Happy Vacation!

Tomorrow morning we are leaving for Orlando, FL for a long awaited vacation! We meaning Mom, Dad, Chad, Lauren, Carter, Brandon, and I are heading out of Cleveland at 7 AM. I am really excited. We didn't go anywhere over summer because I was in summer school so this is our vacation. Everyone is going to SeaWorld. The girls are going to shop and the boys will golf. Dad and Chad are planning on riding their hawgs with their doo-rags and stick on tats. Well, I will be sure and post our pics when we get back! Happy New Year!

GRADUATION DAY

Niece/Nephew #2

I am proud to announce that I will be the aunt to another nephew or niece around July/August 2009!!! This baby will have a lot to live up to because Carter has stolen everyone's hearts and is the center of attention all the time with our family. His latest pic is the one I posted of him in his Santa hat and diaper. Is he not the cutest lil' boy in the world??? I definitely think so!

The fat lady shall sing!

This Sunday, December 14th, 2008, the fat lady shall sing at McKenzie Arena at 2:00 pm! I am graduating from college! I cannot believe it. I am excited but I really don't think it has sunk in yet. Most of my family and friends are coming Sunday and then we are going to eat all together somewhere afterwards so that will be fun. I am sad that Brandon will miss this major milestone in my life. He is in ITALY! Well, actually right now he is on a plane to Italy. He will be there with the Business department from Lee for 12 days and will return home Dec. 22nd! I miss him already but I know he will have an amazing time! I am jealous :(

Turkey Hangover

Happy belated Thanksgiving to all! I am sad that the long weekend is winding down but am very thankful for the break. This year Brandon and I went to his family's for Thanksgiving dinner and then went to eat at my aunt Lisa's that evening her supper. Both meals were very delicious. My mom made an Orange creamsicle cake that was really good and luckily we are still eating on it. :) On Friday, Mom, Lauren, Carter, and I started to Chattanooga to head in to the madness of Black Friday. It wasn't too bad but the crowds really wore me out. I would not have went if I knew I wouldn't have Saturday to rest up before the start of the week. That is exactly what I did too! I did not get up until 11:30 AM this morning and then (as bad as this sounds) took a nap around 1! I must have been exhausted! This evening, Brandon and I went to Red Lobster for dinner, to Kohl's to make a return, and then to Panera for a chocolate chip bagel and a hot chocolate. It was very nice to go on a date just me and him. Well, that is all that is going on right now. Until next time!

2 Weeks and Counting!

I only have two more weeks of classes in my college career! Yay!! Everything is quickly approaching and I am getting really excited. I am waiting on my graduation invitations to come in the mail. I am also trying to frantically get all my assignments done before everything winds down. I am really excited to graduate but I will also be a little sad to say goodbye to the school schedule...even though this semester's schedule hasn't been the best, I have had some good schedules in the past that allowed me to take lots of afternoon naps! When I start work full time I know those days are long gone. I also have been bored at work lately since I am catching on to things now, I get my work done faster which leaves me with not a lot to do in the afternoons. When I start full time I will have more responsibilites so I guess that will make the days go by faster. I am really depressed that it has gotten so cold. I am finding that I need warmer work clothes because I am freezing my booty off. Well, this is a little update on things going on right now in my life. I am also getting excited about Thanksgiving dinners coming up. We haven't finalized any plans yet but I know a good dinner will be involved! :)

Five Things

Ten Years Ago I Was:
1. Transitioning from Hopewell elementary to BJHS
2. Stocking up on burgundy, hunter green, and navy polos for dress code
3. Suffering from "green" hair from the pool every summer
4. Trying out for the basketball team at Bradley Jr.
5. Cruisin' the strip with my bro and his friends

"Five Things on My To-Do list Today:
1. Read my bible and do devotions
2. Attend civil court for extra credit in Business Law
3. Trying not to be depressed about the election results
4. Study for upcoming tests
5.

Five Snacks I Enjoy:
1. Poptarts
2. French fries
3. Oatmeal creme pies
4. Cereal
5. Soft serve icecream

Five Things I Would Do If I Were a Millionaire:
1. Give money to my parents
2. Give money to my brother and his family
3. Put money in savings
4. Fund research for Alzheimer's
5. Buy something nice

Five Places I Have Lived:
1. Freewill Road-Cleveland, TN
2. Peerless Road apartment-Cleveland, TN
3. My grandparents house while our house was being built-Cleveland, TN
4. Bellefounte Road-Cleveland, TN
5. Shallowford Trace Apts-Chattanooga, TN

Five Jobs I Have Had:
1. Ace Hardware-cashier
2. Brides to Be-customer assistant (?)
3. Crawford's Pharmacy-cashier, pharmacy tech
4. LifeCare-treasury accountant
5.

Birthdays

This week is a special week because there are several birthdays of my loved ones. Tomorrow (the 14th) is Brandon's 25th birthday, Friday is Brandon's dad, Dewayne's, Saturday is my Mom's, and this past Saturday which actually kicked the celebrating off was my cousin Katie's. This weekend, my family is going to Gatlinburg, yes, the prime getaway spot not too far from home, for the weekend for some much needed R&R. I bought a spankin' new sweat suit at Target on Sunday for the occasion! Call me crazy, but I may not leave the cabin until we head back. I am really excited about going though and know we will all have a great time.

Something exciting happened today! I received a video message on my phone about an hour ago and it was my sweet lil' Carter CRAWLING! That's right he can finally do it! I am so proud of him. He is such a joy and I know he is going to be really happy knowing he is mobile now.

Tis' So Sweet

Tis' so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know thus sayeth the Lord

Jesus Jesus How I trust Him
How I've proved Him ore and ore
Jesus Jesus precious Jesus
Oh for grace to trust Him more

I'm so glad I learned to trust Him
Precious Jesus Saviour Friend
And I know that He is with me
Will be with me til' the end

Jesus Jesus How I trust Him
How I've proved Him ore and ore
Jesus Jesus precious Jesus
Oh for grace to trust Him more

Oh for grace to trust Him more.

Corban Patrick Kyle

My dear friend Amanda gave birth to her first child today! A sweet baby boy she and Jonathan named Corbin Patrick Kyle. He weighed 8 pounds and is 22 inches long. I cannot believe that little Amanda was carrying a boy that size. I cannot believe that my friends are having babies! I am going to try and go see the little family tomorrow at the hospital and maybe steal some pictures of Corbin.

Walker Family Reunion

This weekend was pretty laid back. On Friday, Brandon and I went to the Walker Valley football game and then came home and ate Halloween cupcakes that I had made the night before. On Saturday, my Mom, Puddles, and I walked in the Alzheimer's Memory Walk at Bradley High School and even managed to get our picture in the Sunday newspaper! My dad's mom's (my mamaw Nancy) side of the family had a family reunion also on Saturday in the country by the creek at one of the relative's house. It was really nice to see everyone and the weather was perfect. Carter entertained us the whole time and really enjoyed snacking on some good ole' mashed taters! Here are a couple pics of us there.

This pic is of the whole family except my dad because he was out of town for work stuff.

This is a picture of all the Walker brothers and sisters (9 total). My mamaw is in pink.

Hump Day

I am excited that today is hump day and the weekend is half way here. It has been a pretty busy week so far and I am ready for a relaxing weekend. Last weekend, Brandon suffered from an eye problem that kept him in bed literally from Friday night until Sunday. I really felt sorry for him but luckily he is better now.

Chad and Lauren have tickets to the UT football game Saturday so Carter will be hanging out with us that day. I am happy about that because it has been almost a whole week since I seen him last. He turned 8 months old on September 14th and I cannot believe he is getting so big.

So far juggling school and my new job has not been to stressful. I only have 12 hours in school and that is the least amount I have ever taken so it kind of feels like a break. Work is going well. I really like it and think I am getting the hang of it I hope.

Well, until next time. Happy Hump Day!

Yearbook Yourself

1994

1984

1972

1962

I seen Rachel and Edward Hicks' yearbook photos and had to do myself! These are hilarious. Go to yearbookyourself.com to do your own.

The last week or so

This past week I have been kind of busy with school starting back and I also am training my new job at Lifecare. I will start next Monday as a treasury accountant for mainly construction. I am excited but also nervous. I still feel like I should be in school and am not old enough to have a real job. I am also very sad to leave my friends who are more like family at Crawford's. This Friday will be my last day so I am sure it will be an emotional one. This is also the second week of school and I am starting to get some homework so that is no fun. I cannot believe it is almost September! I am kind of happy though because it means our winter vacation is getting closer! My parents, Chad, Lauren, Carter, Brandon, and I are going to Orlando, FL the week after Christmas for a week of relaxation and a trip to SeaWorld. I am really excited because we have never been anywhere in the winter. This is what I have been up to this past week and I thought I would post since it has been awhile. :)

Last week of summer

Well, this is officially my last week of summer vacation. Classes start August 19th for me and while I dread the work, I am excited that it is my last semester in college! I cannot believe time has flown by so quickly.

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee

This past weekend, Julie and I went to a friend of her's wedding in Eatonton, GA which is about 3 hours from Cleveland. Here are a few pictures of the beautiful cake, the ceremony, and of course us!

Weekend Fun

This weekend was not real eventful but still fun. Friday, Brandon and I ate dinner after work and hung out at his house. Saturday I had to work and then I joined my family at my dad's work picnic at the YMCA pool. I didn't wear my bathing suit but I was regretting it after we got there. The pool is so nice at the Y and I would definitely like to be a member there. Sunday after church my Mamaw Nancy (my dad's mom) cooked lunch for our family and it was good but the power went out during church and Papaw had to bring the generator around to the front porch so Mamaw could warm our food that she had cooked that morning. I felt like a real redneck but at least the food was warm. Carter entertained everyone as usual...he is now sitting up and is really getting the hang of it. He also enjoys jumping in his jump-a-roo which is so hilarious. He will jump non-stop in it until he is out of breath. Tomorrow is back to the grindstone with school. I have a paper to write before class so that will probably take up the day. Until next time...

B-b-b-bad Bad to the Bone

Dad's Harley Riding Partner in Training

Ok Ok Ok

Ok Julie, here is an update on my life. Today I am sitting in the computer lab at school waiting to take a final exam in my Accounting Information Systems class at 5:30. This month I have a class everyday of the week from 11:40 to 1:20 so it pretty much ruins the day. I haven't been working that much because of classes but I manage to squeeze at least 10 or 15 hours at good ole' Crawfords. I was thinking the other day about why I am taking summer classes and rushing to get out of college. After college only comes bills and 40 hours of work each week...what am I thinking?!?!

On Father's Day, we really didn't have a big celebration. My dad actually made me chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Chad was working so dad got his gift Saturday night which was I believe it is called an engine cover for his Harley that has the firefighter emblem on it. Dad really liked it.

Yesterday, I managed to get an afternoon in at the pool at my Gran's house. It was hot but the pool felt nice and my cousins, Allie and Katie got to join us. We had a nice day there except for my mom taking a fall in the water drain and getting a bad scrape on her knee.

This weekend, Chad, Lauren, and Carter leave for Seaside, FL with her family for a week of vacay...I am very jealous and wish we were going to the beach this summer. It's just not the same when you aren't anticipating that week on the shore all summer long.

Carter's Dedication

Carter was dedicated Sunday, June 1st at Gracepoint Church. He was so cute on stage, very content and even managed a big yawn while the pastor talked about his future which got a laugh out of everyone. After church, Lauren's mom Susan had everyone out to her house for a lunch in honor of Carter's big day. This picture is not from this day but I thought it was too cute not to post. Nice drool Carter boy!

Memorial Day

I thought I would share some precious pictures of our babies at the river! My parents, Chad, Lauren, Carter, Brandon, and I had a family day on the river for Memorial Day on Monday. It was a lot of fun! Carter was hilarious in his bucket hat and sunglasses as you can tell from the pictures. Puddles and Ellie also joined us on the boat. It was Puddles' first time and I am pretty sure it was the best day of her life. I wakeboarded for the first time and got up every time but couldn't quite get the hang of cruisin' on the wake once up...I guess that will come with practice.

Summer fun

Tonight Brandon and I spent some much needed quality time together. I met him when he got off work and we played a little golf together. Even though he is a real pro compared to me, he is so patient with me and a really good teacher. I hope I can get better where we can actually play a real round together.

Today was my last day to keep Carter since Lauren's last day of school is tomorrow. This morning we cuddled and took a nap together on the couch which was so sweet. Usually I lay him in his bed, but today I thought we could make an exception since it was our last day before summer break. I will miss our days together.

This weekend will be busy for me because I am in my friend Sarah's wedding on Saturday. It is already a special day because it is my parent's anniversary. Hopefully later in the weekend the family will be able to catch up on some R&R since it is Memorial Day weekend.

Carter

This is my sweet little nephew Carter. He will be 4 months old on May 14th! I cannot believe it. He is growing so fast.

May Day

It has been a while since I have updated my blog so I thought I would catch my readers up to speed. Well, last week I finished up my spring semester in school which was a big relief. I only have a little more to go before graduation...three summer classes and four fall classes, yipee! I still do not know what the future will hold for me after this year as far as a career. I will cross that bridge when I get there I guess.

Brandon and I just celebrated our six year anniversary. I know it seems like a long time but it really has gone by fast. As far as marriage, we do plan to get married but we both want to finish school first. (Just in case anyone was wondering)

I have started keeping my nephew Carter three days during the week until Lauren gets finished with school for the summer. Last week was my first week and it went really well. He was good as usual and we got to enjoy a lot of bonding time together. I will always remember and treasure this time I am able to have with him now.

My first summer class starts this Tuesday and I am not looking forward to it at all!!! I am looking forward to seeing my dear friend Julie though who is in town this weekend and a few days next week. I have really missed her and wish her and Chad would get their behinds back to Cleveland or somewhere closer!

Until next time....

Good Afternoon

Hello again! Today is my babysitting day with Carter. We have had a good morning so far. It usually consists of him napping until about 11 and then we do a diaper change and a bottle. After that we get cleaned up for the day and play until he gets sleepy again. He is such a good baby! Today he went to the dr and got 4 shots! Bless his sweet little heart. He took them like a champ though!

As far as school goes, I am almost done with the spring semester! yay! Although summer school starts May 6, I am looking forward to not having a full load. I also move home 1 week from this Saturday. I am going to be very sad to leave my roomies but I will be happy to be back in Cleveland.

GO LADY VOLS!

I am extremely excited about the NCAA Women's Championship game!!!

This weekend was relatively low key...I worked Friday and then my parents, Brandon, and I went to Chili's and made a trip to the new Cleveland Target and to Petco. Saturday I worked all day and then made a delicious stir fry dinner for Brandon. I was so proud!

Need Sleep!

I have been so busy this week with school I am counting down the hours today for when I can come back to my apartment and take a lonnnnng afternoon nap! Anyone who knows me knows I am not a "night owl" and need my required sleep...

Yesterday was the first day I was on duty babysitting Carter, my nephew, for the first time. We had a great day! He was so good for me and I was very thankful since I have been so tired this week. I will always look forward to my Wednesdays because of him :)

Back to School, Back to School

Well, it is Sunday evening and I am trying to get motivated to start a paper due this week. I had a pretty uneventful weekend. I worked Saturday and Brandon and I watched a movie and fell asleep...so romantic! Then today we went to church and then I took a nap before heading back to Chattanooga.

I cannot believe April 1st is already here! This Wednesday, I will be babysitting my nephew Carter for the first time while Lauren is at work. I am really excited about it! Hopefully he will enjoy it as much as I do. :)

Good Morning

Well, it is Saturday morning and I am just taking a break from getting ready for work. I really wish that I could stay in bed like everyone else in my house. It is the perfect morning to sleep in because it's raining! Oh well.

Last night, Brandon and I visited a hot lil' seafood joint known here in Cleveland as Captain D's...we never want to wait a long time to eat on Fridays. After that we watched Meet the Parents at his house and I came home early because I was tired. Well, I had better get myself ready for another Saturday at Crawford's...

Is it the weekend yet?

If you can't already tell, I am looking forward to the weekend! School is wearing me out but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Anticipated graduation date: December 2008 :)

I also cannot wait to get back in to Cleveland more to be with Brandon and my family more. I miss them...especially my little nephew Carter. I try not to wish the year away though because I know one day I will look back and wish for these college days when I had the chance to take afternoon naps and work two or three days a week.

Well, I have to go study for a test...Ta-Ta for now!

PS: Chad and Carter in their formal wear! SO cute!

HAPPY EASTER!

HE IS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE!

Savannah, GA

I came to Savannah this weekend with my mom, aunt, and two cousins Allie and Katie. It has been a great weekend to be able to get away and go somewhere different. Savannah is a neat town with lots of history! Believe me, I have been on the historic trolley so many times...I can tell you all about it! We tried to go to The Lady and Sons restaurant yesterday but it was already booked all day so we are supposed to go there tonight and try out Paula Deen's famous cooking. We also tried to go to the beach on Tybee Island today, but was a very cold 60 degrees and very high winds so we did not stay....

Overall, it has been a good weekend. Lots of R&R and exploring! I am glad I got to come! Until next time.......

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I am totally new to this but my friend Julie introduced it to me and I thought it might be fun. I enjoy looking at her and Chad's and also her sis-in-law's Claire. I am currently at UTC and working on my last full year of college! I plan to graduate this December. I have a great Mom and Dad, brother Chad and sister-in-law Lauren, my new nephew Carter Stephen Haun who turned 2 months on March 14th, and a boyfriend Brandon of almost 6 years. I have a wonderful Miniature Dachshund named Jo Puddles and a "sister" who is a beautiful Bichon Frise named Ellie Belle. They are such a joy and bring lots of life to our house. I also have great friends that are a lot of fun! Well, this is it for now...I will get more on soon.