Friday, April 27, 2012

Spring Breakin’ It!

Don’t get crazy and think we went partying at the beach or anything! We went spring breaking it maw maw style and enjoyed a nice, relaxing vacation in the Smoky Mountains. It’s our go-to place for peace of mind, and it holds so many memories for Colby and myself. Both of our families vacationed there on a regular basis during the summers.

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We had planned for some cool weather, but we didn’t plan for full blown winter weather. Don’t let all of the green trick you. It. Was. Cold. The weather took a major turn from the last time I had checked the weekly weather. It went from 60s for the highs to 50s, and it took a while for it to even get to that point except for Wednesday. My cute spring clothes didn’t come in real handy.

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On Sunday, we got into town and settled into our cabin. Then, we took a trip to the Old Mill Restaurant. Neither of us had ever been there, but we really enjoyed the atmosphere. Plus, we met a very friendly couple who lived in Monroe, LA. They knew the Duck Commander and his family. How funny is that! We certainly enjoyed our conversation with them. It’s always nice to run into someone that enjoys the south as much as you do.

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If you’re not familiar with the Duck Commander, here is a clip. I am warning you now. Beware of what you’re about to see…

Duck Dynasty

On Monday, we enjoyed our traditional first trip to Cades Cove, and it was definitely worth it. Turkeys and bears were everywhere. That evening we went to the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show, and it was hilarious. The food was quite good, too! Dinner and show….you can’t beat it. At the end of this post, I made a video of our entire vacation. You’ll see some people tugging at something through their clothes. What you see is a spoon attached to a very long string that goes down one person’s shirt and through another person’s pants. This alternates until you get to the end of the line. Since I wasn’t the ones up there, it was quite hilarious. Unfortunately for some, they were unexpectedly exposed. Funny for us…not really for them!

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We also went to a place in Gatlinburg where they make moonshine. I definitely recommend going {drinker or not}. It is a fascinating and fun place to go!

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On Tuesday, we went to Clingman’s Dome and Mingus Mill on our way up to Cherokee, NC. Needless to say, we ran into a bit of snow on our way up. Colby talked me into walking up to the observation tower at Clingman’s Dome. Remember how I said I didn’t pack the most appropriate clothes? Well….I wished I had at that point. Not to mention that the half mile walk up there felt like much more. It’s amazing how I can walk three miles effortlessly around here for exercise, but I thought I was going to die with the unbearable cold, not being able to feel vital parts of my body, and a steep {for me} incline. Without my motivator by my side coaching me on, I would have turned around. I was glad I didn’t though. We made it to the top and saw some people we knew! How crazy! On our way back down, there was a bear by the walk, so it offered some great video and picture opportunities.

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On Wednesday, we hung around locally and ate at Miss Lily’s Café, which was recommended by Southern Living. After eating, we decided to go zip lining at this place close to our cabin. It was so much fun, but now I wish we would have went to a place with more lines. Now that I know how much fun it is, it might be something we do on another visit.

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And to end the day, we took a narrow road up to the Lee Roberson Gallery. If you haven’t been there, you are missing out. He is an amazing artist and a very funny man to meet. We spent well over an hour there and left with three prints. I’ll share more of that with you later though. As a matter of fact, I have much more to share with you later about some particular happenings from our trip. Until then….enjoy this video I made that summarizes our trip.

Enjoy!

Friday, April 13, 2012

A Weekend in Review: The Second Half

After we had a blast fishing and soaking up some vitamin D on Saturday, we went to bed early to arrive for our brunch at our small, primarily family church. It’s such a nice start to the day to enjoy fellowship with others who understand the importance of celebrating our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that I was raised by a Christian family who brought me to church each and every Sunday. Of course, it helps that my mom is the piano player. I believe that we would have still been faithful church goers even if she wouldn’t have been. It’s how my entire family has been raised, and for that I am thankful.

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After church, we headed up the road to my grandmother’s house for the traditional Easter family photos.

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Family photos

Of course, what’s family photos without a little bit of foolishness? And who can be the jokester better than my dad? My bet is on no one!

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Prepare yourselves…

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After the plethora of family pictures and even one to prove that I even exist {since I’m always the one behind the camera},

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we went inside to eat a home cooked meal and then went Easter egg hunting with the little ones.

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The Easter bunny made sure that both girls had a chance at the prize egg.

Prize eggs

Easter eggs could be found in a variety of places, but you’d be amazed how many times some short little girls walked past them.

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And who won the big prize egg that contained all of 94 cents? Me! I tried to trade one of the little ones my load of coins for their dollar, but my heart couldn’t follow through with it.

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To wrap the weekend up, here’s a few more of my favorites….

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I hope you all had as terrific of an Easter weekend as we did! It was wonderful to be surrounded by family. I love making and recording memories.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Weekend Review: Part I

Last weekend was all about family and celebrating the fact that the Lord died for our sins. How much more can a person celebrate? The Lord and family are what get you through life, so why not celebrate the best thing in our life with the best people in our life. I can say that I am definitely blessed in the family department and thoroughly enjoyed my three day Easter weekend.

I took off Friday to Pensacola in hopes of some new clothes, and I can say that I came back with some great deals and finds. In all seriousness, I only went to three stores: The Loft, Old Navy, and Belk. A girl like myself doesn’t need much more. If my pocket book could handle it, The Loft would be my ideal store. I swear those clothes are made for me. They have petites, which is major for a 5’1” girl like myself, AND their clothes are classy, mature, and stylish. Can you ask for more? When you’re a conservative girl like myself, you can’t…..other than a bit cheaper prices.

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On Friday night, my BIL and SIL came in to stay with us while my SIL’s parents and grandmother stayed with our in-laws. I’m sad to say that the blinds didn’t get put up in time for their arrival, but luckily they are easy going guests who were just thankful for a bed to sleep in. We woke up early Saturday morning to do a little bit of antique shopping. I didn’t buy a thing, but I came back for something. I’ll share it with you later.

Then, we headed out the Langham farm for a picnic and fishing. For me, it held lots of picture taking.

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I can’t tell you how happy we all are to have a cabin  that is finished and completely usable. You don’t realize how much you need a bathroom until you don’t have one, so the girls are pretty excited about the new amenity.

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Just about everyone did a little fishing as some point or another, and they were pretty lucky if I do say so myself.

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Bass and bream were the catch of the day. Abby’s grandmother was quite a sight in her signature pink jogging suit and fishing pole. She enjoyed every bit of it, and it reminded me so much of the days when I once fished with my grandmother. I can’t tell you how many afternoons we spent at The Pecan Orchard either feeding the fish, trying to fish, or sitting fishing poles down for just a second only to see them be snatched into the pond. Oh, the times my dad had to fish out my fishing pole. I’m not really the fishing partner you want to have around. I cause more trouble than anything.

Easter Weekend 2012

One thing I learned while we were down there was that lily pad blooms open in the day and close in the evening. Even though lily pads aren’t exactly what you want taking over the pond, the few here and there were gorgeous with their white and pink blooms.

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Cole was a trooper, too. He had a ball chasing after sticks in the pond and taking a dip in the water just to cool off. He wasn’t too fond of the fish being caught….a bit curious, but not really a fan.

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The highlight of the day? This right here…

Abby and the fish

Watch the changing expression! Love you, Abby!

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And of course, we cooked up the catch of the day for dinner. Hushpuppies and fish for me! You can’t beat the Langham family fish fry! It’s always scrumptious!

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Easter weekend continued on Sunday with family festivities, but I’ll recap that in a separate post.

In the mean time, did you have family travel in for the holiday? How do you celebrate? I’d love to know!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

10 Things

{One}

Spring break seems to be getting further away instead of closer! I am officially counting down. Only 19 days until vacation! It cannot get here soon enough.

{Two}

I’m applying for graduation. I should have everything complete by this summer. Hallelujah! It might nearly kill me, but at least I’ll get a pay raise.

{Three}

For a short week, it has been really stressful. I’m thankful we have a three day weekend because I’m going to need every hour to recover.

{Four}

Buying land or a house can be very stressful. Apparently, we can’t even get past the looking part. I’m trying not to get discouraged, but I’m failing miserably. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with our house, but I’d love to have something that we owned. Something we could call ours. Someone should have told me that you must be patient, which is not something I’m strong in.

{Five}

Body of Proof has been intense for the past two episodes. Have I turned it off? Not a chance. I want to know what virus is going to wipe Philadelphia off the face of the Earth. In ten minutes, I suspect I will know the answer.

{Six}

Clothes shopping is definitely on my list of to-dos this week. I’m down to the bare nothings in the closet. Anything spring or summer would be nice. I just hope I can find some things in the small amount of time I’ve allotted myself on Friday. Old Navy and The Loft….watch out! I’m on my way!

{Seven}

Have you seen the stenciled wall at Cozy. Cottage. Cute? It is awesome! I might do the same one day in our back bedroom if we have a kid while still in this house. That girl has the best ideas!

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{Eight}

I am excited about Luke Bryan coming to town! Well….not technically to my town, but close enough! He’s got to be one of the better looking country stars in the business right now! I’m sure I have some girls out there who would agree.

{Nine}

Blinds are going up in the back bedroom. That will be something to mark off my list of house goals {I think}. That will finally finish the house off in window coverings. My BIL and SIL can now get dressed in the guest bedroom without having to worry about eyes from the neighbors peeking in….not that they would, but you never know.

{Ten}

I love my husband. He’s been so good to me, especially in the last few weeks. The poor guy has put up with me and my down and out attitude lately. I’m hoping that will change with some R & R. Thanks, dear! I couldn’t do anything without you! 

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