Kristin and Lee

The past month...back to reality now

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do know that our blogging has been nonexistent since the beginning of December (mainly because the few that read have made sure I'm aware of the absence) BUT here is a very small recap of our life since the last post! Let's see what you've missed...

My Pinterest-inspired candy cane nails

Our first year of Christmas cards

My big sister's birthday dinner

Christmas with the Coons (my mom's side of the family)

Christmas Eve

Our newest piece of furniture for the new home

New Year's Eve in Nashville

...and my birthday dinner....

...cake...

...gifts...

...lunch...

....karaoke...

...friends...

...and fun...

...by ALL!

Back to our normal programming now, so tune in for more detailed updates! Hopefully, there will be more photos from now on since I'll be taking my own instead of stealing (like above) from the sister's blog and online pics! Thanks for reading (or mainly looking).

On the SEVENTH day of Christmas...

2011-12-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

That's right, I skipped a few days of Christmas this week! What a let down, huh? WELL, I think Lee's having the flu, mono, and possibly salmonella at once (we are just waiting on lab work for the last certainty) was definitely a "let down" as well. That would be the reason we haven't been blogging. Lee has been busy running from bathroom to couch to bathroom to bed, etc. I have been busy chasing him with medication and a thermometer...and the occasional garbage can just in case! I've washed the sheets and blankets everyday and sprayed down every inch of furniture with Solumel and Soluguard and I've been popping those Activate pills like crazy to boost my immune system! We have not had a full night's sleep since Sunday and, let me tell ya, we look rough! When we went to the doctor, the nurse said "Umm...which one gets the shot?" OUCH! ha. Monday was the first doctor's visit and Lee found out he had mono and flu. Well, the women in his life stepped up as always...

Sissy brought over 2 types of juice, 2 types of sprite, 2 types of crackers, and 3 boxes of over-the-counter meds

I decided it was time for some blankets fresh from the dryer and some Christmas movies with the Christmas lights plugged in during the day. This was our first set...of course, it was mainly Lee trying to rest/sleep and me making sure he didn't get worse. Nonetheless, the Santa Clause series is one of my favorites.

The next day (Tuesday) was pretty much spent the same way. Daddy took me to pick up lunch and dinner (soup for Lee of course) and that was SO appreciated since nothing we have to cook is very light and soothing...oops. This morning (Wednesday), Lee woke up (for the 10th time I believe during the night) and had a fever again (101.1 to be exact). I called Russ for a doctor's opinion and then we called the doctor he visited Monday. He had us return around 9:00 for more tests and discovered Lee may very well have been exposed to salmonella from the Mexican restaurant...we will see. The PLUS for this morning was the snow! The flakes were huge and beautiful! Nevermind that it is already melted :(

So, that has been our last few days of Christmas. Hopefully, after the THREE bags of fluids Dr. Tucker ran to rehydrate Lee, we will be better tomorrow and will have a much better EIGHTH day of Christmas! Until then, pray for "baby lee" as his mom and Sissy call him!

"Do NOT take my picture, Kristin..."

On the FOURTH day of Christmas...

2011-12-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

On the FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, we relaxed and enjoyed some more holiday preparation! My day began by emptying the dishwasher from all of the mess I made yesterday (I know, we missed church this morning! BUT we will do better next Sunday ;) ). Soon enough, Rhonda and Lee were awake, and Rhonda made herself some coffee (I know, I was an awful hostess). While she was searching my cabinets for sweetener, she found an EMPTY set of cabinets... 3 of them! We were both shocked. I quickly fixed that, however, because I had been upset at the fact that my winter dishes were hidden away in the utility room over the microwave anyway. Perfect cabinet space for them right above the matching cookie jar and mugs:

Meanwhile, Lee headed outside early to finish up his shop and show us how proud he was of "his space" by hanging a Mississippi State flag by the door. Can you find it?! ha. It's so tiny and cute and perfect for his storage shed. He was pretty excited about the whole idea!

After "Oooing" and "Aaahing," I headed back inside for minor touches. I set the tables with my red and khaki dinner napkins and adorned them with my favorite Christmas touch - the Santa napkin rings Mawmaw hand painted for each of us to have one day! They are adorable and special for so many reasons...here is a sideways look at why I'm in love with them:

Next on our list was to hang our OWL "Happy Holidays" that Daddy gave me 2 years ago that I absolutely had a fit over! We found the perfect spot and I swear this thing was made specifically for this house. Love it!

Once I completed some little tasks for the house, Rhonda asked if I would mind making several bows for wreaths and her mailbox. Of course, I happily did so (but she will have to attach them to the actual wreaths since they are REAL wreaths and I'm highly allergic). Next, she pulled out this cute little guy. This snowman is 25 years old this year (same as Lee). Rhonda's grandmother and grandfather bought her this snowman for Lee's first Christmas and she had it in their yard just a few houses down from where Lee and I live now! SMALL WORLD! Anyway, we got a little sentimental talking about how special he was and how Rhonda wanted to get him a "facelift" for his birthday! Well, she came to the right place because I was happy to oblige (partly because I love to paint and mostly because I love her and Lee and how special it was to them). Here is the finished product! Sorry I didn't take a "before" photo but I guess you can imagine if it was made in '86 that it had some minor wear and tear.

After finishing her Christmas projects, Rhonda whipped the vacuum up to clean up our mess before I could even stop her. Then she treated us to a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch of pizza while I made some classic rotel dip to go with it! Meanwhile, Lee utilized our free trial of Sunday NFL Ticket to get us the Vikings and Broncos on DirectTV...nice and relaxing football and pizza (little did I know my baby brother was stuck watching the game via iPhone updates...he should come stay more often):

Tebow played an awesome game btw...

After watching the game, listening to Lee snore (oops. I mean breathe), and a few phone conversations with missing family members, I decided to paint my nails for Christmas with a red glittery polish Santa had stuffed in my stocking a couple years ago! He obviously shops with Melaleuca too :)

Maybe I shouldn't have posted this picture, because it seems my feet ran everyone out of the room today. Rhonda was packing her things and headed for the car and Lee had left the room to take care of things in the back of the house. HA! Oh well, I think I did a great job considering I can't afford any of these nice spa pedicures I keep seeing people post about on facebook!

Rhonda took some last minute photos of our outside lights and Christmas decor (presumably to send to Sissy, her sister) and was off to Jackson again. Lee and I will be having spaghetti for dinner and I'm actually pretty pumped about it. Quick and easy and delicious it will be. I'm thinking I shall also end the weekend with a Christmas movie...just need to decide which one it will be (probably depends on whether I will be watching alone or with the hubs). Well, there you have it! Our 4th day of Christmas has almost come and gone...what will happen tomorrow?!

The Third Day of Christmas...

2011-12-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well, today is SATURDAY and the 3rd day of our Christmas! Let's see...I started out the day by making biscuits (out of the can if we are being honest) for the hubs and he was pretty excited...let me just say that if you need a quick breakfast idea, go for the Pillsbury large biscuits with old fashioned butter flavor. No jelly OR butter required. Next, we made a dashing trip to WalMart for wax paper and a lock for our storage shed out back. When we were leaving the house, we finally checked our mailbox for the first time and look what we found! Our first Christmas card of the year! And SO cute! I mean, Christmas, wedded bliss, and Bully?...it doesn't get any better than that!

After that, I began baking while Lee worked on opening his eyes and catching up on sports since he hadn't watched SportsCenter in the 9 hours that he was sleeping ;). I made peanut butter balls (Lee's favorite) for the first time EVER! I forgot a step and, to me, they're a little dry, but he disagrees...

By the time I let those cool, it was time to come up with something for lunch and I knew just the trick! We were having chili for sure. I made the chili in about 15 minutes and sprinkled the toppings just in time for Lee to take a break from putting the new lock on the storage unit:

After enjoying ALL of our chili, it was back to baking for me! I went on to make my personal favorite..."bumpy cookies," as Megan and I call them (also known as cereal clusters). However, I forgot to put the Almond extract in...again, I feel that they are just a little off...Need I tell you not to bake when your mind is elsewhere?! Not a good idea. I will say that they still taste pretty dang good though and Lee agrees.

Next on my list of goodies was "no-bake cookies" for Lee. I do not care for the oat-filled, peanut butter and chocolate combination but the hubby is pretty set in his ways and likes them A LOT. Therefore, they went on the list of Christmas cookies for this year.

We still stuck to our regular cookies as well...the classic tea cake cookies that the family drools over. The recipe was actually from my former babysitter and we have adopted it like we invented the notion of teacakes! Below, you will also see what is left (3 to be exact) of a new addition - snickerdoodle cookies! Lee claims these have replaced my previously mentioned favorites for now. Pretty tasty.

My last venture for the day was to tackle the "lemonade cookie!" Umm...LOVE IT! Rhonda and I are definite fans...it's a mixture of tangy lemon flavor and sweet sugar sprinkled on top. The cookie is light and fluffy and pretty perfect.

Where was Lee during all this you may ask?...He was setting up shop. Literally. He cleaned out, hung things, and put a padlock on his new shop out back! Joe, Lee's grandmother's boyfriend, had generously given us some goodies from his huge stash of tools and supplies and Lee sorted through them and rearranged everything so that he can find them as soon as he needs them! He thoroughly enjoys tedious tasks such as this. Here is a photo I snuck in while he was rifling through some things. After this photo, I had to escape with my allergy-prone self since Rhonda was sweeping and the dust was flying everywhere! ha

Yes, I mentioned Rhonda, my mother-in-law! She came to visit again! She has been great with our new house and coming to visit (maybe because she has a place to sleep now instead of driving back and forth...or maybe just because she loves us so much ;) ). Either way, she hardly ever comes without "happies" and today was no exception. She gave me the adorable wine bottle with Christmas lights and Christmas stopper you see below. It is the perfect addition to my kitchen decor for the holidays! Love it!

After all of this, we settled into our P.J.'s with cookies and an SEC championship game. Lee wore his bully reindeer pants Rhonda found at Steinmart this year, so naturally I decided to cheer on the BULLDOGS (from Georgia). I was pretty happy with my pick for the first half, but Les Miles must have channeled some type of genius during his halftime speech because LSU came back to win the game 42-10 (I think). So much for that! Now, we will just have to see whether Alabama will get a rematch with them at the National Championship or if Oklahoma State will pull out a ticket to play in the game after tonight!

During all the commotion, we did not forget about our 3rd meal so no worries! Rhonda treated us to Mi Toro and WHEW! We are stuffed now...but happy and stuffed. We are watching Oklahoma v. Oklahoma State and waiting on the Mississippi State basketball game to come on since Daddy and Dustin are in Starkville for the event! After that, who knows?! All I can say is that Rhonda brought some old Christmas classics for she and I if our man goes to bed early AGAIN! The three of us are Snuggled in with full stomachs, Christmas lights, blankets, and some football and basketball...that's how we are ending our THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS! Tomorrow will make FOUR...time flies when you're loving life!

On the 2nd day of Christmas...

2011-12-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

...On the second day of Christmas, this is what I did...

First thing this Friday morning, I woke up and made myself presentable for the first time since I started decorating my parents' house (and let me tell you, I look different when I dress up...as Mama says "It's one extreme or the other with you"). I headed to the Smith house to finish up some things. I went to Ginger's to get two swags for the garage door (yes, we forgot those in all the bustle the other day). Found the perfect pair made by Jenny Cameron and took them home to make a few minor adjustments to match the wreaths. Daddy and I hung them and I tied wire to the back of the other four wreaths so that he could hang them today and finish up the outside before the party tonight. Then, Mama and Daddy treated Lee and I to Mike's for lunch (our usual date). From there, I ran by to pick up Mawmaw and deliver her to Vi's Fashions where she gets her hair done religiously! Afterward, it was off to Belk and WalMart for some last minute Christmas shopping since my Melaleuca check came in ;). I racked up on some great sales and great items for family and was so proud when I showed Lee SOME of my finds for the day! I then returned to the parents' to deliver some hooks for the back of the house..let's not even talk about the fact that I forgot them on my first trip to WalMart and had to turn around. Daddy decided to use the old wreaths from the front of the house on the doors and window out back! Then it was back to my nest to see the hubs. He was cleaning out our storage unit and restocking the shelves in an organized fashion. After he finished that and replaced a couple of lights that had gone out in our yard, we headed to WalMart AGAIN! This time, to get groceries and supplies for my baking fest I will be having tomorrow. Let's just say you will get a sugar high if you come within 10 miles of my house tomorrow...just a head's up.

small visual...yes, you see eggnog, buttermilk, and lots of chocolate :)

Post-shopping, we decided to drop the cold items back by the house and head to The Green Mango for some Thai food I have been craving lately. Had a great meal and are now back in our snug home with the Christmas lights plugged in and Criminal Minds on the TV! It's Friday night and the second day of Christmas at the Tull house! Tomorrow is a new day...and it's SATURDAY!

OUR first day of Christmas..

2011-12-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

Some of you are thinking "Oh, no she didn't...there are only 12 days of Christmas!" That's O.K, Santa was obviously thinking the same thing in my above photo. Well, let me just tell you that "Yes, I did." Why can't Christmas last 25 days?! I mean, granted, it's nothing compared to the 55 days of Christmas that retailers get by putting Christmas out before Halloween candy goes on sale, but I'll take what I can get. Now that we've gone over that and everyone understands we will be blogging based on the above notion, let me just tell you about my first day of Christmas! First thing, I got out of bed (I know, shocker!) and took my mom the cake she had donated to my meal for Lee's dad. It was divine but after our large portioned meal, we could only finish 2 pieces between the four of us. She, on the other hand, can use this cake to feed the masses tomorrow night at the First Baptist staff dinner. I also sneaked in a small plate of homemade goodies just for my number 1 fan :) After that, I rearranged some decorations she had put out without me there (that's a no-no when you ask me to decorate...different eyes mean different styles which means things will not mesh well together...it's all about cohesiveness, people). Then, my dad came by to pick me up (after first trying to pick me up at my own house...total misunderstanding if you can imagine that in my family) to go to Jackson, TN where we were to get garland. Just garland. Flocked, pre-lit garland I had requested if I were to finish decorating their home for the holidays. We called ahead and asked Trees n Trends to hold the 4 strands of garland for a quick pick-up... Oh, but you see this store was heavenly...they had flocked wreaths to match...not only one for the door, but for all four of the front windows. "You can't just get one flocked wreath, Daddy, they should all match..." Well, unlike some men, he did agree (although he might have rethought at the register) and we decided to get 5 wreaths and 4 strands of the garland we came for. Well, the ribbon from last year just would not do next to these fluffy clouds of greenery! Daddy knowingly asked if we were done or we needed something else "now that we're committed." I sighed and probably mumbled the words "Hobby Lobby." Everyone dreads the name it seems except me. In fact, my eyes light up just by typing the words. Well, they let me down in the Christmas 50% ribbon section BUT I didn't let that stop the venture. We found exactly what we needed in the wedding and floral section...(not 50% off but at Hobby Lobby's everyday low prices ;) ). To make a long trip short, we ended up leaving this store with 3 ornaments for the door wreath and 5 rolls of ribbon in order to accomplish my task. Next was a trip to TGIFriday's for a quick lunch. After all, this trip was supposed to be fast and we were only going because it was on the way to visit a sweet church member with Alzheimer's who is in a nursing facility there. The lunch was great and so was Daddy's visit with Ms. Nelson. Afterward, my sister and I were on the phone discussing Christmas cards and how many I could afford. Let's just say my initial number was 10! That doesn't even cover our family in case you were wondering! She was arguing in her sisterly concerned voice when Daddy piped up and said "How much are these things anyway?!" I told him and I could swear he almost snickered that I couldn't afford them...especially after the new house, couch set, and furniture I had been stocking up on. Well, he decided 30 cards would be his payment for my doing the decorations...I'll take it! The cards are so cute and so US! Don't be offended if you don't get one please because like I said, we got 30...still only family and maybe a former roommate or two will see our first cards! BUT Megan and I have our plan for next year, so just hold a spot for our card in 2012. Next, it was back to Corinth where Daddy dropped me off at home and I finished the outside decorations while touching up some of the inside arrangements. He was off to Memphis to visit another church member in the hospital...Yes, you heard right. The man took me to TN with him, brought me back to MS, then returned to TN. He loves me...and these church members! Now, I am back in my warm new nest while Lee is putting the last bit of lights on our tree. We are patiently waiting on Daddy to return from Memphis around 7:30 and take us to Pizza Inn so we can support a local group sending disabled children to Disney World! So fun and such a blessing that we can be a part of that! If you're reading this in Corinth tonight, the fundraiser ends at 8 tonight so run on over and grab a pizza for tonight or save it for lunch tomorrow! Anyway, that was my first day of Christmas...exciting, busy, cold, and so special for the time spent with family. What did you do on this first day of Christmas?! I'll leave you with some pictures while you ponder...

Front door wreath

Horrible phone picture of the overall look without the porch lights even on..

Front steps

...and again..

Daddy's job is to hang these tomorrow :)

Holidays without our Nonnie

2011-11-30T06:23:00.001-08:00

I realize this title itself seems depressing and something that might not need to occupy an entire post, BUT Nonnie has been on my heart so much already this season and, like I told you in the beginning, this is Lee and my own little web space where we can do as we please ;). That said, as I was wrapping Pops' gifts last night after Lee's dad and girlfriend left the house, I realized this was the first year I wouldn't wrap a gift for our precious Nonnie. It hit me like....well there is really no comparison... the sadness that comes with remembering a loved one also comes with this sense of peace, happiness, and thankfulness. As tears were flowing, I wasn't making my "ugly crying face." I wasn't having to catch my breath or blubber about it to Lee. In fact, I really don't even know that he realized anything was going on. As i was brought to tears by the fact that this would be our first Christmas without her and that things were changing before we could stop it, I was also thinking how much she would LOVE the gift I was wrapping for Pops, how beautiful she would think the paper and bows were (even if they weren't...because you see, we were PERFECT in her eyes - just ask Mama and Daddy because she told them all the time), how happy she would be that Christmas was coming even earlier for the Coons this year, how proud she would be of my cousin who does not thrive for entertaining and cooking but hosted a huge thanksgiving this year simply so we could all be together and share our love and laughter with Nonnie's sweetheart. I thought about her "Hmmm"s and her famous bubble baths she made for us while she found all kinds of things in our ears (elephants, money, giraffes, etc.). I thought about her last days when she could barely lift her head in the right direction but was able to tell Mama and Uncle Howard she "loved them too." I thought about she and Pops riding bikes in Jackson when it was safe to do so at any time of day. I thought of her LOVE of picture taking/posing when she was younger and how Megan has definitely inherited that trait. I thought about her tendency toward ADD when it came to cleaning and preparing the house or meals and how Mama absolutely cornered that area of her personality (proof of that came this week while I tried to "help" her decorate her home for the FBC staff dinner...let's just say she had one task and it took her both days, but the floor was vacuumed at every drop of glitter). I considered my love for old movies as I watched "Gone with the Wind" the other night and realized she was pretty enamored with them as well. I thought about how Lee and I try our best to live up to Nonnie and Pops' legacy with our flame that started burning when we were 15 just like them. I know Lee isn't blood, but I could swear he inherited Pops' sweet tendencies toward the women in his life and his silent leadership. Lastly, I thought of Dustin and how his humor is SO COON (Nonnie and Pops' last name)! He and Uncle Howard have a ball together and it's no wonder...they both take after the Coons' ability to make any situation lighter...even if by accident. You see, it was a different kind of sadness...it came with a realization that Nonnie will be here this Christmas...she will be in Megan's poses, Mama's vacuuming, Dustin's jokes and expressions, Clancy's motherly instincts and sacrifice, in Daddy's comments remembering things she used to do or say, in Lee and Russ's sweet spirits, and in our love that grows deeper each year. She will be in Pops' eyes, where she always was. So I don't think this post was depressing or out of place on our blog...I think it is just what I needed to be thankful for those who are still here and to be happy for those who are in heaven..probably riding bikes safely again and awaiting our arrival. Anyway, those were my thoughts last night and as I woke up EARLY this morning so there you have it! Merry holidays! Almost December!

The last 3 weeks...

2011-11-29T19:41:00.000-08:00

I realize I've been very bad at this blogging thing lately...I mean, what a teaser?! Start back up and then take a 3 week hiatus just so I can paint, move in, decorate, have family over each night to see and eat dinner, then decorate for Christmas?! Yep, that's exactly what I did. BUT we are now nestled into our sweet nest and are SO excited and blessed. I guess I should begin with the stories of painting...where we tried to match each color and were so ecstatic to have records...oh but they didn't match perfectly which left marks all over the walls where we had excitedly covered those spots and scuffs that proved a family had lived here. Let's not even go there...and let's not go to the fact that my mom ended up hiring our family painter to paint three rooms because she saw that it would be virtually impossible for us to finish before the move-in date. (Bless her...and I don't mean that in the way most Mississippians do ("You stupid idiot"). I mean it as a plea to God to bless her for the gesture. Since we aren't talking about that, we definitely won't talk about the fact that my sweet daddy followed through on his offer to have a cleaning service come to the house and take over for a day...again, unspeakable gratitude. And while we are covering up all these unpleasantries turned miracles, we will also leave out the 3 days of help from my mother-in-law (cleaning, laundry, trim, moving, etc.) and the fact that my father-in-law gave us an epic washer and dryer as a housewarming gift. No, I don't think those huge dilemmas and happenings in our lives would interest you enough for the pages they would occupy if told in grateful detail! However, I DO think these pictures will interest you...these are what came AFTER all of the above...these pictures are what happened between the tears and laughter and what is our little (or BIG) holiday miracle!

Signing on the dotted line! (Homeowners)

Mashed potato utensil turned dish towel rack

Sifter turned lamp shade

Tool drawers used as recipe and spice drawers

Coke crate shelves

Vintage suitcase shelves

Birdcage turned lamp shade

Formal seating area (my favorite room)

Foryer..where "together is a wonderful place to be"

Cross wall (between book shelf and TV armoire)

Mantle

Memories/Heritage Wall

Smallest guest room

"Family tree" in bigger guest room

Kitchen/Dining room

Guest room

Dining table

Cheese grater turned vase

Saws turned into a magnet board for vintage photos

Family keepsakes above the laundry room cabinets

Laundry room shelf

Vintage water pump in kitchen

Industrial cart turned coffee table

That covers just about every room (except the master, the loft, and the largest guest room which are incomplete to say the least)! We have definitely budgeted and made the most of our taste for the vintage/flea market style. I absolutely loved decorating this house and showing my very DOUBTFUL family members just how I would make use of all the "junk" I had bought, taken, and saved for the past few months. Apparently, they thought I was crazy as I bought the individual pieces and didn't see how it would be cohesive. Hopefully, they changed their minds! Lee and I are so pleased and took a break on the last three rooms in the house in order to decorate for Christmas! We LOVE Christmas, family, entertaining, and all that comes with the holiday season! Here are a few glances into our work so far...despite the snow/rain the past week. All that is left is lighting the two trees in front of the house and putting out the new spotlights Daddy purchased for us! (Outdoor pictures coming soon)

Kyle enjoying the decorations...or maybe it was the new reclining couch?

Someone is always watching you...step away from the frig! ha

"Oh Owly Night" flag from Sissy

an early Christmas gift from the hubs (made by Bootsy McFarland)

Front door

Santa is always welcome at the Tull house

Garage door

Back Door

Christmas Tree (only owls)

Christmas blankets :)

Merry, Merry!

Our cozy mantle (reindeers from mama and daddy :) )

Where I will be baking Christmas goodies this week

Christmas Owls (Surprise!)

My indoor tree (also from Bootsy McFarland)

That is a bit of writing with a hodgepodge of pictures to explain what we have been up to much better than I could have done with 100,000 words tonight. I hope you will continue to check back for updates. This Christmas season will be our first as homeowners and could get very interesting. So far, we have been blessed beyond measure by friends and family...and family's friends! Cakes, pizzas, brownies, etc. have come our way and have been devoured to the point of embarrassment! No words could express our gratitude to God and all who have helped to make this enjoyable. The only thing that could make this move sweeter would be to get word that all these safety caps for our electrical outlets should come back out of our drawer (where we safely keep them waiting), since we have a new niece or nephew coming!! What a glorious Christmas gift that would be. We already know where Baby J will sleep :) Keep praying, friends! Good night!

Day One of Move-in Week

2011-11-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I told you that Lee and I would finally move in our new home this Friday!? Today was the day we would get our keys so we could paint, clean, plan, and patch some holes. The key was a bit late getting to us so Lee was actually able to go with me to the house after work...man, am I glad?! Obviously, I am ignorant when it comes to details and how long they can take...because we spent the entire night taping walls (actually Lee did because "I never learned how to color inside the lines" as he stated), unscrewing and bagging up outlet covers, filling in holes left from the prior tenants' momentos, taking out the trash including some last minute things they weren't able to get out of the house in time (yes, we made sure they didn't want the items first), and cleaning...Well, some of you have no idea how huge that is for me! Most of you DO, however, know about my allergies and how much a part of our lives that is (not by choice). It usually keeps me from having to dust or clean with all those chemicals... Melaleuca products took care of the chemical part which I know Lee is very thankful for, but there is really no cure for dust flying up in your face and making you sneeze uncontrollably. Needless to say, I was dreading the process a bit. Just when I was beginning to work on the third bathroom, Daddy came by to bring some supplies (between trips to the hospital, a visit, and seeing a family who lost a precious member tonight). He laughed at my anxiety over the whole process and as he was shutting the door, he mumbled in his very special way something about hiring someone to clean...."Do what?!" I asked and he stopped and restated that if I could call someone to deep clean the house, he would like to hire them for us...Is this man for real?! I can tell you he is, and he is TAKEN as Megan and I will proudly tell you, especially in situations like this one where he knows just what to do to take that extra stress off of you. Dustin experiences this sense of pride in his Daddy when he takes Brodie (my 4-legged nephew) to the vet I'm sure. Well, I can tell you that I just about sat indian style in the floor and cried when he told me "Yes, I'm sure." You see, I believe this may have been the first toilet I had ever deep cleaned....our first 2 moves were made easier by both moms pitching in on those tasks. If and when you move, remember this when you plan your budget...I think I can confidently say it will be worth it!

So, after finishing the preparations for painting, Lee and I treated ourselves to Mi Toro. I told Lee we owed it to ourselves as a reward for our work, getting into the house, and just because we will be "living off of juju beans" for a while after the move. Now, he is snoozing and I'm writing down my thoughts for you. Tomorrow, I will be getting up with him and we will both go off to work; he will go to Tull Brothers and I will paint (for the first time alone I might add). The plan is for me to finish the master bedroom (which was painted burgundy and I will be attempting to paint khaki ), and maybe even finish painting one of the smaller bedrooms white (over lime green). I think I'm up for the challenge though! Lee will come straight over from work to tape the remaining two rooms to be painted and patch the rest of the holes in other rooms and touch up the existing paint. The cleaning crew should be coming Wednesday while I finish painting the last two rooms and MAYBE we will be ready to move some essentials Thursday so that the only thing left will be for the guys to bring over the THREE storage units of furniture and decor (stay tuned because some will be for sale when we finally get to it). I can't forget to mention that ALL of my fall and winter clothes and shoes have been in the VERY back of these storage units since July. So, if you have seen me around town in my Nike shorts, t-shirts, and Toms...do not judge...there is a reason! This fashionista has been strugglin'. So excited to have our own place to live and my own clothes to wear.

I guess that is all for tonight, and hopefully there won't be too much excitement tomorrow. If there is, I'll let ya know ;) Maybe I will even get a few pictures of the madness to share...that would definitely make my sister proud.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!

New Beginnings...

2011-11-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

Well, as I'm sure you've noticed, I have taken a pretty long break from blogging! I told my sister it was because I was too busy living life to write about it, but if we're being honest (and I am), there hasn't been much to say that isn't already on my big sister's well-established blog. You can always follow the Smith clan on russandmegan.blogspot.com in case you aren't familiar. This blog is to keep you updated on Lee and I in particular, but will undoubtedly have much mention of our family since that is a huge part of our lives.

Let's see, where should I begin filling you in on the past year and a half of our lives since the wedding? Well, we moved to Jackson, MS where I worked for BancorpSouth as a teller and gained great working experience, learned how to handle multiple types of personalities with a smile, and worked with some of the most fun people ever! Lee had decided he would like to try dental school although his major was in Construction Management, and started working at UMC in research for a year while taking an online course to help with the DAT. After a little over a year, Lee's ambitions and desires for his future career changed, and while I was enjoying the people I worked for, banking wasn't where my skills were either. We decided there was nothing keeping us 4 hours away from our family since our plans didn't revolve around a school, so we moved home...literally....as in, with my parents. This was meant to be VERY temporary..maybe a month max. Let's just say we will be moving out this Friday...and we moved in with the parents at the end of July. It was a definite adjustment for us AND the parents since they had happily settled into their empty nest until we knocked on their door! We've actually had a lot of fun living here...never a dull moment as always. We've gotten a lot of free meals "just because", watched a lot of football, gotten free room and board (except for my services as the event chef of the household), and laughed A LOT. Lee went to work for Tull Brothers to do what he does best and become a project manager, and I began marketing for Melaleuca, an international wellness company. House hunting began and we found exactly what we were looking for! There have been a few setbacks due to changing regulations but everything is being worked out and we will be in our new home by Friday.

Maybe that is why I felt the need to blog again...I finally feel like we are almost back to a normal routine with our own space, which makes me so excited and anxious. Or maybe I decided to blog simply because I've been feeling a responsibility lately to take a stand for things Lee and I know to be right and true. This blog would definitely give us our own space to always speak truth and encouragement. Either way, we are officially back and with the upcoming move, holidays, and hopefully a neice or nephew in the near future, there will be plenty to blog about and plenty to keep you on your toes or bent over with laughter! We probably won't check in too much until after the move, but feel free to tune in just to listen to the Christmas music since the TV and radio haven't geared up for the holidays yet!

Our Snow Day in Jackson

2010-02-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Tulls

2009-12-22T12:25:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas is almost here!

2009-12-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

Well, let me give all my loyal and patient readers a quick recap of this CRAZY BUSY holiday season! Let's begin with the pictures of the rehearsal dinner I coordinated and decorated for this past week...Jeremy Richey and Amy Woodhouse's. Cynthia, Jeremy's mom, asked for my help several months ago and told me she wanted a theme! I chose Winter Wonderland and began telling her bits and pieces to pick up while I was in school and couldn't be here with her. She did a great job on picking out exactly what we needed to make this party a success! When I got home, she took off work for a week to be there to help me with whatever I needed (to Randy's dismay I'm sure - the store just isn't the same without her!) Anyway, we went to work last week and finally completed the chapel of FBC for guests to arrive. I think Cynthia was very pleased with the way everything turned out and I KNOW it was an emotional and happy night for all involved! My passion and ambition is to own my own boutique and plan events so this was a great first party to plan! The people were fantastic and so pleasant to work with...and yes, I will be calling on those same people when it is Lee and my turn! Here's just a few pictures to give you an idea of what the decorations were like. The pictures were taken during daylight so the ambiance is a little off, but use your imagination to insert moonlight and food!

A view from the stairs

The entrance...later the candles were lit and the windows were glowing!

The staircase

The glowing windows with a bit of snow

The food table...before the food arrived

The ice trees...made with antique chandelier crystals and lit homemade trees

The bar tables for those wishing to hang around the food

The door markers

My proudest item...I turned my least favorite part of the room into my favorite piece!

Where the carols would soon be played

The head table...from a terrible angle on my part!

Next, let's talk about the fact that Lee and I graduated!!! YAY! Me for the second time and FINAL time, and Lee for the first time and hopefully not the last (dental school)! To celebrate the occasion, Rhonda asked our families to dinner at Ruth's Chris in Memphis! We were so excited awaiting the amazing steaks and a fancy atmosphere. The night finally came and we loaded up in two vehicles and went to Memphis. The dinner was, as always, spectacular and the company was so fun and comfortable! We talked and laughed and celebrated for a while and several ate dessert while others drank coffee. We were finally run out for staying so long (not really) and headed home feeling older and happier and all that much closer to being married! Here are just a couple shots from the evening:

Lee and I by the fireplace (my favorite spot of the evening of course)

The whole crew (Sissy, Rhonda, me, Lee, Daddy, MawMaw, Mama, Dustin, and Mimi)

Thanks, Sissy, Rhonda, and Daddy for picking up the tickets!! :)

Now, for the last item of business on today's agenda: Lee and I becoming one family at Christmas time! So,...you think our fireplace is filled with stockings now? Just wait - MawMaw and Mama surprised us with a brand new addition to the mantle this year...Lee's stocking. Our family has had these stockings from generation to generation since my grandmother was young. Each addition to the family gets a past member of the family's stocking with the name re-done. Well, Lee got PawPaw's. That was so special to me in so many ways! These stockings are so sentimental and mean so much to our family and now Lee is sharing in that family tradition. Don't get too excited - it isn't UP yet....since he isn't an official family member yet and Russ wasn't initiated until the first Christmas he was married to my sister. BUT, Santa does bring goodies in it and all...he just finds it in a chair next to the fireplace!

As if that wasn't enough excitement for one Christmas, Rhonda texted us the other night with this picture:

She had gotten her housekeeper to make homemade stockings with our names monogrammed on them! They are super cute and SO RHONDA! She has already hung them right next to Coco and Izzy's stockings (the puppies) at her Jackson home and I can't wait to see them this week!

The transition year on sharing our traditions has begun! We will be spending the 23rd with Fred at his new house in Pickwick, followed by an afternoon of Christmas cheer on the 24th with the Tull family at Mr. Sam and Mrs. Barbara's house in Corinth. We will then enjoy the Christmas Eve service at church as always and head back to the Tull's for some more fellowship. Then, we will continue our tradition of opening gifts at my house with the family (Daddy, Mama, Megan, Russ, me, Dustin, MawMaw, Rhonda, and Lee)! After that, it's goodbye for me and Lee until Christmas day (until next year anyway). We wake up and do our separate Santa's then it's back together for a day of fun at Rhonda's with the Vanderford side of the family. My family will be traveling to Jackson, MS as always and it will be my first year to miss that...bittersweet but SO exciting! Lee and I actually took a trip down to Jackson just to see everyone and let them know I wouldn't be there this year. Yay for new traditions and exciting new beginnings! Can't wait for 2010!!

I'll update again today or tomorrow with pictures of what our family has been up to this Christmas...too much to swallow in one post, I promise!

Marley and Landon Ashe

2009-12-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

Well this weekend was filled with FUN wedding festivities for Lee and I. Marley Whitaker, a great friend, and Landon Ashe were married Saturday, May 5! This date actually marked the 6 month milestone from Lee and my date! We were pretty excited how that worked out. Anyway, I left my camera at home so I don't have any pictures except some I stole from some friends of the reception. To give you a visual though, the wedding was a beautiful Christmas wonderland. There were live Christmas trees and plenty of lights. Even the bouquets were Christmas greenery and single white roses. The company was great too - what a fun wedding party! Lee and I attended the rehearsal dinner at Landon's mom's house. The house was also decorated for the season with cute bride and groom add-ins. We had bar-b-que and the fixin's. Afterwards, the girls and Lee and other boyfriends/fiances/husbands headed back to our newlywed friends' house (Mary Anne and Chris) for talking, laughter, and lots of fun for Marley's last night. The groomsmen and Landon did their own thing too! The next day was the wedding and everything went perfectly for Marley! The reception was at Shiloh Ridge and we had a ton of good "Marley food." She knows her food! Then, we had a GREAT band and plenty of dancing until the day was officially over at 12:00. The weekend was a great way to celebrate and get some more practice for our big day! I came straight home last night and took notes on certain pictures I want after seeing Marley's and certain things that should be emphasized during rehearsal! LeeAnn Dodd was her director by the way, and did a great job! It was her first run at doing that job! Here are just a few pictures of the reception so you can see the happiness of the weekend!

The father/daughter dance to "My Girl"!

The first dance

Lindsey Dodd caught the bouquet!

And Chris Bush caught the garter!

Thank you Marley and Landon for including us in your wonderful wedding festivities! Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Winter Wonderland

2009-11-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

As you may have seen through my playlist, Marley's bachelorette party, and the gift registration...I'm definitely in the Christmas spirit this year! While this year will be my last Christmas as a Smith, it is also mine and Lee's last Christmas to have different last names! It's so exciting! Don't worry, we still intend to participate in ALL our family traditions next Christmas. So, to ease into our OWN Christmas traditions, we made some teacake cookies last night. I even let Lee pick out the shapes and ice a few! ha. He's a natural! I played my blog music and we went to town on the cookies and finishing up some decorations. I just thought I would share some pictures of our last Christmas preparations in a Starkville apartment! I'm not going to show any pictures of his, though, because believe it or not he didn't decorate his apartment?! Boys will be boys, right?!

My front patio!

My kitchen table

Close-up of my last girlie Christmas tree

My tree and the few presents I have so far

One of the finished cookie platters

Work in progress...

He's learning fast!

My favorite decoration (Owl Happy Holidays)

My patio door

The bar

My front/only entrance

Wedding Plans In Motion

2009-11-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well, as I told you in my last post, I made a trip to Corinth this weekend. The trip consisted of registering for wedding gifts, going to Marley's bachelorette party, etc. Why did I register so early?? Well of course so my parents and grandparents could get a head start on my collections! ha. But really, I was completely oblivious to the fact that Christmas things won't be out when I get married in JUNE?! Makes sense though, huh?! The day was actually really fun. I just walked around the stores and picked what I wanted for Lee and my house/apartment and signed up for it. Of course, everything is still a surprise by the time you get it because you never really know what things will be picked up and which ones won't! Kind of exciting I think. The day started with a trip to Kates and Co. We then went to Ann's to register and back downtown to Ginger's on Waldron, Waldron Street Market, and The Sanctuary. I love that in Corinth you know everyone working EVERYWHERE so they get almost as excited as you about the event and are so appreciative of you registering in their stores. Once we finished up in Corinth, we ate at our everyday restaurant (Mike's Cafe) and I finally went to Velva for a much needed pickup! Then, it was off to Tupelo to Belk. Why didn't we just go to the Corinth Belk?? Well, the Tupelo Belk has a scanner gun you get to carry around...so I knew Lee would be on board to join me for that one. Also, do you think I could have convinced my dad to make a trip to the Corinth Belk? NO! But could I convince him that the trip to Tupelo and back would be quality time with me, Lee, and Mama? OF COURSE! So we all went...Lee and Daddy picked out some exciting things...

some wouldn't even scan (because they were not exactly fit for a wedding registry I'm sure...electronics and such). Then, it was back to Corinth where we all passed out from the busy day!

Here's a few of the fun places we registered today. I think Mama bought a Christmas gift for someone at each place as well since they had everything looking so festive! Completely unlike her so I tried to be patient with her A.D.D. multi-tasking!

Mrs. Kristi Burns at Waldron Street Market

Kates and Co.

My "retail alma mater", Ginger's

The next day, I ate lunch with the bride-to-be and Kayla, a friend and Marley's bridesmaid at Cafe Mike's (yes again). We then loaded the cars and headed to Memphis for a night filled with fun, laughter, dancing, and many many pictures. The group dressed in Christmas get-up...with the bridesmaids wearing red with white and cheetah santa hats and marley in white with a red veil I fixed up for her! It was huge and hilarious! The night was great!! This morning, we all made it up by 9 for the Continental Breakfast at the Hampton and headed home so everyone could go their separate ways once again. The room was SO nice and Marley's parents splurged for that which was so nice! The weekend was bittersweet...so fun and relaxing but sad to head back to Starkville for FINALS and PROJECTS. It will all be over soon...and I'm told I will want it back?! I guess you old folks do usually know what you're talking about, but I just can't see it right now. I'm so ready for that last project on Dec. 3!

Here is a quick recap of the bachelorette party!

Marley and her two sisters and maids of honor (best dancers around)

Did I mention she could dance?!

One of the items on her checklist was to kiss a bald man's head! haha

The whole crew! So fun!

Hard Rock Cafe! Our Bachelorette tradition

Her claim to fame

For some reason they trusted us to touch all this expensive equipment!

The Whitaker sisters (Also known to us as the Kardashians)

My fall...in a nutshell

2009-11-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well...school is almost over - Forever for me and for a minute on Lee's end. Megan decided to give my blog a "facelift" as she so politely called it and it looks great....so grown-up. And while at work (Shhh...) I updated my playlist to get into the holiday season. I just felt the need to let you know I am in the process of working on the blog. This weekend I'm actually taking a break from school for just a minute, before all my final things within the next two weeks, to come home, register, visit Velva (my hair person), and go to Marley's bachelorette party! It should be a ton of fun filled with wedding stuff. By the way, we are a mere 198 days away from our big day! Marley's wedding on December 5th will actually be the 6 month mark! Since I will be moving home after December it seems (without a job - hint for any of you with openings), I should have much more time and access to keep this lovely thing up to date. Anyway, that is what's been going on and a little about what is to come! Check for updates Saturday or Sunday!

Just some photos to sum up our fall:

Two of my favorite people at the Girl Talk concert

Talladega

me with "Abby Shuto" from NCIS!

Me and Emmie at Talladega

The race car, Dale Jr., and the race track

Nick didn't dress up...too cool i guess

my happy plate at Pancake Pantry with Rhonda and Lee

Mary Anne's bachelorette party!

Engagement Party Continued

2009-10-22T17:17:00.001-07:00

As promised, I have posted SOME of the 280 something pictures taken the other night! I tried to give a little bit of every aspect of the party, but I feel quite certain I left plenty out. This post will be pretty much pictures and captions only, since I have already raved about the magnificent party in my previous post. Again, THANK YOU, Mr. Fred, Ms. Rhonda, and everyone that came and made last weekend so special for Lee and I. We appreciate everything and can't wait to have more get-together's in the future! Enjoy the picture show below:

Two of my many brothers (mucho stinky and tat)

Some afterglow family conversation...the beautiful Vanderford women

He was a fan of the caramel apple favors!

They spoil him to death...and he loves them so much!

The Pickwick crew...that's about all I can say

My two oldest and best friends still love me

some of the groomsmen and ushers

some of the bridesmaids

ALL the guests that go to Southern Miss.

the rebs

Go Dawgs!!

C-town! 05!

Yaya's minus Vicki and Natalie

just me and my adopted brother...yes sherra, I'll watch over him..

one of our many families (The Stocktons)

her grandbabies, new and old

my soon-to-be family (The Tulls)

Smithites

after my Daddy's toast (with Sprite)

Hey Megan!

you would think we were happy! :)

the whole crew (Tulls and Smiths)

Lee and I with my parents...

and with his parents...

a few of our favorite people

I love my Maw Maw

Lee and Grandmother

Lee and Grandfather

my favorite person to eat with (Ally)

my cousin Clancy and her new fiance!!

Thanks again for the best weekend of our engagement so far! It was so much more than expected and will be in the newest scrapbook very soon! I will have to display those somewhere too since my first two were such a hit at the party, considering they ended up inside on the couches for viewing within the first hour! Until the next post (which should be very soon)...

We're Engaged....Still!

2009-10-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 17, 2009 marked the official start of Lee and my wedding season I guess! What was it? The most perfect engagement party ever! Rhonda and Fred, Lee's parents, planned and threw us an engagement party to REMIND everyone we are STILL engaged. ha! Apparently, you aren't supposed to announce it until about this time...I guess so everyone believes it will actually happen. Well, it's happening! The party had an elegant fall feel to it and it was very fitting, considering it was FREEZING and the party was outside. But, if you made it to the tent, you found that the temperature increased a good 20 degrees due to the huge heaters and the firepit Ms. Rhonda placed in the middle of the beautiful backyard patio. Anyway, I decided to use this opportunity to not only announce our engagement but also to "comeback" to the blogging world and show everyone I can stay committed....I hope! (In my defense, Lee and I have been insane trying to get a master's and a bachelor's and get started on all that scary future stuff!)

So, I know all you are really interested in are the photos, so let's get started on that! We will start with the pictures taken early during the day...before the party arrived! The rest will have to wait until tomorrow. I will then post the socializing and eating portion of the evening for you to view. If I am going to keep this blog updated, I can't give you everything at once. I must savor the photos I have and disperse them over the longest period of time possible. I promise not to make you suffer too much, though! Note: the photography was done by the one, the only, Megan Johnson...and I wouldn't be surprised if the woman booked some weddings after this party.

Premier Catering putting the 'starting' touches on the table outside

The cutest caramel apple favors!

The tables set for dining and socializing

The beautiful tent and dining area (in the light of day)

This is an early shot of the front door (notice the K and L)

Needless to say: the day before and the day of the party were spent with Ms. Rhonda and Mimi, Lee's grandmother, running around putting the finishing touches on preparations, Emily and I wrapping and labeling favors, and Lee and the boys carrying the heavy stuff and making sure the electronics worked. However, Lee and I did not do much at all to help, which made me feel bad, but Rhonda just wouldn't have it! Lee was able to watch some football and I, of course, did some Christmas shopping...and some Halloween shopping too (on accident). I found the cutest things for my nephew, Farley at Just Dogs and decided to spoil him! The weekend was so relaxing and Lee and I were pampered as always! The Tull's always take care of us when we see them! This was definitely no exception. Thank you so much Ms. Rhonda and Mr. Fred! The party was amazing!!

Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T11:29:00.001-07:00

Well...since I don't have time to blog EVER, I thought I might at least have time to put a little listening pleasure in here for you...since MJ died yesterday. This is NOT to say that I was a supporter, but the man knew music! Have fun listening and I promise to update soon...whatever that means :) Don't forget to turn off the playlist to the left!

Happy Birthday to me...On St. Patty's Day??

2009-03-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's spring break! BUT....I've been sentenced to work for the first two and a half days of the break. It hasn't been busy, so that's a plus...then again, I do work at a school which revolves around students and they tend not to hang around when school is out :) Anyway, I had a nice surprise from Emily and Charli yesterday! They stopped by on their way to Hattiesburg (their first stop on their actual trip to the beach). I was soo jealous and still am, but Emily brought me presents to ease the despair. We haven't had a chance to get together since my birthday..IN JANUARY, so she brought me the cutest stuff. The bulldog and dish are from Mustard Seed Pottery, my FAVORITE! Down syndrome victims paint the pottery and proceeds go to research and care for them and others like them. You get to help out AND have something really cute to display. The other gift was a necessity of sorts...Emily remembered me saying I had used my entire sketch pad in my wedding planner and had been at a stand-still since. She fixed my problem by bringing me such a cute notepad with my initial on it! As soon as they left the office, I started planning and didn't stop! Obviously I should have gotten a notepad a long time ago!

As for today, they let me leave at 3:30 so that was exciting! Oh, and we got free MSU ice cream because there is a convention going on. Anyone think my break has started a little minimal since I'm so excited about things like this?! Tomorrow, I only work until 10. When I get off, Lee and I plan to either go to Corinth or Tupelo to meet his mom and hopefully get him a good haircut! After that, we will pack for our short spring break trip to Atlanta. Ally, Brad, Lee, and I are leaving for Atlanta at 7 A.M. and staying for 3 nights! I'll let you all know how that goes and how much fun we hopefully have! Until then, everyone have a great and safe spring break!

Jessica Simpson

2009-02-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

So, if you were wondering about the validity of the Jessica Simpson rumors, let me take this opportunity to refute them! She is not fat. at all. She had on the cutest, most comfy looking little jumper at the concert in Biloxi and absolutely no cellulite to match. Now, let me just say this report is not bias. I'm actually not a Jessica fan. I went to the concert to appease my roomie. SHE on the other hand is OBSESSIVE! As in..my space messages her, buys her shoes and handbags, has books (yes, there are some), and has three or four movies she is in (yes, there are more than Dukes of Hazard). The concert was in Biloxi so the boys were easily convinced that the trip was a good idea. We stayed at the Imperial Palace Casino and Resort. The concert was actually right in the hotel. The trip was so much fun! Since we are all 21 now, we did experiment with the nickel and dime slots...my dad will be disappointed :(. The concert was actually really good too! She played her new country songs as well as her older stuff. However, it was only an hour...and she took a break. Did I mention the tickets were $75 (and those were the lowest priced seats)?! Anyway, Ally's face alone was plenty for the money honestly, but I definitely enjoyed myself surprisingly more than I expected. Here's a little insight into the trip!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

It's about time for an update, so let's pick up where we left off...Valentine's day was great this year...extremely laid back, but great! After working all day Friday and going to school with tests and papers and all that jazz, we decided to have a pajama party and just watch movies. Of course, "we weren't doing presents" but here are a few pictures of those "not presents" we exchanged. We ordered in Chili's with a gift card from the Tull grandparents :) and watched the movies I gave Lee with popcorn and raisinettes. It was just what we needed!

the gift box I gave Lee

My card for Lee- so perfect!

My beautiful flowers- all my favorites together!

Thanksgiving...early or late?

2009-02-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

ALSO, today after work, I got to go get my work from Dandy Doodles! Last Saturday, Ally and I spent the ENTIRE day painting to try to relax and just enjoy ourselves before studying that night...it's a trade off. Anyway, I decided to start working on our fall dinnerware. I made 1 serving piece and a 5 piece place setting to begin the collection. This is going to be an ongoing, fairly expensive project I might add. This was my trial run and definately didn't turn out so good. But I learned exactly what I need to do for the rest. Maybe this will be a backup?! ha. Anyway, I plan on making some adjustments, but I thought I would post the rough draft version now. Even my hobbies are starting to be old-married-lady-ish.

P.s. Don't get used to 2 blogs a day or anything. Just a fluke.

Pumpkin Serving Platter

Soup Bowl (3d leaf)

Acorn Dessert Plate

Salad Plate

Turkey Dinner Plate

Coffee Mug

Digital Scrapbooking

2009-02-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Ok...so I'm at work...blogging. BUT only because I'm having to answer the phones while the receptionist is at lunch (not as unethical as it seemed, right?). I had to go to a workshop today on digital scrapbooking. It's required to attend two library workshops as a grad. assistant and that's the first one I chose,...I know- slacker! It was actually fun..and I got paid for my time. Just wanted to let you look at my first piece of work! Keep in mind, we only worked on the actual scrapping for about 30 minutes WHILE learning how to use photoshop (which I desperately want). Anyway, here it is. Megan, be jealous...very jealous.

Yes, I am allergic...that is NOT the point!

The DAT

2009-02-05T20:40:00.001-08:00

Well, tomorrow's the day! Lee will take his first shot at the DAT. He is in Jackson staying with Russ and Megan tonight (even though they are probably going crazy getting their new floors). Everyone is trying to help any way they can to make this test less stressful. It starts at 8 in the morning and could last all day. I will be thinking about him ALL day, but unfortunately I will be at work...I know, we grow up so quickly! Anyway, it just seems like everything is starting to become a reality. It's really exciting...and scary! I know Lee will do great and he's been studying amidst all of his class work, but no matter how he does, it's just his first try and I'm so proud he is even going out for something so amazing! I tried to demonstrate my excitement and pride through a little happy basket for him..filled with strictly dental things that big boy dentists would like:

Just a little note to fit the occasion

"Follow your dreams!"

His happy box! SMILE!

He's still studying tonight and he feels pretty calm about the whole thing compared to how spastic I would be..guess that's why I'm not going that route in the first place! Well, everyone pray hard for him. This could be the start to a long process either way :)

(MISS YOU, LEE!)

My roomie...

2009-01-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well...Ally, my roommate and best friend, got engaged over Christmas. She is actually a bridesmaid in my wedding! Of course, she will be married and settled in before Lee and I even tie the knot!! I've gotten a little too used to this happening since we decided to wait TWO whole years! Anyway, it's giving me a little distraction to keep me from pouting now that she has asked me to be her maid of honor!! I'm so excited! I've already bought shower planning books and games and actually even purchased some invitations for one. I know, I need a life. Trust me, I have plenty to do (with grad. school and my job) but nothing nearly as fun as this! The way she asked me is so cute:

A scrapbook coffee mug and card

Her candlelight was great too! I chose not to have one since the idea is to surprise everyone and pretty much the whole world knew I was engaged by the time I got back to school! Therefore, Ally sort of shared hers. Ha. She even blew the candle out while I was still holding it. I also had the ring on MY finger...which meant my hands were pretty decorated that night! Our apt. has now turned into a wedding store house along with our usual "lazy/crazy house."

Our Chi Omega friends

I feel quite sure Lee is so glad there is someone else to plan with so he doesn't have to PRETEND to care quite so much.

The past few months...

2009-01-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Brad Paisley Concert

Birthday Surprises

Freezing in the Mountains

Dixie Stampede

Sky Lift

So, until Christmas, I had no camera. Until last weekend, I had no computer. As many of you can see....this makes for a pretty terrible blog. BUT, I now have both! Just a couple of the great things that have happened since my last post. Christmas was great this year. Lee and I celebrated all week! We even helped Ms. Rhonda decorate her house and wrapped gifts to put under her gigantic tree! It was so homey :). We spent a day on the lake with the Tulls, went to the candlelight service with both families, and Lee and Rhonda spent Christmas Eve with the Smith clan. They did this last year but I swear it just gets crazier every year! I love our traditions and it's so fun getting to start sharing them with Lee. Christmas Day was spent apart. My family took off for Jackson, MS to visit my mom's side of the family while Lee spent the day with his mom's side of the family as well. We've already been informed that we should start working this schedule out now if we want to enjoy our first Christmas in 2010! I got more than I even dreamed of receiving this year and I hope everyone else felt the same!

Next came New Year's, which we spent with my family in Gatlinburg. Lee had never been, so this was so much fun to share with him! My family used to go every spring break for cheerleading competitions and continued for a while just for fun. We visited the Pancake Pantry (which I regret to say I am too old for my favorite now - Bears in the Snow), the Apple Barn, and so many more great restaurants. We also shopped and rode the sky lift! The trip was a great way to relax and have a little bit of adventure. We rang in the new year watching fireworks and listening to a band from our hotel...What can i say? It had been a long day and just a little chili!!

We returned from the trip and went straight back to Starkville where we have been trying to get back into the hang of things. I started work at the Dean's Office on January 7th. I'm now in grad. school so it's a whole new world! Lee is taking classes here and at EMCC which makes for a busy schedule, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays! We even celebrated my birthday among all the chaos! I was treated VERY nicely! However, I did have to be at orientation for the MBA program the majority of the day- not quite as fun. Lee and I are both 22 now and it's sort of hard to believe! Even my baby brother will be 21 this year! We should all pray pretty hard over that little fact :). We're still planning the wedding and I'm beginning to think I really will need all this extra time we gave ourselves. Lee has been trying to study for the DAT when he has time here and there, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that! I know he will do so well, but he is a little intimidated about taking it for the first time!

Anyway, there is our life over the past few months in a very small nutshell! Hopefully, I will keep this thing going now that I have my resources. Pray for us this last year at school. We can definately tell it's about time to be done.

First Semester So Far

2008-09-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

the crocodile

crocodile, Wendy, and John

Well, our first swap of the year was last week! The theme was Never, Neverland and we went as the crocodile, Wendy, and John (the older of the two brothers). The party was SO much fun! We loved having Dustin around this time. Of course I made the boys wear these somewhat over-the-top costumes after I worked so hard on them! They ended up actually getting excited about it like I knew they would. School is already driving Lee and I crazy! We've had our first few tests and papers and it seems like there is never enough time for rest around here. In our "spare time" we even help Dustin take quizzes...

Football season is in progress now and I love it! No matter how bad everyone else says we may be playing, I still feel like if I cheer and RING loud enough, it makes ALL the difference! (hence my sore arms and hands today!) I know the game wasn't as good as it absolutely could have been, but I must say our defense did a great job (on getting our points)! I still love the dawgs and can't wait for our next home game...which seems forever away. Megan and Russ actually stayed all weekend for this game and joined us for Bulldog Bash! It was so fun and we had the best seats. Gavin Degraw and the Grove played so it was definately worth being there from 3 pm to 1am! It was a fun weekend!

tailgating (pre-Lee)

tailgating (with Lee)

Bulldog Bash

A Long Awaited Update

2008-08-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a crazy month!! Rush went great for Chi O, and I'm really excited about our new girls. It's just a little hard to believe it was my last year to do it. Classes resumed for MSU, and I must say it is VERY different having my little brother next door and in the same buildings for class! It definately takes a little of the homesick sting away. Lee turned 22 this month also!! We had an awesome cookout with friends Wednesday night and we ate the biggest filets any of us had ever seen....well, with the exception of Kyle Holcombe and his peanut butter and jelly sandwich from home. Can you tell he is now on the Starkville budget?! Lee and I have been so busy getting into the swing of things and trying to get off to a great start with classes that we haven't even had time to update you all! I can tell this last year as undergrads here is going to be our best yet and I'm SO excited about football season starting today! GO DAWGS!
Lee is spending this weekend with Ms. Rhonda in Jackson, and I brought Ally (my roomie) home to Corinth with me. We were planning on being at the beach, but I'm sure you can see that wasn't going to happen this week! We shopped around today in Corinth and we're planning a road trip to Jackson tomorrow after church to participate in the Macy's Labor Day Sale!! Yes, we just got our allowances for the month, and we might be having some of those peanut butter sandwiches by the 2nd week. Anyway, this holiday weekend has started off wonderfully and the weather here was beautiful today. I'm going to go watch the game with the family now!

School's Out!

2008-08-03T06:33:00.001-07:00

Well,...summer school turned out to be worth the pain this year for Lee and I. We both EARNED A's for our hard work, and we are now free for a couple of weeks. Well, Lee is anyway- I start rush this week. Lee and Dustin moved into their new apartment right beside mine this weekend, and I must say it was the easiest move I have ever witnessed! Guys are so much easier when it comes to things like that. It must have taken me at least a week to get everything in its place BEFORE I unpacked. They are already settled in and on their first road trip! They are in Greenville now at a rush party, and I decided to make the trip home to Corinth since my roommate is away in Florida. I'm afraid I won't have much time to blog over the next two weeks so I wanted to give a small update on our seemingly boring, busy lives just in case! All I can say is we are SO ready for football season to get here for some fun and relaxing Saturdays with the family! GO DAWGS!

Back to School

2008-07-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Lee and I are back in school now if you've been wondering why we haven't been keeping you tuned in for our not-so-exciting lives for the moment! Averaging two tests a week with presentations, and for Lee, speeches, we haven't had much time to do anything else. Although I'm sure my parents are pleased with our priorities, it is putting a bit of a dent in our blog excitement. I apologize for this, but we are actually doing well in our classes, so this is good! Other than that, we've stayed in Starkville other than one weekend we spent with Megan and Russ in Jackson. Megan and I did some early wedding shopping and compared notes while Lee and Russ worked out. It was a great needed break for us! We even got to see Nonnie and Pops, which is always great. We haven't visited with them since the family vacation where all of this began! Ok,..now it's off to study and prepare for our great school lives! Sorry for the brief synopsis.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-03T21:00:00.001-07:00

DISNEY

2008-07-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it's taken me a while to get this thing updated! You must understand it cost $10 a day to use the internet at Disney, therefore I opted not to do so. And, unlike my wonderful big sister, I rested after the journey home before returning to the blog! I think it goes without saying that the trip was FANTASTIC! Of course, it was Lee's first time to go to Disney World, so half of the fun was watching him. I must say I rode more roller coasters than I had planned, thanks to him. His favorite character is Goofy, so we pretty much searched for him constantly seeing how many outfits we could get pictures of him in! We watched 5 parades while in Disney and who can even say how many shows!? Each one was different and the details were amazing! We also watched 3 firework shows, and let's just say, the annual 4th of July fireworks were put to shame a little. We ate at the best restaurants, ranging from a 5o's diner with living room decor to Cinderella's castle as "royal guests"! Here's some pictures to give a little insight into our trip. No doubt Daddy will come out with a DVD pretty soon!

2 Down, 1 to Go...

2008-06-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

That's right, our time in Destin has come to an end. That makes two trips to Florida we've made and all we have left to look forward to is our trip to Disney World Monday! I know, like Daddy said, we must be exhausted. Ha. This week has been amazing and so relaxing. We finally stayed outside all day today (which is very unlikely for Lee and I). We made use of the pool and hot tub for more than just cooling off! Trying to soak up the last bit of Florida air to last us until Monday. Oh, about the whole Megan's recipe thing I mentioned the other day: Let's just say it didn't go as well as I had hoped! But hey, she is a lot to live up to as a chef!! Speaking of, if any of you are in need of food,....come visit our room when we leave. Our frig has been taken over by styrofoam boxes we swore we would take and finish! Anyway, it's time to pack up and head home once more. As Lee says, "It's so sad every time we leave Florida no matter how long we're there." See everyone soon!

Relaxation..

2008-06-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well, since the engagement, everything has been pretty crazy and I have to admit that I've disappeared into "lee and kristin world" but I feel like it's time to give a little update. I'm actually in Destin with Lee, Mrs. Rhonda, and Sissy (Lee's aunt) staying at the Mediterranea (GREAT place!). We actually ran into Courtney Ann and Evan here today at the beach. We have been relaxing and having fun....and EATING. We have eaten Buster's, Pompano Joe's, Guglielmo's, and Louisiana Lagniappe and it is only Tuesday!! We have decided to wake up early in the morning though, because- go figure- as soon as we get out to the beach each afternoon, the big clouds roll in. Think I might have brought the "Coon Cloud" with me?!...Thanks, Mom. Despite the thunder and lightning, the trip has already been so enjoyable (even though Lee and Mrs. Rhonda beat us at cards...)! There was one downfall to the trip though. We did have to miss Father's Day. That's right, Megan and I were both absent. Neither of us can stand missing ANYTHING much less that special day. Lee decided to pretend Saturday was Father's Day for Mr. Fred, and I left Daddy's Father's Day happy at home to open Sunday. Thank goodness Dustin picked up Megan's slack and took pictures to send of Daddy wearing and using everything he received this year! Well, that's why I'm a little behind in posting details of our life together - we're busy enjoying it this week!! Tomorrow we plan to buy Fool's Gold and use a couple of Megan's recipes! I'm so excited...two of my favorite things: food and movies.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-06-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

So,...today is our six year anniversary (as far as dating goes)! We began dating the summer after ninth grade. We celebrated by going out on the lake for the second day in a row, and luckily it didn't rain like yesterday! Megan joined us on our venture of course and we both have plenty of redness to prove it. You'll notice, I don't have my ring on in this picture. That would be because no one trusts me with it until I get it resized, and even then the future is looking pretty grim for my hand on the lake. Since she beat me to the computer, I won't put all the pictures up but you can go to her blog and check them out. We are now about to have a family dinner and possibly watch a movie! I know, pretty romantic....but we've had more than our fair share of that lately, so relaxing and eating for free probably sounds pretty nice to leeroy! He has actually even picked up a reading habit the past two days since I have been obsessing over the "Ultimate Wedding Planner" and cutting out every picture I see of dresses, cakes, flowers, etc. Needless to say, I'm still pretty excited about the engagement and I hope that doesn't go away for a while!!

SURPRISE!

2008-06-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

So...it's official. Lee and I are bloggers now, after much persuasion on the part of my dear sister and future mother-in-law! As many already know (you gotta love Corinth) Lee popped the question night before last after an INTERESTING walk on the beach. I have never claimed to be much of a successful romantic, but that night knocked the word out of my vocabulary! Lee had tried, unsuccessfully, all week long to get me alone. On a Smith family vacation, that is pretty much unfathomable! Wednesday night, he packed the ring in his pocket for our journey to the Back Porch to eat. Well, needless to say, that didn't exactly work out. Megan and I decided it should be the three of us instead. Silent about the issue, Lee went on until Friday. Friday night, our last night in PCB, Lee and I decided to go to Margaritaville for supper. For some reason, he seemed adomant that we have alone time so I left Megan at home pouting. When we got there, it was a two hour wait...no thanks! So...we had PIZZA. Well, the cousins then decided to go to Tootsie's lounge which I could not miss, so Lee was extremely quiet and saying he would really love to just go for a walk on the beach alone. Around 10, I finally gave in and we headed to the beach. Well, the walk was as could be expected - I was stumbling over the sand in my flip flops (didn't want to step on crabs, you see), slinging sand onto my legs (causing an allergic reaction of course), and switching my gigantor of a purse from shoulder to shoulder. About 10 minutes into the walk, i asked for some kind of marker as to how far I was expected to walk in these conditions. Lee then mumbled something about me 'catching him' and my heart pretty much dropped past my stomach and straight onto the beach! I started saying a lot about him freaking me out and telling him "NO, NO!! we need a redo!" and he drops to one knee! I swear I left him down there without an answer for a good 5 minutes as I asked question after question about my dad's opinion on the issue while saying "Of course I'm going to marry you, but....". I finally gained my composure and said yes of course, and let the poor boy get off his knee. I repeatedly let him know this is what he's in for for the rest of his life and asked if he was sure he still wanted me! The rest is history and the family was SHOCKED to say the least. Dustin just stated that he was sweating and asked if we were serious while Megan instinctively reached for her camera (or as Lee calls it, her second phone) and got most of the night documented. Only my dad and Mr. Fred knew it was anywhere close to time and they were VERY sneaky. Lee and his dad even entered and exited the jewelry store through the back alley entrance! I think the whole town of Corinth knew before I lifted a finger to text Emily, the only person I could even think to text through the excitement (after families). She won't even see the ring or me until JULY by the way! Not one of my friends has seen it in person might I add with a tear. So it's off to the store for me - I must buy every wedding planner, bridal magazine, and etiquette book I can get my hands on! So...there's the main points of the "story" and, as Lee so sweetly told me, "It's O.K., Kristin, I wouldn't want it any other way. If it was romantic, it wouldn't be us!" I think he was TRYING to make me feel better....