"The Prayer"

Since last Friday, I have had something heavy on my heart. It has been there for a long time, but it hit me hard on this particular day. I would rather not go into too much detail, but I heard a story of a young man passing away. I was instantly bothered and deepenly saddened for this man. I thought, "How could God do this? Why did he die so young?" I found myself feeling sorry for this man. I wish I could have gone to Heaven and asked God to send him back, along with all of the other loved ones I miss. But here's the thing, I can't do this. I can pray all day long for death to be fake, but it is real. I decided I wanted to take a positive step in my faith and learn about Heaven. I realized I had a much bigger problem than I realized. My inspiration and one of my best friends in the entire world, Maryhelen, gave me the best advice possible. She told me to turn to God and strengthen my faith. For she feels Heaven to be the best place where we will be lucky to live someday. She said the only thing that would make her sad if she died, was leaving her two boys and her husband. Wow! I was shocked. I kept thinking, "How could she feel this way? Why would she ever want to leave this place? It's great!" Well, after a long and emotionally tiring day, I found a road to where I believe I will find my answer. Maryhelen presented me with a book to read-"90 Minutes In Heaven." At first I thought there was no way I would read that because it might prove that death is real, and there is no escaping it.

After dinner with my family on Friday night, I couldn't drive fast enough to get to Barnes & Noble so I could start my journey with God. I purchased the book, and I immediatly became engrossed in the words. This story is almost unbelievable to simply hear, but when I read the words on the page, I felt chills come over my body, and I truly sensed God protecting me. I read closely to the details of Heaven as the man described it. I was amazed by his words. He said he was greeted by his loved ones (his grandfather who happened to be his best friend), he heard beautiful music all in unison, and the most amazing part of all is when he said everyone was blemish/scar free. When I read that his grandfather was the first person to greet him at the Pearly Gates, a smile covered my face. For those of you who do not know, my husband lost his grandfather a couple years ago to cancer. Hunter and his grandfather were two of a kind, best friends, and most of all Hunter loved him like his own father. Even to this day, it is hard for Hunter to talk about his Pappa. I felt God pulling at me saying, "You have got to go tell Hunter this! He will be so excited to know that Pappa will be there waiting for him." I immediatly told Hunter what I read, and told him not to worry-he will be waiting with open arms in the front of the gate. It also made my heart smile knowing I would be able to meet him. From the first meeting of Hunter's parents and falling in love with his family, they all said to me they wished Pappa could have met me. I yearn to know this man. This man is loved by so many people, and everyone speaks so highly of him. After reading this, I knew not only would he be waiting on Hunter, he would also be waiting on me, along with the rest of my family and friends.

Another thing that amazed me was everyone in heaven were described as beautiful as the day they were born. He said all of the worries and anxieties he had on Earth were instantly vanished from him. He could no longer feel pain; he felt warmth and love. I became emotional. A part of me felt guilty for feeling that Heaven was a place to fear, but I soon realized that I didn't fear it, I was simply unsure of how great things would be. I am still in the beginning of the book, but I know with each chapter and with each prayer to God I will be free of my biggest fear-death. I know that I may never be as emotionally and spiritually strong as Maryhelen, but I hope that God and I create a deeper relationship where I can look forward to the days spent with him in eternity. I ask my family and friends to pray for me so I can find my inner peace. I love everyone who is reading this.

The following link is to my favorite song that gives me the inspiration and hope I need everyday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLeGdEX5E_Y

It was 88 days before Christmas, and all through the house...

Ok I know this is early, but I cannot contain myself! People always say that Christmas is their favorite holiday, but for me Christmas is so much more. I get so excited about it that I obsess over decorations, wrapping paper, buying presents, angel trees, ornaments, you name it! Last year I drove Hunter nuts because I started my tradition of playing Christmas music in the car on October 1st. Needless to say he was not prepared for it. I am excited to say that I am only 4 days away until my Christmas music hits my cd player. Every year I download a new mix of Christmas classics, mixed with some remakes from Michael Buble, George Strait, etc. This year will be no exception. This weekend I plan on making my 2008 Christmas playlist.

Apart from the festivities, the thing I am most excited about is spending my first Christmas with Hunter. When we were engaged, we went to California to visit my family. While we were there we went to Disneyland and bought an "Our First Christmas" ornament with Mickie and Minnie being a bride and groom. I have placed this ornament in our special spot for Christmas decorations. I also am going to carry on a tradition passed down from my parents. I will buy one Christmas ornament a year. Not just any ornament, but a special Christmas ornament that has a sentimental meaning for Hunter and I. Down the road I will also buy our children an ornament so that when they get married or move out on their own, they will have enough ornaments to decorate their own tree.

Here are some things I have already purchase or are on my wish list for decorations, ornaments, etc.

Hunter and I have our stockings! I ordered these stockings from Pottery Barn with some leftover credit from our wedding. Hunter's is green with his name monogrammed, and mine is red with my name on it. Susie's will be next!

Dedee has graciously given us wreaths to decorate with. I want to buy a stand for it at Old Time Pottery for only $10!

I love this wrapping paper! I found something similar at the Dollar Tree for of course...$1 a roll! You can't beat that!

This is similar to our ornament!

The Windy City, take me there...

Today my dad boarded a plane for Chicago! I have been begging my dad for several years (I have lost count) to take me to Chicago. When Janelle, Brent, and I were in high school my dad granted us each, a father-son/daughter trip. We could pick wherever we wanted to go. Janelle chose the Big Apple, of course! My brother Brent chose Indiana to see a Notre Dame football game. Where did I end up going?! No where...YET! My dad has promised me he will stick with his promise and take me on the father/daughter, now daughter with her husband trip. I am so anxious to visit there I can hardly stand it! My Doctor/2nd father/friend and his wife are big Chicago travelers. Kathy is originally from Chicago and has family there. She always comes back with the coolest clothes, stories, etc. I decided that I need to make a wish list for the things I want to do in Chicago once we get there. It goes as follows...

1) Millennium Park-I would especially love to see the Carolers during Christmas!

2) The Magnificent Mile-shopping, architecture, and historic hotels.

3) Wrigley Field-Although I am not a huge baseball fan, I would love to go to a Cub's game and come back with a cute t-shirt!

4) Chicago deep dish pizza-Need I say more?!

5) Stay at a funky hotel and spy on celebrities!

Picture Please

Hunter and I have been talking about our future as far as our dreams, goals, where we see our self, etc. His answer is almost always the same. For me, it wavers from writing to snapping photographs. While these are the two things I hope to accomplish someday, the photography is staring me in the face. Everywhere I go I see a great subject to photograph, whether it be an animal, a flower, or a complete stranger. I have a nice camera that my parents gave me for Christmas two years ago. It is nicknamed "my baby!" She goes everywhere with me. Some people say when they don't wear a watch they feel naked. When I don't have my camera with me, I feel naked and unarmed! Hunter's Aunt, Tootie, purchased a wonderful new camera earlier in the year. I took one look at her camera, and it was love at first sight! I have gone to Wolf Camera, researched it online, dreamt about it, everything you could think of. I hope to one day be a free lance photographer. I would love to shoot engagements, family reunions, small weddings, dog portraits, and baby portraits. I know this sounds like a big dream, but I really think I can do it if I put my mind to it. The following is a few photos I like that I have seen online, in magazines, on a photographer's website, and ones I have taken myself...

A gorgeous photograph for a gorgeous dress.

I love the way his smile is captured
http://www.abryanphoto.com/

This captures the beautiful scenery of the cathedral as well as the couple. Neither object takes precedence over the other.

I like the focus on the bride's bouquet.

Finally, my favorite photo I have ever taken...I think her photographer was a little annoyed with me because I kept capturing photos behind him!

Taking Susie for a walk

How could anyone be mean to this sweet puppy?!

Yesterday afternoon I decided to get up and stop being lazy! When Hunter got home from work I insisted we take Susie for a long walk around the neighborhood. Not only did I want some exercise, but I was on the look-out for a mean women in our neighborhood. Last week a lady was walking in front of our house, and Susie started to run after her. Susie stopped at her heels, licking her legs and begging for attention. The lady stared Hunter down and said, "You NEED TO GET YOUR DOG OUT OF THE ROAD!!!" She said it in the most awful way possible. Hunter was shocked to say the least so he didn't repsond. I knew if it happened again Hunter would lose it because he won't let anyone be mean to his baby! So while we were walking I had my eyes peeled for this lady. Every person we passed I would ask, "Is that her? What about her?" Hunter just laughed. I warned him that no matter what he should never yell at her if she does this again because women can be crazy! I would hate for him to get in trouble. I told him I would take care of it! So for now...I'm still on the look out! When I find this lady, I will nicely ask her to speak nicely to us and apologize for our dog who simply wanted to find a new friend. I guess Hunter and I need to realize that

not everyone loves dogs-weird huh?!

Romance is back for fall!

Who would have thought that my coworker and best friend would be hip on the fashion trends this fall? It tickled me when Maryhelen called to tell me that purple was all over the runways! I already knew this because I do love good fashion, but purple is my favorite color. It didn't matter though, it was so cute for her to think of me! Here are some fun purple accessories that are on my wish list for fall...

Family and Fellowship

Hunter and I had a great weekend with our families! Dedee and Stuart came to Birmingham for the weekend to help us get our house fully painted. We are proud to say that every room in our love shack has been painted (thanks to our wonderful parents)! Dedee and I spent Friday afternoon with some much needed girl time.  We strolled through Home Goods for a while and we found a steal!!! We ended up getting a runner for our hallway for close to nothing thanks to a sweet employee of Home Goods. After shopping we met my mom, Aunt Tootie, and cousin Laura for dinner and a movie. We went to see "The Women." I know, I know I have already seen it, but I really wanted to see it with my two moms-:-) Saturday was "make it work day."  Hunter knew how badly I wanted to watch the Alabama game so he set a tv up for me to watch while painting.  After a long day of painting and GREAT Alabama football we had a great dinner.  While watching the Auburn game, I introduced the world of www.youtube.com to the older crowd.  We probably watched 10 videos.  The top ones are...

1) chunky kid on a rollercoaster

2) little african american boy talking about a movie where someone got hurt-hilarious!!!

3) "I want the gold!!!" -Mobile, AL

Today we were sad to say goodbye to Dedee and Stuart.  I truly could not have married into a better family.  I prayed my whole life to have in-laws like Hunter's parents.  Some of my friends ask me what my relationship is like with my mother-in-law.  I always say-one of my best friends.  If she lived here, I'm almost sure Hunter would never see me! My mom, Dedee, and I would be getting pedicures, seeing movies, shopping, talking, etc....it's what we do best! What makes the situation even better is when my family and his family become one.  This is cheesy, but we truly are a happy little family! I am so blessed to live within 15 minutes of my parents and brother, 5 minutes of my sister and her family, and 1.5 hours away from Dedee and Stuart.  Family is priority for Hunter and I....we don't know how we would get by without them! 

Breaking down walls...

Fall is my favorite time of year.  There is nothing more beautiful than driving down the highways and looking at the leaves changing their color.  It always makes me think of life's changes.  We are a lot like leaves.  We grow, we get tired, sometimes we look bright, and then sometimes we look dull and fall to the ground.  I was driving home from work today with a lot on my mind, and I was looking at some trees in my neighborhood that are going through this change.  It reminds me of my life.  Hunter and I were married on August 2 of this year which brought on a lot of change-getting used to living on a strict budget, having to share a bed with someone else, and all of the wonderful things that come with marriage.  Like a leaf, I am in my dull period, waiting for my colors to change.  I find myself tired and frustrated lately.  I have so many dreams and aspirations that I want to achieve, but I can't seem to break down the "big wall."  If anyone has ever read the book "The Last Lecture" you know exactly what I am talking about.  

I highly recommend this book to anyone being of the appropriate age.  I gained more wisdom in this small book than I might have learned over an entire lifetime. I was reading this book on our honeymoon in Mexico, and I didn't know the effect is was going to have on me.  I knew this man had cancer and he had a couple months to live, but surprisingly his book wasn't about his cancer or how bad his life was; it was how to live your life to the fullest and how to live in love.  My favorite part of the book came towards the end when Randy talks about what he will miss when he leaves the Earth.  He speaks of his wife and his children.  As I was reading tears were trickling down my face.  I was completely engrossed in the book.  He explained how sad he will be knowing that his little girl may not remember him, but he makes a promise to his wife to let his daughter know, "He was the first man to ever fall in love with her."  At this point I completely lost it!!! I couldn't help but imagine myself in a couple years with a baby in my arms.  I envision Hunter being the best dad.  I knew this is exactly how he would feel if this was happening to him, and it made my heart smile. The more I read, my heart ached for this man.  I kept thinking with every turn of the pages, I would see him fall down with grief and anger, but he didn't. His leaves were bright until the day he was sent in peace.  The second most important part in his book is when he talks about "walls"; there are things in everyone's life that inspire you.  It may be getting a new job, running a marathon but being out of shape, whatever you desire to do.  These walls Dr. Pausch talk about are not placed in your life to make you miserable or weak, they are placed there for you to see how bad you really want it.  He believed that if you truly have the desire in your heart to make something of yourself, you have to knock the walls down and go after it.  I thought this was a great way to look at my life.  I strive for so many different things, and I often wonder when am I actually going to do this. When will I know when the right time is? Right now I have 2 walls that are blocking me from doing something I desperately want to do.  Maybe one day I will knock them down, but for now  I'll keep on dreaming...

Friday night at the movies...

So one of our favorite couples, Elise and Clayton, joined Hunter and I Friday night for dinner and a movie. We had dinner at Cafe' Lazio which I highly recommend for pizza and beer. Afterwards we headed to the Rave for one of the best movies I have ever seen. Clayton and Hunter went to see "Burn After Reading" with Brad Pitt, etc. Elise and I enjoyed a much needed girl movie-"The Women!" It was an adventure to say the least. I'm laughing as I type this blog. Let me set up the situation:

Elise and I walking into the theater

Elise: " There is NO where to sit."

Me: "Of course there is, follow me."

I walk over to three rather large women and politely ask them to move over 1 seat so my friend and I can sit and enjoy the movie. Elise is tapping me on the shoulder and saying, "Hey! What are you doing?!" I look at her and say, "Shut up! I have everything under control." While this is happening, the women are picking up their purses, popcorn, drinks, etc. all to move to leave ONE seat. They were laughing at me so hard that I was humiliated! I thought there was more then one seat or else I would not have asked them to move. At this point I feel like a complete idiot and walk to the front section. Elise and I squeeze into two seats on the end with our heads tilted all the way back to be able to see the screen. The movie is literally starting, and I jump up to get us some snacks for the movie (thinking I would be back in time for the beginning). Boy was I wrong! I stood in line for 10 minutes to buy drinks and candy. When I returned, the lady sitting in front of Elise was another rather large woman and asked me if her seat was leaning too far back. I immediatly said, "Of course not! You're fine sweetie!" I didn't want her to feel bad about it. Elise looks at me and says, "Since when are you sitting in my chair? Let me be the one to decide that!" We both started dying out laughing and everyone gave us mean looks.

Needless to say the movie was hysterical and sad at the same time. It was defiantly a movie you want to see with a best friend or sister because it is real life situations. I know in about 10 years I will want to see it again because the story will seem more real to me. Elise and I talked during the whole movie, making comments about the women and what they should do in that situation. I highly recommend this movie to any woman of any age because at one point in your life you might find yourself looking in the mirror wondering, "Is this really happeneing to me?"

This is my favorite part of the movie:

Enjoy!!!

P.S.

Elise-thanks to a great night! I love you!

First comes Frog, then comes Bunny...

Which one is which?!

I am ashamed to say that this is the FIRST blog of one of the two most important people in my life. Most of you reading this already know of my nephew/God Son-Jack and my beautiful niece, baby Clara. My life is forever changed since being an Aunt. Before Janelle and Gavin had their children I did not realize the effect it would have on my life. Jack was the first born, and he and I instantly bonded! My favorite memories of him when he was a little thing was picking him up out of his crib after a long nap. It is the sense that he needs me for comfort or just someone to set him free from his confinement! Whatever the reason, I always felt that those special quiet times with Jack were the best. He would lay his head on my shoulder and I would rock him. I am not the best singer, but I would always sing a song to him as well. I love to sing "Hush Little Baby Don't Say A Word."

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word.Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbirdAnd if that mockingbird won't sing,Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring And if that diamond ring turns brass,Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass And if that looking glass gets broke,Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat And if that billy goat won't pull,Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull And if that cart and bull fall down,You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town."

Clara was born on February 26, 2008. She is truly one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen-I may be a little biased. I love her fuzzy blonde hair, her naturally cherry colored lips, and her long, curly eye lashes. She looks like a porcelian baby doll! In the beginning she didn't like me to hold her a lot because she is a MOMMY'S GIRL to the extreme. I was good as long as Janelle was in the room. That way if she got fussy, all Clara had to do was look at her mom. It is so special to see that. When I see Clara cry or become upset, I like to bring her to Janelle just to look at her. As soon as Clara sees her mommy her face lights up. I hope one day I will be able to experience this kind of love and connection. Words cannot express how much I love my niece and nephew. I would die for these children!

Oh I guess you are wondering why I said, "First comes Frog, then comes Bunny."
When Jack was a little baby he always laid on his stomach with his legs bent behind his body just like a frog sits. So Jack is my little frog! Clara's name came later when she really got her personality! When you hold her, and she gets excited she will hop up and down in your arms. She also hops on the bed when you are changing her diaper. Clara is my bunny!

Together we stand

"I hoped it was an earthquake, but I knew I was in denial."

"When firefighters came in to rescue they were sweating profously and panting harshly. People in the stairwells were pouring their water bottles over their heads as they followed them up the staircases. As we followed these firefighters we became a part of them."

"The world goes black. I remember saying, "Just lay here, hold your breath, this will pass."

"The third floor staircase in the first tower stayed in place. We didn't know why, but it stayed in place to create a safety spot for the victims."

(I took this picture of what is now called "The Freedom Staircase" where victims were later found trapped, but alive thanks to this staircase).

"I lost my best friend that day, and the two officers that tried to repsond to him."

"The WTC was not just a place of employment-it was a home to everyone. It was a place of work, a place to socialize, and a place to buy birthday presents for your family and children."

"Many of them gave their lives so I could be here today, so I live my life to remember them."

"It will show those individuals who were repsonsible for this tradegy that we cannot be defeated. We remember our own, and we respect our own."

The previous qoutes were the most inspring and eye-opening qoutes I have read and listened to on television over the past 7 years. It wasn't until I visited the WTC site in December 2007, where I truly felt the sense of loss and tradegy. However at the same time, I saw signs of hope, love, and connection. The day we visited, the site workers had taken left over metal scrap and made a cross out of it. They hung it on the street for everyone to admire. I took the following picture, just seconds after they hung it

on the building.

"The Giving Tree"

This week I will call-"The Week of Giving." I opened our blog to write something fun, but I stumbled upon one of my favorite childhood books, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I knew right away that I needed to change my post. Hunter and I went to a mattress store on Monday evening. For those of you who don't know, I have injured my lower back. I have not been able to sleep in our master bedroom because our mattress was in horrible condition. On some nights Hunter would crawl into our guestbed with me, but he is too tall to be comfortable. I liked the mattress, but I hated not sleeping next to my husband. I finally gave in, and asked a hard question as a newly married woman. "Babe, can we please buy a new bed?" I figured since it wasn't clothes or a vacation, he would be up for it. It was a necessity. He fully agreed that we should not have to sleep apart. Walking into the bed store I was so excited! I had never been shopping for a mattress-yes I know! I am queen of taking naps, but I have never had to shop for a bed before. It was great! I jumped from bed to bed trying ever plush mattress I could find. The lady in the store was such a nice person. She gave me advice on which bed would be the best regarding our preferences, but mostly my bad back. She pointed out a wonderful mattress for us to try. While we were paying for our new bed, I noticed a beautiful pillow sitting on one of the beds. I laid my head on it, and I was sold. I asked if I could buy one, and Hunter thought sure why not? How much could a pillow be? Wow were we wrong. It was $150. You should have seen Hunter's eyes. I put the pillow down, and I mumbled, "Birthday maybe?!" The woman told me it would be a great investment for my back. She too has had her fair share of back problems and she swore by this pillow! I knew we could not spend the money so I quickly walked away. After we checked out, the woman walked around the corner, and told me, "I would like to give you something. It is a gift from me to you. I'm sorry you have had back pain, and I want you to have this." I started crying in the middle of the mattress store. I was so thankful that this complete stranger to me was giving me a present. I asked if I could give her a hug, and it was the best hug I could have given. I wish there were more "Phyllises" in this world-that's her name ;-) She went above and beyond what a store clerk should do. I was so happy and thankful that I rushed home to try it out! Needless to say I had the best night of sleep ever since my back injury!

This story reminds me of "The Giving Tree." The little boy did not know the tree, nor did he offer anything to the tree. The tree gave everything it had to help the little boy without asking for anything in return. A lot of people are skeptical about this book, saying the boy was selfish. Some even say that the book should not be read to children because it sends the message to take, take, take....I have to disagree. When I read this story, I feel warm inside. The tree wanted to help, much like Phyllis, knowing she would not get anything in return. That is a truly special trait. I don't think there are a lot of people that are like the tree in the story. Everyone always seems to look for what they can get in return. When I left the mattress store I promised the lady that I would pass my kindness on to someone else who is in need of a helping hand. I encourage everyone to do one thing a day that helps someone. Wether it's saying good morning or opening a door for someone, little acts of kindess do not go unnoticed.

Flower Child

I have to admit-I am flower obsessed! If I had lots of money to spend foolishly, I would spend it on beautiful bouquets of gorgeous flowers. I have been nicknamed "The Flower Snob." At first I thought it was fitting. I am always critical of floral arrangements, tacky bouquets, fake flowers, etc. On my way to work this morning, I realized something. Flowers of all kinds can be beautiful-it's how you arrange them and how you treat them.

All over the runways and fashion magazines are floral prints and floral jewelry. I saw this picture online the other day, and I thought it was too beautiful not to post.

I'm sure my sister will have a response because she knows my feelings on lillies-especailly calla lillies. I guess this proves that not all calla lillies are bad. This ring is beautiful! If it wasn't so expensive I would defiantly order it. My favorite flower is the ranunculus flower. It is so unique with it's tight petals curled inward with a black eye in the center. This was the only thing I really wanted in our wedding. Due to the time of year and the weather, we couldn't have them. I was really bummed! Look how beautiful these flowers are...

Make It Work

I can hardly stand it! I cannot figure out who will win Season Five Project Runway. Last year I had no doubts it would be Christian-he is fab, by the way! This year I like Kenley and Korto. I loved Kenley's dress last night, and I loved her attitude even more. Everyone seems to be jealous and angry of her. I say, "They're all jealous!" Maybe not of her talent, but she has confidence. I like the fact that she defended and spoke proudly of her garment. A lot of designers on the show hide behind the same old stuff-Terri watch out! Besides the great clothes, how cool is that to be able to meet Diane Von Furstenberg?! I know my husband will be happy when the season comes to an end, but I will be so deeply saddened....I'm already on the look out for Season Six!!!

Home with a bad back...

So for weeks now I have been complaining to Hunter, family and friends (sorry) because of my lower back.  It feels as if someone is trying to crush my back.  I woke up this morning, and I was barely able to move.  I finally gave in and called my Dr. and BFF, Dr. Mike.  He said I must have sprained my back-ugh! He called in some muscle relaxers and pain pills.  My back still hurts but not nearly as bad as it has been hurting.  I am so happy to have some relief! I have a new found sympathy of people who have back problems....it's not fun!!! If you have to be laid up in bed you might as well be watching Sex and the City-I can't ever get enough of it! I hope to be up and moving this afternoon. Before I log off-Rollllll Tideeeeee Rolllll!!!!!

"I ain't never been nothing but a winner." Bear Bryant

Some of you might be surprised by my post this morning. For those who know me well, know I like sports, but my life does not revolve around them. During college I would go to games for 2 reasons: 1) socializing 2) stadium dogs. I look back at this and regret not enjoying the 4 years of fun I should have been having. Now that I am a little older, and my husband is an Alabama football nut, I feel it is my duty as a good wife, good fan, etc. to become passionate about Alabama football. Recently I have started listening to Jocks on the radio, and I was surprised that I was entertained. I will not go so far to say that it is a set button in my car, but I will occassionally check it out.

On my way to work this morning, I couldn't help but feel excited! Fans everywhere on their way to work had their tags, bumper stickers, and flags held high. I have to admit that I truly believe Auburn fans go over the top-you really don't need 2 HUGE A's on the back of a vehicle. (No offense to my sweet Auburn friends ;-)

In honor of the Clemson game, and in knowing my favorite Alabama player might be drafted to the NFL next year, I feel it necessary to publish this post to my boy, Andre.

"Smith was a first team All-SEC selection last year and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the most outstanding lineman in the conference as voted on by league coaches. He was named to the 2008 Outland Trophy Watch List along with teammate Antoine Caldwell in April. "

Andre make me proud!!!

Here Come the Newlyweds...

Not only am I new at being a married woman, but I am completely new in the blog world. I will not deny the hours of "blog stalking" I have done while bored at work or home, but this is my first post. If anyone reading this knows how to make my blog cute, please let me know!

Hunter and I were married on August 2, 2008. We are about to celebrate our 1 month anniversary! It's weird how fast time goes by. What is even more weird is the 7 months of planning, parties, and anxiousness that seemed to last 4 hours (the actual wedding day). I could not have asked for anything more on our wedding day. It was a beautiful, hot, summer day filled with family and friends. I was so excited to be married that the whole week of the wedding, I had to take sleeping aides! A lot of people have asked me, "What was your favorite part of your wedding day?" While waiting to walk down the aisle, I stood by my dad as we listened to one of my best friends sing "The Prayer." I have always been a daddy's girl so it was hard for me and my dad to let the moment go! I knew eventually I was going to have to walk down the aisle, but I felt as if that moment was one of the last moments where I was known as Dale's baby girl. Sappy I know, but it was the most special part of the wedding day, other than being married to my wonderful husband of course!