One year ago...

David and I are sitting here listening to the rain on this peaceful Saturday morning. One year ago, I was at the most beautiful bridesmaids' luncheon, and he was with the men eating BBQ at the cabin. I am thankful that we had blue skies all weekend long! In honor of our special, memorable, wonderful wedding weekend, I wanted to reminisce a little starting with our rehearsal dinner at my in-law's gorgeous home.
I love all the beautiful details that Mrs. Pam incorporated into the evening, with the help of Tulips and Ivy florists in Hawkinsville.
My love of all things Italian was a sort of inspiration for the evening. Using beautiful blocks of cheese, and cheese boxes with grape bunches had such a lovely, abundant feel to them.
The place settings were so detailed too, and had our names tucked into a cork. The menus sat at our places too, in traditional Italian order.
My father-in-law makes the best spaghetti sauce, and it was served that night at well.
My best friend, Amy Kennedy Arnold, made this sweet slide show for the guests to see during cocktail time.


Look how beautifully the desserts are presented! David's favorite cake is vanilla cake with chocolate icing, so the caterer, the talented Pat Coody, had one for him with our new monogram on top!
Dips, crackers, sauces and breads!
Cafe'!
Bellinis!
The beautiful hostess, my mother-in-law, Pammy!
My handsome grandfather!

Our rehearsal dinner was the perfect way to spend the evening before our big day...it was relaxing and we were able to be with our closest friends and family! We are truly blessed to have them all in our lives!

Wanted: Dead or Alive!

Last Thursday, Abbye and I had the pleasure of going with our mom and her friends to see Jon Bon Jovi. The show at Phillips Arena was sold out and so much fun! Jen got the tickets for everyone and they were INCREDIBLE seats! The "Friendgirls" LOVE Jon himself, but me - I like Richie Sambora. Here's Abs and I on the way....


I loved being with Abs, Jen, Steph, Claudette and Mom!

Yay for Mom and Daughter time!
Look at all those people!

This past weekend my friend Colby Jane had a luncheon at the beautiful Henderson Village just south of Perry. I got to see our friend Lauren Giles too. As you can see, Colby had a Bloody Mary, while Lauren and I took advantage of the Mimosas!
She had a few gifts to open too....and the backdrop of the gardens at Henderson Village is gorgeous! Colby is getting married on May 1st, so she's a soon Bride-to-be! We are so excited for she and Jaime!

I know I have posted a lot today, but just one more thing....you have to read this if you're a fan of Chelsea! I watch Chelsea Lately religiously every night. She's hilarious, and her other two books are so funny too - My Horizontal Life and Are you there vodka? It's me Chelsea

Also, everyone's favorite nugget, Chuy, has a book out too - Little Nuggets of Wisdom

Firehouse Subs

In 2008, David's uncle Grady and dad, Mr. Benjy opened up their first Firehouse Subs in Tucker, Georgia. Since then, I have been helping them with their marketing and catering advertising. I've enjoyed getting to spend time with my new family in a field I'm learning about, and its been fun to be out and about to meet new people.

In addition to their unbelievably delicious sub sandwiches, the Firehouse Subs restaurants are known for the beautiful murals near the front of the stores. They hire muralists to design one for you, and encourage you to include family members if possible in the portrait. Our nephew Ben, and Fain's son Aiden were obvious choices! Here, you can see they're being rescued by local firemen!

This past winter, the new Firehouse Subs in Duluth, Georgia opened and I've been helping out with that new territory ever since. Robert is running the new store, so I've enjoyed seeing him more too! Once again, our little Aiden and Ben made the mural. Here, they're driving the fireman golf cart!
We love spending time with our two adorable little ring bearers when we get a chance. Ben with his mischievous smile and Aiden with his sweet disposition are total joys for David and I to be around. This past Christmas, Pammy surprised everyone with a visit from Santa at the Griffin Family Christmas. Ben and Aiden were happy little guys and in complete awe that Santa had come to see them to listen to their Christmas lists!

Almost Anniversary...

If you haven't been to this jewel in Macon before, then its time to plan a trip! Last year, after David and I married, we gave Mom and Dad a gift certificate for Natalia's as a thank you. While it would take about a million dinners at Natalia's to cover all they did for us, we thought it would be a nice night out for them nonetheless. Well, they hadn't used the gift certificate yet, so they invited us to join them in a little pre-anniversary celebration since we were going to be home this past weekend.
Over the years, our family has enjoyed quiet nights here for dinner, birthday celebrations, and New Year's parties at Natalia's. Natalia's story is quite interesting, and her children have followed in her restaurateur footsteps. Fountain of Juice and Marco's are also fabulous if you're in the area.
Of course, we missed Abbye and Asa, but are always super happy to have Brince and Becca with us!
We'll celebrate our first year as Mr. and Mrs. on April 25th! Its flown by so fast!!!!
Natalia's has amazing desserts, and we loved our bread pudding. Brince and Becca had the cheesecake.
To my other April Anniversary celebrators: Amy and Chris, Kim and Nick - Happy Anniversary to you too!

Wednesday night at Turner Field

Ryals was sweet enough to organize a fun night out at Turner Field to cheer on our favorite ball club, the Braves! They're America's team! Colby and Jaime hopped in the car for the excursion too!


Yay for best friends at sporting events!

If you look really closely, you can see a little blue speck over the beer man's right shoulder. Thats William! He and a few other friends came up from Hawkinsville, and had primo seats in that bottom corner overlooking the bull pen.

Braves Win! Braves Win! Braves Win!

We all left happy and full on ballpark hotdogs and beer. And everyone vowed to come back asap for another night with the Bravos!

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

When David and I returned home from the Easter weekend with our families, Spring had "sprung" in our yard! What a delight to come home to!


The small pink buds on this tree, while beautiful, attract a serious amount of bees....when I get out of my car, I can hear them humming! We are ready for them move on!


I got this beautiful orchid from David's grandmother's house this past weekend. The Griffin family gathered together to divide up her things and I made off with some beautiful plants. She had a charming little sunroom filled to the brim with violets, orchids, ivy, and a plethora of green houseplants.


Sadly, the daffodils are almost done blooming, and I cant help but gather up whats left for us to enjoy indoors!



My herb garden is on its way!



Just in time for the Master's, we have azalea blooms popping up around our yard!



Our hydrangeas haven't bloomed yet, but I couldn't help including this photo from last summer. Once our bushes begin bearing these beautiful blooms, we'll have enough to cut fresh ones well into the fall.

David and I are really lucky to have our parents in the same town, especially when it comes to holiday gatherings. We were able to be with both families this past weekend, and it worked out perfectly. The Hardin Easter Egg Hunt was Saturday night. On Sunday, the Griffin family lunch was at Vicky and Grady's house which is next door to my parent's house where the Coody family gathered! We just walked across the yard!



We ladies couldn't resist a photo with our sweet Datee on Easter Sunday!



And in true form, the boys needed one too! Handsome men, right!



My siblings and I are blessed beyond measure with our first cousins on BOTH sides. The Childers + Coodys on my Dad's side, and the Duggan crew on my Mom's side. We missed Ivy and Chandler, but were tickled to have Gracie and Hugh with us at Baboo and Gongaman's house for the Easter Egg Hunt!

Weekend Reading

I know we all love a book recommendation, and I read this one in about 24 hours. When David and I were in Florida a few weeks ago, I had plenty of time to read and this definitely held my attention. Enjoy!

From brooches to bling

Martha Stewart showed me how to make fabulous necklaces from old brooches and earrings. One cold Saturday this winter, I sat down and made 10! Of course there are a few I like better than others, but hopefully you can make one or two of your own! Here are Martha's instructions for your next rainy day project!

TOOLS NEEDED:

• Costume brooches (we used 6, about 2 inches wide) or earrings (we used about 5 pairs, 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches wide) with openwork designs, from Bijoux Way
• Wire cutters
• Sandpaper
• Clear nail polish (optional)
• Copper spray paint
• Paper towels
• 1/4-inch jump rings
• Needlenose pliers
• 1 1/2-inch-wide silk ribbon, cut into two 24-inch lengths

Step 1

Prepare Jewelry

Snap off brooch or earring backs using wire cutters, and sand down any sharp bits so they won't catch on clothing. For extra protection, apply clear nail polish to the area; let dry.

Step 2

Add Copper Finish

For an antique look, coat pieces with spray paint, then quickly rub off most of the paint with a paper towel. Let dry
Step 3

Create Necklace

Using jump rings (metal rings that open and close) and pliers, connect pieces in a pleasing order. Attach a ring at each end: Thread each ribbon halfway through the end rings; knot each ribbon at ring if desired. Tie behind neck to wear.