev, Me, Josh, Chelsey, Orin, Erin, Daniel, Bella and Josh's Grandmother. I will have pictures to post late next week. Everyone have a great week and weekend!

Oh Happy Day!!!

If you didn't already know Nicholas Sparks is my absolute favorite author. Samantha gave me the Notebook to read in college and I have been an avid fan ever since. I've always read when I have time but for Nicholas Sparks books I make time. Since reading the Notebook I have read all of his others except for Message in a Bottle. I opted not to read that and A Walk to Remember since I had already seen the movies but I am currently reading A Walk to Remember and will read MIAB so I can say I have read ALL of his books. I just finished his memoir and I like him even more now! So the good news is that his new book released today, The Choice. I can't wait to get off work to go buy it. I also found out that one of this other books, Nights in Rodanthe, began production in May. This means another one of his incredible stories will become a movie soon and I am so excited. Diane Lane and Richard Gere are the main characters so it should be a good one. Anyways, I was very excited about this news and thought I would share. Here is his website http://www.nicholassparks.com/

Thanks Granny

Dozer wanted to thank Granny for the great gift she got him. It lasted much longer last night than toys usually do. He had lots of fun just running around banging it up against everything and chewing on it. He also got to eat the rest of his hamburger and french fries last night so he was a happy dog! Thank you Granny!!

Birthday Gift

I wanted to show everyone what Jason and Meredith got me for my birthday. Sorry it took me a couple of days to get these up but I had to unpack everything. They got me the cutest orange and white sear sucker skirt to wear on game days and adorable earrings! I love love love them and can't wait to wear them!! Here is a picture! Thanks guys!

Hamburger and Fries for Dogs!

Dozer also got to celebrate his birthday again, with Granny this time. She got him a great toy and a hamburger and french fries. The hamburger and fries came from the same place I got his cake. Look how real and cute they are. Josh's sister's boyfriend said if he saw that in the fridge he would think it was left overs and eat it.

Last Birthday Gathering

On Sunday everyone got together for lunch at Lakeside Tavern and most importantly I finally got to meet little miss Kiley. She is even more beautiful in person than in pictures. I'm so glad I got to see Lacy and Jeremy and their new addition. It meant a lot to me that we could all get together so thank you for coming! Dad got me this adorable bear that he felt like matched my personality and I think he did a great job picking it out. Here are some pics from our lunch! Thank you to everyone that came! Mom, Dad, Robin, Lacy, Jeremy, Kiley, Jason, Meredith, Chelsey, Orin, Bob and Bev and of course Josh!

Old Friends Again!

Me and Travis (Trav is a long time friend)
Me and Jordan (Jordan is the one that does mom's landscaping and helps her around the house)
Josh, Travis and Eric (Eric was my neighbor growing up)
Max and her husband Cory (we see them a lot more than the others, they just came over)

Also on Saturday after the game we met up with some old friends we don't get to see much. We all went to high school together and saw each other periodically throughout college but it's hard to see them a lot since we live out of town. They were having a cookout after the game so we went by to say hello and see how everyone was doing. Here are some pics.

Gran Gran

Everyone please say a prayer for my Gran Gran (Mom's mom). She has been in the hospital with "c diff", it's an infection in the colon. She is going to be fine but being in a hospital and just laying around can really take a toll on you so I pray for her to get her strength back up and get back to normal very soon. Also please pray for my grandfather who is taking such good care of her and maintaining everything on his own. He is very special and a great husband that is always there for her. I hope you get well soon Gran Gran!

We went to visit her Saturday, she is at St. Mary's. In the lobby there were pictures of all the classes and we found her picture in Class of 1950. He is a picture of her then (Ann Grubb) and flowers her friends sent her.

Tennessee vs. Florida Party

This weekend was another celebration for my birthday but this time with my family. On Saturday my mom and I went to the Brimer's to watch the UT/FL game (which wasn't very much fun to watch) and celebrate my birthday. Of course we had great football game food, and got to see Bella. I got to open gifts there and got some candles from Erin, plants for my patio from Bev, a picture of Bella from Bella, and a new Coach purse from Mom, Bob and Bev. I was so excited!!! It was a great day and thank you Erin for letting us come over to hang out.

Josh Skiing

I wanted to post this picture because I think it's cool. This is of Josh skiing right before he busted his chin open on the jet ski. Sorry Josh, I had to throw that in there! Anyways, he hadn't skied in years so he was pretty happy that he did so well. Ok, that's all! Have a great weekend!

25th Birthday Weekend!

My favorite girls!

My delicious ice cream cake!

Me and Smax helping Josh grill burgers on Hayley's rooftop terrace

Me and Erin

Me and Josh at dinner in Atlanta

Daniel and Morgan at dinner

Hayley apartment door with everyone that was going to be there

Me, Erin and Hayley

As most of you know my 25th birthday was Sunday. I don't know why but I was really struggling with this one and realizing how quickly I am growing up into a full blown adult!!! Anyways, I wanted to make it a special one and thanks to my wonderful friends and family it was...the best part is that it's not even over yet!!! Anyways, our friends Daniel and Morgan came in Friday and we went to dinner in Midtown. Then Saturday we left for Nashville to stay with Hayley. When I got there Hayley had decorated her place and cooked for 15 people. My friends Erin, Max, and Casey came into town and Jeff, Kendrik, Jen and Lucas all came over to watch the game. Afterwards I met up with Samantha of course and just had a wonderful time with my best girlfriends. Thank you to everyone for making it such a special birthday and I can't wait to celebrate with my family this weekend. Dad however made a good point the other day about a baby being at my birthday and how I won't be the center of attention! Well after much thought I guess I am ready to deal with that and pass the duties onto little miss Kiley! I can't wait to see you this weekend Kiley...even if you are stealing my thunder! HA HA!!!

Happy Birthday Dozer

Dozer's birthday was Sunday also so we celebrated it with a cake from Kool Dog Cafe and new toys, he turned 4. He ate his cake it 3 bites and kept going back to his cage and licking the plate. I wish it was his birthday everyday! We got him a new toy that is supposed to be virtually indestructible so he won't have anymore terrible belly aches. I will keep you posted on how well that goes. Anyways, Happy Birthday buddy! We love you so very much and couldn't imagine not having you as a part of our lives!

Girls Night Out

Last night some of us from work got together for a girls night. Melissa hosted it and made wonderful fajitas. We had a great time just hanging out away from work and taking a night off from our men. Melissa is the one in the dress, she is from Atlanta, went to Vanderbilt and the one that just got married in June. Kelli is the one next to me, she is also from Atlanta, was the captain of the UGA's cheerleading squad and has the most endearing personality. Tisha is the quieter one but such a sweetheart. She just got engaged and is from Ohio. We all get along really well and I'm thankful to have them as friends and not just co-workers. Ok, I'm bored at work so I thought I would give you a mini bio in case your were bored too. Have a great weekend!

Spoiled!

I wanted to take a minute and brag on Josh! He is always helping me and making my life easier. He is thoughtful and kind and I thank God everyday for having him in my life. Yesterday I had to work from 7:30-6:00, go workout, water my boss's flowers then come home and do laundry and cleaning for guests on Friday. Of course I was tired and on the verge of being stressed but I came home to find flowers, dinner on the table, laundry started and stuff picked up. It made my night so much easier after my long day and he was so sweet to be that considerate. Thank you Josh, you are a wonderful man and I love you!

Labor Day

Well we followed the rules and didn't do much of anything for labor day. We had a big meal Sunday night after a day at the pool and several naps yesterday. That is my kind of Holiday! I included a picture of our labor day feast, what was left at least. Thank you Robin for a great recipe (Foil Chicken), it is truly one of Josh's favorites that I make. The only thing about it is it makes so much food and I always feel so bad with how much food we throw away. Oh well, it's YUMMY! Hope everyone had a great Labor Day Weekend!

Foil Chicken

by Robin Crabtree

Preheat oven to 350

Cook rice (Uncle Ben's Boil in bag-1 bag per serving)

Place cooked rice on foil

Potato cut into 4th around the rice

Chicken breast on the rice

Onion slice on the chicken

Tomato slice on the onion

Veggies stuffed in around the sides of chicken (I use brocolli and carrots)

Half a stick of butter on top of tomato

Lots of Garlic Salt

Wrap up and place on pan in oven

Cook for at least 1 and 1/2 hours (When I do more than two it usually takes longer)

ENJOY!

UT Game and Surprise Visit

Me and Mikey

Jason and Meredith

Me and Allyson

The odd couple

Picking on Josh since his team won!

Saturday of course was the first UT and UGA game of the season and we were so excited. Our best friend from high school, Mikey came to visit for the weekend and we just couldn't wait to see how UT and UGA were going to look this year. Well there is no need to go into detail as I'm sure most of you watched the UT game, UGA did however look good so good for them. Regardless we had fun together and hung out with friends. The most exciting part was that Jason and Meredith flew back into Atlanta that night and instead of driving home they came to hang out and stay with me. Thanks for staying around guys, we had a great time! Here are some pics from the night!