Update and Weekend Roundup!

So we are still going back and forth on the car thing. It's a pretty big decision. I talked to my youngest sister yesterday, and she is going to have to get a new vehicle (well probably new to her) She is hoping to get a job and save up money. I hope it all works out for her. My other sister was more lucky, her problem actually turned out to be more minor and her car should be an easy fix and not have to be replaced.

Since I'm awake before the sun, I figure I'll go ahead and post on the good of this weekend. :)

Friday night, John and I went out for a bit of shopping. Our first stop was Subway for dinner. The sub was pretty good, but it actually made me miss the Subways back in Georgia. (Hard to believe! lol) We then did some window shopping in the mall. This was our first visit to the mall and it was crazy crowded...figures, being a Friday. So me being the anti-social/and semi claustrophobic person that I am, I didn't last long in there. We then stopped by Barnes and Noble where I got part of my Valentine's present. (John will be working Valentine's Day, so we decided to change our usual nice dinner at home date and just do gifts. I'm sure we will enjoy that day (the hours we are awake) together, as we do any other day together. :)

A cover for my Nook. Isn't it gorgeous?! And as John says "So me" lol

While I was in B&N, John stopped by Game Stop to pick out a game. John is not a serious gamer, but this is usually his go-to gift.

We then headed to Walmart to stock up on groceries and other stuff. While at Walmart, I was able to get a new planner. This was not a part of my Valentines stuff, but it might as well be. I'm a sucker for a planner. I love writing down everything and it keeps my poor little mind sane. ;) We did, however, finish up our Valentine shopping there. I got Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition (as soon as I saw the preview, John knew this would be something I would want for our collection) and John got the HBO John Adams series. We also picked up a couple of other movies that were on sale. We ended the night out, by picking up some sleep masks. We've been really needing those because of John being on second shift. (They work pretty well, but will take some getting used to!)

Once home, we unpacked the car and put away all the groceries. We then ended the evening, watching Life as We Know it, which is a really great movie. (One of the movies we purchased, we also got Leap Year and You've Got Mail)


Yesterday, we spent the day catching up on z's and chores. Nothing really newsworthy, but things that were needed.

Today we will be checking out another church and I'm looking forward to what this day will bring!

<3 Anna

Weekend Roundup and Questions

Hi guys!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ours was pretty nice!

Friday: John found out he had some vacation hours that would expire from last year, so he was able to take the day off. We spend much of the day just relaxing around the house. That evening we went to Lowes Foods and picked up subs from the daily, chips, and toppings for ice cream sundaes. We watched Iron Man 2, which was pretty disappointing to me. I thought the first one was much better. We then watched various tv shows and ended the night playing Mario Party 8. Overall, it was a pretty perfect evening.

Saturday: I'm finally caught up on the household chores. (For the most part, there is always something to do. lol) John's cousin got us free tickets to The Biltmore House, so we will be visiting there very soon. So excited! That evening, we were happy to have a visit with our friends, Jonathan and Regina Stafford. It was so great enjoying dinner and cookies and catching each other up on life. Looking forward to all the fun plans for the future. :)

The Staffords :)

My sweet blog friend Heather tagged me in this fun game. So now it's my turn to share. :)

The rules for tagging:
1. You must post these rules.
2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

1. I'm a true foodie. I love to cook and especially bake. 


2. I'm currently working on reading 50 books this year. 


3. I seriously love Pinterest. My goal this year is to actually complete more of my projects on there.


4. I also hope to watch more classic Hollywood films this year.


5. I have strong opinions about things, but don't find it necessary to make everyone know them all the time.


6.  I love sites like:  http://ragtradervintage.com/ , http://www.modcloth.com/, and http://www.shabbyapple.com/


7. I seriously miss everything about the 90's.


8. I'm planning on doing my Christmas shopping in Mount Airy, NC. They have the cutest little shops!


9. I'm a very structured and planned person. My planner contains my life.


10. I love British humor. ( The IT Crowd, Keeping up Appearances, Black Adder, Mr. Bean) They all make me happy.


11. When I was a teenager, I found myself desperately trying to fit in. Now I find myself, going against the grain more.


1. Who was your first crush?

A guy in my kindergarten class, I think his name was Dustin. My first celebrity crush was Andrew Keegan.

2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Be honest.

I hope that I can get my blog monetized and that I will be a successful Scentsy consultant. (I may get back into Medical Transcription, not sure yet.) All of this in mind, my greatest job will be being a mother and I hope to home school my children. I also hope to be involved in a church and happier in my spiritual life.

3. If you could travel to one country for a week, where would you go, and where would you want to stay?

Ireland...no question! It would be amazing to stay in a castle..but I would just be so ecstatic and happy to be there...I wouldn't care!

4. When are you happiest?

When I'm spending time with my wonderful husband. <3

5. When was the last time you cried?

This morning, couldn't sleep and watched a movie that made me cry pretty hard.

6. Mountains or Beach?

I love both, but Mountains!

7. If you had unlimited money, which store would you visit first?

Barnes and Nobles---any book store!

8. What is your favorite quote or verse?

I have a lot of those, but here's one I would like to share. 

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. 

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. 

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. 

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. 

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. 

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone. 

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms. 

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. 

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair. 

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. " -Audrey Hepburn

9. If you could wake up tomorrow with a new talent, which would you choose?

I really want to sew!

10. If you could have any zoo animal as a pet, which would you choose?

Hmmmm...probably a small monkey or a cute penguin.

11. At your current stage of life, what is your ideal date?

I'm not too picky, I just love spending time with my husband. :)


And I'm tagging these friends:


Victoria @ Life and Three Boys


Cami @ First Day of my Life


Melody @ Melody-mae


Katherine @ Irish Italian Blessings


Robyn @ http://burkemissiontravels.blogspot.com/


Daphne @ http://fashiondivamommy.blogspot.com/


Susan @ http://onlythemanager.blogspot.com/


Lesley @ http://sofabulouslyflawed.blogspot.com/


Elle @ http://ellesees.blogspot.com/


Katie @ http://mommywithselectivememory.blogspot.com/


Heather @ http://hmmargazi.blogspot.com/




Please follow the rules and answer these questions:


1) What fictional character do you most identify with and why?


2) What is your first memory from childhood?


3) Where do you see yourself in five years? Be honest!


4) What would be your dream vacation?


5) What is your favorite point in history? (What catches your interest the best)


6) Glass half-empty or Glass half-full?


7) What is your favorite quote or verse?


8) Do you have a tv show or movie that you consider a guilty pleasure?


9) What is one family tradition that is very special to you?


10) What is the most uncharacteristic thing you've ever done?


11) What is your favorite comic strip from your local Sunday paper?


<3 Anna

Weekend Roundup!

Hi guys!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We sure did! :)

Saturday: John and I got up bright and early and headed down to Georgia to visit my family. (We still needed to give my grandmother and great-grandparents their Christmas gifts.) We arrived a little after lunch time and enjoyed a big lunch. No one would ever go hungry at my grandparents! After lunch we gave my grandparents their gifts. We then took Sophie for a walk on my grandparent's land and got some wood for our fireplace back home. The rest of the day was pretty leisurely and relaxing.

Sunday: John and I got up early planning to attend church with my mother, but my sister was still doing poorly. (She had just gotten her wisdom teeth pulled out) So we ate a nice breakfast and got ready for the day. We went to my mom's apartment for lunch and my cousin came to visit. I haven't seen him in several years, so it was great seeing him and catching up. After my cousin left, John, Brandi, and I went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie, but I have to say The Lion King in 3D was more enjoyable. My favorite parts of the movie were (as far as 3D goes) the scenes with snowfall. After the movie, we went to Zaxby's for dinner, I was happy to learn they have fried pickles again. (I found out I prefer Captain D's though.) but it was enough to get the taste again. ;) After dinner, we stopped by a KFC to pick up some mac and cheese for Jessica. (My sister who had the wisdom teeth pulled) It was back to Bowman, to drop Brandi off and say our goodbyes. (We would have to leave early the next morning) Once we got back to my grandparents we watched some tv including the new Napoleon Dynamite cartoon, which was fun to laugh at. Then it was off to bed.

<3 Anna

Ps. I think I finally got my blog set up the way I want it. What do you think? :)

A Day in Mt. Airy

Hey everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. On Saturday, we visited Mt. Airy, North Carolina (which is about an hour and half from our home). There we met John's father, stepmother, and grandmother for lunch and to visit a few sites.

As you can see, we got our camera back. Yay!

We had lunch here. :) Everyone (with the exception of me) got a pork chop sandwich, what they are known for. I got a BLT. It was a light and tasty meal.

John enjoying "Mayberry"

Behind bars!

We took a wagon ride through the town. :)

Andy Griffith and Opie statue

Andy Griffith's home place

More of "Mayberry"

Wouldn't you love these prices for groceries?!

If you haven't noticed, John's family is really into Andy Griffith. It was fun to learn more about a show that was a big part of their lives. We also browsed various stores, one even had cider and cheese tastings. We got to try various kinds of cheeses and blueberry cider...it was all delicious! We even got some garlic, chives, and parsley cheese to enjoy at home.

The perfect end to a wonderful day!

<3 Anna

Weekend Roundup!

Hey everyone,

I hope you all had a fun filled weekend. Ours was okay...we were stuck at home again. John rarely gets a cold, but when he does he keeps a cough for forever. :( So we spent our weekend enjoying these Christmas movies.

The first two are my hubby's picks:

These are more to my liking:

What are some of your Christmas favorites? Do you enjoy any of our picks?

<3 Anna

Weekend Roundup!

Hey everyone,

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Friday: John and I went out on a date/ shopping trip. We enjoyed a nice meal at O’Charley’s. We love their food especially their cinnamon doughnuts! We got a great deal accomplished, despite still not feeling 100%. We got some Christmas shopping done and some essentials for our new home. :)

Saturday: We slept in and had a leisurely morning. We then had another busy day of shopping. First stop, the local shoe store, for work shoes for John, then a few other stops for Christmas shopping. (Just in case family is reading this, I won’t list off everything.;) Our last stop of the day was Goodwill, we dropped off a box and I got some goodies. ;)

Some favorites from childhood for my collection

Plus I remember reading these books in school!

Plus these two cardigans!

For $14.99..sweet!


I cooked a quick dinner and we watched our recording of The Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting and Home Alone, to kick off Christmas.

Sunday: This day was all about the cold that won’t go away! My head felt loopy and made me feel dizzy most of the day and poor John has had a couple of nosebleeds. :/ So we stayed in and did some light house work and finished watching Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (This isn't one of my favorites, but it’s a classic in my husband’s eyes. ), and The Santa Clause.

I have always thought this elf was so pretty!

So say a prayer for John and I, we are still feeling bad. John has training this week and he really needs to be focused and have peace.

<3 Anna

Weekend Roundup!

Hello everyone,

This is my favorite time of year---love gearing up for the holidays and how this time of year seems to bring out the best in people. (It also brings out the worst, but I choose not to dwell on that!)

(Thanksgiving) Thursday: John and I woke early, packed the car, grabbed some breakfast and were on our way. We spent our Thanksgiving at my great-grandparent's. I made a pumpkin pie---our tradition, my hubby loves pumpkin pie and it's a requirement for Thanksgiving...I can't say much, I love it too! I also made some Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. I got the recipe from a dear friend, they turned out okay. I wasn't pleased with them. I think this is because I had to make them the night before and they are better fresh. Oh well, they all got eaten. ;)

We arrived in Georgia and waited for the rest of the family to arrive. John said the blessing and we enjoyed some delicious food. I forgot how amazing my great-grandmother's dressing is! Everyone was stuffed and as always, everyone ate dessert at their leisure. A tradition for my family is for all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to decorate our great-grandparent's Christmas tree. We enjoyed taking pictures, chatting, and decorating the house. It was a wonderful day and it reminded me of all we have to be thankful for. :)

Friday: With the move, I didn't have extra money for Black Friday shopping---so we didn't participate in that. I was a little disappointed, but it was okay to not get out in the craziness. We enjoyed a lazy day. We watched tv, took Sophie for a few walks (my great-grandparents have a few acres of land, so this equals one happy puppy!), and enjoyed a delicious late lunch with my mom. She makes the best lasagna! We then met up with my friend, Andrea and walked around a local park and caught up on things. (She didn't get to see us before the move, so it was great spending time with her!)

Saturday: My sister and I showed John some historical sites in our hometown. It was fun sharing this with John and learning and re-learning new things! :) That night, my youngest sister returned home---the lucky duck, spent Thanksgiving in the Bahamas! We were so excited to see her on her return home and hear all about her trip. (We also met my other sister's new boyfriend) Once it was just us family, my mom gave us each a Christmas ornament, with us all growing up she wanted us all to have an ornament for our tree to share. I can't wait to put ours on our tree!

The Georgia Guidestones

Old Dan Tucker's grave

The monument for the first Christmas tree in Elberton.

Sunday: John and I woke early. We ate breakfast and took Sophie for a good walk. We then packed and loaded up. We made a pit stop in Greenville and got to visit some good friends. So great to catch up with them. The only thing that would have made it better, was the visit being longer! We are hoping they will be able to come see the new place in January! :) Look forward to that visit! :) We got home before dark, checked the mail and watched some tv. Then headed to the store to pick up some essentials and a few Christmas goodies. Then it was early to bed, hubby's first day of work to follow.

John is enjoying his first day of work. I'm watching the National Dog Show (recorded) and Sophie, well she's a little wiped out! ;)

Wishing you all a wonderful week! Don't forget that even though Thanksgiving is over, we should still remember we have much to be thankful for. It is my goal for the rest of the year and the upcoming new year, to remember all the wonderful blessings God has given me! This includes all things great and small (my peppermint mocha---this morning, ahhhh-mazing! ;)

<3 Anna

PS. We are having some serious issues with our camera. Does anyone have any recommendations of a good camera, for someone who loves taking pictures, but doesn't really care about a whole bunch of bells and whistles...? Recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

Weekend Roundup!

Hey everyone,

It's the start to another week! (For us, MOVING week!) So I just wanted to take the time to share with you about our weekend. (I also am unsure about my posts this week or the following week, with the move there is much to do and I won't have internet access at some point.)So bear with us, we look forward to settling into our new home and I can't wait to give you all a "tour." ;)

What a view!

I love the mountains and waterfalls :)

My mom and my sister, Brandi.

My sister--Jessica, and her new beau, Derrian.

Mom, Jess, and Derrian

Me---being silly

Resting after walking the park

Everyone loves trying on crazy hats!

Aren't they the cutest?!

So as you can see we had a blast! Wishing you all a wonderful week!

<3 Anna