Christmas Time 2009

This year, we went to Rockwood for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We made it there just in time for Candlelight Service at church, which is probably my favorite part of the entire Christmas celebration. We had such a wonderful time visiting with family. On Saturday, we came back to Kingsport to visit with Clint's side. We are so thankful for all our blessings, but most especially our wonderful family!

Chloe Claus

J.leigh and Abe

Christmas Day

Clint playing with his new recording toy

Our sweet Ryann with the pig we got her.

Another year celebrated for Clint

Clint turned 26 on December 20th. We celebrated by eating sushi with the family after church and then going back to Joe and Lo's house to open presents and eat "cake" since we did not have electricity. Unfortunatly, the snow storm that hit the Tri-Cities was the weekend of his birthday. So, we were pretty much snowed in but thankful that we had family close by that had lights and heat!

Every good Florida fan must have their very own Snuggie!

Clint wanted a donut cake this year. Thankfully, this didn't need any electricity to make!

Happy Birthday Momma!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Mother! So glad I was able to celebrate with you a few weekends ago!

Boy for the Barkers!

I was so happy to find out today that my 1st cousin Tom and his wife Erin are expecting a BOY!! Tom is the only boy surrounded by all female cousins. I know he is so excited and I couldn't be happier for them. It's been a while since we have had a little baby in the family, so we will all be excited to welcome the first great-grandchild! Congrats Tom and Erin.

The 1st Cousins

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Chloe with Charlie (he is staying with us for a week)

One of the pictures Brooke took for our Christmas card

Our stocking hung with care

Clint's colored light tree

Our Christmas tree

Black Friday shopping

Yes, I was among the millions who woke up early to get some deals on Black Friday. I scouted the ads on Thanksgiving and saw some items that were worth braving the cold, dark morning. I was fortunate enough that I didn't have to go alone. My poor husband of course had to work on Friday. (Which was to his benefit since he was the most shopped for on our trip!) Clint's brother Ben mentioned he wanted to get up and go shopping so we decided to go together. I was even more excited when he offered to drive. (Or maybe I suggested it, not sure.) I HATE driving on crowded roads and parking in busy parking lots.

So, what was such a super deal that I had to get out of my warm cozy bed for early Friday morning? The answer: Appliances. I mentioned in a previous post that I might have some exciting news to share. Well, Clint and I have moved forward and hired a contractor to remodel our VERY outdated kitchen!! When we bought this house, we knew that it would need to be done at some point down the road for re-sale value. But, when we received our tax credit from purchasing our house, we thought it would be a great time to go ahead and do it. We both knew it would probably always be something we talked about doing but probably wouldn't do until we decided to sell the house. Why not do it now so we can enjoy the upgrades. Beside, who the heck knows how long we will live here....maybe forever?!?

We have already ordered our counter tops and cabinets. The next item for debate was appliance color. Since we are doing our very best to stay within our tax credit (or right at) we had to weigh our options very carefully since this was a purchase that could easily bust the budget. (Who knew appliances were so outragious!) After doing research and talking to friends, family and our kitchen expert, we decided on black appliances. One for the price break and two for the maintenance. I think having stainless steel would drive this OCD cleaning girl crazy! And really, as our kitchen expert told us, "Everything is a fad and will be outdated at some point."

We had gotten tipped off that Lowe's was going to have an appliance package deal on Black Friday. Something these two budget conscious homeowners had to investigate. Turns out, it was a pretty good deal. We purchased all our appliances: fridge, OTR microwave, dishwasher and stove for the price of what one nice refrigerator would cost! Saved us at least a grand. Have I mentioned, I love a savings?! We still have to pick out our sink, faucet, color for walls and tile for back splash. But, I think we are nearing the end of decision making. It can be so exhausting...but I know it will be so worth it. We are looking at beginning our kitchen renov. the first of January. Stay tuned for pictures.

Grove Park Inn

Last weekend, my cousin Margaret and I made our way to Asheville, NC to visit the popular historic hotel, The Grove Park Inn. It was truly wonderful! I arrived on Friday a few hours before her and had the chance to get lost around the huge hotel. The views of the mountains are breathtaking. And the weather could not have been more perfect. On Saturday, we spent our entire day at The Spa. And I mean entire day. We were there at 9am, left 2 hours for dinner, came back and spent the rest of the evening there until it closed at 9pm. We both are "get your monies worth" kind of girls...runs in the family! I have never been to a more luxurious spa. They really did think of everything. I won't even try to describe all the amenities because I would for sure leave something spectacular out. We both had hour long pedicures that consisted of a mini-foot/calf massage, hot stone massage, sugar scrub, neck and eye scented pillows,champagne, chocolates and of course painted toes! I don't think I'll ever get any other pedicure that will top that one. It had to be one of the best girls getaway trips. Thanks again Margs for everything, but most of all your fabulous company! Sadly, we did not get a picture together. But, who had time for pictures when you are maxing and relaxing all weekend!

The Grove Park Inn (a very small part of it!)

Sunset

Fall colors were still hanging on

Halloween 2009

I know I'm a little behind on my posting! (Seems to be the norm around here lately.) We had a very peaceful Halloween this year. Chloe had a friend (Charlie) sleep over. We dressed her up in her costume before the trick-or-treaters started arriving. She was a chicken for the 2nd year in a row. The 2 dogs loved having visitors coming and going all evening. We were excited because we had 15 little cowgirls, ghosts, rockstars and creatures. If you remember from our previous Halloween posts, this is by far the most we have ever had. Although, I'm not sure how Clint really feels about it. Midway through the night, as he looked into the dwindling candy in the bowl, he made the comment about turning out the light to save the rest of the candy! I think he was getting too use to not having any trick-or-treaters and eating all the candy himself. Of course we did not turn off our light and were pretty much cleaned out by the end of the night. We also watched a pretty awesome UT football game that night too!

Race for the Cure

Today was the Tri-Cities Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It was a beautiful day and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to run. I was a little nervous because I wasn't as prepared as I would have liked to have been. However, I was pleased that I ran the entire race and didn't have to walk...that was my goal. I'm not exactly sure of my time yet, but I know was close to the same time of my last 5K. Clint, Chloe, Joe and Lo all came to support me. It was great having them cheer me on to the finish line. Thanks again for all of you who supported with prayers and donations!

Reason for my run

Getting ready to cross the finish line

After the race with my family

MTSU Homecoming 2009

I had a wonderful time at this year's MT Homecoming. Bridget, Sarah and I rode down to the 'Boro and meet up with Jennifer. We got there just in time to watch the parade. After that, we did some socializing at the ADPi Alum tailgating tent and then headed to lunch. We made it back just in time for the game and watched MTSU beat Western KY. It was so great to be able to see friends that I don't get to see anymore. Can't wait for next year!

Jennifer, Sarah, Bridget and me

Tailgating

Roomies

Go Blue Raiders

Busy Weekends

Seems like I don't have a free weekend in sight. But, it's not a bad thing. Fall is the best time to travel and visit with family and friends...and I will be hitting the roads of this great state (and surrounding ones) in the weeks and months to come.

This past weekend Mom came to visit and finally got to see our new house in person. We had a fun time catching up, shopping and watching movies. It was very relaxing. No matter how old you get, it's always good to have your momma home...come back anytime Mom!

This weekend I will be stopping in at Sarah's new house (& new visiting with her new hubby) to spend the night before we meet up with Bridget and head to MTSU's Homecoming. This has become an annual tradition with us and something I always look forward to. I driving back late Saturday so that I will be ready on Sunday to run in the Susan G. Komen 5k. (Say prayers that my legs will carry me because I have only been doing abbreviated runs in the mornings!)

In 2 weekends from now, I will be heading the other direction and meeting up with my favorite cousin Margaret for a girl's getaway in Asheville. We are staying at the Grove Park Inn and I'm so very excited because I've always wanted a chance to stay there. No doubt we are going to have so much fun!

Nothing is on the schedule for next weekend. I'm keeping it free so that Clint and I can hang out on Halloween and pass out candy to the little trick-or-treaters. I'm just hoping we have more than we did last year. (If you remember, we only had 2! Ha!) I can feel it, this is going to be our year!!

Stay tuned...hopefully soon, I can share with you all the exciting news of what else has been consuming our time. (P.S. It is nothing to do with us becoming potential parents...it's about our house!)

Goal Reached!

I have reached my donation goal! Thanks to everyone who donated to the Race for the Cure. I'm very excited to be running for such a wonderful cause. I have been trying to increase my distance each morning when I run. I am doing my best to be as ready as possible. I know it's only a 5K but its been awhile since I've run in one. And, I'm only use to running 1-2 miles a day. But, I've still got some time. I'll be sure to post some pics from the race.

Thank you again to everyone for your support and prayers, it means a lot to me!
P.S. If you would still like to make a donation, just visit my race page. (The link is on my previous post.)

Employee of the Month

This month we found out that Clint was named Pepsi Employee of the Month at his plant. This is a great accomplishment since there are over 100+ employees that work there and considering that only 12 people get selected out of the year. This past week was also employee appreciation week there and I got to go take the tour of the buildings during a cookout and got to see his name on a plaque and his picture displayed. He works so hard everyday and I think he definitely deserves it! Can you tell I'm proud of him?!?

Not only that but today I received this delivery at my office:

I was very suprised when I read the card:

Sure, I'll take credit for his hard work, ha! I thought it was very thoughtful.

To say he works for a great company is an understatement.

Sarah's Reception

2 weekends ago Clint and I attended Sarah's wedding reception. I had mentioned earlier that she had a destination wedding in Florida. Sadly, I was unable to attend due to lack of vacation days! However, I was so happy to find out that she was going to have a reception after the wedding when they got home. We met up with Bridget and her boyfriend, Brandon and had a blast celebrating with the bride and her new husband. Love you Mrs. Campbell!

Bridget and Brandon