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Can we say lovely weekend? Wow, it was our one year anniversary one month ago 10-10-10! We weren't sure where we were going until 2-3 weeks before. I love planning trips that you don't have to wait for too long. We rented a lovely cabin north of Pigeon Forge.

It was perfect and we enjoyed being in TN when UGA won a game!

We arrived on Friday after a gorgeous drive through the mountains. It was so nice spending quiet time enjoying God's beautiful Earth and loving Ryan while celebrating our one year. We checked in at the realty company and got our information. We checked out the cabin and freshened up for dinner.

Our restaurant was fabulous and filling! We enjoyed The Old Mill after our 2 hour wait. Don't worry too much, because while our name was on the waiting list Ryan talked me into to Go-Carts. I didn't want to get beat in the race, so I opted to ride in the passenger seat. Ryan was the winner out of all 10 carts. At dinner we both ate chicken-n-dumplings...I know not really healthy, but we are on vacay! We headed back and got in the hot tub...I'm pretty sure the teenage boys next door were walking through the woods or else it was a bear! Pretty funny!

The next morning we woke up and headed to Cade's Cove. It's a gorgeous, peaceful place! I had never been, but what a neat place.

Then, off to watch the GA vs. TN game in a crowded sandwich shop. It was nice to actually win in front of some annoying fans...if I had to hear "Good Old Rocky Top" I may go crazy!!! After that some shopping at the fantastic outlets! Ryan had so much fun...not, but he was very nice about letting me go in the stores while he say on the park bench. He made some new friends!

That night we had our anniversary dinner. We enjoyed The Park Grill in Gatlinburg. It was a super romantic dinner except for the little girl behind us spying on us! She kept us in reality while the piano player was sending us off into a melody. I have always loved the sound of the piano and it's memories of Mom and Dad that it brings me. I only wish I had that talent. We capped off the night with a fire at the cabin.

Sunday morning we woke up and had a relaxing breakfast. All of our things were packed in the car ready to go. We did some more sight seeing, went to the Apple Barn, Ryan showed me where they stayed when he was younger, and just enjoyed each others company.

On our way home we stopped at a state park where the state lines meet. It has the most gorgeous view. We also enjoyed Cherokee for lunch. It was a nice change of pace and we will be back...sooner than I can even imagine!


Enjoy the pics!

Prayers are powerful things! Our friend Kory is going through a rough time, but has a contagious attitude. Please head on over to his Caring Bridge page http://www.caringbridge.com/visit/korypotts and say some prayers! It is inspirational to see all of the love!

I am so totally bummed because I have no pictures from any of my birthday celebrations.

This year I have been feeling totally and completely grateful for all I have, but realize I have so much! So, I wasn't expecting much...which made it even better when I did get thoughtful gifts or sweet gestures.

First, I love cards where people write heart-felt messages and I definitely got some from wonderful friends and family!

Then, Ryan took me out for my birthday dinner. We went to one of my FAVORITE restaurants...The Last Resort in Athens. It's always amazing each time we go! The food is raised/grown from nearby farms. After we got finished there we headed over to NONA's (used to be Harry Bissett's) and drank an awesome coffee that Ryan's cousin made for me! Thanks Chase!

On Saturday we had a fun day!! We hung out at the house with Danielle, Jon, Chels and Brian and watched the game. Well, really the boys watched the game while we ended up talking in another room and dying laughing. We even figured out the Hula Hoop and the funky way we all hoop! Danielle got me a bag of goodies (so thoughtful in picking out her gifts) and Chels got me the cutest monogrammed ornament I can't wait to hang soon! After that we all piled in Chels and Brian's suv and went to meet more friends at The Melting Pot! It was a blast. I love how everyone that God made is so unique! Wonderful night full of bday people: Jon, Me, Chels, Laura, and I may be forgetting someone!

Next, Sunday was a super busy...but fun day! We headed to Ryan's parents for lunch! I got a nice southern cookbook and the cutest Thirty-One lunchbox! His mom cooked chicken, veggies, fruit and a yummy chocolate pie! It was so good that I wanted to eat it all, but I had to save room. That evening we all (me, Ryan, and Lyla) headed over to Mom and Dads. We had one of my favorite homemade meals Mom makes. The table was full of London Broil, yummy sauce, rice with mushrooms, and veggies! We also had great cupcakes that Mom poured the icing on to! They were super delicious! Mom is crafty and she made part of my bday presents. I got a bottle-cap necklace and cute letters that spell N E S T to put in my home! I also got pjs from Erin and Greg that have quatrefoils on them in pink and white for Phi Mu! I couldn't have asked for a better birthday! Erica also got me an awesome blue watch with rhinestones around the face! :)

I am so blessed! One thing I did notice is 26 feels a little bit old for how I feel. I think I am still an 18 year old sometimes. How did I get here to this wonderful spot in my life?! I wonder what led me here and it is: God, supportive parents, a loving husband, an awesome brother and sister, and fabulous friends. I am thankful for so much! Happy Birthday!

I love to stay busy...I think! This week made me second guess it just a bit, but it was still enjoyable! Mondays are always a bit more busy than what they used to be since we meet with our small group from Athens Church. It's amazing what God can do if you give him some effort and attention. We are feeling very blessed! It's great to meet 6 other couples who are in the same part of life and support each other.

I have been obsessed with checking out all of the cool fall decor on these blogs...Thrifty Decor Chick, The Nester, and Hooked on Houses! The Nester and Hooked on houses have open houses and mantel parties going on right now! Check them out and get some ideas!

Here is what our home looks like for the Autumn season.

Danielle and Jon were hitched on Oct. 2nd! It was a gorgeous, classy ceremony and reception.

A lot of things have been happening this summer.  One of the greatest events is God working in my life.  Since my junior year in high school I haven't had the best relationship with Him.  Prior to my junior year I was highly involved in my church youth group, sang with a praise team, and felt very confident in knowing and loving God.  Then, March 24th, 2002 happened.  My boyfriend and one of my best friends died in a car wreck on the way home from my house.  It is interesting to me how strong I thought my relationship with God was.  I feel that if it were stronger it wouldn't have taken me so long to not be angry with Him.  When I say angry I was ANGRY!  I had hate in my heart and could not understand why a loving God would have let this happen.  The only thing that gave me peace was knowing Wesley was in a much better place.

So, this summer my sister asked me to go to Athens Church with her.  Don't get me wrong, I have been attending church, but there is something about it there that feeds me.  It may be the younger crowd, the music, or the message (I think it's all of those and more).  The Spirit inside me has been reawakened.  I have let God fully back in to my life.  It's not because I don't think bad things can happen, but I am learning to completely trust Him again.  I have wonderful examples all around me and it's amazing how God works.

Ryan has been going with me and we both LOVE it.  It feels bad if we miss a day.   ¹⁴For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵from whom his whole family^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3 : 14 - 19.

Ryan and I just got back from a beach trip and God was all around us in the sunset, the powerful water, and safety in our trip down and back.