What a wild couple of weeks in sports!

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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?????

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?

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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

#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!

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

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

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!

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.