Balloon Fun

Some things are better left up to the kids...

For a good time...

Jeff and I have been sitting here looking at a photo gallery for "Our 'Little Mountain Church' Chapel" in Gatlinburg. (No...we are not planning on getting married in Gatlinburg) Seriously, this is one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life. If you can stand the porn-like music that plays in the background contiuously, this is definetely worth your time. I hope you enjoy.!

For a good time...

** Wedding Update **

So..bad news. I got an e-mail back from the Glassworks people today. It's a no go. They are booked on the 3rd...however she let me know they're available on the 10th. Hmm... what a dilemma.

** Wedding Update **

Here is your first update in a string of many.

#1: I'm down to two photographers. Both are great. Both are available. Both do the exact style I am looking for. Any ideas on how to choose?

- Adam Cole
- Todd Pellowe

#2) Ceremony Site - Caldwell Chapel? Check it out...tell me what you think.

Caldwell Chapel

#3) Reception Site...

Glassworks Building

#4) I've yet to decide on a color scheme. Somehow it must involve purple. Duh. I have to be careful about the purple though. It can't be cheesy prom dress purple. Here are some color options.

- Purple and orange (ike a burnt orange)
- Green and purple (not mint, not fluorescent...)
- Deep red, fuschia and deep purple (I mean...it is fall)

That's all I have for now. I'll continue to keep you on the edge of your seat with updates ;)

Condiment Complex

This is Natalie. Natalie is our receptionist at work. Natalie has a phobia. She is afraid of condiments. Ketchup, mustard, mayo...you name it...she's afraid of it.

Natalie is aware that its weird. However it is a phobia. A very real phobia.

One time I was watching the Tyra Banks Show (which I only recommend anyone watch when there is absolutely nothing else on) and she was interviewing a girl who said she was genuinely terrified of pennies. I laughed my head off. It's apparently a real thing. Read this: Penny Phobia

Cotton and Gravy

Immediately you've said to yourself "Huh?" (No, that is not what we call Zeke and Yana...for those of you trying to guess)

The weekend that Jeff moved into this new house, my mom told Zeke and Yana to make sure they looked for the bunnies. There would be bunnies all over the place. So maybe not all over...but she's a step-grandmother and retired teacher. They have a flair for the dramatic ;)

Ever since, Zeke and Yana have checked the backyard for these millions of bunnies. Amazingly enough, they found one! Cleverly, they named him cotton. (A.K.A "Conton" or "Cont" for short) Last week, we went grocery shopping and bought a bag of carrots for "Cont" to snack on.

A few days ago, they got their chance to feed their furry friend. As we got out of the car we look in the yard and there he was...our good friend Cotton. I ran in the house and grabbed two carrots. By the time I came out Cottona had a friend with him. You can only imagine the excitement ;)

Meet - you guessed it - Gravy ;)

The Rock

So I know everyone has heard the awesome news by now. WE'RE ENGAGED! (See the rock below...)

You can see that the ring is much like me...not normal :) Purple is my favorite color and very much a part of who I am (duh...hair.) So keeping those thoughts in mind, Jeff did a great job of picking out a ring that, like everyone has said, is "so you."

Anyway...the party...I mean, wedding, will be November 3. Details will come. I will be sure to blog every detail that I possibly can to keep you updated on how the planning is going. Assuming Jeff hasn't strangled me by then :) He has mentioned several times how much he can't wait to help with the details...

I would also like to send congrats to Matt and Angela (http://angelastarnes.blogspot.com) who got engaged on Monday. CONGRATULATIONS!

Looks like it will be a busy summer for me. Matt and Angela sometime in the summer (June or July?), I know 3 people having babies in August, wait...4. Tara at work is getting married in September, Kim Lee in October, and me in November. YIKES! Then there's December, and well, duh. Obviously busy.

Should be a whirlwind of a year. Hang on to your seats!

Car Wash

If any of you know me at all, you'll know that the car wash is not a consistent thing in my life. In fact, until tonight, I had only driven my own car through the car wash once. Let me tell you...it is exciting.

It's mind boggling that for a mere $10, you can get you undercarriage washed (it isn't like it sounds...), dirt cleansed away, hot wax, tires scrubbed, rain protected...and who can forget that retty rainbow the foam makes on your car. To top it all off, its all done in 5 minutes!

Seriously...you cant't beat that deal :)


I loved getting home and examining my car, looking at how shiny and brand new it was. I thought to myself, why in the world would I ever stand out in the driveway and spend 30 agonizing minutes trying to wash my own car again. To me the pretty rainbow and the undercarriage wash was well worth it.

It is definetelty the little things in life that excite me.

If the Shoe Fits

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE shoes. Shopping for them is so much fun...even when its not for me. In fact... I almost enjoy buying them for other people more. (NOTE: I said ALMOST.) The other night, Jeff and I went to Wal-Mart, as we do many nights, and I decided that I wanted to buy new shoes for Zeke and Yana. In particular I was looking for little pink "Ugg" boots for Yana that I knew they would probably have on clearance from winter. I found exactly what I was looking for in the perfect size for $3!! Even better than buying shoes...finding a great bargain! Anyway...on the same aisle Jeff found tennis shoes just like his for Zeke in red, which is Zeke's favorite color. Our mission was complete...

The next time they came over and saw their new shoes, they were so excited! I'm not sure when I've seen two happier kids. It amazes me sometimes how such simple things can brighten someones day. Even more amazing is how happy it makes me to see them so excited.

A couple of weeks ago, my sister returned from Panama (the canal...not the beach). She had been there for a week on a trip with Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child. If you don't know anything about this ministry, click on the links and check them out. They are incredible ministries. Shannon is the Louisville Area Coordinator for OCC and this year she was given the opportunity to travel with a large group of OCC staff and other volunteers to personally hand out shoebox gifts to kids who have probably never received a Christmas gift in their life. When she returned, we sat down and looked through probably 3o0 pictures of happy faces...all ecstatic over a few dollar store items in a shoebox. Pretty cool, huh?

It seems very easy for us to sit around with our cell phones, computers, ipods, etc. and think that it's not enough...to think that life is hard and that we've hit rock bottom. We've all been guilty...me included. But then I think about kids like Zeke and Yana who are absolutely thrilled with a $3 pair of shoes...and then I remember the looks on the faces of the kids in Panama who are so grateful to receive a shoebox filled with gifts. Then I realize how happy it makes me. THINGS don't make us happy. Money doesn't make us happy. SHOES don't make us happy :) Giving and helping others makes us happy. Seeing how our actions, even a small gesture, can change someones day, week, year or life...that is true happiness.