We are moving!

What a journey the last 8 months have been!  As someone that's been "keeping an eye out" for the perfect house since we basically moved into our current home in Ooltewah, I knew I had found IT in August.  The house had just gone on the market and was FSBO.  We called and made an appointment to see the house right away and it was love at first sight for sure.  The house is similar to our current one in several ways - layout, open kitchen to keeping room, full basement, etc - but there's so many other things that are just perfect for us.  Also, the house is in Cleveland which is closer to both of our workplaces and in a beautiful neighborhood.  The yard is also great for Henderson and Baby Gray. 

We made an offer the first part of August - mind you, before we were pregnant, and we knew we had made a low offer BUT it was also based on what had recently sold in the neighborhood/area and we expected a counteroffer.  Well, the sellers didn't counter and that was pretty much it.  Or was it.... for months, I checked daily to see if the house was still for sale and I may have driven by a time or two.  

In the meantime, we found out we were expecting!  I kept pining over the house and we decided to reach back out to the sellers the first weekend in January.  They hadn't had much activity on the house over the holidays and were gearing up to list with a Realtor come spring.  We told them our offer still stood and they made a counter offer! Their counter was much less than we were expecting so we were very happy to accept.  About the second week in January, my parents came down to help me get all my Christmas decor put away and we started packing up things at our house and getting it ready to list.  During January we had 3-4 showings but we've had ZERO in February.  

There were also some hiccups along the way with the new house and getting though underwriting - no appraisers would accept the job!  It went thru 8 declines before one would accept - apparently no one wanted to do a little extra work in finding comparables in the area.  We lost a week waiting for someone to take the job and then we had to wait for the appraisal to come back.. and then it did.  The house appraised for 30k less than the contract price so I had to be the one to call and break the news to the seller.  He was so defensive and it was SUCH an awkward call.  It was good news in theory for us because it meant we could potentially pay less than expected but bad news too because the sellers could either dispute it or remain at their price meaning we would have to pay the difference in cash on the day of closing.  Adam and I were neither one willing to pay more than the appraisal price so we were back to waiting to hearing from the sellers.  Funny thing is, the appraisal price was $10k more than our initial offer back in August... had they accepted then, they wouldn't have been paying mortgage for 8 additional months and I wouldn't be moving at 8 months pregnant!

We finally worked through the appraisal and the loan was unoficially sent to underwriting.  The loan company had additional questions on the comparables used so we had another "delay of game" all while getting closer and closer to our planned closing date of March 1 - talk about stressful!

But alas, we were cleared to close 4 days before closing date!  We closed on March 1 and I was able to get utitlies switched to our name and we got to go see our new home sweet home!  We had pre-loaded the van and my car so we could start dropping off loads on our way to/from work so we made our first unloading trip and I took pictures of all the rooms - I'll share as we get everything all settled.  

I even had painters scheduled to be there at 8am on the 2nd and I have all the bathrooms and bedrooms repainted - they look amazing!  Just wait until you see the pictures.  I am most excited about getting Baby Gray's nursery set up - furniture is FINALLY being delivered next week and we are moving moving next Saturday.  The chaos has officially arrived!

Our new home!

   

Night Away in Nashville

Well, my travels continue!  At least this time it was for fun and with my sweet husband.  Saturday we hit the road and headed to Nashville (in the rain) for the night.  His best friend and girlfriend flew into town so we thought it was the perfect way to get to spend some time with them and see a town we enjoy.  Nashville was CRAZY packed!  So much was going on this weekend -- the SEC Basketball Championship games (Kentucky fans were everywhere), St. Patrick's Day Parties and Parades, concerts and the usual tourists.  We picked Ross and his girlfriend Alissa up at the airport and headed downtown for lunch at a Mexican place.  After a much needed meal, we checked into our hotels and freshened up before our dinner reservations at City House.  They had the BEST pizza!!! It was like I was back in Italy it was that amazing.  

The happy couples

The remnants of dessert

The best buds -- we figured out they hadn't seen each other since Christmas 2013!

   

After dinner, we caught a cab to downtown and hit some bars.  Everything was soooo crowded it made it hard to talk and move around and let's be honest, Adam and I were ready for bed.  We are not club goers!!  Plus, give us some credit, we are use to EST.  We walked back to the hotel and called it a night. 

Sunday morning, we met back up for breakfast at The Tavern.  Adam and I got there about 30 minutes before it opened which was good because there was already a line forming!  We waited for Ross and his girlfriend to join us and were ready when it opened at 10.  It was crazy packed in no time at all.  The food was really good there too.  Sunday turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous spring day!  Hello sunshine!!! 

 

After breakfast, we headed to Centennial Park to check out the Parthenon.  It was the perfect day to walk around and just take it easy.  The Parthenon was really cool to see too and again, took me back to Rome!  Looks so much like the real one!  So random that it's just in the middle of a park in Nashville.  Fun place to take some pics though!

and my favorite shot -- a selfie with a selfie!

From here, we grabbed some Starbucks and headed over to another park nearby - Bicentennial Park - and sat where we had a view of the Capital and just hung out in the sun.  

Then, we dropped Ross and his girlfriend off downtown and Adam and I hit the road.  He did let me stop for about 45 minutes at Opry Mills while he took a cat nap in the car.  I picked up some goodies at the Vera outlet and then we headed home to pick up Mr. Henderson.  Fun little getaway!

  

Wedding Welcome Bags

Since we had so many guests joining us from out of town for our big day, I wanted to do something special for those folks.  The months leading up to the wedding I was thinking about ideas for welcome bags and also searching the Internet for good ideas.  I was thinking along the lines of something like this -- where I could utilize my scrapbook materials in making the tags, but it just wasn't quite feeling like what I was looking for.  

  

Then, last October, we made a trip to Rock City.  In the gift shop, they had the most adorable black reusable totes with white print talking about the formations at Rock City (right across from our wedding venue on Lookout Mountain).  We knew a lot of out of towners would hit up this popular attraction so it became the PERFECT bag for our wedding welcome bags.  

I knew I wanted to feature the items that are made in and around Chattanooga so I spent several weeks rounding up those items.  Mom called the Chattanooga Visitor Center and they were beyond helpful!!!  They told us that they would give us FREE mini moonpies, Chattanooga pens and literature including coupons and maps!  Score!  I included fun size packs of M&Ms and Twix bars since they are made in Cleveland (just down the road), Little Debbie oatmeal cakes that are made here in Ooltewah!, 3 different travel size samples of items made at Chattem (lotion, hand sanitizer and shower gel); a letter I wrote about the companies located here and the tie ins with the products in their bags, a Scentsy scent circle (not made here obviously but since I sell Scensty I figured it was a good tie in); bottled water and Altoids (also made here!).  I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of right now.  Here's a pic from the wedding of it all laid out -- I made little tags for the room numbers for those guests that were staying at the B&B -- for guests at the hotels we couldn't do labels - just had to leave a list with the front desks.  OH!  Since 2 of my bridesmaids were bringing their new babies, I also included "Rock City" baby bibs in their bags - totally cute.  

I'm not sure why the photographer didn't put the bag upright... that's another one of life's mysteries I suppose.

My little niece put together the little bags with Altoids!  She LOVED helping and was such a good little helper.  My mom tied the Altoids bags to the handle of the tote to prevent everything in the bag from smelling and tasting like a mint and then my grandma and I had an assembly line to put everything in the bags!  I think we made up 55 bags.  

Adam and his mom delivered them to the hotels Friday morning and then I dropped off the 19 to Chanticleer Friday afternoon.  They were a big hit with the guests!  I'm glad everyone enjoyed.   

Another Thanksgiving in the Books

Hard to believe Thanksgiving has already happened and is over!  I so wish this was another 3-day work week too!!  I did not want to get up this morning, plus, it was really cold!

We had a nice time at home (our TN home) with family.  My parents and grandma arrived Wednesday and then Adam's flew down for the night Saturday.  It's nice to be able to get the parents together.  I guess the next time they see each other will be the wedding!!

Mom's new pup, Ginger, is 100% adorable.  She was not the least bit afraid of Henderson.  She would chase him around the house all day if she could except he would go jump in his crate to get away from her. 

After telling myself I was not going shopping Black Friday... I caved.. majorly.  I think the highlight of Thanksgiving is seeing all the ads in the newspaper!!  I actually had to take a break from looking at them there were so many.  (Plus, those potatoes weren't going to peel and chop themselves now were they..)

So, I made my plan of attack and mom and granny decided to join me.  We left the house at 9pm and got home at 7AM FRIDAY MORNING... just in time for the sun to come up!

We started out at Michaels where I got the MOST awesome 10-drawer rolling storage cart - I actually got 2, one for my scrapbook room and one for sorting my Scentsy inventory.  Now I'm wishing I bought more because it's just that awesome and I got a heck of a deal.  I got 2 wreaths for the wedding too. 

Then it was on to Target.  Target was insane.  I actually ended up stashing the few things we wanted vs standing in line for 2 hours to check out.  Plus, I really wanted the pink Chi but they only had purple and gold left and I was willing to hold out for pink... and Jen found the pink one at her Target later in the night and picked it up for me.

We then got in line for Kohl's around 11:45 (which the line was at least 2 football fields long!).  We made a dash for the home items where I grabbed my Chef mats for the kitchen, some faux fur J-Lo throws, pet blanket for Henderson, some Fisher Price baby toys for upcoming arrivals, a few outfits for Abbie and Vera Wang sheets for mom.  Oh.. and a few can openers.  Apparently, no one likes my old school "crank" hand opener.  I'm pretty sure it has a stripped gear anyway.  We waited in line about an hour to check out which felt like FOREVER because it was boiling hot in there.  I did end up with $135 in Kohl's cash which now I can go back and buy more stuff with!

We headed across the street to the big mall next.  I picked up a few things at New York and Company for mom and me and while I was waiting (AGAIN) in a very slow-moving checkout line, Mom and Granny went on to Belk.  I left NY&Co and dropped by Sephora then grabbed some fries and bottled water before hitting Belk. 

I found them in the shoe section that looked like a few tornadoes had come through.  Do you ever wonder how many hours it takes to get everything put back away?!  By this point it was 4am!!  My grandma's face was priceless when I told her it was 4am.  We decided it was time to leave the mall and start making our way to Home Depot for her Christmas tree.

On the way to Home Depot we wasted some time (& money) at Ulta.  They were already sold out of the doorbusters I wanted but I managed to find a few other things I had to have.  We got to Home Depot around 4:40 and got in line.  Home Depot was actually the only place we went that had a map of where the doorbusters were located so we were able to make our attack plan.  I headed for my 22' ladder which was on one side of the story and mom and granny took over for the other side where the 7.5' tree was located.  We met back at the cash register (it was only 5:21!) and then magically shoved our new (LARGE) purchases into the Explorer that was already busing at the seams.  It really was like one of those clown cars where they just keep coming out except we were putting in.  I wish I had taken a picture because it was that amazing.

We were killing time until 6am when Bed Bath and Beyond opened so I decided to run back in Target and grab our hidden goodies.  This time it was a like a ghost town and they were re-stocking some of the doorbusters.  I was able to get the pink Chi straightener I originally wanted and also our hidden stash.  No line at the checkouts - bingo! 

With our well-packed, over-stuffed SUV we headed on to Bed Bath and Beyond.  We picked up a few items, literally SHOVED them in the car and headed for home!  My thought was, if we woke anyone up we'd just pretend like we were just getting ready to head out shopping!!!  LOL

We drug everything in the dining room, had a "midnight snack"... then CRASHED!  I must say, I was SUPER impressed with my 75 year-old Grandmas!  How many of you could keep up with her?!  Plus, did I mention, she's got a sprained ankle!?  She's like super woman.


 

50 Shades of Pink

...more like hundreds.  For a girl that LOVES pink, it's even a little overwhelming for me trying to decide on WHICH pink (or pinks) for the wedding!  So, I did a quick search, and apparently, on a color wheel, there is at least 256 shades, but many more are "possible". 

 

Jen & I had a fabulous weekend doing all kinds of girlie thins - shopping, wine, shopping, wine, bridesmaid dress shopping, eating, wine, TV (Lifetime/TLC), chatting, laughing, and well, I told you, being girlie.  We even had a mini-makeover at the MAC counter. 

 

We found one bridesmaid dress we really really liked and low and behold, it DOESN'T COME IN ANY SHADE OF PINK!!!  How is that even possible.

 

So back to the drawing board.. at least we have narrowed down what we like.  I'm also sticking with my original thoughts on long, chiffon, pink (duh) and some sort of strap (really like the one-shoulder flower but some can look goofy). 

 

 

7 months!

It blows my mind that the wedding is only 7 months away!  It seems like just yesterday we had over a year to go.  Apparently, time flies when you're in love :-)

I am so excited for this weekend!  Jen is flying down!  I'll pick her up around 2 tomorrow for a fun-filled girlie weekend!  We are going to go bridesmaid dress shopping and I have a few other wedding to-dos to check off as well.  So excited to have some girl time -- Jen booked her flight 3 months ago so we've had fun counting down to her visit. 

A stop along the way to happily ever after

As a picture/scrapbook fanatic, one of the things I've been looking forward to the most is our engagement pictures!  With that excitement, I have also stressed myself out over every detail in planning them!  Which photographer?!  What time of year?!  Where should we have them made?!  What will I wear? What will Adam wear?  What should our props/poses be?  What if I'm having a bad day?  What if it rains on the day we've planned?  I'm sooo making myself crazy!  After tons of planning and anticipation, we finally had our pics made 2 weeks ago in downtown Chattanooga.  Overall, I'm really pleased with the pics!  There's enough of the ones I like to really do a lot with.  Some funny things happened:

1. While taking pictures under the Walnut Street Bridge Adam saw a huge bug on my face.  I didn't notice it and then he killed it and got blood on himself.  Seconds later I had a big ol' whelp under my eye where it bit me!!!  The photographer said she could photoshop it out at least
2. After we finished the pictures we were walking back to the car and Adam realized his pants had been unzipped.  Wooops. 

The photographer made a cool video/slideshow of some of the pictures -- here's the link.

 

I was hoping for a pic of my bring that shows how beautiful it is but we didn't get one to my liking.  I guess there's always the wedding! 

 

 

 

 

Ruffles, Tulle and Organza, oh my!

My mom and grandma were down visiting for a little over a week.  We had appointments at 4 bridal salons in the Chattanooga area while they were here (split over 2 Saturdays).  Last weekend there were a few dresses that we liked but nothing we loved.  I was optimistic going into the appointments this last Saturday that I would find THE dress.  I think Saturday was just a big miss.  I knew 10 minutes into the second store's appointment they didn't have anything I was interested in and the saleswoman just keep shoving dresses down my throat.. I felt like that scene in Sex & the City where Carrie has a major meltdown and just wanted the wedding dress off!! I think I just need to take a break from looking and look over all the picture I have and see which dress stands out.  I still really like the one that I randomly tried on a few weeks ago and it fit me so well.  

I had a nice visit with my mom and grandma.  It seems like time always flies when they are here.  We got a lot done around the house - who doesn't love organization?!  I always want to have time to scrapbook with my mom but we never get to it!  We did watch The Hunger Games Saturday evening.  I thought they did a nice job following the book overall.  I don't care for the character they picked for Peeta, he seemed baby-ish to me. 

Speaking of movies, I'm ready for them to make 50 Shades of Grey.  I know the books are "bad" but I thought they were sooo good, loved the underlying story lines.  Once I started reading the first book I couldn't put them down!  

Anyhow, long story short, we had a nice week together.  I'm looking forward to going home Labor Day Weekend -- I haven't been home since Easter!!  I already have quite a few things on the agenda for that weekend.  

I'm also finally finished scrapbooking Lauren's wedding and activities and now it's on to the cruise I took Labor Day weekend of ..2009!  I'm really trying to get caught up, but it's a long slow process!  I laid out probably 30 pages last night so that's it quicker to make the pages when I do have time during the week; I'll post some pictures of my progress!  

June Check-In

It's been a whirlwind these past few weeks.  When I called back what I thought was "our" venue to pay the deposit and ask a few follow up questions, everything fell apart.  I feel like when Mom and I went up there for the tour we got the sales pitch.  I'm so glad I had some things to clarify with them or I would have been horribly disappointed come Wedding day..!  We have decided on another venue that I think is a better fit overall anyway that's still on Lookout Mountain and available on June 8th!  They are even doing some renovating this fall that will make it even more fabulous.  We still have the option of an outside ceremony but at this point I'm leaning towards having everything inside. 

Sneak Peek!

I've been meeting/interviewing wedding planners/coordinators and have my last meeting tonight with a husband/wife duo.  We met the photographers last night and have them booked -- it's another husband/wife duo and they take such beautiful, traditional photos.  Next up with them will be our engagement pics in a few months. 

Last week I had to go to Niagara Falls, NY for the week for work.  I flew home Friday, the day that Nick Wallenda walked across the wire over the falls!  I was glad to get out of there before the 100,000+ people flooded the city.  

Today would have been my grandparents 59th Wedding Anniversary, a bittersweet day for sure.  I remember when we had their surprise 50th wedding anniversary party with all the family.  I'm so grateful for all the wonderful memories I have of my grandfather.   

Step 1 -- Find a venue and book the date!

These past 3 weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions - excited, happy, loving, anxiety, stressed -- you name it I've been there!  Still over the moon happy and in love though so that's what matters right??  We went to Michigan for Memorial Day so it was fun to see all of Adam's family and celebrate our big news.  We got back late Monday night and then Mom came down Wednesday evening.  I have been researching venues pretty much everywhere from south of Knoxville to the GA border looking for the "perfect" spot for our big day.  I narrowed in on 2 contenders and made appointments to go see them with mom Thursday morning. 

There was one place we saw pictures of online (that shall remain nameless because I don't want sued) that we were sooo excited to go see.  The pictures just made it seem like the perfect spot.  Well, on the way out to this "spot" the road went from bad to worse to flat out awful!  We drove down the LONG gravel driveway into the gravel parking lot and I really didn't even want to get out of the car (I had the same feeling several times house hunting and it brought back unwanted memories!).  Once we got out of the car, the first thing you see across the river was barges being loaded at a huge dock.  Not exactly the backdrop I was going for.  The Italian style house had a lot of damage that was very visible and when we went inside to meet the event coordinator the place was dirty.  There was even a dog in the kitchen while they were preparing food for an event!!!  Thanks but no thanks!  We went through the tour and quickly left.

The first place we saw is one that I've always thought was beautiful when I've seen pictures on the web.  The estate sits at the top of Lookout Mountain right across the GA border.  The girl that met us to give the tour was knowledgeable and personable and suggested different ways to stage the events.  When mom saw the croquet lawn, where the ceremony would be, she started crying -- it is such a beautiful, romantic area.  There's a huge patio on the back of the house we would use for the reception and it overlooks the valley.  The only downside with this venue is there's not a good rain back up.  We would have to rent a pavilion on the property as the backup, especially since we are having 150 people and a seated dinner.  I'm ok with the reception being in the pavilion but they told me the ceremony would have to be as well -- the HUGE problem I have with that is they aren't willing to flip the space in between so guests would basically be sitting at round tables for the ceremony.  I can't imagine paying all the thousands it will be to have guests sitting there like they are at a sporting event... decisions decisions.

Adam went back up there with Mom and me Sunday evening so we could see what the area looked like around the time of our proposed ceremony and it was really pleasant out.  He really liked the area and the uniqueness of it.  I called the venue yesterday and we have a hold on it until tomorrow for June 8th, 2013.  So we are getting married in 368 days!  I also have a hold on a photographer who's work I really like and a B & B that's right across from the venue.  Now we all just have to start praying for no rain!!!  

Thursday evening the girls I work with threw an engagement party for me!  It worked out great because mom got to come with me.  They had everything pink for decor and all my favorite foods (fruit, pink cupcakes complete with engagement ring toppers), pepperoni rolls, chick-fil-a nuggets (extra crispy), pink champagne, and lots of other goodies!).  They got me a beautiful tiara and a rhinestone picture frame.  

 

We are engaged!!!

Note:  We got engaged 5/20 but I waited to post this so we could get a hold of friends/family before they read it on here!

Wow -- what a day!  Adam started things off with a bang this morning!  He woke me up from a dead sleep at 7am to pop the question!  I said... YES! :)

Let's back up... Tuesday was Adam's 28th birthday.  We had plans to go to dinner pretty much right after work at PF Changs (his fav).  He got home before I did to let Henderson out and then we were going to head on once I got home (a few minutes later).  I was getting off our exit and he calls to tell me he's going to FedEx (quite a ways away and towards the restaurant) to pick up his new "mouse" for his computer.  I was like I'm almost home?!  Why don't we just get it after dinner?!  So he reluctantly agreed.  I'm thinking we've lived at our house for over a year and had probably 50 packages delivered and they've never required a signature -- this must be some computer mouse!  Little did I know, the ring was what we picked up! 

After we finished dinner, our fortune cookies came!  They could not have been more perfect! 

Adam's said:

"You are about to embark on a most delightful journey!"

Mine said:

"An exciting opportunity lies ahead of you."

Pretty good fortunes!  Actually, mine was reversed when I opened it and it said "moustache" in Chinese and I was like what kind of fortune is this?!?

So, we finished up, grabbed some blizzards from DQ for dessert and headed to the FedEx pick up center.  He ran in, got the package and we headed home.  

Fast forward to Thursday... Adam hadn't said anything about this super-duper mouse that had to be signed for so I'm like how's your new mouse?!  Why did you need a new one?!  You just got one a month ago!  He gave me some story about how the new computer game needed a new mouse and blah blah blah... so I bought it.  Then, I was in the basement putting something away and I look over at his computer and I'm like well that's strange.. looks like the old mouse to me!  

My parents and grandma came down to see us Friday.  We had a nice weekend hanging out around the house, going to some yard sales, eattin' some good meals, chatting with the neighbors, etc.  While mom, grandma and I were out at the yard sales Saturday morning, Adam and my dad had gone to the shooting range.  After they finished up, Adam asked my dad for his blessing for us to marry.  We've had fun teasing Adam about asking my dad while they were at a shooting range!  I guess they were back home though and Adam said he said to my dad "Since you're out of ammo, I wanted to ask you something..."

We went to dinner last night, came home, watched some TV and headed to bed.  Fast forward to this morning...

Adam always gets up early with Henderson to take him out, feed him, etc while I'm still sleeping.  I heard Adam come back in the room and then heard him brushing his teeth and fixing his hair in the bathroom.  I thought well that's weird, why is he getting ready so early in the morning...usually he comes back to snuggle me until I wake up.  Then, he shut the bedroom door (which we NEVER do because the cats don't like to be shut out!  Trixie was on the bed and Mason was shut out when this happened so Mason proceeded to rattle the door the whole time).  He said "I have to talk to you."  In my half asleep state, my first thought was Wow.. he's really serious.  Then, I thought, oh no, he's going to tell me my Japanese maple is dead out front!  (It's been looking pretty rough all weekend and it's kinda become a joke because Adam confessed to spraying it with weed killer, so I assumed he was preparing me for what I was going to see when I did get up.)  He kept asking me if I was awake and then proceeded to tell me how much he loves me, that he always wants to see me happy, that he wants to have a family with me and that he wants to marry me!  

I was so caught off guard (not to mention looking like what the cat drug out of the woods probably!) the first words out of my mouth were.... Are you serious?!  Followed up with .... "Did you ask my dad..."  Adam goes... Are you going to say yes or not?!  I said of course I will marry you!!  

Such a great way to start the day :)  

Our first call was to his mom and then we ran upstairs to wake up my parents and grandma.  They are all so excited and happy for us.  It took a while to call all of Adam's siblings and the rest of our friends/family but everyone has been so excited for us.  We don't have a clue when -- I'm thinking Spring 2013 at this point.  

I couldn't be happier to spend my life with Adam and I love him more than I ever thought possible.  Not only am I marrying my best friend, I am gaining so many wonderful family members.  I love his siblings like they are my own and feel like I'm getting the sisters I never had and didn't know I wanted :)

Now, let's talk about the ring!!!  We literally ring shopped from Louisiana to Michigan over the past 14ish months.  As you may have come to realize, I'm a pretty picky girl!  When we first started looking, I thought I wanted the rings that have "wavy bands" but then I never liked the way the band and engagement ring "fit" together.  Then, I was really liking halo mounted rings... then.. around October I saw MY ring.  I think it was love at first sight (kinda like with Adam!!).  It's a round solitaire with 6 shared prong diamonds mounted on either side of the band.  It's such a classic and the diamond he got is BIG and GORGEOUS!!!  I remember he told one of the jewelers somewhere that I was too beautiful to have a simple mounting (how sweet is he?!).  I can't stop staring at the ring!  I told him I'm going to have such an unproductive week!  We are heading to his parents house this weekend for Memorial Day and are looking forward to celebrating with everyone.  I guess next up, we will have to figure out this whole wedding planning thing!  We all know there's going to be lots of pink!!!

And now.. some pictures!!   

First time I've been early to work in a while!  So excited to share the good news with my co-workers and friends!

Where did Ashley go???

Disclaimer: I had FINALLY taken the time to catch up my blog, well thru New Year's Eve anyway, and went to post the blog and somehow it was all deleted!!!  So, while it was funny and detailed the first time.. I can't make any guarantees the second time around!!!

So yes, I have been MIA.  I thought after all the crazy travel slowed down in September I would take the time to get back into the swing of blogging, well, then the holidays hit!  I've actually missed blogging.  As a lifelong journal keeper, blogging just makes sense to me.  My journals have always been more of "what I'm doing" vs the deep dark secrets and with blogging, I can add in pictures, which are the key to my heart.  So, it's a win win.

How many of you thought I disappeared because we didn't survive Thanksgiving at our house with both families?? Just kidding.  We actually had a great time, even though it was exhausting!!  I don't think I've ever spent so much time in the kitchen in my life.  I probably sat a record for the most times the dishwasher was run in a 4-day period.  All joking aside, the meeting of the fams went way better than we could have imagined.  I look forward to many more years of family-togetherness.  Mom and I even managed to sneak away for some shopping!  We hit up Michael's Thursday evening (which is becoming a tradition for us) I wanted to get the new Cricut II which was on an awesome sale.  I'm not sure I really like it though, could have to do with not having the time to really learn all about it yet though.  Then, we caved and went to Wal-Mart for the sale that started at 10pm and ended up not getting home till about 1am!  We had a blast though and I have to say, the shoppers at the Ooltewah Wal-Mart were 100x more pleasant than the shoppers we usually encounter in WV!  I think it has to be because there's a lot more options for people to go shopping here than in WV so the crowd is a lot more spread out.  Here's some pictures from our Thanksgiving weekend:



My pretty new dining room table all ready for Thanksgiving!  (That's my WVU tree in the corner!)

 

Adam with his turkey!  I was so proud of him for taking on the turkey and it turned out so yummy!!



All 14 of us!

In other exciting news, I become a Scentsy consultant in October!  I have always been business minded and love the idea of one day having my own business, so for now, this is the perfect opportunity for me.  I fell in love with the idea of Scentsy (flameless/wickless/sootless warmers that are safe alternatives to candles) before I even smelled the first sample and signed up to be a consultant.  I've REALLY enjoyed my time as a Scentsy consultant so far even if Adam says I'm spending everything that I make in buying more Scentsy for us!  You can check out my Scentsy website here http://www.ashleykidd.scentsy.us/

I had a booth at a show around Christmas at a church in Ooltewah.  The turn out was way low and I ended up with a lot of inventory because I had ordered extra hoping for a big turnout.  Oh well, live and learn!  Wasn't my display cute though?!

   

 That same evening, Adam and I had to go to his work Christmas party in Cleveland.  (Which is yes where I also work but since I'm a division employee and he's plant, the party was only for plant employees but alas I was his date)  It was semi-awkward for a couple reasons (1) everyone by this point pretty much knows we are together (hello-- it's no surprise it's been over 3 years) but they still were gawking when we walked in.  (2)  We were overdressed.  My theory is better to be overdressed than under!  We weren't even that dressed up!  People were there in jeans!  The party was at a nice museum downtown so I was thinking semi-Cocktail but I guess others just donned their best jeans...  Oh well, we were good looking!



Our pretty tree!  Now I can't remember if it was 9 or 10 feet?  I love seeing trees with all the pretty presents around them.  Too bad Mason ate a lot of my bows!



The weekend before Christmas we headed to Michigan for Adam's brother's wedding.  It was on a Friday so we had to leave right after work Wednesday to get there for the rehearsal and whatnot Thursday.  Somewhere along the way I picked up a cold and didn't feel too hot due to that.  The night of the wedding someone dropped my camera after taking the first pic of us all dressed up so I was cameraless all evening.  I felt naked without a camera on my wrist!  My sweetheart took me to get a new one the next day though!  Here we are at the wedding:

   

Adam was staying in Michigan through Christmas so I flew back to TN to pick up the cats and head to WV to be with my family.  I was super sad to leave Adam!  Hopefully that will be our last Christmas apart.  We had to get a picture of Henderson in his new monkey sweater before I flew back, he is such a big boy!

 

Christmas was different this year.  Of course it was the first Christmas without the Grandpas and that was hard on everyone.  I did enjoy my time with my parents and Grandma, and LOVE getting to play with Abbie - she is changing so much/so fast.  We had a little family drama that I really could do without but I guess it's not the holidays without the drama.  I think that's why I enjoyed Thanksgiving so much, no drama!  

We also had a mini-crisis Christmas night.  Mason accidentally got outside (during some drama nonetheless).  I about had a heart attack/panic attack all in one.  It was so dark and cold out and all I could hear were dogs barking in the distance.  He was probably only out 10 minutes but I was a mess.  I couldn't imagine how we were ever going to find him, plus, he was in uncharted water!  He eventually jumped up on the deck and came strolling over like he was the king of the castle. 

Adam and I came back to TN after Christmas and spent New Year's together.  We had a nice dinner at Outback and then watched the ball drop from the comfort of our couch, surrounded by our furbabies, a perfect start to 2012!

Happy New Year!

 

Catch up

So I haven’t done very well at keeping up with my blog lately.  Ever since I was gone for September it seems like life has been a blur.  Now, here we are almost at Thanksgiving and Black Friday!!

Adam and I had a nice October at home (for the most part).  We had free tickets to the UT/LSU football game in Knoxville so we made our first trip to the UT campus to watch the game.  I was so impressed with the stadium and fans.  The campus is really pretty as well.  We had decent seats (again, Free!) in the end zone that were covered and had padded cushions.  Unfortunately, LSU beat the Volunteers, just like they did the Mountaineers.  Nonetheless, we had a good time.  Check us out in our orange gear.  (Disclaimer:  I will always be a WV girl and Mountaineer fan, but if I’m going to live in TN I can cheer for the Volunteers as long as there’s not a conflict of interest) :p

I had to go to Baton Rouge for a week for a division wide HR meeting.  It feels so weird to be back down there.  After being around the people and the traffic for a week, I’m reminded again how happy I am to be out of that place!

In other big news, we finally got a dining room table!  It took me soo long to pick one but then we finally ended up with one from Ashley (great name!).  It has a big leaf so we can add it or not depending on how many people we’re having over.  We got 2 arm chairs and 6 side chairs.  I love it J  Only thing I’m concerned about is I don’t know if I’m going to have room for a china cabinet now.. and I can definitely use the extra storage space as the kitchen doesn’t have a pantry or many cabinets.  We got the table just in time for our HUGE first family Thanksgiving dinner.  We are having my parents, both grandmas, Adam’s parents, his sisters and their husbands, his 2 nieces, and his dog nephew which is also Henderson’s brother.  Full house!!  Everyone is staying with us except his parents and they are staying at a very nearby hotel.  This will be the first time our families have met, so we are hoping for the best and are excited for everyone to finally meet.

The biggest news of all though is my NEW car.  After almost 10 years and 105k miles, I finally traded my car for a 2012 Limited Highlander.  I just got it Friday and so far I love it.  It’s black with black leather interior and has Navigation, 4 wheel drive, and lots of other bells and whistles.  I’m sure I will love it as much as my Escape.

I also broke tradition and did something I said I’d never do (never say never, right?).  We bought a new 9’ Christmas tree over the weekend and I decorated it last night.  (As well as a 6’ tree for the dining room that’s all decked out in WVU ornaments.)  I just thought with everyone coming it’d be nice for them to see my trees because let’s face it, it’s a lot of work!!  So, there’s still a ton to do before Wednesday when everyone comes here, so Happy Thanksgiving to all!  Enjoy your families and hope you get lots of great deals on Black Friday/Thursday.    



Visitors Galore!

July turned out to be a very very busy month with lots of visitors.  After our week in Michigan, we had a quiet weekend in TN.  The following week Adam was off to AL for work and came back on Friday to my parents, grandma and Miss Abbie visiting.  We had SO much fun.  I was so happy we were able to have everyone down, especially Abbie.  I love getting to spend time with that little munchkin – she is just growing up way too fast.

I wanted to have a little birthday party for her since I wasn’t going to be able to go up to Chip’s house for her “real” party the next weekend so I bought some Toy Story decorations and got her a Dairy Queen ice cream cake to go with her presents.  

Saturday morning we got up early and went over to the Discovery Museum in downtown Chattanooga.  There wasn’t hardly any information available online about the museum so I was worried it wouldn’t be fun for Abbie but I think she was the perfect age for just about everything there.  Some of the exhibits were a little overwhelming for her but she found plenty to keep herself entertained.  

Saturday afternoon we had some visitors lined up to come meet and play with Abbie.  Anne brought over her adorable twin boys.  That was the first time I’d seen the twins in about a year, they are definitely mamma’s boys!  They were cute playing with Abbie and our animals – I don’t think they knew what to make of Henderson – their dog is much smaller!  Plus, I think Anne said that was the first time they were around cats so they squealed over Mason because he was checking them out nonstop.  One of our Olin co-workers, Jason, brought his wife and 2 kids over as well.  At one point we had 5 kids under 5 at the house!  Anne and the boys had to leave but then Abbie and Jason’s kids got to play in our little pool and slip-n-slide.  Jason’s little girl, Lily, and Abbie were so cute together and played so well.  Abbie is used to being around all boys at her daycare so it was a nice change of pace for her to be around Lily.  We had tacos for dinner and then topped off the evening with Abbie’s cake – so hard to believe she is already 3!!!  Which means, it’s also been 3 years since Lauren and I took over Europe and I started working at Olin!  Wow, I’m getting old…

The following weekend brought even more visitors.  Adam’s mom, sister Ashleigh and 2 nieces (Brooklyn and Sydney) along with Henderson’s brother DUKE – Ashleigh’s dog – came to see us from Thursday-Monday.  His family usually isn’t able to stay but a night or two with us so it was good getting to spend that much time together plus we were able to get out and do some things.  Friday night we had a yummy dinner at the Chop House and then Saturday it was up bright and early for some sight-seeing (and to beat the record high temps we have been having this summer)!  First stop – Rock City. 

It worked out really well because Adam and I had been trying to figure out when we were going to go see the attractions that Chattanooga has to offer so we got to see everything with his family.  I didn’t know what to expect of Rock City.. the name makes you think of a bunch of rock formations that look like a city.. I have to say I think we were all pleasantly surprised by what it actually was/is.  It sits at the top of Lookout Mountain and from the top you can “see” 7 states!  Rock City is a maze of massive ancient rock formations and gardens with over 400 native plant species.  There are gorgeous views from pretty much every step you take along the way.  Adam and I are planning a trip back at Christmas to see how it looks decked out in Christmas lights.    

From Rock City we drove around the mountain and rode the Incline Railway.  This was probably the biggest flop of the weekend.  For all the publicity it gets it really isn't worth it, especially when you have to wait in the sun to ride the non-air conditioned cable car back up.  It's a mile long railtrack that takes you to the top/bottom of the mountain and you get to enjoy the views along the way.  The best part was getting ice cream at the bottom while we waited to go back up.

After the Incline Railway we were attemping to hit the last attraction for the day - Ruby Falls.  However, we got to the attraction and there was a very very long line out in the sun to get in... so we scratched that and put it at the top of the "to do" list for Sunday morning.

We headed back to the house, played outside with the dogs, rested, showered and headed to Cleveland for a nice dinner at the Bald Headed Bistro. 

Sunday morning we headed back to Ruby Falls in order to beat the crowd.  It's so funny to think that people are coming to where we live for summer vacation!  Ruby Falls is America's highest, largest and deepest underground waterfall.  I think the story about the discovery of the falls is one of the best stories I've heard in a while.  I won't ruin it for you.. you have to go hear it for yourself :-)

After the tour at Ruby Falls, it was back to Peppertree.  Sunday afternoon Jason's family came over again to play out in the yard, this time with Adam's nieces.  We had hamburgers and hotdogs.. and a birthday party for Henderson and Duke since their big days are coming up.  I found a dog friendly recipe for a birthday cake online and Sydney and Brooklyn helped me mix and bake it.  I was afraid after all that effort the dogs wouldn't touch it but they ate every last crumb of it.  I even have a new favorite picture of Henderson... and don't they look handome in their birthday crowns???

Decorating for the dog birthday bash

My new favorite picture of Henderson - look at the cake crumbs on his nose

   

Another exciting adventure we/I took on was letting Sydney and Brooklyn each make some scrapbook pages for their "own" scrapbooks.  I had already ordered some pictures from when they were here in February and then some from over the 4th in Michigan and they each ended up making 7 8x8 pages for their scrapbooks.  We had a lot of fun making them and they really enjoyed it - plus it will be something we can add to each time they come visit.