Memphis Reunion: Part 2

While we lived in Memphis, we had potlucks on a weekly basis. Oh, how I miss our potlucks! The host would decide on the dinner theme, and everyone else would make a dish to go along with the main course. Luckily, before we all moved away, we had a recipe swap, so we could take all of yummy recipes with us. Saturday night we had a Christmas potluck. We had ham, dressing, rolls, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and squash casserole. The food was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We also wore tacky Christmas sweaters. It was a fun night and made me miss all the wonderful food cooked by my dear friends.The Feast

Memphis Reunion: Part One

The first weekend in December our Memphis Family came to visit.We started planning the reunion in September and were thrilled we could all be together again.Everyone (4 couples, a baby, and a dog) came to Jackson and stayed at our place.One blog post would not serve justice to the weekend.

Here is a recap of all the fun games we played:

Classic Game...Winner: Nertz
Of course, we played lots of Nertz.
I think the girls won most of the games!!
However, the boys had improved and put up a good fight. New Favorite Game...Winner: Rock Band
Thanks to the Clendenins and the Lokeys
for providing the instruments and over 10 versions of the game.
This gave the boys a break from all the losing!!

Best Acting Game...Winner: Guesstures
We played Guesstures for the first time.
It was fun, and provided some more competition
between the girls and the boys.
We always play that way, and it usually gets very intense.
Boys Only Game...Winner: Football
The boys played football in the front yard
while the girls prepared a feast.Funniest Game...Winner: Quelf
This is a new game my parents got at Thanksgiving.
There is really no objective, but it's hilarious.
If you want a good laugh, this is your game.
You must follow the rules on the card,
which will leave everyone else laughing so hard.
For example, Elizabeth could not bend her arms or legs
unless it was her turn during the entire game.
We had so much fun and laughed so hard!!
Be on the lookout for Memphis Reunion: Part Two.

Happy Belated Birthday...

Sissy and Mom!December is full of family birthdays. Bethany turned 25 on the 4th. Mom celebrated her birthday (don't worry, I won't reveal your age) yesterday. My sister-in-law, Ashley, has a birthday next week, and of course my birthday is in 17 days! December is SUPER busy, and I know that sometimes December babies get overlooked. Just wanted to take a minute to wish a very, special, belated birthday to Bethany and Mom!

Where do I start with my sister? I just smile when I think about her. Bethany can brighten any one's day with her fun personality and with the silly things she does. I LOVE spending time with her and can't wait for her to be closer. She wants to make a difference in the world, and she seeks to live out this dream. She is a hard worker and gives more of her time, energy, and efforts than most people I know. I am so proud of the woman she has become. I am blessed to call her my sister and my friend. I love you, Sissy!!My Mom is truly an amazing woman of God. As a child, I knew she was wonderful, but as I have grown older, I realize more and more every day how blessed I am. When we were younger, she cooked every night, cleaned up after four busy kids, cheered us on in EVERY sport, ran us from one place to the next, as well as many other things. I don't know how she did it. But I do know, she served with a positive attitude. I never heard her complain, and I know we gave her many reasons to scream. She is always there for me and listens to everything I have to say. I am thankful for her support, encouragement, and love. Thanks for being incredible!!

Sorry the posts are late. Just wanted you both to know how special you are!! You are a blessing to me as well as many others!! I love you so much!!

Counting down the days...

Until our Memphis Family arrives!!

I'm sure you remember these lovely faces.
While living in Memphis, these friends became our family.
It's been a while since we have all been together, so we planned a reunion.
Everyone arrives in Jackson on Friday night, and I'm so excited!!
YEA for great friends and fun times!!

A week off, and SEW much to do...

A couple of the projects I have been working on this week.
I must start sewing again!! I have missed my time of crafting and creating. Over the summer, I sewed almost every day, which was wonderful. Since I got a job (and an amazing one, might I add), time has not allowed for me to sew. However, this week I have been out of school, which created the perfect opportunity for me and my dear friend "Brother 1250D" to reconnect. Let me just say that several of you will be receiving an early Christmas present due to my spare time. I am still learning, but I'm having so much fun with my projects.

We will be leaving Jackson tomorrow to spend the rest of the week with family in Nashville and Florence. Can't wait for all the great food and wonderful family time!! Hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!! I'm thankful to God for all my wonderful blessings!!

Christmas Cards

Well, it's that time of year...

As you can tell, I'm really in the Christmas spirit this year. I have always been one to wait until after Thanksgiving, but this year is different for some reason. I changed the look of the blog already. We decorated the house last weekend. The next thing is to order our Christmas cards. I was stuck until I read on a friend's blog about FREE cards. Well, I couldn't resist.

Shutterfly is running a promotion for the blogging world, and I'm so excited!! It's really simple, and you can learn more by going here http://bit.ly/sfly2010 . In the past, I have used their cute cards to send my holiday greetings and have been pleased every time. Last year was probably my favorite card. I loved the design!! We were so excited about the Alabama/Texas game that we focused our card on "Our House Divided." We were also thrilled to welcome Tucker Bear to our family. You won't believe how little he was!! Go here to see the template from last year's card.

I feel like a lot has happened this past year, and I really would like to write a letter. However, I LOVE sending picture cards from Shutterfly. Lucky for me, Shutterfly has a card that will meet both of my needs. This is one option that I am thinking about, so go here to see one of the cards you might be receiving in the mail. This was a card I almost used last year and still really like it. It's another possibility, so check it out here. Well, there are lots of cards to choose from, so check out all the selections here.

Happy Christmas Card Making!!

Family Time

Last night, we met my parents and my Grandma at Catfish Cabin for dinner. I was so excited to have them in Jackson!! Family is very important to us, and it had been TOO long since we had seen them. After dinner, they came back to the house, and we just sat around talking. That's one thing I love about my family. We don't have to do anything fancy to have a good time. This morning Mom, Grandma, and I went to Paris, because Mom was speaking at a Ladies' Day. We had a little delay outside of McKenizie due to a flat tire. However, we met some of the nicest people who were willing to drop everything to help us. It was a nice reminder that people do still care about others. Once the flat was fixed, thanks to Brandon and Justin, we were on our way. I was glad I could spend the day with Mom and Grandma. I was also very excited to hear Mom speak. She has a special gift, and I don't get the chance to hear her speak often. We made it home in time to watch the Alabama game with Dad. It was very disappointing, but it was fun to watch it with Mom and Dad. Unfortunately, they had to leave this evening, but I am looking forward to seeing Mom again on Monday, and everyone else at Thanksgiving!! I'm so thankful for wonderful, supportive, loving families!!

I LOVE Surprises

My husband is the sweetest!! Last week, he stopped by Kroger on the way home to pick up a few things I needed for dinner. He also added a few things to my list. Sneaky, sneaky. First, he walked in carrying these BEAUTIFUL flowers!! I love when he surprises me with flowers. It's just a sweet gesture that makes me (as well as most other girls) smile. My other surprise was one of my favorite snacks. I LOVE Little Debbie Christmas Tree cakes. Needless to say, the box is already empty. I tried to get more at the grocery this week, but they were out. I guess I'm not the only one who craves these sweet goodies all year. I might keep a tally this year of how many boxes we eat. I know it will be depressing, but I am interested to learn how many I consume in two months. Anyways, I am so thankful for my sweet hubby who always thinks of others!! Thanks Craig for making my day even more special last week with my surprises!! You are the best!!

I CAN'T WAIT!!

I am counting down the days until I see this AMAZING show again!! I first saw Wicked in Chicago on our first Girls Trip. I fell in LOVE!! Since I returned from the trip, I have talked nonstop about this show to Craig. I have tried not to reveal too much, because I did not want to ruin anything for him. Needless to say, I am pumped that two years later, he will finally see it. The show is Saturday night. Yes, I know it's during the Alabama/Tennessee game. However, I am confident my team will not disappoint me and will win easily while I enjoy Wicked. You can rest assure, I will check the score at intermission. I may not tell Craig, because I wouldn't want the score to ruin the second half of the show for him. Anyways, I am also VERY excited about stopping at Muddy's Bake Shop for some much needed yummy cupcakes and cookies!! A trip to Memphis is not complete unless you stop for some lovin from the oven!! Can't wait for this wonderful weekend...

A Birthday Wish

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to CRAIG...
Happy Birthday to you!

Today is Craig's 28th Birthday, which is making me feel old (30 is getting closer and closer). I called him this afternoon, and my class sang to him. Although he had to be at the hospital very early this morning, he was able to get off work early, which was nice. Tucker Bear surprised him with Disk Golf. After playing with Luke last week, Craig has been dying to get some disks of his own. Tonight we are going to dinner with his parents, Granny, Uncle Charlie, and Aunt Mary. This weekend the two of us are going to Memphis to celebrate his birthday. We are going to see Wicked, which makes me SUPER excited!! Happy Birthday to my best friend and to the most amazing husband in the world!! I love you so much!!

We also want to make an early shout out to Luke...Happy Birthday tomorrow!!

Prayer Request

On Sunday, Russell Cook, a close friend of my parents, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had surgery on Tuesday in Knoxville and is at home recovering. The cancer is very aggressive, and the doctors have not offered much hope for the family. Please keep the Cook family in your prayers. Please pray for comfort, healing, and peace. We serve a mighty and powerful God!!

Fall Break

See this cute face??

I was so excited to spend my Fall Break with my nephew and the rest of Craig's family in Destin. Craig was off the whole week, so he arrived in Destin on Sunday night and spent a few days with his mom before the rest of us arrived. His dad and I flew down on Tuesday, when I got off work. Charlie, Ashley, and Gentry flew down on Wednesday afternoon. After the quick flight from Nashville to Panama City, I am spoiled and never want to drive to the beach again. The weather was perfect, and the temperatures felt great!! I really enjoyed laying on the beach and reading my book. Ashley and I had our nails done one day while the boys played golf. We also did a little shopping. The trip was very relaxing!! We enjoyed great food, nice weather, and fun times with family. I am so thankful Craig was able to have a week off and that we were able to spend a week together with his family. Thanks to his parents for the great trip!! Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures (except for the one of Gentry playing), so just imagine the beautiful beach, nice weather, and our happy faces.

Gobble til you Wobble

All my sweet friends who came to visit

Top: Rebekah, Rylan, Emily, Betsy, Jenny, and Mayzie
Bottom: Me, Meaghan, Sarah, and Allison
We missed you Kristen!!

Cupcakes I made (feathers didn't last too long)

Mayzie enjoyed being with all of her AuntsRylan, a proud little turkeyEnjoying the beautiful weather and great friendsIt's never too early to start shopping with the girls!
We spent most of the weekend at the house talking and hanging out.Mayzie: "Hey, I think our Moms want us to be best friends."
Rylan: "Let's just smile, so they will stop taking our pictures."Aunt Betsy gave Rylan and Mayzie outfits that said, "Just one of the Girls."Tucker cuddled with Betsy during the movie.
Thanks for coming to visit Jackson!!
I had so much fun talking, laughing,
sharing old memories, and being together.
Can't wait until our trip to Hot Springs in January!!
Love ya girls!!

Background Information

Well, I just spent the weekend with 7 of my closest friends...

But, before I blog about the weekend I want to share some history on our friendship.

I met these amazing women my freshman year at Lipscomb. If you remember, I was not fond of LU at first. However, these girls helped me survive and put up with my bad attitude. They also changed my opinion on Lipscomb. I am forever grateful and in debt to these wonderful friends.

You could always find us together in college. We traveled in a pack. Sometime during our sophomore year, someone made reference to how we looked like a bunch of turkeys together. The name stuck. To this day, although it's a little odd, we still call ourselves the turkeys. We have shared many laughs, many tears, many funny moments, joys as well as sorrows. Through it all, I know these girls will ALWAYS be there for me. Here are a few pictures from the past two years (oh, we have so many more, but this will capture some of the highlights):First Turkey Trip: Chicago 2009

Sarah's Lingerie Shower
Rebekah's Baby ShowerSt. Jude 5kTacky Christmas Sweater Party
Second Turkey Trip: Kansas City 2010Jenny's Baby Shower

Coming Soon: Blog Post about our SUPER FUN Girls Weekend

Weekend News

On Friday, I only had to work half a day, and Craig was post call. So, we left Jackson around 1 and headed to Memphis. We enjoyed some yummy BBQ at Germantown Commissary and delicious sweets at Muddy's Bake Shop. Oh, how we miss Muddy's!! We loaded up a box and will have plenty of sweets to enjoy this week. On Saturday, we woke early to head to the Natchez Trace State Park for a Marriage Retreat with church. We had so much fun hanging out with new friends and strengthening our marriage. We have been so blessed by the friendships we have made at Campbell Street.

Don't expect another blog entry from me this week. Some of my best friends, seven to be exact (along with two little ones), will be visiting this weekend. I have a lot of cleaning and preparing to do as well as school work. Craig's vacation starts on Saturday, so he is off to Dallas with his dad before we head to the beach next week. I will be sure to blog after the fun weekend with the girls!! Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!

Let me leave you with these verses that we discussed at the retreat:

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who being in the very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a SERVANT,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he HUMBLED himself and
became obedient to death- even death on a cross!

Tomorrow...Tomorrow...

I'll love you, tomorrow.
You're only a DAY away!!


Can't wait to enjoy some goodies tomorrow at Muddy's Bake Shop!!
That box looks so delicious. Maybe I should go now...
I'll wait patiently for tomorrow!!

Some more of my favorites: Florence edition

Friday night we stayed in Jackson, so we could go to Homecoming at JCS. It was a blow out! We only stayed for the first half and felt very sorry for the other team. However, we were happy for the Eagles!! Saturday morning we headed to Florence to spend some time with my family. First, we made a stop at Chick-fil-A for some breakfast. YUM!! I think I could eat at Chick-fil-A every day!! Once we arrived in Florence, we went to the hospital to see Grandma. She has been there since Monday and hopes to be home in the next couple of days. I love my Grandma!! She makes me smile and laugh every time I see her. After our visit, Mom, Dad, Craig, and I went to a favorite lunch spot...Trowbridge's. After lunch, we went home to watch the Alabama game. I LOVE watching Alabama football with my family, since Craig is not a fan. Well, it wasn't much of a game, but it was still fun to watch!! ROLL TIDE!! Mom cooked a wonderful dinner, another one of my favorite things about being in Florence. Maybe she could move to Jackson and me our cook. Mom, we could work out a plan if you're interested. Later that night, Craig and I went over to Melissa and Eric's house. Melissa is one of my best friends, and I love catching up with her. I also love that our husbands get along and entertain themselves while we talk nonstop. I really wish we lived in the same city!! This morning we went back to see Grandma before going to church at Stony Point. Mom and Dad picked up Zaxby's so we could eat and watch the Titans game. What a disappointment!! I always enjoy being at home, spending time with the family, eating delicious meals by Mom, and catching up with good friends!! Another great weekend!! Hope everyone has an amazing week!!

These are a few of my favorite things (and people): Nashville

Two weekends ago, I went to Austin with Grandma. We had a great trip, and I will always treasure our adventure. When we returned to Nashville, I met Betsy at her place. Then, we were off, so I could meet sweet Mayzie McClain. Mayzie was born at the end of July, but I was so busy preparing for school that I could not make it when she was born. Luckily, her Mommy, Jenny (college buddy and old roomie), was a teacher, so she understands. Anyways, I was so excited to FINALLY meet Mayzie and to see Jenny!! Mayzie is precious, and I enjoyed holding her while catching up with Jenny and Betsy. Congrats Jenny and Owen on your beautiful little girl!!Last weekend, Craig and I went to Nashville. On Friday night, we met some of our closest friends, James, Elizabeth, and baby Andrew, for dinner at Satco. We miss James and Elizabeth and the rest of our Memphis gang, so we enjoyed catching up. We also miss the yummy food from Satco!!(This is where I stopped taking pictures. However, I know someone else in the fam took some.)

Saturday morning, we woke early to eat breakfast at Pancake Pantry!! SO DELICIOUS!! After breakfast, we went back to Craig's parents' house to watch football and relax. I went to meet my cousin, Krista, before lunch. She just got a job teaching 1st Grade in Metro, so I wanted to share some of my old books. It's always great seeing her!! Good luck Krista...I know you'll do great!!

Charlie, Ashley, and Gentry came over for lunch, and we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with them. Charlie and Ashely went to a concert Saturday night, so we were able to keep Gentry longer and play with him. He's always on the go, but he's so much fun!! While Gentry was having his bath, Craig and I snuck away, so we could see Luke and Laura. (I told you Nashville was full of our favorite people.) We watched some more football and visited with them for a little while. I love having so much family in Nashville, but it sure keeps us busy!!

After church on Sunday, we dressed in our navy and baby blue for the first Titans game of the season. Ashley's parents kept Gentry, so all 6 of us were able to go to the game. Titans games are always fun, so we had a good time with Craig's family!! They played great, and hopefully, will keep up the hard work all season. Go TITANS Go!!

Well, I think that about covers some of our favorite things (and people) Nashville edition. Be on the look out for more of our favorite lists...