Our Story Changes...

Sorry for the absence!  In June, we got a phone call that has changed every aspect of our lives!  We are now the guardians to THE most precious 4 year old girl in the world!  We are currently in the adoption process and PRAY that it's completed within the next 6-9 months!  

Since the adoption isn't final, we cannot share her beautiful face or our journey on any public social media, we have started a new blog that will remain private until everything is finalized.  If any of you have been reading this blog and want to continue on our journey, please send me an email to nicholeakins@yahoo.com and I will send you an invite!

We ask that you do not share any of the information/pictures that we post as that could compromise the process!

Who Says Antiques Can't Be Modern?

A few weeks ago, Rob and I went to a local antique store and I found this gem! I couldn't decide if I wanted to use it for craft supplies or jewelry but knew it needed to be in my house either way! :) It looks a little yellow in this picture but it's actually a cream color.

The lady that did this piece took this adorable orange and green fabric and covered the inside of the lid and the removable tray.
Under the tray is the depth of the piece...cute, huh?
I ended up putting it in my bedroom and using it for my jewelry. I put a few baskets in the bottom and organized all of my necklaces and cheaper jewelry and used the tray for my nice jewelry and what I wear the most often. I LOVE this piece of furniture. It's so different than other pieces and just so fun!

Relaxing Weekend Getaway

Last weekend we spent a long, relaxing weekend in Gatlinburg with our friends, Matt and Stephanie. We rented a cute cabin in the woods and had so much fun!

Our cabin was really cute and secluded

So quiet and cozy

Nothing better than a fire in the woods

We drove up in the park and looked at the beautiful scenery (even in the winter, it's still so pretty up there)

Can you tell it was FREEZING? It was in the low to mid 50s in Gatlinburg that day, but like 32 degrees when we got up on top of the mountains. AND.SO.WINDY!

We did LOTS of shopping, which the guys LOVED ;)

Ate LOTS of good food. These were Rob's sweet potato pancakes from Pancake Pantry. SO YUMMY!

We rode the tramway to Ober Gatlinburg, which surprisingly we had never done. It's so pretty up there!

We had such a fun weekend and were NOT ready to come home! Matt and Stephanie are the best travel buddies because we all enjoy the same kind of things! It was such a fun, relaxing time and I can't wait until our next trip!

10 Years Fly By!

Ten years ago this weekend, I went on my last first date! I was in my third year of college and surely wasn't looking for a serious relationship! Wow, how I didn't know what God had in store for me! It was the most fun and EASY first date ever! Rob took me to Copeland's to eat, then to a movie...you know, typical first date. After the movie, we headed to a local Applebee's for drinks and I just didn't want the night to end. I was staying with my grandmother (who lived in the same town) so we went back to her house and talked and talked and talked. For the people that know us well, know this is not a shocker! The two of us are always talking! :)

My life changed completely that weekend! There was an ease that I had never felt before...it was just comfortable! In fact, I told my grandmother the next morning that this was the guy that I would marry! And trust me, I was in NO rush to get married! Rob was and is the most comfortable thing in my life! He pushes me to do and try new things, to always see the positive in every situation and to believe in myself. He loves me for me and everything that includes and for that I'm a lucky girl! He is such an amazing man and I'm SO, SO, SO glad I went on that first date 10 years ago!

We went to Gatlinburg last weekend (will blog that soon) so this weekend was pretty low key. We had dinner at PF Changs and then saw This Means War with Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine.

It was a cute movie! Not too chick flickish (like my new word)...had love but also action! Plus, I LOVE Reese Witherspoon...she's just adorable.

Happy "Anniversary" to my wonderful husband who changed my life 10 years ago! I cannot imagine my life any other way than right where I am in this moment! :)

Day 29 - Something You're Listening To

Right now I'm listening to all kinds of stuff but these two are at the top of my personal list right now! I absolutely LOVE Mandisa's album and all of the songs speak to me in some way! These Days is a song that truly speaks to my heart because I'm trying each day to just enjoy where I am RIGHT NOW! Some days are so hard because I'm not where I "want" to be, but I'm where the Lord has put me (which is the BEST place)...just sometimes I need reminders! :) Listen along and see if you like! Trust me, the whole album is great!

Another song that I love right now is I Was Here by Beyonce. This is a beautiful song by an amazing artist! Sometimes, I just wonder what people will remember me by and if I'm doing enough of what God put me here to do and this song says it beautifully!

Day 28 - Money

Of course, while in Tennessee we had to buy a lottery ticket! Spend money to make money! Ha! Just kidding!

I actually am not a fan of buying these tickets...this is a Hubs thing! :) I would rather get something for my money...like shoes! ;)

Day 27 - Something You Ate

On Sunday morning in Gatlinburg we ate at Pancake Pantry. If you've never eaten here, you have missed out. It is delish! Since I just had regular buttermilk pancakes, I had Rob take a picture of his sweet potato pancakes! SOOOO good!