Stinkin' Cute

This made my weekend even better! Adorable! 

My top 5

My family is totally addicted to American Idol. We watch it together every year & we usually agree with Simon! It's like an addiction to chocolate cake...once you take the first bite, you can't stop!! So, before tonights big elimination of 2 contestants, I thought I would put my guess in for top 5 (in no particular order)...

Adam will be the winner this year. He's just unbelievably talented! Every week is a song I would buy!

Danny is good & I love his story/personality. His voice is unmistakable. However, he's not being creative enough at this point in the competition. Step it up, Danny! We know you got it in ya! 

Kris has probably been the biggest surprise this year. I vote him as most improved every week!

Let's face it, the girls got chops! 17, are you kidding me?

Anoop can sing but there's just no real "star/artist" quality. I was really hoping that Matt would take his place in the top 5 but I think he's going home tonight (along with Lil). Here's the deal...all my fellow Tarheel fans are blowing up the phones to keep him in! 

I could live here...

Our travels have taken us many places & of all those places, there is only one place (realistically) I would live. I mean the beach would be an ideal place to call home or Hawaii, for that matter, but those all seem a little out of reach. Nashville, on the other hand, is a realistic residence. Nashville just has a good vibe. It has all the amenities of the big city while preserving all the small town, southern charm. And don't even get me started on all the music! 

Anyways, when I realized Cody's speaking schedule was taking us in the proximity of NashVegas, I quickly made plans for us to head up a day early to see my dearest, Brittany, & hang in the great town. We had dinner at SATCO which has become a favorite (seriously, Cody & I ate 7 tacos between us)! After going to Britt's church on Sunday, we all headed to hear Cody speak. 

Here's the deal...1. Brittany had never heard Cody speak (although, she has known him for as long as I have; 7 years). 2. Brittany has never experienced anything other than large, metropolitan churches. 3. Brittany loves to hear about all our adventures. 

Little did she know, she was in for an adventure of her own. After about an hour in the car she exclaims she needs a bathroom break (mind you, we had stopped in a little town about 15 minutes earlier, to get gas, but she didn't get out). Well, at this point in time, we were in no man's land. I mean nothing. Nada. Not even houses. Just fields. What does my hubby do? He dies laughing! We finally found a spot, made it to the church (which wouldn't pull up on our GPS) & enjoyed a great evening ministering. Another adventure all thanks to a life of ministry with FTF. Good times! 

Oh yeah! It was one of THOSE bathrooms. Outside AND with a special key! ;)

As opposed to?

Standing on the front stoop of the church. Do you see why our GPS couldn't find it?

The storm rolling in. Just had to capture it. 

Totally unexpected

So I found this video a few days ago (before she became a YouTube sensation) & I was totally blown away! Amazing!

Click here!

Rival Nephew

For the past 6.5 years Avery has not only been our niece & the 1st grandchild in Cody's family but, most importantly, she's been our little Princess. She's been the center of all our attention & every one of the family members has spoiled her...rotten (loving every second of it). 

Well, that all changed about 2 weeks ago when....Caleb Ashton Deese was born making us Aunt & Uncle twice over! Now, we've become very accustom to purchasing dresses, bows, Barbie's & all things pink (and, if I do say so myself, we've become very good at it) but now, we must learn new Aunt/Uncle spoiling tactics. Cody totally lowered his standards & purchased baby Caleb a tiny Alabama hat with matching pacifiers. As a diehard Gator fan, I must say Cody is on the right track to Uncle supremacy (ya know, giving them whatever they want no matter how much it hurts your pride)! 

Does he look a little out of sorts to you?

He's already a deep thinker. Cutie! Or as Cody would say, "he's a good lookin' guy"!

reminiscing...

I can't believe it's been a year since our time in Dominican Republic. I've been thinking alot about our amazing experiences over the passed few days & wanting to go back...

Our amazing team!! We love them!

Priceless.

Hopie carrying bags of food to give to the village.

Us with the village baseball team! They totally killed our guys!

2 precious angels at the girls orphanage...

Cody with his new friends at the village church service...

Matthew 5:14-16 

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

Bachelorette Weekend...

What happens when you put 17 girls in the same house for a weekend? TROUBLE! Once everyone got here (to celebrate Jenna's special day) we started the parTAY with a little dinner/dancing at Shout. Loads of fun aside from the fact that the DJ wouldn't play Jenna's request..."Single Ladies". Seriously, how hard can it be to push a button? She's the Bride, that's why! We shopped, ate, laughed, watched movies, watched the final 4, ate, ate, ate, & showered Jenna with lingerie. So fun! Now, count down to May 9! 

All the girls at Shout

The cake & panty cookies. Mom & I had so much fun creating this! 

Here's the deal: Jenna is diehard UNC Tarheel girl & her Bobby is all about Clemson so...this is what happens! Jenna, we know you are still baby blue through & through! 

Saturday, after shopping most of the day, we came home to a yummy candlelight dinner. Thanks, Mom!

We piled up all over my parents house & had the best time (all while cheering the Tarheels to victory, of course).

Good times! 

*Jenna, I hope this weekend went beyond all your expectations! I love you bunches & I'm so happy for you! 

*Bobby, I didn't post the "good" pics because I didn't want you trying to sneak-a-peak. You know, as I've told you before, a Ya-Ya girl is the best kind to get! That's all I'm sayin'! 

*All the girls, It was wonderful to meet each of you! All I can say is...get your dancin' shoes ready!