The Ware House

We Are the Champions!

2011-01-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

WAR EAGLE! It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!!

Thanks to the horrible winter weather Austin and I had a few days off for the National Championship Game.

Ice hanging from Anthony's car

I ain't scared of no ducks!

We woke up early to get ready for Game Day! I was nervous all day long. I love the Auburn Tigers and really, really wanted them to win! As you can see, Austin was never worried. He even wore his #2 jersey that Santa brought him.

He even stayed up EXTRA late to watch the game....partially because he has another cold and wasn't feeling well =). I believe Austin brought the Tigers good luck because....WE WON!!! It was too cold for us to get out and roll Toomer's, but it is still rolled so we get to see it everyday!

Toomer's corner....several days later!

December 2010

2011-01-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

December was a blast! I was able to spend a lot of time with Austin during the Christmas break. He is so active now. He has started to really play with toys and he has learned to laugh. Austin's laugh is the sweetest sound. He got his first cold in December. It was so sad to see him sick, but he was still the same happy baby!

3 months old!

14 lbs. (48th percentile)

23.5 inches (26th percentile)

So much for tummy time

Austin still hasn't learned to roll over. We try tummy time, but he hates it! He usually gets really fussy or just falls asleep. He has reached all of the other milestones, but he has not interest in rolling over.

My sister, Gelisicia, graduated from Troy Univesity this month. She now has her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She already has a job at a local hospital in Dothan! Gege worked so hard in school and we are so proud of her. Austin was great at graduation....he didn't cry once. He did however decide to that he needed to have a major blow out during the graduation. Oh well, you can't win them all.

Christmas is my favorite holiday and we were so excited about Austin's first Christmas. I took Austin to meet Santa on campus (in front of Samford Hall). He didn't seem to mind Santa holding him at all. We'll see how he feels about Santa next year.

We traveled back to Dothan for Christmas. Austin was indifferent about the whole thing and really only seemed interested in eating the wrapping paper. I did however get some really cute pictures of him!

Mommy and Daddy's favorite present!

Santa was really good to Austin this year. He even brought him a #2 Cam Newton jersey! I guess Santa really is an Auburn fan!

Ware Family- Christmas 2010

November 2010

2011-01-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

November brought a lot of changes in our household. The biggest change is that I went back to work. I really had a hard time leaving my sweet baby, but I had to go back to work. I only worked half days the first week...those were the longest 4 hours each day! Austin has adjusted really well to daycare. He never cried once when we dropped him off. I cried like a baby on his first day of daycare.

2 months old!

12 lbs. (37th percentile)

22 inches (10th percentile)

Austin is growing like a weed! He continues to learn new things and is getting cuter by the day! He is getting better at sitting in the Bumbo and he has started tummy time. I'll admit that he isn't crazy about tummy time and doesn't stay on his stomach for a long time.

November brought Austin's first Thanksgiving. We went to Dothan to spend Thanksgiving with our families. Austin looked really cute in his first thanksgiving shirt....that I got on sale for less than $5.00.

During Thanksgiving we visited Grandma Helen (my Grandmother). She had all five of her kids, several of her grandkids, and all four of her great grandkids there. It's so amazing that even though Grandma Helen has alzheimers she is still very aware of babies. She is so gentle with Austin.

We really enjoyed spending Thanksgiving as a family. Anthony had to head back to Auburn Thanksgiving night....he had to work the next day. I on the other hand headed out to Wal-Mart to shop during Black Friday! My mom braved the craziness with me and we got some great deals!

October 2010

2011-01-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Austin's first month was wonderful! I had no idea what parents meant when they would say "babies grow up so fast." It's true! I feel like my little baby is becoming a big boy so soon!

Below are some pictures from our wonderful October. Most of it is a blur...we were still adjusting to life as a family of 3! I've included several pictures below; however, they are in reverse order.

Ready for church

We traveled to Dothan to visit family a couple of times in October. While in Dothan we went to church for the first time as a family of three and celebrated Halloween.

Austin's first halloween.

Austin was a skeleton for halloween and he looked so cute! I got really sick on our second trip to Dothan. I went to the doctor and found out that I had gallstones. The doctor told me that I would need to have my gallbladder removed. I decided to have it done in Dothan...since I would have a lot of extra help with Austin. My mother was so glad to have us home for a couple of weeks!

Smiling....how cute!

Austin also learned how to smile this month. He is so cute and I am glad that we were able to get a picture of him smiling. He is a sweet baby. After my gallbladder surgery we completely switched Austin to formula. I was nursing before then and supplementing with formula. As you can tell from the picture above, he is happy with Similac!

Austin started sleeping in his own room this month. I just couldn't rest with him in our room. I moved him to his own room and he started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks old!

We also had several visitors during October. Austin met his best friend Katelyn. Katelyn and Austin are only 5 days apart!

Sitting in the Bumbo

Aunt Rene also came to visit. She is my Grandfather's sister and I LOVE her! Aunt Rene is very special to me and I loved seeing her excitement when she met Austin.

8 lbs. 10 oz. (5th percentile)

20.5 inches (4th percentile)

Sleeping in the Boppy

Taking a bath!

Sorry the pictures are in reverse order =(

First Week Home

2010-12-08T10:13:00.001-08:00

My wonderful mother came to stay with us for a week when Austin was born. I don't know what I would have done without her. Anthony was wonderful, but he had to go back to work. I knew having a baby would be a lot of work, but I had NO clue how much work. Of course, Austin woke up every 2.5 hours of so. After his second feeding of the night, I would take him to my mom for remainder of the night. She would also take care of him during the day between feedings.

Anthony's dad, brother, nephew, aunt, and cousins came to visit the first week we were home. My dad, brother, and sister visted as well. The first week is a blur. Mainly what I remember is how emotional I was. Nobody warned me about the horrible effect that childbirth would have on my hormones. My emotions were all over the place and I cried frequently. When my mother left I cried for hours. Anthony was patient with me as I spent most of my time crying and googling "postpartum depression." After two weeks or so I was feeling much better!

Austin lost a little weight in the hospital, but he was back up to his birth weight in about a week. He is certainly a growing boy now.

Below are pictures from his first week home.

Austin's Arrival

2010-12-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Anthony and I were told to come to labor and delivery on Tuesday, September 7th to see if I had progressed. My blood pressure started to go up the last few weeks of my pregnancy and would not go back down. I had been on modified bedrest and I was READY to have this baby. When we arrived on Tuesday, I was still 70% effaced and only 1 cm dilated. I was having contractions,but I wasn't making any progress. Dr. Golden told me that Austin still hadn't dropped and I would need to have a c-section. He gave me the option of doing it that day, Thursday, or waiting until Wednesday or Thursday of the next week. I immediately said TODAY!

After I made that decision, I immmediately started second guessing myself. I wondered if it was too early and if Austin's lungs would be fully developed. I was 38 weeks and 5 days, but I still worried that maybe the baby wasn't "ready." I was scheduled to have the c-section at 1 p.m. I was terrified. I called my parents and told them it was time to head to Auburn.

Around 11 a.m. they started prepping me for surgery. I was given an IV and epidural (the doctor on staff didn't do spinals). Before I knew it...it was time! I was rolled into the operating room around 1:20 or 1:30 p.m. They brought Anthony in a few minutes later and Austin was born at 1:42 p.m. His first cry was the sweetest sound I've ever heard! I immediately started crying when I heard him. They brought him over to let me see him and he was beautiful! He weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 19.5 inches.

I will save all of the details of how horrible my recovery room experience was...no need to relive that! My parents and Anthony were waiting in my room when I arrived from recovery. The first thing my Mom said to me when I saw her was "Amy, he's beautiful." Anthony and my Dad were both grinning from ear to ear. It was truly the most terrifying, emotional, amazing experience of my life.

I've included some of Austin's pictures from his "Birth Day."

On the way to the hospital

He's Here!

6 lbs. 12.5 oz.

Mommy and Austin

Daddy and Austin

Family of three!

Precious baby boy!

Rewind and Fast Forward

2010-12-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

I have seriously considered deleting my blog. It is so far behind and I have missed blogging about so many important things. I decided that I would spend the next couple of weeks rewinding and catching up on all of the important things I missed. The first thing that I need to cover is Austin's arrival! I'll blog about that first thing tomorrow!

An Eventful Month!

2010-08-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

Things have been very eventful around our house this month. We have had three baby showers (2 in Auburn and 1 in Dothan), two trips to Labor and Delivery, and twice a week visits to the doctor. I guess I'll start with the trips to Labor and Delivery.

At 32 weeks I started having pain in my lower abdomen and lower back. I wasn't sure if they were contractions, but after almost two days of terrible pain I went to the hospital. When I got there we found out that I was having contractions about every 5 minutes. They weren't lasting long enough to cause labor, but they sure were painful. I was given a shot to stop them and they stopped after a few hours. Our second trip to labor and delivery was because of my increasing blood pressure. I have always had very good bp, but it has started to run a little higher in the last few weeks. Last week it was 145/94 and I was sent to hospital for more tests. They performed a non-stress test and everything looks great. My blood pressure was 109/74 at the hospital....so I was put on modified bed rest. I've been going to the doctor twice a week and today I only dialated 1 cm and I am 70% effaced. The doctor told me that I will probably not make it to 40 weeks...that is fine with me as long as Austin is healthy. (I'm 37 weeks now). We will return to labor and delivery on Monday morning for more tests and hopefully a decision on when (or if) they will induce me.

On to better news....we have great family, friends, and co-workers who have been so generous to us. Austin has had 3 showers and has really gotten so great stuff! We are so excited about diapers, wipes, bottles...all things that would not have excited us a year ago. I have included a couple of pictures below.

Maybe my next post will be about Austin's healthy delivery!

Austin's Nursery

2010-07-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

We are almost done with Austin's nursery. I think it turned out super cute! Anthony worked pretty hard putting everything together. Enjoy the pictures below.

The inside of the bedding.

Every child is a story yet to be told.

The little rocking chair was mine when I was growing up

and the big one was my grandparents rocking chair.

His "going home" outfit!

Maternity Pictures

2010-07-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

I was a little bit of a "Debbie Downer" during my last post, but I'm better now. You can see a preview of our maternity pictures by clicking the link below....I think she did an amazing job.

http://mariwilkes.blogspot.com/

7 months....3rd Trimester!!!!

2010-06-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

All smiles....

but this is how I really feel about my increasing body and swollen face!

How far along are you? Almost 29 weeks

Total weight gain? 16 lbs. (Don't judge me!)

Maternity Clothes? Are getting to be uncomfortable now....I never thought I would feel that way, but I am getting so big that everything feels uncomfortable.

Sleep? Is great between the million trips to the bathroom and battles with heartburn and/or acid reflux

Best Moment of the Month? Taking our maternity pictures. It was really fun and it made it all feel so real.

Food Cravings? Fruit right now, but earlier this month it was sweets (I ate rice crispies, cupcakes, cake....EVERYTHING...which probably helps explain the 6 lb. weight gain!!)

Gender? BOY!!!

Labor Signs? Braxton Hicks. If that is just practice...I'll pass on the real thing.

Belly Button? Not an outie, but barely!

Stretch Marks? Two =(

What I miss the most? Cute shoes, cute clothes, seeing my feet, not being hot, walking like an human and not a duck...etc., etc., etc.

What I'm looking forward to the most? September and getting to meet my sweet baby!

Playing Catch-Up

2010-06-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot going on in the Ware house. My brother Tyler graduated from high school last month and we are very excited for him. He is the youngest of the children and of course I cried at his graduation. My cousin, Brittany, graduated as well. We were able to have tons of family there for their graduation. It was miserably hot and I was burning up...hence the red face!

Tyler and the family

Tyler and Brittany with the Aunts (my mom's sisters)

I also traveled to Lexington, Kentucky this month for a conference. I wasn't too excited about flying to Lexington six months pregnant, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined. My hands and feet did swell, but not too much. I also was able to see a friend from high school and my cousins while I was there. It is always good to see people you haven't seen in a while. It was great to catch up with them.

The view from my hotel

The Woodford Reserve

Since my last post I have had another appointment with my OB, but I will save all of those details for my 7 month post. Anthony and I are almost done with the nursery. I'll post pictures of the nursery soon.

6 months

2010-06-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

How far along are you? 25 weeks

Total weight gain? 10 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Are a must...I'm not sure I'll ever go back to wearing pants that button.

Sleep? I bought the boppy sleep pillow...that is really helping with my sleep.

Best Moment of the Month? Getting all of his furniture in. I can't wait to see the nursery all finished. Anthony has also been able to feel him move...it's neat that we both can feel the little guy now.

Food Cravings? Today it's Reese's Cups

Gender? BOY!!!

Labor Signs? None really. I have had one braxton hicks.

Belly Button? Not an outie, but definitely an evie (even with the rest of my stomach)

Stretch Marks? Still just one.

What I miss the most? Cute shoes... my feet are too swollen to wear most of my shoes.

What I'm looking forward to the most? Getting his nursery ready.

5 months...a couple of weeks late.

2010-05-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

How far along are you? 22 weeks

Total weight gain? 6 lbs. (At my last appointment I had lost 2 lbs., but I go back next week and I am sure I have gained that back plus some.)

Maternity Clothes? All the time!

Sleep? I've been sleeping okay, but I can't sleep on my stomach and I am really thinking about buying a special pillow.

Best Moment of the Month? Finding out that we are having healthy baby boy and I LOVE feeling him move around.

Food Cravings? Nothing really, but I am eating a lot more now.

Gender? BOY!!!

Labor Signs? None…way too early.

Belly Button? It's getting shallow.

Stretch Marks? One...I've been using cream to try to keep it at just one.

What I miss the most? Nothing really, but I can't wait to sleep on my stomach again.

What I'm looking forward to the most? Getting his nursery ready.

I knew it!!!

2010-04-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

From the moment Anthony and I found out we were having a baby, I have thought it was a boy. I don't know why it was just a feeling that I had. We went for our ultrasound yesterday and they confirmed that we are having a BOY!!!

We are so excited. I even made a photo album of the ultrasound pictures and Anthony took it to work "to show off his boy." My due date was moved up to September 16th! I cannot wait to finally be able to really look at clothes and nursery bedding (I'm not the kind of girl who likes neutral stuff).

I must admit that I am pretty proud of my mother's intuition!

Love at first sight!

It's a boy...I'm sure he would not appreciate me showing his "business" to everyone!

4 months!

2010-04-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am already 4 months pregnant. We find out the gender of the baby in 2 weeks!!! I am so excited and cannot wait to start shopping.

I went home to Dothan for Easter to spend time with my sweet family. It was tons of fun, but I spent way too much time outside on Saturday. I am sure paying for it now. The pollen is so heavy and my allergies are killing me.

I've posted a picture below. I know that I look really big, but I swear I'm only 4 months. My mother keeps joking about me being pregnant with twins....NOT FUNNY!

Weekly Update

2010-03-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've seen this questionnaire on a lot of blogs and I have decided to include it on mine.

How far along are you? 15 weeks

Total weight gain? 8 lbs. (I’m not sure how the heck that happened so fast!)

Maternity Clothes? Most of my clothes don’t fit anymore. I do still wear my dresses, but pants are completely out of the question.

Sleep? I really sleep pretty good, but I do have to go to the bathroom several times a night.

Best Moment of the Week? Hearing the baby’s heartbeat at my appointment this week.

Food Cravings? Nothing really, but I do love grape soda now (it’s caffeine free too!)

Gender? We find out on April 21st, but I think we are having a boy.

Labor Signs? None…way too early.

Belly Button? It’s deep in the morning, but it gets shallow by the end of the day.

Stretch Marks? None that I didn’t have before getting pregnant =)

What I miss the most? Honestly…..margaritas. I didn’t even drink them often, but it’s just that I CAN’T have one that makes me miss them. I’m not a lush or anything I promise.

What I'm looking forward to the most? Finding out the gender of the baby next month!

We're Expanding!

2010-03-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a LONG time since I've blogged. I haven't been blogging for couple of reasons, but the main reason is that I couldn't talk about what I really wanted to. WE ARE HAVING A BABY!

Anthony and I are so excited, but we decided to wait a while before telling anybody. I am 14 weeks and my due date September 18th (one week before my 31st birthday). We started "trying" to have a baby in October and got pregnant in December. I was so shocked when the pregnancy test was positive. On a whim, I decided to take a pregnancy test...I had no real reason to test...I wasn't even late. I took the digital test and it was POSITIVE. Well I didn't trust it so I drove to the drug store and bought two more tests. Both tests had two lines. Anthony was at work so as soon as he walked in the door, I called him in the bathroom and asked him how many lines he saw. I just wanted someone else to confirm that I wasn't losing my mind.

My mother was the only person I told for several weeks. We finally went public last week. Yesterday we had an appointment and we were able to hear the heartbeat for the second time. It was just the sweetest sound. We find out the gender at our next appointment! I can't wait. Neither of us really cares if it's a boy or girl, but I think we are having a boy.

I think I will be a lot better at blogging...now that I have something to blog about.

With my siblings after they found out!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year....a little late!

2010-01-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We had a great time and can't wait to see what the new year has in store for us. I was off of work for two weeks...woo hoo! I have had a two week Christmas break for the past 7 years and I couldn't imagine not having it...maybe that's why I continue to work in education.

I spent a lot of the two weeks in Dothan visiting family. I'm not a good wife, because I left my sweet husband in Auburn all alone to fend for himself. Anthony works incredibly long hours during this time of year and I WAS NOT going to spend my vacation alone. I spent the first week at my parent's house. It is always good to visit family, but I must admit I like being a my own house too. My mother is definitely the queen of her castle and I was anxious to get back the house where I reign.

On Christmas day we went to four houses. Christmas morning was spent with the Wares, lunch with the Yelvertons, dinner with the McElroys, and dessert with the Thomas family....I was exhausted, but glad to see everyone. Christmas this year was a little different not having some cherised loved ones there, but we made it through and managed to have a little fun in the process. On the day after Christmas, we went to visit Anthony's grandmother in Birmingham.

New Year's was low key. We went out to a nice dinner and to a movie. We went to see It's Complicated....Anthony choice, but I'm sure he did it for me. It was a very cute movie and I laughed almost the entire time.

2009 was certainly a year of change for us. We got married, I changed jobs, we moved, my grandmother and Anthony's mother passed...HOWEVER, we made it through all of that and are stronger because of it. I am looking forward to a wonderful 2010 and all of the blessings that the Lord has in store for us!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Our First Christmas!

The family!

My mom, sister, and brother all got new ipods for Christmas...I didn't...I was a good girl this year I promise!

No more sad stuff!

2009-12-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

We have had enough of sad times this past few months. I am praying that there will not be any more sad stuff to blog about for a VERY long time!

Anthony and I had a great Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving this year was at our house. So his Dad, brother, sister, niece and nephew came to Auburn to celebrate with us. Anyone who knows me realizes that I am not a domestic goddess. So I drove all the way to Dothan the day before Thanksgiving to pick up our Thanksgiving dinner that my mom prepared for us. Thanks Mom...you are a lifesaver!

Eventhough all I had to do was put the dressing in the stove to cook and warm up the collard greens...I still had a little trouble. Apparently, I put too much dressing in the pan and it FOREVER to cook it. I called my mom (several times) to ask her what I should do...she finally called my sister-in-law and told her to help me...LOL!

Thankfully we will be in Dothan for Christmas so no more kitchen mishaps for me on the next holiday.

I was crazy enough to go to Wal-Mart on black Friday at 3 a.m. with my brother-in-law and niece and nephew. It was crazy, but successful. I didn't even buy anything, but he did!

After a nap, I watched the Iron Bowl. Although Auburn didn't win, I must admit I was still pretty proud! WAR EAGLE!!!! Anthony and I got a real Christmas tree (after much compromise....I wanted a real and he wanted a fake one). You should have seen us with a 7-8 ft. Christmas tree on top of the Durango driving around Auburn. Of course we didn't just go straight home after buying the tree...we drove around town looking like the Griswold's from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

I am excited about Christmas and looking forward to the new year!

She will be missed!

2009-11-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

My mother-in-law passed away on Friday, November 6th. She was only 51 years old and was a wonderful person. The family is missing her dearly. Mrs. Ware was one of those people who always made you feel comfortable and like family in her home. She loved to cook (and was really good at it). I have always been so impressed by her love for her family. She was the best mother Anthony, Dana, and William could have asked for. Mrs. Ware was always involved at their schools and NEVER missed an activity they were in. She was also a loving grandmother. It was always so nice to see the bond between her and her grandkids. One of the things I am most inspired by is the relationship that my mother-in-law and father-in-law had. I admire their devotion and love for one another and I can only pray that Anthony and I will have as strong a marriage (and as long) as they did.

I feel so blessed to have had her as my "second mom" for so long. I first met her when Anthony and I were in the 5th grade. I spent almost every weekend hanging out at their house during high school and college. One of the things that made me fall even more in love with Anthony was his family. There are not many families that stick together like theirs. Mrs. Ware has the nicest and most welcoming Mother and Siblings....I have truly been blessed to be able to be a part of such a wonderful family.

While I am sad that we will not have her here with us. I am happy that she is with our heavenly father and that we will get to see her again one day.

Mrs. Ware at my bridal shower

The Ware Family

Things that make you go hmmm?!

2009-10-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Not much is going on in our world. We are just working (way too many hours a week), but we are so blessed to have jobs in this tough economy. Thank you Lord!

I will admit that I watch too much television...trash tv to be exact. So I often find myself thinking about things that are not necessarily important and certainly don't have an effect on my daily life. However, I also think a lot about things that do have a direct effect on me. Here are few things that have been occupying my mind lately:

1. Jon & Kate Gosselin- I HATE Jon Gosselin. Maybe hate is a little too strong (considering I have never even met him), but I really dislike him. It drives me crazy when people let fame rule their lives. He is such a whiner. I'm am so sick of hearing how mean and nasty Kate is. I am really mean and nasty sometimes too....and I don't have EIGHT kids. So what if she isn't the most pleasant person...suck it up Jon! I stopped watching the show when they announced they were separating. It just changed the whole show for me and I couldn't watch this family be torn apart.

2. Bridezilla! Why is someone actually marrying these women? Don't they know it is hard enough to make a marriage work when both people are sane (at least somewhat sane). I love this show and can't help,but to watch this train wreck.

3. How long is too long? I ask this question only because I am still REALLY grieving over the lose of my Grandma Clara. There isn't a day (an hour really) that goes by that I don't think about her. At least once a week, I find myself in tears over not having her here with us. I know that is so selfish, but I really miss her. My mom says to just "give it time", but I still wonder how long is too long to feel this way?

4. Auburn Football- Now I LOVE my Auburn Tigers, but come on...losing three games in a row is still a little much (even for us avid supporters). Don't get me wrong...I still believe we can salvage this season. All it would take for me is a win on November 27th!!! Although, I would prefer to win a few more between now and then. WDE!!!

5. Tyler. My little brother to be exact. He is just a great kid. He is the best 17-year-old kid I know. I love Tyler so much and I am so proud of him. By the way, he was the leading player in yardage at this week's rivalry high school football game. Tyler plays for my high school's rival (Dothan High School...I went to Northview), but I can't help but to cheer him on! Although I am proud of him athletically, I am most proud of his character. My parents have raised an amazing young man and I feel like he doesn't know just how proud we all are of him. I think being a teenage boy is so much harder than it was for me to be a teenage girl...he has handled it beautifully!

6. Money. Can you ever really have enough? That's all I have to say about that!

Warning: If you are getting married, DON'T register for gifts!

2009-10-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know this is going to make me sound ungrateful and I promise that I am not, BUT I feel that it is my duty to warn all of the poor, naive, future brides...DON'T register. Sure registering for gifts is tons of fun when you are doing it. I mean who doesn't love going to a store and making a wish list of things for other people to buy for you. I will admit that you will also feel like a kid at Christmas when gifts start to arrive. It's really great coming home everyday and finding a new gift on your doorstep. That is where the fun ends.

First of all, AFTER writing (by yourself) ten thousand "thank you" notes...you will realize that you have no room to store all of these gifts. You will be newlyweds which means you are POOR. Your house will be way too small for all of these gifts. Now you won't figure this out until your Mom calls you six months after your wedding to let you know that your gifts HAVE to be moved out of her house.

Second, when you finally get around to getting the gifts from your parents house and putting them away....Suddenly you will realize that you have 3 blenders (eventhough you returned tons of stuff)! As a side note: your husband won't be any help in this situation....he will simply say "keep them all" and your reply will be "WHERE?....do you want to store them in the bathtub?"

Third, when you FINALLY find somewhere to store the gifts (in every corner, closet, and under every bed in your house...you will wonder why you even asked for most of these things. I'm sure when you are registering you have some fantasy of being the next Julia Childs or Martha Stewart. After six months, that dream will be gone. You will realize that being a "good" wife has nothing to do with cooking. Let's be realistic, my husband and I both work over 40 hours a week...I am not coming home to make homemade pizza....we will be calling Papa Johns, Dominoes and if he is really lucky (i.e. it is after payday) we will order Pizza Hut.

I know your Moms and Grandmoms have all of these wonderful things that you feel like you MUST have too, but remember they have collected these things over MANY years. Luckily, my Mom doesn't read my blog so she won't be telling me how unappreciative I am. By the way, I truly appreciate all of the gifts we were given...you ALL even got thank-you notes within six weeks after the wedding!

I am reading the book "The Undomestic Goddess"....how appropriate!

P.S. If you want to keep peace in your marriage don't go to Home Depot or Lowe's with your husband. It will just leave you wondering WHY we are passing by 10+ employees and won't ask them where the dryer cords are....you will break down and finally ask yourself...only to hear him say "I knew where they were."

By the way...I really do love my husband, but Men really are from Mars!

Where do I begin?

2009-10-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in my life since my last post on August 1st. I'm not quite sure where to begin with this post. Let's start with the bad news.

On September 1st my grandmother passed away. It all happened very quickly. She was taken to the hospital on August 31st around 11 p.m. and died at 3 p.m. on the 1st. My grandmother was a wonderful lady (I still find it very hard to refer to her in the past tense). She was smart, pretty, loving, strong and determined. It has been really hard losing her. We were very close and I miss her dearly. It's hard to believe that I can't just drop by to see her or call her just to say "hello." The small things have been the hardest. We both were fans of Dancing With the Stars. When it premiered this season I just couldn't stand to watch. Usually, one of us would call after every show just to talk about the dances...who we liked, who we didn't like and usually my grandmother would talk about how "inappropriate" the outfits or dances were. My grandmother was ALWAYS a lady! The only peace I can find in this situation is that she lived a wonderful life. She lived long enough to see her chidren and some grandchildren grow up! She had a fabulous career and traveled after retirement. She was able to dedicate time to the causes that she believed in. She LIVED life! I am especially (selfishly) thankful that my grandmother was at my wedding. I was able to share the planning (frustration) with her and the tremendous joy with her! I will ALWAYS miss her, but I cannot even begin to explain how thankful I am to have been able to spend so many years with her.

Grandma and me on my wedding day- April 18th.

Okay, on to some happier news. I got a new job! I am working at Auburn University and I love it. Auburn has always been so special to me and now I get paid to go there every day. I must admit that I am just a little bit tickled that my Alabama Alum husband now resides in Auburn too!

I had been on the hunt for a job for a LONG time. The day my grandmother passed away, I got a call from Auburn with an offer. Some may say that this was a coincidence, but I don't buy it. This was God. I kept wondering why it was taking me so long to find something in the Montgomery/Auburn area. As it turns out God had other plans. He wanted to me to be in Dothan with my grandmother (for both of our sake) until he was ready to separate us. Thank you Lord!

God Bless and War Eagle!!!

Finally a honeymoon post...three months later!

2009-08-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I have really enjoyed married life...I wonder what took us so long to do it! I promised (three months ago) to blog about our honeymoon. We went on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Nassau, Bahamas. We had a wonderful honeymoon. We started off by sailing to Coco Cay, Bahamas. Somehow I had the (brief insanity)great idea to go parasailing. I am terrified of heights, but miraculously I LOVED parasailing. The next day we went to Nassau. Nassau was wonderful. It was much better than I remembered it...last time I went it was with my grandparents. I love my grandparents, but the Bahamas was much better with my husband. While in Nassau we rode/drove segways through the rough terrain of the forest. At least, that't what I'll call it.

It was a blast...we ate way tooooo much food...and slept way toooo much, but isn't that what vacation is about. Anthony would really like to go on a cruise each year for our anniversary, but we will have to see how life plays out. Here are some pictures.

I thought we would go broke just paying all of the tolls to get to Cape Canaveral, FL

You have to love the safety drill!

On the hammock in Coco Cay...before parasailing.

The view was amazing...I actually think I may do it again...someday!

In Coco Cay with the ship behind us.

The segways in Nassau

On the deck after dinner one night

I just the love the sunset!

Beautiful...man I wish I was there right now!

We're Married!

2009-04-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I had a wonderful wedding and honeymoon. It's really kinda sad to be back to reality, but I guess it had to happen. The wedding weekend started with a wedding party lunch at Highland Oaks Golf Course. I know that traditionally people have bridesmaid's luncheons, but we wanted our entire wedding party (groomsmen and bridesmaids) to be there. It was nice for everyone to get to meet each other before the rehearsal. Friday night we had the rehearsal followed by the rehearsal dinner given by Anthony's parents. Anthony's mom, grandma, and aunts catered....Oh my gosh was the food wonderful. Everyone was amazed at how great the food was. His grandma's coconut cake is legendary. My mother is still talking about it!

After the rehearsal dinner, my friend Crystal hosted a lingerie shower in my honor at her house. It was so much fun, but most of those pictures WILL NOT ever be seen by the general public. There are pictures of me opening my lingerie gifts, but trust me those pictures are mild compared to what could have been shown.

Saturday morning my mother, sister, two of my aunts, cousin, two great aunts and I went to get our hair ready for the wedding. The beautician is a family friend and she did a great job. I really loved my hair (it looked just like the picture I brought). We all were SUPPOSED to arrive at the church at noon for pictures to begin at 1 p.m. That didn't happen, but everyone was at the church and ready for pictures by 1:15 p.m. I didn't even get stressed or angry...which is weird because nothing usually bothers me more than people being late! My mom and sister are still amazed that I didn't turn into a bridezilla throughout the wedding planning process. My mom said last night "you were even more pleasant than usual"...I'm still not quite sure how I should take that. Anthony and I saw each other first before anyone else entered the church sanctuary for pictures. We both cried...I am so glad we had some alone time before the wedding and I wouldn't change taking pictures before the wedding. Some people weren't too keen on us seeing each other before the wedding, but it really was perfect. After a couple of hours of pictures we were finally ready to get started.

I started crying even before the doors opened for my dad and I to walk in. Anthony and I both cried throughout most of the beginning. We wrote our own vows to each other and his vows were really great! I didn't realize until about half way through the wedding that we were not the only ones crying....EVERYBODY was.

After the wedding we left for the reception. The reception was a ton of fun. The food was great, decorations were beautiful and we danced the night away. Anthony and I were literally the last people to leave our reception. (We did our "official" exit from the church so that we wouldn't feel pressured to leave the reception early).

I am still so overwhelmed by the love that we received that weekend. Weddings really are about love. Not just our love for each other, but our love for God. We vowed not only to each other, but also to the Lord that we will dedicate our marriage to him.

I just have to share Anthony's vows with you.

"I recognize that God has blessed me and entrusted me with your life as a free gift I have not earned. I want to be your husband so that we may serve Jesus together. Through all the uncertainties and trials of the present and future. I promise to love, guide, protect, and be faithful to you, as Jesus does his church as long as we both shall live."

Did I marry a great guy or what? We didn't know what the other wrote until they were said.

Below are some pictures...sorry for the long post. I will I have write about the honeymoon another time.

Aisle Runner

Decorations at Church

My bouquet...the charms are pictures of both of my grandads.

The bride and groom

Anthony and the bridesmaids

Amy and the groomsmen

The groom's cake...somehow I don't have a picture of the wedding cake.

Dancing the night away!

We are getting married in 24 days!

2009-03-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about our upcoming wedding. Everything is going much smoother than I ever thought that it would...I hope that doesn't jinx us. The other day I watched an episode of Dr. Phil about "Wedding Disasters". That was a bad idea. One bride spent $35,000 on her wedding and the groom didn't show up. That OF COURSE prompted me to call Anthony to inform him that this BETTER NOT happen to me! He laughed and called me Bridezilla, but hey I wanted to make sure I covered all of my bases.

About a week ago I got stung by a wasp...in my chest! Only I would get stung by a wasp and break out all over my chest...did I mention my dress is strapless!? The rash has cleared, but there is an ugly scare there that I am sure will not be gone in the next few weeks.

On top of all of the wedding planning and wasp sting (not to mention being busy at work)...I was too weak to say no to being the director of our church's Vacation Bible School again this year! I must be nuts! I initially said no, but then I started to feel guilty about always asking the Lord to bless us and then when it's time to do something for him I am "too busy." So to say the least I'm doing it!

All in all life is good and I am eagerly anticipating our upcoming nuptials. I promise to blog again before the wedding!

Bridal Shower

2009-03-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

This weekend was my bridal shower. I can't believe we are getting married next month! My bridesmaids hosted a bridal shower in my honor and I had a blast. They planned a tropical themed shower...the decorations and food were great. I am so blessed to have such great friends and wonderful family.

Below are a few pictures...

My sister (Maid of Honor) putting up the final touches!

Some of my bridesmaids and my goddaughter, Cayden.

They did such a great job decorating.

Isn't this pretty

Everyone was so gracious...I got tons of gifts...now it's time to write thank-you notes.

Ashley (cousin), Crystal (friend and bridesmaid), Gelisicia (sister and maid of honor) and Cayden.

All of the bridesmaids and junior bridesmaid

I wonder if I have a shopping problem.

2009-02-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

I have always known that shopping one of my favorite things to do, but when my mom read a book about a girl who shops a lot she said that the girl reminds her of me. However, she did follow up with "but you are not as bad as her." I decided to read the book and I am nothing like this girl, but I wonder if I may be a tad "addicted" to shopping. I'll show you a few of my recent purchases.

This is the book my mom and I read...it is actually pretty good.

I have also read this book, but I am not as addicted to shopping as this character either.

This is a skirt that I bought from Ann Taylor Loft...for only $4.99

This is an outfit I also bought from Loft...the pants were only $9.99 and the shirt was on sale for $4.99...WOO HOO!

Two coats that I ordered from Old Navy...only $14.99 each...I may shop a lot,but I do get some really good deals.

Pants and shirt from The Limited...the pants were on sale, but the shirt was not...hey you can't win them all.

So this dress from The Limited wasn't on sale either BUT I bought it wear to my shower...

These shoes WERE on sale..40% off at Dillards!

I may shop a little bit too much, but at least I try to catch most things on sale. I'm really going to try to be better...we will see how that progresses.

January in Review

2009-02-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Well, January has come and gone...man this year is flying by! Here is a short update about what has been happening in my life.

My mom and I attended on the Neighborhood Inaugural Balls in Dothan. My grandfather was honored and I went to represent my family.

Anthony and I realized that we can't dance...so we decided to take dance lessons. This is a picture of us practicing at my parent's house. Our parent's soon caught the fever and we all took a dance lesson last weekend.

Other than that my life has been pretty much the same...work and wedding planning!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...from a really bad blogger!

2009-01-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! We had a wonderful holiday season. It didn't hurt that I was off of work for almost two weeks...woo hoo! Today it is back to work and back to my real life.

First let's start with Christmas...

Anthony and I spent Christmas Eve just the two of us. We made egg nog (it was a disaster), rum cake (it was a catastrophe), ordered pizza (that was our only successful venture) and opened presents. Anthony bought me a Coach purse (yea!!!), set of "good" knives, and a Coach wristlet (that I use as a makeup bag). I really thought he did really good this year...he needed to because last year's gift didn't go over so well! I bought him a bow tie, new slacks for work, and a Wal-Mart gift card.

We spent Christmas morning with Anthony's family. It was so much fun watching his niece and nephew open there gifts. Christmas is much better with kids around.

Kayla and Kaleb opening presents.

We then went to my parents house to spend some time with them. My mom reminded me how much better Christmas will be when she has grandkids. We all got really good gifts (I know that isn't the reason for Christmas, but let's be honest everyone wants to get good gifts!)

You can see what I thought about what my parent's bought Anthony.

Mom loved that digital picture frame Anthony bought her!

I am standing on the tip of my toes in this picture.

I am standing on the couch and he is still taller than me!

My sister, brother, and me.

Later that night we went to my Grandma Helen's house. We visited with her and some of cousins for a while.

Three generations!

Anthony had to go back to work the next day so we spent New Year's Eve in Montgomery. New Year's was actually fun this year...I usually am not awake to see the new year come in. We went out to dinner at Shogun and to a jazz club afterwards. It was tons of fun and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I for one was happy to see 2008 go...it was a really tough year and I am looking forward to (praying that) 2009 is much better.

New Year's Eve!

Also, my wedding dress came in a few days before Christmas! I was so excited to get it a month earlier than it was supposed to arrive. I went and tried it on and I still love it! I also bought a veil....I'm not big on the veil thing,but I gave in!

You can see I'm not too excited about trying on veils!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

What a wild couple of weeks in sports!

2008-12-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I love college football...specifically SEC football...more specifically Auburn football! It hasn't been a great year in Auburn football, but I love my Auburn Tigers all the same. Here is an idea in pictures of how I have been feeling about SEC fooball in the last couple of weeks.

The good old days!

No matter what I still look forward to this game...

It didn't work out so well for Coach Tuberville...who I really like and really thought should have been given another year to turn things around...

However, I was forced to resort to this for a whole week...GO GATORS!!!

Enjoy your victory Bama fans...we can't wait to see you next year in "The Jungle"

My First Cake!

2008-11-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

So I am not a domestic goddess...that's putting it lightly. However, last night I decided that I just could not take one more meal from a drive-thru. I went to the grocery store...somewhere I rarely venture to...unless I am shopping for food for my latest diet. I cooked beef and cheese enchilada soup and a strawberry swirl cake. I ate two slices last night...so today I am taking it to my parents house...so that I can save myself from the five pounds that would come along with keeping at my house. I have made cupcakes before, but this was first attempt at a cake. Anthony gave me a Kitchen Aid mixer...I'm thinking in hope of inspiring me to at least try to cook! He has also given me Calphalon cookware and a chopper...I think he is certainly hinting a little strongly. Here is a picture below of the cake.

It's not pretty, but it sure is good!

Through my eyes.

2008-11-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

When I walked into the polls to vote this morning, I didn't see the long lines or think about the long wait. All I saw was the 96-year-old lady who stood next to me in line waiting to vote. For the first time in her life she was given the choice to vote for an African-American nominee. I saw the hundreds of people who were voting for the first time, because for the first time they felt like their vote would make a difference. I saw three generations come to the polls together to vote. I thought of all of the people who had fought so hard to see a day when an African-American would be running as a Presidential nominee....and a woman would be running as a Vice Presidential nominee. I thought about those who are not alive to see it.

Regardless of how the election turns out...I have hope. Hope isn't something that can be taken lightly. I am grateful that we live in a country that is making progress and for that reason alone...I have hope!

Fun and Food at the Festival

2008-11-03T06:27:00.001-08:00

We went to the National Peanut Festival this Sunday. We ate too much...which I am paying for this morning, watched the kids ride the rides, and enjoyed the great weather. Enjoy the pictures below.

Don't we look like we are having fun!

She's such a cool baby

My little cousins, Cam and Javon, enjoyed the rides!

My sister enjoying her famous "Corn Dog Man" dinner.

My sister, brother, mother, cousin and me at the fair...getting more food on the way out!

So maybe this list just isn't my thing...but here goes 51-75

2008-10-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a very long time since I wrote the last installment of "100 little known facts about me", but since I live my life as an open book this list is harder than I thought.

51. I have been on every diet plan you can imagine...not all of them but pretty close.

52. I have already quit WW again...I'm now on South Beach Diet.

53. I realize that I can never live my life without carbs and sugar, but I can do it for at least a little while.

54. The main reason I want to lose weight is because I don't want to spend so much money on wedding pictures only to think "I look so fat."

55. Anthony and I plan to have kids right after we get married...we will not be doing the traditional waiting two or three years.

56. I have a fear (a fear I have had for a long time)that we may have problems having a baby. There isn't any reason that I think this...it has just always been something that worries me.

57. I hear my biological clock ticking...loudly!

58. My sophomore year in high school was my favorite. Most people would probably say their senior year was the best,but by that time I was just ready to graduate.

59. I cried at my high school graduation...I didn't cry at my college graduations (undergrad or grad).

60. I spend most Friday nights at a high school football game.

61. I spend most Saturday nights watching TV with my parents if Anthony isn't in town.

62. I have been a real slacker lately when it comes to attending church.

63. I am getting really excited about the National Peanut Festival coming in couple of weeks...not as excited as usual since I cannot eat everything that I want to...I do plan to cheat and have a corndog.

64. I am a procrastinator.

65. In college I didn't write my term papers until the night before they were due...occasionally I would write them the morning they were due.

66. English has always been my favorite subject.

67. Science has always been my least favorite subject.

68. I have periods of time where I read a lot of books and other periods where I don't read books at all.

69. I love to vacation at the beach,but I don't like to swim in any water that doesn't have chlorine in it.

70. I have had a passport for ten years, but I have never used it.

71. I am one of those crazy people that shops on Black Friday (Friday after Thanksgiving).

72. My favorite season is Christmas!

73. Anthony registered for a Wii on our wedding registry...he wanted to register for a flat screen HD television...the Wii was our compromise.

74. Compromising is a new thing for me...I haven't yet perfected it.

75. My favorite stores to shop in are Ann Taylor Loft and The Limited.

Sometimes we expect too much!

2008-10-14T09:38:00.001-07:00

I can be hard on the ones I love. I expect so much from them and sometimes my expectations are a tad unreasonable. I admit it...Anthony often takes the brunt of my unreasonable expectations. I found the words below is some old files and I thought God sent (resent) this to me at just the perfect time.

You might not be his first, his last, or his only. He's cared about someone else before and possibly will again- but if he cares for you now; then what else matters? He's not perfect and you aren't either, and the two of you will never be perfect, but if he can make you laugh, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He is probably not going to quote poetry. He might not be thinking about you every second of the day, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you can break. So don't hurt him, don't change him and don't expect more than he can give. Don't over analyze, smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him whenever he's not there.

Here is a picture of our "Save the Date" card...because I hate posting without pictures!

Back on the bandwagon!

2008-10-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

So I am back on Weight Watchers. I tried to live life freely without it and it shows. I have gained so much unwanted weight. So I decided yesterday morning that it is back to the only program that works for me...at least in the last five years. Pray for me...I'll need it!

On a happier note...I ordered my wedding dress last week. I was having a bad day and I needed to shop. I really couldn't afford to waste any money so I decided to buy my wedding dress. I did feel much better afterwards and I am so happy that it is another thing off of my list. I have have included a picture of the dress I didn't choose. It was a close #2, but I am sure I made the right choice.

Anthony and I took engagement pictues on Sunday...I'll post them later.

Anthony is going to be a great dad!

2008-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

When you don't have cute kids of your own your blog can get pretty boring...so we decided to borrow someone else's kid for the day!

After church a few weeks ago Anthony and I spent some time with my goddaughter Cayden. She is so adorable and I love seeing here. Cayden is the best baby I have probably ever seen. She is almost 5 months old. Anthony was so good with her and I feel reassured that he will be an awesome dad...someday!

Aren't they both adorable!

They are both tuckered out after church.

Our month in review

2008-09-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I went on a mini vacation in Fairhope!

Here is a small portion of the food we ate.

FYI...that wasn't smart to eat this much food only a few weeks before having to order my wedding dress.

I bought a second pair of wedding shoes..not sure which pair I am going to wear,but they were both super inexpensive...so I don't feel too bad.

We attended our friend Taj's wedding.

...here is a picture of Anthony's niece ,Kayla, and me before the wedding.

A House Divided

2008-09-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

The seen outside my house on Saturday!

Most of you know that I graduated from Auburn and that Anthony graduated from Alabama. This usually isn't a problem...except on Saturdays. This weekend we both decked our cars out in the gear of our teams of choice. I put on an Auburn t-shirt and he put on his Bama shirt and we went to lunch. I guess we are so used to it that we didn't think of how odd this would look to other people. When we walked into the restaurant an older guys said "Do you guys fight much?" At first I thought what?...why would you ask that? Then it occured to me what he was referring to...I quickly answered "only during football season!" We had several comments like that throughout the day. I guess life will be interesting..having a "house divided" and all!

Installment #4 and I promise #5 won't take as long.

2008-08-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

31. I cried the first time I got a C on my report card. I don't mean like a tear or two...major crying.

32. I am not the smartest of my mom's kids. My sister is super smart...she cried when she made her first B...it turned out the teacher made a mistake and she really had an A.

33. I only watch swimming, gymnastics, track and field when watching the Olympics.

34. I've tried Weight Watchers...it really works if you stick with it...I didn't!

35. I talk really, really fast when I'm nervous, excited, or mad. Anthony can't understand a word, but my mom knows every word I've said.

36. I've vowed at least 5 times this year that I will clean up my cussing mouth..I haven't

37. I get so aggravated when I tell people my parents got divorced when I was two and they say, "At least you didn't have to through all of that"...I want to say "are you kidding? No child of divorce doesn't have to 'go through all of that' no matter how young they are...the fallout of divorce goes on for years!"

38. I've thought about going back to college to teach high school...small moments of pure insanity.

39. I am a Dothan High Tiger fan....eventhough I graduated from Northview (the rival high school).

40. I'm only a DHS fan because my sister cheered for them and my brother plays football there.

41. I am a reformed shopaholic...I became reformed when I realized I had a wedding to pay for!

42. I still get excited when I drive by Jordan-Hare.

43. I'm judgmental...I'm really trying to work on that.

44. If I had to describe myself in three word it would be...opinionated, determined, and emotional.

45. I knew nothing about Mormons before meeting Brooke and Heather.

46. I'm not very good at keeping in touch with friends and family.

47. I believe that being hurt is sometimes beyond your control, but you choose to be a victim (emotionally that is).

48. I am trying more to live by the motto, "Choose being kind over being right." This is very hard for me...i.e. opinonated, judgmental

49. I wish I had chosen to have a shorter engagement..too late now.

50. I have a hard time forgiving people...God is really dealing with me in that area right now.

Installment #3...I know it took a while!

2008-08-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

21. No matter how hard I try to not be so "fussy" I can't seem to let an argument go...it doesn't matter if it's with my mom, sister, or Anthony...I can certainly "beat a dead horse."

22. All of my close friends I made after high school. I still talk to a couple of people from high school, but my really good friends were made in and after college.

23. I met my future husband when I was 10 years old. Anthony and I met in the fifth grade!

24. I was the director of my church's Vacation Bible School this year..I have taught at VBS for several years, but this was my first time (and quite possibly the last) as director.

25. I am afraid of heights.

26. I hate roller costars and other scary rides...this certainly has a lot to do with my fear of heights and terrible motion sickness.

27. I have been "saved" since I was 13 years old.

28. I have a hard time remembering that being saved doesn't mean being perfect at all (or at any) times.

29. I once wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but I have since realized that it is way too much work!

30. I have only been in love once!

Family Pictures

2008-07-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

My mother arranged for all of our family (her siblings, their children, and my Grandma) to meet to take family pictures a few weeks ago. Here is a slideshow of all of the Thomas family!

A recap with pictures

2008-07-23T06:56:00.002-07:00

I realized that too many of my recent blogs don't have any pictures. Here is a recap of what has been happening in my world the last few weeks...with pictures.

I picked a design for my wedding cake. This isn't exactly what it is going to look like, but it is a general idea. I really liked that it is simple and understated...nothing like me!

These are my wedding shoes. After spending so much on a cake I was really in the mood to save some money. I intially wanted a pair of shoes that cost about $150...these only cost about $25 (with my coupon)

Still in the mood to save...flower girl dress...off of ebay. Don't worry it was new and unworn, but I thought it was so cute...and inexpensive.

Yep...I got my wisdom tooth extracted. I realize that I have big cheeks so it is hard to tell just how swollen I am. I got a dry socket...man that really hurt! I couldn't eat for FOUR days. After not eating for four days I only lost 1/2 of a pound...how's that for horrible metabolism.

~There it is...my recap with pictures~

Installment #2

2008-07-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

11-20

11. My first car was a Chevy Nova...it was a horrible car!
12. I have had five cars and I have only been driving for 12 years!
13. I totalled my car (#2) when I was sixteen.
14. My ultimate dream car is a Range Rover
15. I love chocolate...chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake...anything chocolate.
16. My mom and stepdad have been married since I was five years old
17. I have always called my stepdad "Daddy" since the day he and my mom got married...it just always seemed so natural...he is a great Dad and has always treated me the same as all his other children...We are very close!
18. I really want to have 4 children...I just think I may be too old to have that many!
19. I auditioned twice to be on the Real World.
20. I have all of my "future" kids names picked out...they all begin with an A.

100 facts...I've caught the bug!

2008-07-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

During my hours (yes, I do mean hours) of blog stalking I have seen tons of people with a list of 100 things you may or may not know about me. I've decided it would be a good idea to put together a list of my own. I am not going to do them all at once...my attention span isn't long enough for that! Here are the first ten...

1-10

1. I attended both the University of Alabama and Auburn University.
2. My parents got a divorce when I was 2 years old.
3. I NEVER changed my major in undergrad...I changed it 3 times in grad school!
4. I have four siblings...my mom has two kids other than me...my dad has two kids other than me....my siblings ages range from 8-19 years old...I know it's confusing! (refer to #2 for a better understanding)
5. I really do think I was my Granddaddy Wylie's favorite
6. My favorite movie of all time is Annie...I still watch it at least once or twice a year.
7. Until just recently, I didn't plan to change my last name when I get married...I've now decided to make it my middle name.

Side note: When my Granddaddy Wylie met Anthony and realized we were dating pretty seriously he told him..."maybe one day you will be a Yelverton too." I never knew this story until a few days ago...maybe that explains my attachment to my last name.

8. I tell my mom almost everything...we talk 2-3 times a day!

9. Even if I could afford not to work, I probably still would....not full-time though!

10. I have terrible motion sickness...I can't even ride in the backseat of a car.

Not exactly my plan, but that's okay!

2008-07-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

Things don't always happen that way you want (or plan) them to, but they always work out the way God has planned. A lot has happened in my life in the last week that has challenged me in more ways than one. I have never thought of myself as a doubter, but I have come to realize that I put way to much faith in myself and not enough in God. I am a bit of a control freak and believe that I can control pretty much every area of my life. Sometimes God has to step in and remind us who is in control.

God guides us, keeps us, and comforts us and we love it...until we feel better. When we feel better we go back to "business as usual." Sometimes obstacles are put in our way to make a stronger...not just emotionally or physically ,but spiritually. After a very stressful week, I decided that I needed some spirtual food of a different variety to get me through the next week. God answers prayers...the message he sent through the preacher seemed as if he sent it just for me. That is what is so amazing...God is able to make us all feel like he is speaking to us alone...he makes us feel special. It is time that I spend more time treating my relationship with him as "special" as I should...it is the most important relationship I will ever have. As a new week begins I'm grateful to the Lord for what he has done and will continue to do...even if it means I have to endure for just a little while longer.

Proverbs 3: 5-7

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil

Thursday Thirteen....at least for today!

2008-06-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have heard of this group that bloggers can join called the Thursday Thirteen. I don't necessarily want to join the group, but I wanted to write something today and I thought it would be a good idea to write about thirteen of something. Here is what I came up with:

Thirteen thoughts that make me smile:

1. This time next year Anthony and I will be married....woo hoo!

2. The thought of Auburn beating Alabama....again!

3. How God continues to bless me and watch over me....even though I don't always deserve it!

4. Babies feet...I know this is weird, but I love a baby's toes!

5. The way that my Grandma Helen calls my name sometimes....I'm amazed that with all that Alzheimers has robbed her of she can still remember it occasionally!

6. The kisses that Granddaddy Wylie would give me on my forehead and tell me to "rub it in."

7. The thought of one day having my own children...not the actual "giving birth" part, but all the rest makes me smile!

8. Rain on a Sunday afternoon....and the nap that comes along with it!

9. The Cosby Show....I just love that show!

10. How God calms my fears and eases my pain...even when I think it just can't be done.

11. Shoe shopping....that says it all!

12. I get to see Anthony tomorrow....I miss him daily!

13. This time next week Vacation Bible School will almost be over...until next summer!

You want to do what?????

2008-06-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

So I went to the dentist yesterday for a very non-threatening teeth cleaning. After a few minutes of cleaning I heard the hygenist say "huh"...I didn't think much of it. I just thought she had discovered that I wasn't flossing...as usual. Later the doctor came in to "take a look" and I found out that they want me to have my wisdom tooth extracted by an oral surgeon. I didn't know that any of my wisdom teeth had ever grown in!

My philosophy about medical procedures has always been "if it ain't bothering me than I shouldn't bother it." I had all but decided that I wasn't going to subject myself to any "unnecessary" pain until....everyone said I should have it done. My mother is the only one who isn't convinced....I just think that is because she knows I am a horrible patient and she will have to be the one taking care of me! So for now I have agreed to schedule a consultation...I'm not making any promises that it will go any further than that.

Proverbs 31 Woman?

2008-05-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

As I begin the journey to becoming a wife (which is a role that I have never tried to prepare for) I am faced with so many "expectations"...all self-imposed. I remembered that Proverbs 31 described what a virtuous woman is... so I figured I would start there. Here are verses 10-31...the part in blue is me...as if you couldnt' tell.

10 A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

So far so good...I'm certainly worth more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

Still good...I'm sure Anthony has full confidence in me...at least I hope he does.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

I certainly want only good for him....this is going to be a piece of cake

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

Now we are starting to get a little hairy here..."works with eager hands"...I'll work,but that doesn't mean I'll be eager about it!

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

Afar???...does Winn Dixie count?

15 She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

Okay now this is just too much...I am just not a morning person..."still dark"...I'm not so sure about this virtuous woman thing...

16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

So now I have to earn the money, make the business deal and plant the vineyard...this is totally out of hand...

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

Not only do I have to do the work...I have to do it fast and with strength?

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

My lamp does not go out at night?....certainly I don't have to work 24 hours a day to be considered a virtuous woman.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

So far I have had to make the money, buy the land, plant the food, harvest it and now you want me to make clothes too?

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

Finally something I can actually do!

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

God does provide...so I guess I can handle this one too.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

I have made the clothes and now I have to make the linens...not just any linen...fine linen...not just in any color...purple...the color of royalty...I starting to wonder what the rest of the family is supposed to do

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

What is he sitting down for? He shouldn't be tired....I've done all the work!

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

Now I have to hussle the linens I've made....I'm sure this is in addition to another job that I certainly have..
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

I better be wearing some Prada and Gucci in addition to that strength and dignity...after all it appears that I'm a hard worker.

As for the laughing....that's because at this point I am delirious from exhaustion.
26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

If she is wise she better "instruct" her husband and kids to get up and do some work!

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

That's an understatment.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

Everybody needs praise, but it seems like the virtuous woman could also use to help from her family.

29 "Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."

No kidding!
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

AMEN!
31 Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Now I am not one to try to "mock" bible verses...so I hope I didn't offend anyone....it is all just in fun! However, I am just going to have keep searching for a less literal interpretation of the scriptures above...Proverbs 31 is a bit intimidating for me! Gotta go... I'm off to church..no really...I am. I have a Vacation Bible School meeting, but that's a different story for a different day!

Progress is being made!

2008-05-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

I was sure when I got engaged that I would write tons of blogs about planning my wedding...not the case! I really haven't written anything other than that fact that it's more expensive than I expected. So now that the initial sticker shock has worn off, I've started making some real progress.

I have booked the reception site...the florist....the church....the photographer. I also believe that I have found the dress, but I haven't ordered it yet...secretly in hopes that if I wait a while I can order it in a smaller size! (not too small,but maybe just one size smaller). By the way...why didn't anyone tell me that wedding dresses don't run true to size...I almost died when I tried them on! I kept thinking....I've gained a few pounds, but certainly not enough to wear THIS size! Anyway, back to the progress that has been made.

We have decided on where we are going for the honeymoon and I'm sending "will you be my bridesmaid?" cards out this week...I'll post a picture of them once they are done. My checklist really doesn't seem to be getting any shorter, but at least a few decisions have been made!

Cayden Has arrived...okay so she arrived a week ago

2008-05-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

We have another addition to the family. My cousin Anthony and my dear friend Crystal had their wonderful baby girl at 2:28 a.m. April 29th. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. 19 1/2 inches. She is adorable and I try to visit her at least every other day. It's amazing how much babies change each day.

That should be it for a while with babies...although I have another cousin who is due in September...we are one fertile family!

Cayden with big brother Cam

Cayden Elizabeth

More Babies!

2008-04-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

It seems like most of my posts are about babies. That isn't that uncommon in the blogging world, but the only difference is....I don't have any babies. With that said, here is my lastest baby update. My friend Crystal still hasn't had her baby yet. I am so ready (not as ready as she is) for her to have baby Cayden! At this point Crystal is miserable...she gained 13 pounds last week! I'm not sure she would want me to tell anybody this, but oh well.

On a brighter note, my cousin Khadijah had twins (a boy and a girl). She actually had them a few weeks ago. She lives in Kentucky and will be coming home in June for us to meet our new cousins. I have included pictures of our familiy's wonderful additions below!

Hopefully, I will able to post pictures of Cayden soon!

The twins with big brother Dylan

Aiden and Karson

The nursery...how cute!

Weddings, Babies, and Fires!

2008-04-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

It has certainly been an eventful few weeks. I gave a baby shower for my friend Crystal. We had lots of fun and she is certainly ready to have her baby girl. I found out that another friend (who shall remain anonymous) is pregnant...I'm not sure she has told everyone so I will have to wait until later to reveal her identity.

I got to spend the weekend (two weekends ago) with my friends Kristi, Kelly, Alicia, and Kristi's darling son Taylor! I love hanging out with them for what used to be our "girl's weekend"...it is now 4 girls and a really cute baby!

My friend Alicia got engaged last Thursday...congrats Alicia! I am so excited for her and I am glad we get to share the wedding planning experience. It's great for us...not so great for the friends that will have to buy bridesmaid dresses.

As if there wasn't enough going on, Anthony's parents (my future in-laws) had a fire in their kitchen on Friday. His sister called me Friday night and I thought she was joking. After fifteen minutes and endless comments like..."Amy, I'm serious" I realized it wasn't a joke and there really had been a fire. They will have to move out the house for at least two months...that really bites!

I hope the next couple of weeks are less adventurous...besides the fact that Crystal should be having the baby any day now!

I have included pictures!

Crystal at her shower...I can't wait to meet Cayden Elizabeth!

Kristi and Taylor....cute baby and cute mom!

Amy & Alicia...we are both engaged!

The kitchen...after the fire!

Easter Fun!

2008-03-27T06:37:00.001-07:00

I realize this post is almost a week late, but here it is. On Saturday night my family colored eggs for the church. We didn't finish until almost midnight. That is way past my bedtime...even for a Saturday night. We must have boiled, colored, and decorated more than 300 eggs!

On Sunday we went to church (of course). It's so funny that you get to see people you haven't seen since Christmas and won't see again until Mother's Day. After church my parents hid eggs for the children. By children I mean my brother, sister, and me. Yes...we are 16, 19, and 28...but we are still their children. My brother found the most and won $10! My parents are so cute, but they really need grandchildren to play games with. I will try to work on that in a few years.

Eggs before coloring

My sister and cousin coloring eggs

War Eagle Egg

Eggs after coloring

After Church

Random Monday Morning Thoughts

2008-03-17T06:57:00.001-07:00

#1 I really want a Wii

This is really random for me because I have always been against adults playing video games. I completely rag all of my friends who play games. Video games are for children...right....until I played a Wii. I am absolutely awesome at the bowling and I could really get into the boxing, golf and baseball. Plus I am sore today. I played yesterday and I really hurt today...this isn't supposed to happen considering the fact that I workout 3 or 4 times a week...(okay so my "workout" isn't very strenuous and is really only walking of the treadmill, but it's something). So I called Anthony yesterday to see what he thought about me buying a Wii...he was all for it...of course he was...he kinda likes video games. I rationalized my desire to buy one by saying that it is certainly better than sitting on the couch watching tv...plus it's a good workout...it's not really a video game is it!? I'm going to hold off a week or two, but if I still want one...I'm buying it!

#2 I don't know what I want so don't ask me

These are the beginning lyrics of a Taylor Swift song...this is certainly not how I feel...especially concerning our wedding. I know exactly what I want...I've been planning this wedding my whole life...affording what I want is a different story. Weddings are expensive!!!

#3 Cut the list

Anthony and I thought it would be "fun" to make a guest list...just to see how many people we might invite. After 326 people we stopped...the "fun" was gone. 326 people...and that wasn't everyone. I actually started asking myself....do I like him/her enough to feed them???? That's awful I know, but man I only wanted to invite about 250. After some discussion we have it down to 275...but we realized we will have to add some people. We have put the list on hold....for now.

#4 My apartment is too small

I knew it was tiny, but lately I'm feeling a little claustrophobic. I don't spend a lot of time there and it's really inexpensive, but I need some space!

Okay, enough of my rambling....have a great week!

Get off of your hand....so we can get engaged!

2008-03-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I are officially engaged! We got engaged on Sunday morning. I'm so excited and I cannot wait to get married. It's amazing how everyone asks the same questions so here are the answers.

1. How did he propose?

Anthony came to visit this weekend and I had a feeling he might propose. Well, Friday and Saturday came and went with no proposal. Sunday morning around 3 a.m. I woke up and surprisingly Anthony was awake. Our talk went something like this:

Anthony: When do you think is the perfect time to propose?

Amy: Anytime is the perfect time.

Anthony: What about right now?

Amy (Now Wide Awake): Uhhhh...

Anthony: Will you marry me?

Amy: Of Course!!!!!

He gives me the ring!

Anthony: blah, blah, blah (this is actually a bunch of nice stuff that if I told he would deny)

Amy: blah, blah, blah (more nice stuff that I would deny saying)

Amy: Does this mean I have to stop cussing?

I know this wasn't the most romantic thing to say, but there is a story behind the question. I have the foulest mouth and Anthony doesn't cuss. For years he has asked me to stop cussing. I told him that I would stop when we get engaged...that bought me some time...lots of time. So now I have to try to hold up my end of the deal!

Now to the rest of the story...It turns out that Anthony was awake because he had not been asleep. His plan was to slip the ring on my finger while I was asleep, but for some reason I kept sleeping with my hand under me that night. He had been awake all night waiting for me to move off of my hand...he gave up! The way he proposed was perfect to me!

We woke up a few hours after the proposal to the sound of sirens blaring. My apartment complex was on fire! It just wouldn't be us if something crazy like that didn't happen.

2. When are you going to get married?

The plan is to get married April 18, 2009.

3. Were you expecting it?

YES, but I have been expecting it for five years! There have been several times when I was just sure he was going to propose that day, weekend, week, etc. I have always been wrong. So I was still surprised.

So there you go...the story of our engagement!

The story of us

2008-02-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

I decided to add a blog about Anthony. Funny enough not many of my friends have spent much (if any) time with him. Note: It's not because he's anti-social it's just that we live in two different cities. That's weird considering we have been together for so long....he hates it when I say exactly how long because it makes him appear to have a commitment phobia.

Anthony and I met in the 5th grade...I was taller than him in those days. We went to different middle schools so I didn't see him again until 9th grade. Somehow we ended up having the same group of friends and by 10th grade he was my best friend. We were really close throughout the years, but we didn't date. We kept in touch throughout college and I would see him when I came home. We dated other people and never really thought about dating each other. I'm not sure when that changed, but during my senior year of college we started dating...I guess that really kinda reveals how long we've been together. We have dated off and on since then....although we never "really" stopped dating...that's a long story that I will not bore you with.

So that's the (abbreaviated) story of us...hopefully, this is just the beginning of a long, fun-filled history that will include marriage (hint,hint), children, grandchildren etc.

In Honor of Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T11:30:00.001-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day here is a list of 10 things I love...in no particular order...except #1...that one is intentionally first!

1. God
2. Anthony
3. My family...even when they drive me crazy!
4. Shopping...I know that isn't deep or especially meaningful, but it is so true.
5. Pedicures and Manicures...I really need both right now
6. AUBURN!!!!! WAR EAGLE
7. Fridays...Fridays have always been my favorite day of the week...it means that that weekend has arrived
8. Cute Shoes...shoes are the best because no matter how much weight I gain or lose....usually gain...they still fit!
9. Hanging out with (talking to) old friends...by "old" I don't mean their age...I just mean they have been around for a while.
10. Christmas...it is my favorite time of year!

Thank God for Granddaddy's!

2008-02-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

Well, since I just can't seem to get it off of my mind I guess it's time to blog about it! I have been so blessed with the world's best grandparents. They have always loved me unconditionally(and they have spoiled me just a little). Tomorrow will be exactly two years since my Granddaddy Henry passed away and last week was a month since losing Granddaddy Wylie. Disclaimer: I thought I could type this without tears, but they just seem to come no matter what I do....forgive me for any upcoming typos. My granddad's were two of the most special men I have ever met. They loved their families and they took care of us. Both were so special in different ways.

When I was in college, Granddaddy Henry would always have to have a "talk" with me before I would return to school...he would say "be smart, don't let the boys take advantage of you"...then he would hand me $20 "for gas" and make me promise not to tell the other grandkids. He wanted only the best for his family and he did what he could to help us achieve that. I have only fond memories of him and I miss him as much today as I did two years ago!

Granddaddy Wylie was always my hero...he still is! He taught me to stand up for myself and to always believe in something. He would often tell me "people don't have to like you, but they must respect you." I loved (and sometimes hated) campaigning with him...like it or not...it wasn't optional. When I 21 or 22 years old I realized that it really was optional. So one day when Granddaddy called me to help him campaign that weekend I said "no." He was so mad...he hung up on me. I couldn't believe he hung up on me. He didn't call me for a few days and I thought he would stay mad forever. He didn't...he called me a few days later and asked me if I wanted to go eat oyster's with him....that was Granddaddy's idea of an apology.

I miss talking to them, getting their advice (both wanted and unwanted), but most of all I just miss their presence. I wish they were going to be here when I get married and when I have children....they would have been such wonderful great-granddads. I hate that Granddaddy Wylie didn't get to vote for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton...he would have gotten such a kick out of that! I wish Granddaddy Henry could have seen me finish my master's degree...he always pushed so hard for me to get a good education. Although there are many things they won't get to experience with us, they did get to experience so much. I'm thankful that God allowed us to have so much time with them. I'm grateful that he allowed me to really get to know my grandfathers after I became an adult...I don't think I truly appreciated them and their wisdom until then. I miss them everyday! I am so thankful to God for Granddaddy's.

Rock the Vote!

2008-02-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

I was so excited yesterday about voting (as always). I arrived at 7:45 a.m...ready to cast my vote. I was ready to make the decision to vote for Obama or Clinton...or I guess McCain, Huckabee, or Romney...but if you know me at all you know that I didn't vote Republican =)...I was truly excited. Truthfully my decision was made long before I got there, but it still was a special moment. That moment made me realize just how far our country has come. So I voted...walked out...and eagerly awaited the results. I have always loved watching election results and last night was no different. My sister and I voted one way and my mother voted for another candidate...that caused a few "debates." As the election continues I cannot wait to see the outcome. Of course, whoever wins will have my support and prayers (Republican or Democrat), but truthfully I really hope the best WOMAN wins!

The madness begins

2008-02-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

So after lurking in the blogging world for quite some time now, I have decided that I would finally "officially" join the blogging madness. The madness begins.