ONE big weekend.

Lots of celebration been goin' on in the fam. Most importantly Clark graduated from Southern Poly; something to do with Engineering. It was a proud moment and know that Dad was with us.



And Cony and I celebrated our big One year. We kept it pretty low key- in fact we didn't even buy presents for each other. We just loved each other and spent the weekend in a really nice hotel and did NOTHING. It was just what the doctor ordered. Try it sometime.



I was on the hunt for a picture of me as a baby with my dad as Santa Clause. Didn't find it, but found these instead. I have very fond memories of Christmas growing up and can't wait to make those same type of memories with our kiddos. When we have them of course.

Just call us Martha

For the first time in a while I have been achin' for Christmas to get here so I can decorate! I haven't had a tree in a couple of years and this is the first for Cony and I to have 'our' tree. Christmas was almost forgotten last year since we got married only 10 days before.. But this year I started making ornaments weeks ago and last Monday Chay and I decided to have a craft day. I didn't go into work that day and we literally spent the entire day crafting things while watching sappy girl movies. Example: P.S. I love you. It was great. Although I still have some things left undone, I couldn't love my, I mean 'our' tree more.



Stockings I made out of felt. Very cheap.


Our first official ornament. 2007.





Our nativities.

This one my mommy made for us. One of my most treasured items.




I know this is random but these towels were our birthday gifts from my mom. She had them embroidered with a fork for Cony and spoon for me. Our nicknames for each other. I guess I should explain why we call each other by utensils. When we were dating and we would have a conversation through text messaging, I would say 'you are such a dork', but my phone always put it has 'you are such a fork'... it's one of those things. But I love these towels, most assuredly some of the best gifts we've gotten.

Complex

Yes, I'm a huge fan of the Twilight series. I was one of those people who went to see it at 12 a.m. showing on Friday. Cony has not read any of the books and probably won't. However, he has been getting girls (teeny poppers-or young college girls) asking to have their photos with him and compliment after compliment saying he looks like Edward. Seriously, I have lost count at this point at how many times... So this morning we were late for church but I found myself not being able to walk out the door without having my hair done, because I do not want to be one of those girls where others are wondering how I got such a good looking guy. You know the type? I'm ashamed to admit it but I have wondered that myself with a few couples. While thinking this, I realized I'm getting a slight complex. (Please note, I do not say these things looking for compliments or such words of affirmation...at ALL!)

But since reading the book I always felt Cony was my Edward. I would without a second thought become immortal to be with him.

Not much..

I hate when I think of a clever title for my post and forget it. Forgetting happens way too easily for me. Is it possible to get Alzhemier's at 28?

I love Halloween. Maybe because it's right before my birthday, or the time of year. I don't know but I love it. So when it was mandatory to dress up for Halloween I was thrilled! I didn't win the contest however I have a goal to win it next year!


I realize it's late but wanted to share my $.99 Halloween decoration we made.. I call it the 'Spider Tree'.. original I know.


It's been an emotional week. I turned 28 and that day was not easy for a couple of reasons. Mostly because mom called me and sang me Happy Birthday and it hit me that dad wasn't singing along with her. It brought up a lot of emotions that I was not expecting. I have some really great friends that cheered me right up. Even if they didn't know I needed the cheering. We got home from dinner and the house was decorated and filled with all my favorite people. Not only was that a surprise but so was my cake... the best birthday cake anyone has ever made me.



I also feel that Satan has been working over time on Cony and myself. Will we ever make it to the temple? I have hope that we will make it but we are both fighting our own demons and hopefully we will come ahead together. Through all my unstable emotions I feel very fortunate to have him in my life. We have a love that I feel some won't ever experience in life. Clearly we aren't perfect and I hope it hasn't seemed like I'm painting that type of picture.

Speaking of pictures, on Sunday we went on a walk on a secret trail that I found and it was gorgeous. It was a perfect way to spend the Sabbath.

A Force of Nature...

I have just now found time to catch up. And that's only because I'm currently on a teleconference for 2 hours at home.. and I'm bored. This past weekend was crazy. I'm not sure how I survived... but we did.

It all starts with me flying to Chicago for a meeting on Thursday. It was great fun. First time there and wasn't anything what I expected. Didn't know what I expected but I LOVE Chicago. I met a new friend from Nashville and we kept each other entertained during the (boring) meeting. Stayed at the Drake Hotel and I had a driver from the airport which was a first for me. I felt so foolish. Also met up with Nate and Erin for dinner. What did we eat? Chicago Deep Dish Pizza! I didn't think I was going to like it because of all that cheese, but holy cow is was yummy. I ordered enough to bring some home for Cony but I forgot it and I'm still really bummed! Friday night I stayed with my cousin Alma and his beautiful wife and son. I have really good memories of my cousins when we were little so I love seeing them all grown up with their own families. In brief, I walked a lot around on Michigan Avenue (the Miracle Mile) and also walked to the Navy Pier.







Okay so while I was still in Chicago, Cony's mom and sister flew in from Texas to surprise him for his 25th birthday. He wasn't expecting it all so I would call the secret a success. I have only met them once in Texas so I'm happy they were able to come see how we live and love each other. I also had another surprise up my sleeve for Saturday night. Some of the plans for the afternoon got canceled so he knew something was up. However, he thought it was a surprise party at the house after we had dinner because he saw me leave a key under the mat. Him seeing me worked to my advantage because when we decided to go ice skating and all of our buddies were there, it threw him off. It really tickled me pink that everyone had such a great time ice skating.





I love this picture cause you can see Laura beatin' up Cony for tripping her!



Sunday mom and Hanna came to church with us. Which worked out so perfectly because during sacrament there was a special Restoration program that taught a lot about the church. We had Heather Smith take some family pictures after wards that I can't wait to see.. mostly because I don't believe they have any family pictures.. so it's going to make for a nice Christmas present. :)

We also spread my dads ashes in Dahlonega. It was a beautiful spot and know he is pleased. I'm still learning often why it is that dad needed to go. I miss him terribly and still have the 'what-if's' and question my character from the past.. But one good thing that is happening from this is that our relationship with our half-siblings is blooming. I hate that it couldn't happen when dad was around physically, but I believe there is always a reason for things. I have hope that the reasons will open themselves up in the future.

Bees

Warning: Random thoughts ahead. It all starts with my sister date with Emily Side note: also just wanted to mention that we are taking husband applications for her, so if you know anyone or you yourself would like to apply, please email for more information, also see picture below! We got a little shopping in.. I bought some really cute North Face flip-flops at REI for $3.83 for the nieces and nephews. Who can pass up $3 flip-flips?! Did a little birthday shopping for Conster and we made our way to the movie theater to see Secret Life of Bees. I have loved this book for a while and they did such a beautiful job on this film! Hands down, beautiful. There's love, heartache, sisterhood, romance, southern setting, honey, bee-keeping, death, a bit of history, on and on.. It just made me want to have my big old country house with lots of land with a barn and garden even more! My dad was a bee keeper so we had all that jazz in our back yard and I'm a little sad Clark gave dad's stuff away. I wouldn't mind having a hive or two in memory of him.
See, isn't she beautiful!?

It's been a struggle lately. It seems I'm doing all I can to keep from falling into a pit of despair. I don't feel like being social except with family and although my job is getting better (not by much but it's something), I would love nothing more than to just stay home and do what I love and learn other hobbies I've become obsessed with--photography! At moments I feel 'why am I fighting so hard not to be sad, don't I have the right to mourn?!' But when my head is on straight I see things are the way they should be.
A year ago this weekend we were in Boston for the Head of the Charles. The team is up there now and wish so much we could be up there with them. It's crazy to think it was a year a go. It's a little bizarre how somethings you remember so clearly like it was just last week and others that were last week seem forever ago. So in memory of Boston here are the only pictures I could find from our trip. Also would just like to say "ROW STEADY STATE!" Good luck boys and hope your trip home isn't anything like last years.


I came home today from work and the house was spotless. Cony cleaned it exactly how I would have cleaned it. He even opened up all the blinds in the apartment! Seems like a silly thing to be excited about but I love natural light in the house so I'm constantly opening the blinds while he is constantly closing them. Saying this I realize that some woman go way over board saying how wonderful or perfect their husbands are and frankly it's annoying. Even though I think Cony is wonderful and perfect .. others might not have that luxury and we should be a little more thoughtful. I only say this because I was once on the other end and I was completely miserable! So I just added that last little tid-pit so I could read this in a few months and remember how he made my day so much easier.
Going off on the last thought, during General Conference weekend Cony set up our fort in the living room. It was so dang cute. I was busy doing something and before I know it, he's got the chairs lined up ready to build our cozy little nest.

Everyone is somebody

Since it is now my favorite time of year, we jumped on the chance to attend the North GA Fair. Yea baby! It's a great chance to eat junk food, people watch and ride the largest ferris wheel in the country. Come to find out while the cart was moving it's way up and around Cony HATES ferris wheels. I couldn't stop laughing because I had NO idea. Who hates ferris wheels!?! I mean honestly. Apparently he had a bad experience growing up. Whatever, I love them and he loves me, so we ride them.




He tried really hard to win that $20 for me but settled climbing the medium side.


The ferris wheel we are about to ride. Cony is secretly wanting to run away..


Cony trying to run away but can't cause he's stuck in a moving cart! (I'm so glad he loves me.)

Secret Life

I just found out that one of my favorite books is now a movie opening October 17th. If you haven't read this, go get it now!

Don't pee

"Don't pee on my head and tell me it's raining". Was probably a term I heard almost has much as "Suck it up!" from my dad. I was in the car the other day listening to country, because let's be honest..the other music you hear on the radio is total crap! Anyways, back to being in my car. I heard a song that has always reminded me of my dad. Josh Turners 'Long Black Train'. I LOVE this song because it has such a beautiful message. Here look for yourself:

There's a long black train comin' down the line,
Feeding off the souls that are lost and cryin'.
Rails of sin, only evil remains.
Watch out, brother, for that long black train.
Look to the heaven's, you can look to the sky.
You can find redemption staring back into your eyes.
There is protection and there's peace the same:
Burnin' your ticket for that long black train.

'Cause there's victory in the Lord, I say.
Victory in the Lord.
Cling to the Father and his Holy name,
And don't go ridin' on that long black train.

There's an engineer on that long black train,
Makin' you wonder if the ride is worth the pain.
He's just a-waitin' on your heart to say:
"Let me ride on that long black train."

But you know there's victory in the Lord, I say.
Victory in the Lord.
Cling to the Father and his Holy name,
And don't go ridin' on that long black train.

Well, I can hear the whistle from a mile away.
It sounds so good but I must stay away.
That train is a beauty makin' everybody stare,
But its only destination is the middle of nowhere.

But you know there's victory in the Lord, I say.
Victory in the Lord.
Cling to the Father and his Holy name,
And don't go ridin' on that long black train.

I said cling to the Father and his Holy name,
And don't go ridin' on that long black train.

Yeah, watch out brother for that long black train.
That devil's drivin' that long black train.


Last Friday we went up to Dahlonega for our nephew Jonathon's football game.(Go Lumpkin County Indians!) Jonathon is 16 and belongs to my dads oldest daughter Jennifer. We have never had a great relationship with his 3 oldest kids. In fact, you could say we've never had a relationship with them. With Cony and I planning to be sealed in the temple we wanted to have a little celebration after wards with family and close friends. I wanted to invite Jennifer, Greg and Matthew so we could get a picture with dad and all his kids. I had this all planned out in my head. But I feel we are on the road to building a relationship with them. The whole night it just felt normal to be around them. (Does this make sense!?) I'm sad that it's taken dad's death for it to happen, but I also have faith he is enjoying it with us.



Sunday after church Cony and I went for a little picnic and a walk to one of our favorite spots. I LOVE this weather. Fall is heaven for me.

A little more interesting

So I promised a little more information and more excitement in the next post. So hopefully this post will fill that void in your life because you didn't know what exactly was going on in our life. ;)
For Labor Day we headed up to Lake Burton. Most haven't even heard of the lake, so I'm hesitant to even mention it cause it's a wonderful little secret. The Epple family invited us to stay with them in their lake home called Laurel Haven. The house is a dream. I'm not even sure how we got there because it's in the middle of NOwhere. Sunday (yes we broke the sabbath mom- don't freak out!) we got there and got straight to business. The boat of course! Did a little tubing and just enjoyed being in the beautiful scenery.
After dinner, Cony and I decided to go swimming and that involved jumping off the railing of the boathouse. (which is a dream by itself). I can honestly say that was one of the greatest nights Cony and I were able to spend together. We just kept climbing those stairs and jumping that 20 or more feet off the railing. Cony was a little boy in a toy store. And to make it even better it started raining. But not the hard-lightning type of rain, the romantic-makes you want to just lay there forever type of rain. It made it special because it was just the two of us with no worries and just time to enjoy our love. I DID NOT want it to end.
We were staying in the master suite on the main floor (I would explain this amazing home but I wouldn't be able to stop.. just know it was GRAND) which was next to the screened-in porch, but it's more like an outdoor living room. This is where we spent most of the night watching 'Hero's'. And from the previous post you already know that we are addicted to 'Hero's'.
The next morning before we left we headed out on the boat and I was able to water ski! Cony didn't because he has huge feet that didn't fit anything they had. Dad would call his feet skis they are so big! Oh dad, I will miss your sense of humor.
So if we ever have a house on a lake we will invite you (who ever reads this-anyone?) to come spend a fabulous, carefree weekend sometime.







More on a serious, less exciting note. I started my new job last week as a Research Assistant in a Dermatology office. So far I really like it, just going through all those 'new job' frustrations. I know I will really like it when I know what the heck I'm doing!
My upstairs neighbor is being so loud I can't focus anymore. I can only listen to Adele's "Chasing Pavements" so many times. I wish I could sing like her. Maybe one day.