The Ethridge's

Valentines Day...

2012-02-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

Our schedule is a little abnormal right now with my hubby going through the agency training, SO we celebrated Valentines day a few days early! We went to a nice steak dinner with a gift card from Christmas! Dalton and Linds were able to join us, too! It was lovely... Taylor ordered this amazing Bananas Foster dessert with berries- amazing just like my valentine ;)(BTW, my frugal friends will appreciate that my shirt was a little navy dress thing from TJmaxx on clearance for 5$!! and a black long sleeved target shirt from the clearance rack, too!)

Started orientation today! So far I really like it- everyone seems super nice! and I am in the ICU float pool so that should be interesting!

Looking forward to spending my Valentines Day with this little guy :)

Tryin the Bbq round these parts...

2012-02-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to a new BBQ place in Newport News called Smoke. I cant wait for my fam to visit and try this. Instead of bread, when you sit down they bring a bowl of sweet popcorn- SO GOOD...
We tried of course the fried pickles appetizer and also the "smoke boats" which were potato skins with bbq inside too. They were amazing and I could easily get those for my meal. This kinda place has the different kinds of bbq sauce on the table- Love that!

I got pulled smoked chicken sandwhich and Taylor got brisket sandwhich...
Lewis fam, youll love this place- Next time I want to try the BLT wrap or the BBQ salad- both looked so good...
Hopefully Ill have some more fun places weve found real soon, but for now, Taylor is hard at work so there has not been much "extracurricular" activities ;) Love you family!!!

Pintrest-ing

2012-01-12T12:42:00.001-08:00

Since I have some time now that our house is completely sold and closed on, I am finally getting back into the kitchen again! I am excited to learn some new recipes. In the next couple weeks, I am working a lot of days in a row, so I wanted some meals that I could heat up at work as well as for dinner for the family!

I have a whole list of meals that I am looking forward to making... but for now, this is what I have done for today...

For lunch, I made Ham and cheese sliders and tomato soup(my sissy is not feeling well, so I knew exactly what to make- her favorite meal! I made extra to take to work because theyre really good leftover too)

(Just canned tomato soup- boring but so comforting)

Tonight were having BBQ chicken in the crock pot- The recipe calls for Sweet Baby Ray's bbq sauce with other ingredients and since my hubby loves that kind of bbq sauce, I wanted to try this out. Sometimes I feel like I cant do things in the crockpot as well as like just on the grill but I really hope this works. Slow cooker recipes are so convenient!

Im making these potatos to go with the chicken....

and green beans, which are my favorite- I just boiled them with a boulian cube like one of our family friend's taught me and I think their delish.

These little beauties are for dessert- Smores bars. Of course this pic is from pintrest but I hope mine taste as good as these look because my certainly done LOOK as good as those :) Well see!

Last night, I really wanted some theraputic baking :) I found this cool recipe for Pumpkin Bread that has a layer of sweetened cream cheese swirled in the center... It was easier than I thought it would be, too! Of course, this was found on Pintrest :)

Got to talk to Grandpa on Facetime!

All in a days work....

2012-01-11T13:57:00.001-08:00

Ok well it was quite a long day, but everythings in the truck and headed to Va. It was such a nasty day with the rain, and since the doors were open, we sat in front of the fire and ate panera... comfort food:) it's all packed, moved, and cleaned. Looking forward to setting up house again soon!

Moving Day is Here...

2012-01-11T04:00:00.001-08:00

Emptying out the house... yesterday the movers packed all our things and today we're already ready for the movers to come put boxes and furniture on the moving truck.

Taylor and I did get a breakfast date in during all this which was such a treat! We went to MiMi's Cafe- it was delicious!!!! But, they are still not serving the Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins, which is always my underlying motivation for going there- the waitress said they will very soon, Sarah.

I have thought so many times, these are the prettiest thing in my house right now. Beatiful roses from a friend at work. Everytime I see them I'm encouraged. I know that having a house in boxes is not a huge deal, but right now my home is missing its "home-y-ness" and theres not much style or warmth to it, so these roses remind me of how much God loves me and how He always provides and can make something ugh into something beautiful.

New Adventures in 2012!

2012-01-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Most of our close friends know that we're beginning a new adventure this year! Its been underway for several months, but January we will be in the full swing! Many prayers and blessings have been a part of this process and Taylor and I are so thankful for the support of our friends and family.

I am overwhelmed with how God loves us so much as to have a plan for our lives. He has been so faithful in the small and not so small parts of this move. I am excited for what He has planned for my husband and I and we have complete peace with these decisions He has lead us to.

For the first three years of our marriage we were blessed to live near my family and have a beautiful little home where God taught me the beginnings of how to be a wife, home-maker, couponer, cook, and nurse. God placed so many sweet friends in our lives during this time, many of which taught me so much about these things (Natalie and Kristi). We were also blessed to be a part of a wonderful church and even awesome, southern-cookin neighbors! I was even able to work with my Sissy (also an ICU nurse in Trauma) at the same hospital! How unreal? I feel so unworthy of these blessings. I never want to stray from what God has planned for us. Its the great support from our wonderful families that encourages us through this change.

Now, we look toward the next step which will be involve us moving to Southeastern Virginia. Taylor will be working in Hampton, and I accepted a position at a hospital in Newport News. Taylor's family lives in this area as well which is such a blessing!

I have so much to learn but I know that "He's still workin on me" as my husband sang when he was a little boy. This change will come with some difficult days as with any transition, but I am excited for this oppurtunity.

I will definately attempt to blog more often because I want to keep intouch and updated on whats going on with my peeps now in Arkansas, Virginia, AND North Carolina!

OH and I will definately trying out some Pintrest finds in our new home! FUN!!

Its so funny to look back at our little home when it was first being built...It reminds me of how much can change in 3 years!

"The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fall." Isaiah 58:11

HT Super Doubles

2011-11-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter Super Doubles!

Got some great deals- especially on baking goods like brown sugar, XXX sugar, and evaporated milk- great for holiday baking. Got some Dawn dish soap and Wolf Gang Puck's tomato basil sauce for FREE. Also got loaf of bread for 20 cents. Everything was stuff I will actually USE... I cant go through all the trouble of couponing/planning/organizing just to buy stuff I dont need.

58$ worth of stuff - 41$ coupon/store sales savings = 16$ out of pocket.

Apples in Ashville

2011-10-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

We had been wanting to drive up to the mountains and it finally worked out! Our friends, Paul and Candace invited us to join them and we had a ball! We left real early in the morning and stopped for coffee and breakfast on the way up :)Then headed to Hendersonville- Sky Top Apple Orchard was so cute and such a great idea by Candace. The apples were really good but the best part was just walkin around and laughing.

This picture is totally the best self timer pic ever! haha we laughed about having to run into place...

Candace has been such a blessing to me to have here in Charlotte. Shes a great, Godly influence and is in Nursing school, too! So thats something cool we have in common- as well as having crazy fun husbands... (PS.. Taylor and I agree she looks to us so much like Courtney Stewart :)

YES, this is a motocyclist with a BIRD on the handle bars- he even drove away with the bird on the handlbars and it was totally real. He also has a helmet with attached videa camera?!

This was our waitress (I was not trying to get a pic of her, but a pic of the neat looking restaurant) at the place where we ate lunch! There were lots of places I want to eat at in downtown Ashville.

Just like in Boone, they had a Mass General Store- I loved trying to figure out this crazy camera that I'm terrible at... But it was fun!

While walking around downtown Ashville, we spotted a chocolate store!

Our trip to Alabama!

2011-09-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

Taylora and I got the awesome oppurtunity to take a trip to Alabama just the two of us this past weekend! It was a blast and what made it so great was we were able to stop along the way to see friends and family- that made the driving seem super quick and broke up the trip really nicely.
Thankfully, I did not end up wearing this shirt to the game... hmm would not have been good considering we lost. Badly.

Taylors favorite place to stop in Gaffney, SC was the Clock Restaurant. Its tons of fried junk :) As you can tell, not my fav but it wasnt bad...

Next up was ATL. We stayed with close friends, the DeLaneys! We stayed up late chatting and then got up really early to head into Tuscaloosa...

Ready to head out in our razorback gear...

Got to the Wards apartment on campus early to see friends then headed out to the stadium to walk around and hope to catch the Hogs arriving at the game. It was so nice to see friends we had not seen in a while!

We did end up getting there just in time to watch the Arkansas team arrive- This was probably Taylors favorite part of the whole day! It was so exciting! I had never seen so many Razorbacks fans at an away game before. Our cheerleaders and band were playing as they drove up. Woo Pig Sooie!

After a not-so-great game by the Razorbacks, we headed out to our hotel in ATL. We talked all the way there about how much fun it was to be there even though we lost.

I was so surprised at the destruction still very visible by the Tuscaloosa tornados recently.

The next morning, we slept in and got our coffee and hit the road! We headed on to see our grandparents!

Right outside Atlanta, Taylor's grandparents, Granny and Papa Massey had a huge lunch waiting and it was delicious. Shes the best cook...

In Simpsonville, we got to visit with My grandma Lewis... It was so nice and relaxing catchin up!

Seeing family is such a blessing and I look forward to seeing them all again soon! We headed home to Charlotte, which was a quick 90 mins...

I cherish every minute with my man in the car, at the game, or visiting friends and family. He makes me laugh non-stop and I just adore him. So thankful God gave me a studly husband who has a great sense of humor :)

September has been awesome because...

2011-09-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

Noah Dalton Stoltz was born September 12, 9lbs and 22 inches long! He is perfect and so beautiful. Taylor and I have been so excited and looking forward to his arrival, but there's nothing that can describe how awesome it is! This is the first baby in our family. Lindsay and Dalton are great parents! I already count the days till I get to see little Noah again!

The baby shower I was working on went great this morning! (I am exhausted, so I promise to post pics later...) Emily got lots of cute things and everyone loved the food! Especially the cream cheese danishes (Mom's recipe). These are SUPER easy:

Cream Cheese Danish

-2 cans croissants
-2 packages cream cheese
-3/4 Cup sugar
-2T lemon juice
-1t vanilla extract

press one can croissant into 9x13 greased pan. Blend the next 4 ingredients. Spread onto bottom layer of croissant and top with second can of croissant!
Bake 30 mins at 350- Great to make the night before! then cut up the next morning. (Great for Sunday school :)

My Hubby's Birthday

2011-09-11T15:45:00.001-07:00

My handsome hubby Taylor chose his bday dinner at Cheesecake factory! I usually love going to see Taylors family aswell on his bday, but it did not work out this time unfortunately due to work schedules. We will be seeing them very soon, though because Lindsay Beth is PAST-due with her first little boy. We cant wait!

I cant believe Taylor turned 25! I remember when he turned 18 while we were at Liberty University. That was the first time I got to meet his mom! Such sweet memories!

Mom and Dad and sis got Taylor car washin stuff- this is our favorite thing to do in the fall is wash our cars on the weekends! Its been such nice weather!

I got him mostly Arkansas apparel, of course with a bday during football season!

Hansome husband, great family, great food and the razorbacks- what more could a girl want on a beautiful September day!

RaNdOm...

2011-08-31T13:50:00.001-07:00

So since several of my friends and I are playing tag when it comes to phone calls and voicemails, I thought I'd update on the blog :)

I recently tried a new class at the gym, Zumba. Yes, I know most everyone and their mother has tried this class and I am pretty much the last on the earth not to have already "fallen in love" with zumbma. Well, I would not describe my relationship with zumba as amorous. HAHA. I was so glad my husband was not around because he would have been bent over laughing so hard! I felt like the most awkward girl to have ever graced those zumba floors. From the moment the first song started, I was awful at it. I left thinking I would NEVER go back for more, but as the days went on I realized how great a workout it was and what a dream it would be for me if I ever could actually move like that!
When I explained the class to Taylor later, I tried to show him some of the dance moves (TRIED). God made me tall, but I did not realize how lanky I was till I was centerstage, FRONT centerstage, behind the class leader girl (tiny and VERy fit) staring at myself in the mirror as everyone else bounced to the beat of the music.
The whole experience was eye-opening, but all in all I was proud of myself that I tried it for the first time and now, 48 hours later, I would not say that I would NEVER try it again. (I think I will stick with pilates and step aerobics, for the most part though).

Another subject, one of my good friends, Kristi started a new blog, www.cookingunbound.blogspot.com! Its great! I have really enjoyed reading her different and unique receipes. She demonstrates how to cook unique and fun dishes with simplicity and health in mind. I love learning new things from Kristi! (shes also an expert couponer :)
This Banana Whip recipe she posted today looks so good for kiddos!

Taylor and I found a great sunday school class at Hickory Grove North Campus! They were starting a new bible study for women and men this week, and thankfully my schedule worked out to be able to go on Tuesday evening! It was great and I am so looking forward to getting to know the girls in the class.

Sept. 17, I'm hosting my first baby shower for a freind at work. I have been a little nervous and have definately been seeking out my baby-shower-expert-friends for advice and have come up with some cute ideas. IDEAS is the key word, I am hoping to be able to pull them off! Invites went really well. I had found a "Living Social" 50$ toward VistaPrint online order for 10$ and actually had a coupon for living social for 10$ off my first living social order, SO... I got a 50$ coupon for VistaPrint for FREE. I was so excited! I ordered everything from there as far as invites, envelopes, return address labels, and even cute little seals for the back with the baby's name! They arrived yesterday and they look great! Super cute. For $10.10 (shipping was not included in my Living Social steal) I received: 40 Invites with envelopes, 40 Baby name seals, 280 return address lables (some for Christmas cards alter on this year), and 2 personalized memo pads. Not bad!

One of my new favorite hobbies is Pintrest. I am sure this is another "everyone knows about this" thing, but I was recently introduced at Craft club by a friend, Dena! I have really enjoyed Pintrest and even found a lot of ideas for the baby shower. I made this tiered serving platter with the shower colors.
I'll probably use this in the center of the table for the muffins (in a cupcake tin so as not to let the food sit on the spray paint). Its going to be a brunch from 10a-noon so if any of you have bruch-ish recipes PLEASE share! I am plannin on fruit with fruit dip, egg/sausage casserole, muffins, cream cheese danishes, juices, and probably punch... any ideas??!!

Love this!

2011-08-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

I am planning on asking my hubby if he will help me make this:
http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-potting-bench-with-dad.html
So cool! Ill post pics later if we can get around to this fall project!

Lots of happenings!

2011-08-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter Super Doubles started this morning. Of course, like any couponer, I am always slightly disapointed when my results are not oustanding, but I was pleased. I walked away with several shampoos, several cereals, several frozen pizzas, and other odds and ends for 26$ Prior to coupons my total was 57$ This gave me a total savings of over 60%! I am a VERY basic couponer. I only do printables online and RedPlum (because I receive them for FREE in the mail). I know that my results would be MUCH better if I bought the Sunday news paper but I dont ever remember nor do I want to spend 2$ a week on that (call me cheap, I know...) Overall, I was pleased :)

Below is my new friend, Miles Renstrom. He is 12 days old and I finally got the chance to meet him yesterday! Got to walk around the mall with him and Natalie, and Will (2yr old) for a while... always enjoy the company of the Renstrom clan. It also got me even MORE excited for my sis-in-law's upcoming delivery of her Baby Boy! My Nephew!! I cant wait- she is due in 3 weeks (sept 3).

Taylor and I got the chance to return to VA to be with the Ethridge's on the day of the opening of their new church sanctuary! There were people there that had been awaiting this vision for 26 years. Previously the church had met in their banquet room. There was a huge amount of work over the last 5 years since the Ethridge's had moved to Virginia to make this come together. God has been so faithful to them and their church and it was such a powerful testimony of His love for us on Sunday morning. Its a beautiful facility, but most of all it will reach the people in the area for Christ.

Daniel (singing below) left for Liberty University after church where he and his twin Zach (Taylors brothers) will begin their freshman year in college! Were so proud of them and God has great plans for them.

Lindsay Beth's Baby Shower

2011-08-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

Any day now! Lindsay is now officially 9months so were all waiting for the call that its that time! We had a great time in Virginia this weekend celebrating that sweet baby Boy!

Random Iphone updates...

2011-08-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Virginia for Lindsay Beths baby shower and had a WONDERFUL time with the family. We got to take my sis too. Zach and Daniel leave for Liberty University the next two weekends! I cant believe it but I am so proud of them and love them so much.

Since trying out Jillian Michael's Shred DVDs, I quickly realized I needed a yoga mat because a lot of the ab workouts involved laying on my hardwoods which was not too comfortable. I did not want to spend much, so of course I headed to TJMaxx! I found a hug display of womens workout stuff! This yoga mat has worked perfectly! AND It was on CLEARANCE! YAY

Nat's Shower

2011-08-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

Natalies "what will it Bee" Baby shower

Natalie's Baby shower was last night! Everything was themed with Bees. Black, white, Yellow- SO CUTE! Since this is their third child, Nat and her hubby Adam decided not to find out what their having! Its so exciting. She will probably be induced Wednesday- so everyone is just so excited to find out boy or girl. Their names are Ruby August for a girl or Ben or Miles for a boy.

It was so fun- lots of family and girl friends from craft club, which Nat originated last year- so fun. Nat is such a creative, hilarious, caring, and overall really fun person so it was great celebrating this with her.

PS... This one of my first attempts with my new camera! If you have any advice- please let me know! I have a long way to go...

Christy's Wedding

2011-06-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

My fam went up to Rock Hill for a dear childhood friend's Wedding. It was one of the funnest weddings I have ever been to! We got to see old friends of ours that we originally met and became like "family" with in France of all places! YES, God brought another Southern family with kids our age for us to spend Thanksgiving and Birthdays with while we were all missing our true families in the US. I look back and think that's so cool! We have remained close with them and they happened to be at this wedding aswell!

Aren't they Cute!

2011-06-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

You can click the Lauren Grace Boutique applique in the top left corner of my blog to visit my good friend Sarah's website to order one! She has tons of cute stuff for kids, too!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

I am one blessed little girl to have the Daddy I do.

Graduation

2011-06-14T09:06:00.001-07:00

My Brother-in-laws, Zachary and Daniel Ethridge, graduated from Denbigh High School on Memorial Day weekend. These are some pics from the Sunday Graduation service at church.

Both boys got awards at the graduation from the principles and of course we could not stop beaming in the audience because of how proud of them we are! They are both going off to LU in the fall!

Triple Coupons!

2011-05-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

76$ of groceries for 31$!!
SO... This morning I headed out to Harris Teeter for triple coupons! I was excited this is my first go on triples since I have been couponing. Over a year and a half ago since they have had triples...
I always really strive not to buy things that I will not be using or that we will not eat... its hard because when you see a deal you tend to want to go for it.. but even if its 10cents, its a dime wasted if you dont use it!

Here's what I got (not all of it was in the pic)
oscar meyer lunchable
2 pkgs hot dogs
2 lemonades
cheerios
2 frozen eggo waffles
2 athenos yogurt with strawberry
laundry detergent
tortilla chips
2 comet cleaner
reynolds wrap
5lb sugar
bag rice
2 bags frozen rolls
frozen fruit bars
3 cans croissants
2 cans biscuits
frozen bread dough
2 bags m&ms

Strawberry Cake!

2011-04-01T13:45:00.001-07:00

I found a great strawberry cake recipe on www.whatsmeganmaking.com . She uses REAL strawberries chopped up in the cake and icing! The best part is the recipe uses both cake mix and other ingredients so its not the hassle with 100% from scratch, but taste VERY homeade because the cake ingredients include strawberry jello mix and other items! SO good and pretty too!

Share your favorite Strawberry Recipes!

2011-03-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Summer time is QUICKLY approaching and I am stoked about making anything that includes strawberries in it's ingredients! I really want some new ideas! One of my favorite strawberry desserts is from a friend, Kelly Hutchison. Here it is: 2-3 Packages Strawberries sliced 1/2 Cup sugar 1 Package strawberry jello mix 3 Packages instant vanilla pudding mix (prepared as directed on box) 1 Cup sour cream 16 oz Whipped topping 1 box vanilla wafers Place sliced strawberries, sugar, and jello mix in pot and heat. Stir until sugar and jello mix are dissolved and set aside to cool. In mixing bowl, stir vanilla pudding, sour cream, and 3/4 of the whipped topping container together. Layer in triffle bowl in this order: wafers, pudding mixture, strawberries, repeat and top with whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers. * This dessert is a great "make ahead" dessert and is better the next day! Enjoy! Please post your favorite recipe which includes anything strawberry so we can all get ideas for this upcoming warm weather! YAY I cant wait to see the new recipes!

My Uncle Lonnie

2011-03-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today God chose to take my Dads brother, Lonnie Jr. (53 years old) from this world suddenly. His wife Corky and son, Phillip need prayers of comfort. I know God will provide during this time. These were some of the great family memories we shared together.

Random.

2011-03-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Warning- this post is random!

I got a Homegoods gift card that I have been so excited to use, but was narrowing down which house item to get! Our bedroom has been so drab with al beige, brown, and white, so this blue makes it a little more interesting! I love the pattern in the blue quilt at the bottom. After MONTHS of searching craigslist for an unbelievable deal for patio furniture, my wonderful hubby came across this! 5 rot iron chairs with a table. We had not wanted any glass, but for the price we paid for this, we quickly got to work washing and painting it to spruce it up! It came to us VERY dirty and silver in color. Taylor pressure washed it and we taped up the glass (my job) and painted it all... We would still like to replace the cushions since they are a little tattered and torn, but hey they came with it! I absolutely love this set now, and it was such a STEAL! Patience is a Virtue.
BEFORE:

AFTER! The back of the chair is my favorite part.. Its such a beatiful, large, comfortable chair. Cant wait to host many peeps this summer! (....Adam and Nat :)

My camera is under the weather currently, so all I have right now to remember my sweet visit with Courtney and her lil one is this phone pic. Titus was a great visitor- I loved having him in the house. He was obviously right at home on the razorback blanket- I think it got him that much closer to being able to call the hogs :)

Finally made this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe that I have been dying to try ever since friends Matt and Sarah (Lauren Grace Boutique) turned me into what my husband calls, "The Muffin Girl" (then he continues to sing the song to me... its great for my selfesteem HA). During their visit we went to MiMis Cafe many times and I fell in love with their Banana Chocolate Chip muffin- its DELISH. My bundt version was pretty good! I took a portion to my cooking professor/neighbor to try so hopefully she'll give me her honest opinion.

Also, on my day off today I splurged with Chick-fil-a (After I ran at the gym:) It was so nice hearing the lady in the drive through state that my total was.... "FREE.. please pull up to the next window." Feels good to be a couponer today.

Tryin a few new things!

2011-02-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

For Valentines day, a beautiful picture of Strawberry Cake Truffles caught my eye, so I tried them out! They were not as pretty as the picture on the recipe, BUT they tasted amazing!!! I had to take them into work just so I would not eat them all! Very moist in the center with the combo of strawberry cake and icing and then a shell of white chocolate (made pink with food coloring) on the outside.. DELISHious.. I found the recipe on a great blog that I now love... here it is below.

http://http//sweetandsavorybysarah.blogspot.com/2011/02/cake-truffles-for-valentines-day.html

Today, I tried out another recipe I had been craving for homeade granola bars! They turned out great- not as overly sweet or oily as granola bars at the store... and they say you can freeze it? I may try it out! Another plus is that it filled my house with the smell of cinnamon granola!!

Found the recipe on another great cooking blog. I am just trying to learn to make different things by finding unique recipes on the blogs. They tend to give pics and more tutorial on making it- which increases my chance of success!!! I'll take all I can get!! hehe I think these would be amazing with chocolate chips, too... but not as healthy :(

http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/09/granola-bars/

Lastly, I am so excited that my sissy is home from college and we took advantage of the Caribou B1G1 last week on Valentines Day! Loved every minute of my Irish Creme Cappicino as well as chattin with her!

Just got in yesterday from a wonderful visit with the Ethridge's. Had a blast and even ran a 5K?!?! So excited and hopefully I'll have evidence like some pictures soon for my friends that know I despise running! I ran again today, so hopefully I'll keep the motivation that the race gave me!

In other BIG NEWS!!! My sister-in-law (Taylors sis) and her husband are EXPECTING!!! I am just beaming everytime I think about it! Her due date is in September! YAY

What a blast!!

2011-02-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned earlier, Matt and Sarah came to visit!!! Due to weather, we were afraid that their flights would be canceled, but thankfully they made it!! We had a great time showing them around Charlotte and just relaxin together. Stayed up wayyyy too late, ate wayyy too much and laughed a WHOLE lot. Taylor and I are so grateful for their friendship!

Friday night we went to see the Bobcats vs Miami Heat (Michael Jordan was there!!!) NBA.

Lots of shopping! I think we hit every mall in Charlotte! Northlake, Concord Mills, SouthPark, and Birkdale :) I thought this was hilariuos that the boys were found like this while we were trying on clothes.

Cant go to South Charlotte without eating at Cheesecake Factory... Delicious!! My fav was Matt's lemon cake...it had a more special name... but I cant remember it. We took them to our favorite Mexican place- Cantinas in uptown before the game. The nachos appetizer- so good.

Saturday, we went on a tour of the Panther's stadium. This was super cheap and so fun!! The boys loved throwing the footballs left in the locker room.

Breakfast at Mimi's cafe. Banana Chocoloate chip muffins were me and Sarah's fav- I ate way too many.

Cant wait for our next trip to be able to see them! Love them so much!

2011-02-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

I am encouraged to post a blog... I am not ever sure I have anything super interesting to share! But, I always enjoy reading my friend's blogs, so I guess I should give back :)

Recent events:

We had a wonderful Christmas Break with the Ethridge's! It poured snow which made it even better- staying warm inside is so much fun with everyone home! We played lots of games, watched movies, and ate great food. It was a blast. One of the best parts was playing football in the backyard- even the girls played ;) Only downer, LB and Dalton were in Canada... we cant wait to see them again though!

When we got home from VA, Taylor and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary! It was of course very special just spending time on a date to dinner and a movie. I am a very blessed wife to be married to such a fun, Godly husband. He makes me smile more than anyone- If you know Taylor you know he has a great sense of humor that everyone loves to be around. I feel very fortunate that I get to be a part of his life :) I look forward to many, many more.

Good friends of ours from Liberty University visited! Michael and Ariel are expecting a sweet baby boy on May 9th, my BIRTHDAY!!! Were so excited for them. Ariel and I were on a women's ministry team together in college. They have just moved from Woodstock, GA to Wake Forest, NC so we hope to have more visits!We had a great family get away to Orlando, FL Jan 5-9.. This was a celebration for Katie Beth's graduation from Nursing school...She will be starting her new job as an RN at Carolinas Medical Center in the Surgical Trauma ICU! I dont know who is more excited- me having my sissy work near me, or her being a new nurse :)
I also got a sweet visit from Meghan and her kiddos! We did close to nothing- just sat around and chatted for a couple days, it was so fun! I miss our days in nursing school when we lived across the street from eachother :) That reminds me of just how sweet it is when God brings friends into your life just at the right time. He is so good and His timing is perfect!

My parents just booked a cruise for our family! July 4th week we'll be cruisin!! Lookin forward to it!

Coming up:

We have been so lucky to have friends visiting us lately, and we are SO looking forward to our visit with Matt and Sarah Ward! In Sept, we went to Arkansas and got to spend time with them, and ever since we have been so excited about them visiting! We have a few things planned to show them the "Queen City," but mostly just to hang out with some of our favs! (will post pics later...)

Also, Courtney is coming!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have long awaited this visit and cant wait! Her little boy Titus is almost 1 and growin wayyy too fast. Were all excited to be going to close friend, Michael Guyer and his beautiful bride-to-be, Emily Ellington's wedding in Wake Forest March 5. Court is coming a few days early to spoil her best friend :)

Well, I think thats a glimpse of whats been going on with us!

Fall is Here!

2010-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe fall is upon us! Today I actually saw the first red/orange tree of the season- I am always amazed at how beautiful they are throughout the fall... Random updates...
Taylor and I had an amazing trip to Arkansas. This was mostly a birthday present from our parents to Taylor- we had been planning for months and could hardly wait to see friends and go to the Razorback VS. Bama game. We had an absolute blast!
Our seats at the game were amazing- Taylor and I kept looking at eachother like OH my gosh I cannot believe were finally here!! at a home game!!
We had so much fun with Sarah and Matt and miss them terribly after living with them for 5 days! They are such a blessing!

After reading some blogs about DIY fall decor, I ventured out as a beginner in the whole "I'll make it myself" thing... I was very pleased with how this turned out! It hangs on the back of our front door.

After success with that, I picked up some cheap craft items at the dollar store and came up with this little wreath for the front door- total- under 5$!

My mom had given me this fallish spray so I used it here on the ledge of our window outside.

Found the pumpkins (on the left of the pic below) at ACmoore- originally over totalling 45$, I reached to the bottom of the barrell O'pumpkins and found the scratched up ones- which cost me 5$!! I was SO excited! and they are fake, so I can use them year after year! The jack o'lantern on the right, I got for FREE at CVS! It lights up too! (Taylor thinks its ugly but likes everything else, so he brought it inside- haha!)

Pier one had these pumpkin spiced candles 25% off then I had a gift card and 5$ coupon... all in all these were free to ME, so i was able to "fallify" my hutch too!

This last pic represents my wonderful family. We were able to see the Ethridge's in Virginia a few weeks ago, and of course had a great time. I am so thankful for both of our wonderful families- It is truely a gift from God and I do not take one day with them forgranted.

Aloha and Mahalo

2010-07-15T09:57:00.001-07:00

Aloha!! Having a blast here in Hawaii- Yesterday we went to North Shore and last night Taylor and I went downtown honolulu for Cheesecake and Lavaflows :) We have a had a blast. Will post more and pics later!

More Truck pics

2010-07-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

What a Stud...

Long time no Blog...

2010-06-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer were able to join Taylors fam at the Lake for Memorial Day and then in June we went to Orlando for part two of the Ethridge family vaca. We always have a great time together- even though FL was SO hot, we spent some time at Epcot and lots of time playing cards... it was great!!

First of all, Taylor has started his new job! We are so excited... I went and visited him the other day and got some pics (shhh dont tell) :)

We have a new addition to our home:) Taylors Grandpa Massey used to own this 1969 beauty and recently Taylors parents gave it to Taylor. Tay used to drive this with his Grandpa when he was like 6 years old- wow have the times changed! Taylor has great memories and it is so excited to have been given this.

In other news, we will be in Honolulu in 10 days! I will update soon after we return...

Weekend in Atlanta

2009-12-21T04:36:00.000-08:00

Katie, Taylor, and I drove to ATL for a wedding of one of our good friends from LU. They had dated for over 6 years before walking down the isle- she just graduated from nursing school at LU and he has already been in Germany for a few months due to being in the Airforce. After their honeymoon, they will return there together!

We had such a great time at the wedding, but the best part was visiting with our best friends Matt and Courtney Stewart and her parents, Momma D and Mr. TimTim. We had not seen them since my wedding since they were living in TX, but are soon moving a few states away from here- KY. Court is 6 months pregnant and it was so fun seeing my best friend's pregnant belly finally!! I miss them already but we have another visit planned for Feb :)

Go Army Beat Navy

2009-12-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had friends over to watch the ARMY VS NAVY game!

Mom made great food like parmesean chicken bites and artichoke dip...

Thanksgiving Vaca

2009-12-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

The Ethridges were able to come through Charlotte on their way to GA this Thanksgiving as well as the newlywed Stoltz's! We had a huge "left over" feast. Always a blessing to be with family during the holidays.

More Decore for Courtney

2009-11-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to be given some pretty Christmas things this year from both of my Moms. Since we got married in Jan, I was not exactly focused on after-Christmas shopping for decore for my future home. Taylors mom gave us some beautiful candle colums that were used at our rehearsal dinner so they are very special and memorable as well as beautiful. My mom gave us stocking last year and they match perfectly!

Court- here are some more pics for you... I CANT WAIT until I live closer to my best friend and I can actually come visit you during Christmas time :) That will be such a joy.

Tis the Season to be Merry ...hehe

2009-11-24T06:28:00.000-08:00

Taylor's Grandparents visited! We had a great time... It tickled me how sweet they are and how much they adore Taylor. Taylor and Grandpa Massey were both drinking orange soda watching Christmas Vacation together on tv... precious :)

Taylor got us some great panther tickets on CraigsList... We went with our friends Michael and Britt. I grew with up them and its so fun now that were both married to go out together on double dates! It is a blessing to have Godly couples in our lives.

Our First Merry Merry Christmas

2009-11-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

Since our families are from different sides of the USA, Taylor and I have never been able to spend a Christmas together! Now that we are married, I am so excited that we will be together this Christmas season! I may be a little over anxious about Christmas decore, but I was just so excited to be decorating our first home! We have not done the outside yet, I have promised to wait until at least after Thanksgiving for that, but today we finished the inside of our home. I found some great deals and was given several nice Christmas decorations.

This is for Dad...

2009-11-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Dad, Sorry I have not updated the blog in so long :( I appreciate all of your blog updates for us! Here are some pics I recently got from Katie Beth- These are from when Taylor and I got back from the honeymoon and one night the Bakers were over for some dinner and cards. These pics remind me of what I cant wait for when you get home! I cant wait to hug you with that big leather jacket on! Love you so much... I work Monday, Wednesday, and Sat of this week so call me in the mornins if you can 0610 :) We think of you everyday... Will blog again soon :)

Sweet Home Alabama... GO HOGS

2009-09-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend we all drove to Alabama for the Hogs game... Even though the Hogs ended up like BBQ :) Didnt play so well, but the whole thing was still so much fun! We thought it was going to pour rain the whole time, but it rained on the way to the stadium and then it was beautiful the whole day!

Critical Care program

2009-09-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today, there was a "celebration" ceremony for our critical care program of 8 months coming to close! It has been a lot of work on top of 36 hours a week on the unit working. It has been fun though with the others in the program. We were introduced by the Vice Presidents of Nursing and Crit Care of Carolinas Medical Center. There were 5 people on Dickson Heart, the unit I work on and others in the program from Medical ICU, Neuro ICU, and Surgical Trauma ICU.

Free Blog Header!

2009-09-09T16:44:00.001-07:00

I may be an amature blogger, but I sure do love those headers and since someone special will be getting a free beautiful header this month... I thought I might as well try for it! Here goes!

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely, our little home is coming together nicely... I recently had the craigslist find of the year!! maybe my lifetime! This hutch I found on craigslist last week and we picked it up today and placed it in the foyer. It even gives me some more storage for my dishes! We plan to hang some family pictures or something above it. The couple we bought it from said they bought it 25 years ago when they first got married and at that time were told it was 1920. Its so beautiful and it matches an antique dining set that I was given that was my grandmothers. This piece was such a steal! I even bargained down from the price they were offering and they accepted. I couldnt believe they went any lower! This hutch came with a dining table set and chairs that matched it! If Taylor and I had had any place to store this we probably would have bought it too because it was such a great deal and so beautiful! We called all our friends in Charlotte to see if anyone needed it! I wish someone we knew couldve gotten that great deal!

We also hung some curtains recently in our bed room and in the dining room. I got a real pretty curtain rod on clearance at BB&B for the dining room. I wanted something a little more decorative for this room and was excited to find it at such a good deal. I have yet to get any hooks inorder to "tie back" the curtains which will look better... Lots of things still need to be done in our house, but its so fun to slowly get to each room!

Lately...

2009-07-22T06:24:00.001-07:00

I have lagged behind on my postings, so here goes...
For 4th of July, we hung out with Adam and Natalie and cooked out at the Renstroms house...It was delish. I made a "cookie pizza" but the cookie part kinda stuck to the stone wear, so I would do that differently next time:) Oh well, I am still learnin about all these wifely duties.
Taylor and I had also had a 6 month anniversary! I came home from work to a dozen beautiful roses. I carried them with me from room to room when we were in the house- I would look at them all day long. Now I am drying them... (Courtney this reminds me of what we always did in college :) It was so thoughtful of Taylor- he even put them in my favorite pitcher. That night we went to eat at Outback and walked around Birkdale village.

I am so excited to have finally finished one the two guest rooms upstairs. I had the white comforter but needed some pillows and colors. I made the fern arrangement with faux fern pieces on sale at hobby lobby, then used a bronze rubbed vase/pot I had bought a year ago at Michaels 75% off. I love it in this room! Then I finally found the exact pillows I have been wanting. I didnt want them to all match but I wanted some color and pattern. The sheets are green, then I have the white quilt and white shams and green pillows then a sage green throw blanket at the bottom of the bed. I found the pillows at Pottery Barn on sale! I also had a gift card from our wedding there! I love it...I still need some curtains, but... its at least pretty for now... Now the other guest room needs work... we have all our black furniture in there--- any ideas what coloring goes well with black furniture other than white?

Happy Birthday to my Bestest

2009-06-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today is my bestfriend, Courtney's birthday! I am so excited but so sad that she is so far away in Texas that I thought I should blog about this to make her feel special. She and her husband are living in Dallas while Matt is in seminary. Court is so special to me and even though my heart aches because we are so far apart, the Lord has blessed the time we have on the phone. We both met the love of our lives at LU while we were roomates and I have made unforgettable memories with her, so I thought I'd share just a few :) She has been an unbelievable encouragement in many ways. I SO look forward to my much awaited trip to see her, but until then, we will continue to "telepathically" read eachother's minds. Something reminds me of you everday. I love you so much, Courtney. Happy Birthday!

Our trip to Hawaii together after first meeting (March 2005)

She and her wonderful family totally surprised me at my high school graduation! (May 2005)
One of our first days at LU our freshman year... Oh living on the Hill... (Aug 2005)
Summer 06

Summer of 2007

On our way to Courtney's WEDDING! May 31, 2008

At my wedding bridesmaid lunch (Jan 2009)

Basically, we are Paula Deen...

2009-05-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Since it has gotten so warm out, Taylor and I have stained out deck and are now able to grill! We LOVE having people over to grill. While we are still perfecting our skills, we are enjoying trying out new things. I was recently inspired by Martha Stewart...So here is one of our meals- it was marinaded chicken topped with white cheddar cheese on toasted baguette bread with a mustard spread and pickles, roasted potatoes and onions, and strawberry shortcake cookies!

Later on this week, we made hamburgers on the grill. I wanted to show off my pretty summer glasses with sweet tea- they were given to us at a wedding shower last july and I love being able to bring them out now that its so pretty out!

Trip down Memory Lane...

2009-05-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to SC and got to see family and friends as well as two of our old houses. It was so much fun!

Of course, our first stop was at Tanner's. Dad, you were very missed here... we really enjoyed telling Grandma all about how we used to come here when we were little. Look forward till you joining us! I had an egg salad sandwhich and a corn dog with grape punch! Mom got a tanner dog and the beloved Gold punch! Oh yea, Dad... the same people are still working there!

Our next stop was to get Grandpa settled....

I was less than 1year old when we lived in this house... We have so many family videos here and it brought back so many memories seeing this house. There is a picture of me crying on this porch while my mom cuts my bangs HA.

Katie was in 2nd grade and I was in 4th grade in this house. We knew everyone on the street and I remember riding bikes a lot here.

It was such a fun trip... We also went by to see Lettie, had dinner with Tom and Trish, and went by the Jarrell's house but they werent home :(

My Bday Trip to the Beach!`

2009-05-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

For my 22nd Birthday, Taylor took me for a long weekend at the beach! We had such a great time just not being on a schedule and just doing whatever. We went shopping at the Tanger Outlets, played a lot of putt putt and ate at fun places, and walked around at Broadway at the Beach and got ice cream :) We even found this little BBQ place that Tay LOVED... (Dad- he said it was better than Log Cabin!?!) Anyway, it was just such a blast. I so enjoyed hangin out with my best friend for a few days! The coolest putt putt place ever! It was so much fun...

The BBQ

at the Gay Dolphin shopping :) HA

Trish's Visit

2009-05-13T07:02:00.001-07:00

"Aunt" Trish came to visit us! We all had such a blast! It was like having family in to visit... Dad, I know youll love seeing these pics... Mom and Trish laughed from the time she walked in the door till she left... It was so much fun!

Legally Blonde on Broadway in Charlotte

2009-05-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Natalie and Mrs. Renstrom were able to come too- it was really fun!

Katie Hollingsworth's Wedding

2009-05-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

When we lived in France for about 9 months while Katie Beth and I were in 2nd and 3rd grade, we met some dear friends and they were like family while both families were so far away from our own. We have stayed in touch and recently (in March) the daughter closest to my age got married in Columbia, SC! This weekend, her brother is getting married as well! It was really fun getting to see friends like them who we always just pick up where we left off with. Katie and Layne were able to come to our wedding as well in January and ironically, Katie and I both graduated from nursing school in December!

Log Cabin

2009-05-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Oh yes we did... Before Dad went to Iraq, he told us we better not to go to our favorite far away BBQ joint without him... but we just couldnt resist! Of course, it would have been much better with Dad's company :)

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T13:03:00.001-07:00

Today we got to skype with Dad! Sometimes the connection is not so good and it gets choppy, but it was pretty good today. I love seeing him but it also can make things a little harder. We all have so much fun laughin and updating eachother on the newest events. Please be praying for him as he is in Iraq...

The whole family

This is for Dad...

2009-03-08T06:50:00.001-07:00

This is for Dad because these are the pics from a wedding Mom and I went to that was in the same military chapel and reception club as where my mom and dad got married! It was so neat sitting in those pews and my mom escorting my Grandpa down the isle knowing this was the same place my parents got married. I really enjoyed the trip...

Let It Snow!

2009-03-01T17:00:00.001-08:00

After driving all day from GA, we're now relaxing inside our cozy home watching the beautiful scene the snow is making outside... but for a few minutes, we got a lil crazy and decided to get some pics for Dad in the snow :) Miss you Dad!!

So Im a lil behind on bloggin...

2009-03-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

Ok... here goes a lot of bloggin that I am behind on... I will probably have to finish updating tomorrow...

A few weeks ago, I made fondue at my mom's... It was DELICIOUS...I made it with chocolate chips, marshmellow fluff, and graham cracker crumbs (this was an attempt to make what we had at the Melting Pot because it was so good...) It turned out so good... we had a fondue set from Taylor's mom as a gift. We used lots of fruits and graham crackers with the fondue.

(Notice where Taylor's wedding ring rests in this pic.... a wife loves to see this sort of loving gesture ;) just kiddin...)

On Valentine's Day, Mrs. Renstrom and my mom held a wedding shower for Daren and Crystal Libby... They got lots of great gifts and lots of crock pots :)

On Saturday, Febuary 21st, there was a lingerie shower for Taylor's sister in Lynchburg, VA given by some of her friends/bridesmaids at LU. It was alot of fun, which explains why I can only post a couple pics ;) haha. She is getting married July 10th and we're very excited!

On our way into town, I got to see Misty and Ariel (as well as their "other halfs") for a few quick minutes! Its always a treat! I just look forward to us all living closer one day :)

YAY

2009-02-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that I figured out how to change the background of our blog! I am not too great on this type thing....Anyway, this weekend, Taylor and I plan to relax and go out for a Valentine's day date at Outback :) Can't wait! Hopefully, I'll have some pics later on from the Libby's wedding shower and our first Valentine's Day together married!

I know its a lil late....

2009-02-09T04:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so even though I have not started work yet, I have been so enjoying my time with my husband and families and therefore have not gotten around to updating the blog with honeymoon pics! So here ya go... We went to the El Dorado Royale Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico for a week and had the time of our lives :)

The morning after the wedding on our way to the airport!

When we arrived, there was a white mercedes waiting for us

24-hour room service was there for when we didnt get enough of the un-limited food ;)

Tay enjoying the pizza bar

We encountered these fellows during our bike tour. We had a blast riding through a zoo, rainforest, and the resort.

Our favorite meal of the day- Breakfast... one of the best parts was the freshly squeezed OJ there in the right top corner... YUMM

Our lovely balcony had a hamock that we sat on to watch the storm clouds roll in one evening before dinner.

They would leave something cute on our bed every afternoon.

Our favorite hangout spot! It was breezy and notice I am in the sun, Tay in the shade... it was perfect!

We had such a great time relaxing with eachother.

The food was always very gourmet looking so fancy

The jacuzzi in our room... pretty to look at, we never got in it though.

In the aiport in Mexico on our way back to Charlotte, where we would begin settling into our new home together... What a wonderful trip.

A wonderful weekend at LU

2009-02-02T04:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend we decided to visit our friends at LU! We got to spend time with Katie Beth, Meghan and Aaron and their sweet kids... and of course, Leigh Anna!

It was super relaxing and we took naps, watched movies, went out to eat (alot!), went shopping, and played with the kids.

We also got to see Meghan and Aaron's new house. On Saturday, Taylor helped Aaron tile their new kitchen.

This is Daddy's three girls at the LU basketball game... poor Momma burned her finger that morning, so she carried her "cocktail" (it looked like a liquer cup) around all day long so that her poor pinky finger would not burn. Of course, we got some good laughs out of that :) But her finger is now better!

One of the best parts of the weekend was when Taylor and I took Mom to a hockey game! OHH MAN, she lOVED IT! She was glued to the fiber glass watching the fights and the players go from one end of the rink to the other. During one fight, she thought it looked fun to bang on the fiber glass wall around the rink like everyone else- so she did! We so enjoyed our weekend!

Our Visitors!

2009-01-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

Our friends Michael and Ariel Tyson came through Charlotte last night on their way back to Lynchburg, and called us to go out to eat! We went to the Melting Pot- it was such a special treat! Michael even got some big news concerning his job so it was our celebration dinner! We had a great time, but wished our friends Misty and Clint could be there, too :) We need a triple date soon.

Taylor and I will be going through Lynchburg on our way up to Hampton this weekend to see his family! We're so excited to visit them since we have not seen them since our wedding.

WOW...

2008-12-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

All I can say is WOW- there is so much going on! It is so much fun right now in my last days as a "Lewis." Yes, there are only 10 left! Two weeks ago we graduated from college, last week we closed on our new home and moved in, and this week we prepare final details for the wedding! Taylor is now home in VA with his family and will return by the 31st for our big New Years Bash with many of our friends coming in for the wedding! I cannot wait to see everyone!

The next day, we went to the Thomas Road Christmas Tree Spectacular with the Ethridge's!

After we return from the Honeymoon ;) I will be taking the nursing board exam, Taylor will be beginning his new job, and we will be settling in our new home as newlyweds! I hope to be able to be a house wife for a while before beginning my job as a nurse in CCU mid-February.

So much to do so little time!!!!

2008-12-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

WOW... There is so much going on! My nursing graduation is tonight, we move Monday, and close on our house on Tuesday, get married in 3 weeks!?!?!!!! Here are some pictures of the uniform burning for our graduating nursing class this past week... it was a lot of fun and great timing for anyone to get out their built up bitterness from the past 4 years :) ha

48 Days Til Christmas

2008-11-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Katie Beth and I got in the mood for Christmas time this evening!! We wanted out apt to smell like "shopping in Pottery Barn at Christmas time." so we went out and bought an amazing candle! You can even hear the wood burning- its sweet!

Notice Taylor in the background watching LSU vs Alabama (this makes us miss Matt and Michael)...

We also made ApPlE cIdEr- my FAVORITE!...My mom bought us this mix from Cracker Barrel- it is SO good.... the back of the carton says to mix it with 1gal apple cider, but I do 1/2 gal apple juice and 1/2 gal apple cider...

...and Katie Beth completed our "Christmas" feel by with making puppy chow!

Update---- Katie Beth was pinned into the nursing department- we are SO proud of her!

Captain UNDERPANTS ... gone bad

2008-11-01T06:27:00.001-07:00

I was laughing so hard I was crying when I saw this.... THIS IS HILARIOUS! The first costume shown in this Today show has gone terribly wrong and this kid is now scarred for life.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/27471791#27471791

Showered with Love

2008-10-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Showered with Love

2008-10-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Oct 11, Taylor's church in Hampton, VA- Liberty Baptist threw a very generous wedding shower for us! It was a blast and such a blessing. We are getting so excited as our wedding gets nearer! Check out the pics on the link below!
http://picasaweb.google.com/richantcliff/MTLibertyWeddingShower

Birthday Boy and lots of "New"

2008-09-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

We have been fourtunate to be able to visit both homes in Charlotte and Hampton already this semester! Its always fun seeing our families. This past weekend we were in Charlotte and it was Taylor's birthday!

Continue to keep us in your prayers as I choose which nursing job will fit me and we decide which house will fit us in the coming months :) Its all so new to us and we are both excited for all thats happening in the next few months!!!

Last SEMESTER!!!

2008-08-20T04:48:00.001-07:00

Yes... Taylor and I are graduating in December, so for now we are taking advantage of the wonderful oppurtunity to be at LU. I do have a few updates...

Meghan and Aaron Mason had their beautfiul baby boy at 10lbs and 6 oz on July 23rd! I was able to get up to Lynchburg to see them and help her out some- It was so much fun! I will have to post pictures of that soon...

Also, some of our good friends, Katie and Andrew got engaged! We are so excited for them... they are having a winter wedding as well (my personal favorite ;)

In other news, Katie Beth and I are living together and that has been so fun to live with my sister, but I miss my best buddy Courtney so much. It has been such an adjustment not having her here in Lynchburg along with Matt and Michael :) I am so blessed to have such wonderful, true friendships with these great people. I love you.

Also, here are some pics from the Bridal shower given to me by Leigh Anna and Mrs. Renstrom. They have helped me with the wedding so much already, and this day was so thoughtful of them. Taylor and I have been so blessed by family and friends during this time.

Kyler Aaron Mason is finally here!

2008-07-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Finally, Kyler Aaron Mason at 10 pounds 6 ounces was born! YAY! I have no pics yet of the sweet little one, but I am going to visit and cook for Meghan this week and will post some pics very soon.

An 18 hour drive can be worth it :)

2008-07-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Ethridge, Taylor and I went to Arkansas for a wedding of a friend of Taylors from high school that is also one of his groomsmen. We had such a great time seeing everyone. The wedding was beautiful!

Matt and Courtney got Married!!!!

2008-06-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

Our bestest of friends, Matt Stewart and Courtney DeLaney are now affectionately known as The Stewarts!!!! Last weekend, May 31, Taylor and I went to Atlanta for their celebration. I was lucky to be Court's maid of honor, and Taylor was an usher. It was the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to. Not only was Courtney the most beautiful bride ever and Matt the studliest of them all, their wedding illustrated their Love for the Lord. Several different times the gospel was presented throughout their wedding ceremony and reception. And, at the rehearsal dinner, there was testimony after testimony of how each of them had shown Christ's love towards each of their family and bridal party. They are so loved and admired. Taylor and I at the rehearsal. On our way driving to the wedding!!!! We were screamin in the car so excited.
Right before the wedding! We were getting SO excited!

Almost Done!

2008-05-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I have been hard at work on exams this week and finishing up spring semester. After a long weekend in Charlotte, I will be returning to Lynchburg to take a semester of nursing classes in 5 weeks while Taylor is working as an intern in Charlotte. So happy to be finishing up this semester! Cannot wait for next December when we are graduating!
A lot has happened around here lately...
Katie Beth's vball team at LU won the championship!

I finished my clinicals for junior year! YAY... here is my amazing clinical group this year- we went through pulmonary, surgical, oncology, and the emergency department together

One of my friends at LU is a photographer and needed some pictures of a couple for her class project, so she took photos of Tay and I! Here is an example of her work...

Honeymoon HERE WE COME!

2008-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

YAY! Today we booked our honeymoon!! We are so excited... it is a place about 30 mins away from Cancun, Mexico called Riviera Maya- the resort is called El Dorado Royale: Spa Resort. Here is the link if you want to check it out!

http://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/doradoroyal/

Spring Break

2008-03-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Lewis family took a vacation to Orlando, Florida this week during spring break. Taylor's family went on a cruise (I will try to get some pics to post from their vacation, too...).

We had a blast.. here are a few memories from our trip.

Katie Beth and I on the beach in Tampa.

On the FRONT of the monorail at Disney
Our resort in the background... my parents playin golf (ktb and I rode along) One day at the pool, CNN was filming Glenn Beck's daily show! We watched it that night to find ourselves laying out by the pool on national tv! He was a really nice guy, too.

This is our condo this week at resort called the Reunion Resort.

Leigh Anna and some of the Renstrom girls came to visit us in Orlando while they were visiting Tamps (wish you had been with us, Nat :)

All in PiNk

2008-03-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I threw Courtney a lingerie shower! It was so much fun planning and when March 1 finally came, everything went great. Mrs. Renstrom and my mom came into town to help me (which was just my excuse to see them)- which was so nice. The theme was PINK! from the gifts to the food. Courtney got some beautiful "items" for the honeymoon ;) and several of our friends from LU and also Courtney's beautiful mom and grandma joined us from Atlanta. It was fun but also very exciting about their upcoming WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY! May 31 is the date and its right around the corner!

Spring is Here!

2008-02-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

Taylor and I at a bball game with Kaela, Meghan and Aaron's 4 year old princess. TRIPLE DATE NIGHT!

This weekend was so fun- Taylor and I went out with two other couples- Matt and Court and Katie and Andrew. We had a blast eatin at our favorite place and then hangin out afterwards at the apt. The time is nearing!!!!- Matt and Court are gettin hitched in just 3 months!!!!!!!!
(This WAS great pic- till SOMEBODY came along :)

Engagement party!

2008-01-20T10:41:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Jan 12th, the Renstrom's held an engagement party for Taylor and I. It was so much fun visiting with family and friends. They were so thoughtful to do something so sweet like that for us. Taylor's family was not able to join us due to scheduling conflicts, so hopefully we will get pictures up with them as well very soon.
Several of our best friends came in town for the party, which made it even more special!
Matt and Courtney, soon to be wed!, are always makin us laugh ;)
Of course, Mrs. Renstrom even had some games for us! She is so creative and made the night so fun. We played a "newlywed game" against my parents and my sister and her boyfriend. Taylor and I won !!
Leigh Anna came in from her missions trip to India and I was so glad to see her!
Katie Beth and David showed us what they learned in dance lessons :)

At the end of the evening, there was sweet time of prayer for Taylor and I- We are so blessed to have close friends and family that are encouraging to us.
The whole night was such a special, memorable time for Taylor and I. Thank you again, Mrs. Renstrom!

Only One Year Away !

2008-01-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to say that one year from today I will marry the man of my dreams! God has blessed me with not only a wonderful, studly man, but his lovely family as well. I could not ask for more!
This is one of our first pictures together when we were just beginning our adventure together at Liberty...

And now....

Only One year away from becoming Mrs. Taylor Ethridge ;)

Home for the Holidays

2007-12-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

We have only been home for a few days and we have packed in so much! Already this Christmas Break we have visited Grandpa Mansfield, gone to basketball games, visited with friends, planned some wedding things, and played lots of wii :)
The night I got home from college I asked Ktb to be my maid of honor. She was surprised to see the request written on her car!

We have really enjoyed hangin out with David and Katie Beth. Our whole family went to a movie and got a milkshake afterwards...
David has red hair also, so everyone is always asking if he and Taylor are brothers. We all go along with it, now as if they are :)

Taylor and I kept my precious Caitlyn for the afternoon on Sunday. She loves smoochin on my man!!

In other exciting news, we booked the University Hilton for our reception in Jan 09'! We are so excited. They have been so helpful with the whole process and it has even been newly renevated- it is very pretty and now we are even more excited about further planning.

We got Engaged!!

2007-12-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

YAY! December 1, last Saturday, Taylor proposed to me! It was so exciting and though I knew it would be sometime in the next few months, it was very much a sweet surprise. It all took place downtown Lynchburg at our favorite place to eat, Depot Grill. As we climbed up the stairs of the historical monument that looks over dowtown, we took a few "self-portrait pics" and then he got down on one knee! There were even a few by-standers that clapped for us :) It was such a sweet moment I will never forget.

Taylor and I have been dating for a little over 2 years, now. We met at Liberty University, during freshman orientation week. God did not waste anytime getting us together- and we are so glad! We would meet to do our laundry together every week (now I realize he has not done that many loads of laundry since ;) to chat. After a few chats, Taylor asked me to dessert at O'Charley's after a Wednesday night church service. We had a great time and continued dating.

It is neat to see how the Lord kept putting each of us in the other's path-and within a very short time, I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Taylor.

We have had a blast in college together, but are anxious to see what God has in store for us next!

We are planning to get married soon after we graduate in next December!

Please pray for us as we have final exams this week and then get to go home for the holidays and get to spend time with our families! YAY!!

The Ethridge's

Valentines Day...

Tryin the Bbq round these parts...

Pintrest-ing

All in a days work....

Moving Day is Here...

New Adventures in 2012!

HT Super Doubles

Apples in Ashville

Our trip to Alabama!

September has been awesome because...

My Hubby's Birthday

RaNdOm...

Love this!

Lots of happenings!

Lindsay Beth's Baby Shower

Random Iphone updates...

Nat's Shower

Christy's Wedding

Aren't they Cute!

Happy Father's Day!

Graduation

Triple Coupons!

Strawberry Cake!

Share your favorite Strawberry Recipes!

My Uncle Lonnie

Random.

Tryin a few new things!

What a blast!!

Fall is Here!

Aloha and Mahalo

More Truck pics

Long time no Blog...

Weekend in Atlanta

Go Army Beat Navy

Thanksgiving Vaca

More Decore for Courtney

Tis the Season to be Merry ...hehe

Our First Merry Merry Christmas

This is for Dad...

Sweet Home Alabama... GO HOGS

Critical Care program

Free Blog Header!

Home Sweet Home

Lately...

Happy Birthday to my Bestest

Basically, we are Paula Deen...

Trip down Memory Lane...

My Bday Trip to the Beach!`

Trish's Visit

Legally Blonde on Broadway in Charlotte

Katie Hollingsworth's Wedding

Log Cabin

Easter Sunday

This is for Dad...

Let It Snow!

So Im a lil behind on bloggin...

YAY

I know its a lil late....

A wonderful weekend at LU

Our Visitors!

WOW...

So much to do so little time!!!!

48 Days Til Christmas

Captain UNDERPANTS ... gone bad

Showered with Love

Showered with Love

Birthday Boy and lots of "New"

Last SEMESTER!!!

Kyler Aaron Mason is finally here!

An 18 hour drive can be worth it :)

Matt and Courtney got Married!!!!

Almost Done!

Honeymoon HERE WE COME!

Spring Break

All in *PiNk*

Spring is Here!

Engagement party!

Only One Year Away !

Home for the Holidays

All in PiNk