Thankstravaganza!!

November 28, 2015

Jason and I are currently at home enjoying a restful Saturday after our eventful Thanksgiving celebration. It has been a great year for us and a truly wonderful holiday season so far. It all began with this little guy:

You know it's amazing year when not only do you get to go back to your honeymoon spot after 5 years of marriage, pay off a ton of student loan debt, and go on multiple mini-trips all year long, but.... the Peanuts movie comes out!!! That's right, my favorite show became a real movie that we got to see in theaters! We were so excited--okay, maybe me more than anyone else ever, but still! Just so you know, the holiday season is so much better when you start by watching Charlie Brown. The picture above is of a Linus figurine that my coworker gave me. Apparently McDonalds is giving away Charlie Brown toys in Happy Meals. This is the second figure I've gotten from people at work. It's been awesome!

Jason and I started the season off by getting dressed up as Characters from Charlie Brown--as dressed up as one can for characters that are mainly just wearing normal people clothes--and made our way over to the theater with some friends. It was amazing! I couldn't have been happier!

The next big event in the holiday season was decorating the house for Christmas. We did it very quickly one night. We got the house as clean as possible and were getting ready for Jamie and his girlfriend Meg to come over for a video game night. We were very excited! This was our first time meeting Meg, so we wanted to get the house nice. Jason and I put up lights and garland and everything. I'll post pictures later once we have the tree. For now, here is a picture of our beautiful cat who randomly curled up in the garland.

Unfortunately on this night, the unspeakable happened. As I was untangling ice-sickle lights, my wedding band flew off my finger. We heard a "clang" sound and it disappeared. Jason was on the roof and tried very carefully to get a bird's eye view to find it while I searched the ground with a flashlight. We were never able to find it. On the bright side, I lost a ton of weight... which is why the ring fell off so easily!

After getting the house nice, Jamie and Meg greeted our door the night before Thanksgiving for video games and funness. Jason and I cooked fake beef and chicken, since Meg is vegetarian/Vegan (she's more vegetarian now than vegan). We had a lot of fun cooking it. It was really good, too. We made tacos with salsa, guacamole, beans, etc. We finally met Meg and immediately I fell in love with her, mainly because she gave me these (well, Jamie and she gave us these, rather): 

It's my very own Charlie Brown tree and Linus bobble head!! I'm way too excited! They also gave us sugar cookie toast crunch and hot chocolate M&Ms. It was very thoughtful and awesome! We played games, watched the tv show Rick and Morty, ate, and just talked. It was lovely! After they left, our cats were a little upset. They both flew to the cat tree by the window to see them off. Below is a picture:

On Thanksgiving Day Jason and got up early and made our way over to Pam and Jerry's house for some good company and food. On the way up we pulled over at a Kroger and got them and my parents some poinsettias to thank them for cooking. When we got there it was just Pam and Jerry at first, which was great cause we were able to catch up with what's been going on with them. Then Tiffany, Adrian, Jordan, and Micah showed up and we got to catch up with them too.

Last weekend was Micah's birthday party. Both Jason and I were sick and couldn't go, so today we were able to give him his birthday presents. We put his gifts in a wooden treasure chest--he loved them. We gave him a toy train and a toy phone. At first the phone was the big hit, but then the train was opened and he played with that. I remember pointing to the train and saying "Look Micah! Can you say 'Toot toot!'" He immediately jumped onto the wooden train as though he could ride it and yelled "Toot toot!" He soon realized he wouldn't ride it because his butt hit the train and both he and it both fell over. For the rest of the day he kept saying "Toot toot!" It was really cute! Here are pictures:

Pam and Jerry told us about their trip to Canada and New England. It sounded amazing! They also gave us some pancake mix, maple syrup, beer, and cranberry wine. Very excited to have that later! Soon dinner was ready. below is a picture of my food:

More pictures of family fun:

Soon Jason and I had to set off to have our second Thanksgiving meal for the day. We left their house and drove back home to ours so we could drop off our gifts and the chocolate pie Pam gave us. (FYI--amazing pie!) Then we quickly hurried to get gas from Kroger and made our way to my mom and dad's home.

Mom greeted us at the door where we gave her the flowers. She was excited. Ash and the boys weren't there yet--ash was making a special vegetarian dish for Meg which took a little longer than she thought so they were a couple minutes late. We said hey to everyone and got to talk some. Jason and I stood by my parent's fireplace and walked in place to finish our steps. We also walked in place a lot at his parent's home, which helped.

Soon Ash, Chris, and the boys showed up. We all talked and watched tv while we waited for dinner. It smelled amazing. We helped get glasses and ice and whatnot. Finally dinner was ready. Below are pictures:

Us walking in place:

Ash kept trying to get a picture of just Jason and I but Jamie kept popping in. It was pretty funny!

Congrats to Ash for getting one picture without Jamie's head! haha!

Thanksgiving sibling pie picture 2015!!

Thanksgiving sibling pie picture 2014!!

Jason carving the turkey!

Pictures of Jamie and beautiful Meg:

Jace making that face! Love it!

Jordyn was making a face but I could his smile afterward!!

Ash with the annual pumpkin rolls!

Ash and Chris!

Ash's squash, eggplant, and zucchini combo. Very very very good!!

Jace with his annual turkey leg! Love it!

Both Jace and Jordyn with their turkey legs!

While eating, Jace looks at all of us and says, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" We all, of course, said "Why?" He says "So it could die!" Holy crap! Funniest moment of the day. We of course died laughing and then Ashley reminded us that it wasn't a funny joke and Jace needs to tell nicer jokes. It was hilarious, though! So cute!

After eating, Jason, mom, and I walked over to Jack's house so she could drop off some food. Then we returned, said goodbye to Ash, Chris, and the boys. Then the rest of us just chitchatted for the evening. Finally Jason and I thought we were going to pass out, so we gathered up leftovers and made our way home. Of course, we staid up to see the Black Friday deals online--nothing caught our eye. We went to bed at 1 a.m. All in all... pretty great day!

The next Day, Tiffany posts this picture on facebook and tags me:

Apparently this is the picture on Micah's wipes. He woke up the next day saying "Aunt Nae, Aunt Nae!" He then found these wipes, pointed to it and said "Aunt Nae!" So cute!!

The day after Thanksgiving, Jason and I actually did some Black Friday shopping in Peachtree City. We went early so as to avoid the crowds. We went to Target and actually got a lot of really good deals on clothes, expensive tooth brushes, gifts, and whatnot. Pretty good! The check out guy saw us and said "Oh! My favorite customers!" I think we're a running joke at that Target. We go at least 3-4 times a week just to get our steps in for the day and talk. It's like an indoor gym for us. We inevitably pass the employees as they nod and say "long time no see!" We don't care if we look lame... we're healthy and we provide entertainment value to their day!

After shopping we made our way to Newnan so we could eat at Einstein Bagels. We had to eat in a hurry because we were meeting the boys, mom, Jamie, and Meg to see the Peanuts movie! I know, I know... yes, we already saw it. We can't help ourselves!! It's Charlie Brown!! We loved it, as did they! So good! After the show, we all made our way over to the claw machine so Jamie could prove how awesome he is at those--he really is! Sadly, they've changed the machines and now only one person every like 20 times can actually get something. Oh well! Jason and I said goodbye so we could do more shopping.

We headed through Ashley Park, which was a mistake. Finally I was able to turn left. We decided to go to Best Buy. The traffic was horrendous. I kept waiting at this horrible intersection. It was basically a four way stop except for one lane which could go at any time because it was near the road. I was waiting and waiting when finally I could go, but apparently the other two people didn't care it was my turn. So I waited again and the same thing happened. Finally there was a pause and I went for it. I sadly turned too sharply and my car went over the massive median that I forgot was there because I had been there for half an hour. We pulled over and checked the car--my tire had a part peeled off. Still driveable, but not for long.

Jason and I made our way over to the place where we buy tires and had to get a new one. They said they had one in stock, so we left the car and walked to the nearby stores to shop. We went to 5 Below, Achademy, Home Depot, and Ross. Got some good deals. We finally get a call from the car place, thinking it was ready. Turns out they actually don't have the tire in stock. We said we'd come talk to them and figure it out. We walked back and discovered they could get the tire tomorrow. We left the tire there for them to fix tomorrow morning. We drove home on the donut. We then crashed out of pure exhaustion at home. We relaxed a little while watching Modern Family Thanksgiving episodes.

For dinner Jason made our annual Thanksgiving leftovers pizza! Below is a picture:

So good! We ate this while watching Arther Christmas and the Thanksgiving Charlie Brown episode.  We also opened up the bottle of cranberry wine that Jason's parents gave us. Below is a picture:

After dinner, I was able to buy a lot of really great Christmas gifts for Jason online. All in all, pretty good day... even with the weird tire thing.


Jason and I woke up really late this morning; we were very tired from the previous day of shopping. We slept in, enjoyed the company of our furry cats, and relaxed a bit on the sofa. A few hours later we get a call that my car is ready for pick up. We shower, dress, and make our way to get my tire. All fixed and ready to go! Yay! So thankful we are financially secure enough to fix a tire when needed! We work hard, but we also are so lucky we have the chance to work this hard!

After getting the car, we made our way to Piefive and split a pizza. We then went to Old Navy for some more shopping. We wanted to go to Old Navy yesterday but because of the tire incident we were too tired and ran out of time. We figured the sales would be over, but we were wrong! 40% the whole store! Jason massively scored on some much needed clothes! Yay! I almost bought a jacket but was able to talk myself out of it--I really didn't need a new jacket, even if it was half off. So yay for me for being frugal!

We then went home. As we drove up to the house, Jason spotted a package by the garage. It was the metal detector that Jason purchased two days ago! He got a really really great deal on a metal detector so we could try to find my wedding ring! He put it together and we set out to find it. I loved hearing the "beep...beep...beep" sound, just like in movies! Jason used it some and then let me have a go. After two minutes of looking, I scanned an area of grass, heard a "beep!" and then Jason yelled "Here it is!!!" He reaches down and pulls it up! Yay!!! Yay for being thinner, smart, and super geeky--totally pays off!

Soon we go to Chick Fil A and enjoy a quiet dinner! I love my life with Jason P Brown! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Give Me Something Good To Eat

October 24, 2015

A week before Halloween. Jason and I were invited by my lovely sister to go with her and the rest of our family to Cochran Mill Nature Center for a Halloween adventure. Dad and Jamie were unable to attend due to dad being out of town and Jamie living in LA. There was a costume contest, games, face painting, owls, birds, snakes, canoe rides, and so much more. Jason and I immediately went out and got costumes for the event. Below are pictures... meet Charlie Day and Alice:

We may have had too much fun and took too many pictures :^)

After getting ready, we drove over to the nature center. We purchased our tickets and soon realized we were the only ones nearby wearing costumes. At first we were somewhat worried we'd look odd, but then we decided we came to have fun and no one could ruin that. We got super excited and made our way to purchase tickets for the event. We were then instructed to wait for the hay ride to take us to the nature center. As we waited, adults and kids began to show up in full costumes. Hooray! We're not the only ones who wanted to have some fun! 

Soon we heard a vehicle making it's way toward us. I didn't take a picture of the hay ride because we were terrified--there on the back of the trailer was a woman in a full clown costume. She was terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. We hesitantly stepped up and made our way as far as possible from the clown. Soon the wagon was packed with people. We then made our way to the center. 

After getting off the hay ride, we discovered we were the first wave of people to arrive. Mom, Ash, Chris, and the boys had not yet arrived. We visited the Birds of Pray section and met Uncle Fester, Gomez, and Morticia. There was also an owl that was creepily amazing! So cool! Soon a second hay ride showed up with the everyone on it. We walked down the hill to greet them. Apparently our costumes were really good--it took them a second to recognize us. We hugged the kids and said hey. We then all returned to the birds of pray. A guy was there teaching us about one of the birds. He asked us to guess the bird's weight. We aren't sure what Jace guessed, but it was more than what the bird was. Apparently the bird weighed about a pound. He tried to explain to Jace that the bird had hollow legs, but Jace had difficulty understanding. It was really cute though. After the birds, we made our way to the nature center. below are pictures:

turtle above:
Pumpkin painting/drawing below:

Alligator below:

We saw the snake that was used in the Walking Dead--pretty cool. There was also a large bat cage that freaked me out. I don't trust bats. They are creepy, blood-sucking bitches.. . but that's just my opinion. Jace and Chris staid behind so Jace could get his face painted. The rest of us went outside and got tattoos. Below is a picture of mine:

Jordyn's tattoo:

After tattoos we decided to eat dinner. We purchased some hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and cupcakes. Below is the cat cupcake that the creepy clown on the hayride reportedly made:

Charlie (or Jason) also got a thing that looked like a bloody bone (pretzel, chocolate, and marshmallows):

A pictures of Jace after his face was painted and before he got in a canoe:

Us being weird:

 Jace and Jordyn goofing off with their trick or treat bags:

A picture Ash snapped of me randomly. Side note... when we went to order our food, the lady taking our order said, and I quote, "You are adorable!" I was super proud! Costume was a success! 

Picture taking time:

The picture below is of Ash and I waiting for Jordyn to go on the canoe ride. Side note: when I first read Ashley's text about us going to the thing, I thought she said "There are hay rides, face painting, nightmare canoe rides..." WHAT?! I was so excited about a nightmare canoe ride! Apparently just a night time canoe ride... totally misread that.

 
 After canoe rides, we decided to go to the costume contest. I thought I might enter. We asked a guy how old you had to be to enter (mostly kids were dressed up). He asked how old I was and said I would go at the very very back with the adults. Apparently there were four of us adults. I went back to the line and decided it was best not to enter---the kids should really be the ones participating only cause there are only four of us adults. I went back and joined everyone. Turns out I wasn't the only adult to think this... no other adults decided to go ahead. We all opted out. Great minds, right :^)

Soon it became dark. We decided to go to the haunted house. As we waited in line, Chris and Jordyn decided not to go through the haunted house. Jace, however, informed us that he was going to get in the middle of them and start attacking all of them.  Ashley immediately yelled "No!" She then explained as the rest of us laughed silently to ourselves that you can't do that at a haunted house. Jason tapped my arm and pointed to a man digging a grave beside the line. If you weren't paying close attention to him, he would slowly sneak up on you and scare you. Luckily, we never got caught off guard.

I was nervous about the haunted house--I had never done one before. We had debated doing one later, but I was nervous... so this kid one was a good test run. Once it was our turn to go in, the lady at the front asked how scary we wanted it. We could pick levels 1 through 5. Jace immediately said 5. Ashley said 1. They compromised on 2. We walked in and immediately heard the chilling sound of small children screaming. We then saw two very tiny kids run out terrified. This did not start Jace or I off very well for our first haunted house. To get in the haunted house, one must crawl through a tunnel. Yes, crawl. Did you see the outfit I had on? Crawling is not something I could do easily. Jason got behind me to make sure I wasn't flashing everyone. While going through the tunnel, Jason says "Do you feel like Alice now?" haha!

We walk in and immediately see a creepy coffin and men in terrifying make-up. Jace says "I don't want to do this." Ashely and mom held his hands and kept saying "It's okay. We should have picked level one. We'll be out soon." Jace sadly kept repeating that he didn't want to be there. Luckily everyone in the haunted house was great, heard that he was scared in a bad way, and backed off. We passe done creepy guy who I immediately hated... Jason waved at him. He waved back. We left all in one piece and walked over to Jordyn and Chris. Jace immediately said "I never want to do that again." I agree, Jace. Looks like I can only handle a kid haunted house as well. Sad, I know.

After the haunted house, we did s'mores by a bon fire. Below are pictures:

A ghost Jason found:

After the bon fire, Jason and I waited to do a canoe ride. I was slightly nervous about climbing in and out of a boat in my outfit. It worked out though. I took off my high heals and climbed in with Jason's help. We got the best canoe guide of them all. He had a skull on the back of the canoe and is apparently on the board of directors of Cochran Mill. He told us about the nature center, the walking trails, and the waterfall. We didn't realize they had so much stuff. He told us of one particularly nice spot where people go to walk or... do other things "If you're in to that sort of thing." haha! Very funny guy. It was a beautiful ride... there were candles in the lake and we had the one canoe that had a lantern on the back. Just beautiful! On the way back, the guy told Jason to get out to "help Alice." haha! Very fun! Below is a picture:

We then went to see everyone in the center where they were drawing pictures:

After this, we decided to head out. This is Jace and mom waiting on the hay ride back:

Such a fun night!



October 30, 2015

The day before Halloween. We got invited by some old friends (Amanda and Wes) to go to a Harry Potter Sorcerers Ball. Jason and I immediately went out and got costumes. Luckily we're nerds and already had a witches hat and a velvet robe. Not much left to get. We went to the Halloween store and purchased one more robe, a cute owl, and a hat. Jason was amazing and sowed the owl to my hat for me. It was awesome. Below are pictures of us:

We went to downtown and came across a ghost tour as we walked to dinner. So many people on the tour began pointing at us as we got closer. I started hearing a few people say "Look at her hat!" I was very proud of my owl. Soon so many people were distracted that the tour guide decided to include us in the tour. He pointed to us as we walked past and he said, "And here are the ghosts of Newnan!!" It was hilarious!

We ate dinner with everyone and then made our way to the bar next door. They served butterbeer, which tasted exactly like a pancake with syrup. We were then sorted into houses. We walked up to a guy with a large hat and pulled out a glow stick. Whatever color the glow stick was indicated which house you were sorted into. Jason and I were sorted into Ravenclaw together! So excited! We then played games in order to win points for our house. Jason and I played a game of cornhole... I know, horrible name for a game! We played with a couple from Gryffindor. They were really really nice and they slaughtered us. We won horrible but it was so much fun! Jason also signed up for Beer Pong, but it was so late that we had to leave before his name was called. Never learned which team won. Waking up at 4:45 meant that by 1 a.m. we were officially exhausted. We thanked everyone for such a fun night and headed out. Yay for Halloween and Ravencalw!

October 31, 2015

Jason and I began the day eating Einstein Bagels. We also grabbed two bags of candy to give to Jace and Jordyn. Ashely texted us a cute picture of Jace dressed as a ghost. Turns out they were doing trick or treating at Ashely Park. Since it was right next to the bagel place, we decided to walk over and give them candy. I grabbed the vikings hat Jason got me for Christmas to wear for the occasion. Below is a picture:

We finally ran into Jace, Ash, and Chris. Jordyn was at his dad's so we couldn't see him. When Jace saw me, he didn't know who I was. The beard threw him off. We gave him candy, he thanked us, and walked off toward the next store giving out candy. haha! Great kid. Below is a picture:

After visiting a while, we then headed back to bagels. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and watching Halloween cartoons from the 90s. Also some creepy old movies. We spend Halloween night giving out candy to roughly. . . 7 groups of kids. It was a slow night for some reason. We had fun though. We made dip with chips and drank surge. Nothing better than the most popular drink of the 90s while watching the most popular 90s cartoon Halloween episodes. Perfect evening. Below is a picture: