Our Story Changes...

Sorry for the absence!  In June, we got a phone call that has changed every aspect of our lives!  We are now the guardians to THE most precious 4 year old girl in the world!  We are currently in the adoption process and PRAY that it's completed within the next 6-9 months!  

Since the adoption isn't final, we cannot share her beautiful face or our journey on any public social media, we have started a new blog that will remain private until everything is finalized.  If any of you have been reading this blog and want to continue on our journey, please send me an email to nicholeakins@yahoo.com and I will send you an invite!

We ask that you do not share any of the information/pictures that we post as that could compromise the process!

Who Says Antiques Can't Be Modern?

A few weeks ago, Rob and I went to a local antique store and I found this gem! I couldn't decide if I wanted to use it for craft supplies or jewelry but knew it needed to be in my house either way! :) It looks a little yellow in this picture but it's actually a cream color.

The lady that did this piece took this adorable orange and green fabric and covered the inside of the lid and the removable tray.
Under the tray is the depth of the piece...cute, huh?
I ended up putting it in my bedroom and using it for my jewelry. I put a few baskets in the bottom and organized all of my necklaces and cheaper jewelry and used the tray for my nice jewelry and what I wear the most often. I LOVE this piece of furniture. It's so different than other pieces and just so fun!

Relaxing Weekend Getaway

Last weekend we spent a long, relaxing weekend in Gatlinburg with our friends, Matt and Stephanie. We rented a cute cabin in the woods and had so much fun!

Our cabin was really cute and secluded

So quiet and cozy

Nothing better than a fire in the woods

We drove up in the park and looked at the beautiful scenery (even in the winter, it's still so pretty up there)

Can you tell it was FREEZING? It was in the low to mid 50s in Gatlinburg that day, but like 32 degrees when we got up on top of the mountains. AND.SO.WINDY!

We did LOTS of shopping, which the guys LOVED ;)

Ate LOTS of good food. These were Rob's sweet potato pancakes from Pancake Pantry. SO YUMMY!

We rode the tramway to Ober Gatlinburg, which surprisingly we had never done. It's so pretty up there!

We had such a fun weekend and were NOT ready to come home! Matt and Stephanie are the best travel buddies because we all enjoy the same kind of things! It was such a fun, relaxing time and I can't wait until our next trip!

10 Years Fly By!

Ten years ago this weekend, I went on my last first date! I was in my third year of college and surely wasn't looking for a serious relationship! Wow, how I didn't know what God had in store for me! It was the most fun and EASY first date ever! Rob took me to Copeland's to eat, then to a movie...you know, typical first date. After the movie, we headed to a local Applebee's for drinks and I just didn't want the night to end. I was staying with my grandmother (who lived in the same town) so we went back to her house and talked and talked and talked. For the people that know us well, know this is not a shocker! The two of us are always talking! :)

My life changed completely that weekend! There was an ease that I had never felt before...it was just comfortable! In fact, I told my grandmother the next morning that this was the guy that I would marry! And trust me, I was in NO rush to get married! Rob was and is the most comfortable thing in my life! He pushes me to do and try new things, to always see the positive in every situation and to believe in myself. He loves me for me and everything that includes and for that I'm a lucky girl! He is such an amazing man and I'm SO, SO, SO glad I went on that first date 10 years ago!

We went to Gatlinburg last weekend (will blog that soon) so this weekend was pretty low key. We had dinner at PF Changs and then saw This Means War with Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine.

It was a cute movie! Not too chick flickish (like my new word)...had love but also action! Plus, I LOVE Reese Witherspoon...she's just adorable.

Happy "Anniversary" to my wonderful husband who changed my life 10 years ago! I cannot imagine my life any other way than right where I am in this moment! :)

Day 29 - Something You're Listening To

Right now I'm listening to all kinds of stuff but these two are at the top of my personal list right now! I absolutely LOVE Mandisa's album and all of the songs speak to me in some way! These Days is a song that truly speaks to my heart because I'm trying each day to just enjoy where I am RIGHT NOW! Some days are so hard because I'm not where I "want" to be, but I'm where the Lord has put me (which is the BEST place)...just sometimes I need reminders! :) Listen along and see if you like! Trust me, the whole album is great!

Another song that I love right now is I Was Here by Beyonce. This is a beautiful song by an amazing artist! Sometimes, I just wonder what people will remember me by and if I'm doing enough of what God put me here to do and this song says it beautifully!

Day 28 - Money

Of course, while in Tennessee we had to buy a lottery ticket! Spend money to make money! Ha! Just kidding!

I actually am not a fan of buying these tickets...this is a Hubs thing! :) I would rather get something for my money...like shoes! ;)

Day 27 - Something You Ate

On Sunday morning in Gatlinburg we ate at Pancake Pantry. If you've never eaten here, you have missed out. It is delish! Since I just had regular buttermilk pancakes, I had Rob take a picture of his sweet potato pancakes! SOOOO good!

Day 25 & 26 Green and Night

We spent a great weekend in Gatlinburg last weekend with some friends. We got there Friday and spent the day shopping so Friday night we lounged around the cabin and it was glorious! I sat in a comfy chair with my GREEN UAB Blazers blanket and a tasty glass of wine!

Day 24 - Inside Your Bathroom Cabinet

You all do NOT want to see a picture of my bathroom cabinet! It's a disaster area! Instead I'm showing you what's new in my bathroom cabinet, which is WAY more exciting!

I'm the new owner of this Naked eye shadow pallet by Urban Decay. I got it last week at Ulta and I can't even tell you how much I love it! The colors are beautiful!!!!! Go check it out!

Day 23 - Your Shoes

Today's picture totally slipped my mind. We are heading out of town for the weekend so my mind has been pre-occupied on packing and getting everything ready for the trip. So, tonight, I have been in lounge clothes and house shoes (which is pretty normal for nights at home). I found these slipper things at the mall a few months ago and I wear them all of the time. They are better than socks but not as hot as house shoes! They did have the cutest hot pink bow on the toe but they fell off! :) Pretty glamorous, huh? HA!

Day 22 - Where You Work

I thought I would include the February list again to see what all I have left. I can't believe I've actually made it this far! :)

Day 22 is where you work. I work on an Arsenal and this is one of the gates. There's major road construction going on right now so that's what is happening with all of the barricades and piles of gravel. Really attractive, right?

I've worked here for a little over 5 years and I still am pretty happy (most days)! :) I enjoy the people that I work with because they keep me laughing constantly!

Day 21 - Fave Photo of You

Day 21 Pic of the Day - Favorite Photo of Yourself

I chose two pics that I like of myself (both also include Hubs). The first is a picture from a cruise we took a few years ago and this was one of our excursions. We sat in these chairs ALL day with all the drinks we could get our waiter to bring us. It was HEAVENLY!

The second one is from our favorite place...Walt Disney World. We go to WDW every other year and we LOVE it...we even honeymooned there. We are going back in November and we are already counting down the days! It really is such a magical place!

Card to Art

A few weeks ago, I saw a GREAT deal from the Card Store for a free card for the first 10,000 customers so I ordered Rob's Valentine's card.

This was my first time ordering from the Card Store and I will definitely use them again! You can personalize most of them and even add pictures to them. The inside of this card has a picture of us and my personal message already printed in it. I just had to sign it (actually, you can also upload a signature and not even sign it).

I just loved this card so much and it matches the color that I want to do our bedroom in so I backed it with some scrapbook paper, framed it, and put it in our bedroom.

I really like how it turned out!

Day 20 - Handwriting

Day 20 - Handwriting

Since today was a holiday and I didn't work, I really didn't spend much time writing. :)

This is a picture of one of my favorite quotes that I keep in a notebook with all kinds of meaningful quotes, along with a lot of Bible verses.

Day 19 - Something You Hate to Do

Today's pic was something that you hate to do....well, I DESPISE going to Wal-Mart. I avoid Wal-Mart with every fiber in my body! I turn into some sort of monster when I go in ANY Wal-Mart. I'm.Not.Kidding!

Today, we needed to pick up a few things and I wanted to go to a local antique store so Rob made a deal with me. He would go to the antique store if I would go to Wal-Mart for some groceries. I think he thought I would just forgo the trip to the antique store but I was DETERMINED to go there so I sucked it up and took one for the team! :)

It actually wasn't too bad but I won't be going back any time soon. In the year of 2011, I think I only went in Wal-Mart a total of 3 times and I'm pretty sure I was a happier person because of it! :)

By the way, I got a CUTE little table at the antique store. I will blog it later this week, hopefully...when I figure out where it's going in my house!

Tomorrow is a holiday so we are enjoying a 3-day weekend! YAY for another day off!

Day 18 - Drink

My new favorite Starbuck's drink....

CAFE MOCHA

A colleague brought me one at work last week and it was delish! We ran to Target today so I had to have another one! :)

Day 17 - Time

For Valentine's, Rob got me Jesus Calling, which is a daily devotional and so far I LOVE it! Since I started it earlier this week, each message has spoken to me in some way, but none better than this one. Even though this message was for February 16th, I'm using it for my 17th day because it really spoke to me about "time."

As most of you know by now, Rob and I are currently awaiting a baby to adopt and some days and weeks are LONG! Lately it seems like every time I log on to Facebook or Twitter or look at a blog, someone else is pregnant. The last few days and weeks have been rough, to say the least. This devotional just reminded me to enjoy the moments that I'm in right now! Sometimes I know that I'm missing out on the "right now" because I'm so worried about the future and when things are going to happen.

Sometimes I need a reminder to BE STILL and just enjoy the minutes that are passing each day. The line that spoke to me the most was "Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms."

Day 16 - Something New

I found this cute sign at Hobby Lobby a few days ago for less than $5. I love this saying and have wanted it in our bedroom for a long time. I brought it home and put it on an easel on one of our bedside tables. I love the colors!

Have I said lately how much

I LOVE HOBBY LOBBY!!

Day 15 - Phone

Today's pic of the day is phone and I really couldn't think of a clever pic for this topic. So, I give you a pic of my iPhone...also known as my lifeline. haha! I LOVE my iPhone and can't wait for the iPhone 5!

Not only do I have an addiction to my iPhone, but I also have an addiction to phone covers! This is my favorite cover...I LOVE gray and yellow and I doubly love anything monogrammed! My office staff gave me this one for Boss' Day last year and I LOVE it!!!

Hope everyone's having a fabulous week! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is usually pretty low-key for us. We went out for our V-Day dinner this past weekend so tonight was just a usual night at home.

Rob brought home flowers, a sweet card and my fave Reese's Cups. He also bought a leather bound copy of "Jesus Calling" devotional. I gave him a Nike hoodie that he had seen at Dick's Sporting Goods a few weeks ago.

I have been wanting to start this devotional so I'm really excited that he got it for me! I've read a few snippets and LOVED it!

We had Papa Murphy's heart-shaped pizza for dinner (you can't really tell it's a heart) and Reese's for dessert!

Valentine's Day is a fun day but I'm blessed enough to know that my husband loves me ALL 365 days of the year and not just on V-Day. It saddens me to see people around me who can't get along with their spouses except on Valentine's Day. I'm definitely a lucky girl!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Day 14 - Heart

I made heart shaped muffins for breakfast this morning. I found a heart muffin pan at Target a while back for $2.50 and it has been used a lot. I made heart cupcakes earlier this month too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Day 13 - Blue

If you have a Keurig - you NEED to try these K-Cups! This vanilla biscotti is my favorite flavor and I found it at Target. I drink it with either French vanilla creamer or skinny caramel macchiato creamer! Delish!!!

Happy Monday!

A Friendly Weekend

It was COLD here this weekend so there was LOTS of time inside! Friday night I had a girl's night with the BFF to see The Vow. It was a good chick flick...probably could have been better but I mean, who doesn't LOVE Channing Tatum in ANYTHING! We also hit a few stores and had a Mexican dinner and Cantina Laredo. Fun Friday night!

Photo courtesy of www.thevow-movie.com

On Saturday, Rob and I, along with some friends, headed to Tennessee for a lottery ticket (it was up to $200 million) and went to see Safe House. It is a WILD movie and one you should definitely see in the theater! SOOOO GOOD!

Photo courtesy of Safe House

Last night we had a great Valentine's dinner with friends at Connor's. I was a bad blogger this weekend and took no pictures! It was a great dinner with good friends!

Today was REALLY cold so we didn't leave our house! :) This is what my Sunday looked like...

We stayed bundle up with our dogs and caught up on all of our recorded TV shows! I did accomplish the laundry and am pretty much caught up with it! Success!

Have a great week!

Picture of the Day 9-12

Day 9 - Front Door

Since I've lived here, I have had a Super Target within a 10-minute drive from my house. Growing up in a small town 30 minutes away from the closest Target, I thought it couldn't get much better than 10 minutes away. I.WAS.WRONG! A new Target is going up about 2 minutes from my house and is set to open in March. I am pretty sure I will be there the day it opens! ha! I.LOVE.TARGET! Isn't it a beauty? :)

Day 10 Self-Portrait

This kind of explains itself. Might I mention I hate taking pictures of myself! ha!

Day 10 Makes you happy

Nothing makes me happier than spending time with the Hubby. We really do have the best time together - even after 8 years of marriage.

Day 11 Inside of your Closet

Lucky for me I cleaned out my closet last weekend so this picture doesn't look too bad. Our house was built in the 80's so the closets are SMALL so it's really necessary to keep them cleaned out and organized. I hate that this picture doesn't show all of my shoe boxes...I have a slight problem! :)

I'm kind of enjoying this "Picture of the Day" thing and it's forcing me to keep up with my blogging. :)

Days 7 & 8 Photo of the Day

Day 7 was button. One of my favorite buttons is the "push to start" button on my car. I LOVE how newer vehicles don't require a key to be inserted. I just keep my keys attached to my wallet and never have to pull them out! It's GREAT! Definitely a plus!

Day 8 was sun. Well, if you've been in the south during the last couple of months, you know that we haven't seen much of the sun lately. This has been a very mild winter as far as temperatures are concerned but it has rained A LOT!! So, my sky looked like this today...sorry, no sun!

See you tomorrow!

Day 6 - Dinner

Day 6 is dinner. We were supposed to have leftover BBQ for dinner but I was having a "blah" day, so sweet Hubs stopped at McAllister's and picked up my fave grilled chicken club sandwich and chicken tortilla soup. If you've never tried this soup, you are totally missing out! YUMMO!

See you tomorrow! :)

Day 5 - 10am

Hope you all have had a great weekend! Day 5 of the photo challenge was 10am so I took a picture of what I was doing this morning at 10am.
My goal this weekend was to clean out our closets...like take everything out and CLEAN them! Our house was built in the early 80's so there are FEW closets and they are SMALL! Our bedrooms are big which is nice but I would give anything for our closets to be bigger!

This is what I was doing at 10am this morning. Looks like fun, huh?

I have lived here for almost 9 years and finally switched closets with the Hubs so I would have the bigger one! Guess that means I'm staying! :) If you noticed, on the 12th of the photo challenge, I will show you the inside of my closet! Good thing I cleaned it out! Ha!

Hope you all are having a fun Sunday and enjoying the Super Bowl!