News!

I have to apologize that I have been behind on my updating, I have been quite busy over the last few days and weeks.  I have a lot to update you on so I will get right to it.

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to go to Columbus, OH and interview for PNC's Accel program.  This is a one year program that exposes you to the entire company as well as CEO's and people you would not normally meet.  I have been trying to get into the program for about six months and found out about a month before that I had made it to the final interviews in Columbus but to my surprise, I might have to move to somewhere else like Louisville or Bowling Green.  Long story short, I was selected into the program and I am staying in Lexington.  It was a huge relief.  I actually found out while I was on my way to FL with Josh for a little vacation; more about that in a minute.  I will start in June and will go to Pittsburg for a few weeks for some training.  I also got a raise in pay so that helped too!

 From my hotel room.  PNC tower is on the left side of the picture.

Fast forward to last week, Amber had an interview on Wednesday with eCampus.com.  She was asked to come back on Thursday for a second interview.  They loved her so much that they hired her on Friday!  She is starting Monday the 12th. We have both been blessed so much over the past few weeks.  God has opened a lot of doors and opportunities for both Amber and I.  I feel confident in saying that Amber and I have both trusted Him to provide for us over the past few months.  We had a lot of unknowns about our future but in His timing things have come together. 

Now to the vacation.  Back in January when cruises were cheaper, Josh and I were thinking about going on a cruise during spring break.  Well, big surprise, costs go up during spring break so we scratched that idea.  Then we though about going to D.C. since we both love history and government.  After a cost analysis, we decided it would be too costly and exhausting in just a few days.  We finally decided to go to Destin, FL.  My family and I went to Destin almost every summer when I was in elementary and high school.  We drive down on Wednesday and stayed a few days.  Here are the pictures from our trip.

Day 1

Our condo, Pelican Beach Resort

From our room

Day 2

We had a good time of just doing nothing.  Sometimes it is nice to just forget about everything and just be.   Josh and I needed this as he is finishing up grad school and my life is a about to get very busy.  We needed some guy time since we don't spend a whole lot of time together with our schedules. My only complaint is that it was too short.

I think that concludes this update.  More to come in next few weeks.

Eatting Big Time

Amber and I ate a huge meal tonight.  We decided to go big so we at steak with sauteed mushroom and onions.  Our sides were salad, asparagus with parmesan cheese and macaroni and cheese.  We also had wheat rolls with cinnamon butter and all of this was made by us!  So good.  We love eating out but staying home and cooking together really makes us look forward to getting married.  Only 57 days left!  Here are the pictures of out dinner.

Me and my honey

A closer look

Getting Ready

Well today, March 16th marks exactly two months until Amber and I get married.  We have been working like crazy (mostly Amber and her mom) to get things done.  Over the past few days, Amber and I have been working on our cooking skills.  So far, we have made a pizza (from scratch not a frozen one), waffles, grilled chicken, and tonight we had breakfast for dinner.  Amber proclaimed that it was our best meal yet.  Here are some pictures from dinner.  Keep us in your prayers over the next few days as we continue to get things ready for our big day.

Doesn't that look good.....well infact, it was!

Not a bad self photo using a cellphone

Visit to Grandma's House

Amber and I went to visit my grandmother this weekend since I had Monday off work for President's day.  We had a great time helping Meme look for a dress to wear to the wedding, a little shopping, a lot of eating and getting spoiled.

 

Meme was a teacher for 30 years (correction 40 years) so she keeps this chalkboard in her house.  Every time we come to visit, we leave a message and this is what we made this time. 

 Me and Meme

 

Getting ready to leave

Dad's Birthday

My dad has his 55th birthday Feb. 10th.  We ate at Red Robin (yumm!) because you get a free burger on your birthday.  Here are a few pictures from our dinner.  Happy Birthday dad, we love you!

 

  

Scary!

 So cute!

This is the best we could get of Cameron smiling.

100 Days

Today is exactly 100 days away from mine and Amber's wedding.  It can't believe how fast the last three months flew by.  We had Amber finishing school (Hallelujah!), Thanksgiving, Amber's Birthday, Christmas, my mom and grandma's birthday, Ryssa's and Randy's Birthday's and anniversary, New Years, Basketball Season, Cameron's Birthday and now Amber is on a cruise.  I am positive the next few months will go just as fast since there is much to do.  I have started making a list of things to get done so I can hopefully avoid any missteps on the wedding day.  We are enjoying the journey so far and both are just ready to be together.  Special thanks to Randy and Ryssa, Amber's parents, who are working hard in Louisville on our behalf to put on the big day for Amber and I.  Also thanks to my parents for getting the honeymoon details worked out for us.  We both agree that we are blessed and very much so.

Helpful Hint #2

Adding on to my last post, I wanted to let you know that from now until Sunday the dishes that Amber and I registered for are buy one get one free!  If you are a Macy's card holder, you will also get an additional 15% off.  You should check it out and save big time.

Heads up

Now, I am not tell you to do anything but there is an opportunity out there that you might want to capitalize on.  Macy's is having their semi-annual home sale from now until Sunday 1/31.  If you need to buy a gift for someone's wedding that is coming up, you might want to check it out.  Again, this is a semi-annual sale so there will not be anther sale until the end of the summer.

I am just saying......

It is coming!!

We are just a few short months away from the big wedding day.  110 days left.  Who is counting anyways?

I picked up our invitations that we ordered through good friend's at Daisy Days! You can check out their website at http://www.daisy-days.com/.  (You are welcome for the free advertisement!!)

Since most people who read my blog are close friends and family, I thought I would give you a sneak peak at our invitations.

  These just the main part of the invitations so there is more that will be a surprise! 

Remember, this is a sample and Amber and I didn't change our names to Sarah and Jonathan.

(Ironic, Jonathan was my imaginary friends name when I was growing up...maybe these were his??)

These are the "Thank You" notes that you all will get for giving us those great wedding

presents!!  I really like them.....pink is my color.

Check this out

I had this video sent to me from a friend.  I hope everyone will check it out because it is pretty strong stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NlyZqJhwk

Little Visit

My friend Casey came into town for a little visit last weekend.  I think it was to see me but who am I kidding!  He has a "special" friend that he came to see but we still got to hang out.  Kristy had a little surprise party for Casey on Saturday night and we go to play some games after wards at my house.  Here are some pictures.

Casey and Kristy sporting matching sweaters!

Playing Family Fued

Carolyn and Amber having a snack

Kelly, Tara and Whitney

Camerson's 3rd Birthday

My little nephew turned 3 years old on Thursday.  Amber and I have been together for 3 years and 4 months on Thursday as well so Cameron has been a huge part of our relationship.  We love him so much.  Here are a few pictures from our time at Kids Place.

 Before the party. Really excited.

Birthday cake made by a church friend!  How awesome

Gavin enjoying himself.

Watching everyone play.

Nana holding little Bro

Aunt Amer's bouncing with Cameron

The King!

And His Kingdom

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon

I haven't posted in a few days but two events are coming up soon.  Thursday is Cameron's 3rd Birthday!!  I will have some pictures to post then.  Saturday I am meeting up with my friend Casey so I am going to post some pictures for that event also. 

Meanwhile, Amber met with the music minister today and she is very excited about decorating the church for the wedding.  She is at home again to plan, plan, plan.  Only 124 days left.....

Flashback....

I have managed to meet my goal so far this week and hit the gym for three days in a row!!  Looks like with all the snow coming tomorrow may snap my streak.  Anyways, I decided to see if there was any progress so far.  I got on the scale tonight and weighed 170!  I haven't weighed that since I was 14.  I have lost 15 pounds since the beginning of October.

Secret:  Don't eat out.  It will kill you.  Plus, taking your lunch to work everyday saves you so much money.

Work On It

Many of us tend to make some great New Years resolutions this time of the year.  Instead of make up some I won't keep, it is time for me to get with it and work out.  Not only because I want to be healthy but my wedding is approaching fast - great motivation!  I managed to get through the holidays without gaining any weigh so lets see if I can keep it off and get looking good.

Today was Day 1...

I'll keep you posted...

Goodbye Harringtons

Our friends the Harrington's left to move to France.  They won't be back in the states until 2014 so we had to say goodbye today.  Amber and I hope we can visit them soon on a little vacation to France!!  Nothing like a local tour guide.  Well, we love them and wish them the best.

 

Michael with his brother, Ryan, check-in

 

 

 

 Bye Bye!