THE KNIGHT LIFE

Emerson's Birth Story

2011-10-10T11:14:00.013-05:00

WOW time flies when you have a newborn! My family has been after me to update my blog but I've just been too busy! I will post more pictures soon, but here is Emerson's birth story...

On Sunday, July 24th we went to my parent's house for brunch around 11am. I was having mild contractions that were about 10 minutes apart and my sister was helping me time them. They weren’t painful, but they definitely felt different than the Braxton Hix contractions I had been having.

Around 10:30pm, my contractions started getting stronger and closer together. Josh and I started timing them but assumed we wouldn’t have to make a trip to the hospital that night, because I was already scheduled to be induced the next day, Monday July 25th at 5pm. But Emerson had other plans...

I didn’t ever fall asleep that night, and around 2:30am, I woke Josh up and told him I thought we needed to go to the hospital since my contractions were 5 minutes apart. I assumed they would send us back home, but I wanted to go just to be sure. I took a shower and we packed a few final things in our hospital bag and headed to the hospital. It was almost a surreal feeling that we were actually headed to the hospital – after so many months of waiting and wondering what ‘the moment’ will be like – it was actually happening!

We parked and walked into the Emergency Entrance and checked in with the nurses, gave our insurance information, etc. and they hooked up monitors that monitored my contractions and the baby’s fetal heart tones. The nurse mentioned a few times that Emerson’s fetal heart tones were low, so I immediately became worried. She must have reassured me 10 times that everything was going to be fine, and said they would probably send us home in about an hour.

The next thing we knew, the nurse came in and said she had paged Dr. Duke and that he would just move my induction earlier so we didn’t have to go home just to return that night. I was admitted around 5:00am. We decided to wait to call our parents because we assumed it would be at least 12 hours until Emerson was born.

Soon after we were admitted, the nurses made it clear that the low fetal heart tones were a more serious problem, and told us they paged Dr. Duke to come to the hospital immediately. Of course, this scared us to death. We didn’t completely understand what was happening, we just knew everyone seemed concerned. They wouldn’t give me an epidural because they were concerned it would stress the baby. Dr. Duke arrived and placed several monitors on Emerson’s head and he even touched her head to see if she would respond. They put me on oxygen to try to improve Emerson’s fetal heart tones (basically, she wasn’t having any reactions to my contractions).

It was 7:30am when Dr. Duke came in and said he was going to bump his 8am scheduled c-section and that I would be having an emergency c-section at 8am. Emerson wouldn’t be able to withstand 8 hours of vaginal labor, so I had to have an emergency c-section. I immediately started bawling because I was so worried about my little girl. Josh called my parents and his mom and told them to hurry because they only had 30 minutes to get to the hospital!

Before we knew it, they were taking me into surgery, and I was crying all the way! My mother-in-law arrived at the hospital just as I went through the OR door, she kissed me on the head and I was gone! (My parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephew arrived just as Emmie was born!)
The anesthesiologist gave me a spinal block, they brought Josh into the OR, and surgery began. I was shaking like a leaf, and had a really bad pain in my right shoulder, which the anesthesiologist said this was very typical during c-sections.

After just a few minutes, Dr. Duke asked Josh if he wanted to peek over the curtain and see Emmie! All I heard Dr. Duke say was “the cord is wrapped around her neck” and I didn’t hear her cry! I was so scared. I asked Josh if everything was OK and he just looked at me with these terribly sad eyes and said “I don’t know.” After the longest 10 seconds of our lives, we heard her cry for the first time!! I once again had tears rolling down my face, but this time they were tears of joy!! Josh showed me pictures of her on our camera, and then finally brought her over to show me her sweet face!!

We later found out (when we got the bill in the mail!) that Emmie had to be resuscitated and intubated because she wasn’t breathing on her own. I read her medical records that said “the baby was limp and blue” and started bawling my eyes out. Just the thought makes me sick to my stomach. Luckily we had great doctors who were able to care for her. It only makes us realize even more what a true blessing it is to have a healthy baby girl!

She's now 11 weeks old and is the BEST baby! She has been sleeping through the night since she was 8 weeks old. Now she typically sleeps from 8:30pm - 5am, eats, and then sleeps until 8:30am. We are BLESSED!!!!

9 More Weeks!

2011-05-17T13:25:00.019-05:00

It's crazy to think that our little girl will be here in 9 WEEKS! The whole pregnancy has really flown by. I have to say I honestly LOVE being pregnant. Other than being sick from 7 - 12 weeks, I have been feeling amazing. I really love my little belly, I love feeling her kick and watching my tummy roll as she tosses and turns. Josh and I talk all the time about what she's going to look like. I think she'll look just like her Daddy, with dark hair (hence the severe heartburn?) and his eyes and lips. That would be okay with me, because he's quite handsome if I do say so myself :-) We just can't wait to see what combination of us she will be.

We chose her name quite a while ago...Emerson Brooks Emerson was really the only girl name we had picked out - we both fell in love with it because it's different and sounds strong but beautiful. Her middle name, Brooks, is after my sister. I don't think I could get through a single day without my sissy, so I thought it was a nice way to honor her.

I've been making 'To-Do' lists like crazy (poor husband)...I have recently started to panic that everything won't get done in time before she arrives. As if we don't have enough to do, we decided to strip and re-stain our Master Bathroom cabinets and add trim around the mirror. Josh has been working so hard every night to finish the project!

Her nursery is coming together as well. The bedding is being made...

Her furniture is setup...I ordered these AMAZING custom vintage letters from this Etsy store and got them last week...

Her chandelier will be here Thursday... Our fur babies are really enjoying Emmie's nursery as well. Here they are testing out her new rug...

And here's the cat using the bottom of her bassinet as a hammock...

We are all anxious to meet the new addition to our little family!

Pitter Patter...

2011-02-04T15:11:00.011-06:00

...we're having a BABY!!!

Josh and I are SOOOOOOO excited to welcome a little one this summer! I am 16 weeks - due July 20th. I can't even begin to express how humbled we feel that the Lord blessed us with this baby. We are so incredibly grateful.

Since we got married, our plan (of course we had a plan - we're planners!) was to have a baby after we had been married about 2 years. We wanted to enjoy it just being the two of us for a while, develop a strong marriage and then welcome a baby into our world.

And we are right on schedule! Our 2 year anniversary was November 1st, and we found out we were pregnant on November 9th! We had actually been trying for about 4 months, and I had a taken a ZILLION pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, all the things that make us women feel insane...

So on November 9th, I woke up at 3am (couldn't sleep) and took a test, laid it on the counter and went back to bed. I had taken so many that were negative, I assumed this one would be, too - so I wasn't even going to bother looking. But a few minutes later, curiousity got the best of me and I went back to take a look. I saw a dark pink line and a VERY faint pink line. I ran into the bedroom and started shaking Josh, saying "Wake up! There's 2 lines! I think there's 2 lines!" He jumped up and ran to look at the test. I will NEVER forget the smile that came across his face, and the giant bear hug that swallowed me in his arms. I started crying...I don't think either of us believed it!

We find out in 2 weeks if it's a boy or girl! Then we can start spoiling this little baby rotten :-)

Halloween Rap!

2010-10-21T10:00:00.002-05:00

Click on the image below

Bay Bales!!

2010-10-20T10:16:00.014-05:00

Last Sunday my family loaded up and took Grayson to the Corn Maze! It was a gorgeous day and Grayson really enjoyed the tractors, farm animals and "bay bales" {also known as hay bales!}

(I realize this post and pictures look exactly like everyone else's last post, but I can't pass up an opportunity to post pics of our nephew!)

MULCH PILE!! Boys are so easily entertained!!

G with Sissy & Uncle Josh

The famously uncomfortable Cow Ride!

Gigi and Pappy

Playing with the farm animals

Sweet Boy :-) I just love kissing that face!

Grayson and Uncle J

at Sissy & Uncle Josh's house. I can't believe how big my little bean is getting!

15 WAYS TO CHARM HER

2010-08-27T12:08:00.008-05:00

I came across this Southern Living post on another blog and just had to share. It's good to know that chivalry has infiltrated the modern world. I have always been a huge advocate of the things a man 'should do' to be a good southern man, but I'm admittedly pretty old-school. (The other day my sister sat at the head of the dinner table as her husband took the seat next to her. I looked at her in shock and said "WHAT are you doing? You can't sit there!") She just rolled her eyes and cut into her steak.

15 Ways to Charm Her
Southern Living, July 2009 By Amy Bickers

“Want to impress a Southern girl? Just think “What would my grandfather have done?”

Number one: We still expect you to give up your seat for a lady. On a bus, at a bar, on a train. . . we don’t care where you are. Unless you are at a restaurant and the only lady in sight is the one taking your order, stand up. Now.

On a recent Friday night at a bustling restaurant bar, two friends and I waited for our table to be called. The barstools were occupied so we stood patiently, sipping wine and chatting about the workweek. When a couple nearby stood up, another woman – who had been there less time than we had – swooped in, reaching across us to put her purse on the stool. This isn’t the worst part. It’s what happened next: Her male companion then slid onto the other barstool.

Hang on while I do a geography check. Are we not in the South? If ladies are waiting for a seat and you have a Y chromosome, do you sit down? No, sir. No, you do not.

We know modern life is confusing. The roles of men and women have evolved over the years. As Pink once sang, “Shorty got a job, Shorty got a car, Shorty can pay her own rent.”
But come on, let’s keep some things old-school. My late grandfather- he of the East Texas upbringing, U.S. Navy captain status, and Cary Grant good looks – would never have allowed a woman to stand while he sat. And if you want a Southern woman to love you, neither will you. So, men, here’s a short list of things Southern girls still expect from you.

We still expect you to…

Stand up for a lady. Actually, this doesn’t just involve chairs.
Know that the SEC has the best football TEAMS IN THE NATION. Big 12 fan? Hmm, perhaps you should keep walking.
Kill bugs. Delta Burke as Southern belle Suzanne Sugarbaker on Designing Women said, “. . .Ya know, when men use Women’s Liberation as an excuse not to kill bugs for you. Oh, I just hate that! I don’t care what anybody says, I think the man should have to kill the bug!”
Hold doors open. This goes for elevator doors too.
Fix things or build stuff. I once watched in awe as my stepfather built a front porch on the house he shares with my mother. He knew just what to do, cutting every notch, hammering every nail. The project was complete by sunset.
Wear boots occasionally. Not the fancy, I-paid-$l,000-for-these kind. We’re talking about slightly mud-crusted, I-could-have-just-come-in-from-the-field boots.
Take off your hat inside.
Grill stuff.
Call us. If you want to ask us out, don’t text and don’t e-mail. Pick up the phone and use your voice.
Stand when we come back to the dinner table. ”Just a little half-stand is enough to make me melt,” my friend Stephanie says.
Pull out chairs. Wait, that’s not all. Scoot them back in before we hit the floor.
Pay the tab on the first few dates. ”If you ask me out, you pay,” Stephanie says. “If I ask you out, you should still pay.” Listen, guys, it’s just simpler this way.
Don’t show up in a wrinkled, untucked shirt. Care about your appearance but not too much. Don’t smell better than we do. Don’t use mousse or gel. You shouldn’t look like you spend more time in front of the mirror than we do.
Never get in bar fights. Patrick Swayze might look cool in Road House, but in reality, bar fights are stupid and embarrassing. You don’t look tough. You look like an idiot.
Know how to mix our favorite cocktail JUST THE WAY WE LIKE IT. Fix your favorite too. Sit down on the porch (it’s okay if you didn’t build it), tell us how your day went, and we’ll tell you about ours.

We'll leave the long list to the girl who falls in love with you. Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2009

I'm proud that my husband knows how to rock his cowboy boots, always gives me his seat, opens doors and irons his shirts. But I can kill my own bugs, thank you :-)

The Will...

2010-05-25T10:04:00.005-05:00

I have always LOVED quotes, OK maybe I'm a little obsessed as you can see by the right hand side of my blog. I am always on the lookout for a great quote. I take pictures of signs in stores, I type them into the note pad in my phone, I keep them everywhere. Quotes are comforting to me, they speak to me, encourage me, and today this one spoke to me...

The Will of God will never take you where the
Grace of God will not protect you.

OMG...what is WRONG with this GIRL?

2010-04-14T09:34:00.003-05:00

Warning! You might want to have small children leave the room so they aren't scarred for life...

Heidi Montag has lost her MIND! I heard her say on an interview that her 2 new additions were "between an E and an F." Well I wanna know what the F she is thinking? Does she really think those things look good, or is it just to get the media's attention?

Historic Mistake

2010-03-26T14:20:00.004-05:00

So I'm a little late posting about health care reform, but I HAD to say something, of course :-)

I stole some of the post below from a friend on FB, but she said it so perfectly...

--------------------------------------------------------

We just passed a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it...and who [allegedly] showed up drunk on the Senate floor to debate health care reform.

Passed by a Congress that exempts themselves from it...

Signed by a President who smokes...

With funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes...

All to be overseen by an overweight Surgeon General...

And financed by a country that's broke.

Sundays

2010-03-10T13:51:00.002-06:00

Sunday nights can sometimes be a little defeating. Before we know it - we've blown through the weekend, gotten to stay up, sleep in, and eat out. On Sunday night, we all try not to countdown the hours - as we creep closer to the inevitable - Muuunday.

When my sister moved out to go to college and life got busy, my parents started Sunday Family Dinners to make sure we stayed close and connected to each other. The older I get, the more I cherish these Sundays...my parents house is so beautiful and relaxing...there are no cars driving by, no sirens, no dogs barking. Just silence, and it is music to my ears and eyes...

We eat good food, read the paper, sit on the deck and watch the deer play, have coffee with dessert, play on the swingset, play Wii, and for some reason at their house - the couch wraps its arms around you can easily nod off into dream land. (Oh and a bonus is hanging out with this little guy!)

Every Sunday we find ourselves heading to my parents a little earlier than the week before. Josh and I really look forward to keeping the Sunday Night Dinner tradition when our kids get older. And we are really looking forward to Sunday...

WTF Wednesday

2010-03-03T14:48:00.005-06:00

Some Things We Never Outgrow

2010-02-01T09:13:00.007-06:00

Today would have been my Papa's birthday. He was such a great Christian man and an amazing grandpa that went to every softball and basketball game I ever played. He was funny, charming and believed in doing the right thing. Papa was truly thankful for every day he had on this earth.

There are so many things I remember vividly about him...one of my favorite things was his smile - he would always get a big goofy grin on his face when he was trying to make us laugh. His favorite color was red and he quite often sported a red blazer to church. He made a mean peanut brittle. He loved to watch wresting. He always smelled a bit like Vapo Rub, and he loved his grandchildren.

I miss him a little bit every day - we were very close and losing him had a huge impact on my life. It's strange that the biggest life lesson he taught me was during his last days. I was in Junior High and I remember being at my grandparents house visiting Papa when he was in his Hospice bed. After we talked with Meme and Papa for a while, I told my mom we needed to get going because I was in a hurry to get to some unimportant teenage event. Little did I know that was the last time I'd see him. The last time I'd smell that VapoRub and the last time I'd feel his frail arms around my neck.

I always feel sad about that day - being so rushed - but Papa taught me so many great things in life, I know he wouldn't want me to dwell in regret. And at least I was THERE that day, with him, not anywhere else. I got to see him that one last time. More than anything, I wish he could have met Josh and played baseball with Grayson. They would have LOVED him!

They say grandgathers are someone we never outgrow our need for, and that is so incredibly true, but I know my Papa is always watching over me - and smiling that big silly grin as he watches us grow.

I've Been Smiling for a YEAR

2009-11-20T20:02:00.001-06:00

Josh and I celebrated our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY on November 1st!

I know people say the first year is the hardest, but this has quite honestly been the best year of my life - and I have my fantastic husband to thank!

It does NOT seem like a year ago...

Here are a few things I've learned during our first year of marriage:

There's something very comforting about leaning over 2 big dogs to kiss your husband goodnight

Men will never understand why we hang dry certain pairs of jeans

Most arguments will seem really funny tomorrow

However, if you are losing an argument...CRY! Works every time :-)

Sometimes it's OK to pretend you don't hear the dogs wanting out in the middle of the night, he'll get up eventually (sorry, honey - but I know you do it, too!)

There is no greater feeling than watching your husband play with kids and imagining what an amazing daddy he'll be one day

Josh - it is such a privilege to wake up next to you every morning and come home to you every night. You put up with my constant singing & dancing, sit next to me through every celebrity entertainment show on television, and you're not afraid to set me straight when I veer off course. Thank you for making sure you kiss me every time you come home, and every night before we go to sleep. Thank you for talking to me like I'm your best friend, not just your wife. You are smart, handsome, hilarious and caring. Thank you for being a good man, standing up for what you believe in, for putting family first, and for giving me a great life. You truly are my sunshine :-)

We celebrated our anniversary with a nice romantic picnic at Devil's Den and walked around and enjoyed the fall leaves, then had dinner at Pesto and went home and ate the top tier of our wedding cake. I was actually impressed at how good it tasted after being frozen for a year!!! It was a perfect day!

A Little Perspective

2009-11-06T09:44:00.010-06:00

I feel that I have to write about the tragic events yesterday. It makes my heart ache, makes me sick to my stomach and makes me so angry.

Maybe it's because I know what these soldiers sacrifice in order to protect us....maybe it's because I know what it's like to send your Daddy away to fight for families, friends, and people they've never even met. I know what it's like to surrender your Daddy to your country. And I know how proud we feel as military families.

Or maybe it's because I remember how excited I was the day my dad came home from Iraq. We spent the entire week before his return hanging yellow ribbons, making "Welcome Home Daddy" signs and preparing to welcome him back. I remember as the soldiers filed into the room, lined up, still standing at attention, and I was on the tips of my toes trying to find my dad admidst the sea of camouflage. I remember running to him and jumping into his arms.

I can't imagine the devastation these families felt when their loved ones were within reach, returning from 15 months in a war zone, and they were taken from them in an instant. Or the families that had prepared themselves to send their heroes into the line of fire, but they never made it off base.

As you go about your daily life, please try to take a moment and remember why we are allowed the freedoms we have. Say a prayer for our military, both home and abroad. Donate blood. Put out your flag. Next time you see a soldier in uniform, simply say "thank you." Be proud of them. Whether or not you agree with the war, soldiers are there and they are fighting. For you. Every day.

Hooooowl O Ween

2009-11-02T12:16:00.017-06:00

Halloween was such a blast this year! On Friday, my sister and I took Grayson trick-or-treating on the square, and stopped by Jesse & Josh's office (they work in the same building)...

Friday night, our neighbors had a Halloween party and Josh and I were SOOO excited to dress up as...

Dog & Beth Chapman

"DOG" the Bounty Hunter
(Josh was devestated that I did this to his dog)

Illegal Alien & Carrie

We had a really great time, and the best part was we just had to walk across the street! And apparently I was having too much fun to take many pictures!

SATURDAY night, we went to our friends house and went trick-or-treating with about 15 of our friend's kiddos!

Holden & Grayson enjoying their candy!

Drinkin' & Trick or Treatin'

I guess pushing the stroller was tiring,
so Josh needed a cold beverage

Mary, Me, Leanne & Holden

We're Having a Girl???

2009-10-22T16:34:00.011-05:00

HA HA!! I found this website called http://www.morphthing.com/ where you can morph 2 pictures together and see what your child will look like...so here's how our little one turned out...

? I knew we were gonna have a girl :-)

I wanted to test the "morphing accuracy" of the site, so I morphed my sister and brother-in-law to see if it looks anything like my newphew...

? Shadowy child ?

I prefer their sweet little blue eyed boy...

Everything's Good, Nobody's Happy

2009-09-02T13:01:00.006-05:00

I saw this YouTube video today and it's hilarious! It gets funnier the longer you watch it...It really puts all our complaining in perspective!

CLICK BELOW to WATCH!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXStPqhLmIk&feature=related

Where My Crazies Are

2009-08-20T09:06:00.015-05:00

My friend Emily recently posted a blog project she found about HOME, and it really struck a cord with me. She wrote all about HOME and what it means to her. I realized home has very different meanings for everyone. I immediately think of 2 places, my home with Josh and my parent's home.

For Me home is...the way my husband’s beard tickles my face. My Nanny braiding my hair. Week long birthday celebrations. Big cups of coffee. Where I dance. The smell of my dad’s cherry pipe tobacco. The leaves changing in fall. The place I will raise my children one day. Wearing comfortable clothes. Waking up next to him. Where I can sing as loud as I want. Big holiday dinner tables packed with family. Dogs taking over the bed. Walking through the door after a long day and being greeted a kiss. Where I can act like a child. Long talks on the back deck. The sound of football games roaring through the house. The smell of Josh's cologne. Home is where my family is.

Here are some of my favorite phrases from the blog project...

What does HOME mean to you?

Reasons I Love Weekends

2009-08-07T17:32:00.000-05:00

I don't have to talk about heartburn, gas, headaches, lack of fiber, indigestion or any other ailment for 2 full days
I get to lay in my bed as long as I want Saturday morning and watch the dogs play
I get to see Grayson, and he always makes me smile
I get to cook breakfast with my husband, and eat in bed while we watch movies
If I wanted to, I could stay in my PJs for days
I don't have to hear the words endcap, sidekick, pallet or insights

Moments

2009-07-30T12:36:00.002-05:00

This is a card my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday this year. I have it hanging up at my desk and I read it every day...

...to help myself remember not to take any moment for granted because every moment makes us who we are. So spend more time with the people you love and make sure you laugh every day...and spend less time worrying about whether or not the floors have been mopped :-)

Puppy Dog Breath

2009-07-23T17:32:00.001-05:00

My husband and I are BOTH "dog people." And we're proud of it. In fact, this was a selling point for both of us when we first started dating. If you don't like dogs, you're out. Every time we look at houses for sale, I think..."Hmmm, I wonder how many dogs we could have if we lived THERE?!?" Seriously, I have a problem. An addiction, really. To dogs.

We already have an 8 year old black lab, Maggie...and a 3 year old cat, Max...

We have been talking about adding to our pet family for quite a while. I found a great breeder, and on Sunday, Josh and I made the trip to Conway to pick up our new little angel, Miss Miley Mae!! She is 6 weeks old and sweet as can be! One of my favorite things is smelling her puppy breath when she licks my face! We haven't gotten much sleep over the last 4 nights, but she's more than worth it...

"Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend."

Maggie still doesn't know what to think of Miley.

and Max hasn't come out of the guest room in 2 days.

"Women and cats will do as they please

and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

Miley looks so proud of herself for tackling Daddy

She was exhausted after her first day as a Knight!

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Fireworks

2009-07-07T12:32:00.008-05:00

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

Thank you, Daddy,

for being one of the brave.

--------------------------------------------------------------

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, but has always been devastating to our bank account. Josh and I are both OBSESSED with fireworks! When we walk into the fireworks stand, our eyes light up and we don't know what to grab first. We are like 2 kids in a candy store that just can't get enough. We have to make several trips to the car to load up our loot. We visited the fireworks stand every day over the holiday ;-) I know some people think fireworks are a waste of money, but I think they're WELL worth it!
--------------------------------------------------------------

We started the 4th of July weekend with a trip to the lake...

Sissy and her prize fish

Grayson trying to decide if he likes the fishy or not

-------------------------------------------------------------

Friday after the lake, my whole family went to Brook & Jesse's for a cookout and fireworks display #1

The boys and their arsenal

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Saturday, Josh and I attended the 10th Annual Shrimp & Crawfish Jubilee to benefit the Fayetteville Fire Fighters Association Scholarship Fund...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then we cooked out at Aaron & Christina's and headed to Springdale Country Club for more fireworks...

Mary & Brian, before the wheels came off the bus :-)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then we went to Mary & Brian's more MORE fireworks!!!

Hunter & Leanne - just after Hunter got done telling me girls shouldn't shoot fireworks... and then caught his arm on fire.

Leanne, her brother Chris and sis-in-law Kris

It was a GREAT celebration of our freedom!!! Happy Birthday, America!

The Beauty of the Beach

2009-07-06T23:32:00.004-05:00

During the last week of June, we took a family trip to the fabulous Naples, Florida. It was definitely one of my favorite places I've ever been. Typically at the end of a vacation, I'm ready to head home, but I did NOT want to leave Naples! The white sand beaches of Naples are nestled in the Gulf of Mexico and are gorgeous! . The town of Naples is so relaxing and non-touristy. We felt like we lived there (and we even discussed that this is the ONE place I could move besides Fayetteville!) The town is so amazing and welcoming. My parents rented a beautiful house...

The house was absolutely perfect. It was open and airy and every room opened to the pool. I got to spend several mornings watching cartoons with Grayson (loved it!) Back Yard The pool at night

Josh fishing in the beautiful waterway that ran behind the house

Grayson was walking like crazy exploring the house!

This alligator was swimming in the ocean by the Snook Inn on Marco Island where we ate seafood by the ocean and listened to live music!

Friday night we had "date night" on 5th Street (think Downtown KC). We had a great Italian dinner at Cafe Luna and drinks on the patio at McCabe's Irish Pub.

Our last night, we went to Randy's and bought fresh seafood to cook at the house.
We had Grouper, Salmon, Halibut and Alligator!

Josh cooking his fresh alligator - it was YUMMY!!

My sister took a bike ride every night - I think it was her favorite part of the trip.
You know the old saying "it's like riding a bike"? That saying did not apply to me after a few glasses of wine...the bike and I had an altercation.
I LOVE this picture of my parents = happiness :-)

Jesse, Grayson and Brook

This is how sad I was to leave :-( I can't wait to go back every year!! THANK YOU Mom & Dad for taking us to this gorgeous slice of heaven!!

40 Years Later...

2009-06-01T08:06:00.010-05:00

...and happy as ever!

My parents were married on May 20, 1969. It was the day before my mom turned 18, and my dad was home on military leave. They moved all around the country as my dad was transferred between different Army bases. They were young, and in love, and that was all that mattered.

I feel so blessed to have the greatest parents in the world who have been married 40 years! From watching them over the years, I have learned the importance of love and patience in my own marriage. I have learned that things won't always be perfect, but as long as you have the other person by your side, you can get through anything. And most importantly, I have learned (I hope) how to be a good parent. My parents have always been there for me and my sister, and if I can just take a little of that and apply it to my own children, they will be as lucky as me...

Family Portrait - 1982 (Dad, Mom, Me and Brook)

This weekend we had a party to celebrate my parents 40th Wedding Anniversary! We had the party at my sister's house and had a great time with great friends! Their friends told a lot of stories about my parents, and my dad told stories about how they met, their first date, etc. It was so sweet!

My parents

Their wonderful friends and family!

Brook and Nanny (my dad's mom)

Josh and Daddy

Meme (my mom's mom) and Me

Me and the Hubster - Here's to the next 40 years, baby!

Take that, Idol Haters!

2009-05-27T12:00:00.006-05:00

For everyone who said Kris Allen didn't deserve to win, or that Adam didn't win because he wears guyliner, or because he likes dudes, or that AT&T rigged the votes so Kris would win...

Kris and Adam BOTH released their own version of "No Boundaries" (a really terrible song if you ask me!). Here's the total number of records sold this week:

Kris Allen: 134,458

Adam Lambert: 35,984

Let Kris enjoy his well-deserved win!

No Problems, Mon!

2009-05-21T13:51:00.028-05:00

Well folks, we did it!! We FINALLY went on our honeymoon! We spent a week in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and it was gorgeous! We had an amazing time, we were relaxed, and it was a trip to remember! The Jamaicans favorite saying was "In Jamaica we don't have problems, just situations." That's my new life motto :-)

We all get so caught up in our everyday lives that we sometimes forget to just look at the person who sits next to us couch every night and remember how beautiful they are! My Josh is beautiful and it was fabulous to spend a little cell-phone-free, TV and internet-free, work-free, no-interruptions, romantical time together :-)

Before dinner at the open-air Italian restaurant

The view from our room!

Josh smoking his Cuban cigar and sitting
on a swing that overlooked the ocean

Me and my Cuban

My favorite view on the trip :-)

These Jamaican ladies were hilarious! They had their bras and bums padded and they said "Grab my boob, mon!" Josh was happy to comply! I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my face!

We went on the Chukka Cove Canope zipline and it was a BLAST!
We did 9 ziplines through the Jamaican jungle! Gorgeous!

Dinner on the Pier

Josh's favorite pasttime, the Miami Vice
(Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada and RUM)

The (Other) Love of My Life

2009-05-06T15:07:00.012-05:00

Today I had lunch with my sweet little nephew, Grayson, my sister and my Nanny. I love my little man SO much...he makes me smile so big and those big blue eyes just melt my heart! He is such a blessing...I just can't get enough of him!!

When Life Gives You Rotten Lemons

2009-05-01T11:59:00.015-05:00

Sometimes things happen in life that make you appreciate the small things...

And other times you just start to wonder, "What the hell did we do to deserve this?!?"

When Josh hurt his knee a MONTH before our wedding and we had to cancel our honeymoon, we slowly came to realize cancelling was a blessing in disguise because this way we'd get to look forward to our trip. We rescheduled our fabulous Mexican getaway for May 1 -- today-- which is also our 6 month Anniversary. However, today - I'm at work instead :-(

Early last week the SWINE FLU took over the world and we were forced to cancel our honeymoon - AGAIN! We have some seriously bad luck. I mean, really? PIGS ruined our trip??

We spent the entire day yesterday frantically trying to book our (third) honeymoon. And alas, late last night, we booked a week long trip to Jamaica!!!!!!! Everyone please keep your fingers crossed and prayers said that we get to go this time.

So we've learned from all this is to laugh about things that sometimes seem overwhelming, and be thankful for what we DO have.

And we've also learned that sometimes life just gives you rotten lemons, so pour yourself a nice big glass of bitterness and enjoy!!

In conclusion...very, very soon, we will be here...

It's Friday...

2009-04-17T09:44:00.014-05:00

Last night I went to Powerhouse for Emily's birthday dinner while Josh was at baseball practice (he's helping coach a 13-15 year old team). It was such a fun dinner with girls and I hope Emily had a great 27th!

Me, Emily and Sarah

Josh picked me up from Powerhouse and we went to see Stoney LaRue at George's! We always love seeing the Red Dirt country boys (Stoney and Cross Canadian Ragweed) when they come to town. Josh started listening to them during college in Oklahoma, and now he's got me hooked! Every Friday when we get home from work, we play our "Friday Song" which is Oklahoma Breakdown. We know the weekend has arrived when we hear Stoney singing "It's Friday..." well you can listen to the rest of the song ;-) haha

We also discovered last night that we are no longer physically able to go to concerts on weeknights. We have passed our prime. I am unshowered and wearing a hat at work today. And I just had my second large Sprite.

Stoney LaRue at George's

Truck Men vs. Porsche Boys

2009-04-09T08:50:00.026-05:00

Josh got a well-deserved new truck this week! It's a Ford F150 Lariat and it's beautiful. I have to admit, I'm very jealous...

While I am SO excited about the new truck, I must admit I was a little emotional about letting the old truck go. I named her Bessy a long time ago because she was a big white beast and I loved her. She was the truck Josh drove me home in the first night we met, and the truck he picked me up in for our first date...

About a week before my first date with Josh, I was setup on a blind date (my first and last), with a friend of a friend. I was feeling pretty anxious about it, pacing back and forth waiting for my mystery man to arrive.

He knocked on the door and I opened it up slowly. As I peered over his shoulder into the driveway, I sighed as I saw our mode of transportation. As we made our way to the car, I realized it was a brand new Porsche. Now, I assume most women would be impressed by this, or be thinking, "Wow, he must have a lot of money." But I was thinking "Oh God, he must be a tool" and wishing I could run back inside.

I lowered myself into the miniature death trap and vowed to myself that I'd be open-minded. No sooner did we get down my street, he started driving so fast my head was pressed against the head rest. I could just see the headline, "Local woman dies in speeding Porsche." My family would be so embarassed.

He took me for a fancy dinner where he ordered the most expensive wine and food on the menu. Our conversation focused on, what else, his precious Porsche. Thinking he was totally impressing me, he said, and I quote, "I've had probably 5 or 6 Porsches, I can't really remember." This guy was my nemesis. I had given up trying to be nice, so I said "Have you ever considered buying a truck?" He pretended like he didn't hear me. I inhaled my food so this would end soon. When he dropped me off, I didn't even give him a chance to open my fancy Porsche door, I just said thanks and bolted to my front door. (The funny part is - he was so caught up in himself that he never noticed I was completely uninterested. He called me for a week straight after our date. I never answered the phone.)

A week later, Josh picked me up for our first date. I opened the door, saw this handsome man and thought to myself "Please don't let there be a Porsche behind him!" As I peered over his shoulder, I saw Bessy sitting in my driveway. Ahhh, I was relieved. No Porsche in sight. I was going on a date with a real man. He let me pick where we went for dinner, and I chose Tim's Pizza. All I wanted was a relaxed, pressure-free evening and some good conversation - and that's exactly what I got. We talked for hours over cold beer and pizza. It was honestly the BEST date I've ever been on. I knew right away he was the one.

I hate to stereotype, but it's funny how the car you drive really gives insight on who you are. Trucks are for men. Porsches are for boys.

Bessy

Britney's Back!

2009-04-06T11:11:00.004-05:00

Josh and I had such a great weekend in Kansas City! Josh got me tickets to the Britney Spears concert for Christmas, so I've been waiting for 4 months for this concert. And I finally got to see Britney this weekend! The concert was Thursday night, and it was AMAZING! It was like a Cirque de Soleil show with acrobats coming down from the ceiling, fire, huge video screens, and magic tricks. Britney put on a great show! THANK YOU, JOSH! You are the best hubby! Here are some videos and pics from the concert...

"Womanizer" Video...

"I'm a Slave for You" Video...

Britney Pictures...

2009-04-06T11:00:00.005-05:00

After the concert we walked right over to the Power & Light District and went to Howl at the Moon. It was SO much fun! The dueling piano players even put their spin on a few of Britney's songs.
On Friday, we walked around the Plaza and ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - yum! These cute little bunnies were all around the Plaza...

We spent Friday night with Josh's cousin, Mary and her husband Scott. They took us to a great little Italian restaurant and then we went out. Thanks Scott & Mary!
Miss Ava...

Vacation Trifecta

2009-03-19T11:49:00.017-05:00

Last weekend we went to Hot Springs for the horse races! We had SO much fun, even though I didn't win a single penny! On St. Patty's Day we had a Green Beer celebration at work, and spent the rest of the night at Josh's mom's house watching American Idol. (Could its possibly mean we're past our prime when neither of us wanted to be anywhere near Dickson Street during St. Patty's?)

Last Year, celebrating St. Patty's at Home!

We are SOOOOO excited to have three vacations planned for this summer and they are starting SOON! We used all of our vacation days in 2008 on the wedding or Josh's surgery, so other than having time for the wedding (which wasn't exactly relaxing) we haven't been on vacation since Summer 2007!!! So we are long overdue for some beach time!

First we are headed to Kansas City to see BRITNEY SPEARS!! Yep, that's right, Josh got me tickets for Christmas because he knows I'm one of those people who's been obsessed with her since I was 15. Believe me - I get it - I know she's messed up and she went all sorts of crazy for a while - but the show is gonna be great! The day after the concert, we are excited to spend a couple days with Josh's cousin Mary, her husband Scott, and precious little Ava! (and the following weekend Josh is heading back to KC for his long-awaited "bachelor party")

Second we're headed on our HONEYMOON to Playa del Carmen! Finally, 6 months after our wedding, we will get to go on our honeymoon. Josh's knee is SO healthy and we are ready to celebrate!

And then we're headed to NAPLES! My parents got a house there so we are going with my parents, my sis and bro-in-law, and my sweet baby boy (ok, nephew) Grayson. I can't wait to play with him on the beach and see the sand between his cute little toes...

Grayson in Naples 2008

I Heart NY and My Hubby

2009-02-18T07:35:00.006-06:00

The week before Valentine's Day, I got to travel to New York for work! We only had one day in the city before we went to Connecticut, but my ONE day was great!

We saw Guys and Dolls on Broadway with Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham (from Gilmour Girls). AND leave it to me...I locked myself out of the theatre on a 3rd floor balcony, and the doors back INTO the theatre didn't have handles!! After banging on the doors for about 20 minutes, a nice little man let me inside, FINALLY! Sometimes I think things like this only happen to me...

Me and the Empire State Building

Grand Central Station

Shannon, Cody and Me

And then for Valentine's Day...
My sweet hubby surprised me with a one hour massage appointment and a dozen roses in the morning! Then we went to Pesto Cafe for dinner - my fave! We knew they didn't take reservations, but we thought we could wait it out at the bar. When we arrived at 6:15pm - they said it was a two and a half hour wait!!! Luckily, my sister and brother-in-law had gotten there at 5pm and were about to be seated! So Josh and I - along with the Cottons - crashed their V-Day dinner! And an extra bonus for the weekend - Josh finally got his wedding ring back!

I didn't take my camera in - so this is our only Valentine's Day pic :-)

Things You'll Never Need to Know

2009-01-31T18:09:00.015-06:00

25 Random Things About Me...

I don’t like cooking. And I think people who say they enjoy it must be lying. There’s nothing fun or therapeutic about it. It’s not that I’m bad at it – I just don’t enjoy it, but I do it anyway.
I have spent my entire life researching, reading, and being utterly fascinated by John F. Kennedy. When I was little, I would fake sick so I could stay home and write reports about him. I think I own every book ever written about him.
I LOVE dogs. Especially big dogs. If we had more land (and when we do), I would (and will) bring home every stray I found. Josh knows this, and it terrifies him.
I talk to my grandma every day at least once. Sometimes twice. Sometimes three times.
I want to be a mom more than anything in the world (but not quite yet). I already have my kids names picked out. All 3 of them.

I’ve been married for three months, but haven’t been on my honeymoon, my husband hasn’t had his Bachelor Party, and he still hasn’t gotten his wedding ring back. Things got a little out of order due to Josh’s surgery. But it taught me to roll with the punches. We’re married, and that’s all that matters.

I’m obsessed with my carpet. I vacuum it every day. Don’t allow anyone to wear shoes in the house. And can often be found rubbing out the little indentions that furniture, or the vacuum cleaner, make when they sit in one place too long.

I drink Pinot Grigio like it’s going out of style

My family is the most important thing in the world to me. My sister is my BEST friend. I have fabulous parents and an amazing mother-in-law.

I went on vacation with my husband when I was 19. We started dating when I was 25. Funny story…

I studied business abroad in Italy, where Emily and I fell on the sidewalk on the way to the pub and were laughing so hard we just laid in the street. I stood where The Sound of Music was filmed in Austria, went hang gliding in Switzerland, drank too many brews and then jumped in a river fully clothed in Germany, and laid on the lawn in front of the Eifel Tower in Paris. And now I’d like to go back with my husband and fully appreciate everything I saw.

I love writing poetry. I have journals full of my writing. Josh always asks why he never sees me write, and I tell him that good writing stems from bad things, and I just haven’t had much of that lately :-)

I have never broken a bone (knock, knock).

I engraved the inside of my husband’s wedding band with the title of a song that I sing to him every day.

I will never drive a small car. I love my SUVs and feel like Super Mario when I’m in a car.

I sing all.the.time. I know the words to every song on the radio - and I dance, too :-)

I despise washing pots and pans. I leave them in the right side of the sink and Josh washes them.

I got in big trouble in elementary school for turning in my long division homework without “showing my work” (I used a calculator). I told my teacher there was absolutely no reason for me to learn long division because I would ALWAYS have a calculator. I was right.

I am utterly terrified, terrified, terrified of snakes. I can’t watch them on TV, or think about them, or talk about them. Even writing about them gives me chills.

I knew after dating for a month that Josh was going to be my husband.

I miss my yellow lab, Oakley, every single day. I have dreams about him, I think I see him on the street, and I still cry when I see his picture. I almost had to leave the theatre during Marley & Me.

I love wax museums, and will go out of my way to find one.

I love all things monogrammed and personalized.

I have lived in Fayetteville my whole life and LOVE it here, even though it doesn’t look the same since the storm

I hate nuts. My Meme always makes a separate batch of cookies for me with no nuts

This Republican's Two Cents

2009-01-20T21:19:00.006-06:00

Update: WHITE HOUSE, WHITE DRESS Love, Love, Love it!! What a beautiful and perfect dress for our first lady. She'll be wearing this dress to TEN- yes TEN- Inaugural Balls they are attending tonight.

This picture says SO much

NOW...this die-hard, steadfast, gun-toting Republican must reluctantly admit that I am genuinely excited about the Obama presidency. I think it's a good thing for our country to have that oh-so-frequently used word "change." I'll be anxious to see how things progress. I wish him luck. He's gonna need it.

OBAMICON I found this really fun website called Obamicon where you can make your own Obama-esque posters. Click Here to make your own!

SOOOO INAPPROPRIATE to boo President Bush as he walked out just before the inauguration began. Obama's supporters weren't displaying the face of change and acceptance he has been asking for by disrespecting the man who was their commander-in-chief for 8 years. Have some respect, people. He's on his way out, let him bow out gracefully.

OH, MRS. VP...A really funny thing happened yesterday on Oprah...Jill Biden let it slip that our new VP was originally offered the option to be either Vice President or Secretary of State (she casually mentioned it - like an option to choose between steak or chicken) . VP Biden tried to hush his wife - but it was obvious that she had let some pretty confidential info slip out! Didn't anyone brief this woman?? She might be a handful! QUICK KNEE UPDATE - we finally have good news! Josh is doing amazing since his knee procedure! Before surgery, he was only able to bend his knee 90 degrees...and that same week he was able to bend it 134 degrees (max is 154 degrees!) SO awesome to have progress - finally! WHEW!

He's Being Manipulated!

2009-01-09T11:57:00.009-06:00

So...after being in his terrible knee brace for almost 4 months - AND despite his best efforts and some SERIOUS dedication to physical therapy, Josh still can't bend his knee past 90 degrees (imagine your leg while sitting in a chair - that's as far as it goes).

He unfortunately has to go back and have a closed manipulation done on his knee on Monday. I won't go into the gruesome details, but it isn't going to be pretty. Basically they put him under anesthesia and (literally) break up all the scar tissue that is still in his knee.

On a positive note, after this is done he should start progressing very quickly!! (with more rehab of course!) And as soon as he's better - we're hitting the beach for our long-awaited honeymoon! Please keep him in your prayers that he has a safe procedure on Monday!

At least he can look forward to getting back on his favorite mode of transportation...you'd be surprised how fast those things go. Although we may not be allowed back into Target...last time we went he ran his little buggy over half the products in their store.

Ringing in the New Year!

2009-01-02T10:36:00.011-06:00

Josh and I were so excited to get out of town for New Year's this year. We went to Eureka Springs with 5 other couples and stayed in the new condos at the Crescent Hotel. They were SO nice! We had a beautiful view and deer right outside our deck. We had dinner at Rogue's Manor and celebrated the New Year at Dr. Baker's Lounge. I didn't take my camera out, so I only have a few pics before we left for dinner...

Me and my Sis

Me and Josh

Brook & Jesse
(No - Brook didn't cut her beautiful long hair! The fabulous Miss Taylor pinned it up to look short and oh so cute!)

The living room in our condo

Kitchen

'Twas the Knights Before Christmas

2009-01-02T10:03:00.004-06:00

I've been meaning to post our Christmas card from this year...so here it is! Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Birthdays All Around!

2008-12-16T12:50:00.015-06:00

We had a weekend full of birthday celebrations! Josh and Ben celebrated their 28th birthdays together on Saturday night. We had a yummy dinner with everyone at Gullett's Gourmet. The Hawg Dip is fantastic!

Sunday we had two nephews birthday parties! Zach's 4th Birthday...
...and Grayson's 1st Birthday!

I can't believe it has already been a year since that sweet little 5lb 6oz baby boy came into the world...he was so tiny...

Tonight we are off to my grandma's 88th Birthday! She has more energy and a busier social life than I do :-) Happy Birthday, Meme!

Happy Birthday, JOSH!

2008-12-05T09:18:00.010-06:00

Just wanted to wish my handsome hubby a WONDERFUL 28th Birthday! He is a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He is THE sweetest man who would do anything for his family. And he always knows how to make me laugh!

Josh - you deserve only the BEST life has to offer in the year to come. I am proud to call you my husband! I love you!

The Other Woman

2008-12-03T08:24:00.000-06:00

A few nights ago, I went to brush my teeth before bed
and walked back into the bedroom to see this...

I'd been replaced by the DOG! Not only were they both asleep,
but she was under the covers with her head on MY pillow - with Josh's arm around her!

I Am Thankful For...

2008-11-24T14:02:00.010-06:00

My WONDERFUL husband of 24 days :-) I am truly thankful to spend every day with this wonderful man, partner, and best friend.
The concept of marriage. Being united with one person in the world feels like such a blessing. Extra bonus is that I found my soul mate.
My family. They love me for who I am, tell me when I'm wrong, and celebrate with me when things go right.
Our sweet nephews Grayson, Zach, and Reece. We love our little boys SO much!! (and Josh and I both think we're destined to have girls!)

My friends for being patient through the wedding planning, listening when I need to talk, and making me laugh when I really need to
Celebrity Gossip. My name is Andrea - and I'm addicted to celebrities. Perez Hilton, TMZ... I rush to the mailbox every Friday to get my fix on US Magazine!
Pumpkin Pie – 'nuff said
Christmas Music – it makes me SO happy to hear it playing! (any time of year!)
Our home – We are blessed to have a beautiful home. The best part of my day is walking through the door, seeing 2 tails wagging at me, putting on my "comfies", and sitting together in our big chair!
Grayson’s laugh
Fridays
THANKSGIVING! It is great to spend time being with family!!!

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday! Enjoy the time with your family and friends!

More Wedding Pictures!!

2008-11-23T22:49:00.002-06:00

My sister, Brook with Grayson & Jesse

My sweet nephew, Grayson

Oh , My Dog!

2008-11-17T12:05:00.004-06:00

GREAT NEWS! Maggie does NOT have Lymphoma! She has hypothryroid (low thyroid). But she shows all signs of having a HYPERthryoid (high thyroid).Signs of HYPOthyroid are typically weight gain, hair loss and wire-like hair. Signs of HYPERthyroid are losing weight but still eating a lot. Although this sounds more like Maggie, blood work shows her thyroid levels are actually low.The vet is going to give her a thyroid supplement for 30 days then re-run her blood work.We can finally sleep easy! And Maggie will sleep easy, too...while she was sick I let her sleep in the bed...and there's no turning back ;-)

Thank God for George Strait

2008-11-13T12:55:00.003-06:00

Did anyone else feel a little disappointed by the performances on last night's CMAs? Did someone forget to check the microphones? I mean, was Kellie Pickler even singing? Guess I was too distracted by her way-too-short black dress to notice.

And Taylor Swift promised an "amazing" performance. All I saw was her standing on a castle whispering into the mic.

Keith Urban bares a striking resemblence to Ellen Degeneres. Kid Rock should go back to MTV. And 'Lil Wayne...really??

No wonder George Strait broke the record for most CMA's ever won! He also won Single (I Saw God Today) and Album of the Year (Troubador). He's one of the few left that knows how to sing REAL country music! I'm glad they decided to acknowledge this by calling him "The King."

New Wedding Pics

2008-11-11T10:11:00.024-06:00

My friend Alex Ferguson with Blu Designs http://www.blu-portfolio.com/ took these pics!

Miss Maggie Mae

2008-11-10T22:20:00.000-06:00

When we first started dating, I remember Josh saying that if a girl couldn't love his dog, he couldn't love her...luckily he found a crazy animal lover like himself :-) Josh got Maggie when she was just a puppy, and she has been his baby girl for 8 years! Needless to say, Maggie has become my baby, too. There's nothing better than the welcome a Lab gives you every day when you walk through the door. No matter what mood we're in - she can always make us smile.

When we got back from our honeymoon, our precious baby girl Maggie (ok - so she's a dog, but she's OUR baby) had lost 10 pounds. She looked terrible - she was so frail with her ribs and backbone showing - and we were devastated.

We took her to the vet immediately and they said she has one of two conditions. (1) Autoimmune Disorder of the Lymphnodes or
(2) Lymphoma :-( Neither is good, but the autoimmune disorder is the lesser of two evils. Maggie's currently on Prednisone, and depending on her response and weight gain, will help determine what she is suffering from. We are waiting until the end of the week for an answer...keep her in your doggy prayers! We'll keep you posted.

My Dear Got a Deer!

2008-11-08T13:18:00.006-06:00

Josh got a deer this morning! He is SOOO excited! He came by the house so I could snap a few pictures. He's on his way right now to have the meat processed - I can't wait for some yummy deer jerky!

Because of Josh's knee, he didn't have the typical hunting experience. My dad dropped him off in the woods with a walkie talkie and Josh sat in a camo chair. About 8am, he saw a doe walk by and an 8 point buck was following her. The buck came up on Josh's left about 40 yards away and he got a quick shot with a 30 ought 6. Great shot! He couldn't sit still any longer, so he hobbled his way down to the deer while he walkie talkied my dad to come and get his prize! I'm so proud of my dear's deer :-)

Officially Mr. and Mrs. Knight

2008-11-06T11:28:00.007-06:00

Josh and I were married on November 1st! It was the BEST day of our lives. Everything was SO perfect! The weather was amazing, we had all the people we love together, and we finally got to become husband and wife! It seems like we've been waiting forever - we both wanted to get married so badly - so we're more than excited to be official.

I don't have pics back from my photographer yet...so here's some pics I've received from family and friends.

My cake...I had to make them redo it once...but I loved the finished product!

Josh's coconut cream tarts...DELICIOUS and they went fast!

Me and my handsome new hubby dancing to "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison

Me and my daddy dancing to Eric Clapton's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Josh and his mom dancing to "You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor

My beautiful bridesmaids! Crandall, Lauren, Emily, Sarah, Brook (my sis) and Kendall

Christina, Trent (Josh's brother) with the newlyweds

My Parents...married almost 40 years!

Flower Girl Ella Grace and Ring Bearer Zach (Josh's nephew)

Finally leaving the reception. We had SOOO much fun!

My Little Pumpkin

2008-10-22T08:31:00.001-05:00

My nephew, Grayson, dressed up as a pumpkin over the weekend, and we took these pics at my parents house on Sunday. It was so funny to see him standing next to the real pumpkins. I was laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face!

Engagement Pics

2008-10-21T18:37:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share some of our engagement pics. Our photographer is Jennifer Flowers - she did a great job! http://www.jflowersphoto.com/

Maybe I'll Carry Him Over the Threshold

2008-10-20T17:56:00.008-05:00

It all started with a casual Sunday game of flag football...On September 21st Josh had a flag football game in the morning, then we took our engagement pictures, then he went back for his last game at 6pm. As Josh's mom and I sat in our lawn chairs watching the final minutes of the game - we saw Josh jump up to defend someone - he hit the ground - and didn't get back up. This was the result...

His teammate yelled "Call 911!!" I said "Why should I call 911?" The voice inside my head said "It can't be bad enough for an ambulance! Surely not, I mean, we're getting MARRIED in a month! What if he can't walk? What about our first dance? Can we go on our honeymoon?" So, after an ambulance ride, ER visit, X-rays, MRIs, immobilizer braces, and a visit to the Orthopaedic Surgeon - I got my answers. He ruptured his patellar tendon and tore his quad muscles away from the bone (ouch!). Surgery required.

Dr. Tom Coker repaired Josh's overzealous knee on October 1st and we had a few hurdles along the way (to NO fault of Dr. Coker's). Just before surgery, the anesthesiologist gave Josh a femoral nerve block (like an epidural for his leg) which was supposed to make his entire leg numb after surgery. Keep in mind, the block works 95% of the time. Lucky us. It didn't work. So Josh woke up from an extremely painful surgery (chipping his bones, drilling into his knee cap, inserting wires, reattaching tendons) and woke up with no pain management! Needless to say - it was NOT a good day. But Josh is strong and he has been slowly recovering ever since. He started physical therapy today and they hope to have him off crutches and onto a cane before the wedding. He'll be able to dance with his cane (matching top hats anyone?) and we had to postpone our honeymoon until next year. In conclusion - we're STILL getting married (most importantly), Josh is getting healthy, and it'll be a good story to tell our kids someday!

Just making sure they had the right knee before surgery!

This brace is Josh's BFF for the next 6 months

And We're Off...And Headed Down the Aisle!

2008-10-18T14:39:00.000-05:00

I have had so much fun stalking everyone else's blog that I figured it's only fair to start my own so others can stalk as well.

We have had so many things going on lately, between planning our wedding, Josh's (emergency) knee surgery, and subsequently trying to decide what we need to rearrange due to those circumstances - we barely have time to breathe. Ahh - what a perfect time to start another hobby...