Pictures As Promised!!

I finally got my pictures to upload. I think it was operator error! Anyway, these are from our trip to Nashville last weekend. The only pics I took were at the Melting Pot, but I really didn't feel like dragging my camera around the rest of the night!

Whitney, Jeff, Me, and Morgan. What a group!

Before our meal. This one isn't good, but it totally cracks me up of Whit. She can NEVER keep her eyes open for a picture!
Whit and Jeff.....very rare instance when you get Jeff to take a picture, and I managed to get 3 of him! That has to be a record!
Me and the Hubs. Not the best picture of either of us, but we had the best time! Such a great birthday trip!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning......

Ok, so it is 9:33 AM here and it has already been a wonderful birthday! My precious little man slept late this morning (he knew Mama stayed up too late on the computer, so he was giving me a break!), when he did finally wake up my sweet hubby took care of him while I slept. W-o-N-d-E-r-F-u-L!!! Then, to top it all off, I had birthday cards and pancakes waiting on me for breakfast. Have I mentioned I have the most amazing husband in the entire world?!?! 

Jealous yet?? I would be too!!! haha

25 on my 25th!!

1. On a daily basis, I catch myself staring at Wyatt for no reason. I think he is absolutely the most amazing creature God put on this earth.

2. I don't know what I would do without my amazing husband. He works so hard so that we can have the life we have.

3. My Mom is my hero.

4. I seriously don't understand why some people can eat their weight in CRAP and stay skinny....it really ticks me off!

5. I have recently joined a gym and I LOVE it!! I should have done it a long time ago.

6. I cannot wait until we can build a bigger house. Not only do we need it, but I LOVE to decorate. I dream about what I will do when I get it....pathetic, I know!!

7. I am OBSESSED with country music. No really, I am like a library of useless information about all things country.

8. Photography is a passion of mine. I am so glad to have found something I love so much. It is nice to have a hobby/creative outlet.

9. I am addicted to blogging! I write as much as I can, and I am inspired by others. It is so much fun to me!

10. My birthday is today, and I have somehow stretched it into a weeklong event......yes, go me!!

11. I think my husband has the prettiest "smile lines" in the world. He has such a great since of humor, and I think those wrinkles make him even more beautiful.

12. I love to travel and see new places, but I am DEATHLY afraid of flying. I don't enjoy it at ALL! I've really got to get over that.

13. Antiques make me happy, not only are they beautiful, but I love the story that they tell.

14. It really makes me angry when people live in the past. Get over it! High school is over, more on. I wouldn't trade this time in my life for anything in the world.

15. I really enjoy spending time with my family. I learn so much from my grandparents and my aunts. It is pretty amazing where we come from.

16. My brother is one of my favorite people in the world. I miss him being here.

17. I get excited when I think about having another baby. I love Wyatt so much, I can only imagine my love will multiply with another little one.

18. I wish I could keep my house in order again. I used to be pretty organized and orderly, but since being a stay-at-home mom, I can't keep anything in order! I really bothers me and my OCD husband :)

19. Hanging out around a fire is one of my favorite ways to spend my time. It is just so peaceful.

20. I am working daily on becoming a better Christian. I think there is always room for improvement.

21. I don't want Wyatt to grow up too soon, but I look forward to doing fun things like: baseball, swimming, camping with him.

22. I absolutely LOVE to cook. I wish I had a Food Network show, that would be so much fun!! Of course, I would need someone to clean afterward...haha.

23. Laundry is a never ending battle in my house. Between a baby, and living on a farm I am convinced I will never get it all done!

24. I hope my friends would look at me and think I tried to be the best friend I could be.

25. I can't wait to grow old with my husband. I can't even imagine all the great things God has in store for us.......I'm ready for the ride!!!

Nashville Night

I have been trying on and off all day to load the pictures of our weekend trip to Nashville, and for some reason, my computer has other ideas! I cannot get them up for love nor money, so I guess I'll just have to tell you all about it :) Maybe pictures will follow later if I can figure it out!

Saturday, after dropping Wyatt of for an overnight stay with Nonni and Poppa (my mom and step-dad), Morgan and I headed north with some of our dearest friends (Whitney and Jeff). Nashville is only about 1 1/2 hours away, and it is one of my FAVORITE places ever. Wyatt's helmet doc is there, so we make very regular trips.

Anyway, one of my favorite restaurants there is the Melting Pot. We all got gussied up and headed out for a night on the town (Well, as gussied up as a chicken farmer's wife can get!) It was wonderful! The chocolate fondue is heavenly. I think I could eat the entire dessert by myself. Jeff wasn't particularly crazy about it, but he went along with it since it was MY birthday dinner and all! (Technically my birthday isn't until the 29th, but we celebrated early :)

We had the works.....spinach artichoke cheese dip, salads, salmon, chicken, sesame steak, duck, etc. And of course, CHOCOLATE!!! Simply divine :)

After our nice meal, we decided to walk around town and listen to some of the bands. This is what I LOVE about Nashville. It has all the "big city" feel without the "big city feel".....ya know what I mean?! I never feel uncomfortable or unsafe there. The people are so friendly, and living as close as we do, we seem to always run into people we know. It is great. If I ever had to leave my "simple little life", I would definately go to Nashville. One of the stops we made on Broadway was the Second Fiddle. For those of you familiar with the area, it is right next door to Tootsies (you might as well forget going there on Saturday night, you usually can't get in the door). The band playing there was great. I have no idea what they called themselves, but the music was wonderful, and they were all so talented. I have a deep love for country music, and they made me proud! haha. They mixed the old with the new perfectly. I hope we can see them again someday soon.

When we finally wrapped up the night and headed back to our hotel, we were exhausted. It was so much fun. We love traveling with Jeff and Whit. They are so easy to go places with. Before Wyatt came along, we took lots of trips together and there is never a dull moment! 

Sunday morning, we woke fairly early, and headed to Franklin to do some shopping. We stopped for a nice breakfast at the good ole Cracker Barrel. You just can't go wrong there! I don't know anyone who doesn't like that place, even though you have to wait forever for a table. 

Our first shopping stop of the morning was to the Academy store. Ok, so has anyone ever visited on of these before? I had NEVER been there, and I'm totally hooked! It was like Dick's but better. And the prices were great. I bought a new hoodie, pair of shorts, and 2 pair of workout pants! I could have stayed there forever. I am going to try to go back soon and find some new shoes. I'm desperately searching for the perfect athletic shoe.....I'm not sure if it exists! After the Academy store we headed over to Cool Springs and hit Macy's. I had a gift card, but I just didn't see anything I couldn't live without, so I STILL have that gift card! haha. Oh well, I guess I can always go back for another shopping trip!

It was such a great time. Around 2 we headed home. I was SOOO ready to see my little man. I don't think I've ever been away from him quite that long, so I missed him terribly. Although, I think it is great to have a little "adult time", it is good for everyone to get away sometimes!

So here I am, back to reality in my "simple. beautiful. life"! 

A day in my life

Today has been quite the busy day already, and it is only 2 o'clock. I woke early this morning when Morgan left to drive the school bus and started on my laundry. I must say, I love a clean house, but folding clothes is my absolute LEAST favorite thing to do. We have the sweetest lady who come every other week and cleans our house, but I have to take care of the day to day chores. I'm really bad at waiting until the night before she comes to catch up on my folding sessions. 

After I got that taken care of, Wyatt and I took off to go meet my mom for lunch. I love to have lunch dates with my mom. It seems like we never get to spend much time together since I live in another town, so I try to drive over as often as possible and meet up for lunch. I think she enjoys seeing Wyatt more than me, but I don't get too upset about it! He is a pretty fun little lunch date!

When I got home, I realized that I hadn't sent his picture into the paper for his 1 year birthday announcement. Our local paper puts kids b'days in with a description for $11. I think it is the greatest idea, so one day I can show him the paper with his picture in it. Anyway, Wyatt and I went outside and took a couple of pics for his paper debut! It was really cold, but luckly "Da-Da" came home just in time to make him smile, so it didn't take too long :)

This is the one I chose. I hope they are able to photoshop that drool out before it goes in the paper! haha. This is so him!
His cute little bottom teeth are definately shining here! This is his new outfit from his "Whit". It is so cute in color!

This was inside the house, and I wasn't really getting enough light. I still thought it was a cute little grin though!

Another thing I've been up to lately is trying to get more organized. It is a slow start, but yesterday I cleaned out my kitchen pantry. I did some major grocery shopping, and when I came home there was literally no where to put things. I decided then and there to do some cleaning out. It is amazing how much stuff you accumulate and don't even realize it. I had things in my pantry that expired like 3 years ago!! Seriously, I must have gotten them right after we got married. That is so bad. I'm so ashamed. I don't ever want it to get that out of control again!

Here is the finished pantry project!!

Ok, so in all honesty, I'm a little anal about my kids food. I always stack a days worth of food for him, so I know that he eats a balanced diet. I know I don't, but I don't want him to start out eating unhealthy. Don't get me wrong, he is allowed sweet things now, but I just want to make sure he has plenty of fruits, veggies, and the good stuff too!

I think it looks pretty good. Now, if I could only make the rest of my house more organized!

Yesterday, I finally broke down and ordered my new kitchen table. We have been needing one since we got married, but it finally broke a month ago (see earlier post). Anyway, I have been trying to find something a little more inexpensive, but I never found one I liked quite as much as this one from Pottery Barn. It really wasn't unreasonable, but the chairs were sold seperately, so that made it a little pricey. I decided to only order the table and find my chairs elsewhere. Boy am I glad I did. I found the cutest ones at Target. I can't wait to see it all together. Anything has to look better than what we have!

This is my table. I also bought a basket to go on the bottom shelf. It showed it that way in the magazine and it really made perfect storage since. I think I'm going to love it. The sides also fold down, which will be perfect since my dining area is so small.

These are the chairs I found, and I just LOVE them! I'm all about things not being matchy-matchy. I think they are so cool. My kitchen is painted green, and I think they are going to look perfect. I love the distressed look also! I'll post pictures when it all comes in.

So, after all this, I guess I'm off to the gym in a little while. I joined this week and I'm trying to stay motivated. I figure the only way to do it is treat it like a job. I just have to go everyday and hopefully I will see results. I've never been a skinny-minny, but no one tells you how your body changes after a child! I just hope to get things a little trimmer and tighter :)

Shop, Shop, Shop....

Yeah, so anyone who knows me, knows this is one of my weaknesses! I absolutely LOVE to shop. I probably do it much too often, but I like to think I am a pretty good shopper. I hardly ever buy anything that isn't on sale, and I've tried recently to only buy things I absolutely can't live without!

This past weekend, Wyatt spent the night with his Nonni (his usual Friday night date!). I decided I would get some quality alone time in, so I went to Bridgestreet! I really didn't have any other motive than I had $100 in Gymbucks that had to be redeemed this week. For anyone who doesn't know what Gymbucks is, it is a reward program that Gymboree does every so often. For so much money you spend, you get so many bucks. Anyway, as the mother of a growing boy, I have to but clothes for him so often I really look for deals where I can find them! While I was there, I stepped in a few stores and found a couple of things for myself.

Here are a few of my favorite finds this weekend:

Adorable Gap Peacoat! It was on sale at our local Gap for $52. Gap online has the same one for $60-something. I'm not sure why there is a diffence in price, but I absolutely adore this coat. It totally dresses up blue-jeans which is my daily uniform!

3/4 lenth Gap fitted sweater $18! So cute, and so warm. I got in the habit of wearing 3/4 sleeves when I was working in the Salon, and they are just so practical. You feel dressed, but can still dig food out of the sink without getting your sleeves wet (yeah, I know from experience!)

I think I may have paid $5 for this little t-shirt at Old Navy. They are having a GREAT sale on their everyday stuff. I wear this and jeans so often, I couldn't pass it up!

Old Navy Cable Knit Rugby Crew sweater for $20. I have been eyeing this sweater for the last month, and I finally decided to buy it! It is so cute on. I think it would be super cute with my red flats! Quite nautical....haha

Before everyone goes to thinking I'm a selfish mother, I bought little man some great stuff also! A friend passed down a pair of these Converse Chuck Taylors to Wyatt a few months ago, and I just love them. He has outgrown the old pair, so I bought some new ones at Baby Gap for $19.95. His are navy blue, and they go with EVERYTHING!

Blue Hoodie with baby blue stripe and tractor pull from Gymboree. I went crazy a few months ago and bought they whole "tractor line" for Wyatt. They are adorable clothes with tractors and sayings all over, but I didn't see this jacket, so I HAD to get it this weekend. They zipper pull is a little tractor. It is a 2T, so I think he will be able to wear it next fall also!

For all mothers of boys, or expecting mother of a boy, I strongly recommend Gymboree for clothes. I was so worried when I was pregnant that I would never find cute things for Wyatt, but I always find things I love there. Baby Gap and Target are my two other favorites. I can't imaging if I had I girl, I would probably be broke because believe me, I definately don't have trouble spending money on him. If we are blessed with another boy in the future, he will have some GREAT hand-me-downs!

*For those of you who are wondering, I didn't buy Morgan anything, and I DONT buy him things unless he is with me. My sweet husband has a great since of style and definately knows what he likes! I never know what he will like, nor do I have the money to buy his "favorite" jeans that cost $100 per pair. haha. He is needing some new clothes, but he will be with me for that shopping trip!

Justin and Rae

We were so excited for my brother and his fiance' to be able to come down for Wyatt's birthday last weekend. It was so good to see them, and to meet her parents. They really are great people. I hope we didn't scare them! haha. My mom said they might should have met us before they agreed to let Justin marry their daughter! 

I was glad they were able to make it for Wyatt's big day. Justin hasn't seen him since April, so needless to say, he has grown tremendously! I hope they can make one more trip down before their wedding in October. We will definately be making a trip to Baltimore for that one!

While they were here, I took some engagement pics for them at the park downtown. It was lots of fun, even though it was the coldest weekend we've had all year!! They were troopers and we got lots of good pics. This is one of my favorites. She has the most gorgeous blue eyes in the world......well, next to my sweet baby boy and hubby! haha. She said their kid is gonna be cuter than mine, so I have to say that! Rae is hilarious. I think she is gonna fit in this messed up family just fine!!

Baby Harper

I'm asking everyone tonight to keep baby Harper in your prayers. I have never met this family, but I've been keeping up with their blog, and they really need a blessing right now. I don't think there is anyone on this earth who wanted children more than this couple, and they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl this month. She is extremely sick, and has spent her short little life in the hospital. 

I know God answers prayers and I pray that he does a miracle in this precious baby. She is a gift from Him and sent here for a reason. This family needs peace right now, and I am so thankful they are believers because I can't even imagine what they are going through right now. 

Thank you so much.

Wyatt's 1st Birthday!!

It's hard to believe, but my baby boy turned 1 Saturday. It doesn't feel like it has already been a year that his precious self has been in my life. He is the most precious gift I could have been given, and I look forward to many more birthdays to celebrate with him.

For Wyatt's birthday this year, we had a "e-i-e-i-o" theme. It took place at the shop on our farm. Since we were expecting a lot of people, we thought that would be the best place since our house isn't quite big enough to hold that many people! It was so fun and we had a GREAT time visiting with friends and family. Wyatt didn't really know what was going on, be he sure LOVED his cake and ice-cream. It was the first time we've really let him have any sweets, so he thought he was in heaven!

"Happy Birthday to you!"

Yummy icing!!

Hanging out on Daddy's shoulders and taking it all in!

My best friend and her son, Mason, he is 6 weeks younger than Wyatt, so we will be celebrating his birthday next month!

Wyatt got sick of opening his presents, so I opened most of them for him!

Me and Sweet Natalie. She is one of my good friend's little girls. She's my little buddy!

My Granny (Wyatt's great-grandmother) trying out his scooter!! haha.

Wyatt eating ice-cream!!! He LOVED it so much. He's sitting in Aunt Elizabeth's lap. She is preggers with Wyatt's new baby cousin who will be here in April!

Cute little jacket my friend had embroidered for Wyatt!

Dr. Seuss cow!!

Mason and Wyatt.....buddies for life!!

The drink bucket!!

Happy Birthday banner!!!

Animal balloons, I inflated the night before, so they kinda deflated a little!

Goody bags for the kiddos!

Wyatt's little personal cake to distroy!

Yeah, so our cake lady totally out-did herself with this one! It was perfect, just like the picture I took her. Oh, and it tasted so good!!!

Wyatt's new John Deere 4-wheeler from us!

The food table.....yumm.......Alabama BBQ, baked beans, chips, potato salad, cake, and ice-cream!

More food stuff!!

Isn't this the cutest cake ever! We were really so impressed. She does a wonderful job!

Lately....

My life has been HECTIC, to say the least!! Between Christmas, New Years, and planning little man's 1st birthday, it seems like I can't keep anything straight. So, needless to say, I have more than neglected my blog. Not that anyone reads this, but it really is a de-stresser for me! There is just something satisfying about letting it all out :)

Christmas was great this year. You truly understand the meaning of Christmas when you have a child of your own. It isn't about me, the gifts, or parties, but it is great to spend time with the ones you love and see joy in others faces. I really, truly LOVE to give. I know it is so cheesy, but it makes me so happy when I've worked so hard to find something for someone and the absolutely love it! Morgan thinks I have WAY too much time on my hands, because I sit down in October and start planning my shopping list. It really is something I LOVE to do. I also love to decorate for Christmas. I'm HORRIBLE at taking it all down (which is why it is still up on January 7th), but it really makes my house feel homey and warm!

New Years was such a blast too!! I absolutely HATE getting out with all the drunks, so we just had all of our friends over to the house. Good food, good friends, and good fun!! My best friend Christy brought over Pictionary and we played it for hours!!!! I haven't played since I was a kid, but it was so fun to see a bunch of 20-30 year olds getting all into a game. We have decided we are going to get together and play games more often. I think it keep ya young!! haha....

This week my goal was to get everything back in order. So far, it is Wednesday and I'm not doing to good at fulfilling that. The tree is up, I haven't gone through Wyatt's toys, and I still have to get ready for this party Saturday afternoon. I think I may have gone a bit overboard, but what 1 year old wouldn't want 50 people at their birthday?!! He doesn't care, I'm sure. But I wanted everyone to be here to celebrate with us. It should be fun. I hope to have lots of pics to share. I have a TON from the Christmas festivities, but I don't have time to post them today. This was supposed to be a short blog!!!

Well, I guess I better run. Sweet baby is sleeping, so I guess I should take this opportunity to get some things done. My new year's resolution is to be a better blogger, so I'll try to post more!!