Flannel Astro PJ's

Our weekend was great and we hung with Brian and Jen all weekend! Friday night we were supposed to go see Nights in Rodanthe and, trust me, Cody was thrilled but after getting in touch with the Bennett's our plans quickly changed. We ended up at Marietta Pizza Co. which was our place of choice solely due to the fact that it is close to Rita's!! On our mad dash to the car for Rita's we heard some music, put the greatest custard on hold and followed our ears to the square!! We felt like we walked right into a movie set in the 50's with the streets closed and everyone dancing, laughing and eating. We listened to the band and even talked the boys into dancing ONE dance! My parents even showed up to show off their moves. We ended the evening with Rita's (obviously, our hearts and tummy's were set so there was no point in veering from the plan) and then made a stop at Target only to see our boys get into a little mischief! We could hear them laughing as we were shopping and as they got closer, we almost died seeing MY husband dressed like this...

Child's XL footy PJ's!!! Amazing! He is so hot!! I now know what I will be getting him for Christmas! I can just see him running down the stairs to open his gifts dressed in his astronaut pjs. Saturday we went on another date with the Bennett's. I know what you're thinking...how sweet! Well, it wasn't your typical date. Brian and Cody went to watch the GA game together while Jen and I went to see Nights in Rodanthe. The movie didn't disappoint! It was so sweet and everyone was tearing up. There were so many older couples in the movie and it was the cutest! Read the book and then watch the movie!! Once again, good times! 

As my friend Christy says, "Happy Fair Day"!!

We could not stop laughing at Jenn's laugh/scream (yes, it was a combo of the two). I literally had tears!! I love Christy's hair!!! 

Melanie, Hollie and Matt 

Me, Mel, Christy, Hollie and Jenn

Before the craziness! I love Hollie and Matt's faces in the background!

Before the Cyclops aka the greatest ride at the fair!

With Christy and Steph

A tradition!

We had so much fun at the fair!! I think everyone we know was there which made it even MORE fun! I don't even remember the last time I went to the fair for longer than the hour I spent there last year. I saved up all day so I could eat the best fair food...a yummy funnel cake!! I ate the entire thing and it was delish! A few of our crazy friends rode the bull which was, for lack of better words, interesting!!!! My hubs refuses to ride fair rides because he claims they are not safe "AS IF" the fair food IS safe!! Are you kidding me? I would rather ride on a possibly unsafe coaster than eat a chili hotdog that is gushing with grease!! I suppose we are both daring in our own way!! Since he wouldn't ride, he took the great responsibility of being the photographer for the group. The cyclops was the best! Fair day was a happy day! Good times! 

Tag...I'm it!!

I guess it's my turn now!! I've officially been tagged...

by my bff, Hollie!

Here are the rules.....

1.  Post the rules on your blog

2.  Write 6 random things about yourself

3.  Tag 6 people at the end of your post

4.  If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!!

6 RANDOM things that you may or may not know about me.......

1.  I don't have a spleen or wisdom teeth (only one of which was surgically removed...it's your guess)!

2.  I, like Hollie, got married at 19!   

3.  I'm a little OCD, especially, when it comes to numbers...the car and house temps have to be on even numbers.  

4.  I don't eat chicken at restaurants! 

5.  I must sleep on the left side of the bed or I absolutely cannot go to sleep!! 

6.  Give me a topic, any topic, and I guarantee I can make a reference to an episode FRIENDS! Love it! 

Tag you're it to the following...

Jenny B, Brittany, Amanda, Jennifer Yearty, Hillary, and January!! 

Dr. Phil

My husband just walked into our room and stated "I tell you, Dr. Phil made alot of sense...."!! I never heard the end of the sentence because I was on the floor...laughing hysterically!! 

Nights in Rodanthe

I am totally obsessed with all things Nicholas Sparks...thanks to bff, HHH. I think his writings draw me in since I am from NC and every book is set in a NC town. It makes me feel like I know the characters, like they are my friends and neighbors. I was pumped when I discovered another N.S. book would become a motion picture (joining The Notebook, Message in a Bottle and A Walk to Remember). Most of the time the movie isn't as good as the book however, I've never seen a chick-flick with Richard Gere that doesn't hold up to my standard!! Think about it, for real...Pretty Woman, Shall We Dance, Runaway Bride, Autumn in New York, First Knight...at least one of these flicks is on every girls list of favs. It looks like, to Cody's chagrin, our Friday date night will include this little romantic movie.

 I'll be sure to pack my tissues!! 

A Little Community

We are privileged to get to host a community for the greatest church in the world, Vinings Lake! Sunday was our first night so we decided to do a little meet-n-greet at the bowling alley! It was great to meet everyone and we look forward to much more "community" time. Jarrett killed us with his freakishly high bowling score and Doug was determined to bowl until the last second. Everyone was ready to go home except us and the Nease's (of course, we're always up for the party) so we stayed to play a few games and win some tickets!! I guess you can call it practice for the fair!!
We heart you, VL!!!

we couldn't go to nashville without...

Jenn, Britt, Me & Cody, Whit & Sarah, Lena & Jason

Jason, Cody & Whit

Me & Britt

Since Cody was speaking so close to Nashville, we HAD to go up a little earlier so we could hang with some of our favorite people! Once again, Britt & her roomie, Jenn, opened up their apartment to us and Britt graciously gave up her bed so we would have a comfy place to sleep. We met up with the rest of the crew (Jason, Lena, Whit and his lovely fiance, Sarah,) at a yum place called San Antonio Taco Company AKA: SATCO. It really was the greatest taco I've ever put in my mouth and the atmosphere was so fun. We were able to sit outside as the guys discussed politics until the girls couldn't take it any longer and then we moved to the Cheesecake Factory for a little something sweet! We shared lots of laughs and had a great time together!!! We miss these pals! Congrats to Whit and Sarah on their engagement! Big props to Whit for flying to NYC and meeting her, on bended knee, on top of the Empire State Building so she could live out her favorite movie!! Smooth move!! 

Saturday we drove to the small town of Columbia, TN for an outdoor festival called "Gift Fest". We got to meet Montell Jordan...he sang "this is how we do it"!!! Remember?!?! Super nice guy. We also got to meet another American Idol, Phil Stacey. We can add him to our AI list that already includes Ruben Studdard and William Hung! Cody shared the gospel to a parking lot full of people and we were able to see many receive the life that only Christ offers!! I got to talk to a little 5 year old boy who accepted Christ and he was so excited and so cute! To see pics and details on the festival, check out Cody's blog. Hope you all had a great weekend. We are off to our first Community Group! More on that to come! 

Home of Country Music, here we come.

We are headed to Nashville for a good time with great friends!! Can't wait to see our pals. Cody speaks tomorrow night at an outdoor festival. Hope you all have a great weekend in the gorgeous fall weather!!

What are your plans for the weekend?

Hangin' with my Boo!!

We were privileged to host Little Miss Addie "Boo" at our home last night and all day today! She came loaded down with bags and lots of toys since we obviously have none in our house. My mother told Addie she would take her to Dippin' Dots after school which meant that I would take Addie to Dippin' Dots after school. Well, when Boo opened her eyes this morning, the first words out of her mouth were "are we going to dippin' dots"? Of course!! How could I say no? I was given the responsibility of making sure every hair was in place for preschool picture day. She's very particular and stated that "no curls were allowed" for her cute hairdo!! After school we immediately went to get the famous beaded icecream and then we went to partake in one of our favorite pastimes...shopping. We had such a blast and we walked away with the cutest "Juicy Couture" tee! I couldn't resist buying her a little discount designer!! It's been kinda quiet and boring here tonight without her sweet little voice. We look forward to hosting "Boo" again soon! After all, she does have her own room here and she's picked out one for her sister, Hopie. As far as we're concerned, they are welcome any time! One thing is certain, her parents are totally honest when they say "never a dull moment"! 

Rachael Ray

Last night, I cooked. I know most of you are probably wondering what the big deal is, right? Well, I have a confession...we've lived in our house since May 31st and last night was the first time I fired up my sparkling, stainless steel gas cooktop!! I wish I could say I was a tiny bit ashamed but, I'm not. I must make a very important point...I CAN cook, I simply choose not! It's not a fun activity for me and I hate deciding what to whip-up! Also, my Cody doesn't eat leftovers and if you've ever had to cook for 2 people, you understand that it's almost impossible to end up without containers in the fridge. At the very beginning of our marriage when we lived in an apartment (I wish my mortgage was the same as my apartment rent) and we were totally broke, I used to cook quite often. However, so much food would eventually be thrown out because it was either never eaten from the lonely container in the corner of the fridge or it expired before I could cook it! That being said, I broke down this weekend and decided to buy some groceries and put all these appliances, ya know the ones I just "had to have", to good use. Not to brag or anything but I actually cooked 2 meals so we will be eating at home again, tonight. I guess you can call me Rachael Ray. Is anyone out there feeling me on this cooking thing or are you a chef? If you love wearing an apron, please impart your cooking wisdom/recipes! 

"I do's" & Dec. 25th

Our sweet friends, Craig & Michelle, tied the knot yesterday in a beautiful ceremony. The church was gorgeous and I've never seen so many lovely flowers in my life. The reception was on the golf course at Marietta Conference Center where it was great to see some long lost pals (like Jodi who is pictured below).  An aside: once again, after the wedding, I was reminded that if it weren't for Facebook and blogs, I would be completely disconnected from the world! Moving on, as we were about to leave, we noticed a very familiar face....here's a hint, he has a belly like a bowl full of jelly! I couldn't resist having a picture made with Santa in the 90 degree heat when he was "off the job". Who knew Santa had a knack for photography in his spare time? We also discovered that he drives a pretty sweet restored Cadillac convertible that's red and white. It just goes to show that the song's right..."he sees you when your sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows when your dancing your face off at a wedding reception, so be good for goodness sake"!! 

Santa was so jolly and gracious enough to take a break from his "part-time" job so we could get a photo. He gave us his business card and told us to come visit him at Marietta Square during the Christmas season. Looks like I'll be making a trip to the square because I totally forgot to tell him what I want for Christmas!! 

Nothings better than Friends and Rita's

We decided to go bowling with Jarrett and Christy on Thursday night. We paid a dollar more to play in the "cosmic" area and I actually broke 100 (I bowled a 102, thank you very much). Christy was determined we weren't leaving without playing a few games of ski-ball which happens to be one of my favorite things to do at an arcade. We won some tickets and she walked away with a lovely eyeball ring for the treasure box in her classroom (or at least that's the story she told us...we all know she will be sporting that ring on Sunday). I have to admit I'm a little disappointed we didn't try the bumper cars. Sign me up for that next week when our community group meets at "Stars & Strikes"!! Yay! Can't wait to meet our new group! 

Brian and Jen weren't able to join us for bowling so we met up for dinner Friday and then we HAD to go to Rita's because, to be honest, we were just sick of hearing everyone talk about how great it was. We had to go see for ourselves and all of our friends were right, it is awesome!! Yum! I will, fo-sho, be making another trip there soon. Thanks B & J for introducing/treating us to this sinfully yummy custard creation! We were so stuffed from all the goodness that we skipped out on our other plans and opted to cozy up on the sofa to watch Dan in Real Life. Its so funny and just an all around great movie. Thanks to all our pals who are holding down the fort with us...you know, the fort with no kids...we love hangin' out with you guys! To all my blogging buddies, have a lovely Saturday! 

The WHOLE Story!

at our rehearsal dinner

So, in all our travels, I always have people ask how Cody and I met and I gladly share our little love story. Once upon a time...we had some mutual friends, saw each other but never met and when we were finally intrudced (yes, I initiated), it was total head-over-heels. We met in Febuary of 2002 and became Mr. & Mrs. in May of 2003!! It was fast and my Mom freaked at first! That's my little tale. However, it's only part of the story. You wouldn't believe how many girls come to me with relationship problems and I give them the WHOLE love story. I've had quiet a few girls ask me recently so I thought I would "blog it out" for all who are interested. I'm gonna try to keep this short so bare with!

Right before my freshman year of high school, we moved to AL and it totally turned my little world upside down. I went from a small school/town where I knew everyone to a small town where nobody knew me. That being said I started from scratch making new friends and building relationships. Just about the time I started finding my groove, my family moved to GA. After we moved, I started my Junior year at a HUGE school and celebrated my sweet 16. My Dad took me to dinner for my Birthday and presented me with a necklace that had a heart and a key. He gave me the heart and he kept the key and said that when I found my true love he would pass the key to that man to have for the rest of my life. I never really questioned whether or not I would save myself for marriage mainly because of how I was raised but also, in part, because I'd never had a "relationship" opportunity. I mean, I hung out with boys and went to prom, winter formal, homecoming dances and even had a crush but I was never involved in a "dating relationship".

I'd seen all my friends and cousins who were involved in relationships, poured all their energy and, most importantly, their hearts into a guy only to walk away broken. I saw the anger, tears, hurt and broken hearts over relationships and I was determined for that to NEVER happen to me. I was content to have a bunch of good friends and no "boyfriend".  I'm sure most of the people around me thought something was wrong with me or I was crazy! Regardless, I set a standard and stood by it. My guy would have to open doors for me, pay for meals, love God and love me.

At the end of my senior year, I started spending time with a nice guy that was a little older. I'd never had a boy show any interest in me so I loved that he called me and wanted to spend time hanging out but I never really felt like it was a real relationship. I started college in the fall and started to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ. All the while, I was talking to and hanging out with this guy as much as possible. Then, out of the blue, he stopped taking my calls, stopped speaking to me and totally avoided me. I was crushed! I couldn't understand why he would show such interest and then drop me like a bad habit. Even though this guy was never my "boyfriend", I was mad and hurt.

I started reading God's word more, praying more and loving my relationship with Christ more every day. I thought about all the time and energy I'd put into this friendship with this guy and how hurt I was by him. I knew I would never want to go through that on a deeper level with a boyfriend. At that point, I made a commitment to myself and to God and started praying that the first person I dated and the first person I kissed be the person I married. I continued meeting people at school, getting involved in the college ministry at the church and learning as much as possible about what God had for me. 

Not too long after making this commitment, I met a guy who lived in TN. It seemed like a total crazy thing for us to fall for each other since he lived 4.5 hours away! We met on a Thursday night and that Sunday night while I was reading "Lady in Waiting", God showed me that this guy was the one for me. I was scared to death and I didn't know how it was going to work out. Our entire relationship was nurtured over long hours on the phone which made for some pretty outrageous bills (to the dissatisfaction of my father). I learned that God is so much bigger than my plans and He has an amazing plan for each life if we just give Him control. On May 30, 2003, my Dad handed this guy the key to my heart, both literally and figuratively. Cody Deese...first date, first kiss and I couldn't be happier!

Guilty pleasure...

I know it's lame and fake but I still TiVo and watch The Hills avidly. Cody watches it with me (he "claims" he doesn't enjoy it but only watches because he's a good husband, which he is) and we laugh at all the senseless comments and actions. Of course, like everyone else, I loathe Spencer's character or should I say...lack there of! I think my main draw is all the fashion...clothes, shoes, hair (more like, extensions) and great makeup. Seriously, these girls and guys are dressed. I had to get this off my chest and let it all my blogger peeps in on my little guilty pleasure. What's your guilty pleasure?

Pretty amazing...

"You are the imagination of God wrapped up in skin"

~Erwin McManus

I can't believe I did it!

So, I actually went through with it. I've been talking about it for at least 2 years and every time I see someone with a tiny nose ring, I want it so bad. I'm pretty sure everyone is tired of hearing about it. I have to admit I was extremely nervous when I walked into the place and I almost backed out. I figured since I was a "quarter of a century" old that I would take the plunge and go for it. What a better time than with my girlfriends in PCB?!?! I still wake up forgetting that I have a little sparkle on my face! I can't believe I really did it!  

This is our Jam!

We had a great weekend in the Gulf Coast! The weather was gorgeous and the beach was peaceful (until we arrived)!! We sat on the beach, shopped, ate yummy breakfasts and cruised the strip (with Hollie blowing the horn every few minutes just for special effect)! Of course we laughed A LOT and we even found time to dance in a Sonic parking lot! Good times! I walked into the room late one night and found the girls all piled on one bed reading the Twilight series. By the end of the trip, everyone was hooked and all we could talk about was Edward and Bella! Overall, lots of happy memories were made and we definitely made an impact PCB!

**I love you girls and I had so much fun! **

I'm on my way!

In about 3 hours...I'm going here! My favorite place in the world, the beach! Love it. Everything about it. Love it!! Me and some of my favorite girls will be spending the weekend soaking up the sun, shopping, reading and having a good time. I'm so excited I can barely focus on the office work I'm supposed to be doing. I'm really considering coming home with a body piercing. You can't go to PCB with the girls and not do something crazy. I've watched a few videos on youtube and I've totally freaked myself out!! I guess we will see what happens. See ya next week! Enjoy your weekend!

Fat Kids

Last night, we met up with the Brian, Jen, Jarrett & Christy so the guys could compete in an all-you-can-eat shrimp competition at Red Lobster! One word...gross. Now, I'm all about eating some yummy shrimp but all-you-can-eat throws me over the top. That being said, the boys delivered. They all had salad, a side item and, of course, the cheesy biscuits (YUM) before the shrimp came!  Christy, Jen and I sat on the other side of the table in amazement (otherwise known as: boredom) as our "seafood expert", Jane served the boys plate after plate. Final scores: Cody 55; Brian 65; Jarrett 68! That's a total of 188 shrimp!!! I have to admit, I was a little shocked they didn't eat more. 

Boys, we couldn't be more proud!! 

The End!!

Are you kidding me?!? It's over?!? I don't want to spoil the ending but, it's soooo good. Now, I don't know what I'm going to do. I felt like I was watching a great movie every day! I will probably go into withdrawls without my daily dose of Edward and Bella. To all my pals out there reading Twilight, I can't wait for you to finish up so we can chat about it. Now on to my next read...The Mark of the Lions series by Francine Rivers. I realize these two series couldn't be more polar opposite. However, that's just how I roll!

Happy reading!

We're country!

After getting totally fried by the pool on Saturday, Hollie and I met up with the Smith family at the Craig Morgan concert. I love any kind of music and so I'm always up for a concert, even if I'm not a huge fan of who's singing. Obviously "I'm country", I love "a little bit of guitar and a little bit of life" and want to be a member of the "redneck yacht club" so I was thrilled to jump on my "international harvester" to make it to the concert in time. Cody wasn't disappointed in the least bit that we didn't invite him to go since he endures country music for me. However, I think he would be in agreement with the words of CM when he sang, "there was a time before she was mine that I thought I was tough"! Ha! On our way out of the concert, we couldn't resist jumping on the tractor (I learned that "John Deere" is a bad word) to have our picture made!

It was so wonderful to be back at VL on Sunday. It's so great to come "home" to a place that I miss terribly when we are away. Pastor Pete talked about the Sabbath and reminded me "that's what I love about Sunday"...relaxing and being unplugged. It really is one of my favorite times of the week and when we are home, our Sunday afternoon nap is a non-negotiable and the same goes for our time to chill in the evening! It was a great reminder to take some time to break away from the madness.

That's the gist! Hope you all had lots of fun and got lots of rest!! 

Couples Date Night!

After eating pizza and Krispy Kreme, Friday night, we all felt like we "had back"! After the yum food, a crew from VL went bowling and we were pretty much the only people in the bowling alley! I have no picture of our boys (because they were serious) or of my dear friend Jill. She must have been killing us with her strikes while we were busy posing. Jill was super serious about our game and she's had lots of practice on her wii and it paid off because she kicked our tails!!!! It was so great to see everyone from our favorite place on earth. I've been missing all of them since we've been out of pocket the past few weeks. We love them bunches and we had so much fun!