Church Home Search Continues

Chad and I have decided to continue our search for a new church home. We feel that we are being led to a larger church since that is what we are used to. We have been trying First Baptist of Peachtree City and we are enjoying the sermons, pastor and fellowship as well. We met two wonderful people the first week that we were there that teach the Sunday School class for young/married with no children which was perfect for us! We attended that class on Sunday and we enjoyed the open dialouge and discussion that came with the study. They have different worship services and we have been going to the contemporary service and it is going great. We both prefer the contemporary spin on worship music. I love it when they sing a classic hymn with a contemporary twist. Thus the reason I asked Tom Griffin to sing Blessed Assurance at our wedding with Third Day's arrangement :) I just wanted to give an update on where we are at this point. God is so good and he is blessing Chad and I beyond belief. The other night while I was cooking - Chad came in the kitchen and I wrapped my arms around him. I told him how amazed I am at how God is blessing our life together :)

New Eclipse Trailer

So excited!! This announcment was posted on http://www.cnn.com/ and it's wayyyy better than the first trailer in my opinion. What do you think?

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Worldwide-Premiere-Watch-The-Twilight-Saga-Eclipse-Trailer-Video_1

Blogging Rut

I guess you could say I have somewhat had a blogging rut. Not that things are not happening and Life isn't good just nothing I felt the need to write about. Chad and I have made the decision to buy a King size bedroom set. We currently have one bed in the house and guess what??? We sleep in it so our poor friends/family either sleep on the air mattress or the couch. We have picked one out from Rooms to Go along with, hands down, the best mattress I have ever laid on. We went and looked on Wednesday night and had a ball doing so. We were not afraid to lay on the mattresses and get comfy and try to see how they all felt. It's not exactly a small purchase and holy cow furniture in general is expensive. I kept hearing my mom in my head saying - you get what you pay for. My parents have had the same bedroom set since they got married and it is gorgeous. It's an investment and that's the way we are looking at it. I was going to share the link with everyone but I would rather take pictures once we get it in the house :)

Chad and I celebrated our one year anniversary on Monday!! Can you believe it - ONE YEAR??? Seems like yesterday we were dancing our tails off at Alvaton!! We had a low-key anniversary but it was wonderful! Instead of Chad buying me flowers I asked him if we could get flowers for the yard. So went to Lowe's to start that process. We bought a hanging basket to subside because I wasn't sure what layout I wanted to do in the yard. Well as soon as we purchased the basket - I read the tag and it said minimal sun light. Ugh! That's not going to work with where I have the hook so we walked right back in to the return counter and returned it. Talk about feeling dumb. We went to Olive Garden for dinner and that was nice.  When we got home we ate some of the top of our wedding cake. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either...
It was actually supposed to be strawberry so imagine my surprise after waiting a whole year to find out it was regular cake...so blah! We spend a lot of the evening laughing together and being silly. It was a wonderful evening and I love how we make each other laugh all the time. I catch myself smiling throughout the day and laughing about things that happen when we are at the house :)

I am really looking forward to May :) Lots of good things happening! I will be attempting to run the Susan G. Komen 5K at Atlantic Station. We have a good size team and we have raised a lot of money for the cure. Then on Mothers Day; Me, Mom, Jenn, Aunt Cathy and Honey (My Grandmother) are going to see Mary Poppins at The Fox. Laugh if you wish - but this is one of my favorite movies to this day and I am so excited about seeing this. In addition to these- tis the season for Graduations :) My girlfriend Aubry will be graduating from College and heading out into the world to teach!! I am so happy for her and I know at times it felt like there was no end in sight but she will be crossing the finish line!! My sis-in-law, Cassie will be graduating from High School and heading down to Valdosta to earn her College degree. I remember the feelings I had when I graduated from high school. It was amazing!! I hope it does not rain so that Chad and I are able to attend!! She has so much ahead of her and we are both so excited for her!!

Nothing too exciting going on this weekend but we were finally able to set up something with Lauren and Cody!! We will finally be going out to dinner!! Thankfully our schedules aligned!! It's supposed to be raining here all weekend so I may be spending the weekend in the house since Chad may be working on Saturday! I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

P.S. I tried to make homemade biscuits last night and the dough was not cooperating. I was getting so frustrated that I almost cried. Is that bad?

My 100'th Post! I'll give you two fifties for one hundred

Instead of giving you a list of 100 things - I decided on two list of 50 that compliment each other. Some of you may find this post boring but this is how I decided to do my 100 post :)

50 Things about me that have changed within the past year:


1. I am now a happily married woman close to celebrating our 1 year anniversary.
2. I started working at Chick-fil-A Corporate as a Receptionist.
3. I was told when I was brought on @ Chick-fil-A it would not be for long - On April 28, it will be a year.
4. I recently accepted a position in the Marketing Department - but I don't have a start date yet. I am waiting until they find a replacement for me.
5. Chad and I have started searching for a new church home.
6. My relationship with my mom and sister has grown deeper. Let me explain; With me not living at home anymore - I cherish the time that I have with them even more.
7. I have started reading more - Two of my faves from the past year are My Sister's Keeper and Crazy Love.
8. We celebrated our first Christmas married in our home. If you know me, you know that I am nuts about anything and all things Christmas.
9. Having said that - This Christmas was different, in a good way though. I was able appreciate the meaning of Christmas on an entirely different level. I'm not sure why but I have a feeling it has something to do with this thing called "growing up."
10. My relationship with Christ is getting deeper each and every day. I feel his presence with me throughout the day. He's always been there but I see his hand more and more in the decisions I make.
11. Chad and I still laugh at each other everyday. I think this is amazing. He puts a smile on my face everyday even when I'm not in the best of moods.
12. I realize more and more that Chad makes me a better person. He challenges me in a good way to be better.
13. In the past year I have become very good at taking steps of Faith. I may not always no what the outcome is going to be but I know that His plan for Chad and I is way better than what I am able to do.
14. Chad and I have fun - I never thought I would be running around the house playing tag at the age of 25 but it is so much fun and I usually win ;).
15. I have met so many people in the past year alone that I know are going to help me grow and learn throughout the years to come.
16. I am thankful for my health. I have met and seen many people around me going through health issues and it makes me realize how blessed I am.
17. I am thankful for my parents. Not to boast about myself but I have been repeatedly complimented on my work ethic, attitude, and ability to make wise decisions. I look back and I know I wouldn't have that without my mom and dad. Thank you both for helping me develop into who I am today.
18. Still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am 25.
19. I appreciate our friends and family so much more. Whether it be my father-in-law coming to the house at 6:00 because I have locked my keys in the car for the thousandth time or a simple an e-mail from family/friends during the day that says, I love you.
20. I loooovvveee bargain shopping even more!! I'll share to of my recent bargains with you: I went to Tanger Outlet with my sister and girlfriends and headed to Banana Republic. Jenn had a 30% off coupon. Well, she found a dress on the clearance rack for me that was marked down to 39.99. When I got up to the register it was actually 19.99 so I ended up getting it for $12!! Yesterday, I found some Nine West red hills at Ross for $17. Yay for good deals!
21. I never imagined that I would like going to Home Depot or Lowes but now I do.
22. I now have to plan things in advance with family and girlfriends. Spur of the moment doesn't work much anymore when you are about 40 mins away from everyone.
23. Never thought I would jump on the iphone bandwaggon but I want one bad. Verizon please make this happen!
24. I listen to my sister when she gives me fashion advice. I didn't before but she makes me step out of my comfort zone and I like that :) Even if we do end up with some of the same shirts ;)
25. I like to keep things. No, I do not need an intervention on being a Horder. I keep sentimental things. Not to say that I throw away everything now but Chad will hold something up and say okay are you going to wear this again or Really, Babe? At which I decide to throw it away.
26. I used to hate mustard but now I love it.
27. I like to read books that help me grow as a person; Beth Moore, Andy Stanley, etc.
28. I am really looking forward to my sister's wedding. No, She is not engaged yet nor have they set a date but I cannot wait to watch her experience all of that.
29. I despise cleaning in the winter but I love it during the spring and summer. Weird, I know.
30. I want an SUV but I love the fact that my Saturn is paid for. I never thought I would want another car after my Saturn.
31. My road rage sadly has gotten worse since moving to Newnan. If you travel on that end of 85 you understand why. They have been doing construction for what seems like 25 years...Um, please finish already- thanks!
32. Never thought panty hose would creep back into my life but they have and yes, I hate them.
33. I love The Office more and more with each episode I watch.
34. I am a stronger woman than I was a year ago.
35. I am becoming a really good multi-tasker. A gift men lack. ha
36. I hate to write in cursive more each day.
37. I use my planner more and more. I used to be able to recall dates and things going on but those days are gone to a point. I just flat out feel better when I write them down. Lord help me if I ever lose my planner!!
38. I remember growing up teasing my mom about using coupons. "Nope. I don't have a coupon for that cereal." Jenn and I used to crack up laughing. Well, now I say bring on the coupons!! I can almost here myself telling my kids this one day ;)
39. There are times that I despise my cell phone. I used to love having my cell phone. Now, with my job having me on the phone all day - when I get home, no offense but I don't want to talk to anyone.
40. I feel more ready to be a mommy.
41. I don't really like Lifetime movies anymore - I used to watch that channel all the time but not so much anymore.
42. After working in the Corporate Setting for a year - I now understand the point of group projects.
43. I watch one news program a day so I know what it is going on. I used to watch it more. ts not from lack of interest but Geogria news is scary...
44. I buy my blue jeans for comfort now - not so they are tight.
45. I have discovered two things that I am better at than Chad - Drum Roll please.... Rumikub and Snow Skiing. I dominate at Rumikub and I was better at Skiing.
46. I read over my e-mails before sending them. I used to just type and go- type and go. However, I realize that I tend to leave words out and at times they don't really make sense.
47. Chad and I have already paid off one of my college loans!! Go us!
48. I now carry kleenex in my purse like my mom always told me to. I never did before and I wish I would have listened sooner :)
49. I am slowly getting over my fear of hanging things on the walls at the house. It just seems so permanent when I do it that I get scared.
50. I try not to get mad about silly or little things. Life is too short and I don't want to live my life like that :)



50 Things I plan to do/change within the next year or in the near future:

1. Chad and I would like to join a church soon. I would like to be able say we have a church home.
2. I would like for Chad and I to take some vacations atleast one to a place that we have never been before.
3. I would like to be successful in the position at work I will embarking on soon.
4. I'd like to get really good at cooking and trying new things.
5. Better at planning meals.
6. I want to go to New York and attend Rachel Ray's show.
7. I want to purchase a King Size bedroom set for our bedroom and move the Queen into another room for guests.
8. I would like to make the pine bed in our front yard not so large. I feel like it takes up all of the room.
9. I would like to have a pool table. I love playing and I think it would be fun to have at the house.
10. I'd like to purchase Dining Room furniture. My china is still in the boxes because I have no where to put it. I don't want to get it out and risk messing it up.
11. I'd really like some patio furniture but that is low on the priority list.
12. I's like to take up scrapbooking before we have kids. That would keep me busy and give me a craft to work on.
13. I would like to get some of our wedding pictures in larger forms and have them framed.
14. I want to go to Stone Mountain with some friends.
15. I'd like to go to Six Flags on a non-busy day. I haven't been in years.
16. I'd like to go to Atlantis in the Bahamas really bad!
17. I'm hoping to go to Harry Potter World down in Florida at Universal Studios. Laugh all you want...I like what I like and will not apologize.
18. I'd like for Chad and I to find a hobby that both of us enjoy to do together.
19. I would like to be successful at puting a Disney Photo Mosaic puzzle together.
20. I want to find a fabric that I like for the kitchen for some kitchen curtains to replace what I have now.
21. I'd like to learn a new curly style for my hair that looks good on me.
22. I hope that the economy will get back on it's feet.
23. I hope that after my sister graduates next year, she won't have a hard time finding a job.
24. I hope that Chad and I make some friends down in Newnan.
25. I hope that my sister will get engaged :)
26. I hope I am able to spend even more time with Honey (My grandmother) over the next year.
27. I would like to start a garden, however, the deer in Newnan will not cooperate.
28. I hope to make it out to Texas to visit Brian and Tina but most importantly TRISTAN :)
29. I hope to become very savvy with using coupons at the grocery store. I know there is a system and I plan on figuring it out.
30. I want to bust out a small wall in our master bathroom and get a bigger shower.
31. I would like to win a contest. I have never one a contest and would really like to.
32. I hope that my friendships with my girlfriends will continue to deepen and strengthen.
33. I hope that I continue to take steps of faith to stay on the path that God has for Chad and I.
34. I am going to try not to use LOL anymore. I think it is completely overused.
35. I would like to attend a UGA game in Athens.
36. I hope that Chad is able to stay with the company he is with once he turns out next April.
37. I'd like to meet some of our neighbors.
38. For the first time in my life I am planning to get a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. I have really high archs which doesn't allow me to run because I get cramps in my feet. I am going this weekend to a store in Atlanta that puts you on a machine and recommends shoes for you. Super pumped about that.
39. I would like to attend more Braves games.
40. Chad and I want to go to atleast one Falcons game this year.
41. I hope that UGA makes it to the SEC Championship game this year so that I can get tickets for working :)
42. In the next year, I would like to tone up. I want to get on a regular exercise routine.
43. This is a stretch but I would love to meet Rachel Ray :)
44. I hope to get better at printing pictures out.
45. I would like to have our friends and families over for a cookout this summer.
46. I would like to come up with my very own recipe.
47. I'd like to meet up with my dad when I can to have breakfast on Saturdays. He has no idea how much it meant to me when we went out for breakfast two days before I got married. I felt like his little girl all over again. I even got chocolate chip pancakes :)
48. I would like to get a stove that heats to the correct temperature to prove to the hubbs that I am a good baker!
49. I would like to play tennis more often.
50. I want to still be at the center of God's Will for Chad and I.


Some of these are far-fetched, expensive, not reasonable, not realistic and the list could go on and on. But hey, this is my list; you can make your own.

Anything Goes - Quick Step

This is by far one of my favorite dances from this season so far. I think the choreography is fantastic!! Maybe it's because I love Broadway but it makes me think of something I would see at a play. I was disappointed when they didn't get 10's straight across. Who are you cheering for on Dancing with the Stars and which teacher's choreography do you enjoy the most???

Joy Versus Happiness

   First things first: I hope that everyone had a Happy Easter and took time to reflect on the magnitude of the sacrifice made on this special day. Chad and I went home for church this morning. We attended FBCJ and it felt so good to be home. As you know Chad and I have been trying to find a church closer to our home but none of them feel like FBCJ to us. If you have ever been church hunting you know it is not easy. After attending FBCJ for over 20 years and having the relationships that Chad and I have there, it just has not been an easy process.
   We started the morning with the 8 a.m. early service followed by Sunday School. Words cannot describe how much we miss our Sunday School class. It felt so good to be back with everyone! We had a wonderful Bible Study from John Piper's Book, Desiring God. There was a lot of good discussion and I think the principle of the study goes right along with Crazy Love (another Book). We discussed how God does desire for us to enjoy pleasures in life and how pleasures are not a bad thing. These are not pleasures in the Worldly sense as these can sometimes be self-centered. God desires for us to be servants for His work and when you do His work, stay in His word and stay in His will than you will experience pleasures like no other. My favorite part of our class is when we discuss joy vs. happiness which we have discussed before. I understand it more each time we talk about it. Don't miss this: I believe that you will experience a secular happiness when you are living outside of God's will for your life. I think Satan is very good at camouflaging "things" in your life to make you believe that you are happy- when really these "things" in your life are a temporary happiness. Believe me - I have been there and I think we all have. Whether is was a guy you knew you shouldn't be dating but you did anyway because you thought he made you happy or something you took part in because it made you temporarily happy. The key word in all of that is temporary. That is the difference with Joy. Joy to me is when I am completely in line with God's plan for my life. With joy comes a peace that you know you are doing and going where He wants you to go and if challenges arise you know in your heart, it is all part of the bigger plan. Just because you are in the center of God's will doesn't mean there will not be challenges and heartaches but it does mean that there is a calming and peace when those times come. This was a fantastic Sunday School lesson with a lot of insight from the class.


Proverbs 3: 5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight."

Great Scripture to tie all of this together. I hope it flows and makes sense to everyone.

     The rest of the day was spent relaxing and resting from the night before. Chad had a go-kart race in Dalton. I always enjoy getting to spend time with Chad, Bradley and Lindsey. However, getting to my parents house at 2am and waking up to get to church by 8am is dedication and exhausting. The rest of the day was spent talking with the family and being completely out of it. I enjoy the time I get with my family more and more each week. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter and enjoying the beautiful weather this week!

Words cannot describe my excitement!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is coming on June 5'th!

I am totally doing a happy dance on the inside!

Alice in Wonderland

FANTASTIC!

I saw this movie in 3D last weekend with Jennifer (My sis), Brandy, Nicole and Samantha. I am usually not a huge Tim Burton fan but he nailed this one! I am a bigger fan of his wife who played the Queen of Hearts because she is in the Harry Potter movies as Bellatrix Lestrange (Wonderful job playing her). I thought this movie was all around so smart and intuitive. It amazes me how Tim Burton can watch the Classic-Alice in Wonderland and see this. Some told me that this movie was "really" dark and I did not see it as such. If I had kids - depending on their age I may have taken them to see this one. The 3D affects used were awesome and made the movie seem like it was literally happening all around you. I give this movie two thumbs up and would totally recommend it to others :) Have a great weekend!

Ski Trip Attempt #2 = SUCCESS!

Our ski trip was so much fun I honestly don't know where to begin! We made it to our cabin by about 5:00 on Friday afternoon and got settled in. We went to Sagebrush (equivalent to Longhorn) that night for dinner. After we got back from dinner we played Rummikub (one of our favorite games). There was actually a garden tub with jets in the bedroom, which was wonderful! I knew this was going to come in handy after a full day of skiing! Our Friday night was not that exciting but it was good to relax and not have to worry about anything.

We got an early start Saturday morning. Cataloochee opened at 8:30 and that is exactly what time we got there. It was a good four miles up the mountain. We stopped for pictures along the way. The scenery was gorgeous! When we arrived at Cataloochee we were able to bypass the ticket lines and go straight to rentals. We got our boots which I must say were dreadfully uncomfortable. You would think they would try to make those things more comfortable considering how long you are in them. Then we got our skis and we were on our way. Our package included a beginners ski class but that is not our style. I went skiing when I was a Senior and Chad went a very long time ago with Jeremy. We practiced a little bit on this baby slope to get a feel which was a good idea. We then made our way to our first ski lift ride. If you have ever been skiing you know there are basically four different lines and they merge together and everyone takes turns. Well it was our turn and they have a red line that you are to wait behind until it is your turn, Well, Chad got a little excited and ahead of himself. As he was sliding to the pick up spot he got all twisted up and sideways and busted it right there. I was standing behind him cracking up while the guy operating the ski lift just looked at him (which was making me laugh even harder). You know you are a beginner when they have to stop the ski lift for you. Hilarious! After that we get on the lift. Someone informed us this was the lift for the beginners. We got off and began making our way down. It may have been the steepest beginner slope I had been on. After a few falls, we made it to the botttom and I looked at Chad and said, "There is no way that was a beginner." Come to find out it wasn't. We went straight to intermediate. One of the funniest parts about the trip was this; Chad was pretty good while he was moving but whenever we were standing still or not moving that is when he would bust it. Why? I couldn't figure it out. I didn't mind laughing though. If you know Chad and I we are both very competitive with each other. Always striving to beat each other. Bottom line - I always end up losing to him...Well not this time! FINALLY! I wouldn't say that I am better but he def fell more than I did. I think it is safe to say that we are on the same level but I may be two steps ahead of him ;) Love you babe!

However, I do believe that I provided to the highlight of the weekend.

It is way better when Chad tells this but I will do my best.

MUST READ!!!

There were two black diamonds at Cataloochee. One we knew we better not but the other we thought we had a chance. After lunch on Saturday we continued doing the same slopes and we were getting better so maybe our ego kicked in. We went up the lift and stood there facing the black diamond. This slope had a very very steep drop off. That is what made it so intimidating. However, there was a little path off to the right that would ease you down the steep part and then you were able to make it down. I don't know what came over me but after standing there for 30 mins debating back and forth in our heads, I guess I got tired of waiting. I watched countless people go over the steep part and go side to side. You are not supposed to go straight down. The side to side makes it not as fast. I looked at Chad and said I am tired of waiting...I didn't go down the side path - I went straight for the steep part. I cannot tell you what I was thinking...I obviously was not. I think it caught Chad off guard. I am laughing as I write this...Words cannot describe how fast I was going and how scared I was. I had no time to begin the side to side skiing. I was going straight down accumulating more and more speed. I was going so fast that I was actually getting air when I get bumps. Scared doesn't begin to desribe what I was feeling. I thought there was a chance that I was going to make it. Back at the stop; Chad had so many things running through his mind. He makes me laugh. When I took off he was thinking, "What is she doing?" "She is going to die." "She is going to take someone out." "She's not slowing down." My favorite thought that he had was as soon as I rolled over the drop off and he realized what happened, he was like, "I LOVE YOU BABE!" He said that could tell which skiiers knew what they were doing and how they were going side to side and he said I was flying right up the middle passing them. He told me I was completely straight leg. I was not bending my knees at all. He told me he turned his head because he couldn't watch. Now, back down where I was. I knew it was coming to an end. My hat flew off and I hit a bump and was airborned and fell on my rear. When you fall skiing you are supposed to fall to the side otherwise you keep going. Well because my skis were still on the ground I was still hauling butt. I was trying to stop myself with my arms which was creating a huge snow cloud. Next thing I remember was rolling and landing sideways with one ski on and the other one about 25 ft behind me. I just sat there covered in snow, laughing. I look up to see where Chad is and I see him coming down the path to the right. I'm thinking, "Here comes my knight in Shining Armor!" Not exactly. Chad wiped out worse than I did. I didn't exactly see it but thats what the guy behind me said. He helped me get my ski and I was laughing at Chad and he said, "Well, you made it way further than he did and his fall was worse. So atleast you can say that to him." He made me feel better :)

Chad finally made it down to the side that I pulled off to with my hat in hand and we just laughed. Thankful, of course that I didn't go off a cliff or injure someone else but laughing because the whole situation was just that funny.

If I shared all of the funny stories with you from the weekend you would be reading for days.

This is when we arrived at the Cabin.

Chad wasted no time eating. :)

On our way up the mountain to begin the skiing :)

On the Ski lift...With a death grip on my camera...

My Hubbs <3

Yes, I know what your thinking and Yes, we are professionals :)

On the way up on the ski lift.

One of many trips up the Ski lift :)

This is a weekend I will always remember. Thank you Babe! Our life together gets better everyday <3

Tristan :)

How could you not smile when you see these?

These are just a few pictures of my handsome second cousin, Tristan:) He celebrated his first birthday last month. They are out in Texas so we were not able to be there :( I got these this morning and could not help but to post a few of them. They make me smile! I can't wait to see this handsome little guy again soon! I miss all of them terribly and hope to see all of them soon! Love y'all!