Hudson Brooks, we cant wait to meet you!

We have been praying for this sweet angel for the past 9 months and cannot wait to meet him face to face. I cant imagine what its going to be like once he arrives, pure joy is what I have heard. Oh I am so anxious!!! We are about one week away now and we are learning all about patience:-) It seems the time has flown by up until now....I guess because its so close. Well his little hospital bag is packed and Mimi and Poppy got him the most beautiful outfit to leave the hospital in. Here is a peek of Little Hudsons goodies! I will post nursery pics soon, Promise!!!!

his little bag...with his name on it of course!

Sweet little burp cloth...once again with his name on it....

Precious little going home outfit with a little hat....I cant believe I will be dressing this sweet boy thats in my belly right now in this outfit next week...can you tell im excited????

Where we call home....Christ Fellowship

“Christ Fellowship exists to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” And that is just what it does. When Houston and I moved to Kingsport we were so blessed to move in right next door to Greg Depriest…pastor of Christ Fellowship. I will never forget the day I met him and the weekend that followed. I was walking up the stairs, moving things into the loft and he was walking down the hallway and we stopped to chit-chat. We talked a little bit about where we were moving from, football of course--by the way he is a Mississippi State Fan-- and then I asked him about churches in the area that Houston and I could start to visit. He mentions Christ Fellowship, yes, just “mentions” visiting it. I asked him where it was and we were there that Sunday morning. We walked into this beautiful church and were immediately greeted by smiling faces, it was like an instant connection with total strangers. We then turned around to the “Holy Grounds” to get our coffee fix. We were then on our way in to sit down in the most comfortable, relaxed atmosphere ever. Candles were lit and voices from the stage glorified our Jesus Christ…there was a full band making the most beautiful sound. I smiled from ear to ear as I sat down and looked around at this place. It felt like home already and we had just arrived! So as the music came to an end a man walked up on stage and welcomed everyone to Christ Fellowship…my eyes were like deer in headlights. It was our neighbor, Greg Depriest, he is the pastor of this remarkable church! Now that’s a story I will never forget. He didn’t even mention he was the pastor…just invited us in. We became members of this church and it has made the biggest difference in our lives since coming to East Tennessee. Our church strives to create environments that encourage your personal and spiritual growth. Greg puts a lot of responsibility on the MEN in our church. The vision of MEN@CF is that “Every Man” is a servant leader in his home, church, workplace and community- I LOVE THIS. So as you can see, we Love our church family and feel so blessed to have met the Depriests’ and to get to live next to them for over a year. I will leave you with a pic of “vintage Greg” but don’t be surprised if you come to our church and he is sportin’ his cowboy boots and wranglers….You never know what you are going to get with him, that’s why we Love him so much.

Nikki the Nikon

So it was my birthday last month and as you know we have had so much going on...moving and getting ready for baby mac! Well my hubster surprised me with this for my gift:

How AWESOME is he???? I was SHOCKED and so excited! I have a thing about nicknaming things....so we have named her "Nikki the Nikon". I cannot wait to to learn how to use it. First I need to find her some "bling" so she doesnt look so bland! I have been looking at these adorable camera straps! Found them on http://www.trendycamerastraps.com/ so so cute!

I have so much to learn about this foreign object. But for starters I will leave you with a picture of the sweet hubs!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

"Showered" with Love!

I have wonderful friends, I really really do:-) Here are some pics from my Kingsport shower. It was absolutely beautiful and Baby Mac really stocked up on some goodies! Thank You ladies for making this day so special for us. Truly Blessed.

Love these girls...Cindy Lou and Amy!

How precious is this cake, Thank You Sara!

Delish!

Girls!

My Sweet momma came in town for it too! Love her!

Mama Mio - Preventing Stretch Marks

So the first time you get preggers you have no idea what your skin will do (and you won't believe how big your tummy can get!!!) So we hear it from day one - "Make sure you are using COCOA BUTTER everyday to prevent stretch marks" Well my mom went to Pea in the Pod to get me a few things and picked up these items for me while she was there. Talk about a product working....I have become passionate about these items! I have just a few more weeks to go and my skin is so soft and (knock on wood) not a stretch mark in site! I have a nightly ritual these wonderful products, they make your skin feel absolutely beautiful and so so soft! These products are definitely a must if and when you become pregnant! From the way it makes your skin feel to the smell of them....they are AWESOME!!! MAMMA MIO is the product line...here are the few I use....

This is the stretch mark cream....it is heavenly!!!! You can use it even if your not pregnant!

This oil is incredible too...I usually put this on before I put the "butter" cream on!

And the name of this will make you laugh outloud...its called BOOB TUBE...yes, you heard me right. YOu can rub it all over your neck and chest...its wonderful too!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful day....and if you have a pregnant friend...these are all GREAT GIFTS!!!

Where Have I been???? Lets see....

I know I know, slackerville! It has been a crazy month to say the least...so much has been going on lately as you can imagine! Moving into a new house at 7.5 months preggers was a great adventure, but we are finally getting settled in. I will post the past months events on here throughout the week...it has been a fun (and tiring) month. From company in and out and of town, to painting that house, to Baby Showers....its been nonstop. I cant believe I am so close to delivering Baby Mac:-) Our first project when we got into the house was the Nursery...it is ALMOST complete...just a few last finishing touches and we are all done. I will be sure to post pics of it, so excited about it. For today I will leave you with our 4D ultrasound pics. The office tried to talk me out of getting these since there wasnt a whole lot of room to get great shots, but of course these new parents insisted! So we tried anyway! Poor Baby Mac is squished into my placenta, ha! But here are a few pics of him....please excuse his squished cheeks and nose...but I do want to share! Have a wonderful Tuesday!

We are already in Love with this precious angel! I told Houston the other day that I think Baby Mac will come out thinking his name is "I LOVE YOU" because I say that to my tummy all throughout the day! ha.

Home Sweet Home

We have done it....Houston and I purchased our first home and we could not be any more excited! I have not taken pictures of the house quite yet however I do have pictures from when the house was on the market. So until I can find my camera(since the move we still have boxes to be unpacked) I will post what was on the Internet. We have lots of work to do before Baby Mac makes his debut....first room on the list - PROJECT NURSERY!Here is our beautiful home and a few pics of the kitchen! Once we get it decorated...which will be one room at a time, I will be sure to post those as well!

Have a Happy Thursday!

Front of houseOur porch

Our kitchen

I thought these quotes were appropriate for new homeowners.

The fellow that owns his own home is always just coming out of a hardware store. ~Frank McKinney Hubbard

And this one has my dad written all over it:

One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop. ~G.M. Weilacher

A fashionable BUMP....now if only I could look like these beauty queens!

It has amazed me the way my tummy keeps growing and growing and growing. Over the past few weeks it has just blossomed...we call it a "torpedo". Weird huh? Baby Mac is either going to have a cone head or my tummy will eventually distribute weight elsewhere...its quite a site. So before you ever get preggers you look at all these other women and you are in awe of their precious baby bumps....isnt if funny, women LOVE 2 things...weddings and baby bumps! Well when it becomes YOUR body gaining the weight and clothes becoming to tight you start rethinking how precious those baby bumps really are....Well not really, I still think they are beautiful. Just look at these beauty queens...Nicole Richie, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie...they are all stunning with their baby bumps!

Now if only I had their stylists! I will share my bumpalicious here soon....Have a HAPPY FRIDAY!

Fruit Pizza-Yums in my Tums!

When the summer arrives there are always parties to attend....wedding showers, baby showers, childrens parties, cookouts, Bible studies, etc. So I thought I would pass along a favorite recipe that I like to "cook" when headed to a get together. As many of you know, im not the best cook in the world, however I am learning everyday!!!! Who cant follow a recipe right? This one is from sweet little Paula Deen---dont worry I dont lick my fingers after touching the food like she does;-) Check out this easy recipe for FRUIT PIZZA.... trust me, if I say its easy, indeed it is!

The Ingredients:

"Pizza" Dough:1 package store bought sugar cookie dough.

Toppings: The fruit choices can vary to whatever you like...here are different options, you will see I didnt use all of these!

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 large peach, sliced

1 large green apple, sliced

1 large orange, sliced

fresh strawberries, sliced

6 ounces fresh blueberries

6 ounces fresh raspberries

Now put it all together like this....

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Flatten cookie dough onto a 6-inch pizza pan. (Dont press it all the way to the edges because it will bake over the edge of the pizza sheet, learned this quickly) Bake until firm to touch, about 11 to 15 minutes then allow to Cool.

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar.
Spread the baked cookie with the cream cheese mixture and decorate with sliced fruit.

Slice and Serve.

Pure Deliciousness! ENJOY!

Kiss and Say I LOVE YOU.

I cant tell you how much I love kisses from my hubby. I guess is doesnt sound to outlandish, he's my husband, right? For some reason once I get that first kiss in the morning (yes morning breath and all) or the one right before bed time....I just cherish these kisses the most! Oh wait and the one he gives me before leaving for work....or right when he gets home from work....ok you get the point. When your heart is so in love with someone every waking moment with them brings the biggest smile to your face. Here are some pics of him as we call it "gettin' me"!

When Houston and I met and started dating we were at first doing the whole long distance thing...yes, 8 hours away, yuck. So we made sure that when we did see each other that the time spent together was very much enjoyed. We could have a jampacked non-stop weekend or do absolutely nothing at all and still have a blast. We noticed as time went by that it was harder and harder to leave each other and we quickly fell in love. I came up with a saying I would say to him everytime I would see him---"LYMTTY" (pronounced limmity) this stands for:

LOVE YOU MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY. This is now engraved on the inside of his wedding band. Its a constant reminder that in just this one year of marriage we fall in love over and over again each and everyday. We Love being in Love. Tell your sweets you Love them everyday, whether by mouth, in a text, with an act of kindness or as Houston would do it....just write it out and put it on the floor of the doorway!

Or write it in the sand......

However you do it....make sure they know just how important they are to you:-) Each day is a gift from God.

Have a HAPPY SUNDAY!

Baby Mac's Crib

So I have been going around and around as to what I want Baby Macs room to look like. There are just so many directions that you can go in when it comes to putting together a nursery for a sweet baby boy. It seems everyone is always drawn to BLUE (naturally) which is absolutely normal because its a boy! Being the indecisive person I am I HAVE to come to a conclusion on this one...he will be here in 15 weeks! Im trying to think about future and how I can get the most use out of the furniture that I decide to go with for Baby Mac. One thing I have decided is that a white crib could be used for a baby boy or girl, so thats one decision that has been made, yay! I am IN LOVE with these iron cribs....sweet, yet elegant for our precious little boy.

I am definitely going in the "Shabby Chic" direction as to furniture pieces to put with this bed. I love the vintage look. In Kingsport we live near tons of antique shops and I have scouted most of them out. We are going to have a blast distressing furniture for his little room. (I will post pics once I have a few pieces picked out) Now on to the final decison for his bedding.....hopefully this wont take long. A website that I look at atleast once a day is POSHTOTS. If you have a baby on the way, check it out, very unique findings here.

I will post a 25 week pic soon...the belly is out and he is kicking up a storm. I am constantly wondering what this little guy is going to look like??? Blonde hair, Brown hair, Blue eyes, Green eyes....and the list goes on. God is perfecting his little body as I type, what a beautiful thing:-)

Have a wondeful week!

WAXING POETIC

I am IN LOVE with the jewelry line: WAXING POETIC! Houston and I live in loft above a boutique that carries this line---I think it illustrates Beauty!!! On that note, beauty, let me introduce you to one of my besties Lauren.

I know shes an absolute doll isnt she? She lives in Jackson Mississippi with her hubby Matt and is absolutely gorgeous on the inside and out. The other day I get home from work and I had the sweetest surprise in the mail---Lauren sent me a waxing poetic charm! And can you guess which one? The silhouette boy charm to represent our unborn precious boy, Baby Mac!!!! Look at this adorable charm!

I couldnt wait to show it to you guys because its such a sweet thoughtful gift for friends that are expecting or even for grandmas! If someone around your town carries this line I would say give it a look...its so unique and vintage.

Hope you have a HAPPY THURSDAY:-)

Exquisite Asheville North Carolina...only 60 miles away!!!

So Houston and I have been living in Kingsport now for over year and Im sad to say, we have NEVER visited one of the most exquisite cities nearby....Asheville, NC. Im a little upset with myself that we havent driven over sooner. A few weeks ago we headed over for a day trip and WOW what a wonderful day we spent there together. Three words come to mind to describe this town:1.Eclectic Culture 2. Divine Food 3. Simply Exquisite. (Ok so that was 6 words instead of 3)

Our day started off with brunch at TUPELO HONEY . This place was recommended by many and it did not let us down....check out the pics from our delicious brunch...

We then walked around the downtown area for a bit and found lots of neat stores to wander in. From unique arts to outdoor stores, (which Houston loves) to precious clothing boutiques, they have it all in downtown Asheville. They even had an URBAN OUTFITTERS...if you dont have one nearby you, they have a website, check them out. After walking off the food we ate we headed over to the Biltmore Estate. Even if you are not a history buff there is plenty to do at the Biltmore. They have a winery, wonderful restaurants, and over 8,000 acres of land for horseback riding! I could go on and on about this place that helps you escape from our everyday activities! We were there to tour the "house".....let me rephrase that, the castle! It was absolutely AMAZING! Just a few fun facts about this place...

It was built in 1895...took 6 years to construct. It was opened in 1930 to public to help during the Great Depression.

The Biltmore is 175,000 square feet---yeeeowzers! It is the largest privately owned home in America.

Has over 250 rooms and a indoor 70,000 gallon indoor pool.

Just look at this place..UH-MAZING!

Since we couldnt check out the winery, we opted instead for ICECREAM - YUMMY!

Goodness I can go on and on about this amazing place...but you will definitely have to check it out for yourself to experience the time we had! If you are looking for a weekend trip this summer, consider Asheville, you will not be disappointed!

Oh and one last thing, as we were leaving Asheville I noticed we were headed down "McDowell"street...I had Houston pull over so I could snap a pic..I know, Im a dork:-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jack and the Bean Stalk and Little Boy Blue

Hello blogger friends! I know its been a while and I have a lot to fill you in on...why do I always wait so long? As I was sitting here contemplating what to write I looked down and saw my growing belly and it reminded me of the old fairy tale...Jack and the Bean Stalk....why?

Well because after the "magic beans" were planted, the bean stalk kept growing and growing and growing. Thats how I have felt over the past few weeks...the belly has began the growing process! Here is my 20 week pic.....bye bye waist line helllllloooo Baby Mac:-)
So a few weeks ago we had the sweetest surprise...my momma and daddio came in town and surprised us the day before we went to the gender ultrasound! Yes, they came in from Memphis and were able to go to the appointment with us to find out what Baby Mac was! Here is a pic of my sweet parents...Mimi and Poppy! They are such precious people! This made my weekend and made the appointment that much better to have them there.

As we went into the ultrasound room I was so stinkin anxious! I couldnt believe how fast my heart was beating. I kept telling myself to calm down, but I couldnt, it was crazy how I couldnt wait to find out what we were having. As I layed down and looked up at the screen all I could see was our sweet baby moving around and around...it was uh-mazing! You just sit there in amazement thanking God for this beautiful life, this gift that he has blessed Houston and I with. So as I wiped my face dry and came out of the daze I was in Pam, our ultrasound tech scrolls between the legs of Baby Mac and then before she could say anything Houston and I screamed at the top of our lungs...Its a BOY!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!! Our son was a little exhibitionist, fully exposed! My parents were so excited for us...he's the first grandson! Now, as most of you know, I strongly dislike hotdogs---I mean with a passion they gross me out...but I must say, once I saw this "hotdog" it was Love at first sight!!!
I will post better ultrasound pics later, our scanner will not scan all of them in for some reason...this is actually one Houston took from my phone off of the monitor. We didnt realize this was a "full anatomy" ultrasound and we were going to be able to see everything at this appointment, it was the neatest thing ever. We saw his little bones, his face, his spine, his hands, his tiny little foot, and the most wonderful part, his teenie tiny little heartbeat!!! Again just a reminder of how God has trusted Houston and I with this tiny human being. Talk about perspective. Thank You God for blessing our lives already.

Well thats it for now---we have been in and out of town a lot lately and I have lots of pics to post from recent trips..so I will get to those soon. I hope you all have a wonderful week:-) Now on to the name game.....oh this should be fun!

Amanda MAC