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!

Its A Beer & Brunch Kind of Weekend

This Saturday we hosted the 3rd annual Oktoberfest ZTA Style. Basically its a beer tasting that is a fundraiser for my sorority alumni group. We set out to have a good time and if we raise some $ then great, if not, we've all paid for our Beer and enjoyed it. This year was at our house and I was a little worried we wouldn't be able to hold everyone, but it worked out perfectly! We had about 30 people over and had Belgium beers to taste. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was surprised to find out I like Belgium Beers. My favorite was the Chamay and I think we'll be purchasing more of that in the future.

Then on Sunday, Beth & Steve Smith (my boss and his wife) hosted a brunch for Bobby and I. It really was so sweet of them both to even offer to host a shower for us. We had it at the Old Mill in Acworth and it was a Christmas decoration themed shower. Which I thought was fabulous! We got some great ornimants and now our tree will be full. Brunch was great and the compay was as well. We are so thankful to have such great family and friends.

My Guilty Pleasure

If you follow my blog or even read a few entries every now and then you know I LOVE reality TV. I can't explain it, but it really makes me happy to sit with my pups and watch people get matched, do amazing races, celebrities dance and young designers make really cool clothes on the fly. Last night was the start of on of the "match" type shows. Millionaire Matchmaker started last night and I was thrilled. I even got Bobby to watch it with me, and I think he enjoyed it. He really didn't have a choice since we were DVRing a few things at once and it won't let you switch the channel after you start watching something, haha!

This season "cupid," AKA Patti Stanger, has a new zip code as she takes her matchmaking expertise to the east coast. Patti relocated to New York City for the fourth season in hopes of rescuing the dating impaired. In this first episode, two millionaires; an older "Guido" type New Yorker and a young snooty Jewish website owner are the first clients. At first I didn't care for the guy, but he grew on me and when it was all said and done I think he was really looking for a wife. He didn't meet his match on the show, but I have hope he's met someone since. Then there was the 27 year old girl who really thought she was the cream of the crop and deserved a younger George Clooney, but she was a dry as a saltine and really it was hard to watch her dates. According to Patti she was a bit of a brat and I would have to agree. The idea and the preview for the rest of the season is for Patti and her team to give their millionaire clients complete transformations with the help of personal shoppers, date coaches, and therapists. The therapists being the biggest part for some.

Homecoming it is

This weekend we spent our time in the amazing weather watching lots of football. Friday night we had some friends over and walked down to the MHS Homecoming game. It is fabulous to live so close to the Marietta Stadium. Even though the high school itself has moved the Varsity games are still played at Northcut Stadium. We were joined Friday by Marietta alumni Audrey, Beau, and Cameron and their better halves along with Kristen and Larry. Larry actually went to Etowah, who we played in our Homecoming game, so he was there in support as well. I can't tell you how happy it made me to be back in that stadium and to hear the band play the fight songs. It almost made me want to jump on the field and start cheering again, almost. But then I was shocked back into reality with the masses of high school students and their craziness. I did however have a small moment with Audrey when the half time crowning of the homecoming queen took place. Being on Homecoming Court was HUGE when I was a senior and I loved it. Looking back it was a very fun experience and once I'm glad I had - now if I could just get back into that wonderful dress grandpa bought me. :) (We can all dream of being a size 2 again one day!!)

Saturday we went up for UGA's Homecoming. Jason Trock, one of Bobby's closest friends, was in town for the weekend and we were lucky enough to have him come to Athens with us for the game. Jason went to Vandy and was one of the few Vandy fans in the stands. Saturday was not only Homecoming in Athens but it was also the introduction of our newest mascot, Uga VIII. He really is an adorable pup, younger than most Ugas but maybe this will be a long lasting Uga. Some pictures from online below:

The weather really couldn't have been more perfect. My parents and Jamie came to the game with us as well. It really was a great day in Athens. 43-0 didn't hurt either. Happy Homecoming.

The Only Good Thing About Traffic

This morning on my way into work (an hour+ ride). I was thinking about all the wasted time I spend in the car driving to and from work. I think if I added it up it would be days of my life. But, this morning I caught a glimpse of a beautiful sky that made me think about the world on a much bigger scale. Suddenly, the stand still traffic didn't matter any longer. I even was able to take a picture on my phone. Traffic isn't really that bad when you have all the wonderful things around you to look out. I am thankful for the beauty that God has given us.

Catching Up on TV

This past week we just DVRed everything and I started to play catch up last night. I watched last week's Project Run Way, NCIS, Good Wife a few other randoms and got all of our laundry done. I was really productive. And, believe it or not, on top of all of that, I was able to make taco salad, a really good one too I think!

Project Runway: (love this show by the way)

Mondo Won again! He and April are my favorites. His personal outfits are a bit much for me, but overall the outfits he creates are usually really well made and they are high fashion in my opinion. This past week's challenge was one of the fun ones where the designers got to create their own fabrics and then design with them. I can never tell how long they actually get to create their ideas, but the things they come up with are great in the time it seems they get. April or Mondo could have won but in the end Mondo came out the winner. He also gave us a little more insight into his personal life letting everyone know that he is HIV positive and has been for years. It was a heavy run way this week, but the clothes were good and the drama on the show was about the same.

Taco Salad:

I must say that Taco Salad is one of the easier dinners to make that can be good and rather healthy. I made the beef and added taco seasoning first. Then chopped up the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and avocado. I even made the shells in the oven. Then you just add it all together, top with cheese and a small bit of sour cream and you're good to go. Bobby's taco salad below:

Our Invitations & Calligraphy

This week we dropped off our invitations with the Calligrapher and it makes me super excited. Invitations go out in a few weeks which means we are that much closer to the final big day!! I didn't realize how big of a difference having the invitation addresses done with calligraphy would make. Its a little pricey, but worth it. We were referred to Faith, the owner of Calligraphy Atlanta, by my friend Mandy and she's great! Faith is actually going to match the blue for the ink to the blue in the invitations. I can't wait to see them. Some of Faith's examples are below, I am so impressed with Calligraphy and wish I could write this way.

Colorado For the Weekend

Our Fall weekends have been slammed and this weekend was no exception. And when I say slammed, I mean it in a good way. Thursday night we flew out to Denver, CO to see Bobby's aunt and uncle and to go to the UGA game. UGA played Colorado in Boulder, but that was really just a side note to the trip. Bobby's uncle David, aunt Glenda and cousin Everett live in Colorado Springs and Thursday night we drive from Denver to Colorado Springs to stay for the weekend. They were so sweet to take us all in for a few days and to put up with the boys' disappointment after the terrible loss to Colorado. When I say "us," I mean John (Bobby's brother-in-law), Dennis (John's dad), Mr. Johnson, Bobby and I.

Friday, John, David, Chuck and Dennis went to play golf and Bobby, Glenda and I went to Pike's Peak. Ev of course went to school. Pikes Peak was fabulous. Its beautiful in just about all parts of Colorado, but the view from the top of Pikes Peak was great, breathtaking actually. The air is a little thin, but its worth it. Aunt Glenda got us tickets on the COG railroad, which is how we got to the top and the entire trip up was great. Whats even better is that I got to know aunt Glenda and to chat along the way. We saw the mountains, wild life, amazing tree lines and really just enjoyed the fresh Colorado air.

That afternoon we went to Ev's cross country race. He beat his own time by a minute, he looked great and is a good runner like most of the Johnson men. Its hard to believe he's just 13 and in 8th grade.

Then Saturday was the UGA game. We drove to Boulder for lunch and then tailgated a little before the game. The Colorado stadium is unreal. There is not a stadium in the SEC that has as nice of a view. It's almost distracting, specially when you are sitting where you can see the mountains for miles and the sun is setting. I caught myself a few times looking out into the distance and not watching the game, not that I missed much! The game was like watching a Marietta High School game with a lot more money involved. They played terribly and the program looked bad, but you win some and you then you lose some.

Sunday we watch the Steelers game and flew home, its a long trip out there and back but totally worth it! I really enjoyed meeting another set of Johnsons and can't wait for them to come to Atlanta in January for our wedding.