AAA

And for the third time since we've owned Tammy Two-Tone, AAA would have been very useful. The first two times I could have used them, I forgot to turn off Tammy's lights resulting in a dead battery when I tried to leave work. I've since learned the magic of jumper cables. Then yet again, the non-automatic car leaves me hanging. I was on my way home from a vvvveerrrrryyyy long day of work yesterday when I needed to stop and get gas. Since I don't have automatic locks, to get out of the car, I had to physically pull the lock up and exit the car. Somehow when I was getting out, it managed to lock (totally on it's own might I add:-)), with my wallet in the front seat, my phone in the cupholder, and my keys in the ignition. Being exactly 30 miles from work and 30 miles from home, I attempted to pry open the door for a few minutes just in hopes that my super human strength would kick in. No luck. So I turned around and headed into the gas station where these two old men smoking cigarettes have been watching me the whole time. (sidenote: This is one of THOSE gas stations where people hang out all day because there is nothing else to do in the town). By the time I got inside, they had already called the police for me so I wouldn't have to call a locksmith. I can honestly say that was the first time I feel like I have been shown "southern hospitality" since I've moved to Virginia. Anyways, the policeman showed up about 15 minutes later and used his little tool thing to break in. My stomach was in knots when he couldn't get the first 2 doors open, but yet sucess on the third. He was super nice and I asked him to hang around until I made sure my battery wasn't dead since the keys had been in the ingition. Of course he did, and I was on my way home again secretly cursing myself again for not filling out the AAA application that has been sitting in my planner all month.

Deeters and Delbonis

This past weekend I had the wonderful privilege of being in Michael Delbonis and Katie Dietz's wedding. Not lying, this was definitely one of the most fun weddings I've ever been to (mine of course being the most fun for me:-)). The weekend started off with a beautiful bridal luncheon hosted by Arhmin's mom, Susie. Katie had 10 bridesmaids and it was nice since we all knew each other from Lee( with the exception for her two younger cousins who fit right in!). The rehearsal Thursday night went smoothly and Farmhouse catered the dinner afterwards. You gotta love coming to TN and consuming sweet tea at every meal! We were given the opportunity to toast the couple after dinner and the words spoken of Katie and Michael were precious. Later that evening, the bridesmaids decided to spice Katie's night up with her bachelorette party. Of course, I can't really share alot of details about that:-) After a couple of hours of sleep, we woke up Friday morning ready for the big day. We checked out the reception site at the Cleveland Country Club and it was absolutely perfect. Katie's colors were royal blue and green and it was so summery and cheery. Armed with Starbucks, we headed to the church to get ready, take pictures, and relax for a couple of hours. The wedding ceremony was perfect and I don't think there was a dry eye around:-) Katie and Michael have such a cool story of friendship and the wedding was tailored to that theme. The wedding reception was so fun--- Ricky, a friend of Michael's from NJ was the DJ and he really knew how to get EVERYONE dancing. At one point, you couldn't tell the difference between a club and Katie and Michael's wedding:-) I think everyone had a really great time, though, and Katie and Michael are relaxing and enjoying their honeymoon in Mexico! Thanks Katie for making me a part of your special day. You mean the world to me!
---There was no way to post all my pictures on here so check them out on facebook if you are interested:-)

The Fourth

We were invited to spend the 4th of July weekend at Brandon Baldwin's parents house in Urbanna, VA. We slept, ate lots of bad-for-you food, fished, sailed, tanned, played games, and achieved my Vitamin D quota for the week (aka sunshine).












This week has been insane at church (it's Discipleship Week which means the youth are there 24/7 for the whole week) and I'm leaving tomorrow night for Cleveland for Katie and Michael's wedding. When we get back, it's T-1 week for missions trip!
(July is WaaaaaaayyyyyY too busy..)

Finally, a Day at the Beach!

Thankfully, my parents have always been the kind for family vacations. Growing up, we always went to the Outer Banks every year, usually for the week of the 4th of July. Those vacation spots have now expanded to Hilton Head or certain remote parts of Florida... all with the only requirements being that the beach be as relaxing and with as few people as possible. If you've ever been to the Outer Banks, you can agree that it's the most relaxing place on earth. Large beaches, amazing homes with hammocks and hot tubs, biking everywhere, lighthouses, no hotels in sight, and even the occasional wild horse.
VA Beach is not like that:-)
Sadly this year, I will be foregoing my vacation time for a missions trip in late July. So when the chance to go to the beach for a Saturday with the young adults at church came up, you can bet that I hopped on board. However much fun we had "riding the waves" and getting sun, this beach is different. I'd even like to go as far as to call it the Gatlinburg of beaches. Think hotels, boardwalks, millions of people, greasy food, and tourist shops on every corner. It was a great place to people watch and some of my favorites were the 300+lb woman "riding" one of those blow-up whales, the teenage couple making out in the water under the boardwalk... with their jeans on, the older ladies that probably shouldn't be wearing the diamond encrusted bathing suit they probably got when they were 20, and the millions of precious little kids shrieking everytime the waves crashed in on them. The best part of the day was that I even got to read a book for fun (I'm trying to get through "My Sister's Keeper" so I can go see the movie). Minus the missed sunscreen spot on my lower back, the day was great and much needed for this summer.

The Ultimate Youth Pastor

Check this video out about the ultimate youth pastor. If you have any part in youth ministry, you will definitely appreciate it:-)
(It's a little long, but well worth it:-))

Prayer Request for Bam

For those that don't know, my grandmother on my dad's side is affectionately known as "Bam". (My grandfather was "Doda" as if that makes any more sense:-)) She had a small bout with bladder cancer a couple of years and did really well with that. Recently, she has been feeling very nauseous and sick and her doctor actually found a lump in her groin. After the biopsy, we just got the confirmation that the bladder cancer was back and now it has spread to some other areas of her pelvis. The doctor wasn't very giving with a good prognosis, and the only option at this point is chemotherapy. Now I'm asking anyone that reads this to please pray for her. Of course I am asking for complete healing from the Lord for her body, but at the same time I am asking for strength for this new chapter of chemo. She is 81 years old and I know this is going to be very tough on her body. I love my grandmother and it's killing me that we don't live closer to TN where I could help out with things. This does, however, give me more of an opportunity to lift her up in prayer. Thanks guys.

In the wise words of my friend Courtney, you can't put the power of God in a box:-)

Catch Up Time

I feel like I can safely say that these past 3 weeks or so have been some of the busiest, most exhausting days since we have been married. Between graduations, graduation parties, cookouts, youth events, birthdays, work, church.... it has been a whirlwind. I mean, I can't say most of it hasn't been fun, but there is something to be said when I haven't cooked a homemade meal in over 3 weeks and the laundry that was washed two weeks ago is still sitting nicely in the dryer. I leave the house in the morning and usually don't come home until 10:30 or 11. Can anybody else relate to this???? Does it ever get better??? Maybe the more important question is-- How can we start saying no to things? (Any tips would be appreciated:-)) But enough whining....
We did have the opportunity to go home to Cleveland Memorial Day weekend for Scott's graduation and also for Katie's shower. I was so looking forward to this weekend because it was full of friends and family. Here are some of my highlights of the trip:


Watching my baby brother graduate from high school! I realize that it's expected this day and age to graduate, but I still think it's a neat way to end one chapter in your life and start the next. He is going to go to Lee next year for anyone who's wondering:-)


Watching Scott and Brandon's face as they opened their personalized Taylor Swift photographs. They message reads, "I love Scott" & "I love Brandon" Thank you Emily Evans!


Finding out that my very best friend is pregnant!! Courtney surprised all of her family and some of mine with their big announcement. It was so fun to watch everyone's faces! Congratulations John and Courtney!!




Getting to spend an entire weekend with alllll of my extended family (on my dad's side at least). I absolutely love the Douglas family and had a blast catching up with everyone







Getting to throw Katie's lingerie shower! I had some really great pictures from the day but I decided my friends would hate me if I posted them:-) Let's just say we got to use our imaginations that day:-)







Spending time with Katie before she moves to the far off land of New Jersey!! She won't be there anymore when I come home to visit but thank goodness for weddings and TN10 vacations!




Other highlights without pictures:
-Breakfast with the quad pod at the Cracker Barrel. We've had some crazy discussions at that place but it always reminds me of these girls.
-Getting to see Abby's NEW house and helping her pick out paint colors. I hope I wasn't too overbearing in my decision-making..:-)
-The best quote by Abby: "Your family is so great. They are just like mine except they cuss and drink beer!" :-)
- Getting a 4 day weekend from work!! Nothing could be better!