Our Su"SPENCE"ful Life...

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2011-11-07T16:41:00.001-08:00

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Brecken's Birth Story

2011-10-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last Monday was a rainy day. Normally I love rainy days when I have nothing to do, but rain on this particular day made me very sad...Monday was the day I was going to walk until I couldn't walk anymore and get Mr. Brecken to come out and play. For the past week I had been feeling labor signs/pains and getting very anxious. I must have googled "labor signs", "3.5 cm dilated", "going into labor", and anything else imaginable to give me some kind of hint to when Brecken was coming. Can we tell that I am a control freak?!?!? I mean really?
Byron had gone to work early Monday morning and was sitting on pins and needles waiting for a phone call. My mom came to my house to pick me up and brought me to her house to watch movies and hang out with her and Ashley. Around lunch time we decided that it was a good day for Chili so we headed up to Wendy's and got a chili and chicken sandwich...both of us ate for $5.00...awesome. As we were going to Wendy's I mentioned to mom that I thought was feeling some contractions, but every time I voiced it they would go away. I was coming to terms with the fact that Brecken would come when God wanted him to come, not Brittany...you see I struggle with control.

Byron got home around 4:00 and met me at my parents house. Mom was cooking Spaghetti and invited us to stay and eat and watch a movie. Throughout this time mom and I went to Publix and walked laps around the grocery store, I walked up and down their stairs several times, I even slightly bounced down their stairs a few times (I was given this advice and feel that it is the one that worked the best), I researched acupressure points and made Byron watch a YouTube video explaining them and practice them on me, and I googled and googled and googled. We finished eating and went downstairs to watch the movie. Ashley and Parker bought cookies and milk and I ate several (not going into how many "several" is). While watching the movie I was progressively uncomfortable, but still kept telling myself it was all in my head since I had been pretty obsessed with him coming.

We left my parents around 8:00 and went to bed to watch some Modern Family episodes that we had not caught up on. Around 10:30 I started having intense back pain in waves and cramping. This pain was worse than any of the pain I had earlier in the day, but I was still doubtful and afraid to go to the hospital. My biggest fear was that I would be "that girl" that went to the hospital with lots of false alarms. As the contractions progressed I started to notice that they were getting more intense and started timing them. Byron had to be at work early in the morning so I didn't want to keep him up so I silently rolled around in the bed, walked around the house, and tried to time the contractions. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore so I asked him to help me time them because I kept forgetting when they started and stopped. He fell asleep during the down time between contractions which was a fail. So I got up and went to the living room around 12:30 to "google" and record contractions on my laptop. I paced around with pain and at 1:30 the contractions were about 10 minutes apart, but getting more intense so I woke Byron up and told him I was getting a shower and fixing my hair because we were going to have to go to the hospital. He was excited, but then fell back asleep...gotta love it. While in the shower the contractions kept coming so when I got out of the shower I got Byron up and told him to get a shower, pack his bag, load the car, and pick me up around back because it was raining and I didn't want to fall down the stairs. We got all 500 bags in the car and headed to the hospital around 2:45 am. I called Dr. Long and apologized to be calling her in the middle of the night and then told her I thought that I was in labor, but I was a "first time mom" and didn't know for sure. She was so sweet and laughed and told me to go on into the hospital.

While on the way to the hospital Byron got on 85...not sure why...so it took us quite a bit longer to get there and my contractions started getting more painful and closer together. I was actually glad this started happening...I was pretty sure at this point that this was the real thing. When we got to the hospital we found out that they had lost our preregistration paperwork and although I tried to be really nice I was getting a little temperamental due to the contractions. They went ahead and took me back to be examined and we found out that I was 5 1/2 cm's dilated and fully effaced. The nurse told me everything looked great and she was sending the other nurses in to get me into a room. At that point I asked her if this was "the real thing" and she laughed and said "oh yes" so we called our parents. I was so excited, anxious, nervous, but most of all CLUELESS! Byron called my parents and woke them up. When the phone rang mom told dad "that's it" while half asleep. Byron told her that we were at the hospital and they got up and got showers to come up and wait for Brecken. Dad went into Ashley's room to tell her and she said she was going into school to get a sub and meeting us all at the hospital. Byron then called his parents and his mom said she was curling her hair and they were on the way. Instead of calling Byron's sisters house and waking the kids up we waited until a little later.

They came and moved me to a delivery room and began to hook me up to monitors, put in an IV (which I hated and complained about several times), and got all of my paperwork completed. They asked if I wanted an epidural at that time and I said I wanted to wait until the pain was worse to make sure I needed one. We turned on the TV, listened to Brecken's sweet heart beating, and waited for our parents to arrive.

My parents got there first (after stopping by QT for drinks and snacks) and came into the room to talk for a little while. We watched the news and waited patiently. Byron's parents arrived and we got even more excited. By 5:30 my pain was getting worse and the nurse came in to ask if I would like my epidural yet. I was ready. About an hour later the nurse and Anesthesiologist came in to give me epidural. We cleared the room and my anxiety went through the roof! I have told many people that the build up to the epidural was much worse than the actual epidural. Byron was so great through the whole thing comforting me and keeping me calm. When the epidural was over I was feeling great and actually took a few naps. At that point I told my parents that I could have 4 or 5 kids if it felt like this...my tune soon changed. Around 8:30 the nurse came back in to examine me and found that I had stalled with my progression so she started some other liquids in my IV and by 9:30 Dr. Arona came in to examine me and I was around 8 cm's and almost ready to push. She told us we should have a baby by 11:00 and everyone got very excited. At 10:00 AM Dr. Arona came back in and told the nurses to get ready to start pushing and asked who would be staying in the room with me. Ashley decided to stay so she could take pictures after Brecken was born so Byron would not have to worry with it. Then, around 10:05 AM Dr. Arona was called into an emergency surgery and we were told that I would have to wait for 2 hours. I was not at all upset about this because this gave Breck more time move down on his own and my epidural was still working well. We waited again and watched tv and napped.

Around 1:00 PM the nurse came in told us that we were going to start pushing. She told Ashley to grab a leg (she was not at all expecting that) and Byron to get on the other side. Both Byron and Ashley did great. Ashley was serious an in full basketball coach mode and Byron was so sweet and encouraging. Throughout the entire process Ashley was texting a play by play to our parents in the waiting room and many sources have told me that my dad teared up and cried several times. I pushed for an hour and 15 minutes and then the nurse told me to stop and wait for Dr. Arona to get back into the room. I told her that I could NOT stop pushing so I kept doing little pushes and Dr. Arona arrived. I pushed 2 more times and at 2:29 PM Brecken Stephen Spence was born.

I can't even tell you what happened in the room after that moment...I was overwhelmed and completely in love. Byron said that nurses came in from everywhere and each had a different job...Aunt Ashley took pictures and stayed with Brecken and Byron stayed with me and texted our family in the waiting room the stats.

When everything settled down they cleared the room and Byron, Brecken, and I had about 10 minutes together as a new little family. It was amazing.

I was ready to introduce Brecken to his extended family so we texted them and they all came in. I held all of my emotions together until my parents walked into the room and I fell apart. My dad came in crying and that is all I had to see.

I felt so much love at that moment and I was so happy that my little guy had all of these people who instantly fell in love with him...we are so blessed. Everyone was passing Brecken around, talking about how beautiful he was, and taking lots and lots of pictures.

Our cell phones were exploding with texts and Facebook comments and I just sat in the room watching and soaking every feeling in this moment in. It was the happiest time of my life and I could NEVER explain the feelings I felt with words...it just wouldn't do it justice. I love this little boy with everything in me and I can't wait to watch him grow into the man that God has planned for him to be. The moment I first found out I was pregnant I began praying for my baby and I haven't stopped since then. A baby really changes everything.

1 Samuel 1:27

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.

Maternity Pictures

2011-10-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

A few Saturday's ago (October 2nd) we scheduled my sister to take some Maternity Pictures of us. Of course that Friday night I decided I didn't want to do any because my face was swollen, I was really tired, and didn't want to wake up early. Whine, whine, whine. Ashley, mom, and Byron talked me into doing them anyways and I am really glad that they did! We couldn't be more happy with our photographer and new camera...that new camera is already saving us $$$! I would recommend our Nikon to ANYONE!

Monroe Shower

2011-10-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

If you ask where the most generous people in the world live I would quickly answer Monroe, Georgia. These people never cease to amaze me with their small town community love for each other. It's almost like taking a step back in time for me because these people really still believe in being there for each other and celebrating for each other. I was really looking forward to this shower and I am so glad I made it to the shower!

This cake was so adorable! I just love the cakes made by Julie! She is super talented!

The Thursday before the shower (which was on Sunday, October 2nd) I went to the Doctor and got the shocking news that Baby Brecken is coming very quickly. At that point, although they can never predict, the Dr. was not sure if I would make it through the week. Well...I am a planner. Ask anyone who knows me well...I plan to the point that it can be obsessive...honestly I could be considered a bit of a "control freak" too. This totally took me off guard. Everyone kept telling me how wonderful it was and lucky I would be to get to meet him early, but I was not feeling it...AT ALL. I planned for Breck to come October 26th and I had my leave at school planned, things that I needed to do around the house planned, Byron's work planned, and most of all my showers were planned around this date. We still needed to shop for some essentials and get lots done around the house. Let's just say I had a few meltdowns. So we were worried I might not make it to the shower on Sunday, but I did! And, just in the true unpredictable fashion of babies, Brecken is still not here and we are almost completely ready. I am confident that is a God thing so this new mommy has time to get everything just right for our little man!

The Monroe Shower was so great! It was hosted by Sheri (my sister-in-law), Mrs. Charlotte (one of Byron's other mothers...his best friends mom), Mrs. Pat (another one of Byron's other mothers), Sarah Beth (Byron's best friends wife), Haley (Pat's daughter and a close friend that Byron grew up with), and Katie (Byron's best friends younger sister). They did the most fabulous job. The theme was UGA and everything was so nice. Going into the shower my mom and I had made a list of everything that I needed that I was worried about getting, and you won't believe it, but I got it ALL on Sunday. I even got things that I didn't register for that I had on my list that I needed. These sweet people think of everything! Once again, just like when we got married, I left this shower so completely grateful and overwhelmed by their generosity.

All of the wonderful food! How can you not gain a few pounds with all of these showers???

This adorable Diaper Cake was made by Sarah Beth. I love it!

Just the beginning of the gifts. It was a "drop-in" shower so gifts just kept coming as the shower progressed.

I had two great helpers!

How cute is this towel? I can't wait for Brecken to use it by the pool and at the beach this summer!

He better be here in time to wear this cute outfit!

If you know Byron you know that he LOVES football. I like it too, but he LOVES it. Anyways, my favorite player on each team is usually not the Quaterback...instead it's the kicker! Of course Brecken can grow up to play or do anything he would like, but I sure would LOVE for him to be a kicker! So Sara and Spencer did an awesome job when they picked this onesie out for Breck.

My mom gave me this really cute crocheted helmet and Ashley gave me this picture frame that Byron and I had really liked a few months ago. She surprised us!

Just some of our gifts. We got the swing, which was a HUGE surprise, the travel system from my in-laws, a sleeper to go by our bed (this was something on the list we didn't register for), along with tons of other essentials.

This was the last gift that we got on Sunday and it was the last thing that I had on my list. We had not gotten any bottles yet and I just knew that Brecken was going to come early and not have a bottle...no more worries! I am sure you can tell by my swollen relieved face.

Here's Byron socializing with all of the wonderful ladies! This was the only shower that he came to and he expressed that he was a little tired of hearing the word "cute" by the end.

Bethlehem Shower

2011-10-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Brecken has been getting incredibly spoiled the past few weekends. On September 25th, my sister, along with some of the wonderful ladies from my church (Anna, Brandy, Holly, Kristie, and Sheri) gave me a shower for all of my sweet small group girls and some of the other ladies from our church. Mrs. Sheri Haberman hosted the shower at her house, which is one of the most precious houses. They had lots of sweets and veggies which happen to be some of my favorites...and some amazing punch which I loved. I am so grateful for all of these special people thinking of Byron, Brecken, and I at this time. It is very humbling to know that all of these people care for us so much.

How precious is this centerpiece?

All of the delicious food.

I love all of the country classic touches Sheri has in her house.

This punch was sooo good.

In college one of my favorite things to eat when stressed was a Fudge Round. This became a big joke on our hall and throughout college with my friends. So, Brandy knowing my love for Fudge Rounds made me homemade Fudge Rounds for the shower! So funny and sweet at the same time! They were awesome!

I didn't get a picture of all of ladies that hosted, but here are two of them. Brandy (my college roommate) and Ashley (my sister).

Here are some of the sweet small group girls that came to celebrate with us. Lots of "Future Babysitters" here!!!

Teachers are so fun...even at Showers!

2011-10-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

My second shower was a wonderful shower thrown by some of my closest friends at school on September 23rd. Dawn, Linda, Stacey, Suzi, and Jerene all work with me everyday and were kind enough to want to throw me and Breck a shower. I am so thankful to get to work with people I actually LOVE being around! They are all like extended family. I can't thank them enough for everything they do for me...especially now that I am no longer allowed to work they are picking up my slack at work and being so incredibly sweet about it. Here are some pictures from the shower they threw....you know I never knew how much fun teachers could be outside of school, but let me tell you some of the best times are when we are at a party with each other...even it if it is a baby shower!

Jerene got this wonderful cake from our favorite place!

Love all of the sports decor!

Suzi's house is so cozy. I just love it.

All of the fabulous food! Dawn's chicken dip, Linda's pineapple and bacon dip...so much more to choose from.

Brecken's Gifts!

Aunt Linda was very serous and thorough while writing down the gifts. Would anyone think otherwise?

Karen made this precious diaper cake.

And one of the loves of my life...chocolate cake.

My First Shower!

2011-10-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

Now that I can no longer work and I am at home "resting" I finally have time to catch up on blogging. Let me tell you life has been CRAZY! Between showers, cleaning the nursery, work, Byron working all the time, and everything else in life we haven't even felt like we have had time to breathe! I have been wanting to blog about all of my showers, but I got behind and felt like I couldn't catch up so I am trying to catch up now while I have some time on my hands.

Onto the fun stuff! On September 17th one of my closest friends (Lindsay) and her mom (Mrs. Debbie) threw me a perfect shower in Gainesville. They really should start a business throwing showers and parties. These ladies know how to do it. I was overwhelmed with their attention to detail and all of the sweet people that came to celebrate with us! Here are some pictures from the day.

The food was wonderful!

How cute is that decoration around the punch bowl...they think of everything!

The table Decor...the napkins have the cutest little personalized ties around them.

The incredible hostesses! Love these ladies!

Mom and I opening presents.

These cookies were so cute I didn't want to eat them.

Chocolate Heaven.

Strawberry Heaven.

Back in the nursery unloading all of the gifts! So fun!

I Will Never Forget...

2011-09-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

North Georgia College & State University students, faculty and staff and members of the Dahlonega community
held a candlelight vigil on the university's drill field on Sept. 11, 2001. Taken from http://www.northgeorgia.edu/North_Georgia_News/Articles/Headlines/

This picture was taken September 11th, 2001 at the Candlelight Service held that night on the Drill Field at NGCSU. I am near the right hand corner. That confused look is the look I had the entire day.

I remember when I first heard about the attack. I had just walked my 4 flights of stairs in Lewis Hall after my Music Appreciation Class and Tracey (one of my roommates and still a dear friend) stopped me in the hallway on the way to my room and pulled me in her room to see it. Honestly, at first I was numb, like it was a movie or something. I never thought of my country being attacked and could not grasp that it was actually happening right now. It took me a few minutes to let it all digest and to think of what it really meant.

Classes were cancelled or spent watching the television and talking. It finally started to sink in that our lives as Americans would NEVER be the same. I remember walking around talking to my friends that were in the military and feeling their fear as they thought of what their future might hold within the next days and months. All of the sudden the images that I couldn't grasp on television were affecting my life and lives of my friends. For the next few weeks I saw the military men at North Georgia College and State University act as heroes. Some of them left quickly, while others made plans to go and fight for the country that they loved more than I could ever comprehend. Here these guys are my age and willing to give their lives for this country...unbelievable. I will never forget a conversation that Brandy and I had with one of our friends at NGCSU that we grew up with. He was talking passionately about fighting for our rights, freedom, and the country that we love...did that ever hit home. My thoughts were he was too young to do that, he needed to talk with his parents first, didn't he need a permission slip or something for that? But the truth was he was an adult making a brave and selfless decision...we were adults...WOW. A smack of reality hit me that day. That night ended with the Cadets doing a Midnight run to the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace. Life was NEVER the same for me, but in the lives of my friends and classmates, some of which have since died for my freedom, life was radically changed.

Thank you could never be enough.

Breck's First Game

2011-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend was great...I LOVE having a three day weekend! Friday night Byron had a football game so I spent it at my parents watching the newest Madea movie. If you know anything about my family, you know that we LOVE Madea aka Tyler Perry.

Saturday morning Byron and I woke up early (don't you just hate that...the one day you can sleep in and you are up early) and starting "deep cleaning" the house. I had been dying to do this and due to my back problems right now Byron wasn't letting me do it alone so we divided and conquered. We rested for a while and then it was time to head to Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. We decided to take Marta and it was GREAT on the way....not so great on the way home. Luckily we met some really nice men that "set picks" for me to get through the crowd and made sure that Byron and I were taken care of at each stop. There are some true gentlemen still!

Here are some pics from the night. I kept calling it "Brecken's First Game", but now that the outcome was not the desired outcome we will wait until he actually is here and requires a ticket to get into the game to consider it his first game. We don't want the loss to be blamed on our sweet boy!

Before the game...32 weeks!

One of Byron's favorite Bulldogs! Herschel Walker.

End of 3rd Quarter Feet...very swollen.

Fake smiling...the dawgs lost, it was late, we were exhausted, and we had a loooong journey home ahead of us.

With all of that said, Byron and I are so thankful to have the opportunity to go to so many Georgia Games. We couldn't be more grateful for his parents allowing us to spend that time with them. It truly makes Fall so much more exciting! I can't wait for Breck to join his daddy every Saturday in this tradition that Byron's dad started with him.

Sneak Peak!

2011-08-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

We did lots of work in the nursery today! Here are a few pics. We still have lots to do, but we are getting close!

Breck has so many people in already helping him.

The completed crib and bedding...I LOVE it!!!

Special thanks to Aunt Ashley, Parker, and Byron for putting this together!

Just waiting for our little bulldawg to arrive!

The curtains are coming soon...and will be one of the best parts of the nursery. Mom is hard at work!

Everything is coming together.

Nana and Papa gave us this lamp the first year we were married and it fits perfectly in Breck's nursery.

Byron did such a good job hanging the 500 pound window! I guess I don't exactly think things through before doing them. Good thing I have a patient husband who makes things work.

"Granny Dean"

2011-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother, or "Granny Dean" as she is known to most everyone, is one of the most special people in my life. I never grew up next door, right down the street, or even a few minutes away from her and I think that is one of the reasons that she is even that much more special to me. When I was little going to Granny's was what I looked forward to. I love her house especially at Christmas time, her yard that was touched with her green finger, her porch swing that always had waaay too many grandchildren sitting on it at one time, her love for Jesus and the people in her church, the golf cart that holds many of my childhood memories, seeing my cousins and playing all day outside with them, her chicken and dumplings that were always perfect, the smell of breakfast every morning even when she cooked it too early and woke me up to eat it, her hyperactive butt walking back and forth across the living room 300 times, but most of all I just love her. I remember crying when we would leave her and praying at night when I was little that I would be able to live next to Granny...I just love her so much.

Granny is getting older now....we just celebrated her 80th Birthday (which happens to be my 28th Birthday) with a party to honor her. Granny getting older has been hard for all of us. She is beginning to forget things and is not really the "Granny Dean" that I remember, so it was so special to see all of the people who love her come and celebrate one of the most giving, loving, and selfless people I have ever known.

Here is the whole family (minus a few cousins) at her party.

Byron and I.

This is a picture of all of my girl cousins. They are some of best friends and I miss them so much.

As she gets older I have learned to appreciate the days that Granny is having "good days" and remember who she really is on her "bad days" because everyday we have with her is a true gift. It is my prayer that I can live a life like Granny has...I can't imagine a better person to want to be like.

This is my mom and Granny. At this point she realized that it was her birthday and started to get a little excited.

Still Growing!

2011-07-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

I have tried to be good about taking "Belly Pics" this summer. I am sure that it will all end come Monday when I am back at work and crazy busy. Here's to hoping though!

22 Weeks

23 Weeks

24 Weeks

25 Weeks

26 Weeks

27 Weeks

Brecken's Registry

2011-07-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

While I am off for summer break I am TRYING to knock out as much "Baby Stuff" as possible to have a little less stress in August and September. A few weeks ago we registered for Brecken.

Fun...yes, Overwhelming...yes, Exciting...yes, yes, yes!

My dear friend and fellow mommy Lindsay, and her mom Mrs. Debbie came along to help. We (my mom, sister, and I) would have been lost without them! I so enjoyed getting to see them, getting some good advice, and eating a good lunch at the Olive Garden before our registering journey began. Here are just a few pics that Ashley took while we were hard at work. I can't wait to see Brecken using some of these things!!!

Vacation 2011

2011-07-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Byron and I just got home from vacation at St. Augustine Beach. I haven't been to St. Augustine in years (since I was a little kid) so it was fun to go back and enjoy the downtown historical areas. I took my new camera and talked my family into getting some pictures made on the beach...here are a few of my favorites from the week.

Take me out to the...

2011-07-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett Braves! Byron won 4 tickets at a teaching workshop so we went last Friday night to see some baseball and fireworks. Let me tell you the Gwinnett Braves have AWESOME fireworks...it was worth sitting through the extreme heat and somewhat boring baseball to see them!

Mom watching the game and dad posing for a pic.

Chopper the mascot is so darn cute.

The Search is Over!

2011-07-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

After we found out we were having a sweet little boy I began searching for bedding that incorporated red and black. Byron has so much UGA stuff that we just couldn't imagine storing it all and putting it all away so we decided to make the nursery revolve around a lot of the stuff that Byron already had. Well, come to find out, red and black is not at all an easy baby theme to go with. Luckily, a sweet friend of ours from church agreed to make Brecken's bedding. Then the search was on! I hate for things to "match", but I LOVE for everything to coordinate. Here's what my mom and I came up with after searching many days and many many fabric stores.

Every room needs an inspiration fabric. This was ours! I saw it from across the store and knew it was exactly what the nursery needed...and best of all it was ONLY $7 a yard! Soooo exciting!

Here are the bumper fabrics. The polka dot will the outside and the houndstooth and black dotted fabrics will be the inside. The black and white checkered will be used for the bed skirt and the ties around the crib.

Here are all of the fabrics that will be used for Brecken's quilt. I can't wait to see the final product!!!

Rainy 4th...No BIG Deal.

2011-07-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

For the first time that I can remember we had a very rainy 4th of July at our house. Of course it did not stop Mom and Byron from making some AWESOME food and we got a little 4th of July fun in between showers. We sure did miss dad though...no more traveling on holidays!

We were so glad to have Linda (one of my dear friends from teaching) join us for the 4th! Can you believe she was up at 4:00 to do the Peachtree Road Race and STILL made it to join us for dinner and fireworks...what a trooper!

The rain didn't stop our grilling!

Byron's first attempt at making ribs was incredibly successful! I was so proud...and he was too ;)

Here's just SOME of the spread at the Haberman's house...such good food and a perfect place to watch fireworks!

Ashley, Parker, and Emily getting ready for fireworks while eating some boiled peanuts. I am not a huge fan of boiled peanuts, but my family insists that "green peanuts" are the way to go.

My sweet mom and I.

Byron, Brecken, and I rocking on the porch (under the fan...can't stand the heat anymore!)

Just some of my delicious food! Notice all of the food is homemade and home grown including the salsa! I LOVE living in the country!

Baby Brecken's first fireworks!

What's a 4th of July in Georgia without a few "Redneck Fireworks"? These got a little scary when the boys decided to start shooting bottle rockets at each other. Is this what I have to look forward to?!?!

My New Toy!

2011-06-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Look at what showed up on my doorstep today!?!?! I am sooo excited...lots of good pictures will be coming soon! Brecken must have felt my excitement because he has not stopped kicking since I opened the box. Byron and I have been shopping, reading reviews, and pricing cameras since we found out I was expecting...now I just need a cute little boy to take pictures of...I wonder where I'll find one of those ;)

Songs for Seasons

2011-06-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

I love how when I am going through a season of life that I feel like no one can understand and I really don't wish to share with others and I find a song that seems to say it all. Byron and I are in a very happy season of life right now anticipating the arrival of Brecken, but we are also in a period of waiting and trusting for Byron to get a job. Sometimes I get frustrated and impatient with God's timing. This song pretty much put me in my place...meaning it has taught me a different way of thinking and encouraged me all at one time. I love the words and the humility of the lyrics. Hopefully it will be a blessing to you too.

I Made it WITH my Hubby...and his saw.

2011-06-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

So now that we have decided to name our sweet boy "Brecken" I have been all about some crafting. Here are a few things I have been up to with the help of my wonderful husband (I prefer for him to operate the power tools).

Brecken has a fireplace in his nursery. Byron and I have been looking online for a cute piece of art to go over it with no luck at all. I wanted something that looked old, but included sports and UGA. So one night while I couldn't sleep (this happens often) I came up with this idea. Byron and I headed out to some antique stores and found this window for $6! Yes, I am serious, $6...others were around $50-$60...we were totally pumped. So I bought some paint and tried my best. Here is what you get.

I LOVE this because it is paper mache, meaning I can put it anywhere in our little man's room and he can knock it over as many times as he wants and no one or nothing is hurt...LOVE the simplicity of it too.

This bread box has been a long time coming. I have been working on finishing it for a LONG time. When you live in an old house with very little storage things like this are life savers!

I found this DIY Mirror online and have been dying to make one. Unfortunately, it ended up being too big for the area I had planned so it is now in our hallway off of the back porch...I guess I will have to make another one for my bedroom now.

Growing like a Weed!

2011-06-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't been so great at taking the "Pregnancy Progression" pics, but let me tell you I am growing and very quickly. It took a while for me to start showing, but once I started gaining it has been very fast. I am thinking Baby Spence is going to be a big boy!

13 Weeks

16 Weeks

17.5 Weeks

19 Weeks

21.5 Weeks

What's it Gonna Be?!?!?

2011-06-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well, a lot has been happening in the Spence Family. We are anxiously awaiting our new arrival! When we found out we were expecting we knew that we wanted to know what we were having. I am a "planner" as my dear husband says, and I must have everything in line and ready before the baby arrives. Since we were finding out the gender we wanted to do it in a unique way so we decided to have a "Gender Reveal" party for our closest friends and family. We went ahead and sent out a "Save the Date". Due to a few concerns with the pregnancy I have been having to get ultrasounds every 4 weeks (aw, that is just too bad right?!?!?). We LOVE getting to see Baby Spence every month! So we pretty much figured we would be able to tell the gender at 16 weeks. That day I drank water...and drank water...and drank water...until I spent more time in the bathroom than in my classroom. Then, right before the ultrasound I had 1/2 a cup of coke. I rarely drink coke so I didn't want to feel miserable so I just went for a 1/2 cup and did it ever work!

We gave the ultrasound tech an envelope and asked her to put the results in the envelope...she was very confident with the results so I had my suspicions it was a boy, but I still had NO CLUE. This was on a Wednesday, so on Saturday we had our party. Here are some pictures and a video to show the exciting moment! I wouldn't have traded waiting those few days for the world! It was the best.

We asked everyone to come up with "B" names and write the Boy Names in blue and the Girl Names in pink. We got some interesting ideas.

Some of my wonderful college roommates made it to the party.

This was the final vote...Boy? or Girl?

My students at school made posters for baby names they wanted us to use.

IT's a BOY!!!

A Diva's Birthday...

2009-11-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

Sara's birthday party was Friday night. Her actual birthday, as I mentioned earlier, was Wednesday, but Friday night was the event she really had been looking forward to. For her 8th birthday her mom and dad rented a limo to ride her and 6 other little girls around and take them out to eat at Tokyo (a Japanese Grill in Monroe). Sara and Sheri (Byron's sister) asked me to ride along in the limo and what an expereince that was. I listened to the "Hannah Montana Movie" soundtrack and 7 very excited little girls singing at the top of their lungs. Here are some pictures from the party!

Here's the "Birthday Queen" getting ready for her ride!

"The Birthday Queen" and her "Princesses" enjoying some Sparkling Grape Juice on their way to dinner.

Sara even allowed Spencer to ride along with them...isn't that sweet!

However, when all the girls arrived back at Sara's house Spencer made a "No Girls Allowed" sign to keep the girls out of his room.

Special Day!

2009-11-11T10:04:00.001-08:00

Today is a special day for two reasons. The first reason is it is Sara’s birthday. Sara is mine and Byron’s niece.
Happy Birthday Sara! I can hardly believe you are 8 years old. You are such a smart and beautiful little girl and Uncle B and I are so thankful to have you as our niece.

The next reason that today is special is because three years ago today B and I went on our first date. I still like to think about that day and our many firsts…I really think that is one of my favorite feelings in the world (you know the new dating feeling) and I will always remember each one of them. Our first date is very fitting of our personalities. First we went to O’Charleys. We don’t really eat there a whole lot, but we decided on there because Longhorn’s was a 3 hour wait. If you know anything about Byron and I you know that when we are hungry we do NOT like to wait! After eating went to see “Santa Claus III” with Brandy and Chris (our sweet little matchmakers). We still love that movie to this day and it is kinda funny that Brandy and I picked that movie because Byron is very strict about not celebrating Christmas until Thanksgiving has had its time! So being the sweet guy that he is, and not wanting to make a big deal on the first date, he took for the team. So there was my sappy “dating anniversary” story. I hope you all enjoyed.

Now I leave you with some pictures...

This is from our first summer together…You know I like “our firsts” and I love summer!

This one is from our first New Years.

And this is the day we got engaged =)

Fall = Football

2009-11-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

If any of you know anything about the family I have married into you know that Fall=Football for the Spence's. They just plain LOVE football...any kind of football. My family has always been more of a basketball family. I like football and I am learning to love it a little more, but I am taking a "football break" today. After going to Jacksonville last weekend for the GA-FL game, where I was inappropriately dressed (jeans and turtle neck---which I later changed into a short sleeved shirt) for blazing HOT temperatures, and watching the Bulldogs get beat...once again...I am going to sit this one out. Nothing against the dawgs or Byron, but I am just plain tired. Anyways with all of that said I have a couple of pictures from some of the games however, there are NO pictures from the miserable game in Jacksonville...I was TOO hot to even lean over and get it out of my purse. =)

The Vanderbilt game was a cold one...here we are before it began. We had great seats and a wonderful time in Nashville!

Sidenote: You will notice that my husband is in a ski hat under a visor in some of the pictures...this is a great disappointment and I tried to get him to take it off...he wouldn't and just wasn't a battle worth fighting.

I LOVE hot chocolate...especially when it comes in a very nice souvenir mug...even if it does have Vanderbilt on it!

Here we are after the game...we actually won this one!

What have I done for you lately?

2009-09-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

Let me answer this question. Nothing...absolutely nothing. I have officially failed as a blogger once again! After lots of encouragement (Anna) and a couple of "rain days" off from school I have finally been motivated to end my blog hiatus and return with an update.

Moving along let's begin in July. At the end of July we took a wonderful family vacation (with my parents, aunt, uncle, cousins, and sister). It was so much fun. We ate LOTS of great food and enjoyed every ounce of sun we could get (and ya'll know I like some sun)!

Here's a family picture...we do not enjoy taking your standard everyone smile and fake it picture so my sister and I enjoy these kinds...Here we are at our absolute FAVORITE place to eat in Daytona. If you have not tried "Aunt Catfish's" you must immediately. It is fabulous...cheese grits, huge salad bar, seafood for days, and cinnamon rolls to top it all off! Warning: Just because the wait staff all wear tags that say "cousin bob, cousin sally, cousin brenda" it does not mean they are related...do not ask this my mother did and it was quite embarassing. Here we are catching some waves...Ashley and I love to ride waves at the beach, Byron does too...he's just not that good at it...it might be his size?
One last picture of our very nice trip to the beach! Byron got sick on the way home so this is one of our last "happy" moments for a few days =)

After we returned from the beach we had a party at our house for all of my best friends and their husbands and babies. We really don't get to see each other that much anymore so we are sooo excited when we get the chance to get together! We are getting older and SOME of us are having kids so it gets a little harder to hang out, but when we do it's like we have never even been apart...I love those kinds of friends!
To conclude the summer Byron surprised me with tickets to see "Grease" at the Fox. It was the best surprise ever...we had great seats and my sister and cousins were able to come along!

Now school has started back, it is flooding outside, and we are busier than ever with homework, papers, and online discussion chats! Byron is doing his Master's online at the same time I am working on my doctorate...so needless to say we are busy...Prayers accepted. Don't worry I will be back blogging soon...it is a great way to procrastinate =)

Sleep-Over!!!

2009-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday night we had a first...Sara and Spencer (niece and nephew) came over to spend the night and the next day swimming. It was a lot of fun...swimming was not all that great due to clouds and rain, but we made up for it with the Wii and the Chick-Fil-A playground! Here's some pictures.

All ready for bed, eat some popcorn with chocolate milk (ewwww...Spencer's choice), and watch a movie. The plan was to go for a night swim...wear them out...and then watch a movie (Bolt...I am pretty sure Byron liked the movie the best) to make sure we didn't have any little homesick children.

Worked like a charm!

One of my Favorites!

2009-07-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays! I just love it for several reasons....it happens in the summer and I am a teacher so I am usually stress free, it is HOT outside and we usually spend it by the pool, I get to sit in the sun and get a tan, one word=FIREWORKS, our family always spends at least some part of it together, and grilling out!

This year was extra special because it was our "1st Married 4th of July" and we got to host it! One of the many perks of having a pool in the backyard! Here are some pics...ENJOY!

Brandy and I riding in the back of the Jeep! It gets really cold in there at night!

The pool...so refreshing!Hot Boiled Peanuts and Watermelon...a 4th of July must!!!

My Aunt Cindy, Uncle Robert, their daughter-in-law Stephanie, and her son Jay came over...we were sooo happy to have them. My cousin Brooks is in Basic right now and he has not seen Jay in months....they get to see eachother next weekend and Jay walked around with his mommies cell phone waiting for Brooks to call. It was so sweet and it really made the 4th of July have a whole new meaning! We are sooooo proud of Brooks and Jay can't wait to see his Daddy again!!!

We went to Gratis for the fireworks. It is a small small town near Monroe and we were very pleasantly surprised! It was like a huge tailgate party all afternoon waiting on fireworks. The show lasted about 30 minutes and it was wonderful! We also met up with some dear friends and played games.

My sister Ashley and I.

The pic above is of Dana and I...we have been best of friends for as long as I can remember...I LOVE this girl!

The twins are all ready for Fireworks...they are so fun at play with! Sorry Amanda...I totally did not mean to cut you out!

Byron and I watching fireworks...I love him!

Sunday morning we decided to go for a Patriotic look at church...I love matching...shhhhh don't tell Byron!

Hopefully that wasn't a picture overload! Sara and Spencer are spending the night with us tonight and the day tomorrow so another post will be coming soon...stay tuned!

You're the God of this City

2009-07-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

So my sister just returned a few weeks ago from India. My entire family (minus me) have been to India several times and love the children and people of India. My Dad is actually the regional missionary for South Asia (he still lives in the good old USA though). The group went to do basketball camps with the children of India and ended up working with many of the "Compassion Children" that some of you might actually sponsor monthly. Check out the video that Ash made about the trip...it is really amazing and touching to see the children and how desperately in need of help they are!
Here's the link http://kcohoon.blogspot.com/.

Mow, Mow, Mow, The Lawn...

2009-06-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

Ok so sing that to the tune of "Row, Row, Row your Boat"...yeah you got it.

The joys of being a homeowner bring many new experiences. Yesterday, Wednesday, June 24th I had a first! For the first time in my life my sweet husband patiently taught me how to mow the grass. This is something he has been wanting to do for a while, but I always dodged the bullet, however in the summer as a teacher you can be bored enough to try anything! Ok so it's a riding lawn mower, but everyone must start somewhere! Byron was so impressed that he took pictures on his phone to document the momentous occasion.

It was actually fun...and the cool dip into our pool after the mowing was over was enough of a reward to keep me motivated to mow again!

***Disclaimer: This outfit in NO way reflects my sense of style...I know you are loving the red spaghetti straps, black shorts, and purple...yes purple crocs (come on they were on clearance for $10...everyone needs a good pair of obnoxious gardening shoes...Byron even surprised me with them!)

I am Sam...Sam I am!

2009-06-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world Baby Sam! One of my dear friends from college is a new mommy and I am so thrilled for her! We were so excited to go and meet Little Sam Shaver on Friday night...he just precious! Brandy, Byron, and I got to spend a little while with the Shaver Family.

Mommy and Baby are doing wonderfully...let me tell you Lindsay is a champ! She had a c-section on Thursday afternoon and was up and walking around shortly after...she didn't even look like she had given birth! Way to go Lindsay...you have set the bar high girl!

Here we are...all grown up...some of us even have babies now!!! WOw!Here is Aunt Brandy with sweet Sam.

Sam with Aunt Brittany and Byron.

And the Award for the Best Dad goes to...

2009-06-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day and I can't think of a better person in the whole world to honor than my dad. Let me just tell you this guy is incredible. He is one of my most favorite people...and since he is spending the day on the other side of the world (India) I have decided to write a little something about him (he is a regular reader...one of the many reasons I love him).

When I was younger I can clearly remember my dad reading his bible in the UGLY brown rocking chair (the same one that he rocked me in until...well we just won't reveal that age) every morning. He not only told me, but showed me through his actions what the most important thing in his life was.

Each morning he would pick me up and carry me into the kitchen to eat breakfast (you see I have NEVER been a morning person and it was quite evident at an early age).

This is the same man that on the way to drop me off at school would turn down the radio at the four way stop in front of Hebron Baptist Church and pray for me and my day, any tests I might have, my friends, and anything else in my life...everyday...never missed one.

This is also the same man who owned a very ugly truck that we affectionately called "Rufus" and actually picked me up in it at school one day...I could have crawled into the floor...he proudly drove that old ugly truck so that one day I could have a nice car and anything else in the world I wanted.

He is also one of the funniest men I have ever known...most of his humor is only funny to a select few...which I happen to be one of and my sweet husband.

Dad is a true "Man of God" and honestly I feel like saying that overly used phrase does not even begin to show his heart for other people and sharing God's Word with them. He has a heart for missions and India like no one I have ever known and he loves what he gets to do on a daily basis.

My dad prayed for my husband from the day I was born (I think he did a particularly good job with his prayers) and this is also the man who did my wedding. Poor Steve...he's an emotional man...but he did the wedding incredibly. He made the biggest day of my life personal and a dream come true.

I could go on and on. Having Steve Cohoon as a father set the mark high for any man in my life and I can't even imagine having a better dad!

Hiking...yes...Hiking!

2009-06-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today we (Byron, myself, Ashley, and Mom) decided to take a little stroll (hmmmm not quite) in the beautiful Tallulah Falls State Park. I would most def recommend this park to anyone who would like to have a heart attack and make their legs wobble for hours after hiking. Just kidding...it was very pretty and a great hike. We had a great time...here are some pictures from the day.

Here we are at the beginning of the hike...all clean and not sweaty.

Hiking down the first set of stairs. At the end of these stairs was a suspension bridge...we lost Mom at this point...she does not do "Suspension Bridges" as she made very clear. Byron on the "Suspension Bridge"...I am not a fan of heights or bridges so for me this was a "mind over matter" case...I just walked quickly, steadily, and kept my eyes straight ahead =). Take a look to the right of my head and you will see the Falls.The "Happy Hikers" at the end of the trail. We sure were ready to get some food in our stomachs!

Savannah Smiles...Even in the Rain!

2009-06-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Byron and I went on a little trip to Savannah to see Randall and Melissa. Melissa was one of my college roommates and we had a BLAST hanging out with them and getting to know their sweet puppy Webster! We are so grateful for their friendship and can't wait to do it again.

Byron had never been to Savannah...Can you believe it? So we were very excited about learning all about the beautiful city and him getting a History fix while we were there, however it rained the WHOLE time...and when I say it rained...I mean it poured down rain. On Friday we went on a trolley ride (I would post pictures at this time, but the driver was so crazy and fast that I thought I was going to fall off of the seat so needless to say there are no pictures from the trolley joy ride). The weekend, although very wet, was filled with some great food (we ate soooo much good food) and some wonderful laughs! Here are some pics from the trip...

Melissa and Randall trying to show us around Savannah in the rain!

Us in front of the Cathedral...it was so beautiful...and it kept us dry for a little while!

We toured the Mercer House from the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". Byron and I had not seen the movie so we rented it when we got home and it was really cool after being in the house that it all happened in. We also had a very interesting tour guide who was very intense.

Before leaving on Sunday Randall and Melissa made reservations for us to eat at Paula Dean's resturant "Lady and Sons" in Savannah...it was sooooo yummy and even better since we didn't have to wait in the long line outside...it's soooo nice to know "locals".

Top 5 Reasons I am a Terrible Blogger...

2009-06-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

I am a terrible blogger...I just can't even help it. Let me give you a few reasons why.

1. I "stalk" or shall I say look at everyone else's. It is really rather funny...I know things about people that I have never met or communicated with in my life. Some might think that this is sad, but I just feel as if I am getting the honor of "going through life" with all of you out here in blogosphere. Thank you for allowing me to embark in your journey of life.

2. FACEBOOK- By the time I am finished looking at everyone's status updates that have happened since I have been on facebook last (which during the summer is probably about 10 minutes ago) I am tired of looking at the computer and I lay the laptop down. Upon picking the laptop up again (10 minutes after I last put it down) I go right back to Facebook and begin the cycle again. I know this is a problem...maybe I should try to solve.

3. I have NOTHING to talk about. I do not have a cute baby...I have a pretty cute husband, but no children, pets, overwhelmingly interesting hobbies, or great funny moments. To be really honest as I write this blog I am feeling a little bit bored with myself...onto the next reason.

4. I am terrible at uploading pictures off of my camera. I know that pictures are essential to blogs and for myself pictures are what make me look at a blog which brings me to my next reason....

5. I think I have ONE follower. Thank you Ashley for you constant encouragement and I love the fact that you like my blog and comment on it. I need some followers =(. That would motivate me.

6. My blog is not cute. I can't figure out how to change the colors or put a picture on the top...it really makes me quite sad to look at my gothic blog...any suggestions?

So I am just glad I got this off of my chest...I am now going to think about how to improve my blog, gain some followers, get off of Facebook, upload pics more often, and come up with cute things to talk about.

Goodnight Ashley...I appreciate you reading.

Summertime Resolution!

2009-05-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

I am a terrible terrible blogger...sooo my "summertime resolution" which are much easier for me to stick to rather than the "New Years Resolutions" mostly due to the fact that I am out of school during the summer and have plenty of time is to blog more. I mean maybe just maybe once a week I will update.

So this past week after I got out of school on Tuesday (yes Gwinnett County teachers had to go back to school on Tuesday for a snow make-up day) Byron and I headed to Charleston to see a good friend of ours umpire. Jay has been working his way up in the Minor Leagues umpiring and has done really well for himself. He is actually living his dream right now...how many of us can say that?!?! So we were able to go to a couple of games (Byron caught me a free shirt), do a carriage tour in Charleston, stay at a super nice hotel (Jay gets his room for free and a HUGE discount for visitors), see Fort Sumter (something Byron liked much more than myself), and eat some GREAT food! This was one of my favorite places I have ever visited and I can't wait to go back...it was my first time going to Charleston and it did not disappoint! Here are some pictures of the trip!

Here's Jay umpiring...this was a game for all of the Charleston Area Schools, but sadly all of the kids had to leave before the game was over...which explains the empty seats.

Here we are sitting at a baseball game to watch the umpire...it is really a whole new perspective!

Some of the fountains we saw were so pretty...here is one that you are allowed to wade in by the pier. Here are the boys Matt (Jay's umpire partner), Jay, and Byron waiting to eat at Hyman's Seafood Resturant.

Us on the boat ride to Fort Sumter...we literally ran onto the boat...imagine that--we were late getting there!

The homes in Charleston were amazing! They were by far my favorite part of the trip and I am already planning to take the "Home Tour" the next time we go back! I just LOVE old southern homes!

All I Want for Christmas is YOU!!!

2009-01-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

Why are you posting about Christmas at the end of January you might ask?!?! Well let me tell you...

Ok...so I am a terrible excuse for a blogger. I know this and I really want to change, but everytime I sit down to blog I suddenly find something else to do on the internet. My sweet friend Ashley is an excellent blogger. So great I would actually say that she is a blogging role model. I get to see every milestone in Easton's life and I love it! So right now I am going to try to do better (not that anyone cares because my life is not all that interesting...but it makes me feel better).

This Christmas was the craziest, most stressful, busiest, and BEST Christmas of my entire life.

Reason number one...Byron and I got married on Decemeber 13th and spent our "First Christmas" together. It was wonderful and I loved every minute of it.

Reason number two...I got an extra long Christmas break due to the wedding and honeymoon. I couldn't have planned that much needed break better!

Reason number three...I graduated from grad school! I graduated on December 12th and got married on December 13th. I do have to wait until May to walk, but the pay raise is coming in and the stress is over!

So here are some pictures of the wedding and a post on the honeymoon is soon to come!

A picture with my beautiful bridesmaids before the wedding. I could not ask for better friends and family!

The church was really pretty and added to the Christmas theme of the wedding with huge wreaths and beautiful trees.

The bridesmaids carried candles that were lit during the ceremony.

We had two of the most precious flowergirls! My cousin Natalee on the left and my new niece Sara on the right.

My sweet family...before Byron of course.

Our First Dance.

Away we go!

Flip that House!

2008-09-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Searching for our first house together was quite the task, especially for two people who have never bought a house before. We looked in all kinds of subdivisions and never could quite find what we were looking for. I wanted some things and Byron wanted other things, but we couldn't decide on the same thing. Then some sweet people who go to church with us at BFBC called Byron to mention a house they had just bought and were going to flip. I have always loved old houses so of course I wanted to see it...Byron was not too sure. So we met Troy and Burgundy at the house to go through and see their plans for flipping it. I feel in LOVE with the house (which is pretty amazing since it was a complete mess and in need of some serious work). It had so much character and I could completely see the finished product, however Byron could not. He saw UGLY. So I just kept nagging. We would go over and look at it and take our parents to see it. Everyone who went over with us loved it too, so I of course kept recruiting people to "Team Get This House". Finally after changes began to happen Byron started to see the full picture and fell in love too. Soon he joined "Team Get This House" and we got to work with Troy and Burgundy to make it ours. How fun! Of course Troy and Burgundy are the experts, so they would ask us what we wanted, and we would say, "Well, what do you think?" and we would go with what they thought because they have excellent taste. So after adding a walk-in closet, a bathroom, driveway, and completly redoing just about everything the house it ours! We are homeowners and are sooo incredibly blessed to have found two wonderful people to help us with our first home! Troy and Burgundy will always be very special to us...they are were a gift from God to us. He knows just what we need when we need it!

Here are some before and after pictures. The house was built around the 1930's and has now been totally updated. It also has an inground pool, but it needs lots of work so that will be a nice Spring project.
***I WILL POST SOME OTHER BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES OF THE INSIDE LATER.
BEFORE- Front of the house

AFTER- Front of the house

BEFORE- Side of the house

AFTER- Side of the house

Registering Madness...

2008-09-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

One of the first things that I heard after getting engaged was how fun registering is. I heard about the gun, the stuff, the stores, the best stores to register at, the worst places to register at, when to register, what to register for...you get the picture. The more I heard and the more advice I got, the more overwhelmed I became. So in true Brittany fashion I put it off...registering=stress and stress=no fun. Now fast forward to six months later...we still haven't registered and showers are being planned.

***Side Note - Something everyone should know about me and my friends, family, and poor Byron can vouch for this is...I LOVE SCHEDULES! I love To Do Lists, I love to have control of what is going to happen when, I love to mark things off of my lists (it's an incredible feeling). Confession- Sometimes I put things on my list that are really easy to do and do not technically even need to be on a list JUST SO I CAN MARK IT OFF! It is insane, but it's me so take it or leave it. Luckily most everyone has choosen to take it for what it's worth.

So Wednesday morning I made a To Do List. This list was an all inclusive list with my grad school work, teacher things to do, wedding things to do, and YES registering. After making my To Do List I then made a schedule for the next three days and on Friday registering at Target was number four...following working all day at school, picking out tuxedos, and eating at Chili's. Yesterday everything went just as planned, I got home from school, got ready, went with Byron to Athens and picked out tuxedos, went to Chili's, registered at Target and started registering at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. So we still have not completed the registering process, but progress is being made and I can rest a little better at night. Here are some pictures. I didn't take many because registering is pretty standard.

Byron wanted to register for one of me...Isn't that sweet.

Sadness...having to register for outside things...not my cup of tea.

After registering for a while Byron wished the "gun" was real.

Okay...here it goes...

2008-09-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

So, I guess we have decided to enter the blogging world! Although I feel like I have nothing of substance to blog about I'm going to give it a try.

A little about us...

Byron and I have been dating for almost 2 years now and we are getting married in December. We just closed on our cute little first house Friday and are fixing it up now. So between school, grad school, the house, wedding plans, and football season we pretty much have NO time. Which is probably why I have no business blogging, but peer pressure has gotten the best of me. We'll see how this goes.