Memphis Bound

Today Bobby and I head to Memphis, TN for the New Year and the Liberty Bowl. This year UGA plays UCF (University of Central Florida) in the Auto zone Liberty Bowl and we decided since Bobby's never been to Memphis and because this will be one of the last weekends we have with each other before we're married that we'd make the trip. Memphis is where I was born and I've been back a few times and love it, but this will be Bobby's first time. We have plans to stay on Beale Street, eat lots of BBQ, see the dawgs play and ring in the New Year in style!! HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!

White Christmas

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"
-Luke 2:10

Christmas has come and gone, but our Savior will always remain. The verse above was part of the Christmas Eve service at church and I realized that I don't think about the verses we cover in church as much as I should. The "reason for the season" as they say, is what is important. Often we all get too busy to even notice that Christmas is celebrated to celebrate and honor the birth of our Savior and his life of sacrifice for us.

This Christmas was my last as Single Sam... kind of scary! But, it was a great Christmas filled with family, friends, joy and SNOW! It was a white Christmas for the first time in Atlanta since 1882. It was beautiful and memorable for us for sure. We of course split our time between the Johnsons and the Phillips Families and were able to get around to see everyone on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Bobby and I are lucky to have everyone within a 30 mile radius. Some of the highlights of the Holiday season for us were Cobb Christmas, Reading as Santa, Christmas Cocktails with the Lawrences, White Elephants @ the Pridgen's, the Teddy Bear collection for the local Fire fighters and the joy of our nieces getting gifts from Santa. This year we also realized how much we all get caught up in what we get for Christmas. We're getting married in a few days (19!!) and wanted our families to not get us gifts. Christmas was just as great without gifts and at the end of the day we are most grateful for our families and not the gifts they give.

The pups like playing in the snow, but don't like the cold. They are like their mom :)

Anna Kate's First Christmas. She just woke up from her Christmas day nap.

Santa Baby

This past Friday Bobby and I went to Ms. Benson's class (K4 as we found out) to read to the kids and to let them meet "Santa" AKA Bobby. We started this tradition about 3 years ago and Bobby and I really enjoy it. This year I opted to not be Mrs.Claus but just Santa's helper. Its always hard to work 1/2 day, rush home and change and get back to the school in time for the kids to see Santa. And last year there were a few roaming hands, not that little kindergartners meant anything by it, but it weirded me out. This year we read Olivia Claus (for those not familiar, Olivia is a little pig who has an entire line of books about her). The kids love it. Audrey let each child come up and tell Santa what they wanted and we took their pictures. It was a great time as usual.

Married in a Month

One month from today, January 15, 2011 I will be getting married! "FMJ," short for "Future Mrs.Johnson" will be no more, I will be MJ, Mrs. Johnson. Scary, but fabulous at the same time. Over the next month we have Christmas, Liberty Bowl, New Years, Susan & Greg's Wedding & then finally OUR WEDDING!!! Happy Holidays and Happy "Sam & Bobby's Wedding."

Last Minute Christmas Cards

Somehow in the craziness of planning our wedding I forgot that I needed to order Christmas cards. ooops! And I am usually the one that has them ready to mail 2 days after Thanksgiving. This year, not so much. After trying to get the pups to sit for a picture for about an hour I gave up and decided to sort through the pictures we had from our engagement session. That's when I realized we tried to get a few with our babies. There was 1, yes only 1, where Bobby and I were both looking at the camera and so were the pups (sorta). See the card we did below (the screen shot of it at least). And please don't be upset if you don't get a card, I only ordered 80 and I really should have gotten 40 more. sorry! Merry Christmas to everyone card or no card.

Deck The Halls...

This weekend we finally had time to get out the Christmas decorations and get the season started. Not that December 5th is running behind, but we were starting to look like the Grinch on our street with the Martin's decorated and the Pooles. We can see the lights on either side in our house at night and felt bad we weren't contributing. Bobby even got fresh wreaths for the front of the house. He did it to surprise me while I was working the Tour of Homes Saturday morning which was so sweet. He was excited and I don't think I was as excited as he about the wrested but they do look really nice on the house and it was sweet of him to think of me and try to do something for Christmas! Its a big step for him for sure, specially since when we first started dating he had a wreath on the door and that was it, and that's ALL he would let me put up. Now we have wreaths, lights, garlin, bows, a tree and a holiday decorated table. The pups even helped this year.

We have a small tree again this year, but its our first tree (the same one from last year) and it works for the space. One day we'll do a real tree and it will be BIG!
This year I also go a tree skirt. I did a lot of Christmas decoration shopping last year after Christmas, this skirt was one of my purchases.
We had enough UGA ornaments for an entire tree. We'll have to have a Georgia Tree at some point.

One of the ornaments we received at our "Christmas" themed shower!

Pictures from this Weekend

Katherine sent me a few more pictures from this weekend that I wanted to share. Little Emily is just so adorable! Be mindful the first few were taken at the Travillians the day after our bachelor /bachelorette parties...

The Best God Father Ever!

This Sunday Bobby and I got up early and drove to Montgomery, Alabama for Emily Trock's baptism. Emily is Kathrine & Jason Trock's youngest. (I've blogged about Em and the Trock's before) She just turned 1 a few weeks ago (Happy Birthday Emily) and was baptised at Kathrine's parents' church in Montgomery. Bobby was honored to be names her God Father. I can't tell you how excited he was and how much it means to him to be a part of little Emily's life. We tried and tried to get a few pictures but weren't that successful unfortunately. Em is a little camera shy and she was super tired from the day's events and missing a nap. But, we got one shot of Bobby, Katherine and Emily.

Emily's dress was a family heirloom and was worn by Katherine's great grandmother (I believe). I know it goes way back in the family and was a beautiful dress. Sunday was a great event and Bobby and I look forward to many other happy events with little Em.

A Lot To Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving was this past Thursday and I really have a lot to be thankful for. While we spent most of the holiday break on the road going from one family to the other it was an enjoyable Thanksgiving and we really are blessed to have such wonderful families. Bobby and I both have a great support system and love our families greatly. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving as well.
The traditional Family picture at Grandma Wells' House. Its a blended family but we love it. After lunch at grandma's we went to Bobby's parents' house and spent the evening with them. Hope and I had fun with the camera...

Bachelorette Fun!

52 Days and Counting... This weekend was my bachelorette party and Bobby's bachelor party. We agreed no pictures would be posted on facebook, but I have a few cute pictures that were taken before dinner, all OK to share. The first is of me and my parents. Mom and dad came down town to help Jamie set up... dad was uncomfortable, but he was a good sport.

Gotta love that my mom and dad were there, but only for the set up. My family is so close, but this is funny!
I think this must be after opening a "gift." My girlfriends know me well... This final one is the group before dinner. Couldn't have had a better time, these girls ROCK!!

Our Niece Speaks...

My cousin Chris, who is really more like a brother, and his wife have an adorable daughter, Jolie. She around the family is quiet and reserved and really only likes to be held by her mom, dad and her ba wai (Vietnamese for grandmother). But, apparently when she is at home she is a new person, talkative and all over the place. I can't wait to see her like this. Chris posted this video today and I just love it.



I wish my hair wasn't in my face for this picture, but this is Jolie on her 1st birthday with Aunt Sam. She's going to be one of our flower girls as well for the wedding, should be adorable!

Christmas Music, Already?

If you know me, you know I am a HUGE fan of Christmas music. I just love it! My favorites include Celine Dion's Christmas Album, Third Day's Christmas Tunes and Michael Boltons select Christmas Songs. I really can't get enough. This morning on my way into work however I discovered that the XM Love Station (side bar: I love some love songs too, sorry guilty of that as well) had converted to XM Holly and was playing 24 hours a day Christmas Tunes. I couldn't believe it. Even I know that while Christmas Music is fabulous, you have to wait until after Thanksgiving to enjoy it. The progression of Holidays shouldn't be messed with. I had to turn it just to keep from wanting to sing along. Really I could listen to the songs now, but then what happens to Thanksgiving??? Not good XM, I would suggest you wait until at least November 25th, the day after Thanksgiving.
In honor of Thanksgiving, Adam Sandler's Thanksgiving Song below:

Birthdays & Engagements

A lot is going on these days. So many things to catch up on. Where to start...

Saturday we celebrated Bobby's niece's, 4th birthday. Hope is the apple of everyone's eye and has gotten to that age where a birthday with friends is what she wants. It used to just be family, but now she wants gifts and entertainment. I can't say I blame her! The party was held at a local party place, Miss.La La's Tree House and they provided toys to play with, crafts, music time and a place to open gifts. I don't remember doing anything that big when I was 4 but then again I don't remember being 4. I'm sure we'll spoil our kids as well.

Sunday was my best friend Audrey's Birthday! Audrey turned the big 29 this year and I think we all agree that 29 & holding is a great age. Audrey is one of the sweetest people I know and one of those friends who is always thinking about you and others. She leaves me some of the best messages and even when she has a bad day she is the first to try and cheer someone else up. So we celebrated at her favorite Mexican place, La Parilla! I happen to love it too and who doesn't. The mariachi band was in full force Sunday night and was nice enough to sing the English and Spanish version of Happy Birthday, or shall I say Feliz Cumplianos.

While us common people celebrate birthdays at local Mexican Restaurants, celebrities do it up a little bigger. There were a few engagements this past week and since I'm in the wedding mood I thought I would highlight those. Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo got engaged and a few days later so did Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson... coincidence, maybe! But the biggest engagement news is Kate Middleton and Prince William. They are so cute together and look very happy. And Kate got an amazing engagement ring, it was Princess Diana's. It was about time for these two, but I can see how being a prince is a bit much to handel and how she might be a little apprehensive. But, she's set to be the Queen! I think we'll see a lot of coverage of this in the coming months and I wish them years of happiness and privacy (well at least one of those can come true). As for Jessica and Nick, I am going to take bets that Nick & Vanessa make it but that Jessica is either prego or they are divorced in 2 years. Just my thoughts.
What a ring, what girl could say NO to that. Bobby did well... but this is amazing. Oh and we have 59 days until our I Do's.

Happy Birthday Emily

Today, November 12th is Emily Trock's 1st Birthday! Happy Birthday Emily! Emily is Katherine & Jason Trock's youngest and Bobby's God Daughter. (Well... not officially, just yet, but very soon) Either way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EM!
I snagged the first picture from Katherine or Jason's facebook. Its the day they brought Emily home and the second is Bobby with Miss. Em in New York this summer.

If only I could keep them

This Sunday some of my girlfriends gave me a bridal shower. We've had several wedding showers but this one was for women only and one of my favorites. Not to say the others weren't great, because they really were. But this was girls only and we had the best time laughing about the planning, gifts, Bobby, etc. Its hard to beat a girls only afternoon. And we got our first place setting of our china (3 actually!), which is super exciting, at least to me. Bobby was more excited about the beverage jars he has been wanting. Either way we got some great gifts and the shower was really nice. However, my mom wouldn't let me keep a single gift, she's keeping them for us in their basement. If only I could keep just one...

Weekend Wedding Project

As we get closer to the Big Day (68 days and counting) I've decided to take on a project each weekend so that I'm not doing it all at the end. Plus, with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner there really isn't a lot of time to waste. This weekend I started the table numbers. I got the idea off of a wedding blog a few months ago to make wine bottles the table numbers. I decided it was cute and doable. So, I sent a blast email out to all my girlfriends asking for their red wine bottles, empty of course. I had several friends respond agreeing to collect their bottles and send them my way. Erin was great and collect her bottles and got her parents' bottles as well and Liz actually collected bottles from recycle bins around her mother's neighborhood as they walked last weekend (in Jacksonville, FL). She wins Bridesmaid of the year!!!


The process of getting the labels off and the bottles ready for new labels was a little more difficult than I thought. I soaked the first set of bottles in hot hot water in our sink and then pealed them off piece by piece. This seemed to work for about 1/2 the bottles, the other 1/2 were a little more difficult and I had to scratch the glue off. Bobby helped a little as well, but wasn't as in to it as I was. I think he removed a few labels but wasn't thrilled with all the glue still on the bottles when he was done. I printed the labels on our printer from a site where I downloaded the template. It was really easy and I think they turned out nicely. I have about 15 more to do, but this is a start! One project 1/2 way done is better than no projects started.

This Old House

Wednesday we had the furnace serviced to find out that a rat had chewed some of the wires connecting the furnace to the thermostat and that they needed to be replaced. So, we had that fixed and the heat was ready to go. Then last night after dinner we turned on the heat to find cold air blowing and the house at about 60 degrees. So, Bobby jumped to the conclusion that the rats had chewed the wires again (Wednesday afternoon) and they had broken the furnace. He went to Lowe's to get more traps and sticky pads and was preparing to "Rat Proof" the house again. Which we have already paid for and to our knowledge we've been clear of rats for the last month or so. Nonetheless when Bobby makes his mind up I just let him go. I heard him take down the stairs to the attic so I went to let the pups out and clean some stuff up in the kitchen. About a minute later I heard a huge thump and there was dust everywhere coming from the hall and bathroom. I turned the corner to find that Bobby had fallen through the ceiling in the bathroom. Hines freaked out and was whimpering and Sadie just crawled into their crate. I check on Bobby to make sure he wasn't hurt and that he was breathing and he seemed to be both. He was a little shocked about what had just happened and his hand was bleeding a little bit but other than that he was ok. After I took in the damage and made sure the pups were safely put up, I crawled into the attic to check on my future husband. He was really mad at the rats and was already bruising. We were lucky he didn't hurt himself worse. Our bathroom however needs a new ceiling and to be painted. We're hoping to get both done early next week. Bobby can laugh about it now, but Wednesday night he was doing no such thing, it was a serious matter!! Makes me laugh for sure.

Halloween In Florida

This Halloween we decided to change plans up a little and head to Florida for Bobby's friend Anthony's 30th Birthday. It was a celebration known as "Anthoween" Kelly, Anthony's wife, really went all out. She decorated the house, had a fog machine, a dark hall way entrance and lots of fun Halloween treats. We should have driven 1/2 way Friday night and then gotten up to finish the drive, but in stead we got up at 5:30 and headed down to the Sunshine State. We were actually making good time when we got caught in a fatal accident (or shall I say, behind it) for 2 hours. YES, 2 solid hours in park on Highway 275. We got to know our neighboring cars and really just vegged out.

But, the long 10 hour drive was well worth it. We dressed up as "Georgians" and stopped along the way to pick up local pecans, peanuts, a small bail of Cotton and lots of Georgia Moonshine. It was a hit and so was my Southern Soldier. Bobby even wore an authentic sword all night. Well... almost all night. There came a point when he was unable to stand up strait and hold the sword so I had to put it away, but he had a good time speaking in his southern accent and helping me go to the bathroom with that big hoop skirt. Best Halloween we've had since we've been together, but Bobby was sad to miss Fox-o-ween this year! Hope everyone had a great Halloween!