Lots To Be Thankful For!

Happy Thanksgiving! This holiday was one of the best holidays I've had in a long time. I really really love Thanksgiving and Christmas and the time we all get to spend with our families. We started off our Thanksgiving with Supper Club (BQYT) the week before which was great. And it gave me a reason to decorate and not have Bobby get all upset about "girly" decorations coming into the house. I really think I kept it low key and didn't go too far over the top. Just a turkey, pumpkins and some festive colors. Table center piece below:

Then, the week of Thanksgiving I was blessed to
have Wednesday-Friday off. So, I spent time with the pups and my parents and really enjoyed getting the house in order and not being rushed for time. My sister didn't come into town until later in the week, but it was great to have everyone in town and to see everyone at my mom's house the day of Thanksgiving. Getting to the day of Thanks, we split our time with both families. What is really great is that Bobby loves family time and never complains about seeing my family and of course I don't complain about his, I love them! We got up early and went over to his mom and dad's to help fry the turkey and were there until about 2:00 and then we went to my parents' house for the rest of the afternoon. My mother out did herself with her centerpiece, but that's what you get when you have a decorator. It looked awesome and the food was good too. We ate twice and I could barely get the iced tea down, but everything was really good. Mom's table:

Post stuffing ourselves literally we played Monopoly with the family where my grandmother and aunt got a little too intense for us. And we introduced Bobby to our family tradition of Spades. He claims he's never played, but I think he might have played before. Either way he complained the entire time and then won the game! Crazy, but it makes me love him more. My family really cares for him too which is an added bonus. All in all Thanksgiving was a great time. I have a lot to be Thankful for and I couldn't ask for more than what I have. Plus, we had my mom take our Christmas Card pictures!! You'll have to wait and see those when they hit the mail. Hope you all enjoyed your holiday and know how thankful I am for each and every one of you.

Project Runway Let Down

I'm not sure if you've all been watching project Runway, but the finale was last night and I have to say I'm a little bummed that Irina won. I really think Carol Hannah (CH) should have taken home the win. But, I have a feeling that they picked Irina because of the 3 she was the least to have things "normal" people could wear. Maybe they gave her the win because she needed the boost the most. Not really sure! But, her entire line was black and just not one of my favorites. Now, CH's line was amazing and she really showed she can make beautiful dresses. I'm hoping she does just that and makes dresses. Maybe she'll do wedding dresses and I can get her to design my dress.. haha! Althea was disappointing to me as well. I just didn't like any of her clothes, they were all bland and just normal. I felt that CH and Irina created a few pieces that could have been sow stoppers. Either way, I was disappointed in the show and the fact that I stayed up to watch it. CH's dress for the judges is to the right, it actually was the best of the 3 on the final stage I thought. I love the texture and the design. I just wish I had an ounce of creativity to make dresses like CH.

In other news I also saw parts of Grey's Anatomy last night and was very confused. I've been watching this season again but couldn't keep up. I'm not sure if I was just tired or if the story line was all over the place. I'm hoping to catch up on the DVR episodes this weekend and maybe being more in tuned to what's going on.

This weekend should be fun as we are working on the house. I think we have about 6 projects to complete this weekend. I'm just hoping it doesn't rain.

Tug-of-War

Sadie & Hines have discovered tug-of-war and love it. The best part is that they have also figured out that when they need to go to the bathroom they just go to the door, its amazing!!

Aunt Jen Comes to Play

Last Night Sadie & Hines were treated to a visit from Aunt Jen. They have a bunch of Aunts and Uncles, but Jen was sweet enough to meet us at La Parilla for dinner and then come see our new babies. Thanks Jen for coming by. Sadie loves her picture with you!

4 In A Row

This weekend made up for all of our losses this season. The first quarter wasn't great, but the second half made up for everything. Not sure what happened in our locker room but something big that actually made us come out and play. This marks 4 in a row! UGA has won the Georgia vs. Auburn game for the last 4 years. This win also makes us bowl eligible. Thank goodness. It might not be a good bowl, but a bowl nonetheless.

We had a great tailgate as well and it was a great end of the season. There is another home game, but we're going to pass and stay home next weekend and do some things around the house. Love Athens on Saturday and seeing all my friends and family in one place but 3 long tailgates in one season gets to you.

My Little Helpers

So we've been keeping the pups in the kitchen when they aren't in their crate and its been working out really well. Last night they even helped with the dishes. Well... not really helped as much as got in the way, but they were trying to be helpful!
This weekend we start a few projects around the house for the pups. We'll be working on the yard and making sure the fence is good to go and putting latice work up under the deck to keep them from getting under there and from getting stuck. Hines has made it his mission to get as far under the deck as possible and to get stuck! Thats when I like to say "He's his father's dog."

Rain Rain Go Away

Its only day 4 with Sadie and Hines and already we've hit a bump in the road, RAIN! Sadie is really great and can go to the "potty" as we call it, rain or shine. But, Hines is picky and won't go out in the rain. He doesn't like getting wet and stayed by my feet the entire time we were outside. Then he came in and went on the floor. Its going to be a learning process getting them out and about and regularly going to the bathroom out in the yard.

Last night Sadie and Hines had the treat of meeting some of my favorite girls! Aunt Allison, Carly and Liz came over for dinner. It was adorable because they love the attention and their aunts loved giving it. We had one or two little fumbles but they are resilient and were tuckered out after dinner and slept all night. Just glad the girls came OTP! Looking forward to them seeing Sadie and Hines grow up.

Its coming clear that Sadie will be the one to follow the routine and Hines will do his own thing. He did take a flying leap off the deck last night that about made my heart stop. He took about 3 steps and flung his body towards the yard down the stairs. But, he's only about 4 pounds and didn't clear the stairs. I thought he broke every bone in his little body. But, he got up and was ready to go. He scared his mom, but seems to be fine. Maybe he'll be our little dare devil.

Introducing Sadie & Hines Johnson

Thursday afternoon Bobby and I found an ad in the AJC for Beagle Puppies. We've been talking about getting a puppy for a few weeks and wanted to do some research and look into adopting a puppy from a rescue agency. Thursday a guy posted an ad for new puppies up for adoption. So we called to go see them Friday afternoon. Well... of course we fell in LOVE with them and now 2 babies are part of our family. Little Sadie Jane Johnson is our little girl and Hines Ward Johnson is our little boy. We couldn't be happier to have them in our house and as part of our family.

The First night we had them was great, they slept most of the night and work up around 5 to go out to the bathroom. We've only had them for 2 full days but so far so good. We are looking forward to less sleep, lots of chew toys and walks in the park. As each day goes by we get to see a little more of their personalities. Sadie is turning out to have a cute little attitude. She is a bit feisty like her mom and while she was the runt she's more independent than her brother. Hines is a ladies man and loves to give kisses and to snuggle. He's supposed to be his dad's hunting dog, but I have a feeling Sadie will be the rougher of the two and Hines will bond with his mom and enjoy lazy days napping and hanging with mom (that's me!)

I know some of you are wondering what happened to Zoey. She is still around for sure! Jamie took her for awhile while I was in transition between houses and has now adopted her. I love her alot and always will, but she is in love with Jamie and Pierre and has made a home there. Of course if anything was to happen we would gladly take her back and Pierre too if needed!

We hope everyone will come visit and meet Sadie and Hines. We're crate training them and should have some great pups for years to come. Yay for little cute Beagles. See below to meet our babies.

I Was Here

Recently I have been inspired by a new Lady Antebellam song, "I Was Here." Its made me think a lot about life, what we make of it and what I've been doing with mine. Don't get me wrong, I am happier than I have ever been, but I still wonder occasionally what the big picture is? Who am I really supposed to be when I grow up? What plans does God have for me?

What I have gathered is that I am not doing enough for others. We all get caught up in the day to day activities that we "have" to do and sometimes don't do enough for others outside of our circles. This holiday I am going to make it my mission to leave a mark and give back.

If you'd like to hear the song for yourself visit HERE to hear the song. I love it! You might see me in my car jamming out or even at teh gym singing along. My apologies for that!!

I've got the "blues"

Last night we had my parents over for dinner, I made my first pot roast and my hopes of painting the dinning room blue were slashed. All and all a busy evening. Truthfully it was a great night. I have been looking at different colors to paint the dinning room and apparently have to go back to the drawing board. I thought blue would be a great color - actually more of a gray/blue, but according to Deb & Paul that isn't a good choice. Bobby is so nice he didn't say anything and would have just gone along with it I'm sure. But, blue might not be the way to go after all. The problem comes in when you throw in the curtains the art on the walls and the furniture. I am not a decorator and that might be our biggest problem. So for now... I have the blues and won't be painting any walls blue any time soon. On a happier note for the first time making a roast mine wasn't too bad. Or at least no one said anything...

Any suggestions on a color to use please feel free to let me know! Curtains are black, gray and gold and the walls currently are a neutral cream color.

Nanu Nanu

Nanu Nanu! Shazbut! Bobby and I were Mork & Mindy this year for Halloween. Not quite as good as Juno last year, but a good outfits nonetheless. I was able to get most of what we used on ebay or at Good Will. Halloween this year was a lot more low key, but a blast. Actually, this was the first time in over 8 years that I haven't spent my Halloween in Jacksonville or St.Simons for the Georgia vs. Florida game. But, with the way the Dawgs have been playing we decided to stay in town. We watched the terribly disappointing game at John & Amiee's but were able to see Hope dressed up as Cinderella. I had forgotten how exciting it is to go out and Trick -or-Treat and get all dressed up. Halloween definitely takes another meaning when you are 3 and when you are 26. We made our way over to a friends for their annual Halloween party and had fun admiring the other costumes and having a few beer. Maybe one Halloween we'll manage to hand out candy and one day take our own kids Trick -or- treating!

Halloween 2008 - Juno & Bleaker

Halloween 2009- Mork & Mindy

Pumpkin Guts

The annual Pumpkin Carving Party took place earlier this week with lots of pumpkin guts and seeds. I love pumpkin seeds but would much rather buy them already cooked and salted. Pumpkin guts and I are not friends and after picking out the largest pumpkin at the pumpkin patch I have learned my lesson. Plus, Bobby wasn't thrilled that I was using his kitchen knives to carve our pumpkin... ooops! This years party was a different crowd than usual, but it was a lot of fun. Jen was my "design consultant" and thank goodness because I needed it! We didn't stay for the announcement of winners, but I think my pumpkin would have been in the top 3 - ha!

Really everyone had great designs but we were all a little worried about Sarah and her overly competitive drive to WIN. (Sarah, the pumpkin was great - mexi stash and all) The guys really got into it this year, which was fun. It's always funny to see what people come up with. Last year there were some risque pumpkins, this year Cooper was in attendance the all pumpkins were kept PC.

One of the best parts of the night was Kristen's Apple Dip , love it! No, it's not healthy... but its so good. Recipe below.

Carmel Toffee Apple Dip:

1 Large Container of Whipped Cream Cheese

1 Container of T. Marzetti Old Fashion Carmel Apple Dip

1 Bag of Heath Bar Toffee Pieces

1 King Sized Heath Bar Crushed

2 Packages of Green Apple Slices

Spread whipped cream cheese on the bottom of serving dish, layer caramel dip on top of cream cheese. Sprinkle toffee chips over layers and top with the crushed Heath Bar. Stick green apples into the dip. Serve.

Beer Tasting, Oysters & Parties

What a great weekend and Fall festivities. We were supposed to have an "off" weekend since the Dawgs didn't play.. but that wasn't the case. Thursday started us off with a beer tasting with some of my ZTA friends which was great. This year Harry (our beer connoisseur) brought 6 beers to taste and 6 additional ones for us to give our opinions on. All in all we liked them all - of course! And most of the dark beers were Bobby's favorite. My favorite was a new beer with less alcoholic content called Bell's Amber Ale, love it! We didn't love the new Sweetwater Festive, they just haven't gotten that process perfected because the few years have just not been good. But now we have a few new beers to try and hopefully we'll do another beer tasting soon.

Saturday was a girls day filled with errands, mani & pedi, brunch, late lunch with Junior League and lots of shopping. I finally picked up some cute fall decorations for our dinning room and I think it all works well. I was worried they wouldn't match the decor but they did and Bobby actually likes them. (I'll post pictures soon). Saturday night ended with an engagement party for Jenny & Adam. We had a great time and minus the cold weather it was a great party. The one thing Bobby is looking forward to when we get married is the parties and apparently the gifts. On our way home we had a discussion on the gifts and our plans and he really wants a long engagement, a year I think. Which I was not happy about, but we talked about it and after a long night figured it out Sunday morning.

Jamie was in town Saturday too and I got to have breakfast with her and my parents Sunday morning. She brough Zoey who looks fabulous and really happy. Overall I am just glad I was able to get Zoey back and that she and Jamie are happy now with little Pierre. Zoe thinks Pierre is her main man and they love being together. I'll always have a place in my heart for her, but just want to see her happy and healthy.

Sunday was our last ALTA tennis match for the Fall women's season. Great season but we were there for the fun not for winning matches. We didn't win a single match. But, we won a good handful of games. Really being bumped to C2 from C4 was a big move and one I don't think we were ready for. But, the season is over and was fun while it lasted. I'm not playing mixed this coming season in the cold, but I am going to play again on a Woman's team in the Spring. I'm hoping to captain a team again, but we'll see... lots could change between now and then. Yesterday afternoon we went to my parents house to have an Oyster Roast and visit with my parents' neighbors who had a pumpkin carving. It was great to have Bobby at the house and see how well he and my parents get along. They love him and really think he's a great fit for me, which is amazing! Dad even took the time to chat with him about football, politics and the family. Really a great time. And the Oysters were great! Mom did a wonderful job as usual and we enjoyed it.

Social Networking Delima

To facebook or not to facebook? Twitter, myspace, LinkedIN, etc. The list goes on and on with the social networking sites... but what service do they actually provide? I love checking out my facebook a couple times a day to see whats new, who's dating who, who had a baby, who got married, who broke up, etc. But, what benefit does that actually give me. In recent discussions with the bf privacy has become an issue. Not sure that being so open with my life is exactly the way to go. But, there are pros and cons. Pros : get to see what everyone else is up to, stay in touch with friends and family who aren't close, post fun and happy activities, "spy" on boss' kids and really have some brainless activity every once in awhile. Cons: its addicting, takes time away from work and life, makes the bf feel like his privacy is violated, gives anyone a view into your life. Do the pros out weigh the cons? That question I have yet to answer, but for now I am deactivated and off the world wide web for awhile.

What will be interesting to see is if I have withdrawals and if people even notice. We are all so busy in own lives I'm not even sure it will make a difference.



In other news I made my first cornish hens for dinner last night. They were really good just too much work for such little reward. I've decided to expand my cooking abilities and experiment with different dishes... Bobby should probably brace himself.

Baby its cold outside...

So winter is here and I am NOT ready for it. But, it doesn't look like I have much of a choice. I'll have to pull out the Uggs and make myself some hot chocolate. I was hoping for at least 2 more nice weekends but I guess this is it! Nonetheless it makes snuggling on the couch or in bed that much better and now that the heat is on I can go with less blankets in the house. Plus I love winter coats and scarfs!!

T2 Tennis and ALTA are also coming to an end, which is good and bad. I've had my fill of women's tennis but would love to keep playing T2. I just don't enjoy being captain any longer but would rather be captain than be on a team I don't like. So, for women's captain it is. Love the girls, hate the job. T2 has been fun too. Bobby and I have almost completed our first season, its been a learning experience but he's gotten a ton better and its brought us closer as a couple. He's really great on court with the encouragement and loves to make jokes which usually is the entertainment for the evening. Overall I'd take him and his textbook serve over DuVall yelling at me any day!!

Bracing for a cold week, but glad Mistletoe Market is over and that we still have a few weeks of UGA football!! :) Love football in the cold, but only when I'm watching it inside.

Sooner Rather Than Later

It's Friday and my motivation is less than perfect. So, I thought I would do my catch up. I changed the layout and look of my blog and am still working on it, so consider this a work in progress. Easiest way to recap my last 6 months is to say that sometimes second chances are worth it! As most of you know, Bobby and I got back together in June after about 5 months of craziness that included a mutual break up,a string of dates for me, one friend lost, more drama than needed, a move and now lots of love. Really the drama isn't worth repeating but one day I might write a tell all book. (My second considering I've started Book #1).

Long story short it started with Chinese for lunch and the story continues as we are talking about the rest of our lives, kids and a great future in Marietta. The drama always seems to be just around the corner (ha!) but we've risen above it and moved on.

I'm still general advisor at Zeta, but finally stepping down at the end of this semester. After 2 years of GA I think its time to prioritize my life and make me and my desires first! Thanks to a lot of encouragement and some wise women I'll still stay on as recruitment advisor, but thats it. Looking forward to a more clear inbox and less college drama. But, I'll miss the girls greatly and will enjoy Fall in Athens for recruitment and the start of Football!

Speaking of football... We've been to all home games this year and still plan to attend even with the dawgs down this season. Hopefully next year we'll have our own set of tickets and less politics to deal with. Go Dawgs!!
We even made it to Knoxville for the blow out... but it was a fun trip! The Fall isn't over just yet, but the weather has changed and the cold air is on its way. I'm looking forward to the next couple of months and rest of 2009. Lots planned - pumpkin carvings, Indiana trip for Thanksgiving, Christmas with the family and a vacation at the end of the year for Gus! Stay tuned...

2009 In Review - Gus Plays Catchup

So I am starting fresh with blogging.  I cleared everything else out to start new, much like my relationship and life as of June 1st.  I'll elaberate more once I have the time to type it out all. :)