To the creators of Skype: We thank you. Love, The Johnsons

Jared and I just finished Skyping with his parents. (And from my understanding Skype is now a verb). It was wonderful to actually see them and not just be a voice on the other side of the phone. Collin and Candice were the first we ever really Skyped with, and now we can't wait to do it with them and the newest Bullard, when he or she gets here. In the meantime, I'm really trying to get my family on the the bandwagon and follow the crowd. I would love to Skype with my beautiful nephew Shep. (Did you get that hint, Taylor? Was it clear enough? Go get that dusty webcam out of your closet.)

Anywho, Jared and I would just like to thank the creators of Skype for making our lives better.

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Black Friday Survival

I survived Black Friday. Thanks to my hardworking team at Francesca's, we made it through. However, for us, the sales aren't over yet. Today's forecast is expected to shower a full fleet of customers as well. Tomorrow, I'm blessed to have the day off and spend it with my wonderful husband.

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It's official!

Jared and I are going to be an aunt and uncle AGAIN! Julia Faught has another one on the way (AND IT'S A BOY!) as well as our best friends Collin and Candice Bullard! So exciting!!!!

Check out their blog to see the announcement - too cute! Baby Bullard!

Gearing up for Christmas

Since we celebrated our Thanksgiving early, Jared and I partially began the proceedings of Christmas decor. Our tree isn't yet finished, and when it is, I will post more pictures.

I also forgot to post pictures of my very first pumpkin roll! My sister makes them every year, but now it was my turn with the Bullards coming. It was so good! After coffee with Jared and decorating the tree, we sat down to watch Elf with a slice of pumpkin roll and hot cocoa with marshmallows. Yummmm!

 

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

I forgot to mention that Jared and I went to see Harry Potter at the midnight showing. We loved it! The people watching, I mean. There were tons of characters, and personally, many whom scared me. However, the movie was great. We can't wait until this summer.

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Our First Thanksgiving!

Our First Thanksgiving was one of the best Thanksgivings I had ever had. Collin and Candice came to visit for just a little over 24 hours. This would have been, not only our very first Thanksgiving, but also our very first without family until the Bullards came. They brighten our lives every moment they're in them.

I wanted Jared, Collin and Candice to experience Thanksgiving like the Faught Family. I made my Mama's dressing, my other mother's (Melody) candied yams, Libby's pumpkin pie, and Ree's dreamy apple pie. Also on the menu was ham, cornish game hens (one for each guest), broccoli-cheese-rice casserole, green bean casserole, gravy, mashed potatoes, rolls, and a pumpkin roll. Everything turned out perfectly.

Here are the beautiful Bullards!

We're so thankful for these guys. They helped make our holiday special, joyful, and grand. Because of this team, our Thanksgiving clean-up finished in record timing of 15-20 minutes. I couldn't believe all the work we did in such little time. Every bit of cooking and cleaning was worth it, just to spend a day with this wonderful family.

Jesse also graced us with his presence for this mighty feast. The poor guy had to sit in a foldout camper chair. I don't have any other chairs around the house and had even forgotten about those until Jared mentioned it. It kind of brought a little bit of "college" essence to the table.

Collin and Candice made missing our friends and families over Thanksgiving a little easier. Jared and I are now gearing up for Christmas to be just the two of us, but we're so blessed and to have each other. There's nothing like being at home with just him. We were excited to see the Bullards come, but we were happy for them to get to go back home - they were ready for it. After weeks of traveling all over, they finally get to go home to each other. Jared and I understand that concept now. It's one of the best feelings in the world. That's what I'm thankful for this year, and I pray for many more memorable Thanksgivings to come.

Memories with a Side of Cheesecake

Jared took me to the Cheesecake Factory. This restaurant is special in many ways. One: it's one of my Aunt Carla's favorites, and we always go there when she comes to visit from California to Oklahoma. Two: I celebrated my 21st birthday with my mom, my sister, my Aunt B, and my friend Jesse there. Three: It's where I met Jared's parents for the very first time.

Not only does it have great food, but also great memories.

We had the Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake for dessert. Yummmmmm!

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Tina Fey - My Hero

 Jared and I went to see his very first 3D movie last night. We're not the biggest fans of 3D; we just don't mind the average flat screen, but nonetheless we enjoyed the movie thoroughly. MEGAMIND! We are huge fans of Will Ferrell and, of course, Tina Fey. After seeing Due Date a day or two before, in which all the funny scenes you saw in the preview were the funny scenes in the movie, we needed something original to laugh at. And we found it. Great movie.

 

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Jared didn't get off work until 9:20 and the movie started at 9:50. I jumped in the car and picked him up from work, and we were off to see the flick on a whim. For dinner we had popcorn and Dr. Pepper. This was a moment I had dreamed of since I was a kid. "When I grow up, I'm going to go watch whatever movie I want, past my bed time, and eat junk food for dinner." I'm sure I thought that at some point. Maybe not, but it's close enough. And the fact we chose an animated movie - well - we're still young at heart. May we always be.

I would go see anything with Tina Fey's name on it. And probably have. If anyone reads our blog they know that she's my hero - an incredible writer with incredible humor.

I found this picture of her from an interview in Vogue magazine. She is posed with Mickey Mouse ears. Basically this picture depicts the epitome of each of my loves (besides my wonderful husband - can we edit Jared into the picture?) - New York City, Disney, and Tina Fey.

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This is State Fair is a great State Fair - Don't miss it - Don't even be late!

 Jared, Scott, Allison and I went to the North Carolina State Fair. We had turkey leg, corn, and lemonade. Instead of getting funnel cake for dessert, we all decided Cold Stone was a better choice.

This year's new menu idem were Krispy Kreme Hamburgers. Shockingly, everyone that we witnessed eating one of these disgusting heart attacks, seemed to really enjoy what they were consuming. I even stopped to ask what was exactly on it. My theory was that if it had bacon and sausage instead of hamburger, then I can manage to see it as not tasting all that horrible. But alas, everyone that we witnessed eating this disgusting form a heart attack, seemed to be really enjoying what they were consuming. It reminded me of Joey on Friends when he ate Rachel's trifle. Donuts: good. Cheese: good. Meat: GOOD.

We had to have our turkey legs. That's a must at any State Fair.

The boys playing their games.

Now here's something you don't see everyday. A Michael Jackson plush toy. Wow.

And this is my favorite part of any State Fair - 
The Carousel.