Defending State Champions :)

My sister is a high school junior and this weekend my sister will play for the State Championship and they are currently defending Champions! I may be a little one sided but I think they will one since they have the best player in NC on their team (aka my sister Cassandra ). 

I am so truly proud of her and excited for her to have this opportunity. I know all the girls on their team want to keep their title and gain a second championship ring! 

So keep them in mind as they travel to Raleigh to play their game at NCSU. I feel that playing at the best university will also bring them an extra burst of luck :) This weekend my husband and I will be there cheering on the Cuthbertson High School Lady Cavaliers!!

Check out the article that was posted in the local paper with their picture

The reigning State Champion Lady Cavs Soccer Team will once again meet Carrboro High School in the State Championship Game. Last year's game was decided by Penalty Kicks after two overtimes and a sudden death period. This rematch will be an instant classic! The game will be on 5/26/12 at 5PM at Dail Soccer Field on the campus of NC State. Go Cavs!

Guest Post: Whitney from The Observent Turtle

Hello again, I am happy to say I am finally back from Washington DC as of last night but am still catching up. Stayed tuned this weekend for some amazing plans that I have and also our Anniversary recap. So today I have for you Whitney from The Observant Turtle. If you don't follow her you should but read along to find out some of her suggestions about how to keep an amazing relationship.

Hey everyone! I was so excited when Brianna asked me to do a post for her blog and I can't wait to jump right in.

First though, I just wanna introduce myself. My name's Whitney and I blog over at The Observant Turtle. I'm a newlywed and recently moved from my home state of South Carolina to Houston, Texas with my hubby. I blog about many different things, usually involving the crazy antics that go on in my life. You should come on over and introduce yourself!

Today, I wanted to share with you some of the things that I've learned over my 10 months of marriage... and there are quite a few! No, I'm not an expert but I do think I have a pretty successful relationship.

1. Be each other's best friend. Nick and I have been together for over 4 years now and I cannot imagine my life without him. I call him first when I have good news, I text him throughout the day, I share little funny pictures with him on Facebook. Some might call it overbearing, but I promise you that we have our own separate lives with our own friends. We are each other's biggest cheerleaders, always rooting on the other and supporting each other.

2. Get a pet. We got our cat Susie back in September of 2010 and it was one of the best things that we ever did. We have such a shared interest in her: it's almost like she's our baby! Acting as "parents" is something that will bring you so much closer.

3. Let go of the little things. I have to admit, I'm a bit of an argumentative person. When Nick leaves the cabinets open or his socks on the floor, it shot my blood pressure through the roof at first and I let him know it. But now I've just started letting it out without saying anything. I'm sure there are things that I do that annoyed him at first as well. You can't dwell on it. Now if it's something serious and is affecting your relationship, then it's probably worth discussing in a calm, adult manner.

4. Don't compare yourselves to other couples. I have at least 4 other friends that were married in the same year that we were. It's quite easy to compare your relationship to theirs, especially in the blogging world. I know that I've had trouble coveting certain things that couples do, especially following blogs. A couple of my friends even have babies now and I'm pining over the day when I'll be a mom. I have to take a step back and say, "okay, that's great for them. It's just not time for me to experience that yet." It makes things a lot better.

5. Do exciting things together. Back in May of 2011, the movie Something Borrowed came out. Many of you have probably read the book by Emily Giffin, as I had... only I'm a little bit of a die hard fan of hers. So when I found out that she was coming to Charlotte for a viewing of the movie the day after it came out, I just had to go see it there... and drag Nick with me. Turns out we sat RIGHT BEHIND HER and spoke to her at length afterwards. She is so super nice and even told me that Nick looked and acted like John Krasinski (who I LOVEEEE.) I love that Nick and I were able to share this experience and so many others like it!

6. Have a date night. With Nick working odd hours at the hospital, it's hard for us to find time for just us. We've set aside one night a week for "date night" where we'll get doodled-up and go out to eat. It's so nice to just relax and enjoy each other's company without the distraction of things at the house or video games or blogs.

What are some of the things that you've learned in your marriage? Or if you aren't married, what do you admire in others' relationships?

Guest Post: Pamela from Pamela's Place

Today I have Pamela from Pamela's Place over here to blog about her favorite things about summer :) I hope you enjoy her post and I'll be back tomorrow to recap my trip to Washington DC with my 5th graders and our anniversary celebrations :)

Hey yall!  I am Pamela & I blog over at Pamela's Place!  It's my little piece of the internet where you will hear my talk about

my hubby (B!), our furbaby (Bentley!), our current home renovation, & other pieces of our simple but fun life! 

I feel honored that Mrs. Brianna has asked me to fill in for her today!

I thought since it is Summer time, I would talk about some of my favorite things to do in the Summer!

Being out by the water!

Whether it's a creek, the lake, or the beach - I am in!  I love just relaxing & lounging around.

It's just about the water!  Makes you not have a care in the world!  Am I right, or am I right!?

Car shows!

Our small county has a lot of car shows during the Summer!  I love going & seeing

all the old, fancy, decked out cars on Friday nights with my husband!

July 4th!

I love when the 4th of July rolls around!  I always know it means good times with my

family, yummy food (hamburgers, watermelon, & homemade ice cream!), & fireworks!  The past

few years my mom likes to go camping during the holiday & we go spend the day with her!

The campground usually has a small parade, a horseshoe tournament, play corn hole, & other fun

activities!  My husband & step father always participate in the horseshoe tournament!

{fireworks picture}

Nature!

I love all the gorgeous flowers that Summer time has to offer!

A year or so ago, I planted my own little flower garden outside,

(big deal for because I do not have a green thumb!) & I absolutely

love it!!

Last but certainly not least - concerts!

To say I am obsessed with a good concert, might be an understatement.  I blame it on my

Grandmother, because she took me to my first concert in elementary school!  I've got one

cool Grandmother, I tell ya!  I have been to 20+ concerts so far in my little life, & I don't 

plan on stopping anytime soon!  I love being able to let lose & have some fun for a few hours!

{picture of hubby & I at an Easton Corbin concert}

So what are some of your favorite things to do during the Summer?!

Thanks for having me over!!

 Come on over!  My place, is your place!

Guest Post: Christin from Classy, Southern Wife

Hi, y’all! I’m Christin, and I blog over at Classy, Southern Wife. If you’re into running, cooking, fashion traveling or anything related to newlywed life, be sure to stop by and say, “hi!”

While Brianna is gone, she asked if I’d write a little guest post. Well, seeing as how I love Memphis, and May is the busiest time of year for our city, I thought I’d share a list of things to do and see in the Bluff City!                 

If you’re ever going to visit Memphis, I recommend coming during Memphis in May, a month-long celebration complete with a music festival and a BBQ cooking contest. The month ends with the Sunset Symphony, which is basically a symphony concert on the river. One of my favorite events!

Memphis also has a number of attractions. My favorite is the Sun Studio tour. Sun Studios is where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. recorded. Local musicians give the tour, so they're passionate about what they're doing. By far the best tour in town. And it only lasts an hour.

The National Civil Rights Museum is in downtown Memphis as well and is amazing. Plan to spend a few hours there.

The Memphis Zoo has recently been renovated, and it’s fun for the whole family

.

Also be sure you go to the Peabody Hotel and watch the March of the Ducks in the lobby at 11am. The ducks come down from the roof and walk the red carpet into the fountain. Pretty cool and free. I would get there a little early in case it's packed.

Memphis is also known for its food, namely BBQ. Be sure to try at the world famous Rendezvous . It's in an alley across from the Peabody (just ask anyone...they will know where it is). Or for something a little more low key, Blue City Café on Beale Street has amazing ribs.

If you really want to see something funky, go to Ernestine and Hazel's on South Main St. It's a former brothel and is now a bar (but they serve food all day). They only serve "soul burgers" (I don't even like hamburgers, but these are amazing), and if you start talking to someone working there, they'll give you the history of the building and take you on a tour. The upstairs is still set up like a brothel (minus the beds). Several movies have been filmed there, too. Very funky.

You could also check out the Majestic Grill downtown, which used to be a movie theater, and they still show silent films on the screen. They have great food and a patio, which is awesome for people-watching and taking in the sights of downtown Memphis.

I could go on for days about my city, but hopefully this gets you started!

Guest Post: Laura from Life of Lu

Hello lovely bloggers.

This week I am away with my lovely 5th graders on their end of the year trip to Washington D.C. I am so excited and yet so sad since they will soon be leaving. They are the first class I have ever worked with and they are really special. I have lined up a great week of guest posters. Since it is the week of our anniversary I wanted to highlight some of my favorite newleywed bloggers. First up is Laura from Life of Lu. Hope you love her blog as much as I do. :)

Hey everyone! I'm Laura from a little ole' blog called Life of Lu, and I am so excited to be guest posting for the lovely Brianna today! We have so much in common, including the fact that we're both young, married, teachers living in the Triangle (for all you non-North Carolinians, this refers to the Raleigh-Durah-Chapel Hill area)! While Brianna is playing in DC with her students, I'm going to share my take on married life in the Triangle with you guys! 

Kyle and I are both from Wilmington, so finding a place that could beat living at the beach seemed pretty impossible! But, luckily, we fell in love with the Triangle after going to different colleges in the area and ended up with jobs here! We couldn't have asked for a better place to begin our married life together! 

First, let's start with the good stuff...the SHOPPING! There are 4 awesome malls (Southpoint, Crabtree, Triangle Town Center, and Cary Town Center) and 2 great outdoor shopping areas (North Hills and Cameron Village) all within 30 miles of each other, which means that no matter where you live or are visiting in the area, you're at least within 10 minutes of some good shopping! Now, I can't say that the malls are necessarily places that Kyle and I frequent together, but I will say that having them so close means that I can just pop in for quick trips whenever I feel like it without having to drag Kyle! Happy Wife, Happy Life...right, y'all!?

And we all know that Kyle and I love our food, and we have not been disappointed with the RESTAURANTS of the Triangle! Let me just name a few of my faves in case you're ever in the area...

Chapel Hill--  411 West, Fosters, Panzanella, Spotted Dog, Top-of-the-Hill, Spice Street, Il Palio, Tyler's Taproom (also have one in Durham & Raleigh!)

Durham-- Nana Tacos, Piedmont, Parker & Otis, Guglhupf, Alivia's, Bull City Burger, Bocci, Magnolia, Mad Hatter

Raleigh-- Cafe Luna, Irregardless Cafe, 18 Seaboard, The Pit, Raleigh Times, Busy Bee, Lilly's Pizza, Flying Biscuit, Mo Joe's, and Angus Barn

We've also really fallen in love with the awesome NIGHT LIFE that we can enjoy on the weekends (if I'm not too tired from teaching!) and weeknights during the summer! We especially love...

*Going to concerts-- between the Cat's Cradle, Raleigh Amphitheater, Walnut Creek, Memorial Hall, and Durham Performing Arts Center, Motorco, and Lincoln Theater, we have our fair share of venues for concerts! We've enjoyed seeing Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, Sufjan Stevens, and Andrew Bird, and are looking forward to seeing Florence & The Machine this September! 

*Playing trivia-- some of our favorite spots for this are Tyler's , Tomato Jake's, Brixx, and Spanky's

*First Friday in Raleigh during the warmer months, where all of the art galleries open up, and it's kind of like a giant downtown block party! 

*Friday on the Front Porch at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill and Music on the Lawn in Durham, where different bands play on the lawn while guests enjoy the music, drinks, and warm weather!

*Hitting up the local breweries (Kyle is what I like to call a "beer connoisseur"... I don't share the love! But I still have fun!).  Our most recent favorite is Full Steam in Durham, where you can bring your own food (or buy from the food trucks outside), grab a drink, and play games or just chat with friends! So fun!

And we're never at a loss for SPORTING EVENTS considering we have 3 major universities (UNC, NC State, & Duke) in the area, as well as the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team, and the Carolina Hurricanes professional hockey team!

Lastly, we love the OUTDOORS opportunities that we have at our finger tips...from afternoons at Jordan Lake, hiking the Eno River, paddle boats at Lake Johnson, walking around Duke Gardens, or picnics at Pullen Park...not to mention that we're about 2 hours from the beach and 4 hours from the mountains! 

Let's be honest, I could talk about how much we love this area all day! But, I'll save you the time and just leave you with this...we have been living in the Triangle for 6 years ( 4 years of college and 2 years as married folks), and we still have so much to explore and fall in love with the area even more with every new experience! I'm sure Brianna would back me up on this (at least I hope!). 

Thanks again, Brianna, for having me guest post on your blog! Have a great day, friends!

Hope you enjoyed Laura's post. I know I did. I added many new resturants to my list that I cant believe I haven't tried in my 5 years in Raleigh. I love Raleigh and as you can tell Laura does to. If you don't follow her blog, go check it out!

Our First Married Anniversary

I can't believe it has been a year. I would have never imagined that six years after our first date ( going to the gym and eating cookout ..hahaha I was in high school so that was a big deal) that we would be celebrating our first wedding anniversary:)

So I told you I had a special guest poster for this wonderful day!!!

My wonderful husband. 

While we are out enjoying our first anniversary I thought I would let him take over the blog and let him tell you from his point of view about our first year as a married couple :)

Hello everybody.  I have never posted on a blog before but Brianna said if I do a good job that I could post my top ten favorite movies list.  I hope I do not suck it up but here it goes.  It has been exactly one year to the day since I took the biggest leap of my life, I married the woman of my dreams.  The year has gone by extremely fast.  We both have had very busy lives which makes being newlyweds extremely hard.  We have had our disagreements, boys and girls are going to disagree I do not care what any couple says, but it is getting past those disagreements which makes our relationship even stronger.

We have done a lot of new and fun things together this year.  She got me to try Thai food for the first time, I loved it and now we eat it almost once a week (red curry for the win).  We got a new dog, Cooper.  And boy is he a handful.  But I guess he is getting us ready for children one day.  We left the country for the first time.  Jamaica was a blast.  Lots of girly drinks and the beach is always fun.  We also made our first adult purchase, a new bed.  Although we did splurge a little and got a really nice one.  There are so many other things I could list but I have to stop at some point.

I love spending time with her, from our weekly going out to dinner dates (although recently we have been hitting up restaurants more than once a week) to holding my Sweetpea at night time to keep her warm.  She is everything I ever wanted in a wife even though everyone thinks we are polar opposites.  But what they do not know is that Brianna acts a lot different around me.  She too is a big goofball.  I bet she wants me to delete that last line but it ain't happening. 

In conclusion I just want to give some advice to anyone who is about to get married or is thinking about it.  For all the women: guys are not complicated just keep them fed and give them enough affection and they will be good to go. For all the men:  women are extremely complicated and are impossible to figure out in one lifetime but just remember, happy wife equals happy life :).

Hope you enjoyed Andrew's post, I know I sure did! 

Maybe one day I will let him post about movies, but today we are enjoying our extra day off and continuing our anniversary celebrations :)

Wicked :)

So last night Andrew and I celebrate the first of our anniversary celebrations :)

Monday is our real anniversary but we have different celebrations for that special day.

Also be on the lookout on Monday for an extra special post from a secret poster :)

As part of wedding tradition the first year you are supposed to give your spouse a "paper" gift.

Andrews gift was two tickets for us to see Wicked

I was so excited Andrew did this for me because I love musicals :)

So here is a little look into our night

We started out at dinner at Mellow Mushroom

They had a Jerk Chicken Pizza and after our honeymoon in Jamaica we have been obsessed

Then we were off to the show :)

Inside the DPAC :)

Such a great night.

Can't wait to continue the celebrations during our 3 day weekend :)

Chicken and Biscuits :)

This is one of Andrew's Favorite Meals and I love that it makes leftovers :)

What you need:

 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup

3/4 cup sour cream

2 cups chopped cooked chicken ( I use 2 chicken breasts)

1 pkg (16 ounces) frozen mixed veggies

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ( I would say I use closer to 2 cups)

1 cup all purpose baking mix (aka Bisquick)

3 tbsp milk

Directions:

Combine cream of chicken, 1/2 cup of sour cream, chicken, mixed veggies and Cheddar cheese in a sprayed baking pan

Mix baking mix, 1/4 cup of sour cream and milk to create biscuit mixture

Add biscuits to the top of the mixture and then if your like me you add a little cheese on top of each biscuit

Bake in oven at 375 for 35 minutes and enjoy

Hope you like it. I would love to hear some of your favorite recipes :)

I Graduated !!!

Sorry for the blogging delay over the weekend but I am officially a Alumni of North Carolina State University

aka THE BEST UNIVERSITY

It may have taken me 5 years but I am so proud to be part of NC State and the College of Education

My day started out with a wonderful gift from my husband

A wonderful David Yurman :)

Then we were off to the ceremony

My parents and I

Diploma in hand. They can't take it back now :)

Some of my friends that came and Andrew

(All officially Wolfpack Alum)

Of course the hubs and I went straight to Carter Finley Stadium for a little photo shoot :)

 After that I went to dinner at my favorite Sushi Place Tasu and then we went out to Rum Runners

I didn't take many pictures after graduation but heres what I got :)

Dear 18 year old me

With Graduation coming up I have begun to think a lot about my 18 year old self and the start of the next chapter I made in college. There are so many things I wish I knew or would have listened to.

So 18 year old me, Here is some advice I wish you knew

Dear 18 year old me,

I know you are so excited about college and growing up but slow down. This is such an amazing time so enjoy it. After you finish this chapter you will face the real world and that is hard. So take your time in college, study abroad and don't waste your time in summer school.

Patience and Planning. These are two qualities you need to work on. One you have to much of and one you have to little of. I'll let you figure out which is which.

Boys, break up and move on. That first boy you fall in love with in high school is going to hurt but its okay. You'll meet an amazing guy and watch him grow into a man. You'll marry him and realize this is true love.

Your parents, be nicer to them and appreciate them. You'll go to college and think you are to far away and want to move home. But they know whats best for you and motivate you to stay because they know you'll get over it and help you. You will realize this but know you can knew repay them for everything they have done for you

God, don't forget about him. Fortunately he love you and will help bring you back.

Your hair, stop dying it.There was a reason you didn't have blonde hair. You were born a brunette and its a great look on you. Also advice for the future. A bob is not for you. Stick with long layers.

Your sister, stop being so mean. Yes she 6 years younger and doesn't understand you but, you'll leave for college and when you come home you'll realized how much she missed and needed you and you'll become best friends.

High school friends, they are great but don't stress. These girls will still be your friends for life and even though you are at separate colleges you will get together over breaks and it will be as if there was no time apart.

Love always,

23 year old you

Domestic Disaster #1

So after talking last night with Tamera from T times 3

I decided this blog is about all aspects of my life and I Brianna Tucker had a domestic disaster!

So last night I was really excited cause it was my first Tuesday that I haven't had school since I finished exams and I am just waiting graduation.

Normally Andrew has to cook meals I have laid out for him for the week but tonight I decided to make one of Andrews favorite meals.

Yellow Curry Chicken with rice and broccoli

Well apparently today I needed to wear this apron cause here is how our meal went.

The chicken was cut and I began to cook the rice. Well this was a different rice than my normal rice and it was supposed to cook for 45 minutes??!??!?? So I followed the directions and 15 minutes in I stirr the rice, 15 minutes later I come back. RICE PATTY

Okay at this point I am really upset. So I tell myself, I'll cook the chicken and add the sauce and make more rice. Well I add the chicken and begin to cook it and add the sauce from our brand new bottle and its chunky!!!

So dinner tonight visited the dumpster and the Tuckers visited Mexican with Margs.

At least my disaster landed me with one of my favorite drinks!

My thoughts on today...

With all the controversy going on in NC it makes me think a lot about my views.

I have very strong conservatives views but I pray very hard about all decisions I make. I believe God wouldn't want us to waste all our funds, time and effort on pushing our views (for or against).

Over 4 million dollars was used between people pushing both sides of Amendment 1 with signs, stickers and other propaganda

He would want us to use that time and money to better society. Feed the hungry, create missions and help reach the hundreds of untouched people groups who have never heard the gospel, and work with our children to better their future 

( just to name a few)

I know everyone may not agree with me but thats okay.

“I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe.”

A Family Filled Weekend :)

I can't believe it but Andrew and I haven't seen our family since we went home for my Birthday in February!!

I am busting at the seems as we have never gone this long without seeing our family!

I dont know what we will do if we ever have to move far away!!

So Andrew and I are making the drive to Charlotte today for a fun filled family weekend

Hope you all enjoy your weekend  :)

Thankful Thursday

All Blessing and Honor, Glory and Power

Be unto your name

To the one who has come and is coming again

We bring our highest praise

I don't know what is about that song 

(besides the fact that its one of my favorite ones we sing in church)

But is has been my theme song for the past two weeks and I just can't get it out of my head!

So I felt it was very appropriate to blog about what I am thankful for this Thursday

I am thankful for a wonderful church. Andrew and I just started attending the Summit a few months ago but we enjoy it so much. We are still trying to find a small group but I know with time we will work our way into the one that is right for us

I am thankful for North Carolina State University. Besides being the greatest university on the planet, you have been a home to me for 5 years( yes I am a super senior... don't judge) While I am grateful to be graduating I will miss you and I promise to teach my children that this great motto: Wear Red, Get Fed :)

I am thankful for graduation. I am excited to get my first job as a full time teacher :)

I am thankful for my wonderful parents. Yes 5 years of tuition is tough but the future children of the world thank you :)

I am thankful for my sister Cassandra. I can't imagine what life is like without a sibling and I hope Ava Gray feels like that about us one day!

I am thankful for a wonderful husband. You are amazing and 99% of the time i don't know how you put up with me, but I am your best half :) 

I am thankful for my pupsters :) Thanks for your smiling faces everyday letting me know you need me:)

Prom- A Blast from the Past Link Up

Today I am linking up with 

Tamera from T times 3 

and

Pamela from Pamelas Place
For

I was so excited about this as my little sister just had prom over the weekend and I began thinking about my days at prom so here is a little recap! Check out the end of the post to see how my sister and I are just alike and a look at her prom dress that I loved!

PS. Does anyone else remember how expensive prom dresses were. I mean 400 was about my average but I guess thats nothing compared to wedding dresses :)

Junior Prom -2006

Date : Random Guy I hung out with before I started dating Andrew

I am in the coral dress

 Senior Prom 2007

Date: My then boyfriend, now lovely husband Andrew :)

I am in the brown dress
We went with a smaller group that year since we didn't get as big of a limo but met up with the rest of our friends from the previous year at dinner:)
I fell in Love with this brown dress and would have never picked it for myself because of the huge slit, but my sister forced me to try it on and I was in love

Now here is my little sister at her Junior Prom this year. Her boyfriend Dylan is a senior and they are adorable

And here is the picture to show we are definetly from the same family