Cards with a Cause

This year, I decided to do things a little different with our Christmas cards. Instead of spending money on the traditional boxed cards and printing off pictures to include, I decided to do something that had more meaning. I know most people end up trashing the cards after the holidays (maybe even the pictures too). And, that's okay. But, I wanted to send something that I knew wouldn't be a waste of money and would actually go towards a good cause.

I started searching for cards that donated portions of the proceeds to a charity or non-profit organization. I wanted to try to find an organization that was local (within TN) and one in which they majority of the proceeds would go straight to the cause. I had fun searching and finally found a place that I'm very familiar with and believe in the work they do. Even better, 100% of the proceeds go towards the cause! Be looking for your card to see what organization we chose.

So, when you receive your Christmas card from the Davis family this year, you won't have to feel guilty about tossing it after Christmas because it wasn't wasted money. I just love this idea and I think it's going to be a new tradition for us!

Fun Little Trip

A few weekends ago, Clint and I made a quick trip to Fredericksburg, VA. Clint had a meeting for work and I wasn't even sure I would be able to tag along. Luckily, we found out a week before that I would be able to go. What a neat place! Such a cute downtown and so much history. We lucked out and stay in the only hotel downtown. They had also just decorated for Christmas that weekend and all the stores had extended shopping. On Sunday, we took a little drive and crossed over the Potomac River into Maryland...my first visit. It was such a quick trip we didn't even take any pictures. But, we fell in love with the area and would certainly visit again. Thanks Pepsi!

Weekend Projects

Besides handing out candy to our trick-or-treaters this weekend, we also tackled a few house hold projects. I started by finally making some curtains to hang in our bathroom. I've been meaning to do this since we moved in. One more thing to check off my list. At this rate, we might have everything complete by the time we decide to sell this house!
Today, I suggested to C that I paint the 70's white square and diamond decals on our door. I was hoping by painting them red that they would blend in. C said it might work better if we tried to remove them. The first 2 came off pretty easy. The last square gave us a bit of trouble but he finally got it off. I still need to paint a few more coats of paint on it, but you can see the difference. Eventually, we will probably have to replace the door due to a few mechanical issues. But, I think it will do for now.

BEFORE- This style must have been all the rage back in the day. There are a few other identical doors in our neighborhood.

I spent Saturday trying my hand at hair bow making. Below are my first attempts with some ribbon I had. Of course these will be going to Ryann along with something else I'm making her for Christmas.

Race for the Cure 2010

Lo and I a few weeks ago at the Tri Cities Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It could not have been a more perfect day for the event, weather wise. Even though it was not my best race time, I still enjoyed being able to participate with my mother-in-law.

Fall is my favorite

Ahh, my favorite time of the year has finally made it here. I anxiously await fall's arrival each year and am always so sad when it leaves. Clint can tell you that I'm not good with "extremes." I don't like extreme heat or extreme cold. I guess that is part of the reason I'm such a fan of fall. I love wearing long sleeved shirts without the need for a coat. Once heavy coat weather approaches, I'm about done.

The leaves are starting to change around here and it makes me feel very fortunate to live in the mountains of east TN. Without a doubt, the prettiest season here is fall. Although, sometimes I feel like I leave out the place I was born and raised. west TN. I think it gets a bad rap sometimes. Yes, it is flat land (although I found, not as flat as some of Texas) and yes, most of it is farmland. However, it does hold its own natural beauty.

In fact, some of my greatest memories of Jackson were in the fall at the house I grew up in. I was fortunate enough to be raised in the house my great-grandparents built. I got to live int eh home my grandfather lived in. I love that house for so many reasons but that is the main one. Apparently, my great-grandmother knew a thing or two about plants and trees. (I certainly did not inherit her green thumb.) She planted some of the most beautiful shrubs and flowers. Most of which are still present today. One tree, in particular, I will always remember. I don't know what kind of tree it is (see previous green thumb comment) but it is extremely large and each fall produces the most vibrate color of yellow leaves you have ever seen. The color will truly take your breath away. I remember so many years of playing in the mass amounts of leaves that fell from it. I also remember my grandfather, who happened to appreciate a freshly raked yard, coming over on the weekends to rake our leaves. Sometimes we could be bribed with a few bucks to help rake and sometimes not. Oh, how I miss that tree. In all the beautiful fall foliage here in east TN, I have yet to find a tree that compares to it.

So wherever you are, I hope you take the time to enjoy fall...we all know it won't be here for long. I am including a picture of the house I grew up in. This was taken the first time I took Clint to see it right after we married. (Can't see the tree in this picture, but it's to the left side.)

Labor Day Week Travels

We just returned from our week vacation and boy, did we travel! But, I will say, this is probably the most family and friends I have ever seen in such a short amount of time. It was so awesome to see and catch up with everyone. We started our travels on Labor Day weekend by heading west to Jackson. My family does another camping reunion, of sorts, on Labor Day. As usual, Clint was super excited about shooting his gun, fishing, 4 wheeling, etc. I was just happy about seeing family again. While in Jackson, I also squeezed in some time to see my best friend Rachel. We have been best friends since Kindergarten and do not get to catch up near as much as we would like. It was so nice to talk about fun memories and be able to share them with Clint and her boyfriend Burton. On Monday, we said goodbye to my grandmother and dad and packed up the car headed toward Texas. It was a good 10 hours, but we made it fine and were greeted by Clint's super sweet Aunt Wanda and Uncle Larry. Of course, our highlight was visiting with his grandmother. She was the reason for the visit. I had only met her once at our wedding and that was the last time Clint had seen her too. She just amazes me. She is 90 years old but is so sharp and hilarious! Clint's uncle is a retired agriculture teacher who is now farming. He showed us around the fields. I thought the Texas farmlands would be similar to West TN farmlands but I was wrong. It was neat to see how completely different they are. The only sad part was having to say goodbye. We loaded back up in the car and drove a short distance to Dallas. Since neither of us had ever been to Downtown Dallas we decided to stop in. On a whim, we checked into a hotel and stayed downtown. I am so glad we did. We found a great rate at the Adolphus hotel. Once we checked into our room, we found out they had upgraded us to a junior suite which had 3 different city views. So cool! We just so happened to be staying the night a tornado hit downtown. Never a dull moment traveling with the Davis Family! We were fine, of course, and left out the next morning. This time, we were Murfreesboro bound. We did decide to stop in and stay another night with my grandmother to break up the trip. 10 hours seems to be our maximum travel time in a car. It can be so exhausting. After some more generous hospitality from my grandmother, we made our way to Blue Raider Country. We got in on Friday and stayed through Sunday. It was very nostalgic to be back in the stands cheering on our team. Not to mention eating at all our favorite places we had been missing. We certainly put the miles on our car, but I would do it all again. I only hope it won't be so long before we see everyone again.

Catching up on family news at Hatchie Bottom

My grandmother and dad

Me with Rachel and her son Timothy

Clint with his sweet grandmother

Our gracious hosts, Clint's aunt and uncle

Some of Clint's 2nd cousins

This is just one side, the other part of the room had a desk, couch & 2 chairs with the flat screen

Super nice bathroom

One of our downtown views from our room--I was a little disappointed that I did not see one person wearing a cowboy hat or boots.

Getting ready to go to the MTSU game. (They were playing my former employer, Austin Peay State University.)

Carter Family Fold

A few weeks ago we were invited to tag along with Joe, Lo, Robert, Mandy & Ryann to the Carter Family Fold. We had been wanting to make the small drive to Virginia to see this historic place. I didn't know until we were there that it was the last place that Johnny Cash performed live. We are fortunate to live so close to such neat places to visit. Before we made it to the fold, we had to stop in at "Hob-Nob Drive In" for some burgers and shakes. Ryann sure does love her chicken legs. It was hilarious!

Checking to see if they have chicken legs...

Yup, they do!

Blurry, but shows the live music and "flat footin" dancers

Fun Night at the Fold