My Girls

Robert and I only have 2 more months of official newlywediness! I will devote a post to him a little closer to our anniversary. Right now, I want to talk about my beautiful bridesmaids. I tried to thank them during a toast at my rehearsal dinner, but I was too emotional to get it out. So almost 2 years later, I am giving these ladies the "toast" they deserve.

Each of you have, in some way, inspired me to be the person I am today. I know 20 years from now you will still be a special part of my life. Thank you for everything.

ALLYSON
Allyson was my MOH, and is my BFF. She knows me like no other. We can complete each others sentences and thoughts. We are very much alike, yet so very different. I have so many memories with her from eating watermelon at her parent's house in high school to finishing our first 5k together with many in between. Our wedding date was actually planned around Allyson. See, she was in her last year of vet school and was only allowed 2 weeks away from campus. One of the weeks was in October, thus our October wedding date. Even though Allyson was extremely busy with school, she made time to come to a shower and plan my entire bachelorette party. She was also my rock for the two days before the wedding. She actually drove me around while I crazily handled all the last minute errands. Thank you, Ally Wally!

JESSICA

Jessica and I have known each other since kindergarten. I guess we became really close beginning in 5th grade. I cannot even begin to name all the memories Jess and I have made together. High school would definitely not have been the same without her. I wish I could relive all of the fun things we did together. We can go a month without talking and when we get on the phone, its like we never missed a day. Jessica is such a strong person, a wonderful mom, and an awesome friend. She is always so supportive and she hosted me a wonderful wedding shower. Thank you, Jess!

KRISTEN

Kristen is my oldest friend. My grandmother actually babysat us together when we were 5. Growing up, we were inseparable. We stayed together every weekend, went on every vacation together, and even dressed alike. Her parents are like my 2nd parents. They were the scripture readers at our wedding. I couldn't imagine them not having a part in my special day. I have so many memories with Kristen. I could write a book! I know no matter where like takes us, we will remain best friends. There is no question that she will always be there for me. Kristen made me an amazing scrapbook and gave it to me at the rehearsal dinner. I will always treasure it. Thank you, Kristen!

MICHELLE

Although Michelle and I were good friends in high school, we didn't get super close until college. Michelle is the friend who likes to have lots of fun, yet she is also the friend I call when I have a grown up question. We have lots of amazing memories together. I know she will always be there for me if I ever need anything. She was so super supportive during my wedding planning (especially when I had a million questions), and gave we a wonderful bridal shower. Thank you, Michelle!

CHRISSY

Chrissy and I met when I became a Phi Mu. I was honestly a little intimidated by her at first. Then we became close, and even lived together. While living with a good friends can sometimes hurt a friendship, it only made our friendship stronger. She is my super fun friend, and my good music loving friend. Chrissy is also the friend that puts me in my place. She has a huge heart and will always be there if I need anything. Chrissy gave us a really fun Southern Miss themed couple shower, planned mani/pedis (complete with "light cocktails") for the bridesmaids, and wrote a funny poem for us for the rehearsal dinner. Thank you, Chrissy Linn!

MONICA

Monica and I were in the same hall during sorority recruitment, and we instantly became friends. The next year, we lived together in the dorms. Living together in such a small place creates a level of closeness like no other! Monica and I have been there for each other during some of the hardest times of our lives, and celebrated some of the greatest times in our life together. While we are alike in a lot of ways, we are very different. We can go a while without seeing each other yet our closeness remains. Monica gave us a Southern Miss themed couple shower that we enjoyed so much! Thank you, Moni!

ELIZABETH

Elizabeth is Robert's oldest sister. When I had a crush on Robert in college, everyone told me that Elizabeth would have to like me before Robert would! Well, luckily she realized how much Robert and I cared about one other and she was actually the one that helped us tell each other. She is super fun, and we could literally talk for hours and hours. I love having you as a sister, lil Lilly!

LAUREN

Lauren is Robert's baby sister. I still remember the first time I met her before Robert and I ever dated. She came up to Hattiesburg to visit him while she was still in high school and we hung out all night. I thought she was so precious. Lauren has now graduated college and grown into beautiful young woman. She has the kindest heart of anyone I know. I love having you as a sister, Lauren!

Thank you all for being the best friends ever! I love you girls!

She is Human!

My friend Chrissy always says this about Sugar! I love it!! It is so true...sometimes I do think she is human! Weekend before last, Robert had to work so Sugar and I had the whole weekend to play. My friend Molly told me about a "Dogs Days of Summer" special at a local photography studio, C Studio. They were offering a 15 minute session with a free 5x7 of your pet in exchange for donations of toys, treats and/or cleaning supplies for Southern Pines Animal Shelter. Sugar was all clean so I couldn't resist! She was Miss Personality at the photography studio, and I am pretty sure they all loved her! She even made their facebook page! Mom and Mrs. Gayle, close your eyes for a second - I even ordered some pictures for her grandparents' Christmas gifts!

Sugar is SO funny and so very sneaky. She is not allowed on the furniture, and she knows that. Well, when we would tell her good night and close our bedroom door, we would hear the sound of little paws on the wood floor. As soon as we opened the door, she would run back to her bedroom, aka the laundry room. One morning I opened the bedroom door and heard her jumping off the couch. She thought she had tricked us, and apparently it works most of the time! Some mornings I catch her and some mornings she makes it back to her bedroom before I wake up. Either way, I think it's so cute how darn sneaky she is!

Last weekend Robert was off! It was his first weekend off in 3 weeks. Friday night, Robert's work crew had a Couples Cornhole Tournament. If you have never played cornhole, you should try it! It may sound strange but it is so much fun! Saturday was an extremely lazy day...but sometimes you just need that. We finally got to go to church together on Sunday, and that night I hosted a Phi Mu Alumnae event at our house. It was a nice little weekend!

Speaking of church, we feel so blessed to be a part of Parkway Heights UMC. When we first started dating back in 2005, we decided we wanted to find a church home. Robert grew up Methodist while I grew up Baptist so we agreed to visit a different one each Sunday until we found were we belonged. PHUMC was the first one we visited. It was so warm and welcoming and just felt like home. We never visited another church, joined Parkway in March of 2008, and were married there in October 2008. We have met some really great friends through a couples class, have awesome Sunday School teachers, and always receive an uplifting message from Eddie. I cannot wait for Robert to have more free time so we can become more active at Parkway, but until then, it is good to know that we have so many people praying for us during this stressful time.

Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Laurel Girls...and Guys

I had such an awesome friend-filled weekend! It started Thursday night. Daniel and Joey, two of our best guy friends from high school, were in town. High school would not have been the same without these boys! Even though Daniel beat me every single year for class president, we were all so close. I haven't seen either one in a very long time so it was so great to catch up. Allyson, Alicia and I met them at Brownstones for dinner and then headed to 206 Front for Cary Hudson. It was an awesome evening...we had great conversation and Cary Hudson played my favorites, "Free State of Jones" and "Rye Whiskey"!

These two guys are awesome, and have done some really great things with their lives. I am so proud of them and their accomplishments! I cannot wait to see you again, Daniel and Joey!

Friday night, we had our monthly "Laurel Girls Night Out". Technically, I guess it should be "West Jones Girls" but we've always said Laurel girls. We all met at my house, went to Crescent City for dinner, then headed back to my house for a slumber party.

I definitely feel lucky to have some amazing friends. Our group has been strong since high school, and some of us have even been close since elementary. Even though many have moved, married, and started families, we all do a great job of staying in touch.
After staying up all night talking, we got up early and went bridesmaid dress shopping with Allyson. I'm so happy that my best friend has found the love of her life. It's such an exciting time! I can't give any hints, but just know that Allyson's dress is amazing and she is going to be a stunning bride! She isn't sure about the bridesmaid dress yet so Jessica, Michelle, Alicia and I were there to play dress up! Stay tuned until after the wedding to see pictures!

My precious grandmother was staying with my parents this weekend so I visited with her Saturday afternoon through Sunday. On Sunday, she made her first visit to my house! I was very excited that she finally got to see our home.
It was such a packed, but wonderful weekend. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of true friends and family. I mean I've always valued my family and friends, but I've become very emotional about these relationships over the last few years. My 10 year high school reunion is in October, so maybe that's causing some of the emotion I've been experiencing too.
As you guessed, Robert worked all weekend so he missed out on the fun. He is doing really great in school this semester though. It's almost over, and we'll just have one more to go! Little Sugar loved all the company we had this weekend. She is always a little unsure at first, but then gives all our visitors her signature "sugars"!

Happy Birthday America & Happy Birthday Sugar!

Robert had clinicals every day last weekend, so we didn't do much celebrating for the 4th. I am very proud to be an American though, and will celebrate extra next year! While Robert was at the hospital, I spent the weekend as the perfect housewife. I cleaned the whole house, cut the grass, washed all the clothes, made a trip to Lowe's for flowerbed mulch, and had dinner ready every night. Whew! I hope he doesn't start expecting that! I actually really enjoyed it...I felt very productive.

One of our yummy meals - Robert likes to make the plates look restaurant quality! :)
One thing I love about the 4th of July (and New Years) is fireworks! My big, bad puppy dog, on the other hand, is absolutely terrified. As soon as she heard fireworks in our neighborhood, she made a beeline for our closet. That's her "safe place". It's so funny to me that so many people think Sugar is mean because of the way she looks, but really she is a big sweet scaredy cat.

July is going to be absolutely awful for Robert. He has clinicals or work pretty much every day this month. Actually, this weekend was his only time off but he had to spend both days on the computer doing homework. He did take time to grill me a fabulous ribeye last night though. Anyone who has had Robert's steaks knows that was a real treat! My husband makes the best steaks ever. Hands down, better than any restaurant. Please keep him and us in your prayers as he works his booty off to make it to December. I hope he knows how proud of him I am!

I can't believe our first child turns 1 tomorrow! She is such a big girl! I know she doesn't understand that's its her birthday but we spoiled her anyway! I took her to Pet Smart today to let her pick out a toy and a treat. She was just like her dad and picked the most expensive items in the place! She only turns 1 once though, so she got what she wanted! Here are a couple pictures of our celebration.



She loved her Nylabone. Yes, I gave in and gave it to her today. She still has another present for tomorrow though!

Oh another note, what am I going to do without The Hills?! I've been following since the Laguna Beach beginning. It's my only must watch show! I never watched Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, or any of the other shows that many of my friends love. My only tv commitment is to The Hills, and MTV is taking it away from me!

I guess this is Goodbye, girls!

Meet Sugar Magnolia Lee

I married a "dog" guy, and I didn't like dogs. Sure, I had a puppy (Precious the Peek-a-Poo) when I was a couple years old, but I don't remember her. When I was 5, my dad's German Shorthair jumped up on me and scared me to death! Duke was just playing with me, but after that day, I officially did not like dogs. So fast forward almost 20 years and I meet Daisy, the crazy Golden Retriever. Daisy is Robert's parents dog, and Mr. Perry got her for his birthday after Robert and I had been dating for 2 years or so. I absolutely did not know how to handle this crazy puppy. I didn't learn this until years later, but there was a very serious Lee Family Meeting about me and my "dog skills" or lack there of! Literally every Lee is a "dog" person. Good thing they had faith I would come around! After Robert and I got married, he kept talking about getting a dog but I didn't want one until we had a fenced in back yard. I couldn't even think of having a big dog living inside. Well, do men ever listen? Of course not! So on August 29, within the first year of marriage and without a fenced in back yard, I became a Mom! Robert was really interested in American Bulldogs, and a breeder was selling them right down the road. I really didn't have a choice when I saw how excited Robert was about them! Sugar was 1 of 13 puppies, and they were all adorable! She was the runt of the litter, and was solid white with one black ear and one polka dotted ear.



Although, it took me a little while to adjust to "mommyhood", I can honestly say that I couldn't imagine my life without her. She is always excited to see me, always makes me feel better on a bad day, and always gives me very good sugars! To top it off, she is super smart. So, basically, Robert was right (he has it in writing now), and now I am a "dog" person too! Our little Sugar Magnolia will be 1 years old on July 12. Knowing how much I love this sweet puppy, I can only imagine how much I will love our children one day!

Hello...

I absolutely LOVE reading blogs so I decided to join the blog world myself. I haven't quite figured out this whole thing yet, but I'm going to work on it! I thought it would be awesome for Robert and I to be able to read this 5 years from now. You see, Robert and I are newlyweds (technically for only 4 more months but newlyweds nonetheless) but we are not like most newlyweds. I don't see Robert much and when I do, we usually just pass each other while leaving for work (we work opposite shifts) OR he is in the office room on the computer doing schoolwork. Robert is in grad school AND works full time. It has been a very busy 2 years for my sweet husband. He started school in June of 2008, we bought a house in August 08, and got married on October 18, 2008. Oh and we got our first child in August 2009. She is an American Bulldog and her name Sugar Magnolia Lee. Hopefully, someone out there knows where we got that name! Anyway, he has been so overwhelmed the entire one and half years of marriage but we are SO close to the end -- December 2010! Sugar and I will have Roberto back and we are SO ready for the next 5 months to be over.