Car Etiquette 101

I feel it is my responsibility to make sure everyone knows the "rules of the road" because apparently not everyone has learned.
Here are just a few items that should be considered if you have a drivers license (in no particular order)...

1) If you want to drive slow, then you have every right to do it. Just PLEASE be considerate of others and make sure you spend your time in the right lane
2) Having your turn signal on does not mean the Red Sea will part for you. You are welcome to change lanes when there isn't a car beside you. Turn signal on does not equal changing lanes immediately.
3) Cars are not Christmas trees therefore should not be decorated.
4) If you own a white car, it is meant to look white. Spend $5 dollars and go through the car wash once every few months.
5) Unless I have a sign on my car that says "every trucker please honk as I pass", then don't honk at me. It's annoying and I panic that there might be someone in my backseat getting ready to strangle me (yes, I watched too many Lifetime movies growing up)
6) Cruise control is your friend

As an additional tip that I know daddy Gibbs would want me to include- invest in a AAA membership. Not only will it save your butt on the road (and your friends), you get hotel and shopping coupon/discounts. DO IT!

Obviously I have been on the road a lot lately...
Happy driving :)

The BIG 4-0

HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY mom & dad!!
Today you have been married for 40 years...holy cow! We have so many fun memories thanks to you and dad!! Thank you for teaching us about family, commitment and loving each other through the good and bad times.
Just wait for the celebration we have in store for you today!
WE LOVE YOU BOTH!
Here's to 40 more year of marriage....

Gibbs Family Beach Trip

I look forward to this trip EVERY YEAR! For the past 20+ (I really think 24) years, my parents have made it a priority to have a family beach trip. We all look forward to the multiple stops at the produce stands, walks on the beach, family runs and walks, relaxing on the beach, theme dinner nights, wine time (once we turned 21) and just constant time hanging out and laughing as a family.

We are off for our 2011 Gibbs family beach trip and there are many memories to be made. First stop, my favorite peach stand before we get to the house!

Paper

Mike and I finally decided what to do for our 1 year anniversary! Since the traditional 1 year anniversary gift is paper, we bought each other plane tickets!! We had been throwing around locations and looking at prices for the last few months, and I thought we had the destination nailed down. A few weeks ago, we made a "spontaneous" decision (can you call it spontaneous if the trip is 3 months away), threw out all of our previous options and booked the trip to HAWAII. Truth be told, I am a sucker for a good deal and we got a steal...and we have both always wanted to go to Hawaii.
We haven't gotten to spend a lot of time together the last few months, so we are very excited about spending 10 straight days together!

We are ready for some adventure with a little relaxation on the side. I know many of you have gone to Hawaii before and we would love suggestions about things to do, don't do and/or places to eat on those islands (Kauai & Oahu). Comment or email away!

Thanks Jenny & Kelly for letting me use your pictures.

lately

Why am I always behind on the blog and playing catch up?!?! After I played "single aunt", I enjoyed a relaxing weekend with my husband before heading to Charlotte for work. We had 380+ summer interns start last week and it was a busy one! I'm back in Knoxville for a few days before more summer travel begins.

Here are a few pictures as of late...

This is what happens when a truck tire hits your car

I was obsessed with watching AR on the video monitor

teaching Nate some dance moves

Aunt of the year-let the kids watch cartoons during breakfastAbby Reece workin it

Bible study girls dinner in Charlotte

Must Read Story

My sweet friend and co-worker, Kara, is a fabulous writer and faithful blogger (go check her out and become a follower too).
Kara blogged about her best friend, Tonya, last week and it has been on my heart ever since. Tonya just found out she has an inoperable brain tumor and had a 'biopsy' yesterday. I have seen her story floating around facebook and it is AMAZING to see it spreading so quickly. I can't begin to understand the fear of getting that diagnosis, but Tonya has been using this platform share the gospel. She is praising the Lord for everything and so many people are hearing about JESUS!!! How cool is that?!? Ask yourself...would you have that same faithfulness?!

Kara posted another updated yesterday and you can read it here. They are in need of help, prayer and money to help with their sky rocketing medical bills. If you feel lead to be apart of their journey, you can visit their Helping Hands website here.

Guest Blogger

I had my first "guest blog" experience yesterday! Since Em is in NYC, she asked if I would do her weekly "Friday Funnies" installment. Of course I jumped at the chance because I knew Nate would say some hilarious things while I was babysitting.

You can read the blog HERE.

More on my single aunt experience later!

Single Aunt

Who could resist these two cuties?!?!

I get to play "single aunt" this week while Em and Greg head to NYC! It's really only 24+ hours I will be solo with the kiddos until Nana and Poppy arrive. I have gotten 1:1 time with Nate before but never had both kids to myself...I CANNOT WAIT!!! I'm heading down this afternoon and then will head back to Knoxville on Friday when mom & dad arrive. I believe my, extremely organized and on top of everything, sister has written 6+ pages of instructions for me and warned her friends to be on call! I think I should be good :)
There's lots of fun to be had and many pictures to capture!