Mom's Birthday

My Mom's birthday is Oct. 23. She and I took a trip to Chattanooga, TN the weekend of Halloween to celebrate. We both arrived Friday prior to lunch and at BBQ and then set off to see Ruby Falls. The waterfall in the deepest part of the cave is breathtaking. We both wondered all the beauties under the earth that most humans never see. Later we rode the Incline Railway. It's the steepest vertical drop in the US. The leaves on the ride were beautiful. Friday night we had dinner at Bald Headed Bistro in Cleveland. It's an upscale steak and wild game restaurant. Mom said it was the best piece of beef she had ever eaten. On Saturday we went to the TN aquarium and did the River and Sea adventures. Mom's favorite was the seahorse exhibit and mine was the penguins. We had a great time and I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with her.













Mom and I take a self portrait!




















Mom and a "candle" in Ruby Falls.













The fall foliage on the Incline Railway.














Mom get up close and personal with a bird!
She really doesn't like feathered friends.

Annie get your gun.....

As most of you know I'm not a fan of guns. I don't think they should be outlawed, I'm just scared of them. My husband and brother are both avid about their ammunition. During a recent visit to the farm my brother and his friends decided to teach me to shoot skeet. I did hit the first two thrown for me, but after that I took up hand throwing the clays for them.














It's heavier than it looks!













My brother Davis and I shooting clays!














Throwing the clays is a much better work out.

Band of Brothers Fall Retreat

This past weekend Ben and I went to Pigeon Forge with the Band of Brothers from our church. This is an annual trip for the group; however, it was our first time. We stayed in Mountain Destiny with 9 other couples. We ate lots of good food, shopped a little, and enjoyed the fellowship with fellow believers. The last night we play the "Oldie Wed" game, a knock off of the "Newly Wed" t.v. show. After 20 questions, Ben and I were named this year's winners. Silly game, but showed us how much we do know about each other. We had a great time and look forward to going back again next year.


Ben and I on the deck of our cabin.


The view the first morning from our cabin.

The corn stalk cow at the Apple Barn.

1st Year Anniversary

Ben and I said, "I do" one year ago today. Many people have given us marriage advise over the past 365 days ranging from: "Ben do just as she says!" to "The first year is the most difficult. " All jokes aside, though we have learned a lot about each other and it has been an adjustment, I know I would do it all over again and say yes to my most perfect gift from God. As far as what we did, both of us kept with the tradition of paper for the first year's gifts. I made Ben a scrap book of our honeymoon to Yellowstone. He asked if we could do something neat with the pics so I did my best. He gave me tickets for the noon dinner and show on the General Jackson in Nashville. We had a great time and enjoyed the view of downtown on the river.

Team Penning

Ben and I headed to White County, TN last night to experience our first team roping event where we both rode. Ben worked the pen with Michael Simpson and then I worked the pen while Ben sorted. Our faithful horses were Scrappy and Jackson. Two horses that came off a feedlot out west. We had a great time! There are pictures I will post as soon as I can find my camera cord!

Wow, I'm 29!

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. I had to work a buying show for my largest account, so not the most ideal way to spend your birthday. After work Ben came home with beautiful flowers, and some nice gifts. The most exciting part, he took me to see the new Ice Age movie. It was so funny. We had a wonderful evening together.

Happy 30th Birthday Ben

Ben celebrated his 30th birthday on July 14. He requested a home cooked meal. I got him his favorite ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, flowers and a balloon. His gift was a re-make of his college judging team belt buckle. He was totally surprised! Early on his birthday morning we were up and getting ready to go to the airport. My jet setter was on his way to the NCBA Summer Conference in Denver, CO!

Two Time Zones Apart

July 5-11, 2009.

Ben was in Albuquerque, New Mexico on the Navajo Indian reservation with our church. This is the fourth year New Vision Baptist Church has worked with Solid Rock Church in Clear Water, NM to conduct VBS for the youth and complete construction projects on the church and in the community.

Iris was in Starr, South Carolina awaiting the arrival of her first niece. Spending her vacation on the farm was great. Cows, horses, dogs, grass, sunsets, and stars what wonderful gifts from our creator.

Eva Lynne Peeler

Wednesday, July 8, 2009.

I'm so excited! My brother and CeGi had their first baby girl today. Eva weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 21 inches long. I'm an aunt for the first time. She is so beautiful! I can't wait to spoil her and love the "stink" off her.