31

31
Originally uploaded by tonyaodell

Last year the last thing I wanted was to turn 30. I remember crying on my way to work. It seems so silly now!

This year I can say I welcomed 31 with open arms. 30 by no means was a good year for me. My grandmother's death the day after my birthday was a precursor of the loss I would face. I can honestly say that I feel my heart has been ripped out my chest and squashed a few times this year. From the physical things I have been through to actions of others around me. I know we are given challenges for a reason. But to feel like a failure over and over has been a hard pill to swallow.

I don't expect anyone to ever understand how I have felt.

6 years

Justin and I spent our anniversary in Pigeon Forge. Thanks to grad school bills and J's work schedule we were not able to plan a beach trip.

We had a great time, we relaxed and took it easy and didn't stress over what to do every second. A quick recap of the weekend: Knoxville Zoo, West Town Mall (had my favorite dinner of Bourbon Chicken) and we watched Funny People. We shopped some and went to a Smokies game. We ended up getting in the game for free thanks to some nice people who didn't use their vouchers. We enjoyed a nice anniversary lunch at Moe's and a tasty dinner at Olive Garden.

I can't believe it has been six years! I have a feeling that the next 6 will hold a lot of new adventures!

Mission.....cupcakes

This summer I have taken the initiative to try each of the cupcakes from our local cupcakery. I know this sounds like the most fattening mission ever but I have yet to have one whole cupcake in its entirety. I have always had someone to share with. So here is my list thus far.

Carrot Cake- this one I tried today it was by far my favorite. It was the perfect example of a well made carrot cake in a cupcake wrapper. Not to mention the icing was fabulous!

Chocolate mint- The icing on this was tasty and reminded me of the mints you usually run into at wedding showers. It was a basic chocolate cupcake with the yummy icing. It was topped off with an Andees mint

Wedding cake- I have had this one twice because it was requested by the boys. Just a basic almond flavored white cake with that delicious icing. Can't go wrong.

Chocolate Ganache- a perfect cupcake for a chocolate lover. It is very rich and chocolaty!

Chocolate Peanut Butter- This one made me think of Erika (I think it will be one of her favorites.) A chocolate cupcake with a delicious peanut butter icing topped with a Reece cup. This was Bryce's favorite.

The Elvis- banana cake topped with the above mentioned peanut butter icing. It was like eating banana bread with icing. I thought it was yummy but I'm glad I only had a third of it.

Lemon Crumb- A perfect flavor for summer! Lemon cupcake with a crust on the bottom and instead of icing has lemon filling in it.

Red Velvet- The best part of this for me was the chocolate covered cherry on top. I think I'm just a sucker for my mom's red velvet and this one just wasn't what I expected.

S'mores- This one was pretty yummy. Garett picked it as his favorite so far. A chocolate cupcake with a gram cracker crusted with a yummy marshmallow topping. I think maybe my favorite chocolate cupcake so far.

UPDATE: For Gina's wedding shower we had cupcakes. I was able to try two different flavors:

Key lime coconut- Didn't have much of a lime taste but it was good with the toasted coconut on top.

White chocolate raspberry- Very tasty white cake with a jam jelly sauce in the middle and drizzled on the top.

That is the list so far. I think I have really put away a lot of cupcakes this summer but at least it has only been a part of each one.

(Justin went with me to pick up the cupcakes so he was able to buy his first babycake he picked the lemon and LOVED it!)

I have included the website link if you want to drool over all the flavors (but there is only a few I haven't tried!)
http://babycakescupcakery.vpweb.com/default.html

Sand, sun, and friends!

I have returned from a nice visit to Hilton Head Island. It is possibly my favorite place in South Carolina. It is home to the beach and so many good places and most importantly Erika Lynn.


Ashley and I arrived late Thursday night. Frieday morning we stopped by Signe's for breakfast and my favorite cookie before heading to the beach. That night Erika's boyfriend arrived as well as the neighborhood alligator.


Saturday we spent more time on the beach and then headed over to the Smith homestead for some 4th of July burgers, ice cream and fireworks!

We finished up our time with a lot of good things, but most importantly a great time with two of the best friends anyone could ask for. So thanks ladies for all that blessings you have put into my life!

Baseball and Wave pool

B made the All-Star team and at practice last week the coach asked G to take the place of a player that hadn't showed up for practice. Since I keep them most of the week I opted for a photo shoot. Unfortunately, their team lost in their first tournament but my guys hit great and I was a beaming aunt!

Yesterday we make the journey to Saltville to hang out with Jess at the wave pool. The boys had a great time and rode the waves all day long except for a much anticipated lunch from Chick-fil-a!

Beach Bound

This time next week I will be soaking up the South Carolina sunshine with E and Ash. I am so excited! I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to go anywhere because of school. I'm looking forward to sun and fun with friends!

Monday, Monday

So I officially love Monday! Summer will be the only time I ever say that! Tomorrow I start my adventures in babysitting with my nephews. I plan a lot of pool time. Speaking of pool time, today it was finally pretty. No need to continue working on building an ark!