Katie

I have been writing this blog in my head for over a week, and now that I am sitting down at my computer to write it, I feel completely speechless. One week ago today, mine and Whitney's dear friend from home, Katie Whitlow, passed away. Her unborn son, Bascom, went with her as well. I appreciate so much the thoughts, emails, and prayers that have been sent to me from so many of you. Katie was truly someone who was set apart from the rest. I want to tell you about so much: my memories of her, other stories I heard over the past weekend, how people had to stand in line for over an hour at the funeral home to speak with her family, how our friend, Rusty, spoke the most perfect message at her funeral, how she prayed for each and every one of you, even if she did not know you. I want to tell you about her sweet daughter, Merriweather, and how she is still laughing and smiling, about her husband, Jacob, who is so strong in the face of so much heartache, about how Katie touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of people, both before, during, and after her illness took her life. I want to tell you about her family, especially her immediate family: Curt, Melody, Curt Jr., Annie, Caleb, & Brock, and how wonderful they are. Please put Katie's entire family in your prayers. I could go on and on forever, but I am going to leave you with the email from Jacob when he let everyone know that Katie & Bascom had passed away. I am going to end with an email from Katie wrote last year to somene who is desperately seeking the Truth. May God bless you through these words the way Katie blessed everyone around her.

"I am sitting in Merriwether's room, watching her eat apples and pineapples, trying to explain to her the difference between the two, but all she can say is 'apple appie apple appie apple.' And she's telling me this story about this crazy cat she saw the other day at her memaw's house, except it wasn't a squirrel, it was a cat, and we don't think it was crazy. Katie was at the hospital on Friday getting blood and platelets. It took a long time and she just about had a nervous breakdown waiting for them to finish giving her the last bag of blood. I took her home and from that point her condition deteriorated quickly. She lost a lot of blood over the weekend and on Monday. Her mouth was filled with sores and her skin had little red bumps on it. She was in some pain, but she continued to believe that God could heal her. You are receiving this e-mail because you know my wife and you know that she lived her life with God and for God. Last night, around 3:30 AM, her mother Melody and I watched as Jesus took Katie to Heaven. He took our little unborn son, Bascom (after Katie's maternal great-great-grandfather) Ancil (my paternal grandfather) Whitlow. I do not know why this happened, why Katie died at the age of 26, why we had just two years and three months together as a married couple, why she died one year, to the date, of her being diagnosed with Adult Myeloid Leukemia. I don't know why she won't be there to make my daughters' wedding gowns or sing their grandchildren to sleep. I do know this though, and I know that Katie knew this until she breathed for the last time, because she was, in the midst of horrible pain whispering it, 'God loves me.' And she loved you too, even if she never met you, because Katie loved people. And God commands us to love him and love each other and Katie did those two things like no one else I have ever met. Merriwether is sitting in my lap now, wanting to go play, and she has no idea what is happening. Please pray for her, for my family, for Katie's family. The funeral will be on Saturday, I believe at Grove Level Baptist Church. The visitation will be Friday at some time at Julian Peebles Funeral Home in Dalton. I am an English major, so pardon any bits of the melodramatic in this e-mail and I am sorry if this news seems impersonal in this most impersonal of communication forms, but I hope you know it is written with sincerity and sorrow, but joy too, because Katie and my son are with Jesus. In her first e-mail to me, Katie closed it by saying 'My cup runneth over' and I remember thinking 'Who uses that expression?' and now I know what she meant. And when she wrote her last e-mail a week ago telling everyone the news we were having a boy, she finished that one with the same words, 'My cup runneth over.'" Jacob (written on 12/20/07)

Written by Katie last year:
" I am a Christian. Not because my grandfather is, not because his grandfather was...not because Grove Level planned the best activities when I was in middle school. I am a Christian because I have studied the life of Christ and it is good and it is love...and it is triumphant. I have never thrown my arms up in excitement or run around the sanctuary or shouted out to God during a sermon or fainted or swayed or been “slain in the Spirit” or spoken in tongues…or handled snakes(smile), It’s all I can do to clap in time to praise music…but I can hear Him whisper and I have felt Him only inches away if any at all and He has touched me and my insides stand in attention and my heart is red and it beats hard and fast and if you turn me inside out like an orange there would be some fantastic celebration with parades and ferris wheels and fireworks and marching bands and jelly beans and pinwheels and fire eaters and hula hoops and…..fat ladies in polka dots and lions and popcorn and acrobats. I pray that you might know my insides and realize that although I don't believe as you do...I believe with passion and with love and with direction of thought and purpose...not with a simple, gross obedience to a church or a pastor or a cause....All I know is that in the end it will be as God has planned and man can not interfere. And God is love. Love is everything. - Katie Hammontree [Whitlow]
Amen (smile)"

Have You Ever Prayed For A Miracle?

Many of you received an email from either Whitney or I about a month ago regarding our dear friend from Dalton, Katie Whitlow. I am just now having the time to post the information onto my blog so that more and more people can see what is going on. If you go back in my blog "archives" to the end of 2006, you will see that Katie was diagnosed with leukemia, and immediately began treatment for it during the holidays. The treatments were successful, and Katie has been being monitored ever since. The doctors told Katie that her treatments would make her infertile, but in the fall, Katie, Jacob, and Merriweather found out that they were going to have a new addition to their family, Katie was pregnant! Please understand that the pregnancy in itself is a miracle from God, the doctors told Katie she would not be able to have children. Unfortunately, about 3 months later, they found out that Katie's leukemia had returned, and have had to make what could possibly be one of the hardest decisions ever: do they treat the leukemia, and harm the baby, or leave the leukemia alone, saving the baby, but leaving Katie sick? They have prayed and prayed about their decision, and have decided that Katie will not treat the leukemia. I wish you all could have the chance to meet Katie and understand what an unbelievable example she is to everyone around her. She is patient, kind, and loves everyone around her. She has a way about her that makes you feel at peace even when there is turmoil all around. In the past, I have asked for prayer requests for this or that, but in this specific instance, I ask that you specifically pray for a miracle for Katie and her family. Thank you to those of you who have already prayed about this and written to me, I know Katie's family appreciates it as well. I'm posting a picture that I swiped from Whitney's blog of Katie, Jacob, and Merriweather. Please tell others about this, and thank you for praying for a miracle for Katie.

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Whitney to talk about "My Man"--so here goes!

1.Who is your man? Andy
2. How long have you been married? 2 years 2 months
3. How long did you date? We dated for almost 5 years before we got engaged--then we were married 8 months later.
4. How old is your man? 28
5. Who eats more? It must be me because Andy has lost weight since we got married, and I have gained it--I don't understand!!!!
6. Who said "I love you" first? Moi.
7. Who is taller? Andy
8. Who sings better? Andy, without a doubt. I feel sorry for anyone within listening distance when I am singing, I can't carry a tune in a gigantic bucket!
9. Who is smarter? When it comes to common sense, finances, and anything having to do with business, that would be Andy. If you are talking about actual grades in school, that would me--and he would agree, so I'm not insulting!
10. Whose temper is worse? Bless poor Andy, that would be me! I have to agree with Whitney's answer about her husband, Andy is very mild-mannered, and thinks before he speaks, so when he opens his mouth, it is meaningful, and you listen.
11. Who does the laundry? Me
12. Who takes out the trash? Andy
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you are looking at the bed, Andy does. But when we travel, he always sleeps on the side of the bed closest to the bedside table--how funny!
14. Who handles the bills? Andy, or we would be bankrupt.
15. Who is better on the computer? I think we are about the same.
16. Who mows the lawn? Andy, I would be afraid to mess something up, he has this whole pattern" thing he does--it has to be a guy thing.
17. Who cooks dinner? I do, but Andy can cook wonderfully as well.
18. Who drives when you are together? Andy
19. Who pays when you go out? We have one bank account, so it is our money--but we have our Dave Ramsey envelopes, gotta love them!
20. Who is more stubborn? Me, me, me.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Andy, remember the stubborn question from above?
22. Whose families do you see most? That would be Andy's because we live in the same town:)
23. Who kissed who first? Me: Gatlinburg, Pi Delta formal weekend-how embarassing!
24. Who asked who out first? I honestly cannot remember, but if we're going along with the pattern, it was probably me. Wait, no, it was Andy! Hallelujah! It did take him a little while though.
25. Who proposed? Andy, and it was movie perfect!
26. Who is more sensitive? Andy is sensitive, but I am most definitely more sensitive in comparison.
27. Who has more friends? Probably about the same.
28. Who has more siblings? Andy: 2 brothers
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Andy does, and he should! Sometimes I try to steal that role, but it doesn't work when I do that!
30. Who is the biggest pushover with the kids? I think it will be Andy--but I'll let you know in 10 or so years!
I tag Chris Anne, Jillina, Lauren, & Lindsay...Go Girls!

Happy Birthday Dear Mama...

Yes, it's true, I am 27 years old, and still call my mother, "Mama"--so what? Yesterday was her birthday, and I'm sorry to be sending blog wishes one day late, but don't worry, I called her yesterday, and had celebrations over the weekend! Andy, Callie, and I went to Dalton this past weekend to have an early birthday celebration, and we hung out with my parents and my grandmother. I was in a hurry to leave, and forgot my camera, so I have no pictures. But, my mother looked awesome, so everyone can imagine her however you like! I'll have lots of pictures as the holidays near, though! Happy Birthday, Mama!!!!

One quick story about dessert. Dessert, you say? Yes, dessert! For those of you who are married to a man (which is all you:)) there is a mystery that I need help solving. How is it possible that two people can eat the exact same thing (and the man even more) yet the woman gains weight, and the man loses it! What is that about?! It is seriously ticking me off. The weird thing is that Andy has a MAJOR sweet tooth, and he would eat homemade dessert every night if I would fix it. His newest dessert fetish is Rice Krispy Treats. They are quite easy to make, I will admit, but when he requested them one night at 9:15 (I like to be in bed around 9:30--I know, totally old fogey bedtime) I was adament that I would not be making them. After his request, I was checking in with everyone's blogs before I headed to bed, and he was watching TV, or so I thought. I looked over at him to tell him I was going to bed, and this is what I saw:

I'm not sure how long he had been "cuddling" with the Rice Krispies box before I looked over--but needless to say, I made him his Treats because his stunt was too funny!

Why I'll Never Have My Own Cooking Show

Since getting married, I have taken up the enjoyment of cooking. I really try to do new things almost every week, and that involves constantly reading cookbooks, and keeping them out when I am cooking. The other day, I was cooking "Broiled Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce"--sounds absolutely fabulous, right? Well, as always, I had my cookbook laid out so I could know exactly what to do. I was cooking on the back eyes of my stove, and my cookbook was on the front of my stove. You can probably tell where I am headed with this. I was halfway through supper, and Andy and I smelled something funky in the kitchen. I checked all of my dishes, and everything was okay. Then, it hit me: I usually cook on the front eyes of the stove! I quietly (without drawing Andy's attention) looked at the knobs on the stove, and sure enough I had (out of habit) turned on the front eye of the stove, where my cookbook was laying. I wasn't quiet anymore, I grabbed my cookbook up and ran out on the back porch! Thankfully, it wasn't burned to a crisp, it just has a stovetop size burn on the back! Andy was trying to keep his laughs in, and I took some pictures because I knew I had to tell everyone how silly I was. So, if any of you were planning on coming to my cooking show on The Food Network, it's too bad--I don't think you qualify if you burn cookbooks! I'll leave you with the most recent casualty of my absent-mindedness!

The Pictures From My Last Blog...

Andy and I with our signature pose. Does anyone have any suggestions of how else to pose without it looking like we are about to head to our senior prom?
These are my sister-in-laws, Alesha and Rachel! Alesha is married to Andy's older brother, Jeremy, and Rachel is married to the younger brother, Charlie.
We were trying to get a Christmas card going here, but Andy and I screwed it up by doing another signature pose, instead of seeing what everyone else was doing!
My cousin's wife, Rebecca, and me at the game! This was the only time we stopped talking the whole time I sat by her! She is great!
This picture is for Eli! Since he didn't get to see the game on TV, I wanted him to see at least a little of his Dawgs!

Fall Is In The Air...

Ahhh, the crisp fall air has arrived! It is so nice to get in my car after work in the afternoons, and not suffocate before I can get it cranked! But, on the downside, there is a homeowner across the street from school, who just spread some type of manure on his field. There is nothing like having a gentle breeze waft the smell of nasty manure right into your nose--SICK!
This past weekend, Mark and Jillina came to Athens to watch the Bulldogs play. Mark was back on his old stomping grounds, and Jillina is in the final stages of her conversion from a UT Volunteer, to a tried and true, Georgia Bulldog! Welcome, Jillina! Whenever you miss that ugly UT orange, just remember that it is easier to find cute clothes in red and black! Jillina smuggled me up to club level to sit with them, and then I got the boot at halftime, because someone wanted their seats back, how rude! For some reason, I did not get a picture, but I'll get one at our baby shower weekend festival in a few weeks! After I talked Jillina's ear off, I moved over to the other side of the field to sit with Rebecca, my cousin's wife of 8 months. I did manage to get a picture of her, though!
Unfortunately, last week, we had a big loss in our family. Andy's older brother and his wife lost their golden retriever, Molly, to a freak accident. Now, don't even think about laughing when you read that we consider losing a dog a big loss. None of us have kids, so our dogs are our children. Molly got into some old charcoal that had meat on it, and the bacteria on the meat poisoned her. She was only 7 years old, she has been in the family as long as I have. Jeremy and Alesha (her parents) have been getting cards and presents from people--that was some dog! We all definitely miss her!
I am having a difficult time posting pictures, so I'll have to post later. Happy beginning of fall to all!

Friends, Anniversaries, and Football, Oh My!

I admit that I start reading everyone else's blogs, and forget that mine is not updated. When I click on someone who has not updated in awhile, I'm like, "What the heck? I wanna know what is going on with you!" then I realize I am a total hypocrite. So, to all my blogging friends, my sincerest apologies, here is the next installment of everything you did not want to know about my life...

Back in the middle of August, Brooke and her boyfriend, Daniel, came to visit us for her birthday extravaganza. We did not see them very much, since they came in the middle of the week, and we had to leave early for work, and they were gone to the Braves' games when we returned! No matter, it was still great to see you both (and to be the first to meet Daniel--yay us!).


Mine and Andy's 2 year anniversary was August 27th. Andy had done things up for our first anniversary, so I was unsure of what to expect for our 2nd. I woke up on the Saturday morning (before our anniversary on Monday), and found a handwritten note containing our agenda for the day (which included shopping, eating, and staying at a fancy-schmancy hotel--three of my favorite things!). We had a blast, and props to my sweet and thoughtful husband for being too good to be true! He even cooked on Monday night since it was our actual anniversary night. Go Andy!


The weekend after our anniversary was the opening game for UGA football! Andrea and Hunter came down to tailgate with us and spend the weekend. We had so much fun, and the Dawgs won their 1st game! I was going nuts cheering, I felt like my son was playing (if I had one:)). We won't even talk about the game last night...I want to keep things positive. Andrea and Hunter, I'm so glad you all came!


This weekend, Eli decided to escape Nashville for a weekend and come down to see us. We were unable to get tickets to the game, but went to the pool, and cooked out yummy steaks. It was so nice having Eli down to catch up on everything going on with him, and to swap stories about crazy elementary school children who make us laugh! Come back soon, Eli, we can't wait to see you again.


I only have a few pictures of our tailgating fun from the first UGA game. So many times I take my camera places, then forget to take pictures. For our anniversary, I didn't want to ask the valet guy if he would take our picture, a little embarassing! And a HUGE shout-out to the newest babe in swaddling clothes--Sam Hazlewood! Welcome Sam, and please sleep alot for your mama's sake! 1 down, 5 more to go!


Andrea and I posing at the tailgate!

I am adding this one, so you can see that we truly do "tailgate" at the back of a truck. We have quite the set-up with a TV set up with a satellite so the guys can keep up with the other NCAA games going on--Swanky!My hubby and me in our UGA colors!I took this picture because this tells you about tailgating...all the guys that are standing are total and complete strangers. They were watching the end of the Michigan/Appalachian State game with us--how funny!Random picture of Callie and her new favorite late night adventure: Playing with frogs. She has figured out that if she lays down next to them, and taps their butts with her nose, they will jump and she can chase them. Or maybe she is looking for her frog prince! Notice her hair cut. This is actually an almost 2 month old haircut that has grown out quite a bit. She is definitely a skinny-mini with a fro-head!

I Published Too Soon!

I wanted to add to the blog I just published that I know the email was written by someone who had kids and wanted those of us without them to shut our mouths, and realize what parents go through. My utmost respect goes out to you all!

So You Think You Are Ready For Kids...

I just got this email from Lauren, and I almost cried I was laughing so hard! I'm so not a fan of forwarded emails, but this one is awesome! And you wonder why I cannot decide on having children. WARNING: If you are about to give birth to your first child--DO NOT read this!!!! It is a bit scary!

Thinking of Having Kids? Do this 15 step program first!

Lesson 1
1. Go to the grocery store. 2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office. 3. Go home. 4. Pick up the paper. 5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2 Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior. Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3
A really good way to discover how the nights might feel....
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive) Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4
Can you stand the mess children make? To find out..
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out. Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6
1. Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and a jar of paint, turn it into an alligator.
2. Now take the tube from a roll of toilet paper. Using only Scotch tape and a piece of aluminum foil, turn it into an attractive Christmas candle.
3. Last, take a milk carton, a ping-pong ball, and an empty packet of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower

Lesson 7
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 8
1. Get ready to go out.
2. Sit on the floor of your bathroom reading picture books for half an hour.
3. Go out the front door.
4. Come in again.Go out.
5. Come back in.
6. Go out again.
7. Walk down the front path.
8. Walk back up it.
9. Walk down it again.
10.Walk very slowly down the sidewalk for five minutes.
11. Stop, inspect minutely, and ask at least 6 questions about every cigarette butt, piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue, and dead insect along the way.
12. Retrace your steps.
13. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbors come out and stare at you.
14. Give up and go back into the house. You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.

Lesson 9
Repeat everything you have learned at least (if not more than) five times.

Lesson 10
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is also excellent). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 11
1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air. You are now ready to feed a nine- month old baby.

Lesson 12
Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's "Noggin"?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 13
Move to the tropics. Find or make a compost pile. Dig down about halfway and stick your nose in it. Do this 3-5 times a day for at least two years.

Lesson 14
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying "mommy" repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each "mommy"; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 15 Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt-sleeve, or elbow while playing the "mommy" tape made from Lesson 14 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

The First Day of School...And Prayers Are Needed!

Today was my first day back at school with all 802 children! I have to admit, I love, love, love my school and everyone I work with! The first few days are tons of fun, because the kids are so excited to see you, and you get lots and lots of hugs and waves (which always fills me up:)!). It is nice to be a little more experienced and not having to say every 5 minutes, "Um, I don't know, let me go ask Carol Ann". Carol Ann is the other counselor, and this is her 12th year, so she knows waaaay more than me, but we are a fun team, I must say! Her little boy, Eli, started kindergarten this year, but she soldiered through the first day knowing he was having a blast. Okay, now for the prayers...I need some prayers on how to handle increased stress brought on by kids who have behavior problems. I can come up with behavior plans, consequences, and creative ideas, but I take everything really seriously, and get upset when things don't improve. And most of you know, if there is a true behavior problem, school employees can only do so much! So, just pray for patience & direction for the teachers and me--we are definitely going to need it! I hope everyone else's work is going well, and for all you preggers people, take care of yourselves, you can only be selfish for a little while longer!

A Trip to the Chiropractor...With My Dog!

Okay, it is official, I am absolutely nuts about my doodle, Callie! I will leave Andy out of this (although I will say that he was supportive). Callie and I went for her second visit to the chiropractor today (yes, I said chiropractor!). Over the past several months, if her head gets turned a certain way, she will freak out, start crying, and limp on her left leg. Since she only did this very randomly, I kept thinking I was stepping on her foot! As I paid better attention, I realized it was a problem with her neck--but since she didn't have a "fit" very often, I chose to not worry about it. Well, when we returned from vacation, she was having a freak out session 1-2 times a day! Now, let's just say it was so horrible that if she did it around other dogs, they would start barking at her, and I would just cry (okay, another reason I cannot have children, I cry when my dog is hurt!). It was horrible. After talking to our vet, he suggested that we could either treat it with medicine without knowing what was wrong, do a MRI to diagnose the problem, or since I had narrowed it down to a neck problem--take her to the chiropractor. I thought he was on crack, but he assured me that he has sent many dogs to the chiropractor to help with neck, back, and leg problems, with great success. Hesitantly, I called the chiropractor thinking they would think I was off my rocker for even calling. But, no, they welcomed us with open arms. We went to the first appointment last Friday, and the second one today. I am happy to report that she has not had one episode since last Thursday, and the chiropractor just said to monitor her. The visit was cheaper than a visit to the vet, and she has improved! How crazy is that?! The chiropractor told me that he usually works with dogs who are older and having problems getting around. He once helped a dachshund (sp?) who couldn't walk, and the dog left his office walking! So, all this to say, he made a believer out of me! Thank you, Dr. Dellinger! Here is an old picture of Callie--I hate to post without pictures!

At The Beach With Harry!

No, I have not left Andy for a man named Harry, most of you can probably guess, I mean Harry Potter! I graduated from UGA on Saturday, July 21st--we had a nice ceremony with just my cohort that I have gone through the program with. Andy, my family, and I then hit the road for the beach. We went with my parents, Andy's parents, and Andy's younger brother, Charlie, and his wife, Rachel, to Blue Mountain Beach for vacation. It was wonderful! We had a great time. Everyone was so laid back, we would hang out on the beach all day long, then eat our faces full at night. We had a blast, the weather was nice, and the water was gorgeous! Eli could not come because he was in pre-planning for his new job as an elementary P.E. teacher in Lebanon, TN. Keep him in your prayers as he begins his new career! I read several books over the week, and I got Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as a graduation present. To get ready to read it, I read books 5 & 6 to jog my memory. I began reading the last book on Saturday on the trip home, then finished Monday morning at 1 am--I could not stop reading it! I have seen several other blogs and know that many of you are Potter fans. I am sad the last book is done, and want to re-read it again soon! It will not disappoint! For those who are thinking about reading the books, now is the time, because you can read them all straight through! Enjoy my pictures from graduation and the beach!This is Dr. Pam Paisley, our professor who led us through our entire program. She is awesome! Thanks for all you did for us!In front of the arches with my parents and Andy.

Drs. Don and Donna Davis (yes they are married!)--great professors! They taught us as a team--do you all think you could work with your spouse? They are a great team!

My cohort! We are missing a few of our friends, I had a blast with you all!

My parents posing for picture time!The water was gorgeous!With Andy's family (Rachel left to go home for graduate school, so she missed this pic!)

Andy and Charlie in the ocean--sorry the picture is not the best--I just thought they were so cute!

Andy and I on the walkway to the beach! How cute is my husband?!?

Finished...For Good?

Well, everyone, I just turned in my final papers for graduate school, I have one last presentation tomorrow, then graduation on Saturday! So, am I finished? Andy says I must take a break for a little while--but I don't see a PhD. in my future (right now!). So, let's talk about other fun things!

Chris Anne, Dave, and Campbell came to visit us a few weekends ago! We had a blast, and Chris Anne has talked about it in her blog, so I won't go into many details. We ventured to the pool, Jaemor Farm (a local produce market), Andy's brother's house, and even out to dinner and a movie. Andy's parents kept Campbell while we all went on a double date--we almost (but not quite) forgot that we were old fogeys who have been out of college for 5 years. Campbell and Callie bonded. I am including some pictures from Campbell's swim time--he is too cute for words! Friends, line up your daughters, Campbell will be a hot commodity for the marriage market one day!

P.S. We are headed to the beach on Saturday. The area we are going to is Santa Rosa Beach (near Seaside and Santa Rosa) so any suggestions of things to do and places to eat would be most appreciated! Thanks! Enjoy the pictures!

Dave and Campbell blowing bubbles in the water!

Campbell chillin' in his float

Something is cracking him up--too cute!

Campbell was surprised when Andy jumped in the pool--his facial expression cracks me up! By the way, that is not a real snake!

Summer Fun!

"Wow, I can't believe Bethany is posting again--she usually takes forever!" you might be thinking. But if you will reference my previous posts, you might realize that I am nearing the end of graduate school, and probably have lots of assignments due! The truth is I have two papers and two presentations due in the next two weeks--so I might be blogging quite a bit! The procrastinator in me rules again! Over the summer, I have gone to graduate school two days a week, and helped my mother-in-law 1 1/2 days a week. The other days, I have been lounging at the pool, and playing with my dog! A few weeks ago, I headed to Gulf Shores, AL with some of my nearest and dearest friends, Lauren, Laura, Carrie, and Andrea--we were missing Brooke, but she was there in our hearts. We had an absolute blast! There are too many stories to tell--but I will tell you that if any of you have the chance to see the comedian Jim Gaffigan in person or on TV--take it, he is hilarious! I am going to post some pics from that trip--sorry, no full-length bathing suit shots from us! Maybe I will channel my inner Pamela Anderson when I go on my family trip at the end of this month!

On Sunday, Andy and I (well, mostly me) babysat my friend Amanda's children, Daisy (3) and Grant (almost 6 months). We had them from after church until about 8:00 pm. Let's just say, I have decided that everyone who thinks about having children should be required to babysit some kids for several hours at a time, several different days. I might start a company that I will call "Rent-A-Kid", where people can rent kids of all ages and maintenance levels (high, medium, low, stubborn, laid-back, sleep-deprived, ADHD, etc.) to practice their parenting skills. For some of the fools who have children these days, it should almost be required, yes? Can I get an "Amen!"? For any of you who work in the school system, you know the parents I am talking about. When the kids left, Andy and I just sat on the couch and took deep breaths for awhile. I asked Andy if he was ready for kids, and he said, "No way!" He commented how he enjoyed just chilling with me and the dog, and I agreed. Just moments earlier, I was feeding Grant a bottle, while fixing supper, and wrestling a Capri-Sun drink away from Daisy. Let's just say, I don't know how you mom's do it--y'all are awesome! So here are some pics from the beach and our babysitting day with Daisy and Grant!

Laura and I are part of the Gulf Shores Navy!All of us! This is my favorite picture from the week!Andrea and I--we're so fabulous!Lauren, Laura, and Carrie enjoying yummy ice cream.All the girls watching the beautiful water--it was gorgeous!

Grant hanging out on a blanket, with his guardian puppy watching over his every move.Daisy decided that Callie was the perfect pony. Callie did awesome with the kids, atleast we don't have to worry about her!Andy practicing his baby-wrangling skills.Grant is sooooo adorable!Daisy caught me taking a picture, but right before this, Andy, Grant, and Daisy were watching Shrek! They were enthralled!

50 Things About Me

Well, Chris Anne tagged me to come up with 5o things about me. I'll see what I can do:
1. I have been married for 1 year & 10 months (tomorrow).
2. I love married life!
3. My husband is my best friend and makes me laugh ALOT!
4. My favorite thing in the world is our goldendoodle, Callie.
5. I am getting my Specialist in Education Degree at The University of Georgia, and will be done in a few weeks!
6. For some reason, I think I'm cool because I go to UGA--weird, I know!
7. I am addicted to shopping.
8. Since we are doing the envelope system with Dave Ramsey, I cannot shop very much, so I took a job 1 1/2 days a week working with my mother-in-law at The Trophy Case for a little extra spending dough.
9. I am a HUGE procrastinator, and I hate it, but it works for me.
10. I hate to clean.
11. I love to cook, and am experimenting with lots of new recipes--baking is my very favorite.
12. My mom told me when I was about to get my masters degree that I needed to be a school counselor, but I said NO WAY! I will not work in a school...I just finished my first year as a school counselor.
13. I love to have people laugh with me, but want to cry when people laugh at me.
14. 6 of my friends are currently pregnant, due within 5 months of each other.
15. 2 of them are due on the same day!
16. I have the greatest parents in the world--they support me no matter what!
17. I think my brother is one of the coolest people--I want him to marry his girlfriend.
18. I love to read!
19. I am a Harry Potter fanatic.
20. Andy & I had the perfect honeymoon--not one thing went wrong the entire time--we did not even give anyone a dirty look:)!
21. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton for our wedding night and one year anniversary. On our anniversary, we saw The Rock--he was much shorter than I thought.
22. The night we got engaged, we saw Charles Barkley at Mortons.
23. Andy wouldn't let me talk to either one of them--I probably would have done something embarassing.
24. I am lazy, I have to force myself to do things.
25. My favorite team is the Georgia Bulldogs! Go Dawgs! Sic 'Em!
26. I wished we lived in Nashville.
27. Sometimes I think I will never make as good of friends as the close friends I have from high school and Lipscomb...
28. But I have found a friend who would fit in well with all of us, her name is Carol Ann, and she rocks!
29. Sometimes I think I would be an awesome mom, at other times I think I would really stink at it.
30. I know Andy will be the best dad in the world. He is truly the best person I know.
31. Tivo is the greatest thing! But I watch too much TV because of it!
32. I hate to exercise, but love the way it makes me feel.
33. I Jazzercise! (when I make time!)
34. My husband has a mistress, it is our yard.
35. I love my job, especially in the summer.
36. I could go to the pool everyday, chill out and read a book.
37. I want to go to Europe before we start our family.
38. I love to travel.
39. I have over 700 pictures on my computer that need to be printed.
40. I think Paris Hilton deserved to go to jail, I hope it changes her (but doubt it will).
41. I wish I could sing.
42. I like my chicken legs.
43. I love the beach.
44. My guilty pleasure show is The Girls Next Door.
45. My favorite store is Nordstrom Rack.
46. I love the creme brulee at Nava (restaurant in Buckhead).
47. Some of my best memories took place at Lipscomb, especially in Elam 2nd floor back hall and Royal Arms.
48. I think having a British accent would be cool.
49. I love learning.
50. I love my husband!

The End of School and Stuff...

I hadn't meant to be a blog-slacker (again!), but I fell into the trap! It is the end of school, and things are insane. I knew the kids at school would be off their rockers, but I didn't realize that they would need us (the other counselor and I) so much. Lots of friendship problems, and I just have to say, "Y'all, there are only a few days left! If no one is getting hurt, please just try to get along!" I cannot believe it is the end of my first year as a school counselor! I have thoroughly enjoyed my job, BUT...I cannot wait until my summer vacation! I am going to roast myself at the pool, and also finish up graduate school at the end of July--then I will never have to return--YIPPEE!!!!!

This past weekend, Andy and I went to Dalton for Mother's Day. We chilled with my family all weekend, and my mom wanted landscaping done in her yard, so we worked on that. I am going to try to attach a picture! I had forgotten work clothes, so I borrowed old clothes from my mom. So I worked in shorts rolled up 14 times, and Keds with no shoe laces...classic! Being at home was so fabulous--I got to see every single person in my family, including the newest addition, Carter! It was also a celebration of my Aunt Judy's birthday, Happy Birthday, Aunt Judy!

Heads up! I will be in Nashville for a shower the weekend of June 10--let's all get together!

Please pray for my girlfriend-in-law (Eli's girlfriend), Jordan, she is in China with Lipscomb for a class for 10 days (she left a week ago, so she should be returning this weekend!). I hope you had fun, Jordan!

Please stay tuned for pictures...

I just had to take a picture of my cute peep-toe shoes that I got for my birthday from Eli and Jordan! So cute!

Cutie Pie, Carter Perkins!

My sweet hubby and me!

I just had to throw this one in because Callie jumped in the creek at the back of our house! Bathtime!

The manual laborers! Please notice my crazy outfit! Thanks, Mom!

Dad did what he could with his splendidly sprained ankle!

The fruits of our labor!

Procrastinator!

For those of you who don't know, I am currently in graduate school getting my Specialist of Education degree in School Counseling. I already have my masters in professional counseling--but this year, I went into the school system and haven't looked back since. I truly enjoy my job, and love all of my co-workers, kids, and parents that I get to work with on a daily basis. So...here I am on Friday night, staring at my computer screen trying to finish a paper that is due in the morning. Now, I am a procrastinator, but I prefer to call myself an "effective" procrastinator. This means that I do my best work at the last minute. I remember trying to write lit. papers at Lipscomb, and the one time I worked a week in advance, I made my worst grade for the whole semester! Who else had Kimberly Reed with me, Lindsay, that was you, right? In the world of procrastination, I have also noticed that my blog stays jam-packed, and my house is the cleanest it has ever been. It is as if I never noticed my house was cluttered until I have a paper due in a couple of days, and then I clean every nook and cranny I can get to! I hate it while I'm doing it, but I cannot help it! Until it bites me in the butt, I guess I will not change. I take that back, it has nipped me in the butt a few times, but never actual taken off a big chunk! Well, I'd better go work on my paper now, but if anyone wants to call me, feel free, I'd love to talk:)!

To Breed or not to Breed...

That is the question. Now that Fetus Fever has hit the majority of people I know that are my age, I find myself contemplating children. Not wanting, mind you, but contemplating. For those of you I have had this conversation with, you may now disregard the rest of this post if you choose. I am so ecstatic for all of you who are having babies and have babies. And goodness knows, I love to cuddle up with the Johns twins, chase Campbell Sciortino, and keep up with all the other babies/toddlers I don't get to see that often! But, is motherhood for me? I am usually a follower of those around me. Trendy jeans, fabulous shoes, divine sundresses, painting a room in my house red...are examples of things that I might have seen on someone else and then done myself. But children are a completely different story. I love to think about names that Andy and I might name our children, but if I take 10 seconds actually thinking about having a real one, I don't feel ready. Now, I know I have only been married a little over a year and a half, and know that I don't want a child this instant, but I am beginning to think I may never want to have children. I know that everyone that has children 110% agrees that they are the greatest thing that could have ever happened in ones life--but is raising kids for everyone? For some reason, I am feeling like Carrie Bradshaw right now. Don't get me wrong, I am 85% sure that I want to have kids one of these days, but what if I never get that "maternal instinct" telling me to preheat my oven for one of those buns? Well, I must be off, I'm supposed to be cleaning my house right now, and I get to thinking a little too hard. Just some food for thought!

The Newest Fetus

Okay, don't freak out, it's not my fetus--it's Becky & Nate's! Congratulations to the newest members of the "Knocked Up" Club, as I have chosen to call it! The way I figure it, of the Lipscomb crew, there are 3 new ones on the way, Baby Boy Hazlewood, Sex Unknown Miller, and "Bebe" Kelley--congratulations everyone, Andy & I appreciate you all keeping us off the hook. I am putting up 2 pictures I stole from Becky's blog. One is of a few of us (and there is no hint of baby bump, I might add, so don't even try to find it) and the other is of Becky & Kelee (just because I miss them so!) Love to all. Keep the crackers by the bedside, Becky! Love you!