MY goodness, WHAT A weekend!!! It was quite the whirlwind, but so much fun. It took a while, though, for me to catch my breath when I finally sat down last night. Let's see, quick recap: Friday: Robby & Ferris got over to the house right as I was finishing work on Friday around 4. Robby took off for a meeting, Jordan took off for some errands and putting tires on the Camry, and Ferris began scrapbooking (she's trying to catch up before their 1 yr. anniversary) I finished working and then joined Ferris, not scrapbooking, but making birthday cards for Dad, Robby & Meaghan, whose birthdays we were celebrating that evening. After that was finished and gifts were wrapped, I took my time making dinner and doing a few things around the house in preparation. Everyone arrived a bit later and we had just a FABULOUS time, sharing dinner and catching up with everyone. It was a sweet picture of many fun times to come with my family, and everyday we are getting closer and close to the wedding!! Mom & Dad were the first to leave, as Mom had quite a few things to do for the shower in the morning, and Dyl & Meg stayed a little longer. Once they left, R&F were getting ready to go and then I asked why they were driving all the way back to Murfreesboro and not just staying the night? They didn't really know and weren't really thinking about it, so after a little deliberation, they decided to just stay. That mean Ferris and I needed a quick run to Kroger, b/c poor Ferris had made delicious lemon bars for the shower, but now would have to settle for a box mix....oh well. We did that and got back: she made those and I made cheese grits for the shrimp and grits. And then we went to bed. Saturday: Early morning, made the shrimp, mushroom and bacon part of the recipe, got eveything together for the shower and Ferris & I headed up north to Mom's to help get ready. When we got there, Meaghan, two of her bridesmaids (ReAnna and Katie) and Mom were all abuzz doing things. Ferris & I jumped right in and we got things looking GREAT, just in time for the first guests to show up. We all had a wonderful time, eating, chatting and celebrating Meaghan and the upcoming marriage. It was a wonderful morning!! We hung out for a while, talking and helping clean up, then I had to run home and clean the house VERY quickly, then scurry off to "Movies in the Park" in Spring Hill. This is something we are doing the 4th Saturday of every month in Spring Hill until October. We are partnering with different businesses and churches in the city and helping put it on. It's been wonderful the times we have done it and we look forward to many more. Sunday: Got up early, got ready for church and worship, got the food together for the meal we were having after service and took off. Had a great rehearsal, first time for our new drummer and he did great! We had a great service, Jordan did a great job teaching and we had so much fun at the meal after service. Great time of fellowship, worship and God's Word!! As soon as that was finished, Jordan & I changed quickly and headed to Thompson's Station Park for FRISBEE! I was a little late (b/c I had to lock up the church) and when I got there, they were running 2 FULL games...we had all of the fab five there (JP, Dylan, Tres, Reagan and Jordan Fenton) we had some old-timers (Dylan Jones & Joel Kittinger) some Independence Team members and quite a few from Murfreesboro that Robby & Ferris had brought down. We played THREE full games and then finally took off to go home, shower and pack up quickly, b/c Jordan and I decided to stay in the condo. So, finally, around 7:15, (after a quick bite at Jason's Deli) we got to the condo, watched a little tv and then put on a movie. I had quite a night though....as I was SO tired that I had one of the worst headaches I have ever had in my life! It wasn't until about 4:00am, when Jordan finally switched pillows with me, and prayed for me that I was able to sleep. But thanks to the Lord, and I know it was the Lord, I was able to wake up feeling rested. So there you have it- LONG post for a LONG weekend, but wonderful, and I wouldn't trade time with friends and family for ANYTHING! I will post some pictures soon. And I am so excited for Ferris & Robby. As I speak they are en route, airborn to Naples, FL, where they are spending 7 nights down there...4 at La PLAYA and 3 at a b&b down there. I am SO EXCITED for them to take a vaca together AND to get to go to Naples. They will see Hope & Steve tonight, and I am SURE Erin will find a way to have them over (they would LOVE it Erin!!) So I know they'll have an AWESOME time! (Oh, and Erin, make sure you tell them about Coconut Point) they will love it there!! *UPDATE* (Here's a pic of Reese & Robby on the beach at La Playa- they are loving it so far!!) Okay, congrats if you made it through all of this, although I bet only Mom, Erin & Hope will be reading this sentence....haha!! Oh, and maybe Stacee too! :-) Have a great week

We have had a great week so far! It's been busy. We spent some time working on the church: painting, reorganizing and cleaning, but it was well worth it and things are looking good! We have also had many events going on this week: small groups, cookouts, dinners with friends, etc, but all has been wonderful and well worth it.

We are getting ready to take off for Kiawah in South Carolina with Jordan's side of the family. Which, by the way, today is his mom's birthday!!! I need to give a HUGE HUGE HUGE Happy Birthday to Hope!



She is an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and everything else!! I love her with all of my heart and am so thankful to have her in my life! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to an amazing woman!

Hope & Steve took off driving yesterday, Erin, Dan & Hopie will take off today, and Jordan and I will take off on Sunday right after church. We all have about a 10 hour drive ahead of us, which I am actually looking forward to. I LOVE long drives with my husband. No one else to interrupt (except those stinkin' cell phones- haha) and just me and him- chatting, listening to music....I cherish these times before there are kids in the backseat....we all know that will change things immensely!! :-) But, nonetheless, we are thrilled to get to see them and very much looking forward to it.

In the meantime we have a busy weekend ahead of us until we take off, so we'll be buckling down and getting things done until then.

Sorry I haven't posted lately....I've been busy with my baby niece!! More later....

2:00pm
Erin is getting to meet her daughter for the first time! How exciting :-)

12:45pm
HERE SHE IS!













11:41am
Just got a call: HOPE RHODES HERRENBRUCK is here!! 7 lbs. 5 oz, 18.5 inches, born at 12:28EST, so 11:28 for me. Erin, Dan and everyone are doing wonderfully and Nana Hope said she's beautiful!!! I'll post pics when I get them!

10:45am
Just got a call from Erin and from Hope- she's all prepped and ready for her c-section. Just waiting for the Doctor. I spoke with Erin, she's definitely having contractions, but everything looks good, so if she can hang on for a little while, her little girl will be here in no time! Hope & Steve are there with Erin and Dan, and Erin's two good friends, Blair and Terra. More to come!

9:30 am
So we are awaiting the birth of a baby. Erin was scheduled for a C-section on the 19th, but it appears her water broke earlier this morning. I talked to Hope (grandma Hope, that is) about an hour ago, but I haven't heard any more. I will be sure to let everyone in the blog world know when we know more! It looks like there will be a baby today! Exciting!!

We had a great time last night! Janel & Laurel went with us up to Mom & Dad's house for family dinner night. It was so good to see Ferris & Robby (they just look so cute and so "married!") and we all had fun laughing (a lot) catching up and watching a little football. Oh yeah, and we broke out the leftover wedding cake, which was yum, yum, yum!!

In other news, we are anxiously awaiting Baby Hope! Right now Erin has a C-section (there were some slight complications) scheduled for Sept. 19, but it could be sooner, so we're at MAX 10 days away! WOW!

And then in OTHER news......which I've had to keep quiet about for a while now- congratulations to Kyle & Janelle Kellums on their upcoming baby. We found out a few weeks ago but have been keeping it on the downlow. They told the youth group on Saturday night, so I think it's okay to post it here, too. She's due April 10th, so I've added yet another baby counter to the right! haha!!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

I don't know if I should even attempt to write about everything that has happened since last Thursday. Almost a week and PACKED with all sorts of things. So, I think I will let my pictures tell the story and I will give you some highlights:

Friday: Great morning here at the house...enjoyed the peace and quiet and time with the Lord- SUPER fun Bridal luncheon at Lillie Belle's- LOVE the bags Ferris gave us and just cried as Ferris shared with each and every girl there- i LOVE my sister. We had a really good time getting our nails done- the pedicures felt AMAZING....the last time I had one was 2 years ago for Erin's wedding...wow! Rehearsal dinner- the room looked AMAZING!!! The decor crew did such a great job and the food was wonderful. The slideshow played without a hitch, and everyone loved it (maybe I'll post on youtube) I loved hearing Ferris and Robby share and everyone else who said something about or to them. It was a beautiful evening.

Saturday: Ferris & I woke up bright and early- dad made a Starbuck's run for me and Bethany Hawkins and we had fun (me, Ferris, Janelle, Christy & Bethany) getting ready (well, they were getting US ready) in the bathroom. How do I sum up the rest of the day?? Pics were great- weather was beautiful, lunch was delish! The ceremony was AWESOME! The music was perfect- the decor was stunning, and Ferris was out of this world. My favorite part of the day had to be the couple of quiet minutes with Robby & Ferris, just as they were getting ready to run through the blanket of rose petals into the waiting limo...we were on the side of the church, and I got to just love on them for a few minutes- it was quiet and peaceful and awesome!

That evening was a whirlwind of activity as all sorts of family and friends descended on Mom & Dad's house- I'll take another post to tell you about Sunday- Tuesday, but for now- that's enough! :-)

Oh MY GOSH! One Day away!! How exciting. Today is a packed day with a Bridal luncheon, Pedicures and manicures, rehearsals, dinner, etc. Can I just say I am SUPER DUPER excited about my dress tonight for the rehearsal dinner. Mom bought it for me this week (THANKS Mom!) and I really really like it! So, I'll post pics. Here are a couple of pics from the shower last night. It went SO well and was SO MUCH FUN! I really like ALL of Ferris's friends so much. I always have, but it's so much fun getting to hang out with them and be around them more.








And if you get a chance- LISTEN to the new song I uploaded over to the right. It's off the new Hillsong album, "This is Our God." It's written by Brooke Fraser, who I've posted about before- she's incredible- but as I was preparing for the shower yesterday, I put a worship mix on and just worshiped all day- this song came on later and I was FLOORED! It speaks to me so perfectly about what God's been teaching me and calling me to, specifically with my battles with infertility, and it has become the outward expression of what's going on in my heart. It will encourage you where ever you are!

"I will bring praise, no weapon formed against me shall remain. I will rejoice, I will declare- God is my victory and He is here. All of my life, in every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship!"

We had fun last night. Grandma and Grandpa were here, of course, and Meaghan and Dylan pulled in just as we were ready to eat. We all sat around outside on Mom & Dad's beautiful deck and enjoyed the nice weather, food and family. We all worked on tying the ribbons on programs and just enjoyed being together. I left around 10:15 and came home to make a cheesecake, slice some fruit and cheese and just do some initial prep for tonight. Jordan and Meaghan got here around 12:30 and I think we all pretty much fell into bed. Today's going to be a nice, semi-relaxing day! Tonight is a shower for Ferris that I am hosting, so I'll try and post some pictures from that.

Well, if you're keeping up with either of my counters over to the right, you can probably guess why I haven't been blogging much lately. Yes, that's right, we are FOR SURE 3 days away! So exciting. I've been emailing, calling, editing photos and music, setting up appointments, organizing teams, charting music, painting, moving, cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc. I feel like this is WAY more work than my own wedding- super fun- but I think maybe it's b/c three and a half years ago at mine, I was so blissfully ignorant it all just floated by! hah! Everything is going to be beautiful and exciting, so I will be sure to update a LOT after Monday or Tuesday. But, you may not hear from me before then. I am SO grateful for people though- being willing to help and put themselves out there to see something accomplished.

And a big congrats to Mike & Sarah Clinger who are expecting their first baby in March! Yay!!!

Jordan's been sick. Most of you who know Jordan, know that he has to deal with more than the lion's share of allergies and sinus issues. And to top it off, he's usually more susceptible to infection than your average joe. So, he caught something the other day. Blame it on the abnormally high pollen and ragweed counts and him being outside all day Monday giving tennis and frisbee lessons....whatever the case- he was OUT yesterday. He's feeling better, and I was grateful for the opportunity for him to rest and get well. He's feeling much better today, but I am trying to encourage him to take it easy...since he'll be playing two rounds of golf this weekend.

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to go be a part of my sister's Bridal portrait session for a few hours. (Thanks to my WONDERFUL father in law who also happens to be my boss) He let me take off a few hours yesterday to do that and let me tell you- Ferris looked incredible! Her dress is SO classic, elegant and gorgeous and she looks amazing in it! Combine that with the beautiful Cheekwood gardens and an incredible photographer, and you get some pretty incredible pics. I'll be sure to post some- AFTER- the wedding. Can't show you the dress now! But, for now, I will let you enjoy these adorable baby pics of the Bride & Groom. So fun!!

Ferris & Robby's wedding is:

1 MONTH FROM TODAY! YAY!!!

I am back from the dead! Well, I never really was dead, just really busy and have had to put aside the blogging for a while...wow- April 30th....has it really been two weeks?? A lot has happened in that amount of time, babies have been born, people married, and even some passed away. It's been a full season, but we've celebrated every moment with people we treasure deeply. Here's a rundown:

In late April we took an emergency trip to Naples, FL, because Jordan's Grandpa Chalker had taken a turn for the worse. We booked the soonest flight we could find, but weren't quite soon enough as he passed on our way down. We are so thankful for an incredible life and the wonderful model that he was.

We were home for a week that included the birth of a friend's baby, the loss of another one, camp meetings, among other things, before I took off to Kentucky with my mom to see my cousin's play- Romeo & Juliet in Danville, KY. Taylor (my cousin) played Romeo and I was IMPRESSED. It was great.

I was home for an afternoon before taking off again to Florida, this time for work because Hope & Steve were going out of town. We spent that week working hard, but also playing hard with Dan & Erin and our dear friends the Gaddis's (and new baby, Jovie)

Then it was home on Saturday for a quick weekend that included Jon & Bethany Melton's beautiful wedding, leading worship on Sunday for church and a whole day of wonderful Mother's day events that concluded with dinner at the Loveless Cafe, which was a blast!

Jordan and I drove straight from the Loveless to the Lakehouse at Centerhill, which is where we are currently. We are here for a couple of days to celebrate (a little late) our three year anniversary. Today has been amazing, I've slept in, eaten a yummy breakfast, gotten groceries, eaten lunch, spent time with my husband, taken a jacuzzi bath, read, and am currently and finally updating my blog.

You'll hear from me again much sooner than before. There's a LOT going on that I need to fill you bloggers in on...but I'll have to save it for another day. Have a good one!

I've been absent, I know...sorry. Had a lot occupying my brain space lately from beginning to get geared up for Camp Courtney, to new things happening in our church with our worship arts' department, to lots going on with work and helping my sister with some wedding things-showers and tuxes and dance floors and such, and being "on call" so to speak for a friend who is due any day- her husband has been out of town these past few days so we've been on plan B in case baby Nava arrives a tad early. So, the Roe household has been busy and bustling, but today- today is a very special day.

Many amazing thing have happened on this day in history:
-in 1705, Queen Anne of England knighted Isaac Newton
-in 1724, the first Easter was observed
-in 1862, slavery was abolished in the District of Columbia
-in 1900, US Post Office issues the 1st book of stamps
-in 1940, 1st televised baseball game (Cubs vs.White Sox) That's for Dan!
-in 1962, Walter Kronkite begins anchoring the CBS Evening News
-in 1986, the song "Manic Monday" by the Bangles was at the top of the charts

...these are all well and good, but most importantly...

-in 2005, I married my unbelievable and amazing husband!!

It's been an absolutely wonderful three years. In some ways it's flown by and in others it seems like forever! But whatever the case I love it. He is absolutely perfect for me- I am more convinced every day of a Creator who knows us so deeply and intimately and designed one person to perfectly complete and compliment us. It's a beautiful thing. He makes me excited to get up every morning, and keeps me laughing and smiling throughout the day. We know this next year holds some big changes for us, and even though we don't know exactly what's on the horizon, I am looking forward to the adventure.

I love you so much, Jordan!

Ten things I loved about our trip to Tucson:

1. Incredible gourmet breakfasts served on Spode china. (ex: fresh fruit with granola and yogurt & a dutch quiche with gouda cheese and spinach or pinapple bake & southwestern egg bake. mmm,mmm,mmmm)

2. Jamba Juice- all I need to say!

3. All sorts of Cacti- so cool! (these are the barrel and saguaro cacti)

4. Tombstone- the town and the movie!! "I'm your Huckleberry!"

5. Javelina's- they are too cool and don't be mistaken- they are NOT pigs :-)

6. Mountains, mountains and more mountains! I love 'em!

7. Lots of Mexican food.....alright for rice and beans! Yum, yum!

8. The Suncatcher Inn- the bed & breakfast we stayed at.

9. INCREDIBLE HIKES in the Saguaro National Park. These were seriously some of the major highlights of my trip!

10. Lots of great time with family and being thankful for Erin feeling better!

Last night was great! Robby had treated Ferris, me & Jordan AND Mom & Dad to the Michael Buble' show that was at the Sommet Center in Nashville. Michael Buble was a great entertainer and sounded as good live as he does on his CD. He was pretty crude though, which was surprising, and after I mentioned something to Jordan about it, he remarked, "he's just grown-up frat boy." But it certainly didn't ruin the night or anything- it was a WONDERFUL show!

We were VERY impressed with the Opening Act. They were a group called Naturally 7...seven guys who do all acapella stuff, but not only do they do traditional acapella vocal songs but they make all the instruments with their mouths. INCREDIBLE! It's hard to describe how amazing this was to watch. Check out their myspace page HERE for a listen!

It was a SUPER fun night and a fabulous memory. I'll post some pics of us soon!

THANKS ROBBY! WE LOVE YOU!

Things comin up...

Wow- sorry it's been so long. I have definitely been a delinquint blogger, but anyway....here I am- back in action!

I have not been sick these past two weeks- I got hit pretty hard a couple of days and then spent a few days resting and recuperating and I was back into it! After we were over that hump- I went into 'Alabaster Heart' (New Song's live recording) mode- had nightly rehearsals and then the performances last weekend. It was an amazing experience to be a part of...I'll certainly post some songs when it's released, but it might be a little while...you know how that goes.

Jordan and I have been having a great time...spending time with friends & family, working hard, doing lots with our church and ministry and generally living life to the fullest!

We spent the day yesterday with Robby & Ferris- went down to Centennial Park in downtown Nashville to play some frisbee golf- lot's of fun :-) and played Settler's last night at Mom & Dad's.

Some upcoming things in March that I am looking forward to:

*Time with Friends-growing in relationship
*Michael Buble' Concert
*U-turn intown retreat
*Dylan coming home for Easter
*Church Easter Egg Hunt and Game day
*Easter Sunday!
*Arizona Trip w/our "florida" family :-)
*Ferris's Birthday

...and plenty of other things which I'm sure will come along!

I really cannot even begin to put into words what I want to write about today. Today, as many of you know, is Jordan's birthday! Jordan and I have been married 2 &3/4 years (that's an approximation) and it has been nothing short of amazing.

We all know Jordan in different ways, some as a son, brother, neighbor, youth leader, friend, counselor, nephew, grandchild, confidant, and many, many more! But one of the things I love most about Jordan is his consistency! He has a wonderful sense of humor, never missing an opportunity to laugh, even if it's at himself.

Jordan: you are greatly cherished, admired, celebrated and loved! I truly believe this will be the best year that you've lived, and your impact on others will be more far-reaching than it has been the past 25 years combined.

I love you with all my heart.

And now I present, "The many activities of Jordan Michael Roe"

We are back to work today. It's actually kind of nice to be back to work and get back to some stucture. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the time off, but anyway......you get the point.

We've had a great Christmas vacation thus far. I say thus far because we still have a nice low-key weekend in store and New Year's day off on Tuesday. We had a great trip to Florida, and have had some wonderful times with my family.

We arrived back in TN and headed straight down for our Christmas Eve service in Spring Hill, which turned out wonderfully! We spent Christmas Eve night and Christmas night at my parent's house in Brentwood and had so much fun hanging out, eating, watching movies, playing games and just chillin' all day. I don't even know if any of us left the house all day :-) Oh wait- yes we did, we went to see Mark & Marcie Hayes in Spring Hill for a little while as a family.

The last few days have also been wonderful- did a little shopping for Christmas wrapping for next year and things like that. Last night we had a wonderful dinner at Carrabba's and played a rousing game of "Boxers or Briefs." Tonight we are throwing a birthday party for Jordan Fenton, the guy who lives with us, as his 20th birthday was the 26th. I will soon have some more pictures to upload for you all to see, but for now- Happy Friday!

We are loving our time in Florida. We've been doing a little work, a little play and enjoying the beautiful weather! Here's the rundown:



Tuesday: arrived late afternoon and went to the office for a Sales meeting. That evening, we ate at a beautiful restaurant called Brio at Waterside shops and watched the finale of Biggest Loser at Hope & Steve's.



Wednesday: we worked, and then got to see the Chalkers: Caity, Will & Auntie Anne, and meet Dick (Auntie Anne's boyfriend) over dinner at Hope & Steve's: DELISH Salmon...my fave! We chatted and enjoyed the time together

Thursday: We worked during the day and were treated to dinner that evening (by Dick-thank you!) in downtown Naples at Cambiello's (probably butchering that spelling) Long, late night, but fun.

Friday: Hope took me to Ft. Myers to purchase a couple very small last minute things that could only be found there and of course had to make a quick trip to Teavana where I literally begged the guy there to make me some tea. (they had a sign posted saying their beverage service wasn't available due to holiday traffic...that did NOT work for me) I left with a wonderful cup of Mango Green...mmm.mmmmm. Afterwards, she dropped me off at the office where Kate, Matt and I were the only ones for the afternoon and got slammed!!! It was fun, though very busy and the afternoon flew by as we all worked as late as we could before heading to the office Christmas party. We had a great time at olde Cypress Club for the office Christmas party that evening.

Saturday: this was our "Christmas Day" and we started out by playing Hope & Steve in tennis (and beating them- I might add) then Dan, Erin & Grandpa came over for gifts, stockings, and yummy breakfast. I satisifed the request made of me to make Bertie's biscuits again....My favorite gift of the day: the red gloves from What's in Store!! SO FUN (they are in the picture at the top of the blog) I am still up far too late right now (that little bit of caffeine in the green tea I drank must be kicking in) am about to go to bed but I needed to set my Fantasy team for the LAST time- it's our Superbowl this weekend, and yes folks..I am in it :-)

Tomorrow is our final day before we head back to TN. We will be going to church with Erin & Dan, and just spending time as a family. I'll post some pics before too long and then we're headed to TN for round two! it's been wonderful so far!

Merry Christmas

DO YOU KNOW THESE MEN?





WANTED:

- ideas for fun gifts for both for Christmas

We love both of them dearly, but I declare- they are hard to shop for. What have you gotten your dads?